From the Executive Principal

Our first full week back at school this term was a hive of activity. I have loved visiting classrooms and special events. I hope you enjoy reading this edition of the Vine. Here are a few of my highlights for the week.

This week we have had the privilege of welcoming 32 students and three teachers from Naga High School in Japan for a two-week visit to Christian College where they will be visiting all our different campuses. I joined them yesterday on a visit to Back Creek Farm. It was wonderful to see the interaction between our students and the Japanese students as they were engaging with the animals on the farm, eating together and enjoying games of soccer, golf and table tennis together. At the welcoming ceremony on Monday, I reflected that these intercultural exchanges provide opportunities for exploration, friendship and growth, not only for the visiting students, but also for our hosting students. Yesterday I could see this in action. Our students really shone in teaching the visitors about routines on the farm, preparing meals for them and introducing them to all the animals on the farm. I could see their confidence and leadership skills lift as the day progressed, definitely an opportunity for exploration across cultures, friendship between young people and growth amongst all the learners.

What’s Happening at Surf Coast?

This an up to date list of planned activities at Surf Coast Campus that you can use for planning purposes.  Please be aware that these dates are set early in the term and occasionally items may need to be cancelled or dates/times altered.  This itinerary is altered each week to reflect any changes – please check this list of events EVERY WEEK carefully when you read the weekly VINE newsletter.

TERM  3 2025

WEEK 3

Monday 4 August        –      Prep – Year 4 Gymnastics commences, during PE Lessons

Tuesday 5 August        –      Student Learning Conferences 3.30pm – 6.00pm via Microsoft TEAMS

                                              –     Naga High School Visit to Surf Coast Campus

                                              –     Year 7 Geography – Barwon Water Incursion

Wednesday 6 August     –       Year 3 – 7 Australian Maths Challenge (selected students)

Thursday 7 August        –       Prep 100th Day at School
                                                –       Student Learning Conferences 3.30pm – 6.00pm – On Campus                        

Friday 8 August             –       Prep – Year 4 Assembly – 9.00am Surf Coast Campus Stadium  

Welcome Back to Term 3!

The first two weeks have been a fantastic start, filled with learning, creativity, and excitement to see everyone. Year 1 students have jumped straight back into their routines and have shown an excellent attitude towards their learning.

In English, we have been focusing on narrative writing. The students have been learning how to identify key parts of a story, including the characters, the problems they face, and how those characters are feeling. They have enjoyed exploring familiar texts and practising these skills in their own writing.

In Maths, we have been exploring patterns using both shapes and numbers. The students have worked hard to identify, create and continue different patterns, using colourful materials and number sequences with skip counting. Their ability to recognise and explain what comes next in a pattern is growing each day.

Learning, Movement and Giving Back!

Welcome to Term 3! We’re thrilled to begin another exciting term of learning and growth in Grade 3. This term, students will be participating in gymnastics every Friday, which helps develop coordination, strength, and confidence. Please ensure your child wears their sports uniform each Friday so they’re ready to move safely and comfortably.

In the lead-up to Book Week, we’re supporting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation through our Great Book Swap. Students are invited to bring a book to donate and swap, helping to promote literacy and access to books in remote Indigenous communities. This initiative also encourages empathy, generosity, and a love of reading.

Our classroom learning is full of discovery this term! In Geography, we’re exploring the rivers of the world, helping students understand natural environments and the importance of water systems globally. In Science, we’re investigating living things, focusing on life cycles, habitats, and the needs of plants and animals – building curiosity and scientific thinking. In Mathematics, we’re diving into multiplication and division, developing number fluency and problem-solving skills that are essential for future learning.

We’re looking forward to a term filled with curiosity, kindness, and achievement. Thank you for your continued support!

Year 5 Debaters take the stage

This week, a group of enthusiastic Year 5 students had the exciting opportunity to participate in their very first debate. Guided by the supportive and knowledgeable Middle School teachers, they rose to the occasion and took on a talented team from Roselyn Primary School.

The topic of the debate — ‘Whether there should be age restrictions on social media’ — was both timely and thought-provoking. Both teams delivered compelling arguments, showcasing a range of persuasive techniques to sway the audience and judges.

Although our Year 5 team narrowly missed out on a win by just one point, they impressed everyone with their confidence, clarity, and passion. A special congratulations goes to Savannah Reynolds, who was awarded Best Speaker for her outstanding performance.

