Surf Coast Term 4 Week 2

From the Executive Principal

Last night we had our Annual Music Evening at Costa Hall. I was absolutely blown away by the standard of musicianship displayed by more than 500 of our performing students from as young as Prep all the way through to Year 12, and by the professionalism of the whole production. There were the heart-warmingly cute moments, watching our youngest students singing and dancing with abandon, but there were also the inspiring moments of watching such musical excellence that it was hard to believe these were all school students.

Of course, behind every confident performance, every polished ensemble, and every joyful moment on stage, was the quiet, consistent investment of time, energy, and care by our dedicated music staff team who give so much of themselves, through early mornings, late afternoons, rehearsals, lessons, planning, and encouragement, and it all culminated in a celebration that truly honoured the talent and spirit of our students. What stood out most to me was not just the standard of performance, but the pride and joy radiating from our students. That is the result of their guidance, their belief in our students, and the safe, nurturing spaces they create where students can grow, express themselves, and thrive. Our students are incredibly lucky to have such a passionate, talented and committed team of music staff who see their potential, challenge them to rise, and walk alongside them every step of the way. Thank you to our music staff for a truly magical night.

What’s Happening at Surf Coast?

TERM 4, WEEK 3

Monday 20 October: Beach Prep, 11.20am – 1.00pm

Wednesday 22 October: Grandparents Day, 2.00pm – 3.25pm

Thursday 23 October: Year 5 & 6 Sport, Swimming, Highton Campus Aquatic Centre

Thursday 23 October: Lunchtime Concert, selected students  

Friday 24 October: Assembly, Prep – Year 4, 9.00am 

WEEK 4

Monday 27 October: 2026 Prep Transition Session

Thursday 30 October: Year 5 & 6 Sport, Swimming, Highton Campus Aquatic Centre

Friday 31 October: Assembly, Year 5 – Year 7, 9.00am 

Prep Day Camp – A Day of Farmyard Fun and More!

Last week, our Prep students embarked on a wonderful Day Camp adventure starting at the school’s Back Creek Farm — and what a day it was!

Students spent the day in small groups, rotating through a variety of hands-on farm experiences. We met some of the farm’s fluffiest residents — the guinea pigs! Everyone had the chance to gently hold and cuddle these adorable creatures before heading off to visit the chickens in their spacious chicken area. The clucks and flutters made for a lively start to the day!

We met the cheeky goats who kept us entertained with their playful personalities. Laughter echoed across the farm as we joined in some classic farm games, including the hilarious “Chuck the Boot” and a competitive round of tug of war.

One of the most magical parts of the day was exploring the special garden inside the enormous white greenhouse. Students were fascinated by the plants growing within and were thrilled to take home their very own seedlings — a little piece of the farm to care for and grow.

Year 1

As we begin our final term of Year 1, it has been wonderful to see how beautifully the students have settled back into school life. They have returned with smiles, excitement, and a strong sense of independence. It is clear how much they have grown this year already both in their confidence and their ability to take responsibility for themselves and their learning.

This term, we will be exploring weather and our natural environment. The students have been learning about how different types of weather affect what we wear and how we live. They have loved discussing sunny, rainy, and windy days, and thinking about how to prepare for each kind of weather.

We have also been spending time outdoors, observing changes in our surroundings. The children have noticed colourful leaves, cool breezes, and the movement of clouds in the sky, especially with our extreme winds and weather we have been having. They have asked thoughtful questions about how weather helps plants, animals, and people. It has been so encouraging to see their curiosity, teamwork, and enthusiasm shine every lesson.

Year 3 Update – Term 4 Has Begun!

It’s hard to believe we’ve already begun our final term of Year 3! The students have returned full of energy, smiles, and curiosity, ready for another big term of learning and fun.

We’ve jumped straight into our new Vikings Unit, and it’s safe to say there’s a lot of excitement in the air! So far, we’ve discovered where the Vikings came from, what life was like in their villages, and how they explored and travelled the world in their famous longships. The students have loved comparing aspects of Viking life to their own and are eager to uncover more about this fascinating period of history in the weeks ahead.

