Celebration Evening 2024 – A Night to Remember
What an incredible evening we shared at this year’s Celebration Evening! The excitement in the air was palpable as we gathered to celebrate the achievements and talents of our students, and it was truly a night to remember.
A heartfelt congratulations to all students who received awards during the evening. Your dedication, hard work, and achievements are an inspiration to us all, and we are so proud of you!
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the spectacular musical performance, themed around the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. From the awe-inspiring choreography to the vibrant costumes and captivating storytelling, the show was nothing short of incredibly entertaining.
Special mention must go to our Prep students, who made their debut performance in the adorable Penguin Parade. Their enthusiasm and charm brought so much joy to everyone in the audience—it was a truly precious moment.
This extraordinary event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Kate Notini and Courtney Davey, who brought the musical to life with their vision, creativity, and hard work. We are deeply grateful for all they have done to make this performance such a resounding success.
We also extend our sincerest thanks to the homeroom teachers, whose dedication and effort in preparing the students was evident in every aspect of the evening. Your commitment to nurturing our students’ talents and confidence is truly appreciated.
Finally, to our wonderful families, thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement. Your presence and involvement mean so much to our students and our school community.
As we look back on this special evening, we are reminded of the extraordinary talents and spirit within our school. Congratulations once again to all involved—you have made us incredibly proud!
Debbie Riddle, Campus Leader
Surf Coast Carnival Day
Carnival Day at school is always a highlight of the year, filled with excitement and laughter. Students eagerly anticipate the petting zoo, where they can interact with adorable animals like goats and bunnies. Jumping castles offer endless fun, allowing kids to bounce and play with friends.
The sweet treat of slushies kept everyone cool and refreshed throughout the day.
One of the most hilarious traditions is throwing cream at teachers, turning the day into a playful battle of laughter and joy.
Carnival Day creates unforgettable memories, bringing the whole school community together for a day of fun and celebration.
Debbie Riddle, Campus Leader
The Prep Day Camp
The Prep Day Camp to Ballarat Wildlife Park was an unforgettable adventure for the kids. The excitement began as soon as they boarded the bus, buzzing with anticipation for the day ahead. Upon arrival, they were greeted by the park’s diverse array of animals. One of the first highlights was meeting Crunch, the enormous crocodile, whose sheer size and power left everyone in awe. The kids were also charmed by the adorable fairy penguins, whose playful antics brought smiles to their faces. The cuddly koalas were a big hit too, as the children marvelled at their gentle nature and soft fur.
The adventure continued with a visit to the reptile house, where the kids got up close with various fascinating snakes and lizards. However, the absolute highlight of the day was feeding and patting the kangaroos. The children were thrilled to interact with these friendly marsupials, and the experience of feeding them was truly magical. They also had the chance to meet a big llama, which added an extra layer of excitement to their visit.
After a day filled with animal encounters, the group returned to school, where the fun continued. The kids enthusiastically helped put up the school Christmas tree, adding a festive touch to the day. They then enjoyed a delicious pizza dinner, which was the perfect way to refuel after their busy day. The evening concluded with a cozy Christmas movie, bringing a perfect end to what was undoubtedly the best day ever. The memories made at Ballarat Wildlife Park and the subsequent festivities at school will surely be cherished by the kids for a long time.
Nereda Welsh
Caitlin Maher
Festive Fun as Christmas Approaches
The Year 2 students have embraced the festive spirit of Christmas. As we prepare for the holiday season, we have been discussing the values of empathy and generosity. By exploring Lent, we remind the students that the holiday season is not just about receiving gifts but also about giving and making a difference in the lives of others.
Our celebrations have included a range of Christmas craft activities. These hands-on projects not only reinforce what the students have learned but also allow them to express their creativity. In particular, the students have focused on creating Christmas wreaths, which hold significant meaning. The class unpacked how the wreath symbolises everlasting life and the eternal nature of God, with its circular shape representing continuity and the cycle of life.
Through these activities, the students are not only having fun but also gaining a deeper understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. This blend of learning and festive fun ensures that the holiday season is both educational and magical for our Year 2 students.
Sharon Sutton
Emma Workman
Year 3: A Year of Growth, Discovery, and Celebration
As we approach the end of 2024, we reflect on the incredible journey our Year 3 students have taken this year. They have embraced numerous learning opportunities, growing both academically and in their maturity. This year has been filled with curiosity, exploration, and many memorable moments, with the students demonstrating remarkable progress across all areas of the curriculum.
In our final Science lesson, the Year 3 students had the chance to put their learning into practice. After weeks of studying different soil types—loam, silt, sand, and clay—they ventured out into the schoolyard for some hands-on investigation. Equipped with their notebooks and inquiring minds, they explored the campus, uncovering the rich variety of soils in their own playground.
