We want to see the lives of students transformed, empowering them to positively impact their world beyond school.
OUR MISSION
To provide students with a holistic education that integrates Christian faith in every aspect of their learning journey.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We would like to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nations as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which our community is being built.
We give thanks to our Almighty Creator God for the care and stewardship of this land; and we choose to pay our respect to the Indigenous elders, past and present and to any Indigenous peoples present within our community today.
We also pray for the ongoing healing of damaged relationships between our Indigenous brothers and sisters and all non-Indigenous Australians, as we seek God’s work of reconciliation in and through all our relationships.
BOARD CHAIR REPORT
It has been my privilege to lead the group of dedicated, hardworking people who comprise the Christian College Board of Directors for this year. 2025 has been a significant year of transition for the College and of growth for the Board. Through it we have been aware of God’s strength and provision, so that in all we do in this role, we can echo the words of Paul that we continue to “strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works within us” (Col 1:29, NIV).
The Christian College Strategic Plan, developed in 2024 has stood us in good stead through this time of transition and change. Its four pillars of Christ-Centredness, Learning for Life, Stewardship and Community have been an anchor to keep us grounded in the essential DNA of the College while shaping the work of the Board and the College as a whole. To see these words on a page transformed into tangible programs and activities aligned with our core DNA is exactly what we need to see as we strive to see our Vision of a World Transformed through our work at Christian College Geelong.
We are very thankful to God for His provision of our (no longer new) Executive Principal Dr Mathilda Joubert. Mathilda is an exceptional and gifted leader and has quickly settled into the role and gained the trust of the whole school community. Her focus on excellence, improvement and staff development has been well embraced and she has quickly grasped the areas we need to focus on to ensure the long-term success of the school. We are very grateful for the effective work that she and her executive team have undertaken this year and for the work they have set up to do for the year ahead. Amongst other things, it was pleasing that we had our regular audit by the VRQA and passed with no improvement recommendations made (usually one would expect at least some recommendations) – all within six months of her commencement (what a welcome to the role!).
I also want to pay tribute to Tim Page-Walker and the Christian College Geelong Foundation for their work this year. Not only do they enable more students to be able to access a Christian College education now, but they have undertaken significant work with establishment of the Eternity Fund that will increase the support that is available in the future. We are most grateful for their work.
As a Board we have continued our governance growth this year. The demands on Boards in Australia have expanded significantly over the last decade in terms of both compliance and governance expectations. The demands are too great to be able to be met just from attendance at Board meetings (even meetings as frequent as ours). We have previously planned and started work on various subcommittees to enhance the work of the Board. This year has seen significant advances in this regard, with six subcommittees of the Board established - Christian Culture; Education, Finance and Audit; Infrastructure; Governance, Risk and Compliance; Nominations, Review and Remuneration. Each have their own charter and membership comprising Board members, relevant executive and other members with specific skillsets relevant to the committee (some of whom are also Company members).
The subcommittees have allowed greater Board input and oversight into these different areas and give us greater confidence when we meet as a whole Board that we are across what we need to be in our governance role. Of course, these subcommittees also require additional workload for the Board and I am most grateful to all of the Board members for the way each has stepped up to take this on. I expect that now that these subcommittees are established we will see great results from them and increased effectiveness of the Board in the years ahead.
The above changes are part of the outworking of the Prolegis Governance Review undertaken by the Board in 2023. Also coming from that review we have been revising our Board composition and makeup and early next year will turn our attention to reviewing the role and membership of the Company. We look forward to discussing these further at the Company AGM in 2026. Pleasingly, our ISV Board governance survey showed significant improvements in our performance as a Board compared with the previous one (2023) while highlighting areas for us to continue to improve.
There is still much to do in the years ahead but we are confident that this year we have laid some firm foundations on which we can build, remaining always conscious that this is God’s school and we are merely stewards of what He has given us.
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain (Psalm 127:1, NIV)
A/Prof. David Fuller Chair, Christian College Geelong Board of Directors
2025 MEMBERS OF THE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GEELONG BOARD
Board Chair
Anglican Church Lay Representative
Subcommittees:
Governance Risk and Compliance (Chair March - December)
Nominations, Review and Remuneration
Rev. Jonathan Taylor
Anglican Church Clergy Representative
Subcommittees:
Governance Risk and Compliance (Chair until March)
Nominations, Review and Remuneration
Christian Culture Education
Mrs Susan Strong Vice Board Chair
Uniting Church Lay Representative
Subcommittees:
Finance and Audit (Chair)
Nominations, Review and Remuneration (Chair)
Christian Culture Education
Mrs Katie Morris Parent Representative
Subcommittees:
Governance Risk and Compliance
Infrastructure
The Salvation Army Clergy Representative
Subcommittees:
Governance Risk and Compliance
Christian Culture (Chair)
Mr Tim Page-Walker
Christian College Geelong Foundation Board Chair
Subcommittees:
Finance and Audit
Infrastructure (Chair)
Mrs Kristy Cochrane
The Salvation Army Lay Representative
Subcommittees:
Building Fund (Chair)
Library Fund (Chair)
Education (Chair) Infrastructure
Sally Stewart Parent Representative
Subcommittees:
Nominations, Review and Renumeration
Christian Culture Education
Major Karen Castley
A/Prof. David Fuller
Mrs
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS OF SUBCOMMITTEES
Education
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Rick Geall
Christian Culture
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Mia Kafieris
Governance Risk and Compliance
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Jonathan Ryan, Bernard Nicholls
Finance and Audit
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Nathan Boseley, Bernard Nicholls
Nominations, Review and Remuneration
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Bernard Nicholls
Infrastructure
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Nathan Boseley, Jonathan Ryan, Bernard Nicholls
Building Fund
Nathan Boseley, Bernard Nicholls
Library Fund
Nathan Boseley, Bernard Nicholls
Eden Quality Services P/L Board Meetings
Directors: David Fuller, Jonathan Ryan, Bernard Nicholls (until April), Nathan Boseley, Bree Caldwell
Two meetings were held and all directors, as well as the Executive Principal, attended both.
