From The Executive Principal
As we come to the end of our first week of Term 3, I would like to extend a warm welcome back to all members of our Christian College community and welcome any new families who have joined us this week. It has been wonderful to see our campuses once again full of energy, enthusiasm and purpose as students reconnect with their friends, teachers and learning.
Our Staff Keep Learning
Our staff finished Term 2 with a 3-day Staff Retreat during the first week of the holidays. The Retreat provided a valuable opportunity for all of our staff (teachers and professional support staff) from all of our campuses, to reflect on what makes Christian College such a special place and to consider how we can continue to help every student flourish. Our theme this year was "Our Story: Belonging, Being, Becoming", which resonated strongly with staff as we explored the importance of belonging within a caring community, being fully present and purposeful in our work, and becoming the people God calls us to be. The conversations throughout reinforced the powerful role that relationships, learning and shared values play in shaping the experiences of our students and families.
Get Involved with the New Strategic Plan
During the Retreat, we also officially launched the development of our next Strategic Plan. Staff contributed thoughtful reflections about the "active ingredients" that create an exceptional day at Christian College and considered the aspirations we hold for the future of our College community. This important work will continue throughout Terms 3 and 4 this year. We will be inviting parents, students and staff to participate in a variety of activities, including surveys, focus groups and interviews. I encourage you to engage with these opportunities as they arise. Your insights and perspectives will play an important role in helping shape the future direction of Christian College, building on the strong foundations established over many years. Yesterday’s Parents & Families (P&F) Information session was also a great opportunity for us to strengthen the home-school connection, and we look forward to launching P&F chapters on all of our campuses.
Timor Leste Trip
During the school holidays, I also had the privilege of joining our Prefect Immersion Trip to Timor Leste. It was an extraordinary experience and one that left a profound impression on all who participated. Our students demonstrated remarkable maturity, compassion and leadership as they engaged with local communities, learned about Timorese culture and history, and gained a deeper understanding of what it means to serve others. The experience challenged them to think beyond themselves and offered valuable lessons in gratitude, resilience and global citizenship. I loved hearing the student reflections at the Senior School Commencement Service this week. One of the abiding memories of our students were how playing games, making music together and playing sport together can cross any language barrier where there is a desire to build connection. Trips like these remind us that some of the most powerful learning experiences occur beyond the classroom. I am incredibly proud of the way our students represented our College and embodied our values throughout the journey. Our Prefects are now in the process of organising our annual Timor Trivia Night on August 7 to raise funds to support communities in need in Timor. I encourage you to get involved and join us for a night of fun in support of a great cause.
Campus Improvements
While students and staff enjoyed a well-earned break, many members of our College team were hard at work preparing our campuses for the second half of the year.
A number of significant projects were completed, including the development of the new Flourish Wellbeing Centre at our Highton Campus and the new entrance road at our Surf Coast Campus. These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to creating environments that support student wellbeing, learning and growth. I would like to sincerely thank our maintenance team and all other staff who contributed their time and expertise over the holidays to ensure our campuses continue to develop and improve.
Aspiring to Excellence: Keep Going
This week I shared with students the importance of keeping going all the way to the end.
As we begin the second half of the school year, it can be tempting to focus on how far we have already come. However, excellence is often found in perseverance and in continuing to give our best effort, even when challenges arise. This morning I spoke to students at Surf Coast about the recent World Cup Soccer semifinal match in which Argentina trailed England 1–0 until the 85th minute of the 90-minute game. Many teams might have accepted defeat at that point, but Argentina continued to press forward. They equalised at the 85th minute and then scored again in the fourth minute of injury time to secure a remarkable 2–1 victory.
I think the lesson is simple but powerful: the story is not over until the final whistle.
Whether in learning, sport, music, service or personal growth, the second half of the year presents countless opportunities for students to continue striving, improving and aspiring to excellence. We encourage every student to remain focused on their goals, embrace challenges and finish the year strongly. We look forward to all that Term 3 will bring and pray that it will be a term filled with growth, opportunity, character-building, connection and achievement for every member of our community.
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Executive Principal
What’s Happening at Surf Coast?
Term 3, Week 2
Tuesday 21 July – Year 4 Swimming – PE Class
Wednesday 22 July – GISSA Soccer Championships – Year 7 & 8 Male – selected students
Wednesday 22 July – GISSA AFL Championships – Year 7 & 8 Male – selected students
Wednesday 22 July – Lunchtime Scale Competition in Stadium Music Room – interested students
Thursday 23 July – GISSA Netball Championships – Year 7 & 8 – selected students
Friday 24 July – Junior School Assembly – 9.00am – Campus Stadium
Friday 24 July – 2026 SSV City to Surf District Athletics Championships – Year 4 – Year 6 – Selected Students
Friday 24 July – Discover Prep Session – Period 3 & 4
WEEK 3
Monday 27 July – Vic Schools Music Festival – Middle School String Orchestras – Hawthorn Town Hall
Tuesday 28 July – Year 4 Swimming – PE Class
Wednesday 29 July – Netball Victorian Schools Championships – (Year 7 & 8 Male)
Thursday 30 July – Lunchtime Concert – selected students
Thursday 30 July – Student Learning Conferences – Face to Face on Campus
Friday 31 July – Student free day
Friday 31 July – Student Learning Conferences – Microsoft TEAMS Online bookings
Harmony Day Competition
We have recently received the results of the national Harmony Day “Moving Forward Together” poster and songwriting competition and would like to recognise the outstanding efforts of four of our Surf Coast students.
