From the Executive Principal

This week we have continued to honour the life and legacy of Milla Killeen in our school community. Students in many of our campuses remembered her in their writing of cards, making of signs and sending of kind messages. We continued to provide lots of extra wellbeing support for all the children and families directly involved in the bus accident. I am delighted that all the students are now out of hospital. Many of them are back at school with a few still recovering at home. We continue to wrap our love, care and prayers around these families. Additional wellbeing support has also remained available on our campuses to support our whole student and staff community as we come to terms with the gravity of last week’s events. We are so grateful to the many other schools and organisations who have sent us extra counsellors, psychologists, teachers and chaplains to support our community during this time.  

What’s Happening at Surf Coast?

TERM  3 2025

WEEK 8

Monday 8 September:  Lunchtime Instrumental Concert – selected students

Monday 8 September:  Eagles Basketball & Netball Presentation – selected students

Tuesday 9 September:  Year 1 Day Camp to Araluan

Wednesday 10 – 17 September: Prep – Year 4 Intensive Swimming Program

Wednesday 10 September:  Prep – Year 7 Science Expo 3pm to 4pm     

Thursday 11 September:  Year 6 Excursion – Melbourne Immigration Museum   

Thursday 11 September:  Year 2T Strings Concert in Campus Library

 Friday 12 September:  Year 7 Watoto Excursion to Highton Middle School Campus

Celebrating Fathers’ Day 

The atmosphere at our Surf Coast Campus was filled with joy and gratitude as we celebrated Fathers’ Day together. On Tuesday morning, the Surf Coast Middle School hosted a special Fathers’ Day Breakfast in the Innovation Centre. Fathers and their children enjoyed a delicious breakfast while spending quality time together, sharing stories, laughter, and connection before the busy day ahead. 

On Thursday afternoon, the Surf Coast Junior School held its annual Tabloid Sports event. Fathers joined in the fun, cheering on their children as they rotated through a variety of activities that encouraged teamwork, energy, and plenty of smiles. The event was followed by a sausage sizzle, where families gathered once again to enjoy a relaxed meal together and celebrate the day. 

Adding to the excitement, our Fathers’ Day Stall gave children the opportunity to thoughtfully choose gifts for their dads. With great care, students selected something special, tucking their surprises safely into their bags to be revealed on Sunday. 

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our fathers a wonderful and blessed Fathers’ Day. 

Bush Prep – Final Visit for 2025 

This week our Prep students went to Bush Prep for the final time this year. We set off on a beautiful sunny morning and were lucky to be greeted by a mob of kangaroos right near our walking track. Our students crept quietly and carefully to see how close they could get and were amazed at how near they could be before the kangaroos hopped off across the paddocks. 

As we made our way down to Bush Prep, eager and excited chatter could be heard. Our Preps noticed many changes in the environment since the recent rain – longer greener grass, taller plants, a dam now filled with water after being dry, softer ground and a scattering of leaves, bark, sticks and branches on the ground from the recent winds. The Preps excitedly talked about what they were hoping to do once they reached the bottom of the hill. 

When we arrived, the wonder, creativity and imaginative play began. The Preps dug for dinosaur fossils, built huts and fairy gardens, told each other stories, guessed what mysterious objects they spotted in the creek and distance, watched for kangaroos, went bug hunting and made bug houses, stirred up mud stew and even flew to the moon on rocket ships – all from their own imagination and creative ideas. 

Loads of Learning in Year 1 

Over the past two weeks, Year 1 students have thrown themselves into their learning with such enthusiasm and effort. In IDL, we have been working on building cars, with a strong focus on push and pull forces. The children have been so engaged in exploring how things move, testing out their ideas, and recognising that push and pull are everywhere around us. Their creativity and determination in this project have been a joy to watch. 

In Mathematics, we have been learning about multiplication and division through “groups of” and “sharing between.” The students have shown a real eagerness to master these new concepts and have been working incredibly hard. They were so keen to practise that they even used chalk on the carpet to draw out their groups and sharing… though perhaps we won’t tell Mrs Riddle about that part! It was wonderful to see them problem-solve and persevere with such confidence. 

