Connect @ BalCC Edition 1 2024 by Ballarat Christian College

CONNECT

Every learner reaching their God-given potential

A NOTE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL

Thisyear, for the first time, the College introduced official closing dates for enrolments. This move was made in response to the increasing demand for places at the College and the need to put in place the necessary staffing and facilities to meet the growth. After two years of 10% growth per annum, the College’s enrolments have reached around 360 students, a level not seen for over a decade. Next year, it seems that we will experience growth of about 15%, as expect to start the new year with an enrolment of 400-plus. Praise be to our God!

Up to this point, we have been able to accommodate the growth within our existing infrastructure, but next year’s numbers will require an expansion to that infrastructure – specifically the structure of our class/homeroom cohorts, our staffing and our buildings. In 2025, the College will add additional homeroom cohorts to Middle Primary, Upper Primary and Year 7. Staffing of the additional classes is well underway, as is planning for the additional facilities to house the extra groups.

2025 will not only be an exciting year of growth, but also a time to celebrate an important milestone in the College’s history as we mark the 40th anniversary of our birth as Carmel Christian Community School. Commencing with 22 primary students, the school first used the Bethel Hall at Carmel Welsh Presbyterian Church, before obtaining demountable buildings that were sited behind the church. Interestingly, Ballarat Christian College (secondary) also began operations 14 years later in the former Seventh-Day Adventist Primary School facility with 22 students enrolled in Years 7 and 8 (obviously not the same students that started in the primary, given the number of intervening years!). Planning is well underway to celebrate this anniversary, with keynote events planned for each term.

I wish you and your family a restful Term 3 break and safety on our roads if you’re travelling during the holidays.

Ken Nuridin Principal

DISCOVERY

Our Prep and Lower Primary students enjoyed a hands-on minibeasts incursion in Term 2. The students rotated through activity stations that included feeding butterflies, handling, feeding and interacting with minibeasts, designing warning colour patterns and exploring life cycles. They also learnt about food chains, habitats, features and adaptations.

NEW SKILLS

Throughout the year our Certificate II in Building and Construction students have continued to develop new skills. The students have re-laid pavers which had moved over time to form a flatter surface and replaced a damaged sleeper edge. All this gave them great experience in maintaining building surroundings and developing confidence in a variety of tools.

Students were also involved in the maintenance and improvement in the decking area of the Upper Secondary Wing. Students punched nail in and added approximately 4,000 screws, which has given the deck a new lease of life.

In Term 2 the students completed a oneday Construction Induction course. During the day they learnt many aspects of working safely on a building site including the roles and responsibilities of workers, health and safety requirements and first aid procedures. The course enabled students to apply then for a White card, which allows them to work on construction sites across Australia. The card is particularly helpful as some students are looking at Structured Workplace Learning and careers in the building industry in the future. Training was given by Mark from Origin Institute. All students passed, which was a great outcome for the day.

REAWAKENING FASHION

InTerm 2 the 2nd Year Certificate II in Fashion students styled outfits around the 2024 Met Gala event, which is held each year at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

The students styled their outfits around the two themes for this year’s Met Gala, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” and “The Garden of Time.”

The Certificate II in Fashion course aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competency that will enhance their training and employment prospects in the fashion design and textile production industry.

This program provides an introductory overview of skills that can be applied in the fashion industry. It includes skills in design and production of garments

and textiles and the development of unique fashion and textile designs used in Indigenous Australian culture.

The program is offered through The Highlands LLEN VET Cluster, which is a long-running partnership between a cluster of schools (over 30 secondary education providers within Ballarat and surrounding regions) and runs in the Trade Training Centre at BalCC for our students and students from a number of schools in and around Ballarat.

For more information on The Highlands LLEN VET Cluster and the courses they offer students from Years 10-12, please go to: https://www. highlandsllen.org/vet-cluster/

EASTER CHAPEL

Theguest speaker for our whole College Easter Chapel was Barry Buirski from Celebrate Messiah, who spoke on ‘Paul’s Passion for his People’.

There were performances by the Senior Secondary Chapel Band with ‘Graves into Gardens’, the Primary and Middle Secondary Chapel Bands with ‘In Christ Alone’ and the Upper Primary students sang and danced for the wiggle break with ‘Lion’.

There were also displays of Easter artwork from our Visual Arts students and ‘I Believe’ presentations to Primary students.

EASTER FUN DAY

On the last day of Term 1 our Primary students took part in an Easter Fun Day, where they dressed up and took part in Easter rotations with a focus on ‘God’s Gift of Grace to Us’.

COURTNEY GRAHAM

Thisyear marks a whole decade since I finished school. It’s been an amazing decade; here’s what I have been up to since! After finishing school and graduating in 2014, I had my back surgery after 9 years of managing my diagnosis of scoliosis. A year later, I decided to emigrate to the United Kingdom. Whilst living in the UK, I met my husband, Fraser.

Midway through 2016, after some challenges, we came back to Australia, and spent the next 11 months bouncing between jobs, enjoying plenty of family catch ups and ending with the happy news of our engagement, in June 2017.

Returning to the UK in August 2017, we started planning our wedding. We found work, and had that as a focus, whilst busily preparing for the biggest day of our life. After 18 months of planning, we finally wed in the British Autumn in November, 2018.

Following our wedding, we focused on work and saving money. We had some challenges where Fraser had some medical issues and because of this I had to be his support.

COVID-19 brought new difficulties where I very quickly became a front-line worker, working in a care home facility, supporting those with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other health conditions. It was during this time that I started some study to progress my career.

With COVID-19 sticking around a lot longer than initially expected, I continued with my studies, and started progressing within my job, moving from a healthcare assistant to a training senior healthcare assistant; this gave me more responsibilities within my job role.

After 18 months, I finished my studies and was awarded with an National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), in the British Health & Social Care industry. This promoted me to a Senior Healthcare Assistant.

In late November 2022, I found out that I was expecting our first child and the following August we welcomed our first child, a daughter, who we named Madeleine. Shortly after her birth, we booked airfares to Australia. Having not been home in 6 years, and then having a baby, we agreed that a visit was well overdue!

In March, Fraser, Madeleine and I enjoyed a well deserved, and overdue family holiday. We holidayed

CLASS OF 2014

around Australia, and enjoyed the sights, as well as being with family and friends in Queensland, Wagga Wagga, Ballarat, Adelaide, and ending in Perth. In late March we made our way back to the UK, after having a really wonderful holiday.