Students carefully examined each soil specimen, recording observations and classifying the samples based on texture, colour, and composition. They confidently used their knowledge to determine which type of soil they had found, showcasing their understanding of the theoretical concepts studied in class. The beautiful weather made the outdoor learning experience even more enjoyable, blending classroom knowledge with real-world application.
In addition to academic pursuits, the Year 3 students have been perfecting their routine for the upcoming Celebration Evening, where they will showcase their hard work and talents to family and friends. They’ve also enjoyed a range of exciting activities, including the ever-popular Carnival Day, a fun-filled Movie Day, and various ‘end of year’ tasks to pack up the classroom for the holidays.
It has been a joy to witness their enthusiasm and energy as they prepare to close out the year. We pray that God will bless you and your families over the Christmas season, and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2025 for another fantastic year of learning and growth.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Leanne Crole
Adam Stewart
Olivia Vandenberg
Preparing for a Significant Milestone: Year 4 Graduation
The Year 4 students and their teachers have been eagerly preparing for a very significant event this week – the Year 4 Graduation. This special occasion celebrates the students’ time in the Junior School and blesses them as they make the exciting transition to Middle School.
The Graduation Service is an important event that honours the hard work, growth, and achievements of our Year 4 students. It is a time for reflection and celebration, marking the end of their journey in the Junior School and the beginning of a new chapter in Middle School.
During the service, Hope Sticca and Max Teschendorf will represent their peers by presenting heartfelt reflections on their time in the Junior School. Their speeches highlight the memorable experiences, friendships, and lessons learnt over the years.
We are incredibly proud of all our Year 4 students and look forward to seeing them continue to shine in Middle School. Thank you to all the parents, teachers, and staff who have supported and guided these students throughout their Junior School journey.
Kate Rice
Anna Daley
Market Day Success!
Our recent Market Day was an incredible success, with Year 6 students raising an impressive $1147.50 in raw revenue to donate to charity via the Project Care Team. This achievement highlights their creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial skills.
Over the term, students learned valuable lessons in marketing, product development, and advertising. From conducting market research to designing persuasive commercials and engaging customers, they showcased dedication and innovation. Market Day itself was filled with energy and excitement, with every stall demonstrating the students’ hard work and adaptability.
A heartfelt thank you to our parents and school community for your support in making Market Day a triumph.
As the year draws to a close, we’d like to thank everyone for a fantastic year of learning, growth, and success. Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season!
Alex Pink
Sand and Surf… Sun and a Whole Lot of Fun
Our House Sand & Surf Carnival
What a day it was!
The weather Gods were super kind and gave us the pick of recent days.
The enthusiasm and participation levels were amazing. Students undertook both water and beach events, Surf Swim, Wade, Board Paddle, Beach Flags, Beach Sprint and Beach Distance Run. It was wonderful watching our students have a go and try all the events, right down to our Year 1 students paddling and dragging the Nipper Boards up the beach to cross the line.
Equally as impressive were our parent volunteers who worked tirelessly, imparting their knowledge and expertise to our students and teachers. This day was largely driven by our parent volunteers. We are so grateful and thankful to have you all involved. The event could not have gone ahead without you.
Thank you to our incredible staff and Surf Coast teachers. The involvement of teacher Olivia Vandenberg, Craig Stack our Gear Officer/Grounds man, Liz Virtue and Stacey Pulis as First Aid, Sports Administrator, Olivia Cameron, together with Year 8 student, Mitch Hornsby working as Water Safety support, was greatly valued, and helped to make the day such a success.
Thank you to Torquay SLSC for lending out the equipment for the event. Torquay SLSC run an incredible Nipper program over the summer months, and it is a wonderful program for young children to be involved in. We have many Surf Coast students who participate in the program. It teaches them about water and surf safety, and the competition opportunities which are a part of Lifesaving.
There were so many amazing highlights. I hope you enjoy the photos which provide a small snapshot of the action and atmosphere of the day. Thank you to Simon Garner and Debbie Riddle for capturing our day.
With many thanks and appreciation to all involved,
Jo Richardson
A Message From our new Executive Principal
An email was sent earlier today (December 6) to parents/guardians and staff with a link to an introductory video message from our new Executive Principal, Dr Mathilda Joubert. Dr Joubert joins us in January 2025. We look forward to the experience, expertise, energy and passion she will bring to the new position, as our remarkable Christian College journey continues under her leadership. If you missed the emailed video link, click here to view the clip.
In Focus is Out!
