From the Acting Principal
As we bid farewell to another remarkable year at Christian College, it is a fitting moment to reflect on what a truly unique and special place to which we belong. We are a school made up of five distinct campuses yet bonded together with shared values, a collective call to “Seek First the Kingdom of God” and a philosophical aim to provide an education that not only excels academically but also nurtures the holistic development of each individual. I am proud to be part of this school.
Over the past two weeks, I have had the privilege of attending all five campus’ end-of-year celebration events, firstly Senior School’s Presentation Afternoon last Tuesday, followed by celebration evenings at Costa Hall for Belmont, Bellarine, Highton and Surf Coast campuses. They each recognised not only the efforts, achievements and contributions of students throughout 2023, but also celebrated the important role that community plays in shaping the hearts and minds of our young people. And each campus was able to do that in its own unique and powerful way. I am truly amazed how each campus was able to put together such a high-quality event at such a busy time of the year.
What was so striking about these celebration events was the sense of unity, a oneness between everyone involved. Psalm chapter 133 verse 1 says: “How wonderful it is, how pleasant, for God’s people to live together in harmony”. Unfortunately, there’s certainly a lot going on in the world that’s neither pleasant nor harmonious. And whilst it’s important that our young people, through their educational journey, learn about the challenges facing humanity, it is even more important that they are taught that there is hope, that people can live together in peace, that unity is not only desirable, but attainable.
As we look forward to Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, we can be again encouraged by the message that it brings of peace and goodwill. And this message is not only one of families, friends and loved ones coming together at Christmas, but also one where God invites us also to connect with Him. Celebrating Christ’s birth is an opportunity to acknowledge God’s love for us, that He is with us. So, as we share in the joy of Christmas, let us carry this message of hope into the coming year, inspiring our students to believe in a world where people can live together in harmony. I am truly grateful to be part of a school that not only imparts knowledge but instils in its students the values of truth, grace, faith, hope and love.
In closing, I draw your attention to the document link below – it is a list of key calendar dates for 2024, which will be a useful reference as you plan for next year.
May you each have a blessed Christmas and a safe and happy new year. I look forward to seeing you all again when school returns in 2024.
Rick Geall, Acting Principal
From the Campus Coordinator
As we say farewell to another wonderful year filled with many blessings, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your ongoing support, love, and support, it has certainly been appreciated. There have been so many highlights this year and so much to be thankful for. Our children have had a wonderful Term 4 together, full of fun and great times. Our Celebration Evening last night was such a reminder that God’s love, families and friendship are such an important part of our lives and our College beliefs. As we look toward Christmas we are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. Finding the real joy of Christmas comes not in the busyness and the hurrying to be prepared for Christmas Day but when we make Jesus the focus of the season. As you enjoy this special time with family and friends, I pray that you find the real joy and your Christmas is full of blessings.
From all the staff at our Surf Coast Campus, have a wonderful Christmas and a restful break and we look forward to connecting with you again at the start of next year. God bless you.
Debbie Riddle, Campus Coordinator
Surf Coast Carnival and Adventure Park
This year’s Surf Coast Carnival for our Preps – Year 4 and Adventure Park for our Year 5 was a wonderful day of celebration and enjoying some time with their friends and teachers. The weather was perfect, and the activities were just wonderful. The Year 5s had so much fun exploring Adventure Park and conquering as many slides and water activities as they could. The Prep – Year 4 students spent the day on jumping castles and giant slides, decorating biscuits, playing giant lawn games, completing Christmas crafts and eating fairy floss and snow cones.
Days like today are so much fun and such a blessing for everyone!
Debbie Riddle, Campus Coordinator
Preps – so Much to be Proud of
As we come to the end of this academic year, we want to take a moment to express how proud we are of every one of our Preppies. They have all grown so much academically, socially, and emotionally. Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance has paid off, and we are thrilled to see the progress you they made. It has been an absolute pleasure teaching the 2023 Surf Coast Preps, and we are so grateful that we have been a part of their schooling journey. As we celebrate this special last week of school together, let us reflect on all that we have accomplished and look forward to the bright future ahead. Congratulations Preppies!
