@BalCC
CONNECT
Every learner reaching their God-given potential
Edition Three - 2026
CONTENTS 5 6 8 10 11 12 14 15 16 18
A NOTE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL SUBJECT SELECTION SCIENCEWORKS JOBS & TRAINING EXPO 100 DAYS OF PREP DODGEBALL ROCKETS WORKPLACE LEARNING CAREERS DAY STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
19 20 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 31
FED UNI EXCURSION A PLACE AT THE TABLE BALCC DAY CELEBRATION EVENING INVITE RALLY DAY DENTAL VAN PRIMARY FIRST AID PROBABILITY HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT ALUMNI REUNIONS
A digital flipbook publication with stories, happenings, photos and videos from Ballarat Christian College and our Alumni.
32 33 34 35 36 38 42 44 46 47
ACU EXCURSION SEEDS OF SCIENCE MINISTERS NETWORK TECH DECK FATHER’S DAY BOOK WEEK FOOD TECH CAMPS & SLEEPOVERS PREPARE COOK PRESENT LOOK AFTER YOUR MATE
48 50 51 52 53 54 56 58
R U OK? DAY MOCK ELECTIONS RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP CITE ALLIANCE FUTSAL TOURNAMENT TRAVEL EXPO FRENCH DAY FOOD & DESIGN TECH
Connect@BalCC Publication Team - Ruth Orr & Tim Weatherstone Contact - connect@balcc.vic.edu.au
A NOTE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
M
any of our college families will be aware of our support for SPARSH Academy, a small school in Uttarakhand, at the foot of the Himalayas in the north of India. Our partnership with SPARSH is an enduring one that has existed for about 15 years. As well as being a school providing a traditional education, SPARSH also focuses upon community development, health and hygiene, child development and broader literacy programs. The partnership provides an opportunity to develop an awareness in our students of the situation of children in more disadvantaged settings, and to assume some responsibility to help support those who are in more disadvantaged settings. Recently, the College has commenced exploring the possibility of extending this to disadvantaged communities within our own nation. We often assume that disadvantaged communities are always located outside of Australia, but those who work with some of our indigenous people groups know that some very disadvantaged children may be found much closer to home! I am pleased to report that the College has held preliminary discussions with the leadership of Kluthuthu Christian College, a small Christian P-7 school with a 100% indigenous enrolment in far north of Queensland. Our discussions have enabled us to gain an understanding of challenges facing this new school as it seeks to provide an educational facility to the local Napranum and wider Cape York communities. In the near future, some of our primary classes will engage in some online sessions with classes at Kluthuthu, as a way of getting to know a little about each other and their respective schools. From there, we hope to learn of ways that we might be able to provide support and encouragement to the Kluthuthu Christian College community, as we have been doing for SPARSH for many years. “But if anyone has the world’s good and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in Him? Little children, let us not love in world or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18 (ESV) As Term 3 draws to a close, I wish our students and their families a safe, restful term break and trust we all get to enjoy some warm spring sunshine! Blessings! Ken Nuridin Principal
SUBJECT SELECTION A
t the start of Term 3, we held our annual Subject Selection Expo for students in Years 8–11 in the Kerry Hutton Centre. Faculty Leaders and key staff, including the VCE, VCE VM and VET Coordinators, were on hand to provide information about subjects within their faculties and answer students’ questions. Representatives from a range of external organisations also attended, offering advice and information about training providers, apprenticeships and employment pathways at both the expo and in classroom career talks. There was also senior school pathways presentations by Head of Secondary, Mr Scott McKenzie.
6
7
SCIENCEWORKS
A
s part of their Integrated Studies units, all Prep to Year 4 students participated in an excursion to Scienceworks during Term 3. During the visit, students explored the interactive exhibits through supervised general viewing and took part in curriculumlinked learning sessions. Prep students participated in the Energy Lab: Toys and Forces program, Lower Primary students attended Tycho Goes to the Moon and Blast Off – Mission to Mars, and Middle Primary students completed an Introduction to Coding workshop.
8
9
JOBS & TRAINING EXPO
D
uring Term 3, our Year 10, Year 11 Business Management, and VCE Vocational Major students attended the Ballarat Jobs & Training Expo at The Goods Shed. Held annually, the expo brought together a wide range of industries, training providers, employers, and local businesses, showcasing education, training, and employment pathways across Ballarat and the surrounding region. Students had the opportunity to speak with industry professionals, explore career options, and participate in interactive workshops and seminars, gaining valuable insights into future study and employment opportunities.