We were privileged enough to have a tour of BalCC when we were in Ballarat, and it was amazing to see how much the College has grown since I was last there, as well as it being very special to be able to show my husband and daughter where I went to school.

And as for the rest of family….

Being a blended family, of both Shardlow’s & Wilksch’s, we have all been affiliated with the College and have seen it grow and change over several years.

Darryl & Clare: Darryl being father to Ryan, Kirsty & Sophie, has been affiliated with the College for over 20 years.

Darryl was working for Laminex as an inventory supervisor, but after 10 years, he retired. Darryl now enjoys the semi-retired life and is currently travelling around Australia with Clare. Darryl has part-time work, as a school bus driver, in Western Australia.

Clare being mum to Robert, Jack, Courtney & Matthew has also been affiliated with the College for over 20 years, but she is also affiliated with the College in a professional capacity as for 4 years, Clare was working as the Food Technology Teacher. Clare is currently working as the Food Technology teacher at Rehoboth Christian College, in Western Australia, whilst also enjoying travelling around Australia with Darryl.

Ryan Wilksch: Ryan graduated from the College in 2004. Ryan works within IT at a car dealership. Ryan married his wife Trista in 2009 and together they have gone on to have 4 children.

Kirsty Johnston (nee Wilksch): Kirsty graduated from the College in 2006, where she was formerly College captain. Kirsty went on to do a Bachelors Degree in Education, and under the supervision of Mr Trent Loader, she completed some of her teaching placement at the College in 2012.

Kirsty married her husband Nic in January 2014. Kirsty and Nic welcomed their daughter Evie in September 2019 and shortly after her birth moved to Adelaide where she is working at Portside Christian School.

Robert: Robert graduated from the College in 2009. Robert became interested in retail and found employment at NQR in Wendouree. After 2 years of being open, Robert was provided the opportunity to head up the Sebastopol store and eventually moved on

to become store manager. Robert has now worked for NQR for 13 years.

Jack: Jack graduated from the College in 2013. Jack became interested in cheffing, after some initial apprehension, during his time at the College, and was working as a Kitchen Hand at Sebastiaans alongside attending school. Upon finishing school, Jack, found employment at the Royal Mail Hotel as a First Year Apprentice Chef and has worked within the hospitality industry for over 10 years. Jack successfully completed his apprenticeship with a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery in August 2017. Jack is currently working at the Brown Hill Hotel as Head Chef, after recently stepping into the new role.

Sophie: Sophie graduated from the College in 2014. Sophie has worked within customer service for years and is currently working for the BMW dealership as the warranties clerk for BMW and three other vehicle manufacturers. 2024 marks 10 years since Sophie graduated from the College!

Matthew: Matthew graduated from the College in 2017. Matthew gained employment at NQR whilst in school, and continued to work within retail after he finished school, until he temporarily moved to Barmera South Australia, with his parents, and found employment at the Kingston-on-Murray Winery. Whilst working at the winery, Matthew was involved in a serious workplace accident, where he had quite a severe fall and fractured vertebra in his spine.

After recovering from his accident, Matthew returned to Ballarat, and moved in with Jack. He returned to NQR for another 2 years until resigning. After a short period of unemployment, he then found work at McDonalds in Bakery Hill.

In October of 2022, Matthew moved into another job, where he currently still works, at Zambrero’s. In his spare time Matthew volunteers for his church and helps out at the Brekkie Club.

Alumni are invited to share what they have been doing since leaving BalCC, by either sending in a write up and photos, or by completing our BalCC Alumni questionnaire, which is located on our website: www.balcc.vic.edu.au/college-life#alumni

The easy to follow questionnaire only takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Completed questionnaires, write ups, photos and requests to update contact details can be emailed to alumni@balcc.vic.edu.au

ANZAC DAY 2024

On Anzac Day students from our Primary Student Representative Council and Secondary Senate represented BalCC at Anzac Day services in Ballarat Central, Sebastopol and Buninyong.

Year 9B Senate representatives, Jordy and Alice represented BalCC at a special Anzac service at the Shrine of Remembrance the week prior to Anzac Day, along with other Ballarat schools and members of Legacy.

On Monday 22 April at our Primary and Secondary Assemblies our students took part in commemorative Anzac services. The Year 10B students and Homeroom, teacher Don Gall presented the Secondary Assembly, along with members of the Sebastopol RSL, Trevor Anderson and President, Kevin Scott. Our Primary students heard an address from Principal Ken Nuridin.

LEGACY MEMORIAL SERVICE

OnFriday the 16th, Jordy and I, and about 26 students from serval schools caught a bus to the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, for a day to remember, commemorate and thank all the Anzacs and other military personnel. There were many highlights from this day, but we have managed to narrow it down to three: The service (obviously), seeing people from all walks of life, and exploring the Shrine.

The service began at 10:45am and many special memories were made during this time. Some of the events taking place were the Defence Force Cadet marching, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria attending, and the lighting of the eternal flame. Seeing these events truly impacted us and displayed to us the importance of the event and how important it is for our generation to continue to honour and pay our respects to all the Anzacs and the Australian Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel who have given up their bodies and lives to give our great country peace and freedom.

It was truly amazing to see the number of people who were there. Now I might be wrong but to me, it looked like at least 1500-2000 people in the crowd. It was honestly incredible to see all the different ages and stages of the people who were attending, from 10-year-old kids to 70-yearold legatees. We were all very proud to be representing our College and city at this event.

After the service, we got to explore the outside and inside of the Shr`ine. When we walked-in we saw hundreds of medals lining the walls. There were also many beautiful artworks and flags from all sorts of places. The architecture inside was quite amazing as it is nearly 100 years old. Luckily, we got the chance to go to the top part of the Shrine and we were able to see the city and the sea, which was breathtaking.

By Alice - Year 9B

PHOTOGRAPHY MASTERCLASS

InTerm 3 the Year 11 Art Creative Practice participated in a photography masterclass lead by Breanna Custodio, who is married to BalCC Alum, Jeremy Custodio (Class of 2017). Breanna runs her own photography business, ‘In The Image’.

The students learned about the aspects of modern photography and techniques in handling DSLR cameras, including the rule of thirds, leading lines and using a frame within a frame. The students enjoyed being able to participate in practical activities outside, taking shots in nature and using their newfound skills.

