Photo of Mr Nuridin donating shoes to The Salvation Army Winter Appeal
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Principal A note from the
tend to note the passing of seasonal milestones. In Term 2 we passed the winter solstice for 2022. Coinciding with this annual occurrence, there was an article in the local newspaper that highlighted a very real health issue for many people who live in parts of the world that experience colder, greyer winters, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Colloquially, we may know this condition as ‘the winter blues’. Whatever we call it, for most people this condition is related to the shorter days and extended periods without direct sunlight. In its most serious form, it may lead to serious health issues, such as depression. The article went on to give advice about steps that sufferers could take to mitigate the effects of SAD, including taking vitamin D, engaging in regular exercise and pursuing a hobby or other interest. As I reflected upon the news article I recalled my Term 1 message, where I referred to God’s desire and plan that we flourish as His children. I am not in any way dismissing the medical advice for those who suffer from the winter blues, but nevertheless I am reminded that in God, our condition is not depended upon whether it’s summer or winter, or sunny or raining outside. Our hope is not a wishful thought that it might be a nice day, or that we will have a good day at work or do well in the Maths test. Instead, it is a hope – or better still, an assurance – that our sense of purpose and worth are based upon our relationship with our loving heavenly Father, through His son, Jesus. As we mark the mid-point of the year, I trust that you and your family enjoyed some downtime, or at least a change in pace, during the Term 2 break. May you know God’s love and the dependable hope that we draw from knowing that He is sovereign and Lord of all. From this, we have the best remedy for winter blues or SADness! Blessings! Ken Nuridin Principal
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Contents
14 8 10 12
Staff Profiles Materials Learn Grow Flourish
14
Service & Dedication
16 18 20 22 24
Alumni News - Class of 2020 Food & Design Tech & Science College Captain - Leslie Tole Back in my day Student Achievement
26 25
Road Safety
26 Portland Retreat
28 29 30 31 32 34 36
Board Director - Jodie Rickard College Value New TV AD Restored Year 6 Looking Great Anzac Day Sausage Sizzle - SPARSH
e p o 44 38 39 40 42 41 43
Bake and Build Sonic the Headgehog iNewsletter Year 7 Information Where are they now? Student Achievement
44 Sporting Schools 47 48
College Improvements Storytime
50 49 50 51 52 54 55 56 57 58
Africa Day Dinner PJ DAY Festival of Writing Design Tech SchoolTV Alumni 2022 Reunions Ministers Network Literacy Rotations New Arrival
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to PROSPER you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE.” Jeremiah 29:11 6 | BalCC
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hristine’s first full-time job was as a Dental Nurse before having a career change and becoming an Integration Aide, a role she had for eleven years before starting her family. She is the proud mum of three fantastic kids and one lovely daughter-in-law
Christine Barlow
While raising her children Christine ran playgroups, worked as a Kindergarten Assistant, and through her home church, York Street Church of Christ she helped introduce the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) program, ran a breakfast club and playgroups, arranged meal nights, and worked alongside the Chaplain. She also became the Coordinator of Kids Hope mentoring program at Canadian Lead Primary where she received a Catherine King Award for her contribution to the school.
Education Support Staff
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Christine commenced at BalCC in 2016 and has enjoyed getting to know so many wonderful students and staff, and the freedom to share how much they are all loved by God. She especially enjoys seeing the students having so much fun when the ‘Word of Life’ group come , but camps are still her all-time favourite events.
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Jenny MacRae
enny immigrated from South Africa with her young family in 1992. Initially she worked for many years in the legal sector as a Law Clerk but had the opportunity to move into Administration in the Christian School sector in 2006.
Administration
She has lived in four Australian states and has worked in Christian Schools in all those states. Before relocating to Ballarat towards the end of 2017 for family reasons Jenny was the Boarding Registrar at Marrara Christian College in the Northern Territory, where she and her husband, Arthur, also had the privilege of being House Parents to some Indigenous students. Jenny calls it a privilege for her and her family to live in Australia, and an even greater privilege to work in the Christian school environment, alongside her husband, Arthur who works as a CRT at BalCC.