We are incredibly proud of all our debaters and look forward to seeing what they achieve in their next challenge!

Year 6 and Year 7 MasterChef’s Cooking Up A Storm

This term our Year 6 students and Year 7 elective students have been cooking up some tasty treats in our new Food Studies facility. In Year 6 our students are learning about where our food comes from and our Year 7 students will be learning about meals; breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack foods.

The smell of fresh bread, apple crumble and cheese and herb souffles have filled the air and unfortunately, not much of the food probably is going to make it all the way home before it is eaten.   

Year 7 Students Build the Ultimate Ancient Civilisation

To conclude their studies in Humanities last term, our Year 7 students took on the exciting challenge of designing and constructing the ultimate ancient civilisation. After a term of exploring the wonders of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, students turned their attention to identifying the essential elements that make a civilisation successful. Through the lens of TRIBEL — Trade, Recreation, Infrastructure, Belonging, Environment, and Law — they analysed the key components that allow societies to function and thrive.

Equipped with this knowledge, students then collaborated in their class groups to bring their own civilisation to life. Each class worked together to plan, design, and build a scaled model of their imagined society. From carefully constructed marketplaces and government buildings to places of worship and communal spaces, the level of creativity and detail was truly impressive.

Throughout the project, students were challenged to share their ideas, listen to others, and cooperate to reach a shared goal. The task not only reinforced their understanding of ancient civilisations but also encouraged teamwork, critical thinking, and design skills.

The construction of these civilisations was a fun, engaging and hands-on way to round out the term and cap off their History learning for the year — a fitting celebration of all they have achieved.

Riding High: Surf Coast student with a passion for bike riding

We’re thrilled to congratulate Jacob Reynolds on an outstanding performance in his recent downhill mountain biking competition, where he secured an impressive 2nd place finish!

Downhill MTB is a sport that demands courage, precision, and relentless determination. Jacobs love for the sport coupled with his skill and training is certainly paying off in competition.

This achievement is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. We’re incredibly proud of his success and can’t wait to see where his MTB journey takes him next.

But Jacob isn’t the only Surf Coast student with a passion for bike riding. We also want to recognise the Heath Sisters, Jasmine and Maddy for their amazing efforts and enthusiasm. Whether it’s enjoying weekend rides or participating in major events like the Geelong Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, their commitment to cycling is truly inspiring.

There are many more examples of students and families in our community who share a love for bike riding—especially mountain biking. Our stunning geographical location offers countless trails and scenic routes that make riding not just a sport, but a lifestyle.

Keep moving, superstars! Your energy and passion are what make our community so vibrant and active.

Indigenous Literacy Foundation ‘Great Book Swap’

It’s that time of the year again! This term, we will be holding our annual Book Week celebrations, with festivities including a ‘Great Book Swap’ stall to help raise money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF). The ILF is a charity that works to promote literacy in remote communities across Australia by providing culturally relevant books and learning resources to children and families.

To help run the ‘Great Book Swap’ stall, we rely on donations of great books in excellent condition. Should you have any books at home that are looking to be loved by someone new, there will be donation boxes in all year level classrooms ready to accept them. Families are also welcome to deliver any donations to the library.

How you can participate:

• Students donate books in excellent condition to their classroom. Donations are accepted until Friday August 15 (Week 4).
• On Book Week Celebration Day, Tuesday  August 19, students will visit the stall and can purchase a book for a gold coin donation – $1 donation per book

What books can I donate?

• Books that are in excellent condition with no damage
• Books that you love and think others would enjoy reading
• Books that are appropriate to your age and reading level

For more information, please watch this video produced by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

We look forward to celebrating Book Week together!

Academic Excellence Scholarships – Applications are Open!

Each year, Christian College offers a number of Academic Excellence Scholarships. These are open to both current Christian College students, and to students currently attending other schools. Please note, this year some key aspects of these scholarships have changed from previous years.

Scholarship applications are now invited from any student for entry at Years 5 to 11 – in 2026 or 2027. When applying, you will be asked to nominate which calendar year of entry to Christian College you are interested in.

If you are interested in applying for a scholarship entry in 2026, applications are open to students currently in Years 4 through to 10.

If you are interested in applying for a scholarship entry in 2027, applications are open to students currently in Years 3 through to 9.

Further details are available, and applications can be submitted, on our website. Click on the Scholarships hotlink on our homepage, or go directly to the page by clicking here.