Caitlin Maher
Nereda Welsh
Japanese in Year 1
In Year 1 this term, we have been learning to say the names for different family members in Japanese. To help us learn this, we have been practising and performing a version of the folktale ‘おおきいなかぶ’ (ookiina kabu) or the Giant Turnip. The folktale tells the story of an old man who grows a turnip so large that he cannot pull it out by himself. He then needs to call on everyone, including animals, to help him pull it out.
This week, we got dressed up and performed the story for some of the Junior School classes. The students did a wonderful job of saying their lines in Japanese and reenacting the folktale together.
Tomomi Suzuki
Year 1 – a Joyous Journey
Reflecting on the fantastic experiences we’ve shared in Year 1, bidding farewell to this extraordinary grade is bittersweet. This week was particularly memorable as we immersed ourselves in festive cheer through Christmas activities, engaging games, a lively carnival day, and the highlight—our very own Year 1 shop. Throughout the term, our young learners demonstrated admirable dedication, diligently honing their financial literacy and trading skills. To acknowledge their hard work, our thoughtful teachers orchestrated a special shop, allowing the students to indulge in some well-deserved spending with the money they earned. It served as a delightful way to commemorate their efforts and usher them into a thoroughly deserved break. As we approach the holiday season, we extend heartfelt wishes of Merry Christmas to our wonderful families, grateful for the joyous journey we’ve had in Year 1.
Nick Hogan
Sarah Minge
Japanese Students of the Week
In Term 4, students learned about school subject, including art, maths, science, sport and computer in Japanese language (year 5), places in Kanji with Neko chan and Sakana san’s story (Year 4) and days of the week and food and drink meals for each day (Year 3). The following students were given awards for their excellent contribution and performance in the Japanese class.
Year 5
Leia Coleman – made a great effort in all tasks, especially speaking.
Abi Ridgewell – excellent result in all tasks and always tries her best.
Hugo Olsson – dedicated in all activities – a high achiever of listening tasks.
James O’Shanassy – excellent result in all tasks, especially listening and speaking.
Year 4
Avery Bowyer – excellent results in all tasks and a great role model.
Jude Griffin – excellent results in all tasks and always tries challenging tasks.
Alana Jordaan – made a great effort and participates in class with positivity.
Dane Hornsby – made a great effort especially in writing activities in Kanji in class.
Year 3
3J
Finn Hunter – excellent results in all tasks.
Mia Sticca – always dedicated, hardworking and a high achiever.
Lily Olsson – always kind to others and makes a great effort.
Tayler Wilkins – worked very hard on making a book assignment.
3T
John Bechis – talented in Japanese language learning and always focused on every tasks.
Edward Clark – excellent result in all tasks and shows kindness to others.
Lily Kennedy – High achiever of all skills in Japanese and works well with others.
Harrison Shutie – excellent result in all tasks and always tries his best.
Max Teschendorf – High achiever of all skills in Japanese and dedicated learner.
Tomomi Suzuki
2T’s Class Shop
During this semester, Year 2s have earnt classroom cash by being organised: bringing their School Diary each day and recording their Take-Home reading each night. Over the weeks, their savings built up and they used their mathematical skills to exchange their silver coins for dollar coins, and then dollar notes. Some students amassed quite a substantial stash of cash in their wallets!
During the last two weeks of term, the students have loved shopping in the Class Shop, which is stocked with donated toys from home. They have loved some retail therapy during Maths classes and enjoyed playing with their new toys at recess, while learning how to add up dollars and cents and calculate change.
Sharon Sutton
From the Director of Wellbeing
As we near the end of 2023, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you a safe and Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday break. Holidays provide us all with the chance to take a much need rest, connect with family and friends or to engage in many of the life pursuits and hobbies that ‘fill our bucket’. It is important to acknowledge however, that holidays can bring about unique challenges and some unexpected stressors for some members of our school community and so with this in mind it is important to remember that support is always available to you and your family.