Through their artwork and lyrics, students explored the values of inclusion, respect, belonging and celebrating Australia’s rich cultural diversity. Their entries reflected creativity, thoughtfulness and a strong understanding that our differences make our community stronger.
We are incredibly proud of Rose M, Willow M, Frankie I and Karissa S for representing our school with enthusiasm, creativity and courage. We congratulate them on embracing the opportunity and proudly showcasing the values of Harmony Day.
Together, we continue to build a school community where everyone belongs and where we are truly Stronger Together.
Georgina Rolls, Deputy Head of Campus
Big Science Competition
Congratulations to all Surf Coast students who participated in this year’s Big Science Competition, organised by Australian Science Innovations.
The competition challenged students to apply their scientific knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to a range of engaging real-world questions.
We are proud of every student who represented our school with enthusiasm and determination. Taking part in a national competition requires a willingness to challenge yourself, and the following students should be congratulated for embracing the opportunity and achieving excellent results, with many earning Credit or Distinction awards.
Congratulations to the following Year 7 and 8 participants on your outstanding efforts and achievements:
Georgia G
Benjamin H
Mirabelle B
Charlie F
Orwell S
Lilla T
Ruby W
Georgina Rolls, Deputy Head of Campus
Year 4 Camp Adventure at Lake Dewar Discovery Centre
Our Year 4 students recently enjoyed an exciting camp at Lake Dewar Discovery Centre, where they embraced new challenges, built friendships, and created lasting memories.
Throughout the camp, students participated in a wide range of engaging activities, including tunnelling, kick bikes, the flying fox, archery, frisbee golf, bush cooking, hut building, team initiatives, and orienteering. These experiences encouraged students to develop resilience, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and confidence as they stepped outside their comfort zones and challenged themselves in a natural bush setting.
A highlight of the camp was the opportunity to connect with students from our Junior and Bellarine campuses. New friendships were formed as students worked together, supported one another, and shared in the many adventures on offer.
The excitement continued into the evenings, with students enjoying a night walk through the bush and a relaxing movie night. During free time, there was plenty of fun to be had with games of pool, foosball, table tennis, basketball, and board games, while many students also enjoyed spending time together in their cabins.
We are incredibly proud of the way our Year 4 students approached camp. Their positive attitude, enthusiasm, and excellent behaviour were evident throughout the experience. It was wonderful to see students persevere through challenges, encourage one another, and make the most of every opportunity.
The Lake Dewar camp was a fantastic experience that fostered independence, strengthened friendships, and helped students discover that they are capable of more than they sometimes realise. Well done, Year 4, on representing our school so positively and embracing every aspect of camp life.
Kate Rice
Peer Mediation Leaders Recognised
At our recent Commencement Service, we were delighted to formally recognise and celebrate our 2026 Peer Mediation Leaders as they received their well-deserved badges.
Congratulations to Pollyanna S, Charlie C, Sophie W and Grace T on taking on this important leadership role. These students have demonstrated outstanding qualities of kindness, compassion, responsibility, and a genuine desire to serve and support others within our College community.
The Peer Mediation Program is now underway, with our leaders already making a positive impact in the playground. During break times, they have been supporting younger students by helping them navigate friendship challenges, resolve minor conflicts, and develop positive problem-solving skills. Through calm conversations, active listening, and encouraging respectful communication, our Peer Mediators are helping students understand different perspectives and work towards positive solutions.
This program is a wonderful opportunity for our Year 6 students to live out our College values by showing care and compassion towards others. We are incredibly proud of the way Pollyanna, Charlie, Sophie and Grace have embraced this responsibility and look forward to seeing the positive difference they continue to make across our Junior School.
Well done to our Peer Mediation Leaders we are excited to see the impact you will have in our community this year!
Alex Pink
From The Chaplain
Welcome back to Term 3! I hope the school holidays were a wonderful time of rest and recuperation with friends and family, and that you are feeling ready to return for an amazing term.
I’m filled with hope and expectation for all the fun things we’ll be doing as a campus, and it is a privilege to be able to work alongside our staff team to provide the best schooling experience for our Surf Coast students. We have officially reached the second half of 2026, and the growth and development of our students has been so encouraging already.
Personally, I started off this term at Lake Dewar Discovery Camp with our Year 4s, and we had the best time, joining with our Junior School and Bellarine campuses for what was a full and rewarding three days. I was reminded how important and special it is to be part of a College that collaborates across campuses under our shared Christian identity, and I saw many friendships formed and strengthened over that camp.
On that camp, I shared a Scripture during devotions with our staff and students that I believe rings true no matter how young (or old!) you may feel. This verse reminds us that age is not a barrier to being a positive example to the people around us and recognising that we can influence others for good.