ATTENDANCE DATA 2025
Student attendance in 2025 averaged 90%, representing an improvement from 88% in 2024 and 89% in 2023. This places the school slightly above the 2025 national average of 88.8%, though below the independent school average of 91.5%. A total of 56% of students attended school for 90% or more of the year, which is below the national benchmark of 62.1%, indicating an ongoing focus area in supporting consistent student attendance.
EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL REPORT
CHANGE AND CONTINUITY
2025 was a year of transition for Christian College Geelong. After 44 years of dedicated service, Mr Daryl Riddle OAM stepped down as CEO of the College at the end of 2024, and I joined the College as the incoming Executive Principal in January 2025. In addition, a new Teaching and Learning leadership structure was introduced across the College at the start of the year and there were changes in campus leadership teams on three of our five campuses. Such a historic leadership transition presents the risk that the organisation can lose its core identity, yet it can also create a powerful opportunity to recommit to the values and ideals of the organisation. Navigating this delicate balance between change and continuity was an intentional focus at the College this year, to both honour the past and embrace the future.
To prepare for this historic leadership transition, the Board and leadership, in God’s provision, prepared a new strategic plan in 2024, capturing the DNA of Christian College Geelong in four strategic pillars: Christ-Centredness, learning for life, good stewardship and community connection. This created a valuable framework to guide our work in the College this year, and to assure that we remain anchored to our core foundations. The extended leadership team of 50 middle and senior leaders across teaching and professional support portfolios met in January, before teachers and students returned, to unpack the strategic plan and to identify operational priorities for the year.
When all staff gathered at the start of the year for our Commencement Day, we introduced the goal for the year of holding true to our core identity, whilst aspiring to continuously make 1% incremental improvements. This concept comes from the book “Atomic Habits”, by James Clear, based on the theory that if we start at a baseline of 1, and we improve by 1% every day, we will be 37 times better by the end of the year, whilst if we have the same starting point but deteriorate by 1% each day, our performance will go down to almost 0. The four pillars of the strategic plan remained our anchor points throughout the year. In each of these strategic areas there were improvements and new innovations, as well as deeply rooted traditions which flourished side-by-side this year, as outlined below.
CHRIST-CENTREDNESS
Strategic goal: We desire for Christ to increasingly mould the community we cultivate, strengthening our relationships and fostering authenticity among us all.
It is wonderful to know that all of our students and staff continued to have opportunities every week to hear the gospel, pray and see faith in action through: devotions, chapel services, Christian education classes, service learning opportunities, Project Care experiences, conversations with our chaplains, and student, staff and parent prayer groups on all five campuses.
Interestingly, recent research from the Christian Schools Association in partnership with the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University investigated the impact of different school practices on six domains of student flourishing: happiness and life satisfaction; mental and physical health; close social relationships; meaning and purpose; character and virtue; and safety and security. They found that, when students participate in Christian practices in schools at least once a month, their markers of flourishing increase, e.g. prayer (+7%), devotions (+6%), Bible lessons (+5%), and raising money for causes (+4%).
Our devotional theme for the year was The Year of Blessings, which allowed us to explore the beatitudes, the blessing of people, the blessing of song and the blessing of awe and wonder across the four terms. Starting every day with a staff devotion on every campus remained an important expression of our Christian faith and a significant binding factor for our community.
Another core tradition of Christian College Geelong is our Annual Staff Retreat , which creates opportunities for connection, reflection, growth and learning. This year our theme was “Seeds of Significance: The Seeds We Sow, The Character They Grow”. The program contained a balance of professional learning, group work on College-wide initiatives (e.g. the character traits we most want our students to develop), time for spiritual growth and reflection and time for community-connection and acts of service.
A new initiative for this year was the introduction of Wellbeing Officers on all our campuses as an expression of practical Christian care to support the wellbeing of our young people. Youth Mental Health First Aid training was also introduced, and we now have around 70 staff members accredited in Youth Mental Health First Aid across all of our campuses.
Another new initiative for 2025 was the development of a new Christian Education Scope and Sequence from Kindergarten to Year 12, drawing on national best practice models. We look forward to the introduction of this program next year.
LEARNING FOR LIFE
Strategic goal: We aim to create meaningful learning connections that promote well-rounded, service-oriented, globally-minded lifelong learners.
This year we remained committed to provide a well-balanced learning program for all our young people that creates
opportunities for students to discover their unique gifts and talents. Some of the key elements include:
• Christian Education: As we continued to “seek first the Kingdom of God”, reflecting our College motto, Christian education remained at the heart of our educational and pastoral care programs. Through faithful Christian education, our students can become grounded in values that guide their decisions and shape their character, to develop a strong moral compass for life. They learn to live and lead with integrity, compassion, kindness and purpose.
• Academic Rigour: Through a strong foundation in core subjects, students developed critical thinking, problemsolving, and communication skills that prepare them for future study and careers. The balance that we have at our school between structured literacy and numeracy programs alongside creative inquiry-based learning opportunities, set students up for success in future learning and life. We are tremendously proud of the academic achievements of our students in 2025, including improving VCE and Naplan results.
• Elective Exploration: From Food Studies to Outdoor Education, from Systems Engineering to High-Performance Athlete programs, students continue to be encouraged to pursue their passions and discover new interests. Our wide selections of subject offerings ensure there is truly something for every learner.
