From the Executive Principal
The Relational School
On Monday, in the middle of winter, on a cold and overcast day, I found myself participating in an Ice Bucket Challenge with colleagues from our Senior School Campus to raise awareness and funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). When a group of students approached me with the invitation to participate, I did not say yes because I particularly enjoy buckets of icy water in winter. I said yes because I wanted to honour the opportunity for students to lead.
This experience caused me to reflect on a book that our senior leaders are currently reading, The Relational School by Sue Chandler, a great book for a school like ours which is so invested in strong relationships with students, families and staff. In a recent chapter discussion, we explored the Search Institute’s Developmental Relationships Framework (2018), which identifies five key characteristics of relationships that help young people learn, grow and thrive:
- Express Care
- Challenge Growth
- Provide Support
- Share Power
- Expand Possibilities
The research suggests that when young people experience relationships characterised by these qualities, they are more likely to develop a strong sense of identity, resilience, purpose and belonging.
As I reflected on Monday’s Ice Bucket Challenge, I realised that this simple moment was all about relationship. When students approached me to participate, they were experiencing one of the framework’s most powerful elements: Share Power. They were not participating in an initiative designed by adults; they were leading it. They identified a cause, mobilised others, raised awareness and invited members of the community to join them. My role was not to direct the initiative, but to support it and, importantly, to allow myself to be led.
I think experiences like these reinforce our belief that young people flourish when they are given authentic opportunities to contribute, lead and make a difference. At our College, we are deeply committed to fostering these developmental relationships through the lens of our Christian faith. Every day, we seek to create an environment where students are known, valued and challenged to become the people God has created them to be.
We do this when we:
- Express Care by ensuring every student is known by name, welcomed into our Christian College community and supported through any challenges they may face.
- Challenge Growth by maintaining high expectations and encouraging students to stretch themselves as they strive for excellence academically, socially, physically, musically and spiritually.
- Provide Support through providing quality teaching, learning adjustments, excellent wellbeing and pastoral care programs and strong partnerships with families.
- Share Power by creating opportunities for student leadership, voice and participation in shaping their learning experiences and school community.
- Expand Possibilities by exposing students to new experiences, diverse pathways, broad co-curricular opportunities and futures they may not yet have imagined for themselves.
Monday’s icy experience lasted only a few moments, but I hope the leadership demonstrated by our students has a much longer-lasting impact. Their initiative reminded me that when we trust young people, support their aspirations and create opportunities for them to lead, remarkable things can happen.
I hope you have a wonderful week.
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Executive Principal
What’s Happening at Surf Coast?
WEEK 5
Tuesday 11 August – Netball Victoria Schools Championships – FEMALE (Year 7 + 8)
Tuesday 11 August – Highton and Surf Coast Subject Selection Information Evening – 4.00pm – 6.00pm
Wednesday 12 August – GISSA Year 7 & 8 program
Thursday 13 August – Year 3 Hellenic Museum Excursion
Thursday 13 August – Lunchtime Concert – Selected Students
Friday 14 August – Junior School Assembly – Year 3
🎉Preps Celebrate 100 Days of School 🎉
What an incredible milestone! On Tuesday, our Prep students celebrated their 100th day of school with a fun-filled and memorable day packed with excitement, creativity, joy, dancing and plenty of laughter.
The celebrations began with great excitement as students arrived dressed as 100-year-olds, complete with walking sticks, glasses and grey hair! Our Preppies took part in a range of activities, beginning with a glow stick dance party to celebrate all they have learned so far this year. They even showed off their best grandma and grandpa dance moves, bringing smiles and laughter to everyone.
The creativity continued as students designed and decorated their own 100 Days of School crowns to wear proudly. Throughout the celebration, our Prep students enjoyed a variety of fun and interactive activities exploring the number 100, highlighting the remarkable growth, learning and confidence they have developed since the beginning of the year.
Our 100 Days of School celebration was filled with fun, laughter and pride. Congratulations, Preps—we are incredibly proud of everything you have achieved!