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
As the weather warms up, I look forward to springtime, new growth, and new life, and I pray that this term is another opportunity to be an example, learn, and build relationships with one another.
Aaron Cutter
Senior Ensembles Free Public Performances in Melbourne
Senior Strings, Choir Wind Symphony & Stage Bands on Tour - Next Weekend July 23 to 26
Come to our Gigs!
We are looking forward to 60 of our music students and a team of Music Staff attending a Music Performance Tour to the Melbourne CBD next week. All of our public performances are free to the public and there is no need to book!
Gig Guide
Federation Square - Next Friday July 24
The Christian College Music Department is hosting a festival in ‘The Edge’ we have called it ‘Music on the Edge’. Our special guest artists are the Royal Australian Navy Band, and we have also invited other schools to come play too! There are 3 concerts, all free to the public, please promote these to your family and friends.
Concert 1 11:00am – 1:00pm Featuring CCG Senior Strings & Choir plus Grovedale Secondary College Band and the String Orchestras from Haileybury.
Concert 2 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Featuring CCG Senior Wind Symphony & Stage Band plus the strings from Eltham High School and the Bands from Mckinnon Secondary College.
Concert 3 7:00pm – 9pm Special Guest – Royal Australian Navy Band.
Featuring CCG Senior Strings, Choir, Wind Symphony & Stage Band & the Royal Australian Navy Band Melbourne.
Collins Street Baptist Church – Next Saturday July 25
The CCG Senior Strings and Choir will appear at 1:00pm, in concert along with community groups from around Melbourne at the Church as part of Melbourne’s Open House Weekend.
Queen Victoria Market – Next Sunday July 26
All of the CCG ensembles will be performing at Queen Victoria Market from 11:30 – 1:30 next Sunday.
You will find us at the Peel Street end of C & D Shed!
Along with our gigs the students will also be taking part in a range of experiences including:-
- A shared rehearsal and workshop with the senior ensembles at Carey Baptist Grammar.
- A shared rehearsal and in house performance with students at the Melbourne Youth Orchestra
- Attend a performance by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Chorus at Hamer Hall for a concert celebrating the music from ‘Final Fantasy’.
- Attend The Australian Music Vault tour - which is an immersive exhibition celebrating the Australian contemporary music story – past, present and future.
Fiona Gardner
Timor-Leste Trivia Night
Christian College Geelong families and friends are warmly invited to our annual Timor-Leste Trivia Night.
For 24 years, Christian College Geelong has shared a special partnership with the people of Timor-Leste. The relationship began in the wake of one of the most challenging periods in Timor-Leste's history, following its hard-won independence. What started as practical support during a time of great need has grown into a lasting friendship built on faith, service, and mutual respect. Students, staff, and families have been privileged to witness the positive impact of this partnership and the difference it makes in the lives of others.
This Trivia Night is an opportunity to celebrate that enduring partnership while raising funds to support ongoing educational initiatives and community development opportunities in Timor-Leste. It is also a chance for our College community to come together, enjoy a fun evening, and continue a tradition that has impacted lives for more than two decades.
For bookings and enquiries, contact the Senior Campus on 5241 1577.
Gather your team, test your knowledge, and help us continue a 24-year legacy of partnership, learning, and support with Timor-Leste.
Jane Smith, Timor Leste Partnership Coordinator
Join us for the Christian College Foundation Golf Day
Looking for a great way to spend the Geelong Show Day public holiday on Friday, 16 October?
Gather some colleagues, friends, or family and join us for a fantastic day of golf, fun, and community at The Sands Torquay.
Whether you're a regular golfer or simply keen for a fun day out, this event is for everyone. With a relaxed Ambrose format, players of all abilities are welcome. Enjoy a breakfast on arrival, on-course competitions including Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin, and the chance to win an incredible $30,000 Hole-in-One prize.
After your round, join us for a buffet lunch and hear how the Christian College Geelong Foundation is helping provide life-changing educational opportunities for students and families in need.
Event Details
Date: Friday 16 October 2026
Venue: The Sands Torquay, 2 Sands Boulevard, Torquay
Cost: $200 per player
Dress: Casual golf attire
Format: Ambrose Teams of 4
Register individually, bring a friend, or enter a full team. We'll happily help place individual players into teams.
Register Today
Places are limited, so don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a memorable day of golf, great food, wonderful company and community impact.
To learn more and register, click here.
Proudly Sponsored by AECS
We extend our sincere thanks to AECS (Australian Environmental Cleaning Services), our Major Sponsor, for their generous support of this event and the work of the Christian College Geelong Foundation.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Limited sponsorships are still available. Support local students and families while showcasing your business.
Enquiries: Tennille McInnes, t.mcinnes@ccg.vic.edu.au
Tennille McInnes, Foundation Manager/Alumni Officer
Academic Excellence Scholarships - Applications Close Soon
Applications close next Thursday, August 13 for Academic Excellence Scholarships. These are for entry at Christian College in Years 5 to 11 in 2028. Any interested parents, guardians and families with children in Years 3 to 9 in 2026 are welcome to apply, including families who have children currently enrolled at Christian College. More information and the link to apply can be found here on our website.
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