BalCC 1996-2000

Carmel/Sebastopol Christian Community School attempted to expand their education offering into secondary schooling, but without success. After the second attempt in 1998 failed to gain necessary funding support from the Commonwealth, a small group of parents turned to Christian Schools System to commence a separate Christian secondary school. In 1999, Ballarat Christian College commenced with 22 students enrolled in Years 7 and 8, leasing the former Seventh-Day Adventist Primary school at 13 Yarrowee Street. Mr Peter McNamara was the first Principal, supported by a small teaching staff and very supportive parents and friends. At the end of 2000, the inaugural Board Chair of the Carmel/Sebastopol Christian Community School, Mr Neville Hawkins, handed over the reins to Pastor Rob Bailey, who served in that capacity until the merger of the two schools.