Surf Coast Term 3 Week 8

From the Executive Principal 

On Wednesday many of our staff, students and families attended the Memorial Service for Milla Killeen who tragically passed away two weeks earlier in the bus accident. The outpouring of support for the Killeen family was overwhelming, with more than 800 people attending the moving service honouring Milla’s life.  

Natasha Troop, Head of our Middle School Campus, gave a beautiful tribute on behalf of the College. I would like to share, with permission, part of Natasha’s message: 

“At Christian College we talk about students who shine their light on others, Milla had a gift of giving to others, making them feel special and valued, her light shone so brightly. She never dimmed her own light to fit in with others. Other peers saw this and were drawn to her confidence and easy-going attitude. 

"Her presence has been felt deeply, and her absence even more so. Her spirit, her laughter, and that radiant smile will be carried in our hearts forever and reflected in our relationships with each other. 

"To us, Milla was more than just a student. She was a reminder of why we teach, to witness the spark in someone’s eyes when they discover something new, to be part of their journey, and to learn from them as much as they learn from us. This was Milla, and we miss her deeply. We continue to remember her in the laughter we shared, in the joy she spread, and in the friendships we were lucky to be a part of. Milla continues to bring out the best in all of us.” 

RUOK Day

This week, our Surf Coast community came together to recognize RUOK? Day, a special day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and checking in on each other. This important event encouraged students, staff, and parents to ask a simple yet powerful question: “Are you OK?” Our goal was to spread the message that a conversation could make all the difference.

The week was filled with engaging activities designed to promote well-being and connection.

One of the highlights was our ‘decorate a biscuit activity’, which brought plenty of fun and excitement at recess and lunchtime!

What’s Happening at Surf Coast?

TERM  3 2025

WEEK 9

Monday 15 – Wednesday 17 September: Middle School Music Camp – Selected students 

Monday 15 – 17 September:  Prep – Year 4 Intensive Swimming Program continues

Wednesday 17 September:  Footy Colours Day

Thursday 18 September:  Year 4 Excursion to IMAX & Melbourne Museum

Friday 19 September:  Year 4 – Year 7 Talent Quest – Middle School Highton Campus

Friday 19 September:  Students Dismissed at 2.30pm

Science Expo

Our annual Science Expo took place this week, and it was an incredible showcase of the scientific curiosity and creativity of our young learners. The event featured a wide range of learning and projects from students Prep through Year 7, covering various fields of science. Parents and families were invited to witness the impressive displays of scientific knowledge and enthusiasm exhibited by our budding scientists. The success of the Science Expo is a testament to the dedication of our teachers and the passion of our students for the world of science. We believe that fostering an early interest in science will help our students become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators of the future.

Thank you to all the parents who joined us to observe and celebrate the learning journey of our students.

Year 1 Day Camp to Araluen

Our exciting day at Araluen began with some fun team-building activities and trampolining. Everyone had a great time jumping around and working together to complete challenges!

Next, we took on the low ropes course, which was a favourite for many. It was so much fun balancing, climbing, and encouraging our friends as we made our way through the course.

For lunch, we were treated to a delicious chicken burger followed by refreshing ice cream – a perfect way to recharge after our busy morning!

In the afternoon, we hopped on the bus and headed to the beach. There, we enjoyed a range of beach games, including Tug of War, footy, and a sandcastle competition. It was a fantastic way to enjoy the sunshine and get active.

We then returned to Araluen for a tasty afternoon tea, followed by more games and time to relax. To end our fun-filled day, we had a delicious pasta dinner.

It was an unforgettable day full of fun, friends, and fantastic memories!

Year 3 – Science, Swimming and Smiles

It has been a big couple of weeks in Year 3, and we are so proud of all that our students have achieved. This week has been especially busy with the start of our intensive swimming program. The students have shown great determination and resilience as they splash, kick and glide their way through each session, building both confidence and skill in the water.

Another highlight of the week was our amazing Science Expo on Wednesday afternoon. The students loved inviting families into our classrooms to present their world river information reports, along with the creative river animal models they have worked so hard on in Art. It was wonderful to see so many parents and special guests come along to celebrate the learning, these moments of sharing really do mean the world to our students.

As we head into the last week of term, we know how busy and exciting this time can be. With lots of illness still around, we encourage everyone to take extra care, eat nourishing foods, drink plenty of water and make time for rest. This way, we can all enjoy a strong and happy finish to Term 3.

We look forward to a fantastic final week together and celebrating all the growth and joy from this term!