Another highlight has been our exploration of Mesopotamia. The students have been fascinated by this ancient civilisation and eager to share their new knowledge. It has been a fantastic fortnight, full of curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning. 

Celebrating Our Fractured Fairytales Unit! 

Last week was a joyful and imaginative celebration of our Year 2 unit on Fractured Fairytales. The students’ creativity and enthusiasm truly brought the stories to life! 

On Wednesday, the classrooms were transformed into a fairy tale wonderland as students arrived dressed as their favourite fairy tale characters. From princesses and wolves to Jack and Willy Wonka, the costumes were fantastic and added a magical touch to the day. 

Throughout the day, students participated in a range of engaging activities that showcased their learning and creativity. They proudly read their self-written fractured fairy tales to the Prep students, sharing their unique twists on classic stories. In a hands-on challenge, they built houses for the Three Little Pigs using various materials – only to have the Big Bad Wolf attempt to blow them down. The excitement continued with a messy and fun science activity: making ‘Shrek’s Swamp’ slime, which was a hit with everyone! 

Year 3 – Celebrating Book Week and Learning Adventures  

Book Week was a wonderful celebration of imagination, creativity, and the joy of reading! Our school was buzzing with excitement as students and staff came dressed as their favourite book and movie characters.  

A huge thank you to our families for supporting the event and helping make it such a memorable day. Whether it was a handmade costume or a clever character choice, every student contributed to the magic of Book Week. It was a fantastic way to foster a love of reading and storytelling across all year levels. 

Meanwhile, in Year 3, students have been diving into two exciting learning areas: 

• In English, they’ve been exploring world rivers – learning about famous rivers like the Nile, Amazon, and Yangtze, and discovering how these waterways shape the lives of people and animals around them. Through reading, research, and writing activities, students are building their knowledge of geography while developing their literacy skills. 

• In Mathematics, the focus has been on Measurement. Year 3 learners have been investigating length and mass through hands-on activities and real-world applications. It’s been wonderful to see their curiosity grow as they measure, compare, and problem-solve in creative ways. 

We’re proud of the effort and engagement our students continue to show across all areas of learning. We’re looking forward to our swimming program commencing next week and more exciting activities.  

Keep up the great work, Year 3! 

Year 4 Camp 

This week our Year 4 students enjoyed an exciting camp at Ferngully Lodge in Healesville. The students spent three days immersed in nature, participating in group activities like games, initiative challenges, high ropes, the giant swing, and archery. 

The natural surroundings were stunning and added to the sense of adventure. Students embraced challenges, supported each other, and many pushed beyond their comfort zones. 

Evenings were filled with fun, including night games and a movie. The food was fantastic and kept everyone energised. On the way home, we visited Maroondah Dam to learn about the water catchment system. It was wonderful to share our camp with the Bellarine Campus Year 4’s. A special thanks to Julie Shutie and Toby Scholes for joining us on camp.  

 The Year 4 Team  

Year 5 Camp – Fun, Friendship and Adventure at Mill Valley Ranch 

Our Year 5 students recently enjoyed an exciting three days away on camp, where the Surf Coast and Bellarine campuses came together for a time of fun, challenge, and connection. 

The days were packed with activities that encouraged students to try new things and work together. From horse riding and canoeing to the low ropes course and archery, there was no shortage of adventure. In the evenings, the fun continued with a night hike, bouncing on trampolines, and a round of the much-loved game Ed’s Alley. 

One of the greatest joys of camp was the opportunity to strengthen friendships within our own peer groups while also building new connections with students from the other campus. Sharing these experiences created special memories that will be remembered for a long time. 

A definite highlight for many was the cowboy-themed chapel. Students gathered together to sing songs and listen to encouraging messages, which added a meaningful and reflective dimension to the camp. 

Overall, Year 5 camp was a wonderful time of learning, laughter, and adventure. We are so proud of the way our students embraced every challenge and grew in confidence, teamwork, and friendship. 

National HPE Day: Movement, Wellbeing, and Connection 

National Health and Physical Education (HPE) Day is more than just a celebration — it’s a nationwide call to action that highlights the vital role HPE plays in the Australian Curriculum and in shaping the lives of young Australians. HPE teaches essential life skills such as movement, resilience, teamwork, respect, and wellbeing. It’s not just about sport — it’s about equipping every student with the tools to thrive in life. 