Melissa Smith
Maths – Exploring Multiplication
This week in Maths, our Year 2 students began an exciting new unit on multiplication! The children were introduced to the concept of making equal groups and explored how multiplication helps us count more efficiently.
Using a variety of hands-on materials, students created equal groups and built arrays to develop a deep understanding of what multiplication represents. By manipulating concrete materials and discussing their thinking with their classmates, the students were able to make meaningful connections and confidently explain their mathematical reasoning.
It has been wonderful to see how quickly the children have grasped this new concept. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to challenge themselves have made for some fantastic learning experiences. We are looking forward to continuing to build on this strong foundation over the coming weeks as we deepen our understanding of multiplication and expand our mathematical thinking.
Caitlin Maher
Measuring, Researching & Discovering!
It has been a busy and exciting few weeks in Year 3, and our students have been working hard across all learning areas!
A highlight of the term so far has been our Information Report unit. Each student has chosen an animal to research and is busy gathering fascinating facts to help write their own information report. We have been exploring our animals’ appearance, habitat, diet, life cycle, adaptations and many other interesting features. The students have especially loved using the laptops to research and become experts on their chosen animals!
In Mathematics, we have continued our learning about measurement through a range of hands-on activities. Students have been estimating, measuring and comparing mass using grams and kilograms, as well as exploring capacity with litres and millilitres. It has been wonderful to see the students applying these skills to real-world situations and developing their confidence with practical measurement.
Sophie McDonagh
Year 4 Update
This term, our Year 4 students have dived into an exciting inquiry unit, Mysteries of the Deep, exploring the incredible diversity of life found beneath the ocean’s surface. Through investigations, research and class discussions, students have developed a deeper appreciation for the important role our oceans play in supporting life on Earth.
Students have explored the unique animals that inhabit different oceans around the world, learning how each species has adapted to survive in its environment. They have investigated ocean food webs, discovering how living things are connected and how changes to one part of an ecosystem can affect many others.
One particularly engaging area of study this week has been symbiotic relationships. Students learnt about the different types of symbiosis and examined fascinating examples found in the ocean, including the mutualistic relationship between clownfish and sea anemones. They discovered that while the clownfish gains protection from predators among the anemone’s stinging tentacles, the anemone also benefits through cleaning, nutrients and protection, demonstrating how living things can depend on one another to thrive.
Another meaningful part of our inquiry this week involved learning about the special relationship First Nations peoples have with the ocean. Students explored the cultural significance of whales and recognised the importance of caring for Country and Sea Country through respect, stewardship and connection to the natural world.
To conclude this learning, each student designed and decorated their own whale before writing a personal pledge describing how they will help care for and protect our oceans. These thoughtful pledges serve as a reminder that even small actions can make a meaningful difference and that each of us has a responsibility to care for the environment.
We are incredibly proud of the curiosity, compassion and environmental awareness our Year 4 students have demonstrated Their learning has inspired meaningful conversations about how we can all play a part in protecting the wonders of our oceans.
Sam Jacka
Exploring Asia in Geography
Year 6 students have been working hard this term as they research their chosen Asian country in preparation for an upcoming travel brochure project. They began by exploring their country’s flag, investigating its history, symbolism, and significance.
Students have also started gathering information about their country’s physical geography, comparing features such as climate, landforms, and location with those of Australia. This has helped them develop a deeper understanding of how different environments shape the way people live.
Next, students will explore demographics, learning about population and cultural characteristics – perfect timing with the upcoming Australian census. We look forward to seeing their final travel brochures come together!
Dakota Whitten
Year 8 GEOS – City Walk
As part of their Geography & Outdoor Education (GEOS) unit this semester, our Year 8 students recently completed a City Walk, giving them a hands-on opportunity to investigate the changing urban landscape of Geelong.
Throughout the excursion, students explored the opportunities and challenges associated with urban growth and development. They examined a range of new and historic buildings up close, identified examples of exciting gentrification, and observed the movement of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles through key intersections in Geelong’s CBD.
Students also considered urban development through a sustainability lens, discussing how cities can continue to grow while creating vibrant, liveable communities for the future. Along the way, they gained a deeper appreciation for Geelong’s heritage buildings and the important role they play as keepers of the city’s rich history and identity.