Year 5 Gold Day

On Tuesday, our Year 5 students stepped back in time to the 1850s as we celebrated Gold Day. This special event was part of our Humanities and English studies, where we have been learning about the Victorian Gold Rush and the Eureka Stockade, and how these events shaped the history of Australia.

The day was filled with hands-on experiences that brought history to life. Students tried their hand at writing the oath that the miner’s swore to the Eureka Flag with old-fashioned ink wells and nib pens, discovering just how tricky it was to keep a steady hand.

In the school kitchen, groups worked together to make damper, which we then cooked over a fire down at Spring Creek. The smell of freshly baked damper with jam, and the experience of cooking outdoors, helped us imagine what life might have been like for those on the goldfields.

One of the highlights was dressing up in trooper and police costumes from Sovereign Hill, which gave everyone a chance to feel like part of the Gold Rush era. The mix of classroom learning, outdoor activities, and role-play made it a fantastic day. Gold Day was not only fun but also a memorable way to deepen our understanding of this important period in Australia’s history.

Year 7 Poetry and Humanities

This term in English, our Year 7 students have immersed themselves in the world of poetry. They have been reading, listening to, analysing, and writing their own poems, exploring how language can be used to express ideas and emotions in powerful ways. Many students have discovered their unique voice, using poetry as a platform to share their perspectives on current social issues. Through figurative language, they have created vivid imagery that paints pictures in the minds of their audiences, producing work that is both insightful and thought-provoking.

In Humanities, students have been investigating Australia’s natural resources and the liveability factors that make our country such a remarkable place to call home. With each unit of study in Geography, students were given a choice of assessment tasks, and many embraced the creative challenge of blending their English and Humanities learning by writing poems about Australia’s liveability.

We invite you to enjoy the collection of poems crafted by our budding poets—an inspiring showcase of creativity, depth, and insight from our Year 7 students.

Working with Clay in Prep

This term we have been exploring a variety of modelling materials with a particular focus on both hard clay and soft clay.

Giving the students the opportunity to work and create with clay fosters large muscle and fine motor control.  Clay modelling is a little resistant and so to shape it the students needed to knead and work it to make it pliable. Students were encouraged to stand or sit while using clay. For some, standing provided the advantage of a whole-body muscular reaction to the clay. Students were also encouraged to play with the clay to further foster fine motor control.

Our Preps recently celebrated their 100 days of school and in art we looked at ancient ceramics and fossil ammonite patterns that we were able to incorporate during our clay exploration.

From the photos, I think you will see some great little clay creations and appreciate the little fingers that made them.

Gymnastics Fun at Surf Coast

Term 3 PE got off to a great start with students undertaking a 4-week Gymnastics program, as part of the Physical Education curriculum.

Students welcomed gymnastics coach, Kerry Woods from ‘Head Over Heels Gymnastics’. Kerry has been a part of our school’s gymnastics program for many years and it’s great to have her coaching skills and expertise with us at Surf Coast again this year.

With safety rules, warm-ups and explanations covered, the children were soon flipping, rolling and jumping around numerous stations involving different apparatus and activities.

The activities involve use of various apparatus to develop gymnastic skills such as balance beam walks, forward & backwards rolls on foam wedges, star, rocket and tuck jumps on mini tramps as well as front supports, leaps, cartwheels, hand stands and arabesques.

It was great to see our students improving their flexibility, strength and coordination.

Congratulations to Our Athletes!

We are thrilled to congratulate the students John Bechis, Archie Hodgart, Edwina Rau and Dane Hornsby our campus for qualifying to compete at this year’s School Sport Victoria (SSV) Geelong North Division Athletics Championships, held on Tuesday this week at Landy Field.

This event marked Stage 2 of the SSV Primary Athletics Pathway, bringing together talented athletes from across Geelong North Division-affiliated schools. The level of competition was incredibly high, and we are proud to say that all our students that represented Christian College from across the campuses with outstanding sportsmanship, determination, and pride.

A special mention goes to the following students from our campus who achieved exceptional results and personal bests in their respective events:

• John Bechis – 3rd in High Jump, 5th in 200m
• Archie Hodgart – 5th in Long Jump
• Edwina Rau – 5th in 800m
• Dane Hornsby – 1st in 200m, 1st in 100m

We extend a huge thank you to all staff across the participating schools for their coordination and support in running such a successful event. We also sincerely thank the parents for their ongoing encouragement and support in preparing their children and attending on the day.