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Ian Manton
an completed his Post Graduate Bachelor honours degree in English and ESL from the University of Melbourne in 1997. He worked for a year at Mount Waverley Secondary before moving to England for what was supposed to be a two year working holiday, which somehow turned into twenty years. In his time in the UK, he taught in both primary and secondary schools, first in London and then later in Bristol. In 2019 he returned to Australia and settled in Ballarat to be closer to family and joined the College in 2020. First as a CRT and then as the replacement French Teacher, before moving into full-time secondary teaching position.
Teaching
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MATERIALS
he students in both Middle Primary classes have been enjoying learning about the different properties of various materials and their uses in the community and home, as their Term 2 theme. The students investigated various fabrics and wool and learnt the art of weaving to produce their own unique bookmark and how to make pompoms. All students demonstrated great creativity to produce their own small models out of clay. Each student also chose a natural or manmade material to research for their materials report. Cath McMurray from our Learning Enhancement Centre called in to the visit the Middle Primary students to demonstrate some recycling crafts. Mrs McMurray showed the students a range of bags, hats, skirts and jewellery that she has made using recycled materials, which were sewn or crocheted together.
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LEARN GROW FLOURISH
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alCC Staff attended a two day retreat at Narmbool in Elaine at the start of Term 2. The theme for this year’s retreat was ‘Flourish’.
Head of Primary, Bianca Francica and Director of Teaching and Learning, Julie Gall delivered material from Christian Schools Australia (CSA) on the theme in relation to faith and practice. Dr Rob Loe, CSA Executive Officer, VIC/TAS
delivered three inspiring sessions around ‘Vision and Envisioning’, ‘Seeing ourselves differently (selfreflection and exemplification)’ and ‘Seeing others more fully (culture, community and character)’. The retreat was a wonderful opportunity for BalCC Staff to learn, grow and flourish together in a relaxed environment and enjoy games, free time and team challenges.
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D
uring our recent BalCC staff retreat at Narmbool we recognised the service of our staff who have served at the College for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years. Certificates and awards were given out to our dedicated staff.
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uring Term 2 we celebrated Mrs Sandra Morgan’s 21 years of service to BalCC with a surprise morning tea. During her time with BalCC Mrs Morgan has served in a number of administration positions and is currently our Communications Officer and PA to the Business Manager.
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15 Years of Service: Sylvia Loader, Dale Darby, Scott McKenzie, Ken Nuridin.
10 Years of Service: Carol Clough, Heather McInerney, Bianca Francica, Linda Featherston, Melissa O’Hara, Karen Farquhar, Andrew Kynoch, Susi Tauelangi, Georgie Stevens, David Henderson, Glenda Brown, Michelle Collins, Steve Shaw.
5 Years of Service: Christine Barlow, Robyn Halliday, Rebecca Sebit, Evette Walter, Ruth Orr, Caroline Morrison, Martin Burness, Graham O’Neill, Mark Preston, Simon Edwards, Amelia Weir, Cherine Lewis, Julie Gall, Catherine McMurray, Kim Blackshaw, David Neumann, Kaylene Templar, Emily Westblade, Don Gall, Trevor Clough, Donna McGilligan, Tania Duthie, Kirsty Johnson, Heather Paxman.
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Class of 2020
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t the end of Term 2 we were visited by Class of 2020 alumni, Josiah Tudball and Charleigh Hocking, who came in to speak with all our Primary students and Year 7-10 students about Youth With A Mission (YWAM).
Josiah will be returning to Cambodia to do more mission work with YWAM and this time will be joined by Charleigh, who will be joining a DTS team for training. Charleigh has currently deferred her university studies and is working in hospitality.
Josiah has just returned to Australia from Cambodia after a six month mission trip with YWAM. During his time in Cambodia Josiah completed a 12 week lecture phase at YWAM in Battambang, Cambodia. He then commenced 8 weeks of outreach with his Discipleship Training School (DTS) team in Kampot, Kep and Preah Sihanouk Province in Cambodia. The four outreach teams from Josiah’s DTS spread out all over Cambodia and were involved in things like, a youth soccer program, the youth development centre, English teaching, evangelism, and worshipping in a place that will potentially be a new YWAM base.
While at BalCC Josiah was a Vice College Captain and the winner of the Board Christian Mission/Service Award in 2020. This is awarded to a senior Secondary student who has made a decision of faith and demonstrates a desire and commitment to follow Christ and His call by participating in an overseas or local Christian mission training for service. Charleigh was the 2020 Dux of the College. It was wonderful to have a visit from Josiah and Charleigh and hear what they have been doing since graduation from BalCC.