The City Walk provided an engaging real-world learning experience, allowing students to connect concepts to real life!
Justin Boseley
Rachel Hill
Combined Choir Rehearsal Hits all the Right Notes!
Wednesday mornings are always a highlight at Surf Coast as our Junior Choir gathers to rehearse. For this year’s Junior Music Evening, we’re doubling the magic by combining the Bellarine and Surf Coast Junior Choirs into one joyful choir of around 60 singers.
To prepare, students from both campuses came together on Monday for an afternoon rehearsal in the beautiful Highton Middle School Chapel. Together, they made tremendous progress on choreography, harmonies, diction and vocal tone, while building the confidence and teamwork needed to perform as one united choir.
It was amazing to sing beneath the chapel’s stunning windows and acoustics. The excitement was contagious as voices blended, friendships formed and the music came to life. Families who joined us for a few sneak-peek performances were treated to a glimpse of what’s to come.
A huge thank you to the staff, leaders and parents across our campuses who made this opportunity possible. We can’t wait to share the results of all that hard work at the Junior Music Evening on Thursday 20 August. Tickets are available on this link
We hope to see you there!
Stephanie Lawrence
CCG Science Week 2026
Seeds of Science, Nurturing Knowledge for All
CCG Science Week will be celebrated from Monday 10 August to Friday 14 August, with a range of engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire scientific thinking across the school.
This year’s theme, “Seeds of Science, Nurturing Knowledge for All,” highlights how small discoveries can grow into a lifelong love of learning and exploration.
Science in the Homeroom
Students will have the opportunity to take part in a range of fun and engaging Homeroom activities inspired by this year’s theme. From Science Sounds to Guess Who? challenges, students will explore how science shapes our world and inspires the future.
Science Film Session
Students are invited to enjoy a science-themed film session in the Library during lunchtimes. This will be a fun and relaxing way to explore science through storytelling and discover how science influences our world.
House Science Trivia Challenge
Students in Years 4 to 8 will have the opportunity to test their scientific knowledge in a House Science Trivia Quiz in the Library. There will be plenty of opportunities to earn valuable House points while demonstrating teamwork, problem-solving, and scientific thinking.
We look forward to a fantastic week of discovery, creativity, and scientific exploration as we celebrate Science Week together. Thank you for supporting our young scientists and helping us nurture the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers!
Georgina Rolls
Community Prayer Update
Hi Surf Coast community,
Thank you for providing your feedback regarding our community prayer group!
The community prayer group, as you will see on the poster, will run on Wednesdays, from 2:30-3:00pm.
If you are a parent, carer, or member of our community, I hope you feel welcome to join us in prayer, in the Middle School library space. If you are unable to attend, but have prayer needs that you would like to be prayed into, please contact myself at a.cutter@ccg.vic.edu.au.
Aaron Cutter, Chaplain
The Importance of Keeping a Routine
Having a regular routine is an important part of succeeding at school and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A routine helps children and adolescents organise their time, complete responsibilities, and feel more prepared for each day.
One of the main benefits of following a routine is improved time management. When children and adolescents plan set times for schoolwork, homework, exercise, meals, and relaxation, they are less likely to forget important tasks or leave work until the last minute. A clear routine also makes large or difficult tasks feel more manageable because they can be completed step by step.
A healthy routine should include enough sleep, regular meals, physical activity, and time to relax. Sleep is especially important because it helps children and adolescents concentrate, remember information, and manage their emotions. Taking breaks and making time for hobbies can also reduce stress and prevent burnout.
It is important to remember that a routine does not need to be perfect. Plans may change, and unexpected events can happen. The key is to return to the routine and continue making steady progress. Beyond Blue have identified the benefits of having routines and how good they are for mental health, which include If you would like to read more on benefits of routine and mental health please click on link below, which will direct you to Beyond Blue page for more information. Routines and mental health - Beyond Blue
The Wellbeing Team
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.
Join us for the Christian College Foundation Golf Day
63% of places have already been sold, so don't miss your chance to be part of this fantastic 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