• Global Perspectives: Studying languages and engaging in international exchanges continue to open our students’ eyes to the world beyond our borders, fostering empathy, cultural understanding, and a sense of global citizenship. At Christian College we have had a long history of inspiring language teaching, including our exchange programs with schools in Japan and Indonesia. In 2025 we celebrated 33 years of our partnership with Naga High School in Japan and 30 years of our partnership with SMA 2 Mataram in Lombok, Indonesia, with visiting students from both of these countries joining us on campus. A group of our senior secondary students also participated in a science ecology trip to South Africa this year and our College Prefects travelled to Timor Leste to strengthen our friendship with the local community in Viqueque.
• Sporting Excellence: Our sports programs nurture physical talent, teamwork, and resilience, helping students strive for excellence both on and off the field. Christian College remained very active in the Geelong Independent Schools Sports Association (GISSA). During the course of the year 7,330 participants from 539 teams participated in GISSA events, with many students participating in multiple events. Our school competes in: AFL, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Cycling, Equestrian, Football - Soccer, Golf, Netball, Rowing, Snowsports, Surf Life Saving, Surfing, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field. In addition, our house sports events on our campuses ensures the tradition of opportunities for all continue.
• Artistic Brilliance: The music program At Christian College is truly world-class with more than 880 students involved in the program offering numerous performing opportunities in school and across the community. The Annual Music Evening in Costa Hall was, once again, a highlight. We also
produced our first Middle School play, Treasure Island, this year, and our Arts Technology and Design Exhibitions on each of our five campuses displayed exceptional creativity.
• Service Learning: At Christian College all students learn the importance of giving back as they are afforded opportunities to participate in Project Care. Initiatives this year included visits to local retirement villages, preparation of gift boxes as part of Operation Christmas Child, and fundraising for a variety of community groups, including ALS Disease, Geelong Mums, Bellarine People's Pantry, Drysdale Food Bank, Indigenous Literacy, Animal Shelters and various other not-for profits. Through these projects our young people become other-centred, developing a heart for justice, kindness, and humility.
• Rural Education: For our Year 9 students, living and working on Back Creek Farm continues to be a unique opportunity to connect with the land, understand sustainability, and develop a strong work ethic. I loved seeing them set their phones aside and invest in developing quality human relationships as they build their independence, learning to cook for peers, keep their cabins clean, and work on the farm.
Please also see the report by our Vice Principal -Teaching and Learning, Rick Geall, which celebrates specific achievements in the Learning for Life domain.
STEWARDSHIP
Strategic goal: We are committed to safeguarding our school's sustainability for future generations, under the guidance of God.
This year we continued to enhance our financial stewardship through the development of a new 5-year 3-way forecast, introduction of a new budgeting process and strengthening our strategic marketing skillset.
Significant investment in our facilities was made this year across all our sites as we improve standards of physical assets across the College including buildings, grounds, equipment, and technology. This included:
Butterfield House
• Bathroom upgrade post burst water pipe
• Replace ceiling in foyer post water pipe burst
• Decking sand and reseal coat
Bellarine Campus
• Heating unit to Auditorium
• Heating and cooling unit to Yr 4 and Hub room M01, M02 and M03
• Heating and cooling unit to Yr 7 Classrooms E15 and E17
• Heating and cooling unit to Yr 6 Classroom M16
• Replacement of Hot water unit to Auditorium staff kitchen
• Address roof leaks to yr 4 classrooms
• Reline the sewer line from staff toilets in old cast line post flooding
• Replace staff toilet flooring and fixtures post flooding
• New carpet to E07
• Installation of staff toilets and re set Prep rooms post flooding
• Gym wall relining
Junior School Belmont
• Replace staff kitchen
• North side student toilets completed
• Relocation and upgrade of cleaner’s cupboard
• South end upper breezeway roof replacement
• Drinking tap replacements
• Toilet refurbishment
• Fencing between gym and building
• Fence replacement to Williams House
Middle School Highton
• Completion of roundabout works
• IT office upgrade and soundproofing
• Completion of Finance admin office
• Heating and cooling replacement to S11 and S14
• N14 repaint
• Executive Principal office and foyer repaint
• ATD Room and Maintenance workshop dust extraction system
• ATD RM S20 and S21 new external doors and concreting to entry
• SAC lift replacement
• SAC domestic hot water system replacement
• Drinking tap replacement
• Toilet refurbishment
Farm
• Installation of new internal door to meet CFA site safety recommendations
• Replacement of stairs to boarding room
• Basketball backboard replacement
Senior School Waurn Ponds
• Wellbeing centre for chaplain and wellbeing officer
• Science lab prep room
• Install of new heating and cooling unit to science labs
• Fire service infrastructure rectification works x3
• VCAL Heating and cooling system upgrade
• Drinking tap replacement
• Campus site survey in prep for master planning works
Surf Coast Campus
• Stage 3 – Construction of Innovation centre, Food Tech and Year 7 classrooms
• Town Planning Permit for the tree removal for oval and loop road
• Stage 4 Construction of Yr 8 classrooms and science classroom lab
• Consulting engineers for civil site works – Great Ocean Road entry, East car park beside Gym, loop road and Oval design and detail
Williams House
• Fence replacement
• New Playground Development
This was a significant year for the Surf Coast campus with the introduction of secondary schooling with the first Year 7 cohort. The campus Innovation Centre was also officially opened by Corangamite Federal Member Libby Coker on August 15. This new development encompasses two Year 7 classrooms, a Food Technology kitchen, Media room, Visual Arts room, Woodwork room, Textiles room and a socialising space. The new building was jointly funded by Christian College Geelong and the Federal Government, with the support of $1.8 million through the Capital Grants Program.