10
A
100 DAYS OF PREP
t the start of Term 3, our Prep students celebrated the exciting milestone of 100 Days of School! With the theme of 100, students were invited to dress up, and they certainly embraced the challenge, arriving in creative outfits complete with grey hair, glasses, walking sticks, and plenty of big smiles.
Throughout the day, students enjoyed a range of fun 100-themed activities, including craft, Maths, and English tasks, all designed to celebrate this exciting milestone. It was a wonderful day of learning, laughter, and creativity as our youngest students marked 100 days of growth, friendships, and achievements.
11
DODGEBALL
A
t the start of Term 3, our Year 6 students took on staff in a friendly game of dodgeball. The students were split into two teams, with each team playing the staff for approximately 15–20 minutes. Using the “knock the skittles” version of dodgeball, the Year 6 students claimed victory in the first match, while the staff won the second. With one win each, the overall result was declared a draw.
12
13
ROCKETS L
ower Primary blasted into space during Term 3! Following their exciting excursion to the Scienceworks Planetarium, students put their creativity to work by designing and building rockets from recycled materials as part of their homework. They have thoroughly enjoyed sharing their imaginative creations with classmates during Show and Tell, with each rocket showcasing plenty of creativity flair.
14
WORKPLACE LEARNING
A
t the beginning of Term 3, our Year 10 students participated in a week of Structured Workplace Learning (SWL), gaining valuable firsthand experience in a variety of workplaces. SWL provides students with the opportunity to develop practical skills, explore potential career pathways, and gain a better understanding of workplace expectations. We thank the businesses and organisations that generously hosted our students and provided these valuable learning opportunities. Your support and guidance are greatly appreciated and help prepare our students for their future careers.
15
CAREERS DAY
I
n Term 3 students from Prep to Year 12 took part in our annual Careers Day, with Years 7–10 also participating in the Subject Selection Expo. Students and staff dressed as careers or ministries they aspire to pursue, or professions they found interesting and inspiring. It was wonderful to see so much creativity and enthusiasm as students explored future pathways!
16
17
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
C
ISABELLA ORR
ongratulations to Year 12 student Isabella on winning a gold medal in the Hairdressing section at the WorldSkills competition held during the Ballarat Jobs & Training Expo in July. Isabella secured her place in the competition through the Federation University Certificate II in Salon Assistant course she is undertaking through the Highlands LLEN VET Cluster. Her success showcases the valuable opportunities and industry skills gained through vocational education. Isabella completes her Certificate II at the end of this year and has secured a hairdressing apprenticeship. The Highlands LLEN VET Cluster is a long-
18
running partnership between a cluster of secondary schools (over 30 secondary education providers within Ballarat and surrounding regions) and the Highlands Local Learning and Employment Network (HLLEN) and provides a diverse range of programs for Year 10, 11 and 12 students, that are nationally recognised and Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) approved. VET programs give students the opportunity to learn from industry experts and allows students to study and make friendships with likeminded peers from the cluster of schools with the HLLEN region. To learn more about VET courses, please visit: https://www.highlandsllen.org/
FED UNI EXCURSION
I
n early Term 3, our Year 10 students participated in an excursion to Federation University Mount Helen campus. During the visit, students attended a presentation in a university lecture theatre, where they learned about Federation University, its courses and pathways. They also took part in a guided tour of the Mt Helen campus, exploring the facilities and gaining an insight into university life.
19
A PLACE AT THE TABLE
O
ur Year 11 and 12 VCE VM students have been continuing their work through A Place at the Table, a partnership between BalCC and The Salvation Army Ballarat. The students have commenced serving breakfast in a welcoming café-style setting for people experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, mental health challenges, or related disadvantage. More than a meal, the program creates a safe and dignified space for human connection, hospitality, and belonging. Guests also receive take-home food hampers and can be connected with broader Salvation Army support services, including practical assistance, wellbeing support, and community connection. Through this applied learning partnership, students develop skills in hospitality, teamwork, social awareness, and service, while contributing meaningfully to the wellbeing of the Ballarat community. “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 (NIV)
20
21
A
BALCC DAY
t the start of Term 3 we held our annual BalCC Day. As part of our regular assemblies, guest speakers shared their personal connections to BalCC and reflected on the impact the College has had on their lives, along with the roles they currently have with BalCC. Our Primary students heard from former students, Mrs Pam Jones (founding student) and Mrs Amy Lewis (Class of 2011), while Secondary students heard from BalCC Board Chair, Mr Richard Gent.
