Surf Coast Term 4 Week 9

From the Executive Principal

As we come to the end of a year of connection and reflection, I want to take a moment to consider all that we have accomplished together. This year has been filled with growth, learning, and countless moments that remind us why our school community is so special. Our graduation events, celebration events and awards presentation events these last two weeks have given us so many moments of joy and pride in the achievements of our young people. 

Wednesday night’s Community Christmas Carols event was another beautiful example of the strength of our community, with over 1000 attendees. It brought joy to our children, connection to our families, and a sense of togetherness among staff and the wider community. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they sang, seeing our senior student musicians shine, watching families relax and enjoy the evening, and sharing that festive spirit with everyone was truly magical. 

On the topic of celebrating achievements, you may have noticed a lot of media coverage over the last few days around the release of Naplan results nationally. No child’s value is measured through a single test, and as a school we love to celebrate the achievements of our students in all aspects of life and learning, including sports, music, service, endeavour and academic achievement. Naplan is not perfect, but it is a valuable indicator of academic achievement. As a school we have been taking a deep dive into analysing the data, tracking trends over time, identifying areas of strength and always looking for areas of improvement. We also know that test results can change dramatically from year-to-year with cohort effects. 

Final Assembly and Christmas Service

As we gathered for our final assembly and Christmas Service, there was a wonderful sense of joy, reflection, and celebration across our community. This special event marked the end of another memorable year at Christian College Surf Coast and provided an opportunity to come together in gratitude for all that has been achieved. 

A highlight of the assembly was celebrating our award recipients, whose dedication, growth, and positive example have enriched our campus. We were especially delighted to acknowledge Avery Bowyer, who received the Corangamite Leadership and Community Spirit Award. Avery’s kindness, willingness to serve, and consistent commitment to others embody the very best of our College values, and we congratulate her warmly on this outstanding achievement. 

A cherished tradition continued this year as our Prep students placed their time capsules into the special box, where they will remain safely stored until these students reach Year 9 in 2034. This moment always captures the imagination of our youngest learners as they think about their future selves and the adventures that lie ahead. 

What’s Happening at Surf Coast?

2026 TERM 1

WEEK 1 

Thursday 29 January – Students commence Term 1  

WEEK 2 

WEEK 3 

Monday 9 February – Year 4 – Year 8 Device Program Parent Information Evening on TEAMS 6.30pm 

Thursday 12 February – Family Welcome Picnic – 5.30pm  

Friday 13 February – Parent Volunteer Information Session – 2.00pm 

Celebration Evening 2025 – 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 Let Your Light Shine. From the awe-inspiring choreography to the vibrant costumes and captivating storytelling, the show was incredible and kept the audience entertained from start to finish. 

Surf Coast Carnival and Adventure Park

This year’s Surf Coast Carnival for our Preps – Year 4 and Adventure Park for our Year 5 – Year 7 students 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 Middle School students 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 jumping on jumping castles and giant slides, decorating Santa hats, playing giant games, complete Christmas crafts and eating snow cones.

Days like today are so much fun and such a blessing for everyone.

Sand and Surf Carnival – Making Waves at Torquay Front Beach

The energy was High at Torquay Front Beach as students showcased incredible skill and determination during this year’s Sand and Surf Carnival. The students participated in the beach events sprints, distance 800m run and Beach Flags and the challenges of water events – board paddling, wades, and swims, every event highlighted the spirit of competition and teamwork.

One of the standout moments was the introduction of the Cameron Relay, a first-time event that added an exciting new dimension to the day. Students embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, making it a highlight for competitors and spectators alike.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our amazing parent volunteers, whose support and expertise ensured the safety and success of the carnival. We thank Dan Atkin and partnership of Torquay Surf Life Saving Club, this partnership in providing equipment, setting up the courses, and briefing our water safety and Bronze-qualified volunteers was absolutely invaluable for the support.  

Bye Bye Buddies! 

This week marked a very special milestone for our Preps—their final session with their Year 4 buddies, and what a celebration it was! The classroom was absolutely brimming with Christmas cheer from start to finish. 

We began the morning by watching a heartwarming retell of the Nativity story, shared in the most delightful way—through the voices of children. Describing it as adorable would be a total understatement! The innocence and joy in the storytelling reminded us all of the true meaning of the season. 

After the story, the buddies paired up to create colourful festive bookmarks which will be treasured keepsakes of a year spent building friendships and learning together. 

The Preps also had a very exciting opportunity—they got a sneak peek at a Year 4 Learning Folio! This was a wonderful moment of inspiration, giving our youngest learners a glimpse into what lies ahead in their own educational journey. You could see the curiosity and excitement in their eyes as they flipped through the pages. 

Festive Fun in Year 2!

As we wrap up our final week of Term 4, the Year 2s are buzzing with excitement, creativity and Christmas cheer! Our students have thoroughly enjoyed a festive end to the year.  

This week, we explored the five Advent candles – Hope, Peace, Joy, Love and the Jesus candle. Students created their very own Advent flip books, carefully explaining what each candle represents. It was wonderful to see them reflect so thoughtfully on the messages behind these symbols. 