All schools are expected to continuously comply with the Victorians standards and requirements for school registration. Every five years, schools are audited by the Victorian Registration and Qualification Authority (VRQA), the regulatory authority that governs school registration standards in Victoria, on a rolling cycle. Christian College Geelong was audited this year, which involved a tremendous amount of work when school policies and processes are checked comprehensively by the regulator. We submitted hundreds of documents and participated in a school audit visit and follow-up interviews. This audit normally results in a rectification plan with the identification of required improvements. We were delighted that Christian College Geelong successfully passed our audit with no rectification plan required. This was an outstanding achievement. We were delighted with this outcome, which is a testament to the quality of service provided here at Christian College to students, staff and families. I am so grateful to the hard work of the College Executive Team in preparing all the documentation.
COMMUNITY
Strategic goal: We endeavour to grow & nurture participation in the different elements of community within our school environment.
Christian College Geelong is a special community where students, staff and families feel a strong sense of connection and belonging. This year our community was rocked by the bus accident that tragically claimed the life of one of our Year 7 students, Milla Killeen, and left numerous others with physical and emotional injuries. This devastating accident brought our community together as staff, students and parents supported each other in our collective grief. In the worst of times, we often see the best in people. We continue to uphold the Killeen family, and all those impacted by the accident, in our prayers.
In 2025 we continued many of our traditions that reinforce this sense of connection, whilst always looking for opportunities to strengthen our connection to others. Traditions are important; they tell our story. They remind us of where we have come from, what we value, and who we aspire to be. They build a bridge between past and present, connecting generations of students and staff who have walked the same paths, sung the same songs, worn the same colours, and shared the same sense of belonging. They say: "You are part of something enduring. You belong here.”
At the end of their Year 12 journey, our students once again climbed to the top of the clocktower at Middle School, the highest point on any or our campuses, signifying that they
have reached the pinnacle of their Christian College journey. They each signed their name on a brick in the clocktower, leaving their indelible mark on the College for others to follow. They rung the bell in the clocktower, signifying the end of 13 years of schooling and they sang the school hymn for the last time as a reminder of their shared experience here. Then they finally walked down the driveway at Senior School, led by a single bagpiper, cheered on by students, staff and parents, arms interlinked, tears streaming down many faces, bravely walking into their future to go and make a difference in the world beyond our school gates.
We strengthened opportunities for cross-campus community connections this year, e.g. through a Middle Schools Connection Day, a combined Middle School Play and many cross-campus sporting and music events. We have also increased the connections between our two Kindergartens and our school campuses, with numerous mutually enriching visits taking place between older and younger students.
As a school we continue to partner strongly with our parents and carers. We welcomed families to our campuses for special events such as Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day, sports carnivals, music events, arts technology and design showcases, busy bees working days and so much more. Many parents are regular volunteers in our classrooms and this year we have been running an online session for parents on preparing for the Social Media Ban for young people.
Our community connections with our Alumni continue to flourish. The Class of 2015 ten-year reunion this year was a stunning success attended by over 80 alumni. Olympic gold-medallist Jakara Anthony (class of 2016), Australia’s most successful Winter Olympian, was inducted into the CCG Sport Hall of Honour this year at a beautiful event that also honoured the sporting talents of our current students. Seven alumni were also inducted into the CCG Performance and Music Industry Hall of Honour this year: Andy Pobjoy (class of 1998), Isaac Barter (class of 2000), Jonathan Hoevenaars (class of 2004), Kym Dillon (class of 2007), Lucy Ridett (class of 2011), Alex Jeantou (class of 2015), and Bailey Lake (class of 2018).
As 2025 draws to a close, we acknowledge and thank a number of long-serving members of our staff community who served 20+ years who have concluded their time at the College. Each has made a valued and lasting contribution to our community through their commitment to students, colleagues, and the mission of the College. We extend our sincere appreciation to Christine Adam, Primary Teacher at Junior School Belmont; Cathy Creati, Professional Support at Highton Campus; Andrew Platt, Teacher and Leader at the Bellarine Campus; Anne Spence, Primary Teacher at Junior School Belmont; Andy Phillips, member of the Maintenance Team; and Jorge Viegas, Secondary Teacher who has served across multiple campuses. We wish each of them every blessing in their future endeavours.
Personally, I want to thank the Christian College Geelong community for welcoming me with such open arms. To our students, thank you for your energy, curiosity, and the joy you bring to our school; I am excited to support your growth and celebrate your achievements. To our staff, I am deeply grateful for your professionalism, dedication, and the spirit of collaboration you have shown me; I look forward to working alongside you to continue building a thriving
learning community. To our leadership team (the College Executive, Heads of Campus and Directors), thank you for your thoughtful guidance and unwavering support throughout this transition; your insight and encouragement have made a meaningful difference. To our parents and families, thank you for your trust and warm welcome; your partnership is vital to the strength and success of our school. And to the Board, I appreciate your confidence in my leadership and your commitment to our shared vision. Thank you for your visibility at College events and for your support when times were tough. I am honoured to be part of this community and eager to contribute to its continued growth and excellence.
CHANGE AND CONTINUITY
As I reflect on my first year at Christian College Geelong, I feel that our journey has been one of thoughtful evolution: embracing change while remaining firmly anchored in the core DNA that defines our identity. Our desire for the year was to pursue 1% improvements, whilst remaining anchored in our traditions. Some things didn’t change: our Christian foundation remains strong, our students still participate in a transformative learning program, our staff still model kindness and compassion and our Year 12s still climb the clocktower. Yet we have also taken meaningful steps forward, refining our practices, strengthening our systems, and exploring new opportunities for growth. Our LEAD Parent Satisfaction Survey data at the end of this year indicate that parents have noticed improvements in all categories: Academic Program; Teaching Quality; Learning Outcomes; Pastoral Care; Discipline and Safety; Parental Involvement; Resources; Year Transition; Recommend to Others; and Overall Satisfaction.