CSA PRINCIPALS MEETING

During Term 3 BalCC hosted the Christian Schools Australia (CSA) Regional Principals meeting.

CSA is a national association providing support for the delivery of Christ centered educational excellence within Christian Schools. Established in 2002, CSA is committed to advancing the Kingdom of God by advocating, supporting and resourcing Christian schools, and their wider school communities.

CSA supports and serves member schools directly and through extensive professional, development and networks. CSA provides professional services, bespoke resources, direct assistance, information and advice to its members, and are a voice for Christian schools, advocating for their needs in the national and global environment.

To learn more about CSA, click here.

PRIMARY SPEECH NIGHT

AllPrimary students had the opportunity to participate in ‘public speaking’ in class during Term 2, with some students selected to enter the Primary Speech Night as a finalist. There were three adjudicators judging on the night; two staff from the English Faculty, Mr Don Gall and Mrs Glenda Brown, and one parent representative, Mrs Renee Baker. Once again, the standard of speeches was high which made the adjudicators’ job very difficult.

The finalists were:

LPA -Joshua and Winter-Lily.

LPB-Heidi and Jed.

MPA- Elodie and Rain

MPB- Levi and Elizabeth.

UPA- Trent and Zara.

UPB -Joshua Sony and Gabriel.

Congratulations to Jed, Levi and Gabriel who scored the highest and won their age sections.

RED DAY

Atthe end of Term 2 we held a Red Day to raise funds for the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, with staff and students wearing red in support and making a gold coin donation. To further support the Salvation Army the College once again collected and donated of beanies, jackets, and new socks for the annual Salvation Army Winter Appeal.

HAYDEN REES

During Term 2 our Year 9/10 Performing Arts class was visited by BalCC Alum, Hayden Rees from the Class of 2017. Hayden took the students through a range of warmups, improvisation tasks and acting skills with students then working in groups to perform a variety of scenes from well-known plays.

Hayden graduated with a Bachelor of Performing Arts degree from Federation University in 2023, where he trained in acting (stage and screen), dance (tap, jazz, and ballet), singing and voice (vocal health, characterisation in song, and accents), and combat training.

It was wonderful to have Hayden come into work with our Performing Arts students, who benefitted from his knowledge and talent, and learnt some amazing new skills on the day.

If BalCC Alumni are interested in coming into to advise, help and inspire current students by providing career or study advice, or to be involved in our annual Careers Day held in July each year, please email alumni@balcc. vic.edu.au

CLASS OF 2017

P R E P PREPARING FOR

Our BalCC ‘Preparing for Prep’ booklet has been created to inform and assist Prep parents and students to have a smooth transition into the classroom and a positive start to school.

For enrolment information, please contact our Registrar via email registrar@balcc.vic.edu.au

A booklet to encourage ‘I can’ skills and experiences for a great start to Prep.

IT’S ELECTRIFYING

In Term 2 the Upper Primary students had a lot of fun exploring circuits and switches in their Science unit, ‘It’s Electrifying’. The hands-on inquiry unit saw students connecting wires and batteries to light bulbs of varying complexity.

Students applied their understanding of circuitry for their homework

project, where they were tasked with lighting a building. Many creative designs were submitted.

To complement their classroom learning, students participated in the incursion program Circuits and Switches provided by the Discovery Science and Technology Centre in Bendigo.

RHYTHM

InTerm 2 our Lower Primary classes had the wonderful opportunity to watch a music performance by Rhythm Unites. The students learnt about music from multiple cultures worldwide and saw unique instruments created in these cultures. It was wonderful to see the students participating with such great enthusiasm. The highlight was the class drumming activity, which was a wonderful way to put into action information taught during the sessions.

2 024 ATHL ETICS twenty twenty-four

INSPIRE POSITIVE WELLBEING

ERIC AGYEMAN

Atthe start of the year highly renowned youth speaker and mentor, Eric Agyeman ran two days of seminars for students, staff and parents.

Over the two days Eric spoke into the lives of the Upper Primary to Year 10 students in a range of formats including larger group keynote messages, through to “hands-on” workshops in smaller cohorts. Topics for the talks included anti-bullying, resilience, creating a culture of respect and belonging, and personal identity. Seminars were also run with our SRC and Senate students, as well as a parenting seminar called ‘Legacy Parenting’.

20TH ANNIVERSARY

OF AUSTRALIAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR MEMORIAL

InTerm 1 BalCC was represented by Head of Secondary, Scott McKenzie, College Captain, Rylan and Year 12 student, Catherine at the 20th anniversary service for the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial at Lake Wendouree.

The service was attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, GovernorGeneral of Australia David Hurley, dignitaries, veterans, and the general public.

The Memorial was opened to recognise and remember those Australians who became Prisoners of War during the Wars of the 20th Century. Located in the Botanic Gardens at Lake Wendouree the Memorial is a place of quiet reflection to remember loved ones and to mourn those 8,600 Prisoners of War who died in captivity and remain buried on foreign shores.

BALLARAT MINISTERS NETWORK

DuringTerm 3 we hosted the Ballarat Ministers Network (BMN) for morning tea. BMN is a gathering of Ministers, Pastors, Reverends and Priests from churches in and around the Ballarat area, who meet together twice a month to connect, network and pray with each other.

Principal Ken Nuridin welcomed BMN to BalCC and gave an update on the College and the Year 9 Micah 6:8 and Café 6:8 programs.

Thank you to Mrs Sarah Inglis and Year 9 Micah 6:8 students, Broamy, Anna, Emily and Alice who helped prepare coffee and food in Café 6:8 for the event and assisted with the food service.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Micah 6:8 NIV

$15

BALCC TEDDY BEARS & UMBRELLAS

We now have available at the College Administration Office BalCC teddy bears and umbrellas. The bears are $15 each and the umbrellas for $20 each. The umbrellas are available in two styles, the compact 54cm umbrella is ideal to put in a bag or backpack, while the event 100cm umbrella is great for sporting events and activities. Both umbrellas come in navy blue with a white BalCC logo.

BOARD PROFILE

Lorraine Firth

Lorriane was born and bred in Ballarat and grew up in Sebastopol attending Sebastopol Primary School and Sebastopol Technical School. Later finishing her schooling at Ballarat High School after a stint at The Australian Ballet School.

After completing her schooling, she moved to Melbourne to train as a nurse at Repatriation General Hospital Heidelberg.

