From The Executive Principal

Last weekend I had the pleasure of joining almost 70 of our music students from Years 6 to 12 as they participated in an unforgettable Music Tour to Melbourne. Over four days, students had the opportunity to perform in a diverse range of venues, including Carey Baptist Grammar School, the University of Melbourne, Collins Street Baptist Church, The Edge at Federation Square, and the Queen Victoria Market.

The tour provided a wonderful opportunity for students to share their talents with a variety of audiences while gaining valuable performance experience in some of Melbourne’s most iconic locations. A particular highlight was the opportunity to perform alongside the Royal Australian Navy Band at Federation Square on Friday evening.

Following the concert, I received a heartwarming letter from the mother of the Navy Band conductor, who had travelled from Warrnambool to support her son. While she had initially attended primarily to hear the Navy Band, she felt compelled to share her impressions of our students and staff after witnessing their performance.

Introducing the Christian College Excellence Awards

We are excited to share plans for a new whole-College celebration to mark the end of our academic year together.

On Thursday afternoon, 26 November, at Costa Hall, we will hold the inaugural Christian College Excellence Awards – a standalone event that brings all our campuses together as one College community to recognise and celebrate excellence in its many forms: academic achievement, outstanding co-curricular contribution, and our most significant citizenship and character awards.

As a College, we believe every gift and achievement worth celebrating ultimately points back to God, the giver of every good gift (James 1:17). This event is a chance to honour the ways our students have been faithful stewards of their talents, and to give thanks together for the growth we've seen in them this year.

What’s Happening at Surf Coast?

TERM 3, WEEK 4

Monday 3 August – Junior School Choir Afternoon at Middle School

Tuesday 4 August – Preps 100th day at school

Tuesday 4 August – Year 8 GEOS Excursion, Geelong City Walk

Wednesday 5 August – GISSA Yr7&8 Program

Wednesday 5 August – Debating – Selected Year 6 Students 4.00pm-5.30pm

Thursday 6 August – Australian Maths Competition – Time to be confirmed – selected students

Friday 7 August – Middle School Assembly – Year 6J

Friday 7 August – Prep Discovery Session Periods 3 and 4

Busy Times in Year 1!

It has been another busy and exciting start to the term in Year 1, with students enthusiastically engaging in a range of learning experiences across the curriculum.

In Writing, we have been exploring how adjectives can make our writing more descriptive by adding detail and helping readers create clear pictures in their minds. Students are also learning to use conjunctions, such as and, but and because, to join their ideas together and make their sentences more interesting and detailed.

In Mathematics, we have been investigating number patterns and sequences. Students are learning to identify the rule in a pattern by recognising whether the numbers are increasing through addition or decreasing through subtraction. They are also developing their understanding of increments, helping them predict and continue number sequences with confidence.

Year 3s Getting the Measure of Maths

This term in Year 3 Mathematics, students have been exploring measurement and length through a range of hands-on and practical learning experiences. They have been developing their understanding of how to measure, compare and estimate lengths using metres, centimetres and millimetres. Students have practised using formal and informal measuring tools such as items around the classroom, rulers, tape measures and trundle wheels through engaging activities.

It has been a great opportunity to get outside and look at longer distances and objects. We are proud of the confidence and accuracy students are developing as they strengthen their measurement skills and mathematical thinking.

A Fantastic Day at the City to Surf Coast Athletics Championships

On Friday last week, 57 students from Surf Coast Campus proudly represented our College at the City to Surf Coast Athletics Championships held at Landy Field. Despite the cold temperatures and winds throughout the day, our students demonstrated outstanding resilience, determination, and sportsmanship, making it one of the most memorable athletics events of the year.

Competing across a wide range of track and field events, every member of the Surf Coast team gave their absolute best effort, they supported one another throughout the day, celebrated each other’s achievements, and represented our college with pride.

We congratulate the entire team on their amazing efforts and their commitment to giving their best in every event. The encouragement shown between teammates was inspiring and reflected the strong sense of community.

From The Chaplain

As I’m sure you’re aware, at Surf Coast  Campus, we run a community prayer group, a welcoming, safe place where members of our school community can gather and pray to our creator God.

This is a great opportunity for me, as a College Chaplain, to stand together with families and provide support and guidance in prayer, for our College, our community, our staff, our leadership, and our world.

However, our prayer groups across the College need to be at ideal times for attendees, and so I am asking for your feedback, as our community, around when it would work best for you to be able to join me in prayer. I understand that work, sport, or other commitments can make our lives very full, but if you are available, I would love to host you.

Netball Victoria School Championships

The Christian College boys' netball teams enjoyed a highly successful day of competition at Cobblebank Stadium on Wednesday at the Netball Victoria School Championships. All students represented the College exceptionally well, showcasing strong teamwork, determination, and a high standard of competitive netball throughout the tournament.

The Inter Boys team finished at the top of the ladder, winning all six of their matches. Their outstanding performance has secured them a place at the Netball Victoria School Championships Finals Day, which will be held at the State Netball Centre in Melbourne on Thursday 27th August.

The Junior and Senior Boys teams also performed strongly throughout the day, with both teams finishing second on the ladder. They remain hopeful of receiving a wildcard entry to the Finals Day.

We are incredibly proud of the effort, commitment, and development shown by all players throughout their preparation for this event and their performances at the Championships. We wish those progressing to the Finals Day all the very best and look forward to seeing what they can achieve.