Through it all, continuity of values has provided the stability and clarity needed to ensure that progress is purposeful and aligned with our vision: “to see the lives of students transformed, empowering them to positively impact their world beyond school.” As we look ahead, we do so with confidence, knowing that our foundation is strong and our direction is clear.
Dr Mathilda Joubert
Executive Principal
VICE PRINCIPAL TEACHING AND LEARNING REPORT
This year has been defined by the remarkable dedication and professionalism of our staff - teachers, leaders, and professional support teams - who together have worked tirelessly to provide our students with the best opportunities for a holistic and enriching education. Across classrooms, programs, and campuses, their collective efforts have nurtured not only academic achievement, but also the personal, social, and spiritual growth of our students. The commitment to collaboration, innovation, and care that characterises our College community continues to ensure that each learner is known, supported, and inspired to flourish.
A major milestone this year was the transition to Compass, replacing SEQTA as the College’s Learning Management System. The implementation has provided a significant step forward in unifying key aspects of College operations within a single platform.
Benefits of Compass include:
• Greater customisation of assessments and semester reporting to meet College-specific needs.
• More effective management and follow-up of student wellbeing, attendance, and behaviour.
• Improved integration and visualisation of data across academic and wellbeing domains, supporting evidencebased decision-making.
Beyond teaching and learning, Compass’ extensive suite of applications presents opportunities for more streamlined administration, including excursion authorisations, event management, parent communication and calendar integration. The Compass platform has enabled many workflows previously spread across multiple systems to now operate seamlessly within one unified platform.
Mr Rick Geall
Vice Principal
TEACHING AND LEARNING LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
This year saw the successful implementation of a new leadership structure for Teaching and Learning across the College. The revised model strengthens alignment between campuses and year levels, provided greater clarity of roles and responsibilities and gave more opportunity for middle-leadership among staff.
Key elements include:
• Directors of Teaching and Learning (K–6 & 7–12): providing strategic oversight, coordination, and leadership of curriculum and pedagogy across the College.
• Deputy Heads of Campus (Teaching & Learning Portfolios): ensuring consistency of practice, professional growth, and support for staff at each campus.
• Learning Leaders (P–6) and Faculty Coordinators (7–12): leading curriculum design, assessment practices, and data-informed improvement within their respective areas.
This distributed leadership model has helped strengthen professional collaboration, promoted greater consistency in teaching and learning practices, and enhanced our capacity for continuous improvement.
ELEVATE: MIDDLE LEADERS TRAINING PROGRAM
This year also marked the commencement of the Elevate Middle Leaders Training Program - a comprehensive 18-month professional learning initiative designed to build leadership capacity and foster professional growth. The program is closely aligned with the AITSL Australian Professional Standards for Middle Leaders and reflects the College’s commitment to cultivating a culture of continuous learning and leadership excellence.
Targeted at staff in formal leadership roles, including Faculty Coordinators, Learning Leaders, Year Level Coordinators, and Heads of House, the program is also open to aspiring and non-teaching staff interested in leadership development. We have had great uptake from staff across the College, some attending individual sessions whilst others completing the full program, offering flexibility and accessibility for all.
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT & ALIGNMENT
This year, extensive work has been undertaken across all faculties to ensure the College curriculum is comprehensive, cohesive, and consistent across campuses. Faculty teams have reviewed and refined their Scope and Sequence frameworks in alignment with Version 9.0 of the Australian Curriculum, ensuring clear progression and continuity of learning. In addition to meeting national requirements, teams have also developed Scope and Sequence frameworks in areas that reflect the College’s distinctive priorities as outlined in the Strategic Plan - most notably Christian Education, the Wellbeing Framework, and the Year Level Camp Program. This work reinforces both academic rigour and the holistic learning values central to a Christian College education.
Additionally, work was undertaken to map incursion and excursion opportunities against curriculum outcomes, student developmental needs, and budgetary parameters - ensuring student experiences are purposeful, age-appropriate, and enriching.
ENRICHMENT AND ENHANCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS
The College continued to provide outstanding enrichment opportunities across academic, creative, and co-curricular domains. Notable achievements this year include:
• Tournament of Minds: Representation at State Finals, with one Surf Coast team awarded Second Place Honours.
• Debating: Surf Coast Campus teams completed the season undefeated.
• Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee: Over 50 participants, including a Year 6 Highton student who reached the State Final.
• Matific Maths Olympiad: Strong results College-wide, including a national prize for a Year 5 Highton student.
• RoboCup: Continued success in 2025 with two Year 11 students, Jayden Chan and Rennick Carey, crowned State Champions in the Lightweight Soccer category and finishing fifth nationally at the RoboCup Junior Australian Open Championships - only the fifth team in CCG’s history to reach the national finals.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
The College’s international programs have continued to thrive this year, providing rich opportunities for cultural exchange, global connection, and service learning. In April, we were honoured to host students and staff from SMA 2 Mataram in Lombok, Indonesia, strengthening a long-standing partnership grounded in mutual learning and friendship. In August, we welcomed students from Naga High School in Japan, whose visit enriched the cultural life of our campuses and fostered meaningful cross-cultural relationships. In July, our Year 12 Prefects travelled to Timor Leste as part of the College’s service and leadership program, engaging in community projects that deepened their understanding of global citizenship and compassionate leadership. Collectively, these experiences reflect our ongoing commitment to nurturing a global perspective within our students and sustaining valued international partnerships.