We love to hear how our alumni are going and to share that news with our BalCC community. If alumni are interested in sharing what they are currently doing in life, work, career or study, please send us an email, along with any photos to alumni@balcc.vic.edu.au
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FOOD & DESIGN TECH & SCIENCE
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ur Year 7 Food Technology students were making spinach and cheese pastries in one of their Term 2 lessons. The students had to discuss the three safe work practices followed when using an oven, describe the sensory properties of the pastries, explain the function of the egg in the filling and look at how they were able to prevent their filo pastry from drying out during preparation. Our Year 7 students have also been studying forces in Science. As part of their studies the students made a simple electromagnet using a powerpack, wire, and a nail. The students discovered that this simple invention could pick up many paperclips and how they could improve the strength of their magnet. In Design Technology the Year 7 students had to design and make a free-standing display by drawing and then cutting out a detailed wooden image using the scroll saw. This required a great deal of fine movement to complete the task successfully. A requirement of this project was to include an 8 LED AC circuit connecting two power supplies to a single toggle switch. The students could use a range of water-based finishes to enhance the overall presentation of their project.
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GETTING TO KNOW OUR
COLLEGE CAPTAINS
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t BalCC our College Captains are Year 12 students elected by staff and students from Years 5 to 12. The Captains lead and serve the student body by example, to support the ethos and culture of the College. Here we hear from one of our Captains, Leslie Tole. “I’m Leslie Tole, I’m 17 years old and I’ve been at Ballarat Christian College for 3 years. I’m currently studying English, Further Mathematics, Business Management, Psychology and Physical Education Units 3/4. Some of my interests involve playing football (soccer), which I play for Ballarat City FC currently and have represented regional Victoria in various state completions. My other hobbies include exercise, participating in all sports and I also enjoy playing video games here and there. Myself and my family are involved in a church called, Glory of Zion International Ministries. This church is based in Texas, USA but we join in online every week, and we are truly blessed to be under their leadership and see how powerfully God is moving! Leadership roles have always intrigued me and from a young age, I can remember myself being so fascinated by the ‘big people’ who at the time were Year 12s addressing the school for assemblies and chapels. Since then I have always been interested in taking up leadership roles wherever I can. I’m so grateful that I have the opportunity to be a College Captain this year. I can safely say that I have thoroughly enjoyed
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my time in a leadership role so far working with the other College Captains and I look forward to what else we can do at the College, along with the Senate representatives. I’ve learnt so much and not just temporary things, but life skills that I can carry on after I finish my schooling. It has also forced me to be more responsible with how I manage my own time and has helped me further develop people skills. My aspirations for the year is to keep building a positive culture at the College and to improve it and leave it better than we found it, so the younger year levels can reap the benefits. Hopefully in saying all this that our Year 12 cohort would also leave a legacy that would continue to impact the College long after we leave. Another thing that the Lord has put on my heart was to really surrender the College systems and its functionally to Him. Which has been evident this year through the addition of praise and worship sessions, Mustard Bible Study group and the parent prayer group . This is all in an aim to draw nearer to God because the Bible promises that if we do so that God will draw near to us. The Bible describes us as believers in the world, but not of it and the only thing that differentiates us from the people in the world is the influence and presence of God in our lives (Exodus 33:16). So my vision from God is to really have our College consecrated to Him, where people can come to the College and really say that they have experienced the presence of the Almighty God.”
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Leslie Tole
BACK IN MY DAY Our Lower Primary classes went to Sovereign Hill, as part of their Term 2 unit called, “Back in my Day”. Students were able to look at how life and technology has changed from the olden days. They were also able to observe changes in substances through heating and cooling when they were able to dip their own coloured candles and observe the gold pour.
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VOLUNTEERING This year Kate in Year 9B has been volunteering for a charity organisation called AdoptChange. In Year 9 alongside the core curriculum students participate in Micah 6:8, a program that is designed to build resilience and life skills and encompasses subjects such as Careers and Health & Physical Education, as well as tying in with the requirements for the bronze level of The Duke of Edinburgh Award. During the program students will focus on areas such as resilience, mental health, life skills, voluntary service, physical recreation and skills. As part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award, Kate has set herself a goal to assist the charity in preparing MyPacks to be given to children on their first night in foster care.
