From The Executive Principal
This week, a number of our staff members and I joined educators from schools across the region to participate in a Geelong Innovation in Education Network that we have launched. It is a collaborative professional learning forum focused on sharing effective practice, exploring emerging ideas, and discussing how schools can best prepare young people for an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.
The network brought together teachers and leaders from a wide range of educational settings, creating valuable opportunities to learn from one another’s experiences and to examine innovative approaches that are making a meaningful difference in student learning and wellbeing. We were particularly proud that Mrs Nicola Morrish, our Head of Campus at Bellarine, was invited to present, sharing insights from our own journey and contributing to the broader conversation about educational innovation.
At Christian College Geelong, innovation is not about pursuing the latest trend or adopting technology for its own sake. Instead, we believe in purposeful innovation; thoughtfully exploring new approaches, practices, and methodologies that enhance learning, strengthen engagement, and better prepare our students for the future. Every initiative we undertake is guided by a simple question: “How will this improve outcomes and opportunities for our students?”
Innovation can take many forms. It may involve new ways of teaching and learning, the integration of emerging technologies, the redesign of learning spaces, or the development of authentic, real-world learning experiences that foster creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. I think equally important is creating a culture where curiosity is encouraged, ideas can be tested, and both students and staff are empowered to learn, adapt, and grow.
As education continues to evolve, we remain committed to ensuring that our students receive an education that is both relevant and future-focused while remaining grounded in the values and traditions that define our Christian College community. Ultimately innovation is not simply about change; it is about creating better opportunities for every learner, both now and into the future.
Highlights this week around our campuses included the visit of young Geelong Cats' champion and winner of the 2024 AFL Rising Star Award, Ollie Dempsey. Ollie shared some brilliant insights into the joys and challenges of life as a practising Christian who is a professional athlete playing his chosen sport at the elite level. That role carries with it a significant public profile and huge potential for influencing others - a responsibility that Ollie is acutely aware of as he lives out his faith each day. You can read more and see photos of his visit in the Middle School-Highton Vine this week.
Two annual events that are vital in the lives of our Years 7 to 9 students and families were also held this week - Subject Selection Information Evenings for our Highton and Surf Coast students on Tuesday evening, and at Bellarine Campus on Thursday. Both provided outstanding opportunities for students and parents to meet and chat with staff about our extensive range of elective offerings and potential pathways for the years ahead. You can read a report in the Highton and Surf Coast Vines, and in the Head of Campus report in the Bellarine Campus Vine today.
Finally, looking ahead to next week, we have the first of our two Music Evenings for 2026 at Costa Hall on Thursday August 20 from 6pm. I am so looking forward to seeing our youngest musicians performing in ensembles and choirs - testament to their enthusiasm and hard work, and the expertise and dedication of our instrumental and other Music staff. See the articles in the Bellarine, Surf Coast and Junior School-Belmont Vine editions for details on how to get tickets for the night.
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Executive Principal
What’s Happening at Surf Coast?
WEEK 6 – Anti-Bullying Week
Monday 17 August – Gymnastics Round 1 within PE classes Prep – Year 4
Tuesday 18 August – GISSA MAJOR EVENT: 2026 Athletics Championships – YEAR 7 + 8 – Selected students
Wednesday 19 August – 2026 Basketball Victoria ‘Hoop Time’ Championships – YEAR 5 + 6 – Selected students
Wednesday 19 August – GISSA Yr 7 & 8 Program – Intersport Elective Students
Wednesday 19 August – Debating Year 5 & 6 – 4.00pm
Thursday 20 August – Year 7 Humanities excursion – Barwon Water
Thursday 20 August – Annual Music Evening No 1 – Years Prep to 4 Costa Hall – 6.00 – 7.30pm
Friday 21 August – Middle School Assembly – 7J
Friday 21 August – Prep Discovery session – Periods 3 and 4
Saturday 22 August – Academic Scholarship Testing Day – Selected Students
Sunday 23 August – Tournament of the Minds tournament – Selected students
WEEK 7
Monday 24 August – Wednesday 26 August – Year 5 Sovereign Hill Camp
Monday 24 August – Gymnastics Round 2 – Prep – Year 4 in PE classes
Wednesday 26 August – GISSA Yr 7 & 8 Program – Intersport Elective Program – Selected students
Thursday 27 August – GISSA Badminton – selected Year 7 and 8 students
Thursday 27 August – CCG Contemporary Rock Bands Evening – RW Gibson Centre – 6.30pm – 8pm
Friday 28 August – Book Week Parade Prep – Year 6
Friday 28 August – Poetry in Action (Rhyme Battle Royal) – Year 7 – 10am – 11am
Friday 28 August – Lunchtime Concert – Selected Music Students
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
Tennille McInnes, Foundation Manager/Alumni Officer
Lovers of Learning
These past few weeks in Year 1 have been jam packed with learning. We have been diving into many areas, with a heavy focus on Simple Machines, Measurement and our Mesopotamia exploration. We have covered a lot of ground, and in particular, were gobsmacked when learning about the first civilisation. We also made some fairy bread as a cohort, practising our procedure writing using chronological, detailed step-by-step instructions… and saw firsthand what happens when we don’t!