NAPLAN 2025 SUMMARY
The 2025 NAPLAN results reflect a strong overall performance across the College, with students achieving at or above State benchmarks in the majority of domains. Writing and Reading continue to emerge as school-wide strengths, while Grammar & Punctuation remains a key focus area for improvement.
Year 3 - Performance was at or above State levels in all domains except Grammar & Punctuation. Writing was a standout strength, with results nine points above the State mean. Reading and Numeracy held steady at or just above State benchmarks, while Spelling was marginally higher. Lower outcomes at Surf Coast, particularly in Grammar & Punctuation, warrant further investigation and targeted support.
Year 5 - Results were consistently above State benchmarks across all domains, led by exceptional outcomes in Reading (+18) and Writing (+9). Strong performance at Highton and Surf Coast contributed to this success, though Bellarine results were comparatively lower in Writing, Spelling, and Grammar & Punctuation.
Year 7 - The College performed above State benchmarks in Reading, Numeracy, and Grammar & Punctuation, with Writing and Spelling slightly below. Reading and Numeracy were clear strengths, driven by strong Surf Coast outcomes. Literacy outcomes at Highton and Bellarine contributed to the minor dip below State averages in Writing and Spelling.
Year 9 - Performance remained above State benchmarks in Reading, Numeracy, and Writing, with results in Spelling and Grammar & Punctuation slightly below. Bellarine achieved particularly strong results in Numeracy and Grammar & Punctuation, while Highton led in Spelling. Writing outcomes continue to be a highlight at this level.
Analysis of longitudinal growth data reveals substantial improvement from Years 3-5 and 5-7, particularly in Grammar & Punctuation, Writing, and Reading.
Years 3–5: Exceptional growth in Grammar & Punctuation (+54.1), Writing (+39.4), and Reading (+29.3), reflecting significant improvement and recovery from prior underperformance.
Years 5–7: Continued strong growth across all domains, notably Reading (+16.1) and Writing (+15.0).
Years 7–9: More modest gains, with growth below State averages in most areas except Spelling, suggesting the need for strengthened literacy support at the lower secondary level.
Overall, the 2025 NAPLAN results affirm the College’s strong academic performance and positive growth trajectory in core literacy and numeracy domains. Writing and Reading are consistent strengths, with sustained improvement evident in Grammar & Punctuation through targeted interventions. Future focus areas include consolidating literacy outcomes in middle and senior years and addressing campus-level variability to ensure consistent excellence across the College.
VCE RESULTS
The College’s 2025 VCE results reflect a year of strong academic performance, characterised by significant growth at the top end and sustained achievement across the full ATAR distribution. Of the 136 students who received an ATAR, 17% achieved an ATAR of 90 or above, representing the strongest high end result in four years and a marked increase on 2024. A total of 30% of students attained an ATAR of 80 or above, consolidating long term strength in this competitive band and supporting diverse and aspirational post school pathways.
Breadth of achievement remained a defining feature of the cohort, with 47% of students achieving an ATAR of 70+, 66.9% achieving 60+, and 83% achieving 50 or above, well above national benchmarks. These results reflect the College’s ongoing commitment to ensuring success for students across a wide range of abilities, interests and future goals.
Study score data further reinforces the strength of the Teaching and Learning program. The proportion of study scores above 40 increased to 7.2%, the highest result in four years, indicating renewed excellence at the subject level. Median study scores also improved, with the Year 12 median returning to 30 and the Year 11 median rising to an outstanding 34, providing a strong indicator of future cohort performance.
Collectively, the 2025 VCE results highlight the effectiveness of targeted academic support, strong instructional practice, and a culture of high expectations. They provide a robust foundation for continued improvement and reflect the College’s commitment to developing capable, confident learners who are well prepared for further education, training and employment.
2025 VCE – AT A GLANCE
17% of students achieved an ATAR of 90+, the strongest top end result in four years
30% achieved an ATAR of 80+, supporting competitive tertiary pathways
83% achieved an ATAR of 50 or above, well above national benchmarks
7.2% of study scores were above 40 , the highest proportion in four years
Year 11 median study score of 34, signalling strong academic momentum for future cohorts
SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS SURVEYS
Independent Schools Victoria’s LEAD School Effectiveness Surveys provide valuable, benchmarked data on school performance and stakeholder feedback, supporting evidence-based evaluation and continuous improvement.
A parent survey was conducted in August 2025, with 191 parents participating and providing valuable feedback. The below graph displays overall parent satisfaction per domain for Christian College Geelong compared to the ISV benchmark.
Parent survey results have demonstrated a clear and sustained improvement trend from 2023 to 2025 across all domains. In 2025, the highest-performing areas were Pastoral Care (8.12), Resources (8.07), and Parental Involvement (7.91), reflecting strong outcomes in student wellbeing and community engagement. Notable year-on-year gains are also evident in Discipline and Safety, Overall Satisfaction, and Recommend to Others, indicating increasing confidence in the school experience. While results in Learning Outcomes and the Academic Program are comparatively more moderate, they remain positive and continue to show steady improvement over time.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT & WELLBEING SURVEY
In Term 3 2025, the College administered the Student Engagement and Wellbeing Survey to students from Years 4-12. Over 750 responses were received providing valuable insight into students’ learning experiences, wellbeing, and sense of belonging. Below is a concise summary of the results:
• Strong Foundations in Teaching and Relationships
Students consistently reported high levels of teacher care, encouragement, and clarity in learning. Effective teaching practices, clear behavioural expectations, and supportive teacher–student relationships are evident across all year levels.
• Positive Growth Since 2024
Modest but meaningful improvements were recorded in teacher feedback, classroom engagement, learner perseverance, and understanding of behaviour expectations, reflecting the impact of ongoing improvement initiatives.