In Maths, we’ve started exploring Data and Statistics. We’ve been learning how to collect and organise data in different ways, and how to present our findings using picture graphs. The students have enjoyed creating their own class surveys and turning their results into colourful and informative displays.

Last Wednesday, we had an amazing day on our excursion to the Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium. We caught the bus up to Melbourne and spent the day exploring the incredible underwater world, from mesmerising jellyfish to playful penguins and enormous sharks! The excursion tied in perfectly with our Biological Sciences – Living Things unit from Term 3, allowing students to see many of the animals and habitats we had been learning about up close. A huge thank you to our wonderful parent helpers who joined us and helped make the day such a success.

We’re looking forward to an exciting and busy Term 4 ahead, filled with learning, creativity, and plenty of fun as we make the most of our final term together in Year 3!

Exploring the World of Wonder!

By Year 5

This term, Year 5 has begun reading the novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio — and we’re already hooked! So far, we’ve read the first 100 pages, where we’ve met Auggie Pullman and followed his journey as he starts school for the first time.

We’ve been exploring important themes such as kindness, acceptance, friendship, and courage. Through our discussions and activities, we’ve been learning how Auggie’s story reminds us that everyone deserves respect and that being different is something to celebrate.

Students have taken part in a range of creative and reflective activities to help them connect with the story — from writing responses and sharing opinions, to fun group tasks that help us see the world through Auggie’s eyes.

Our class has really enjoyed diving into the world of Wonder, and we’re excited to keep reading to find out what happens next! As Auggie reminds us, “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.” 🌟

Year 6 Market Day – Sustainable Business in Action!

Over the past few weeks, our Year 6 students have been working hard to develop their own sustainable businesses as part of our integrated English and Humanities unit. In small teams, students have conducted market research, designed products and services, and written persuasive pitches to promote their ideas.

This hands-on project has encouraged students to think critically about sustainability from how materials are sourced to how waste can be reduced. Each group has focused on balancing creativity with environmental responsibility while learning key skills in marketing, teamwork, and financial literacy.

Students are now busily preparing for our upcoming Market Day, where they will run their stalls and sell their eco-friendly creations to the school community. All profits raised will be donated to The Big Freeze as voted by the students, allowing students to see how their efforts can make a real difference.

We can’t wait to see our young entrepreneurs in action and celebrate their innovative, sustainable, and community-minded ideas!

Masterpieces to be seen and to be eaten!

Our Food Studies students in Years 6 and 7 have been doing an amazing job in the kitchen. It’s been great to see their confidence grow as they learn new skills, follow recipes, and work together to create some delicious dishes. They’re showing a strong understanding of kitchen safety, hygiene, and healthy eating — all while having a lot of fun cooking and trying new things.

It has been so great to see their enthusiasm and the effort they bring to each lesson. Our Visual Arts students have been busy bringing their creativity to life. They’ve been designing and constructing incredible animal images and sculptures using mixed media, paper mâché, wire, and textiles. It’s been wonderful to see their ideas take shape as they experiment with different textures, materials, and construction techniques. The students are showing great imagination, persistence, and pride in their work — and the results are truly impressive. We look forward to sharing them with you in our upcoming Art Show.

Year 7: A Bright Start to Term 4

Term 4 has begun with great energy and enthusiasm from our Year 7 students. It’s been wonderful to see them return with a positive mindset and a genuine eagerness to dive into their learning.

In English, students have embarked on an inspiring journey through The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba. This powerful story has sparked rich discussions around innovation, environmental challenges, and the strength of community. These themes complement our Humanities focus this term, where students are exploring Global Citizenship and Economics. Through their investigation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, students are learning how local actions can contribute to global change.

We’re especially excited about the upcoming Year 7 Exhibition, where students will showcase their Humanities learning. They’ll present thoughtful ideas and proposed solutions to local issues, demonstrating their growing understanding of how to be active, informed citizens.

Looking back to last term, we celebrate Stella Newman-King, whose exceptional poetry was published in the Geelong Advertiser. Her heartfelt writing is a testament to the creativity and passion we see in our students.

This week, Year 7s also had a hands-on experience with local wildlife as part of their new Science unit. It was a fantastic way to kick off their exploration of ecosystems and biodiversity.