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The Adopt Change MyPacks provide a hand-knitted blanket, Teddy Bear, pyjamas, underwear, toothbrush and toothpaste, water bottle, colouring book/pad and a pencil case with textas. For older children, gel pens, mindful colouring and sensory toys are provided in place of textas, colouring book and a teddy bear. MyPacks assist by providing practical and comforting items for children and young people aged 2-12 years. The charity is always looking for donations, and in particular for anyone who might like to knit a handmade blanket to include in the packs. For further information, chat to Kate, or access details about the packs at the Adopt Change website: adoptchange.org.au
ROAD SAFETY
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t the end of Term 2 our Year 10-12 students took part in road safety sessions.
The Year 10s took part in Road Smart session, an initiative that supports and enhances Victoria’s Graduated Licensing System. The program is designed to build knowledge, skills and behaviours. The Year 11s took part in the Fit2Drive (F2D), a half-day workshop format with peer facilitated small group activities and discussions, together with exploration of a case study conducted by the CFA and a presentation from Victoria Police. Based on research, evidence and best practice principles in the areas of behaviour change, peer facilitation, education, engagement with young people and appropriate road safety messages for the target audience. F2D is delivered by university students who have undertaken VicRoads training program, F2D provides a peer facilitation model encouraging engagement and participation in the
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half day workshop. A key point of difference of the F2D workshop is the focus on the behaviour and responsibilities of all road users, F2D workshops do not utilise any scare tactics or driving instruction, and the development of a personal safety plan encourages young people to consider how they will travel at all times and in particular what they will do if they faced with a risky situation or are feeling unsafe. The Year 12s in the Looking After Your Mates drug and drink drive information session learnt about responsible drinking, safe driving and looking after your friends. The interactive presentation is delivered free to schools and community groups and ran for approximately 45-60 minutes.
Click here to read an article that appeared in 'The Courier' about the road safety sessions.
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PORTLAND RETREAT
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n the last week of Term 2 our Year 11 and 12 students headed off to Portland for a five day retreat. This year, our Year 11and 12 students combined to participate in a camp/retreat as part of their Christian Studies training. This forms a major part of their study for the Certificate III in Christian Studies and further training for Christian Living, as they engaged in a series of activities, discussions and periods of silent reflection. The focus of the retreat is based around three questions: “Who am I?” “How can I discover God’s will?” and “How can I live in forgiveness?”
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JODIE RICKARD
odie is married to Chris and moved from Melbourne to Ballarat thirty-three years ago. She has four adult children and three grandchildren. Each of her children have spent some time as students at BalCC. Her eldest child helped make up the required ten students many years ago when the school operated out of relocatable classrooms in Vickers street. She currently lives at Beaufort and attends Beaufort Community Church. “Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly” Psalm 1.1 was the scripture Jodie read after having her first child that inspired her to either home school or have her
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children taught by Christians. Jodie has a commitment to lifelong learning. Jodie is a Registered Nurse and works at a regional hospital. She and Chris are involved in training and facilitating Liberian young adults to fulfil their calling to care for orphans in Liberia, Africa. They are currently overseeing the building of a residential complex for this purpose in Monrovia, as well as assisting other Christian leaders in Liberia with their vision. To read more Staff, Executive Team and Board profiles head to the Our Team page of our website.
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hank you to all the students and staff, who took part in the filming of our latest television 15 and 30 second television ads. These new ads showcase our College campus and the variety of subjects we have on offer. Thank you to Travis Britt from Crea8 Infinity Video Productions in Ballarat for coming in and working with us on this project. We are sure you will agree that the finished product looks fantastic.
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RESTORED
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s part of their Personal Development subject the VCAL students have been continuing to develop their skills whilst giving back to the College. For one of their projects they designed and constructed a new base for a foosball table for the Primary school. The students were able to design and construct a foosball table onto casters, which made it more user-friendly in different spaces throughout the College. The VCAL students have also made some resources for the Prep classroom. These include dimple boards (for fine motor development) and a doll house.
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LOOKING GREAT
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ach year our Year 6 students get to purchase a special top to wear in their final year of primary school. We caught up with the Year 6 students from the Upper Primary classes during Term 2 to get some photos of them looking great in the 2022 tops.