• Christian Values Clearly Evident
Across all age groups, the strongest area of agreement related to teachers encouraging compassion, service, and respect for others, affirming the College’s commitment to living out Christian values in daily practice.
• High Engagement in the Junior Years
Students in Years 4-6 have reported very strong levels of engagement, confidence, wellbeing, and sense of belonging, providing a positive foundation for future learning.
• Targeted Focus Areas Identified
Years 7-9 students reported lower levels of connectedness and peer respect, while some declines were noted in learner confidence and wellbeing in the Senior Years (Years 10-12), highlighting clear priorities for targeted wellbeing, transition, and student voice strategies.
DEAN OF CHRISTIAN CULTURE REPORT
In 2025 Christian College has continued to seek, share and celebrate the coming Kingdom of God in our College, community and through the many relationships we share with others all over the world.
While we have travelled some difficult roads this year our College community remains faithful, focused and assured of God’s unyielding presence and unconditional love in our midst. This year we have been adjusting to significant transitions in leadership at many levels, undergoing enrolment decline and supporting the many community members experiencing substantial trauma and grief, especially those in relation to our bus accident and the loss of one of our Middle School students. Throughout these dynamics we continue to choose to face and move towards such challenges, embracing and accepting the potential for transformation and blessing, even in these difficult experiences.
Our students and families have participated in a variety of Project Care initiatives across our campuses that have seen our commitment to community service, generosity and giving thrive. Our students have written letters and cards to patients in hospitals, aged care facilities, juvenile detention centres, recovery facilities, people in prison and key local community service agencies. This year we will have written and sent over 3000 cards of encouragement, comfort, congratulations and blessing. We have collectively made and delivered over 250 meals to families who are in need or experiencing significant challenges, and we continue to expand our 15 prayer groups across the College. Our fundraising and acts of service and mercy continue to raise a spirit of community, kindness, empathy and generosity towards those in need. This year we have raised funds for a variety of research including Cancer Council, Children’s Literacy, Mental Health, Parkinsons and MS research, Children’s Literacy and the effects of Drug and Alcohol in young people. We also raised money for the Salvation Army, Saint Vincent De Paul, GAWS, Our Village Geelong, FeedMe Geelong and Landcare Victoria among many others.
Our celebrations of Lent ( New Beginnings ) and Advent ( The Wonder of Christmas ) have been enthusiastically enjoyed by our whole community with services, community outreach, fundraising, engagement with local churches and business, Easter Bonnet Parades, gift giving, card writing, community carolling and dramatisations of the life of Christ from biblical passages. We celebrated our first Community Christmas Carols event in December to great success. The contagious joy, creativity, generosity of spirit and kindness that this event generated among our community, then extended to our wider Geelong community, is to be commended and encouraged! We look forward to many more such events each December.
We welcomed Student Wellbeing Officers to each campus in 2025 after a successful pilot program at Middle School in 2024. This implementation has strengthened our pastoral care presence and made significant improvements to the quality of life and care of a number of our students, families and the teaching experience this year. We will look to grow this team towards not only addressing needs responsively, but to anticipating and forward planning preventative initiatives and positive well-being engagements that enable Christian College students to take an independent role in the care and stewardship of their own personal wellbeing and mental health.
Our College Chaplains continue to lead the exceptional pastoral care program for which our College is known and highly respected. Our thanks go out to each Chaplain for their unyielding faithfulness to the faith formation, personal support and leadership of each of our campuses. This year our devotional themes have served our participation in ‘A Year of Blessing’ and have included a focus on The Blessing of Wisdom in Term 1 focusing on The Sermon on the Mount, The Blessing of People in term two, The Blessing of Song in Term 3 and The Blessing of Miracles and Wonder in Term 4. We look forward to a suite of new themes in 2026 that will continue to develop and nurture the faith of our staff and students.
With the recent application process for 2026 student leaders taking place it has been very heartening to see so many young people of good character, high hopes and positive perspectives stepping forward to lead their peers in the new year ahead. Our 2025 student leaders have made invaluable contributions to our House competitions, project care initiatives, community service opportunities and key College and campus events. I want to thank them for their selflessness, commitment to growth and their year of service in these roles – the whole community is richer for their generosity of time, spirit and skill.
We approach the new year with an understanding that while we have a great deal to celebrate we also have a learning curve ahead of us to grow, excel and steward the College together responsibly. Together the College Board, the Executive and College Leaders have a growing awareness of a number of structural, procedural and cultural concerns that have developed over a number years that we are looking to address in the new year. These learning and growth curves allow us to accept and face the challenges that our privileged position in raising and educating young people and running a large organisation demand. I ask you to pray with us as we meet these challenges, accept our responsibilities and continue to glorify God and seek a world transformed.
Ms Mia Kafieris
Dean of Christian Culture
FOUNDATION CHAIR REPORT
As we concluded 2025, I am pleased to present an update on the activities, achievements, and milestones of the Christian College Geelong Foundation. The year was one of transition, renewed energy, and remarkable community engagement, all contributing to a stronger platform for the future of the Foundation and the College.
EXCHANGING THE BATON: LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS
2025 marks a historic moment for Christian College Geelong as we recognised the extraordinary contribution of Mr Daryl Riddle, who concluded 44 years of leadership of the College. Daryl’s faithful service and vision have shaped the very fabric of our community. As he entered retirement, we were blessed that Daryl has continued to serve in a new capacity as a member of the Foundation Board, bringing his wisdom and passion for Christian education into this next chapter.
We were also delighted to welcome Dr Mathilda Joubert, in her first year as our Executive Principal. Mathilda has embraced her role with warmth, clarity of purpose, and a deep commitment to the mission of the Foundation. Her involvement and constant encouragement throughout the year contributed greatly to strengthening donor relationships and reinforcing the importance of our philanthropic work.