Finally, a big thank you to our Sport Faculty for their dedication and effort in making this opportunity possible for our students.

Well done to all involved – we are incredibly proud of your achievements!

Outstanding Achievement in Dance – Congratulations to Pollyanna Sutcliffe!

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Pollyanna Sutcliffe, whose dedication, talent, and passion for dance continue to shine on the national stage.

Training every night and most mornings, Pollyanna recently competed in the prestigious Ballet Teachers’ Workshop Auditions, which began with over 500 young dancers from across Australia. After progressing through the preliminary heats and semi-finals, she was selected as one of the top 25 dancers in her age group—and went on to win the final, earning a scholarship to support her ongoing training this year.

Her success didn’t stop there. Pollyanna also competed in the Royal Academy of Dance competition, once again advancing through the preliminary and semi-final rounds to reach the finals, where she was awarded the Overall Junior Award, a title that spans four different age categories.

In addition to these incredible accomplishments, Pollyanna is a proud participant in the Australian Ballet’s Intra/Interstate Training Program and will be attending an intensive training session during the upcoming school holidays.

We commend Pollyanna for her unwavering commitment and excellence in dance. Her achievements are a testament to her hard work, resilience, and love for the art form. Congratulations on this outstanding success!

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.

The 2025 Sport Hall of Honour Event

We are delighted to announce that our second Sport Hall of Honour event is on next month, where we will induct Olympic Gold Medallist and CCG alumnus, Jakara Anthony OAM. Jakara is the third inductee into the Hall of Honour, joining 2023 inductees Gary Ablett Junior and Teagan Phillip.

Since graduating from Christian College in 2016. Jakara has gone on to become an Australian freestyle skier and Olympic gold medallist. Jakara was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours for service to sport as a gold medallist in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

Jakara is taking time out of her Olympic preparation training to come back to the College to receive this honour. In addition to celebrating Jakara’s journey, there will also be a number of current students who will receive awards including the following:

• Rising Eagle Award (students competing at a national level of their chosen sport).
• CCG Eagles Team of the Year
• Jakara Anthony Medal

Come along and hear about Jakara’s inspirational journey and what she plans to achieve next.

The date is October 20 and the evening runs from 6pm to 8pm at Rydges Geelong on the corner of Myers and Gheringhap Streets (enter via Myers St). If you’d like to join us, visit our webpage here, or access it via the hotlink on our homepage, for more information and to purchase tickets, which are priced at $35 per head. Light finger food will be provided and drinks can be purchased at the bar.

Come and join us for a very special event where we recognise the remarkable feats of one of our graduates, as well as current students who are also achieving great things in sport!

Countdown to the Quest of 25!  

The countdown is on for the 2025 Middle School Talent Quest, happening Friday  September 19 at the Highton Middle School SAC!  

Students from Highton, Surf Coast, and Bellarine campuses will come together for an unforgettable celebration of creativity and courage. This year’s theme, “SHINE YOUR LIGHT” has invited students to share their unique gifts – whether it’s music, dance, comedy, culture, or something totally unexpected. The auditions happening around the campus have been incredible and we have been treated to a whole variety of CCG talent.  

We are excited to finish the term together, with our three middle schools enjoying a time of community connection and celebration of the gifts we can share with each other.  

Stay tuned for our wrap up of this special day in our calendar!  

The Talent Quest Team 

Spring Into Strings

On Wednesday night this week, the Junior String ensembles from Bellarine, Surf Coast and Junior School campuses gathered at the RW Gibson Centre to celebrate the beginning of Spring with our annual performance event-'Spring into Strings'.

The evening was an excellent showcase of the String programs running in our Junior Schools, and a wonderful opportunity for the ensembles to perform for each other and their families. Each of the campus ensembles performed individually before combining to form a massed String Ensemble which presented two pieces for their captive audience.

There were many excited and nervous young musicians at the start of the night, but it was amazing to see these young people focus and perform with such musicality, especially as the combined items had not been rehearsed together since our Junior String Day which was held back  in June - well done to all! The sound that these students produced belied the fact that they have only been playing a few short years.

Thanks to our accompanists Tammy Treloar, Molly Hanson and Stephanie Lawrence, as well as the string teaching staff- Cecilia Bell, Catie Martin, Siobhan O’Shaughnessy, Jeanette Carnie, Miriam Bell and Shohreh Mehrabadi.

Martin DeMarte and on behalf of Rebecca Bertoncello and Matheus Oliveira
Directors of the Junior String Ensembles

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.

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.