This week in particular, we have really loved being able to take part in the Matific Olympiad that is run across Australia and New Zealand. We were able to compete against other schools and showcase our maths knowledge. It encouraged us to read questions properly and take our time when answering questions to ensure we were having a go. It really provided a fun and interesting way to practice our number knowledge. Well done to each of the Year 1 students who took part, you did such an amazing job!
Sarah Minge
Designing our Year 6 Jumpers
Our Year 5 students have been busy putting their creativity to work as they take on the exciting challenge of designing their Year 6 jumper for 2027! Students were tasked with creating a design that incorporates our school colours while meaningfully representing our College community and identity.
The designs have been thoughtful, creative and wonderfully varied. Many students chose to incorporate our school values, while others drew inspiration from our Christian faith, including the Fruits of the Spirit as a reminder of the qualities they hope to demonstrate as Year 6 leaders. Students also thoughtfully incorporated First Nations elements, acknowledging and celebrating the land on which our school stands.
It has been fantastic to see students think carefully about what our school represents and how they can capture this in a jumper they will wear with pride throughout their final year of primary school. We can’t wait to see which elements make their way into the final design!
Michaela Lyons
Maths and Science Week in Action
Over the past week, our Year 7 students have been applying their learning in practical and engaging ways across Mathematics and Science. Following the completion of their maths assessments, students took their learning outdoors to our school veggie garden. Working in teams, they measured a range of structures including the shed, garden beds, and compost bins, collecting accurate data to use in a design challenge. Students then used these measurements to create and redesign their own garden spaces, applying their understanding of length, area, and volume while developing important skills in measuring, converting units, and design planning. It was fantastic to see students making real-world connections and recognising how mathematics is used in everyday projects.
This week has also seen students enthusiastically participating in a range of activities to celebrate Science Week. During homeroom sessions, students challenged their scientific thinking through interactive true or false quizzes, “Who Am I?” and “What Am I?” mystery activities, and lively “Would You Rather?” discussions centred around imaginative scientific superpowers. These activities encouraged students to think critically, share their ideas, and explore scientific concepts in a fun and collaborative environment.
It has been wonderful to see students embracing both practical problem-solving and scientific curiosity, demonstrating creativity, teamwork, and a willingness to engage with new challenges.
Adrian Bate
Science Week Starts Early… and Strong!
Who says you have to wait for the official date to celebrate science? This week, Christian College may have jumped the gun and launched Science Week a week early, but that certainly did not dampen anyone’s enthusiasm!
Throughout the week, students took part in a range of fun and thought-provoking homeroom activities inspired by this year’s Science Week theme, “Seeds of Change: Big Ideas. Small Actions. Better Future.” Activities included mystery object challenges, science-themed “Would You Rather?” discussions, science trivia, quick-fire questions, prediction activities, and opportunities to explore how scientific ideas connect to the world around us. There was plenty of curiosity, creativity, and healthy competition on display.
Our Year 7 and Year 8 students took things even further during their science lessons. Students investigated how forces can be measured, using scientific equipment to collect and analyse data. They also put their engineering and problem-solving skills to the test by building and coding LEGO Spike robots. Watching designs come to life through coding was a highlight, with students enthusiastically refining their creations and tackling new challenges.