The Semester 2 edition of our biannual In Focus magazine was published this week. As Christian College enters a period of leadership transition, we take a theme for this edition of ‘Where we’ve come, and where we’re going’. We pay tribute to retiring CEO Mr Daryl Riddle OAM, take a look at another milestone moment in Surf Coast Campus’s life as it hits secondary levels with Year 7s on the scene next year, and hear from two mums who attended Back Creek Farm as Year 9 students and this year, accompanied their own Prep-aged children for a farm visit. We also explore how our students at various levels engage with children from our two kindergartens and hear some reflections from Year 12 Prefects who visited Timor Leste. We shine the spotlight on the Christian College Swim Program, there’s a photo spread from this year’s Music Evening – and lots more good reading to catch up on over the holiday break!
From this year, students and families are not being issued with hard copies of In Focus magazine, but it is available to read on our website (Homepage > Community > News and Publications). Click this link to go there, and happy reading!
Treasure Island
The Drama Department is thrilled to announce the 2025 Middle Years Play: Treasure Island!
Join Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver, and their scurvy crew for a thrilling high-seas adventure to discover the legendary treasure. Yo, ho, ho!
Dates: 23 – 25 May, 2025
Location: Bellarine Campus Auditorium
About the Play:
Treasure Island tells the story of twelve-year-old Jim Hawkins as he embarks on a daring sea journey to find buried treasure that once belonged to the ruthless Captain Flint. Jim and his friends must outwit Flint’s old crew, test their loyalty, and discover the true value of friendship.
Join the Crew!
We are currently seeking cast from the Middle Years to join our 2025 adventure.
We are on the lookout for a dynamic cast of buccaneers who will have strong facial expressions, bring large physical actions and high energy to our adventure.
Online Auditions:
Friday 22 November - Friday 6 December
(Click on the link for more information)
Who can Audition?
Students currently in Years 4 to 8 are invited to audition for roles, including large speaking parts, minor speaking parts, and the ensemble (some minor talking and movement on stage).
Any 2025 senior school students interested in backstage or technical roles can register their interest by sending an email to Ms Broad or Ms Clifford. These roles will be allocated at the start of the new school year.
Rehearsals:
will be held at each of our middle school campuses on weekly rotations (subject to final casting) Monday or Tuesday afternoons from 3:45 - 5:15 pm and fortnightly on Sundays for all cast.
Cast Size:
Approximately 50 students plus additional crew and technical support roles.
Important Information for Families: Participating in the College play requires commitment. Students must attend all scheduled rehearsals to maintain their roles.
If you are interested or have questions, please join our Online Information Session on Thursday, 28 November from 6-7 pm.
Parents are invited to get involved! There are also opportunities for parents to support the play and make this an amazing community event.
Interested in joining this amazing adventure? Register to audition or learn more.
See You Soon, Me Hearties!
Taylah Broad, Co-Director
Kelly Clifford, Co-Director
Baptist Camping Victoria - Holiday Camps
Over summer, and each school holidays, Baptist Camping Victoria (BCV) offers holiday camps for children aged between 8 and 18. These camps are held across Camp Wilkin and Burnside in Anglesea, and Mill Valley Ranch, in Tynong North. Each camp offers a unique holiday experience, in an environment that many of our College’s students may be familiar with from school camps during the term.
Camp Wilkin and Burnside host Family Camps over summer, with the opportunity to take the family away by the beach and create lasting memories using the BCV sites as a home base. See Family Camps - Baptist Camping.
At Mill Valley Ranch (MVR), alongside one Family Camp over the New Year period, children have an opportunity to be involved in Roundups. Roundups are age-group specific camps, tailored to provide opportunities to participate in horse riding, archery, mountain biking, swimming, and several other activities throughout the week.
Outside of attending as a camper, students over 15 years old have the opportunity to be involved as a volunteer leader. Leaders get to share their faith and grow their skills at Mill Valley Ranch, or at either Anglesea site. MVR also offers The Frontier for ages 14 and older, which is a leadership camp that runs at the same time as two Summer Roundups, this focuses specifically on developing the skills needed to be an effective volunteer leader.
If you are interested in learning more about each of the camps or volunteering opportunities available, head to this link: Baptist Camping. If you are keen to sign your student up for a camp, head to this link: EPIC - Baptist Camping. If your student might be interested in becoming a volunteer leader, you can find more information at either of the following links: Volunteer - Mill Valley Ranch - Baptist Camping or Volunteer – BCV – Angelsea - Baptist Camping.
I can personally testify to the value of these ministry camps available through BCV, and my experiences at Mill Valley Ranch developed many of the leadership skills I have today. I highly recommend investigating the opportunity to go on camp for your student, and I hope that the summer period is a wonderful time for you and your family.
Aaron Cutter, Chaplain
CC Eagles Basketball Club – Players Wanted
Has your child shown an interest in playing basketball? The CC Eagles is needing more players to join our Prep-Year 2 teams, which play in Geelong on a Thursday night.
The teams are mixed and everyone is welcome to play.
If you have an interested player please contact Edwin at the CC Eagles on cceagles@ccg.vic.edu.au
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