It’s already shaping up to be a busy and enriching term, full of opportunities for deep learning, creativity, and connection. We look forward to everything our Year 7s will accomplish in the weeks ahead!

Year 7 Science – Wildlife Incursion

Our Year 7 students enjoyed a visit from local company ‘Wildlife Xposure’ who brought along a range of native animals for students to interact with, such as: ring tail possum, green tree frog, barn owl, stumpy tail lizard, frill neck dragon, a python and a crocodile. Discussions focused on ecosystems and classification. Students were encouraged to care for and be safe around our native animals. It was an enjoyable experience for students and staff alike and we were all reminded of how amazing and often wonderfully unique our native animals are in Australia.

Following the incursion the students shared some of their reflections:

Lani – “It was really interesting to see the different types of animals and learn about where they come from and their adaptations.”

Blake – “The barn owl was awesome!”

Lachlan – “I learnt that there are different types of blue tongue lizards. I never actually knew that!”

Alex – “It was cool seeing animals in real life that we don’t normally get to see, and learning lots of facts about them.”

James – “It was really great to learn about how different species are classified and how they are named.”

Blessing Of Pets Poster

Art Show

We are looking forward to our Surf Coast Campus Art Show on November 6 and invite all parents and families along to view an exceptional collection of work by students at all levels of our campus. We hope you can join us!

Community Prayer Group

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.

Christian College Geelong Annual Music Evening 2025

An Evening of Musical Highlights!

The Christian College Geelong Annual Music Evening 2025 featured the College’s major campus ensembles, performing a selection of their repertoire from throughout the year to a capacity audience in Costa Hall on Wednesday night. The music department was excited to be able to combine ‘like’ bands, string orchestras and choirs to give students the thrill and joy of playing and singing in these significantly larger groups. To everyone who attended, thanks for your continued support of the music program, students & staff.

This concert was a unique opportunity to highlight music performance from Years Prep through to Year 12 in one program. The enthusiasm of Junior School students, through to the mature skills and musicianship displayed by our Senior School performers provided us with a snapshot of what students can achieve over many years of development, when immersed in an encouraging and supportive community. Each performance is also a testament to the many who are committed to doing great work in the Music Department; our students are blessed to be taught by highly skilled music educators who are committed to each young person on their educational journey.

The music program flourishes across the campuses, its participants are encouraged and supported by many. Thank you to the parents of our musicians, it is evident that our college families value the opportunities that come from an excellent music education for their students.

Spotlight on Wellbeing

Continuing to help your child thrive all the way to the end of term four!

Term 4 is upon us with summer on its way! Students will be counting down to finishing school, their first summer holidays and the end of another school year here at Christian College. This also may mean beginning a transition to another year level, campus or even graduating, which can bring a mixture of emotions.

Consistent routines provide safe structures and can help students function with independence. With Term 4 being filled with events and learning, consistent routines in the final weeks of the school year play a big part in helping them succeed at school.

Predictable routines reduce stress, improve focus, and help your child manage daily responsibilities with greater ease. This is just as important for our Preps who have nearly successfully finished their first year of school, all the way to our Year 12s who are about to embark on a new journey.

It is important to continue these daily habits

• Time management
• Better sleep and focus
• Reduced last-minute stress
• Healthier habits like reading, exercise and family connection

Navigating the Social Media Ban Online Parent Forum

Thank you to all parents and carers who attended our ‘Navigating the Social Media Age Restrictions’ online parent forum on Monday evening. Feedback shared by parents during the evening, including during our breakout room discussions, reinforced the relevance and timeliness of this event. Attending parents also valued the ability to share insights and hear from other parents, which they found validating and supportive.

With our parent forum concluded, we will now be exploring ways that we can raise student awareness of the upcoming changes throughout Term 4 and help prepare them for the conversations that you will likely be engaging in with them at home as we approach December 10.

For parents and carers who were unable to attend our own parent evening, we recommend registering for one of eSafety’s upcoming 30min parent webinars on ‘Social media age restrictions explained – a guide for parents and carers’.

You can find out more about these eSafety parent webinars here.

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!

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.

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.