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ANZAC DAY
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arly in Term 2 our Primary SRC and Secondary Senate attended Anzac Day services in Ballarat, Sebastopol and Buninyong.
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SAUSAGE SIZZLE
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he Primary Student Representative Council and the Senate organised two fundraisers at the end of Term 2, a pie drive and a sausage sizzle. Funds raised from these events will go towards SPARSH Academy SPARAH Academy is a non-profit educational institution that operates in Bangsil village, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, North India, at the foot of Himalayas. The founder is Brother Francis Robinson, a graduate of Doon Bible College, who had a desire to provide an education facility for the children who live in this mountainous region. SPARSH Academy focuses on Education, Community Development, Health and Hygiene, Child Development, and Literacy programs. Ballarat Christian College partners with SPARSH Academy to support spiritually and financially underprivileged children, through educational and nutritional projects. Our financial assistance to SPARSH Academy is through fundraising by BalCC students & staff, and donations from parents and supporters. . Ballarat Christian College has supported SPARSH for number of years however, COVID-19 has impacted our ability to fundraise for this great cause. Your support in the fundraising is greatly appreciated by the SRC and Senate and undoubtedly by SPARSH Academy. If you would like to make a donation to SPARSH Academy, please contact our College office, to arrange payment.
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SPARSH ACADEMY - INDIA
SPARAH Academy is a non-profit educational institution that operates in Bangsil village, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, North India, at the foot of Himalayas. The founder is Brother Francis Robinson, a graduate of Doon Bible College, who had a desire to provide an education facility for the children who live in this mountainous region. SPARSH Academy focuses on Education, Community Development, Health and Hygiene, Child Development, and Literacy programs. Ballarat Christian College partners with SPARSH Academy to support spiritually and financially underprivileged children, through educational and nutritional projects. Our financial assistance to SPARSH Academy is through fundraising by BalCC students and staff, and donations from parents and supporters.
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BAKE AND BUILD
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hroughout the year our Upper Primary students take part in Design Technology and Food Technology classes. In one Term 2 lesson the Food Technology students made pizzas and damper. While the Design Technology students continued to use timber, acrylics, and basic electronic processes for their current project.
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SONIC THE HEDGEHOG As an extra activity in Lower Primary Visual Art, some students created some excellent drawings of ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ with step-by-step instructions. Visual Art students are free to express topics they are interested in and explore these interests using different materials and techniques during part of their allocated art time. Students continue to learn about the art elements and apply this knowledge to their artworks throughout the year.
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BalCC
iNewsletter
In Week 1 of Term 2 we launched iNewsletter, as our newsletter platform. iNewsletter is an immerserive, multi-page newsletter in an online format that is accessible on all devices and will be known as BalCC iNewsletter. The iNewsletter platform allows us to share information with our BalCC community in an easy to read format that includes photo and video content. The move to iNewsletter means building the newsletter has become faster and allows us to be more interactive and engaging than ever before. The BalCC iNewsletter will be sent out each Friday (during term) via email to all staff, families and students.
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Jenny Jones
t ployment at Ballara ‘My 17 years of em very enjoyable and e er w ge lle Co n tia Chris e life-long friends, m so e ad m I . ng lli lfi fu ary school. I am very especially in the Prim of en given a position thankful to have be the College . It was teaching children at from Preps and then em th h ac te to ul rf wonde n their education. I ca h ug ro th ht rig em th see in at mps I was involved recall wonderful ca ht was ensclif f. One highlig Halls Gap and Que ation in the under br le ce as tm ris Ch r an outdoo d y School. My husban ar im Pr e th in ea ar cover e in writing some of th ed lv vo in ry ve as w Jon ' plays we presented.
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enni commenced at BalCC as a relief teacher before going on to teach a variety of subjects from Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE), Science, Physical Education to Indonesian. In 2003 she taught a Prep class then continued on with those students until they were in Year 3. From 2006 until 2015 she combined teaching with teacher aide work. Music was Jenni’s speciality, so in the last few years at BalCC she taught Performing Arts in the Primary school. During her time at BalCC Jenni was involved in after school cooking classes with Mrs Norma
Higgins, school concerts, musical productions, and singing in aged care homes. Jenni is currently enjoying retirement and is the full-time carer for her husband, Jon who has Parkinson’s disease, and is blind and deaf. In her spare time Jenni enjoys her garden, walking, cooking, and spending time with her grandchildren and family. She also volunteers as a presenter on Good News Radio 103.9FM ‘A Voice of Hope’ and attends one2one Church of Christ, where she is involved in various service roles and attends weekly Bible studies with like-minded people.