In the spirit of promoting a mentally healthy community and to encourage help seeking behaviours, I would like to share with you some information about support agencies available to you and your child during the holiday break.
Geelong Regional Library services have some great activities for young people during the holiday break.
Summer by the Sea offer a wide range of activities, giving everyone the chance to learn whilst having fun at the same time. Summer By the Sea will be running between 6 January and 25 January 2024, during the school holiday period. The 2024 program is being designed to be inclusive of all ages, and abilities.
Parks Victoria offer a Junior Ranger program and whilst their 2024 program is yet to released, you can subscribe for updates via this website.
Geelong Youth also have a number of opportunities to connect.
Kids Helpline will continue to be available during the holiday break, 24 hours, 7 days per week. They are there to help you with anything!
Headspace Geelong supports young people, from 12-25, who are going through a tough time. They can assist young people in four key areas; Physical Health (incl. sexual health), Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs and Work and Study Support - They will be closed during the holiday period from Friday 22nd @ 3:00pm but reopening on Tuesday 2nd Jan @ 9:00am.
Beyond Blue is available to support you with your mental health journey, specifically with anxiety or depression.
ReachOut provides the opportunity for young people to get a deeper understanding and perspective on what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who will provide judgement-free support, and build the resilience to manage their challenges now and in the future. They also provide information and advice to getting and using a mental health plan.
Lifeline provide 24 hour crisis support to individuals experiencing significant emotional distress and provide access to suicide prevention.
Parentline is a statewide telephone counselling and support service for all Victorian parents and carers of children from 0-18 years. Experienced social workers, psychologists and family therapists can give you counselling and information around a wide range of parenting issues.
Finally, Headspace have also provided some recommended actions to stay healthy during the holidays that I thought could be of benefit to you and your child:
- Exercise boosts mood and mental health – make it fun!
- Nourish your brain by eating healthily – it will also improve your mood
- Prioritise sleep to support mental and emotional wellbeing
- Explore relaxation techniques and coping strategies
- Stay in touch and catch up with friends and loved ones
- Make time to do things you enjoy
- Practise positive self-talk – and remember you are not alone
- Seek professional help if needed.
For our Year 12s, whilst I would like to encourage them to make the most of your well-deserved break, could I also suggest that they keep in mind the importance of balancing rest and relaxation with academic preparation. It goes without saying that the holidays are an excellent time to unwind and recharge, but dedicating some time to holiday homework can significantly contribute to their readiness for the upcoming school year in 2024. Completing assigned tasks over the break not only ensures that they stay on top of your coursework but also allows them to start the new term with confidence and a sense of accomplishment. I have suggested that they aim for this holiday break to be a harmonious blend of productivity and rejuvenation!
Please note, that as we encourage growth and autonomy at our Senior Campus, an email of a similar nature has been sent directly to our Senior school students.
I do wish you all a wonderful break and I look forward to supporting the wellbeing of our school community in 2024.
Kim Doherty, Director of Wellbeing
Get Some Unique Christmas Cards and Support Williams House
This year Williams House is selling packets of Christmas cards designed by our own little artists!
We are selling our Angel/Shepherd cards for $5 for a pkt of 6 and our Nativity cards are $7 for a pkt of 10. Each packet contains either 6 or 10 different designs.
If you would like to support the kinder and share our creations with the community this Christmas, the cards are available at all CCG campus receptions and of course at Williams House. Payment can be made with cash or card.
We also take over-the-phone orders with direct deposit. Phone 5241 3556
All money raised will go towards making some new additions to our outdoor yards!
We hope you love these gorgeous creations and enjoy sharing them with your family and the community this Christmas!
With thanks from all the children and the team at WH!
Stephanie Butler, Director Williams House Kindergarten
Uniform Shop Clearance Sale!
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