22
BalCC Day, first held in 2024, was created to help our staff, students, and the BalCC community gain a deeper understanding of our journey—celebrating our history, recognising our present, and looking ahead to our future. To learn more about BalCC you may wish to read BalCC Yesterday Until Today, a digital flipbook that takes you on the journey of BalCC from commencement in 1985 until today: https://issuu.com/ballaratcc/docs/ balcc_-_yesterday_until_today
CELEBRATION EVENING
23
RALLY DAY
D
uring Term 3, 57 selected Secondary students travelled to Westgate Sports & Leisure Centre in Altona to represent BalCC at the Christian Schools Events Network (CSEN) Western Rally Day Tournament. Students competed across 3v3 Basketball, Beach Volleyball and Futsal. We are incredibly proud of all our students for representing the College with Excellence, Respect and great Sportsmanship. Well done to all students and staff involved! Thanks to Year 11 students, Will and Heath for helping referee and coach the Year 7-8 Boys Basketball team.
24
3v3 BASKETBALL Year 7–8 Boys: Both our teams progressed to the Grand Final. Ballarat 1: 2nd place. Ballarat 2: 1st place. Year 9–10 Boys Ballarat 1: 3rd place. Ballarat 2: 5th place. Year 9–10 Girls: 3rd place.
FUTSAL Year 7–8 Boys: 4th place. Year 9–10 Boys: 2nd place. Year 11–12 Boys: 1st place.
BEACH VOLLEYBALL Year 7–8 Girls: 4th place. Year 7–8 Boys: competed in mixed Basketball and Beach Volleyball games and won the 3v3 Basketball competition 1st place. Year 9–10 Girls: 5th place.
25
DENTAL VAN
T
he Australian Dental Health Van visited our Primary students during Term 3 to provide on-site dental check-ups for eligible students. Participation was optional, with parents able to register and provide consent online. Thank you to the Australian Dental Health Van team for supporting the dental health of our students. For more information about the Australian Dental Health school service, please visit: https://adhv.com.au/
26
PRIMARY FIRST AID
D
uring Term 3, our Primary students took part in First Aid sessions with the St John First Aid in Schools Program as part of their Health & Physical Education lessons. Students learnt age-appropriate first aid skills, including DRS, calling 000, recovery position, CPR and how to respond in an emergency. They put their learning into practice through fun, interactive activities and scenarios. A fantastic opportunity to build confidence and valuable life-saving skills!
27
PROBABILITY
O
ur Upper Primary A students recently explored the Mathematical topic of Probability. As a way of demonstrating their understanding, they were given the task to create a game or experiment to connect with Lower Primary A students. The Upper Primary A students loved this opportunity, and they all created and facilitated excellence in learning and building relationships across the Primary school. The fun and engagement was hands on and appealing for all involved.
28
HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
T
hroughout Term 3, our Year 11 Health and Human Development students took part in a range of hands-on learning experiences exploring human development, parenting and wellbeing. Through classroom visits, an infant care simulation project and conversations with parents and caregivers, students developed their understanding of child development while building empathy, responsibility and practical knowledge. These experiences were intended to complement the VCAA Health and Human Development Study Design while encouraging students to reflect on Christian values of love, responsibility, service, and care for others.
29
30
ALUMNI REUNIONS
T
hank you to everyone who came along to our 2026 Alumni Reunions during Term 3. It was a fantastic afternoon celebrating the connections that continue long after graduation.
It was wonderful to welcome back alumni from the classes of 2025, 2021 and 2016 and have the opportunity to reconnect, reminisce and hear about what everyone has been doing since leaving BalCC. It’s always a pleasure to see our former students return and remain part of the BalCC community.
31
I
ACU EXCURSION
n Term 3, our Year 10 students had the opportunity to take part in an excursion to the Australian Catholic University (ACU), Ballarat campus. The visit provided students with an exciting opportunity to experience university life and learn more about the pathways and opportunities available at ACU. Students attended a presentation in a university lecture theatre, where they were introduced to ACU and gained an insight into what it is like to study at a tertiary institution. Students also had the opportunity to explore the Ballarat campus, helping them become familiar with the university environment and see the facilities and spaces available to students. The excursion was a valuable experience for our Year 10 students as they begin to consider their future study and career pathways. It was wonderful to see students engaging with the experience, asking questions and gaining a better understanding of the opportunities that may be available to them beyond secondary school.