BalCC Alumni and Former Staff: if you would like to share what you’ve been doing over the past few years with our College community, then we invite you to email in a write up and photos. Alternatively complete our BalCC Alumni questionnaire, which is available by emailing alumni@balcc.vic.edu.au
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7 r a e Y Information Guide balcc.vic.edu.au
During Term 2 we held a Year 7 information session for Year 5 and 6 students, who will be looking to commence Year 7 in 2023 or 2024. The session was open to current BalCC families and any prospective families. Head of Secondary, Scott McKenzie presented the session with Secondary teachers, Ian Manton and Simon Lewis, and Director of Teaching & Learning, Julie Gall on hand to answer questions. The students enjoyed getting to know one another with some games run by our Upper Primary teachers, Cheril Kemp and Beth Simonis.
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Click to View
Lower Primary B
Ava and Mckenzie
CONGRATULATIONS
To Lower Primary students, Ava and Mckenzie on receiving their second medal from Victory Star Fitness. The students received the medals from their coach, Victor in April after completing a 10 week Advanced Confidence Course.
At the end of this course Ava and Mckenzie had to sit a practical test, where they had to show the skills they had learnt so far for boxing in front of an audience. The test consisted of them individually saying to the audience their name, then jumping in the ring, skipping 20 times using the skipping rope, speaking loudly and clearly the numbers of boxing and naming the boxing stands. They then had to put this into action throwing their numbered punches at Victor, whilst dancing around the ring using their orthodox stance. Victor has made such a difference in both the girls, encouraging them constantly to achieve higher. Ava commenced with the
Introduction Confidence Kids Program at the start of 2021, advancing to the Confidence Kids Program, then to the Advanced Confidence Kids Course. Whilst Mckenzie commenced mid-2021 and completed the Confidence Kids Program and moved onto the Advanced Confidence Kids Course. Both Ava and Mckenzie have now passed the grading session for the Advanced Confidence Kids Course, they will move on and up to the next more advanced course, which will be more focussed on boosting their confidence even higher and further boxing skills being learnt. The hope is that they will have gained enough confidence at the end of the next course to be able to spar in the boxing ring with Victor in front of an audience. Well done girls on your commitment and achievements you have made through your confidence building boxing so far.
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SPORTING SCHOOLS
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uring Term 2 BalCC students have had expert coaches and the College has received funding for equipment through Sporting Schools for basketball, netball, volleyball and soccer. Specific year levels have been targeted for the various sports. Upper Primary benefitted from Ballarat Miners Coaches coming in for 3 weeks to teach basketball skills. Middle Primary had a soccer coach from Ballarat City Football club. Lower Secondary received funding to purchase netball equipment and had coaching from the Ballarat Volleyball Association. Sporting Schools is a $400 million Australian Government initiative designed to help schools increase children's participation in sport and connect them with community sport opportunities. Research shows that quality sport and physical activity in schools has a positive influence on children’s confidence, competence and motivation to be active at school and throughout their life.' (Sporting Schools Website, 2022) During one of their Sporting Schools coaching sessions the Ballarat Miners Coaches gifted BalCC a box of basketballs. Ballarat Victoria provided the basketballs to Ballarat Basketball, so that they could make donations around Ballarat to help kick start interest in basketball, after two years of interruptions due to COVID-19. Ballarat Basketball Sports Manager, Matt Newton said “It has been great to re-engage with Ballarat Christian College to run basketball programs, which date back to many years of training and games with the College.” William Hynes, Point Guard and Zac Dunmore, Shooting Guard with the Ballarat Miners made the presentation of the basketballs. BalCC is appreciative of the donation and the coaching skills being offered to our students by so many talented coaches in the Sporting Schools program.
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Like, Follow and Share Ballarat Christian College Alumni Facebook page
Ballarat Christian College P-12 Facebook page.