Lorraine is married to Ross and as a blended family they have raised six children and have fourteen grandchildren, and they attend Connect Baptist.

“I was invited to join the BalCC Board at a time when I was asking God what more I could be doing in His service. I count it a privilege to serve in this way and sit on the Finance and Property Committee. When I am not helping Ross build our house in Scarsdale or doing the odd casual nursing shift. I love spending time with our family and friends. Ross and I enjoy travelling with our caravan and seeing more and more of this amazing country. Travelling gives me time to catch up on some reading and knitting and reruns of Agatha’s Christie’s Poirot.”

RETIRING CHAIR Ross Coventry

Ross has stepped down from the College Board with effect from the end of 2023. Mr Coventry served on the Board since 2016 and as Board Chair since the beginning of 2019. We thank Mr Coventry for his selfless service to the College over many years and wish him God’s blessing in his future endeavours.

Our current full list of Directors is Mr Randall Dreger (Chair), Ps Tim Clark (Deputy Chair), Mrs Lorraine Firth, Mrs Jodie Rickard, Rev Chris Duke, Mrs Amy Lewis and Mr Richard Gent.

We thank each Board member for their willingness to serve the College community as a Director and pray God’s blessing upon the Board as it continues to provide governance and oversight of the College into the future.

For more information about our Board, please visit our website: https://www.balcc.vic.edu.au/about-us#college-leadership-governance

PRIMARY CHAPEL CHALLENGE

The Chapel Challenge was to present the Memory Verse - 1 Timothy 4:12 using one of the following styles - Kungfu Panda, Dramatic or Musical. This was an optional activity and many students worked cooperatively in groups or pairs to prepare a performance. Kungfu Panda, Madam Butterfly and Stripey were our guest judges.

The Chapel Challenge Memory Verse was a huge success and lots of fun was had by all, and it was thrilling to see and hear how well the students learnt the memory verse.

Melissa O’Hara Primary School Chapel Coordinator

SOCIAL CLUB

The BalCC Social Club is funded by staff and run by staff volunteers and is a wonderful way for everyone to get to know each other and to regularly spend time together as a team enjoying meals, activities and fellowship.

For our first BalCC Social Club event of the year we held a morning tea to celebrate the Easter season together. We also took the opportunity to farewell departing staff, Amy Parry (Administration), Beth Simonis (Upper Primary A) and Christie Boseley (Middle Primary A). We thank each of these staff members for their contributions to BalCC during their time with us and we wish them God’s richest blessings in the next season of their lives.

Throughout the year Social Club strives to meet twice each term: once during Week 5, dedicated to Wellbeing Week, and another gathering in a different part of the term.

STAFF RETREAT

Our staff commenced Term 2 with a two-day retreat at the RACV Goldfields Resort in Creswick.

The guest speakers for the retreat were from Christian Schools Australia, Dr Darren Iselin, Director of Research and Innovation and Dr Maria Varlet, Executive Officer – VIC/TAS, who presented sessions on ‘There Arose a Generation – Four Priorities for Sustaining Christian School Cultures in Changing Times’ looking at Community and People, Alignment and Purpose, and Quality and Performance.

Staff also enjoyed worship and team building sessions together, as well as a painting workshop organised by Mrs Carol Clough, Arts Faculty Coordinator and laser tag organised by Mr Mat Knights, Secondary Teaching staff.

Our annual retreat is a great time of fellowship and learning and was a wonderful way to commence Term 2 together.

To learn more about Christian Schools Australia, please go to: https://www.csa.edu.au/

LIVE4LIFE

“TALKING IS TOUGH, BUT WE DON’T DO IT ENOUGH!”

AsBalCC now enters its second year of the city-wide Live4Live Ballarat initiative, we have seen the formation of a ‘L4L Crew’ at each secondary college. The Year 9 Crew is made up of students that participated in the 2023 Year 8 delivery of Teen Mental Health First Aid sessions, whom in 2024 applied to be a part of this new youth mental health advocacy group.

In Term 1 we saw all ‘Crews’ from across the city unite at a special Crew Launch at the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility, and it was at this event that the BalCC and Ballarat Clarendon College Crews really hit it off! This resulted in BalCC recently hosting the Clarendon Crew for a special afternoon tea along with their Head of Wellbeing Dean Griffin and Live4Life representative Alex Brown. The two groups discussed current Live4Life events and promotions as well as current barriers and solutions to youth seeking support for their mental health in times of need.

As part of a regular whole Secondary Assembly held in Term 2, BalCC hosted City of Ballarat Youth Workers and Live4Life representatives Alex Brown and Rebekah Robertson to officially ‘Launch’ the BalCC L4L Crew in 2024.

After a resounding introduction with music pumping, Crew members Alice, Tyra and Molly made their way to the microphone at the front along with Alex, to share with our students what The Crew initiative is all about. They explained that Live4Life is a health promotion charity, using the Live4Life model to support rural and regional communities, and that this includes the delivery of accredited Teen and Youth Mental Health First Aid training in schools.

The Year 9 Crew also showed a video comprising students from all of the L4L Crews across Ballarat as well as the recently released 2024 promotional poster with the slogan “Talking is tough, but we don’t do it enough!”

DuringTerm 2 our Year 10 students completed three sessions of Teen Mental Health First Aid (TMHFA), which has been facilitated by BalCC with our own qualified instructor, Haydn Croton. He was assisted by Rebekah Robertson from the City of Ballarat Youth Services who volunteered to be a part of our first rollout to Year 10s. These sessions were delivered as a part of our College’s collaboration with Live4Life Ballarat.

Live4Life Ballarat was created in response to a reported increase from schools and agencies, in depression, anxiety, cyber bullying and self-harm which has led to the need for a coordinated response to address our young people’s mental health.

Ballarat’s ten secondary schools and community partners agreed to utilise an

evidenced based approach to mental health that focuses on prevention and education. The secondary schools have joined together in partnership with community organisations to roll out Live4Life in Ballarat.

Live4Life Ballarat is made up of the following components:

1. Delivery of Teen Mental Health First Aid to year 8 and 10 students.

2. Parents and Teachers – Youth Mental Health First Aid training.

3. Live4Life Crew – Year 9 students who volunteer to support the delivery of education sessions and run the launch, mental health promotion activities and celebration events for the year ahead.