The week culminated on Friday with the much-anticipated House Science Quiz held at lunchtime. Students gathered to represent their houses in a friendly battle of scientific knowledge, teamwork, and quick thinking. With points on the line and plenty of house pride at stake, the competition provided a fitting finale to a fantastic week of scientific exploration.
A huge thank you to all students and staff who got involved. Whether solving a mystery object challenge, building a robot, measuring forces, or answering a tricky quiz question, everyone helped make our early Science Week celebration a great success. If this week was any indication, the future of science at our school is bright indeed!
Adam Stewart
Book Week
There is plenty happening in the Surf Coast Middle Years Library this term as excitement builds for Book Week (22–28 August), with this year’s theme being Symphony of Stories.
All Surf Coast Campus, students are invited to join in the celebrations by dressing as a character from a favourite book to celebrate the stories they love. The parade will feature students from Prep to 6, and we can’t wait to see the creativity on display. The Book Week Parade for Prep–6 will take place in the Stadium on Friday 28 August, period 1.
During library sessions, students have been participating in a Student Choice Competition, rating the shortlisted Children’s Book Council of Australia picture books. After each story, students evaluate both the story and the illustrations, with their chosen winner to be announced during Book Week. Students and teachers have been enjoying the beautiful illustrations and engaging stories, making it a relaxing and enjoyable way to begin each Reading for Pleasure session. Students have also been borrowing the shortlisted Younger Reader books, and can enter a short story writing competition.
Book Week will close with our Year 7 students sharing the joy of reading with our Prep students. They will spend time reading together, giving our younger students the opportunity to enjoy stories with their older peers and celebrating the wonderful connections that books can create across our school community.
Felicity Roberts
Community Prayer Update
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
2026 Christian College Geelong Annual Music Evening No. 1 – Years Prep to 4
Thursday 20th August 2026, 6pm – Costa Hall
Featuring the String Orchestras and Choirs of the Junior School Campuses – Bellarine, Bemont & Surf Coast
This evening showcases our College Junior Choirs and Junior String Orchestras, as well as guest ensembles from the Middle and Senior Campuses.
Come and enjoy the performances of over 300 students, directed by our outstanding team of music educators, as they share selections from their 2026 performance repertoire with the College Community.
Tickets can be purchased via the Geelong Arts Centre website (see link below) or through the Geelong Arts Centre Box Office
https://geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events/christian-college-music-eve-2
A small number of tickets will be available from purchase through the Costa Hall box office on the day. However, we encourage families to purchase their tickets ahead of time.
Fiona Gardner
Andrew Dunlop
Subject Selection Information Evening
On Tuesday, August 11, the Highton and Surf Coast campuses came together for our 2027 Subject Selection Information Evening. This event provided our wonderful teaching staff with an opportunity to showcase the exceptional subjects available to our Year 7 to 9 students. The Sports and Aquatic Centre buzzed with excitement as parents and students explored each elective subject stand, gathering information to help guide their subject selections.
Our wide range of subject choices allows students to immerse themselves in areas including the Arts, Technology and Design, Health and Physical Education, Humanities, Science, Music, Outdoor Education, Languages, Drama, Digital Technology, and English. These offerings provide students with the opportunity to explore their interests, develop new skills, and discover future pathways.
Students in Years 7 to 9 have the ability to choose electives to enhance their learning experience. This opportunity supports students in pursuing existing passions or trying something new.
As a reminder, students will receive an email containing a link to the Web Preferences website to complete their subject selections for 2027. Subject selections are due by Friday, August 21.
Georgina Rolls, Deputy Head of Campus
The Science of a Thriving Mind
What if the most fascinating science experiment this week was...you?
Every day, your brain is carrying out millions of tiny experiments. It learns, adapts, forms new connections and responds to the choices we make; from how much we sleep to whether we spend time outdoors or connect with others.
This National Science Week, we’re taking a closer look at what Australian and international research tells us about simple, everyday habits that support mental health and wellbeing.