A STRONG YEAR OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
2025 was one of our most vibrant and successful years of community engagement, with a wide range of events that both celebrated the College community and raised essential support for the Eternity Fund.
DARYL’S LUNCHEON
A heartfelt celebration of Daryl’s extraordinary leadership, the luncheon brought together supporters to hear from our Patron Mr Rob Costa, Daryl, and Mathilda. Their reflections on the importance of Christian education in today’s world resonated deeply with attendees and strengthened our shared sense of mission.
EASTER HOT CROSS BUN CAMPAIGN
In partnership with a local bakery, this initiative highlighted the meaning behind Easter and the symbolism of the cross on the bun. College families embraced the campaign, with funds from each packet contributing to the Eternity Fund.
NIGHT OF CABARET
A standout success, this bi-annual event sold out with over 230 guests. Working alongside the College Music Department and the Music Hall of Honour, the evening showcased exceptional performances from both current and past students. It was a celebration of artistry, community, and purpose.
ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
A new venue - The Sands, Torquay - and a revised date saw increased participation, including teachers, maintenance staff, alumni, current parents, sponsors, and supporters. The day combined some healthy competition with strong fundraising outcomes and still remains one of our most anticipated community events.
GRANDPARENTS' DAY – JUNIOR SCHOOL
Always cherished by our younger students, these events provided the Foundation with an important opportunity to connect with grandparents - a valued and supportive part of our broader community.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS – DECEMBER 3
For the first time in many years, the College hosted a major community Christmas Carols event, with funds raised supporting the Foundation. It was planned as a joyous way to conclude the year and reconnect with an important College tradition, especially for our junior schools who all performed their favourite carols.
The final event of the year was our Club 100 Luncheon and Car Show. Members of Club 100, major donors, sponsors and invited guests gathered for a networking luncheon. It’s an event where the Foundation thanked our VIPs for their ongoing support and briefed them on future activities and opportunities to engage with the Foundation.
MAJOR DONORS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
2025 was a strong year for philanthropic giving. A number of major donors made meaningful contributions to the Eternity Fund, reflecting their trust in the long-term mission of the Foundation.
It was also a year marked by the introduction of new scholarships, designed to broaden access to a Christian College education for families who would otherwise face financial limitations. These scholarships represent the heart of our mission - expanding opportunity and transforming lives through Christ-Centred education.
ETERNITY FUND GROWTH
One of the most significant milestones in 2025 was the growth of the Eternity Fund, which by year’s end reached a major landmark of $1 million in investments. This achievement was due in large part to the generosity of our anonymous matching-dollar donor, whose commitment to building the corpus continues to inspire the broader community.
This milestone established a solid foundation for long-term sustainability and will support generations of students to come.
FOUNDATION BOARD, MANAGEMENT AND VOLUNTEERS
Our Foundation Manager, Mrs Tennille McInnes, worked tirelessly throughout 2025 to support existing donors, build new relationships, and raise the profile of the Foundation within the College community. Her enthusiasm, professionalism, and innovative approach have been instrumental to the year’s progress.
The Foundation Board has also worked with dedication and unity of purpose, navigating a busy calendar of events and new initiatives. A significant addition to the year has been the creation of a Friends of the Foundation volunteer group, providing hands-on support for events and working groups. Their contribution has greatly expanded our capacity and community reach.
To Tennille, our Board, and our new Friends of the Foundation - thank you for your unwavering commitment and hard work throughout 2025.
SPONSORS
The success of our events is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors - local businesses, many with direct links to college families or long-standing commercial relationships. Their financial contributions, partnered with marketing and promotional opportunities at our events, have been invaluable.
We express our sincere gratitude to all our sponsors. We encourage the College community to support their businesses in return, as they continue to faithfully support us.
GRATITUDE AND OUTLOOK
As we reflect on 2025, we recognise a year marked by community strength, leadership transition, and continued generosity. The Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to support Christian College Geelong and ensure that a Christ-Centred education continues to flourish for generations.
To our donors, volunteers, supporters, staff, and College leadership - thank you. Your partnership enables this work to continue, and your commitment makes a real and lasting impact.
May God bless you all as we look forward with hope, purpose, and gratitude for the year ahead.
Mr Tim Page-Walker Chair Christian College Geelong Foundation
BUSINESS MANAGER REPORT
2025 FINANCIAL YEAR IN REVIEW
We incurred a net operating deficit of $1,345,698 (down from $35,942 in 2024).
Non-operating revenue was $2,045,170, resulting in a net surplus for the year of $623,412.
Total operating revenue received for 2025 was $56,123,844, a decrease of 3.02% on 2024.
Total operating expenditure decreased by $366,159 on 2024, representing a decrease of 0.63% operating expenses. Employee Benefits (74% of total expenses) increased on 2024 primarily due to the reduction of Revenue caused by a reduction in student enrolments.
Net Assets at 31 December 2025 were $88,672,658. Enrolments as at August 2025 Census were 1908 (P-12).
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
Mr Nathan Boseley
Business Manager
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR INCLUDE:
• Completion of Surf Coast Stage 4 – which compromised of Year 8 classrooms and Science Room.
• Upgrade of Middle Senior – Highton roundabout and Car parking.
• Commencement of College wide Masterplan.
• Rollout of new budget process and purchasing system across the College.
The College continues to develop and enhance infrastructure on an annual basis across all campuses. Refurbishment of several classrooms, amenities, external grounds and ovals were completed across campuses. The commencement of a College wide Masterplan process has and will continue to guide short and long term improvements to facilities and grounds across all campuses including Back Creek farm.
Composition of Statement of Profit or Loss & Comprehensive Income 2025