DISCOVERY CENTRE

DuringTerm 2 for Integrated Studies the Middle Primary students were studying magnets, gravity, friction and rocks. As part of their studies, they went on an excursion to the Bendigo Discovery Centre, where everything is hands on and interactive. The students thoroughly enjoyed problem solving to make marble runs, the mirror maze and the other interactive activities around the centre, and some even went on the vertical slide!

TRY-ATHLON

Atthe end of Term 1 students in Upper Primary to Year 7 were involved in a Bike Education program and TRY-Athlon, which has a deliberate spelling to emphasise everyone having a TRY. Students were encouraged to bring their bikes to school if they could and Road Safe Central Highlands (Vic Roads) loaned us a Bike Trailer with 12 mountain bikes for students, who were unable to bring a bike to use.

The focus of the program was to teach bicycle riding skills, road safety, road rules, basic bike maintenance and how to do a bike and helmet check using the ABC Bike Safe Checking method. It is hoped that the program will prepare and encourage the students for life long physical activity as well.

A bike skills course involving a roundabout, road signs and pedestrian crossings was set up around the College and this was a lot of fun. Students were also involved in a TRY-Athlon involving a 10-minute bike ride, 10-minute run and in place of swimming, a 10-minute Obstacle Course using scooter boards, finished off the three activities.

Special thanks to Ms Di Nevett from Transport Victoria, Road Safe Central Highlands, Mr Ian Manton (Bike Checking and Bike Skills), Miss Melissa O’Hara (Coordinator and Bike Education qualified teacher) and other teachers for assisting and supporting with the program. We hope to build on this important program in coming years.

GROW AND THRIVE

DuringTerm 2 Ballarat Christian College and Ballarat Grammar had their first combined VCE SAC Performance at Wendouree Centre of Performing Arts. It was lovely to see the students perform in front of their peers, parents and other students. Each of the students had an opportunity to perform two items, and the combined BalCC ensemble piece was the highlight of the day.

It will be pleasing to watch the student’s performance skills and confidence grow for their Unit 2 Performance SAC and watching our BalCC music program grow and thrive, alongside Ballarat Grammar, and hopefully we can continue this partnership that is beneficial to all the students and their music education.

Mrs Sarah Rodwell - VCE Music Teacher

eachroomandgainaninsightinto‘outofthe box’fashion.Oneofmyfavouriteoutfitswas thecloakwiththegoldtrimmingandsparkly

amsoexcitedtoseewhatAppliedFashion

amsothankfulthatGodhasgivenmethis

EASTER CHAPEL

Throughout the 144 pages of the yearbook there are writeups, reports and photos that tell the

2024 SWIMMING

twenty twenty-four

BUDDIES

Each year at BalCC our Prep and Year 12 students team up as buddies. Every fortnight during Homeroom the students meet up to talk, read, play games and get to know one another.

On their first day at BalCC the Preps are shown around campus by their Year 12 buddies, and on the last day for the Year 12s the Preps walk them into their Graduation Assembly.

It is always great to see the buddies getting to know one another better and build relationships each year.

HALLS GAP

Our Year 7 students attended a three-day Orientation Camp in Halls Gap in Term 1. The camp included a trip to the Halls Gap Zoo, Archery, Bush Cooking, Orienteering, Night Activities, Group Discussions, Initiative Games, and a Talent Extravaganza.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Atthe end of Term 1 our Year 8

HASS students ran stalls to sell the items they have created, purchased and marketed during the term. The stalls were open to Secondary students and staff.

CAMP PORTLAND

Our Year 9 students enjoyed a fiveday two camp to Portland in Term 1.

The Year 9s stopped off at Camperdown on the way to explore Griffiths Island and Cape Nelson and took a ride on historic Portland Cable Tram on their arrival at camp.

The Year 9s undertook an 8 kilometre walk from the Blowholes Lookout to Cape Bridgewater, spotting many seals and wallabies along the way. They also visited the Port of Portland, the local Marine Biology discovery at Narrawong and Budj Bim, one of Australia’s great national heritage landscapes to look at Indigenous land management and history.

TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC

Aspart of the Year 9/10 Drama elective the students create scenes either using everyday objects or responding to people’s emotions and reactions. One of the scenes during Term 1 was based around dealing with a wild animal such as a bear. How do people deal with coming across dangerous animals? To finish the class, the students decided to take their ‘wild bears’ and turn them into ‘teddy bears’ for a class picnic.

TOP MUSIC

At the end of Term 1 our Year 9-12 Music students went on an excursion to the Top Music performers Concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre in Southbank Melbourne. The event showcased performances from all the VCE Music subjects and was a great educational benefit for the current VCE Music students and upcoming in future years.

Established in 2023 Café 6:8 provides a hospitality and catering space for the College, as well as being an integral part of the Year 9 Micah 6:8 program.

Students from Years 5-12 are welcome to bring along cash or card to purchase from Café 6:8 every Thursday. Items may vary from week to week and are available until sold out.

Alongside the core curriculum Year 9 students participate in Micah 6:8, a program designed to build resilience and life skills; it encompasses

subjects such as Careers and Health & Physical Education (HPE), as well as tying in with the requirements for The Duke of Edinburgh Award - Bronze. During the program students focus on areas such as resilience, mental health, life skills, voluntary service, and physical recreation skills.

The program runs one day each week and involves the Year 9 students working in groups to run Café 6:8, helping in the Canteen, mentor Primary students, work in the College Garden, and participate in outside work. As part of the program students obtain certificates in Food Safety, First Aid, Job skills and Barista and Café skills.

MICAH

ACT JUSTLY | LOVE

CREATIVE ART PRACTICE

Atthe end of Term 1 the Year 11 and 12 Art Creative Practice students went on an excursion to the Ballarat Art Gallery. As an integral part of their art curriculum, students have been exploring the folio development, responses to artists and gallery spaces. To deepen their understanding the students visited the Ballarat Art Gallery to experience firsthand a glimpse into the intricate processes involved in folio production. Following the gallery tour students took part in a folio viewing of ‘Next Gen’ student’s folios.

UNI STEP UP

InTerm 2 our Year 11 students were visited by Emma Wakeling from Global Educations Pathways at ACU to promote the Uni Step-Up Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine free program.

Year 12 student, Elouise took up the opportunity to take part in the 2023 program and also spoke with students about the positive aspects of the program towards future university entry and study. Elouise hopes to study nursing and do post graduate studies in Midwifery.