Strings Shine at Victorian Schools' Music Festival, 2026

On Monday this week, our Middle School and Senior String members participated in the annual Victorian Schools' Music Festival held in Melbourne at the Hawthorn Town Hall.

The Middle School String players from Surf Coast, Bellarine and Highton had been preparing their pieces separately. They gathered together for the first time on Monday morning in the RW Gibson Auditorium for a combined rehearsal, before setting off for their performance. They performed admirably and received their first ever Platinum award for their performance. The adjudicators were so impressed with how well this large group played together, and were astounded to find out that they had only had one combined rehearsal just earlier that morning. This is an amazing achievement for this young group of players who range from Year Four to Year Nine-well done to all students!

CCG’s First Ever Speech Competition

Registrations are now open for the inaugural Christian College Geelong Speech Competition, an exciting opportunity for students in Years 3 through 9 to develop confidence, communication skills, and the ability to share their ideas with an audience.

Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills a young person can develop. Whether students are already confident speakers or are looking to challenge themselves in a supportive environment, this competition provides an excellent opportunity for growth.

Students will first participate in Campus Competitions during Term 3 (Weeks 7-8), with presentations taking place during lunchtime sessions. One winner from each year level will progress to the Grand Final in Term 4, hosted at our Bellarine Campus.

Years 7 - 9 Subject Information Evenings

Our Years 7 - 9 Subject Information Evenings are key events as students start considering their academic options and choices for next year. They provide a fantastic opportunity to meet staff, ask questions and take an in-depth look at our extensive range of subject/elective offerings, and to learn more about options for pathways as students progress further through school, and beyond. This year's Year 7 to 9 Subject Information Evenings take place on Tuesday and Thursday next week.

Qustodio Parent App

Supervise and Support Your Children on Digital Devices

This week we have communicated with all families who have a child who enrolled with us as a new student in 2026. These parents have received an email invitation and guide to activate their Qustodio parent account as part of our school program. For families who have been with us through Semester 1 this was a follow-up invitation.

A reminder to parents that the Qustodio Parent App is available to all our parents to help them supervise and support their children with their online and digital interactions at home, on the school device and on personal devices.

International Day of Friendship – Thursday, 30 July

Friendship is described by the United Nations as something powerful, enabling children, young people, and adults to move through the world saying, "You and your wellbeing matter to me." This is reflected in our everyday habits, and when these habits become regular practice, friendships are nurtured. These nurtured friendships lay the foundation for a more compassionate, empathetic, and understanding community.

Across the campuses of Christian College Geelong, we see many opportunities to further develop friendships through lunchtime and recess clubs, the Pond and Hub, music, sport, and homeroom activities. Spaces for students to spend company and build connections. This is something the Year 3 students at the Bellarine Campus recently explored in their Social Stencil session. They examined the importance of company, care, and common interests, and how understanding these three aspects can help our friendships fly!

Upcoming Writing Competitions!

Got a story to tell, a poem to share, or an idea that deserves to be heard? Our upcoming writing competitions offer the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity and develop your skills as a writer.

Open to students of all abilities, these competitions encourage imagination, self-expression, and a love of language. Take the opportunity to challenge yourself and see where your writing can take you!

Click on the links below for registration details and full terms and conditions. For assistance or further information, please speak with your English teacher.

Happy Writing!

The Youth myki Design Competition

Calling all young creatives! This is an exciting opportunity for our talented student artists to showcase their imagination and creativity.

The Youth myki Design Competition is open to students aged 5–17 years, giving them the chance to design the next Youth myki card. Even more exciting, the winning artwork will be featured on the front of the 2027 Youth myki card, and the successful artist will receive $1,000!

To enter, students simply need to create their design and share a little about the inspiration behind their artwork.

International Day of Friendship – Thursday, 30 July

Friendship is described by the United Nations as something powerful, enabling children, young people, and adults to move through the world saying, "You and your wellbeing matter to me." This is reflected in our everyday habits, and when these habits become regular practice, friendships are nurtured. These nurtured friendships lay the foundation for a more compassionate, empathetic, and understanding community.

Across the campuses of Christian College Geelong, we see many opportunities to further develop friendships through lunchtime and recess clubs, the Pond and Hub, music, sport, and homeroom activities. Spaces for students to spend company and build connections. This is something the Year 3 students at the Bellarine Campus recently explored in their Social Stencil session. They examined the importance of company, care, and common interests, and how understanding these three aspects can help our friendships fly!

A new, Very Special Glastonbury Thorn Tree at Junior School 

Even if you’re a regular visitor to our Junior School-Belmont campus, you may not have noticed the young Glastonbury Thorn sapling recently planted in the front lawn near the roundabout road. A bit under 30 years ago a much older and larger Glastonbury Thorn was a prominent feature near the main entrance, but as it reached more than a century old, as is typical with this species in our part of the world, the tree died. Thanks to the work of campus Grounds Manager, Jack Sims, and the Geelong Botanic Gardens, its replacement nearly 30 years on is actually related to the previous tree – and they both have fascinating stories that stretch back to the early decades of Geelong’s existence, and even further to biblical times. Read more by clicking on the ‘Very Special Tree’ tile in the News and Events carousel at the bottom of our website homepage or use this link to go straight there. 

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.

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.

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.