Our classrooms have also been transformed with Christmas spirit. Students designed and built their own 3D-shape Christmas baubles, which now hang proudly on our classroom Christmas tree. We also worked together on a big collaborative “Merry Christmas” colouring display, adding bright colours and festive patterns to celebrate the season as a team. 

Celebrating a Special Milestone: Year 4 Graduation

On Thursday this week our Year 4 students and their teachers gathered with the whole school community and their families for a very special occasion – the Year 4 Graduation. This memorable event celebrated the students’ time in the Junior School and blessed them as they make the exciting transition to Middle School. 

The Graduation Service is an important moment that honours the hard work, growth, and achievements of our Year 4 students. It provides an opportunity for reflection and celebration, marking the end of their Junior School journey and the beginning of a new chapter in Middle School. 

During the service, Summer Halland and James Melis represented their peers by presenting heartfelt reflections on their time in the Junior School. Their speeches highlighted 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. We pray that this next stage will be filled with new opportunities, growth, and joy as they embrace the challenges and adventures ahead. 

Market Day Success! 

Year 6 Market Day was a huge success, with students proudly showcasing their creativity, entrepreneurial skills and teamwork throughout the day. Each group worked tirelessly to plan, promote and run their own stall, offering a wide range of exciting products, games and experiences for the school community to enjoy. The energy and enthusiasm across the day was wonderful to see, and it was fantastic to watch our students put their learning into action in such a meaningful way. 

Thanks to the incredible support of our students, staff and families, we are proud to announce that over $1600 has been raised for the Big Freeze charity. This outstanding result is a testament to the generosity of our community and the dedication shown by our Year 6 students, who were highly motivated by the knowledge that their efforts were contributing to such an important cause. 

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to all families who supported Market Day through donations, purchasing items, and encouraging their children every step of the way. Events like this highlight the positive impact that can be achieved when our school community works together. Congratulations to our Year 6 students on a truly memorable and successful Market Day! 

Year 7 and 8 Connection Day 

This week, our Year 7 and 8 students participated in our very first Connection Day, an initiative aimed at bringing students from different campuses together to foster friendships and a sense of belonging. The boys gathered at Bellarine Campus, while the girls met at Middle School, Highton Campus, providing opportunities for interaction in a welcoming environment. 

The day featured activities designed to encourage collaboration and conversation. While some students were quick to engage, others were more reserved, and it was encouraging to see students warming up and contributing to discussions. 

One of the key activities was the Design Thinking Challenge, where students worked in teams to brainstorm ideas for improving connection and inclusion within our school community. These sessions allowed students to share their perspectives and practice problem-solving in a creative way. 

We hope that future Connection Days will continue to grow in impact, helping students feel more confident and connected across campuses. 

Rock Band Brings the Beat to Lunchtime! 

On Tuesday at Surf Coast Campus, the usual lunchtime chatter was replaced by electrifying riffs and soaring vocals as our talented Rock Band took centre stage. Hudson’s dynamic vocals set the tone, backed by James weaving magic on the keys, Avery, Kai and Dorian shredding on guitar, plus some help from their director Tom Fraser driving the rhythm on drums, and Adam Stewart laying down a solid bass groove. 

Students gathered, heads nodding and feet tapping, as the band delivered a high-energy set that had the whole campus buzzing. It was the perfect soundtrack to the final week of term—music, mates, and an unforgettable vibe! 

From The Chaplain – An Advent Prayer 

As we finish school for the year, we now have a special opportunity to focus our attention (for the most part!) towards Christmas, New Year’s, and time away from normal life. 

These last two weeks, we have explored traditions of Advent, including each of the Advent candles, within the wreath, and had a chance to sing and learn about the Good News of Jesus’ birth. 

As my final Vine article for this year, I invite you to read through this short Advent prayer and pray along if you are keen to do so. 

Almighty God, 

Thank you for the gifts of hope, love, joy, and peace that Your Son, Jesus, brought into the world, and for the time that we have spent anticipating the arrival of Jesus. Thank you for offering us Your ultimate gift of love in Christ, and for granting us the opportunity to spend time with You and in Your Creation. 

Please remind each of us over this Advent season of all the ways that You have blessed us and give us hope for where we feel we are still waiting. Please continue to be with each of us over the summer holidays and grant us many chances to rest in Your presence. 

We/I pray these things in Jesus’ name, amen. 

Library Snowglobe Design Competition 

Over the last couple of weeks of Term 4, students had the opportunity to take part in the Library Snowglobe Design Competition, with the only requirement that each design be inspired by a book theme. Students showcased wonderful creativity as they incorporated their favourite books, stories and characters into their designs. With so many outstanding entries, choosing winners was no easy task! See the designs below. Congratulations to our year-level winners and to all participants who demonstrated exceptional creativity. 

As we head into the school holidays, we hope this celebration of creativity and literature inspires everyone to keep reading. With some downtime over summer, why not visit your local library and try something new? 

Happy reading, and congratulations again to all our talented snowglobe artists! 