The program is a chance for students to

experience university life by studying two first-year units during their VCE studies and is delivered during the Winter 2024 and Summer 2025 school holidays at the Ballarat ACU campus. Students study alongside other VCE students from the Ballarat area and receive support from ACU staff, support services and students.

Students who successfully complete two units receive an unconditional direct entry offer to a mapped ACU course and receive credit for their study.

For more information, please go to: www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/widening-participation/uni-step-up

HARMONY DAY

InTerm 1 the whole College celebrated Harmony Day with students and staff coming dressed in traditional national costume or orange, a colour that signifies social communication, meaningful conversations, and encouragement of mutual respect. Thank you to all the Parents/Carers and families that came in and spoke to classes, and to the Filipino Australian Association of Ballarat Inc. for coming in and performing a traditional folk dance called Tinikling to our Primary students and teaching some of them the dance.

OPEN CLASSROOMS

Thank you to everyone who came out for our Primary Open Classrooms in Term 1. Our Primary students had a wonderful time showing their families around the classrooms and taking part in activities together.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

During Term 2 our College Captains Elouise and Rylan joined fellow student leaders from every secondary college in Ballarat to tackle the major issue of domestic and gendered violence.

During the day-long event, students operated in workshops together to brainstorm and come up with practical solutions that can bring genuine change in the community and through our schools. They were supported by school staff and local community leaders such as MPs Michaela Settle and Juliana Addison, Mayor Des Hudson and Deb Harris from Women’s Health Grampians.

The forum was another powerful example of schools across Ballarat putting aside their differences to unite as one student body – a flow on effect from unity displayed through the Live4Life Ballarat community project.

RETREAT

Our Year 11 students headed off on a five-day retreat at the end of Term 2, as part of their Christian Studies training. The retreat formed a major part of their study for Christian Living, as they engaged in a series of activities, discussions and periods of silent reflection. The focus of the retreat was based around three questions: “Who am I?” “How can I discover God’s will?” and “How can I live in forgiveness?”

www.balcc.vic.edu.au/enrolment#prospectus-and-information

FRENCH CELEBRATION DAY

In the last week of Term 2 we held a French Celebration Day for students from Prep to Year 8, with a dress up theme of ‘La France’. Students participated in a special incursion with the French Mime group ‘Jaques et Philippe’, which included music, dance and mime.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Some of our Year 11 and 12 students took part in the 2024 Jayde Debutante Balls in Term 2. Year 11 students: Miah, Will,

Sam,

Harrison,

Jessica and Max. Year 12 students: Ashley, Asher and Keira. The theme for the 2024 Jayde Debutante Balls was ‘A Night to Remember’.

Ruby,

Kate,

Freya, Gibson, Rebecca, Jahluvi,

Photo Credit: Photo Design - Ballarat

FAREWELL

InTerm 2 we farewelled Student Wellbeing Staff member Rebecca (Bec) Sebit. Bec has taken up a role at another Ballarat school and engaging in some private contract work.

Bec has contributed to the life of BalCC over many years, firstly as a member of the Education Support staff and more recently as a member of our Student Wellbeing Team. We wish Bec God’s blessings, as she moves into a new phase of work and life.

STAFF PROFILES

Andrew Paull – Projects & Facilities Officer

InTerm 2 we welcomed Andrew Paull to the BalCC staff in a new role - Projects & Facilities Officer. Andrew’s role will centre around helping the College bring projects, such as buildings and software platforms to fruition and then maintain these developments.

Andrew started his career working for Target at their national office in Geelong and ended up staying there for 26 years working in various roles, including spearheading the communications and presentation of Targets famous annual Toy Sale! He then worked at Bunnings and at Real Flame Heating in sales and customer service roles over the COVID period before landing a job at Kaisercraft Head Office as a Leasing Executive for 3 years, opening over 25 new stores.

When Andrew is not at College he is busy leading worship at Waurn Ponds Community Church in Geelong. He can also be seen umpiring junior football matches for AFL Barwon on the weekend and occasionally playing tennis for Grovedale.

Andrew loves keeping fit, watching movies and reading novels. He is married with 3 children, has two cats and four chickens! Fun Fact: As a former professional sprinter, Andrew won the 1994 Ballarat Gift Professional Foot Race and then came 3rd in the same event 4 years later. His brother then won the same race in 2000.

Hailey McGilligan – Enrolments Officer

Hailey grew up in South-West Victoria and moved to Ballarat in 2022 and it was during her church internship that she met her husband, Jack. They both have shared many roles serving the local church, taking part in the worship team, being Events Co-ordinators, host leaders, and currently leading a bible study group.

Hailey commenced at Ballarat Christian College in 2024 and is enjoying life at the College. Hailey is part of our Administration team starting out as a part-time Receptionist with her best friend, Mrs Phoebe Whittle before quickly moving into the position of Enrolments Officer working alongside our Registrar, Mrs Heather McInerney.

In June 2023 Hailey married Jack, who was a BalCC College Captain in 2020 and is a former staff member. Together with Hailey’s two children, they love to travel, go camping and learning how to homestead.

To read more Staff Profiles head to the Our Team page of our website: www.balcc.vic.edu.au/about-us#our-team

WHO ARE WE BECOMING?

For the start of Term 3 our staff took part in the 2024 CSA Vic/Tas Conference Day. This year the conference was held online with a variety of speakers talking around the topic, “Who are we becoming? Staff also took part in a day of professional development, First Aid training and team building activities at Escape, Smash and Play Ballarat.

STEM

Ballarat Tech School

During Term 2 selected BalCC

Secondary students took part in the Ballarat Tech School’s Girls and Boys in STEM programs, which were attended by 120 students from 15 local and regional schools.

The students came together to share two days of space themed STEM challenges, including an optional evening visit to the Ballarat Observatory.

During the program 24 girls and 24 boys from the various schools won invitations to participate in the Victorian Space Science Education Centre Mission to Mars experience early in Term 3, enormous congratulations are extended to all teams for their outstanding efforts in problem solving and positive participation.

Student Leaders

Eight Girls in STEM Student Leaders and one Boys in STEM Leader were on hand to lead, support and help participants, guests, and Tech School staff. These students have matured into their role are Student Leaders, building their leadership skills and empathy for others, always looking out for ways to assist and support staff and students.