Applications close at 5pm on Thursday 16 October.

Scholarship testing will be conducted at Christian College Geelong on Saturday 25 October.

Spotlight on Wellbeing

Term 3 presents as an opportune time to focus on fostering an environment where our students feel safe, supported and valued with two key national initiatives offering us the chance to engage our students on crucial topics such as kindness, compassion, empathy and community support.

In Week 4 we acknowledge the Bullying No Way: National Week of Action. This national initiative is Australia's key bullying prevention initiative for schools. It provides us with an opportunity to reinforce our shared understanding about bullying behaviours and to highlight our College’s comprehensive bullying prevention and intervention strategies.  Our Year 8’s students take the lead in engaging the College with this important week, developing resources, initiatives and raising awareness. The theme for this year is Be Bold, Be Kind, Speak up which reminds up that it takes courage to spark change. Addressing bullying requires a whole-College approach. It is everyone’s responsibility to address bullying behaviours both within and outside the College gates.

In Week 9, we acknowledge R U OK? day which is designed to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of checking in on each other and that you don’t have to be an expert to identify signs of distress or difficulty and connect someone to appropriate support.

Timor-Leste Trivia Night – Book Your Table Now!

It’s always a popular and well-attended night on the Christian College events calendar and this year’s Timor-Leste Trivia night is only two weeks away!

It's a great night of entertaining trivia rounds, games, a silent auction, and plenty of laughs, all while raising funds for important educational initiatives in Timor-Leste. All are welcome!

We’re also seeking silent auction donations from local businesses and community members. If you can contribute an item, service, voucher, or experience, we’d love to hear from you. Every contribution helps us continue our long-standing partnership with Timor-Leste and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

It’s on Friday August 8 at the Middle School-Highton Sports and Aquatic Centre. Tickets are $10 a head and doors open at 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start. You can book individually, as a couple or family – or get a group together and book one or more tables of 10. For more information and to book your tickets for the big night, call the Senior School campus on 5241 1577. Likewise, if you can help by donating item(s) for the silent auction, please contact Senior School on the number above. 

Combined Geelong School’s String Festival

Last night string students from several Geelong Colleges as well as the Middle School String Ensembles from Highton, Surf Coast and Bellarine, gathered at Iona College for a combined rehearsal and performance. They rehearsed three new pieces which provided an opportunity to explore a range of string techniques as well as developing ensemble schools. The concert was truly wonderful to see and hear, as over seventy string students that have never played together before, presented a dynamic and musical performance. Thanks to Jodie Townsend from Iona College for organising and hosting this event and congratulations to all participants!

The Foundation Golf Day - Only 20 Places Left!

Calling golfers of all abilities! You are cordially invited to make a team and join us for a round of golf at the Christian College Foundation Golf Day on Friday October 17, 2025 at The Sands Torquay.  But be quick, only 20 spots remain! This event is proudly sponsored by AECS (Australian Environmental Cleaning Services).

It’s not only a great day to have fun and meet people, but also an important annual tournament to raise money for the Christian College Geelong Foundation that supports families in their greatest time of need by providing them with life-changing educational opportunities.

Set on a sleek and modern premium 18-hole championship golf course designed by Stuart Appleby, known for its challenging layout and coastal views, it’s characterised by undulating fairways, numerous bunkers, and a strong connection to its natural surroundings.

You will be treated to a scrumptious breakfast on arrival and an opportunity to participate in several fun activities including the longest drive, nearest to the pin etc.

There are plenty of prizes up for grabs, including a cash prize of $30,000. Score a Hole in One on a selected hole* and you can win.

You will also be treated to a delicious buffet lunch and learn more about the incredible work of the Christian College Foundation.

Your Cookbook of Family Favourites – Calling for Recipes  

Dear Christian College Families,

Our names are Elisha Williams and Willow McInnes, and we are the Middle School-Highton campus Community Building and Outreach Prefects.

We are thrilled to share that we are introducing the Christian College Geelong cookbook, which will be an important fundraiser for the Christian College Foundation. All the proceeds from the cookbook will be donated to the Eternity Fund. By supporting this initiative you will be enabling, empowering, and changing the lives of young people from families who are experiencing hardship.

This will be a hardcover book which will include recipes from families and members of the Christian College Geelong community and will be titled, ‘Our Family Favourites’. If you have a special family recipe that you would like to share, we would love for you to contribute to the book. We encourage our community to contribute one favourite recipe.