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COLLEGE IMPROVEMENTS
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he Term 1 school holiday break provided the opportunity to complete a few more necessary maintenance projects around the College campus.
The Creek running through the property was cleared of reeds; this opened up the view from one side to the other. A lovely couple of days of mud and reeds. A small off-street carpark was created beside ‘The House’, allowing up to 3 vehicles to park safely and create more space for neighbours and visitors. This has added to the recent landscaping improvements along the Vickers Street boundary and entrance. An ugly disused corner behind the Trade Training Centre (TTC) has been sealed to create a workspace for students at the TTC and those undertaking the Certificate III in Building & Construction. Further fencing and earthworks continued during Term 2 to finish this project. The “trial” artificial turf in front of the Neville Hawkins Wing had well and truly served its time! Just before the start of Term 2 the area was reconstituted with a much superior synthetic grass covering – lush, soft, green, and 25mm thick!
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STORYTIME
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n Term 2 our Primary students took part in the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) National Simultaneous Storytime. Students watched a livestream reading of this year’s selected book, ‘Family Tree’ by the author, Josh Pyke and illustrator, Ronojoy Ghosh. National Simultaneous Storytime is held annually by ALIA and the event sees a picture book written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 22nd successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation-Prep to Year 6.
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AFRICA DAY DINNER D
uring Term 2 our Head of Primary, Bianca Francica and our Head of Secondary, Scott McKenzie represented BalCC at an Africa Day dinner. The dinner was organised by the Ballarat African Association Inc., whose purpose is to support and uplift Africans and African families in the Ballarat region; to promote issues pertaining to social and cultural connectedness within our community; and actively seek solutions to challenges faced by African members of our community. Africa Day commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963 in Ethiopia. The body was formed to unite African nations, support their independence, and promote peace and human rights. It is also a vibrant day for African Victorians to celebrate and be celebrated. To learn more about the Ballarat African Association Inc. head to their website: ballaratafricanassociation.net.au
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PJ DAY O
ur Primary SRC organised a Onesie, Oodie or Pyjama Day for the whole College in Term 2, to raise awareness of The Salvation Army’s Winter Appeal. Students and staff came in colourful oodies and pyjamas, with designs ranging from unicorns, Baby Yoda, Star Wars to puppies! Students and staff collected beanies, jackets and new socks to donate to Salvos for the Winter Appeal. Each year our College has generously donated jackets, beanies and new socks of all sizes to help Ballarat’s homeless and those doing it tough this winter. For more information on the work of The Salvation Army head to: salvationarmy.org.au
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FESTIVAL OF WRITING
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n 2021 we commenced our ‘Primary Festival of Writing’, which coincided with Book Week. Students were asked to voluntarily write an original short story using the Book week theme. For 2022 the Book Week theme is ‘ Dreaming With Eyes Open’ and Primary students can submit their written piece to their Homeroom teacher by Friday, August 26th 2022. Please make sure your story is: • Original (that means it is your own creative ideas and writing). • Written neatly or typed up, so that it is easy to read. • Provides illustrations (pictures) to go with your story, or team up with someone to do them for you. • Checked for VCOP (Vocabulary, Connectives, Openers, Punctuation). • Between 100-500 words. Selected stories will be published and placed in our College Library for students to read.
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DESIGN TECH
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uring Term 2 the Year 9/10 elective Design Technology students had to develop their safety and competency skills with hand and light power tools in a range of applications with a set of similar projects. The opportunity has been there for some individual design changes within each project. The students along with Design Technology teacher, Martin Burness have had input into the viability of the proposed projects. Once the students had demonstrated competency with tools and equipment the option was there for them to work with a range of materials and processes including mechanical/electronic projects. As well as completing safe@work modules.