Day 1

In brand new Term 2 randomised teams, students worked through problem solving challenges, Sphero BOLT programming, and spectroscopy in our science lab. Many took up the opportunity in the afternoon to visit the Ballarat Observatory and meet with our visiting expert from the Victorian Space Science Education Centre to get hands on with telescopes and learn about study and career pathways in astronomy and astrophysics.

Day 2

Students were immersed in a thematic alien invasion of Ballarat experience where they used their mathematic and problem-solving skills to escape the aliens landing in the Federation University SMB campus. This experience involved exploring Federation University’s Technology Park facilities, applying mapping and estimation skills, programming small droids, and solving a series of maths problems. The student’s willingness to embrace the opportunity to have fun whilst using mathematics is testament to the positive approach each brings to their program and the growth they take away.

BALCC DAY

DuringTerm 3 we held our first BalCC Day Assembly, which was aimed at educating our current staff, students and families about our past, present and future, so they have an understanding of our history and where we have come from, and where are headed in the future.

Thank you to Bianca Francica – Head of Primary, Scott McKenzie – Head of Secondary, Glenda Brown from our teaching staff and a past Board member, and alum, Hannah Kazan (nee Westaway) Class of 2012, who each spoke and shared insights and stories about the College.

Thank you also to following visitors who were integral in our College in the early days for travelling to attend the BalCC Day Assembly:

• Chris Duke, current BalCC Board member and original Steering Committee member for Carmel Christian Community School Inc.

• Liz Bailey, Acting Principal, in the secondary school –Ballarat Christian College Inc. for Term 3-4, 2003 and Term 4, 2005-Term 1, 2006.

• Rob Bailey, Board Chair in the primary school – Ballarat Christian School Inc. from 2001-2006.

We are excited to be celebrating our 40th Anniversary next year and will be sharing more about anniversary events for 2025 in due course.

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.

Pictured from left: Principal Ken Nuridin, Chris Duke, Rob Bailey, Liz Bailey and Hannah Kazan (nee Westaway).

LOWER PRIMARY SLEEPOVER

InTerm 3 our Lower Primary classes enjoyed a sleepover at school, as part of our School Camp Program which introduces a night away from home with a sleepover camp, being not too far from home. This assists to prepare and develop students to attend school camps in Middle primary. Students also enjoyed time at Xtreme Bounce before coming back for games and movies at the College.

MARIO KART TOURNAMENT

For our major assessment in our Year 12 Personal Development Skills (PDS) subject we were required to do a project that helped the community in some way. We thought it was best fit that we try to raise money for a charity and after some vigorous brainstorming and communication between our class and teachers we decided on helping RAMS Wellbeing INC, which exists to build resilience and promote wellbeing in secondary school students enrolled throughout Australia.

We decided on doing a Mario Kart Tournament to raise money, as it would provide interest to people of all ages and backgrounds.

There were two tournaments – one for Upper Primary and one for Years 7-12 (Secondary). The winner of the Upper Primary tournament was Isaac Rodwell. The winner of the Secondary tournament was Paul Reeve with Adam Letman coming in second place.

Samuel Battistella

Year 12 VCE VM Student

For more information about the RAMS program, please visit:

100 DAYS

During Term 3 our Prep students celebrated 100 days of schooling. To mark the occasion the Preps dressed up and took part in 100 themed activities and craft. Our Prep staff also joined in the fun of dressing up.

CSEN CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP

Term3 saw 27 students from Years 3-11 represent Ballarat Christian College at CSEN Cross Country Championship. We are very proud of our student's achievements and congratulate them on their wonderful efforts around a wet and muddy course. Rain, cold and mud were the biggest hurdles to overcome during the event, but all students rose to the occasion and battled the slippery course with optimistic determination.

Distances ranged from 2km, 3km and 4km. Many ran personal best times and some won medals. Our first runner, Gibson from Year 11 blitzed the field and easily crossed the finish line in first place. This caused an almighty roar from our team and spurred us all on to achieve great results. Our 15 & Under Boy's team, also dominated by snatching all first four positions in our division by crossing the line 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in their race.

Special thanks to the following staff: Mrs Kaylene Templar, Mr Dale Darby, Mr Dennis Rodwell, Mrs Krissie Withers and Miss Melissa O'Hara for their assistance and leadership throughout the day.

2024 CAREERS

twenty twenty-four DAY

THE JOURNEY CAELAN HARMER

CLASS OF 2023

Atthe start of the year Caelan Harmer commenced study for a Diploma of Ministry with Teen Missions Int’l Australia. Caelan is based in Tewantin, Queensland while he undertakes ‘The Journey’, a 12-month program that goes beyond the confines of traditional classrooms and extends to real-life situations, where students get to apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful ways. ‘The Journey’ emphasises hands-on learning, community service, and various extracurricular activities that nurture creativity, teamwork, cross-cultural communication and leadership qualities.

While in Year 11 at BalCC Caelan received the annual Board Christian Mission/Service Award, which is presented in recognition of 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.

Here Caelan shares some fun facts about himself and about being part of ‘The Journey’ program: I broke both of my little toes each by accidentally kicking a couch leg - I obviously didn’t learn after the first one.

How do you like to spend your free time?

One day I’ll be tinkering with technology at a desk, the next day I’ll be out and about doing random shenanigans with my friends.

What’s one goal you’d like to achieve in your lifetime? To be able to call some beautiful, God fearing children my own.

How did you first hear about Teen Missions?

My mother - she grew up in the area and had friends that attended Teen Missions.

What is one thing you love about being a Journey student? The personal and spiritual growth from being in such an awesome, open, spirit filled environment.

What spurs you on in your missions calling?

The fact that Jesus’ last words, his final statement to his disciples, were to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Out of natural desire to do as Jesus taught and told us, of course I want to obey his final hurrah! Plus, I’m not selfish and I really want to share the joy and peace he gives me with others.

BalCC

students, Hannah Year 8A and Phoebe Year 8B were amongst 24 Boys and 24 Girls from 14 different Ballarat Tech School (BTS) partner schools, who in Term 3 won tickets to visit the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC) and participate in their signature education program, ‘Mission to Mars’.

The VSSEC trip was the prize for the winning student teams of the BTS Term 2 Girls and Boys in STEM programs that BalCC takes part in. Working in mixed school teams of three students over the 2 day-program they collected

Hannah - Year 8A

points from each of the six activities in the aim of winning a ‘Ticket to Mars’.