Your Brain Can Change
One of the biggest discoveries in neuroscience is that our brains are plastic, not made of plastic but capable of changing throughout our lives. This ability, known as neuroplasticity, means our brains continue to strengthen and reorganise their connections as we learn new skills, solve problems, practise something repeatedly or experience new things. Scientists now know that our daily habits influence how well our brains learn, adapt and recover.
Sleep: Your Brain's Night Shift
While you're asleep, your brain is far from switched off. Research shows that sleep plays an essential role in:
- consolidating learning and memory
- regulating emotions
- supporting attention and concentration
- maintaining physical and mental health.
The Australian Government recommends that children aged 5-13 years get 9-11 hours of quality sleep and young people aged 14-17 years get 8-10 hours of quality sleep each night as part of healthy 24-hour movement guidelines. Unfortunately, many of us are not getting the sleep our brains and bodies need.
Science Challenge: Try going to bed 30 minutes earlier for one week and notice whether your energy, mood or concentration changes.
Move Your Body, Help Your Mind
Exercise isn't only good for our muscles, it benefits our brains too.
Research from the Black Dog Institute shows that regular physical activity is associated with improved wellbeing and can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Physical activity also supports better sleep, memory and concentration.
The Australian Government recommends that school-aged children and teenagers aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.
The best part? It doesn't have to be organised sport. Walking the dog, dancing in the kitchen, riding your bike, kicking the footy or playing down-ball all count.
Nature Helps Our Brains Reset
Have you ever noticed you feel calmer after spending time outside? Researchers continue to find that spending time in natural environments is linked with lower stress levels, improved mood and better attention. While scientists are still learning exactly why, exposure to green spaces appears to support both mental and physical wellbeing. Even a short walk outdoors or sitting under a tree can provide an opportunity for our brains to recharge.
Science Challenge: Find something in nature that makes you stop and say "wow", like a huge gum tree, a colourful bird, a sunset or even tiny insects in your backyard. Research suggests experiences of awe can increase positive emotions and help us feel more connected to the world around us.
Connection is Powerful Science
Humans are wired for connection, and research consistently shows that supportive relationships with family, friends and trusted adults are protective factors for mental health.
headspace and the Black Dog Institute both highlight social connection and early support as key ingredients for positive mental wellbeing, particularly during adolescence. Whether it's chatting over dinner, spending time with friends or checking in with someone who's having a tough day, connection always matters.
Kindness Benefits Everyone
Acts of kindness don't just make someone else's day, they're linked with improved wellbeing for the person giving help too. The Australian Institute of Family Studies reports that prosocial behaviours, such as helping others, volunteering and showing kindness, contribute to positive social and emotional development and support mental wellbeing in young people. Science reminds us that small acts really do matter.
Become a Wellbeing Scientist!
This Science Week, put the evidence to the test.
Choose one of these science-backed habits each day:
😴 Prioritise sleep
🚶 Get moving
🌳 Spend time in nature
🤝 Connect with someone
💙 Do one act of kindness
At the end of each day, ask yourself:
How was my mood today? Did I feel more focused? What gave me energy? What helped me feel connected?
That's exactly what scientists do: they observe, collect evidence and learn from it.
Science tells us there isn't one magic trick for good mental health. Instead, it's often the small things we do consistently: sleeping well, moving our bodies, spending time outdoors, connecting with others and showing kindness - that help our brains and bodies thrive.
This National Science Week, become curious about your own wellbeing. You might just discover that the most amazing science is happening inside your own brain.
Sources
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing – 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Young People.
- Black Dog Institute – Lifestyle and Wellbeing.
- Black Dog Institute – The Future Proofing Study (Australia's largest longitudinal study of adolescent mental health).
- headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation.
- Australian Institute of Family Studies – Prosocial behaviours and the positive impact on mental health.
The Wellbeing Team
Update to Student Mobile Devices Policy
As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety and wellbeing, we've recently updated the definition of a "mobile device" in our Student Use of Mobile Devices Policy and Procedures to reflect the growing availability of wearable technology capable of recording photo, video or audio — such as smart glasses.
These devices now sit alongside mobile phones, smart watches and other items already covered by this existing policy and classroom practices. This is an extension of current expectations rather than a new set of rules.
The updated policy is available via the Policies for Parents link in the Parent Portal, or directly via this link for families who'd like the full detail.