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SchoolTV - Wellbeing Resource
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erm 2 saw the launch of SchoolTV on our BalCC website under Useful Links: balcc.vic.edu.au/schooltv or via the iNewsletter in the SchoolTV icon. SchoolTV has been supporting families and schools for quite some time now by providing guidance and information to help alleviate some of the challenges faced by young people, especially during the pandemic. Over recent months many people have been impacted by COVID-19, and it has proven to be a difficult time for some more than others within the community. To assist parents support and reassure their children, and help them focus on the things that they can control in their own lives, Ballarat Christian College has invested funding into SchoolTV. This subscription provides parents a platform where that they can source material and content relevant to topical issues surrounding children, in particular the growing concern around mental health. We hope that by equipping parents with knowledge and education around these issues we can work together to assist children build resilience, improve mental health and wellbeing, and thus enhance educational outcomes. In addition to the short reports and articles provided by SchoolTV for viewing by BalCC parents, there is also an optional Student Wellbeing survey created by SchoolTV to be
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completed by the parents. The survey is designed to assist the College with producing a barometer on the state of wellbeing within our community. The information gathered will aid in determining the key issues affecting families and discovering where further resources may be required. This will help us understand the nature and extent of your concerns and determine how best to support our community. Please be assured that the information collected in this survey remains anonymous, and the reports will only be available to BalCC Leadership. If issues or reports read on the SchoolTV website raise any concerns for you, , or affect the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help as soon as practicable. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact, Mrs Karen Farquhar, on childsafety@ balcc.vic.edu.au or phone 5337 5900. Disclaimer: the views, information or opinions expressed on the SchoolTV website are solely those of the individuals and or do not necessarily represent those of Ballarat Christian College. Ballarat Christian College is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy any of the information contained in this website. The primary purpose of this website is to educate and inform and does not constitute a medical or other professional advice or services.
Reunions
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date
balcc.vic.edu.au
Sat 3 Sep 10:00am-12:00 noon 1 & 2 Year reunion
Class of 2020 & Class of 2021
REGISTER TODAY www.trybooking.com/CAPJD
Sat 3 Sep 3:00-5:00pm 5 Year reunion
Class of 2017
REGISTER TODAY www.trybooking.com/CAPQH
Sat 10 Sep
3:00-5:00pm 10 & 11 Year reunion Class of 2011 & Class of 2012 REGISTER TODAY www.trybooking.com/CAPQK
Access via Gate 1 (Yarrowee St) for refreshments, College tour & group photo For further information, please email alumni@balcc.vic.edu.au
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BALLARAT MINISTERS NETWORK
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n Term 2 we welcomed the Ballarat Ministers Network for a luncheon at BalCC. The Ballarat Ministers Network is the gathering of Ministers, Pastors, Reverends, and Priests from churches in and around the Ballarat area, who meet together at different churches twice a month to connect, network and pray with each other. Principal Ken Nuridin gave a short address during the luncheon before the members held their meeting and enjoyed a time of fellowship.
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LITERACY ROTATIONS
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n Term 2 the Preps worked in five different groups for literacy rotations, with each group completing a different activity each day. The Preps had the opportunity to read with the teacher and also to work independently on other activities. The five activities the Preps worked on were: • • • • •
Sight word game: Zap it! with Mrs Robyn Halliday Overwrite chart work for alphabet writing Kinetic sand for developing fine motor skills iPads: Eggy Words for sight word practice Guided Reading with Mrs Michelle Collins
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BABY BALLINGER
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owards the end of Term 2 we farewelled Mrs Bethany Ballinger, as she commenced her maternity leave. Our College Captains called past one of her final classes to present her with a gift from the BalCC Social Club. Thank you to Mrs Kirsty Johnson for creating the lovely gift. Congratulations to Mrs Ballinger and her husband, Rhys on the safe arrival of Wyatt Peter Ballinger, born 09/07/22 weighing 3.25kg. Mrs Ballinger says “We are all doing well and loving this new way of life as a family of three. I am sure I will pop by the school at some stage for a bit of 'Show and Tell’!”
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CONNECT @ BalCC CONNECT @ BalCC Connect@BalCC, which features news, photos and videos from Ballarat Christian College. Along with stories about the happenings in our Primary and Secondary, as we ll as BalCC Alumni and genera l information.
Edition One Every learner reaching their God-given potential
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Connect Publication Team Ruth Orr & Tim Weatherstone.
Disclaimer: The Connect@BalCC publication is a depiction of Term 2, 2022 and is not a detailed record of all events at the College during that term. If a person has been omitted or errors have been included, please do accept our apologies.
03 5337 5900 bcc@balcc.vic.edu.au balcc.vic.edu.au Ballarat Christian College P-12 Cnr Yarrowee & Vickers Streets, Sebastopol, Victoria 3356
Every learner reaching their God-given potential