The VSSEC program involved students dressing in space suits and roleplaying the different aspects of a space mission. They also experienced what it is like in Mission Control talking to and supporting their peers on the surface of Mars by communicating via a headset. In the afternoon the students worked in the lab to analyse the samples collected from the surface of Mars to determine what the evidence tells us about the history of Mars.

“Visiting VSSEC was an extraordinary and unique experience, especially after placing in the top seven at Ballarat Tech School. After taking a bus ride to Melbourne, at VSSEC, the other girls and I were assigned different roles for the day as part of our ‘Mission to Mars’.

In our first rotation as astronauts, we dressed up in space suits to simulate going to Mars and collected data samples for later analysis. We received instructions from the Mission Control team through communications. As one of the four Commanders, my responsibility was to ensure that everyone was performing their duties and to help them escape from a replicated sandstorm on Mars.

During our second rotation, we communicated with the astronauts through comms to help them leave the planet before a CME hit Mars due to its weak magnetic field. After a short break, both groups collaborated to analyse the collected data, uncovering a cycle of volcanoes, oceans, and rivers on Mars. We primarily learned about the unique story of Mars, the intricacies of communication between the astronauts and Mission Control, the process of collecting and analysing data, and the significance of NASA’s missions to Mars.”

Phoebe - Year 8B

“When Hannah and I visited VSSEC, we got to experience a mission on Mars. When we arrived, we were given space suits and taken to the theatre room to watch a 3D presentation about our mission. After that was finished, we were taken into the ‘spaceship’ where we put on helmets, oxygen packs and received our roles. I was an engineer. Soon, we were able to go onto the surface of Mars and were assisted by Mission Control, other people in our Ballarat Tech School group were in a different room, guiding us through the mission via our headpieces. As an engineer I had to collect samples from the surface and figure out their coordinates.

After visiting Mars and communicating to others through the headsets, we went to the VSSEC lab to test our samples and determine what types of rock they were. During our visit, I discovered how much time it takes to plan and stage a mission as an astronaut and how important mission control is for keeping the mission safe and running well.”

Click here to learn more about the ‘Mission to Mars’ program

Click here to learn more about Ballarat Tech School and their programs

DuringTerm 3 we held a Green and Gold Day to celebrate BalCC alum, Yual Reath (Class of 2019), who competed in the Olympic Games Men’s High Jump Qualifying event.

Students and staff dressed up for the day in the Australian Olympic colours with Win TV and The Courier covering the event.

The BalCC community is very proud of Yual, and while he did not proceed to the Men’s High Jump finals, he was a great competitor, who has shown so much dedication and perseverance in his chosen sport over the last year. We know he has so much to come and look forward to forward to seeing where he goes to from here with his amazing sporting talent. Well done, Yual.

HOCKEY CLINICS

Our Upper Primary Classes were treated to a Hockey Victoria Roadshow Clinic during Term 3. Two hockey coaches led an active coaching session with each of our Upper Primary classes, which covered basic dribbling skills, stickwork and a minor game of number hockey at the end. Our students demonstrated some very good skills, and many expressed their interest in exploring hockey some more. Thanks to Zac and Lily from Hockey Victoria.

Click here to learn more about Hockey Victoria

PATHWAYS EXPO

Atthe start of Term 3 our Year 8-11 students took part in our annual Secondary Subject Selection Expo. BalCC Faculty Leaders and key staff, such as our VCE, VCE VM and VET coordinators, were present to share information relevant to the subjects from their faculties, and answer questions students and parents had.

Thank you to the following external organisations who came in to speak to Secondary classes throughout the day and to those who attended the expo: The Careers Department, Are Able, Apprenticeship Support Australia, Operation Mobilisation, Ciaron Maher Racing, Richmond Institute, Highlands LLEN VET Cluster and ADF Careers. Also thank you to BalCC Alum, Isaac Solomano from the Class of 2019, who came in to speak about his careers as a builder, and his fiancée, Ella Clancy who spoke about her nursing studies.

WATOTO CHILDREN’S CHOIR

TheWatoto Children’s Choir performance in the Kerry Hutton Centre in mid-Term 3 was attended by 400 guests with Ballarat the first stop for the choir on the Australian leg of their ‘Better Days – There is Hope’ tour.

The choir gave a vibrant, colourful performance that took the audience on an emotional journey through song, dance and powerful personal stories of restoration and hope.

Thank you to everyone who came along on the day, to all the many helpers at BalCC who assisted and prepared food, to Mrs Sarah Inglis and the team of students who opened Café 6:8, and to Miss Melissa O’Hara for coordinating and organising the event. Also thank you to Wilsons Fruit & Vegetables and John Harbour Quality Butcher for their generous donations.

For further information on the choir and the work of Watoto, please click here.

BOOK WEEK

BalCC joined in the celebrations of the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book Week from the 19th to the 23rd of August.

Students in Primary enjoyed a theatrical performance of Creswick born author, Norman Lindsay’s ‘The Magic Pudding’ by a local troop of actors, ‘The Bard in Buninyong’. The audience interacted with the story being told in a pantomime manner, with lines such as “she’s getting away!” Their vigilance of intruders was very much appreciated too.

Throughout the week Secondary students participated in Book Week activities in their timetabled Library class. Primary students took a closer look at CBCA Shortlist through rotations with different Primary teachers. And the top BalCC book was voted for.

We concluded The CBCA Book Week with a vibrant whole College dress-up day. The Primary students kicked off the festivities with a morning parade, showcasing their imaginative costumes. The dress-up day celebrated the joy of reading and showcased the creativity of our students and staff.

PRIMARY CONCERT

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2024 Primary Concert, Imagine!

We’re so proud of our Primary students and staff for their incredible performances. A big round of applause to the Primary Choir and Band members, as well as the student helpers from both Primary and Secondary who made this event shine.

A special thanks goes out to Head of Primary, Bianca Francica, along with our talented Performing Arts Teachers, Briony Kenneth and Sarah Rodwell, and Melissa O’Hara, our Primary Chapel Coordinator. Your hard work and dedication were truly behind the scenes, but the results were front and centre for all to see.

PREP

OLD MCDONALD’S FARM

LOWER PRIMARY B

THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT

MIDDLE PRIMARY A

YO HO HERO

MIDDLE PRIMARY B NIGHT SONG

UPPER PRIMARY A LET IT GO, CELEBRATE