The Surf Coast Campus celebrated the spirit of HPE with a week-long initiative packed with fun, movement, and meaningful learning experiences. Many staff and students took the opportunity wear activewear or PE uniforms all week, promoting a culture of health and activity. Teachers on yard duty joined students in play, fostering stronger connections and modelling active lifestyles. 

From The Chaplain

Our community prayer group runs on a Wednesday, from 3pm until pickup at 3:25pm, and all community members are welcome. If you join us, please ensure you sign in at reception (on the left-hand side of the main office).

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about prayer or our prayer groups.

CCG Shines at Snow Australia Interschool Championships 

Students from Christian College and many from our Surf Coast Campus recently competed in the Snow Australia Interschool Championships held at Mt Buller, participating in a range of exciting events including Ski Cross and Giant Slalom. The week-long competition was a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their skills, and they did extremely well across the board. 

The event kicked off with a vibrant opening ceremony on Monday night, featuring a lively parade and a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the alpine sky. It was a memorable start to a week filled with energy, sportsmanship, and celebration. 

Students have all reported to have had a blast! Many of our students have now made it to nationals which we are very proud of. 

Social Media Online Parent Forum – Postponed 

 We wish to advise that we have made the decision to postpone the upcoming ‘Navigating the Social Media Ban: Online Parent Forum’, which was to be next Tuesday evening, September 9. We understand that some parents may have been anticipating this event, following our earlier communication in The Vine, and we thank you for your patience and understanding. 

We recognise the importance of this topic and remain committed to working in partnership with parents to engage in these conversations. With the Federal Government’s social media ban for under-16s coming into effect from December, our focus is on supporting families as they prepare for and navigate the changes ahead. 

A new date for the forum will be shared with families soon. We anticipate this to be early in Term 4. 

Geelong Summer Music Camp Jan 11 -16, 2026

A Day Camp for Music Students aged 10 – 21 years

Christian College Geelong is proud to once again be hosting the Geelong Summer Music Camp at the Senior Campus in January 2026. The GSMC committee are excited to have registrations now open for the January 2026 Camp.

If you have a budding band, choir or string musician in your house, or you are involved in a school or community music program, please encourage students aged 10 – 21 years to consider attending.

The camp highlights:
The GSMC is a friendly, welcoming, and inclusive day camp. Students will play in a concert band, string orchestra, or sing in a choir throughout the week and then feature in a finale concert at Costa Hall.

Campers will also have the opportunity to choose an elective activity. The camp builds social time into its program where students are encouraged to connect with others, developing positive friendships and relationships with other campers and staff. Auditions at the start of the camp are designed as a time for the students to connect with the music tutors, but also allow the tutors to place students into the ensemble that best suits them, to set them up to have a rewarding week of growth and fun making music.

A Look Ahead – R U OK? Day

On Thursday 11th September, our College will acknowledge R U OK? Day—a national day of action that reminds us all to check in with those around us and start meaningful conversations that could change a life.

By raising awareness of this important initiative, we aim to build a mentally healthy community and foster an environment of care, empathy, and compassion.

We are inviting all students and staff to wear a splash of yellow on Thursday 11th September. This could include a ribbon, badge, or accessory. Please note, this is not a casual dress day.

As part of our R U OK? Day activities, we are also running a student art competition.

Students are asked to choose one of the following themes and submit one entry in the form of a drawing, painting or photography including a statement of explanation:

“What does connection mean to you?” 

“The power of a conversation”

“Friends help friends”

“Together, we flourish”

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.

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.

Join Our Growing Kinder Community at Butterfield House in 2026! 🌟

We are excited to announce that, due to high demand, we’ve added an extra 4-Year-Old Kinder group for 2026! 🙌

Even better – two of our groups now offer 19 hours of kinder across 3 full days each week, giving children plenty of time to learn, play, and nurture their curiosity in nature. 🌿

At Butterfield House, we pride ourselves on being an Exceeding rated service that fosters each child’s growth through a caring, play based program rich in nature play and discovery.

📞 Spaces are limited so please call 5264 6803 to find out more.

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.