32
SEEDS OF SCIENCE
U
pper Primary students have been developing Science inquiry skills through practical experiments involving reversible and irreversible chemical changes in states of matter. Making predictions, noting observations, and offering explanations have formed the backbone of the hands-on activities with students offering insightful responses to explain observed phenomena.
In addition to the chemical science topic, students also explored the Science week theme of “Seeds of Science” by investigating how plants grow towards the light. It’s been an interactive, hands-on time in Upper Primary Science lessons with much wonder, thinking, and fun along the way!
33
MINISTERS NETWORK
D
uring Term 3, we had the pleasure of hosting the Ballarat Ministers Network (BMN) for a morning tea. BMN is a gathering of Ministers, Pastors, Reverends and Priests from churches across the Ballarat area who meet twice a month to connect, network and pray together.
Our Micah 6:8/Café 6:8 program prepared all the food and drinks for the event, while our College Captains and Principal, Ken Nuridin, had the opportunity to speak with the ministers about our College.
34
O
TECH DECK
ur Year 10 students have been doing Visual Communication design during Visual Arts in Term 3. The Year 10s have completed research, brainstorms, generated ideas, explored methods, media and materials, completed an orthogonal technical drawing and painted a Tech Deck. As well as delivering final presentations on a timber skateboard deck.
35
FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST
T
hank you to everyone who joined us for our Father’s Day Breakfast in week 8 of Term 3. It was a wonderful morning of good food, great company and plenty of laughter as we celebrated the special fathers, grandfathers and father figures in our BalCC community.
Our Year 9 Micah 6:8 students and staff did a fantastic job preparing and serving a delicious breakfast, with an array of sweet and savoury danishes and banana bread with whipped butter for our guests to enjoy. Beyond the delicious food, the morning was all about connection and community. Guests had the opportunity to relax, catch up with one another, enjoy some friendly competition and have fun playing games together.
36
FATHER’S DAY STALL
A
big thank you to Mrs Tania Duthie for organising our much-loved annual Father’s Day Stall, giving our Primary students the opportunity to choose a special gift for their dads and father figures. We also extend our thanks to our wonderful Year 8 students, who helped serve our younger students and make the stall such a success.
37
BOOK WEEK
A
big thank you to everyone who contributed to making Book Week such a wonderful celebration at BalCC! Our College truly came alive with creativity, imagination and the joy of stories. It was wonderful to see students and staff sharing their favourite books, dressing up and enjoying the simple fact that school days are fun. This year’s CBCA Book Week (22–28 August) theme, Symphony of Stories, celebrates the diversity and creativity of Australian children’s literature and the many voices that come together through story. Throughout the week, Primary students enjoyed literacy activities exploring CBCA-shortlisted and award-winning books, while local debut children’s author Sarah Lane joined our Primary assembly to share her work. Secondary students participated in book reviews for Shelftalkers, with winning entries to be submitted to the School Library Association of Victoria. We finished the week finished with our muchloved Dress Up Day, with staff and Prep–Year 12 students bringing their favourite book characters and the Symphony of Stories theme to life.
38
39
40
41
FOOD TECH
D
uring Book Week, our Year 7 and 9 Food Technology students got creative in the kitchen, baking and decorating colourful cupcakes inspired by the much-loved book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Students enjoyed bringing the story to life through food, using their imagination and creativity to design their own delicious interpretations of the classic tale. It was a fun and hands-on way to celebrate the joy of books while developing their baking and decorating skills!
42
The day provided students with opportunities to develop their creativity, problem-solving and collaboration skills while learning about the importance of STEM and future pathways. Students also became familiar with the Tech School’s facilities, programs and innovative teaching style. Students took on the role of detectives during an exciting Ballarat Tech School mystery investigation. Working in teams, they tackled a fictional “whodunit” using real-world skills in cybersecurity, virtual reality (VR) and forensic science. Across three hands-on activity rotations, students examined evidence, searched for clues and used creative and critical thinking to piece together the mystery. Teams then presented their findings to the Chief Inspector, racing against the clock to build a watertight case!
STEM SHOWDOWN
The experience helped students strengthen their cybersecurity knowledge, explore real-world applications of VR and discover how forensic science uses scientific reasoning to solve mysteries.