Christmas Snowglobes

Caring for Ourselves and Each Other Over the Break

As we near the end of 2025, I extend my warmest wishes to all families for a safe and Merry Christmas and a restful holiday break. This season often brings opportunities to slow down, reconnect with loved ones, and engage in the activities that restore our sense of balance. However, this time of year can also bring with it a range of emotions. For many, it is a time of joy, celebration and connection, yet others may experience feelings of loneliness, isolation and grief or feel the weight of added financial and social pressure. As a community we are encouraged to lean into small intentional actions that support calm and stability, to stay connected with others and approach ourselves and those around us with kindness. This reminder feels especially important given the challenges faced by our College community this year. The tragic bus accident touched many of us deeply and its impact continues to be felt in many ways. In the midst of this, we have witnessed our community come together with compassion, care and quiet strength and I hope that these qualities will continue to support us as we move towards the holiday period.

As we continue to care for ourselves and one another, it may be helpful to keep in mind some of the practical ways we can support and maintain our wellbeing over the festive season:

• You may like to create a self-care routine that includes activities you enjoy, whether it's reading, prayer, meditation, exercise, or simply taking quiet moments for yourself. Prioritising sleep and nourishing foods can make a meaningful difference.
• Being open to changes in your traditions or routines may help reduce stress and create space for new and positive experiences.
• You may find it helpful to set healthy boundaries. We are reminded that it is okay to say no to certain gatherings or activities, particularly if they add pressure or take away from your wellbeing.

Introducing the College-Wide Student Organiser for 2026

As we conclude another fulfilling year of learning at Christian College, we are pleased to share an exciting development for 2026: the introduction of a College-wide student organiser provided for all students from Prep to Year 12. 

We have chosen the term organiser rather than diary because this resource will serve a broader purpose than simply recording daily events. It is designed to help students manage their time, track their learning, set goals, access support resources, and engage with the routines and expectations that underpin successful learning across the College. 

Building on Strong Foundations in Prep–Year 4 

A student diary is already a familiar and valued tool in our early years, where it has served primarily as a communication channel between school and home, as well as a reading journal to support the establishment of strong daily reading habits. With our move to Compass as the central platform for communication with families, reliance on the diary for day-to-day messaging is naturally reduced.  

From next year, the diary – or Student Organiser – will continue to function as a reading journal, and for incidental communications parents may wish to pass on to their child’s teacher(s). In addition, it will be used intentionally to help our youngest learners develop foundational organisational skills—such as remembering to bring their diary to school each day, taking responsibility for its care, and beginning to understand simple routines that support successful learning. 

Key College and Campus Dates for 2026 Now Available 

As 2025 draws to a close, we are pleased to let families know that the Compass Calendar has now been populated with key College and campus dates for 2026. 

We encourage all parents and carers to take a moment over the holidays to log in to Compass and explore the calendar view. This will help you gain a clear overview of the year ahead and begin planning for the events and activities that are most relevant to your family. 

The Compass Calendar allows you to filter by student or event type using the layers on the left-hand side, making it easy to focus on what’s relevant for your child and/or their campus. You can click on the layer labels to toggle them. If a layer is checked/active, events from that layer appear in the calendar; if unchecked, they’re hidden. 

As more specific year-level activities, excursions, and other events will continue to be added throughout the academic year, we encourage families to check the calendar regularly to stay up to date with any new information. 

The most important date to remember in 2026 is, of course, the return date for students on Thursday, January 29. 

Celebrating Connection Day 

This week, our Year 7 students from three campuses, and Year 8 students from two campuses, came together for a special Connection Day. It was designed to strengthen friendships, foster kindness, and build a sense of belonging across our campuses. The boys gathered at Bellarine Campus, while the girls met at Middle School-Highton Campus, creating opportunities for meaningful interaction in a supportive environment. 

The day was filled with laughter, collaboration, and creativity. Students participated in engaging workshops that encouraged teamwork and problem-solving, while also developing their communication and leadership skills. A highlight was the Design Thinking Challenge, where students worked in groups to co-create practical initiatives aimed at enhancing connection, wellbeing, and inclusion within our school community. 

The Design Thinking session, integrated creative expression, group collaboration, and reflective sharing. Every student had the chance to contribute ideas, ensuring that all voices were heard and valued. The energy and enthusiasm were inspiring, and the sense of unity was evident as students supported one another and celebrated their shared achievements. 

We are proud of the way our students embraced this opportunity to build friendships, show kindness, and work together toward a common goal. These experiences not only strengthen relationships but also equip our students with essential skills for life—collaboration, empathy, and creativity. 

Staff Development

Spotlight: Victorian Teaching Excellence Program (TEP)

Our college continues to be well represented in the prestigious Victorian Teaching Excellence Program, with several staff each year selected for this intensive 10-day professional learning experience led by some of Australia’s most respected educators.

As the 2025 TEP journeys conclude for three of our Middle School teachers — Sharon Huber (Bellarine), Hayley Keogh (Bellarine) and Victoria Corkin (Highton) — I asked them to reflect on the impact this program has had on their practice:

Sharon: “TEP has allowed me to take stock of my teacher identity and become more intentional in my teaching. I’ve gained clarity on both my strengths and areas for future growth, grounded in evidence-based pedagogy.”

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.