STEM ISLAND
STEM IN ACTION
Our Year 7 students enjoyed an engaging STEM in Action workshop at the Ballarat Tech School during Term 3. Across three hands-on rotations, students explored Virtual Reality, programmed VEX robots, tackled a Martian-themed escape room, and experimented with AI and podcasting.
Our Year 9 students worked in teams for a fast-paced day of hands-on STEM challenges, friendly competition and real-time scoring as part of a Ballart Tech School program. Students tackled rapid-fire challenges that brought Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics to life while developing the 4 C’s: Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration and Communication. They collaborated in small teams, communicated to achieve common goals, demonstrated critical and creative thinking, and applied their STEM knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems. To learn more about Ballarat Tech School, please visit https://ballarattechschool.vic.edu.au/ ‘Discover today, Design tomorrow’
43
CAMPS & SLEEPOVERS A
t the end of Term 3, our students enjoyed some wonderful opportunities to connect, have fun and create lasting memories. Middle Primary visited Adekate Camp in Dean and Year 8 students went to the Pax Hill Scout Camp, while Lower Primary enjoyed a sleepover at the College. Across each experience, students participated in a variety of fun and engaging activities, embraced new challenges and enjoyed spending quality time together outside the classroom. A big thank you to our staff for their care, enthusiasm and support in making these experiences so memorable for our students.
O
PREPARE COOK PRESENT
ur Year 8 students were busy in Food Technology during Term 3 putting their cooking skills to the test with two delicious dishes — spicy shake and bake chicken and crispy potato latkes. Students followed recipes, practised their food preparation skills and
worked safely in the kitchen as they prepared, cooked, presented their dishes and enjoyed the delicious results of their hard work. It was wonderful to see students building confidence and independence while learning valuable skills they can use both at school and at home.
LOOK AFTER YOUR MATE
A
t the end of Term 3, our Year 12 students participated in the Looking After Your Mates road safety program, delivered by a presenter from Roadsafe Central Highlands, with funding provided through the Department of Transport Community Road Safety Grants. The program aims to equip young people and
members of the local community with greater knowledge and awareness of road safety, including the risks associated with alcohol and drug use when using the road. It also reinforces an important message: we all have a responsibility to keep ourselves, our friends and others safe on the road.
R U OK? DAY
A
t the end of Term 3 we took part in R U OK? Day. Our Year 9 and 10 students baked delicious cupcakes, which were sold through Café 6:8, while our Student Wellbeing Team handed out icy poles and facilitated a range of lunchtime activities, including soccer, basketball and a football coaching session with AFL Victoria. Staff also led devotions around self-care and emotional awareness, along
with lunchtime games and craft that all helped to promote selfexpressions and positive mental health practices. It was a wonderful day of coming together, checking in with one another and reminding our BalCC community that every conversation can make a difference. For more information around R U OK? Day, please visit: https://www.ruok.org.au/
MOCK ELECTIONS
O
ver the course of Term 3 the Year 8 students took part in a ‘mock election’ as part of their HASS Civics studies. The Year 8s grouped up and formed their own political parties, put together their group’s core values and campaign promises, and advertised themselves to the Year 7s and 8s over the past several weeks in the bid to be elected to “office”. The campaign culminated last week, with each party addressing the 100 or so students that make up the lower secondary classes. There was much excitement and nervousness throughout the classes, but they presented very well and are to be congratulated for their efforts in the lead-up to this event, as well as for actually getting up in front of so many people and speaking. Immediately after speeches were delivered, the students took part in the voting process – lining up outside, receiving a ballot paper, and then numbering all of their options in some designated ‘voting booths’ before dropping them into the ballot box. After a thorough count of the votes, it was the ‘Chooken Comfort Party’ that took home the win, with ‘We Want You’ coming in a close second place by just three votes. A great effort put in by all involved!
RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP
A
t the end of Term 3, our Prep students took part in a fun and engaging Responsible Pet Ownership education program. Through a combination of a dog visit, multimedia activities, role play, songs and stories, students learnt important lessons about staying safe around dogs and being responsible pet owners. Students explored: • • • • •
When dogs should be left alone Things we should and shouldn’t do around dogs How to tell if a dog is happy, frightened or angry A safe way to approach and greet a dog What to do if approached by an unknown or aggressive dog
The Responsible Pet Ownership primary school program is designed for children aged 5–12 and has reached more than 1 million Victorian primary school students, visiting more than 800 schools across Victoria each year. The incursion was a wonderful opportunity for our Preps to build confidence, develop safe habits and learn how to interact respectfully with our four-legged friends! To learn more about responsible pet ownership, please visit: https://www.pettown.vic.gov.au/
CITE ALLIANCE
W
e’re delighted to announce that Ballarat Christian College is now an Associate CITE Alliance member school! We’re excited to be joining a growing partnership of Christian schools committed to the formation of exceptional Christian teachers and to investing in the next generation of educators. We’re especially thrilled to acknowledge current staff member Keaghan Wray, who will become BalCC’s very first CITE Trainee in 2027, as he undertakes studies to become a secondary teacher. We look forward to supporting Keaghan as he develops the skills, knowledge, and professional experience needed to become classroomready, while being formed for the important vocation of Christian teaching.
CITE Alliance brings together Christian schools, higher education providers, and a professional learning community to integrate theory, practice, faith, and professional identity through an employment-based approach ‘Third Space’ to teacher education. CITE Alliance is passionate about developing teachers who are not only qualified to teach but equipped to contribute meaningfully to the life and mission of Christian schools. We’re excited to join the CITE Alliance community and can’t wait to see where this journey leads, and the difference Keaghan will make in the years ahead. If you’re considering a future in Christian education, this is an incredible opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge and experience to pursue your teaching dreams while making a lasting difference. To learn more about CITE Alliance, please visit: https://www.cite.vic.edu.au/
D
FUTSAL TOURNAMENT
uring Term 3, we have been running a lunchtime Futsal tournament for Secondary students. During week 1 the students took on the staff and in the following week’s games were between houses.
The grand final was held this week between Unity and Slessor with the game filled with end-to-end action from the opening whistle. Unity took an early lead in the first half and appeared to control the game for much of the opening period. Slessor, however, refused to make it easy for Unity and fought hard to get back into the contest, eventually finding the back of the net to level the score.
After half-time, Unity once again took the lead and continued to apply pressure, eventually extending their advantage to 3–1. Slessor continued to fight hard and created several opportunities, coming close to scoring on a couple of occasions. Despite being awarded a penalty in the final minute, Slessor was unable to convert the opportunity. The final whistle confirmed Unity as the BalCC Secondary Futsal tournament champions for Term 3, following an exciting and competitive match between both teams. Thank you to all the students and staff who took part in the competition over the past few weeks.
TRAVEL EXPO
U
pper Primary students have been learning about our global neighbours with a focus on Asia. Students researched a country of interest to them in Asia and created a project to present their learning. They included facts about the location, places to visit, customs, festivals and traditions. Students shared their projects during an expo at the end of Term 3, giving parents and students from other classes the opportunity to explore their learning and achievements.
FRENCH DAY
O
ur Term 3 French Day was a fantastic celebration of French language, culture and the diverse cultures of the French-speaking world. Students from Prep to Year 9 enjoyed an exciting incursion with Melbourne Djembe, exploring the connection between language, culture, music and community. Through interactive West African drumming workshops, students experienced the vibrant musical traditions of a region where French is widely spoken and is an important part of everyday life and culture. Students learned rhythms, participated in group performances and embraced the opportunity to experience another aspect of the rich and diverse Francophone world. The day also reflected our commitment to celebrating the diversity of God’s creation and recognising the ways music and language can bring people together. Students had the opportunity to learn from another culture, appreciate its traditions and work together as one community — values that are central to our Christian identity. The enthusiasm and energy from our students made the day a wonderful success. It was a memorable way to bring our French learning to life while celebrating culture, community and our shared identity as God’s people. Merci to everyone who helped make our French Day such a wonderful celebration!
FOOD & DESIGN TECH
O
ur Upper Primary students take part in Food Technology and Design Technology classes as part of their learning and preparation for the transition to secondary school. Each week, students have the opportunity to cook, create and design while developing important practical skills. Through cooking activities, students learn about food preparation, kitchen
58
safety, following recipes and working collaboratively. In Design Technology, they explore creativity, problem-solving and practical construction while learning to use tools and materials safely.
These hands-on experiences encourage independence, confidence and persistence, while giving students valuable skills they can carry with them into secondary school and beyond.
@BalCC
T C E N N O C
arner re
Every le
d-given
heir Go aching t
l
potentia
6 wo - 202 Edition T
Connect@BalCC To view previous editions of Connect@BalCC, please scan the QR code or click here: Scan the QR code to open.
59
balcc.vic.edu.au