In Focus - 2013 Term 1

March 2013

Links to articles Cover storyy :. 9 LITEhouse :. 15 enVision Maths :. 11

In 2013 our staff and students are focusing

wonderful to see our students embrace the

on the collaborative nature of learning. Some

project with such a broad collaborative effort.

examples where I have witnessed powerful collaboration taking place have been in the following areas:

Student Leadership Student leadership plays a vital role in the culture and tone of schools. At Christian College students have an opportunity to demonstrate and develop leadership qualities in a variety of areas. These occur formally through a leadership structure where leaders are appointed or selected and the less formal means when students, through natural inclination, take the lead in a particular way when interacting with others.

Page 2 :.

On a less formal basis I observed students sharing leadership abilities at the recent Year 7 camp during a raft construction activity. As the group worked to plan, construct and launch their raft into the lake I was impressed by the way that the students cooperated in this task. The success of the task, due in some part to the initiative that the students offered to lead others either through example or by encouragement.

Staff Leadership Taking the responsibility for particular areas or programs within the College structure also offers the teaching staff opportunities

Our newly appointed student leaders at each

to provide leadership of programs and

Throughout the term I have enjoyed the

Campus have started the year across the

colleagues involved. I recently sat in on a

opportunity to see and appreciate the many

campuses supporting new initiatives and

meeting held by the Directors of English,

benefits that our students receive from their

activities with their peers. They have taken

Mathematics, Humanities and Science.

education at Christian College. I have visited

a major role in the leadership of the House

These four subject areas are the four Phase

many classes where I have specifically asked

Swimming Carnivals, encouraging other

One subjects of the Australian Curriculum

students to share with me details about

House members and competitors to support

implementation and the Directors are

what they are learning. To my delight, on

or compete for their respective Houses.

meeting regularly to support each other

the majority of occasions this term I was

Other leaders are actively engaging their

through this process. I felt privileged to join

informed that, ‘we are learning to write a

peers in fundraising and service activities to

in on the discussions which were rewarding

persuasive text’, or ‘we are discussing the

support Project Care, initiatives. This term a

and assuring for me. Whilst passionate

features of a quality resume’, even ‘exploring

number of these have supported the One

about the specific area or subjects in their

the structure of organelles in cells’. This clearly

Hundred For 100 Campaign to support our

responsibility, collectively they demonstrated

indicates most positively to me that we are

colleague Miss Kristi Van Es. Kristi has shared

a far broader desire to see teaching and

tracking extremely well in creating a rich

her plans to support this project with the

learning at Christian College flourish and

culture of learning.

students at each campus and it has been

develop in the future.

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

I could give any number of other different

well as proposals to include VET and VCAL

about what type of leadership our College

examples where this occurs from all levels

programs in the near future.

aspires to achieve, this being one based on

within the College as we continue to strive to provide the very best learning opportunities for our students.

It is my privilege to work in collaboration with the leaders from these areas of the College

service to others and one which follows the examples of the teaching of Jesus.

who are so dedicated to ensure that our

5

Heads Of Campus

College continues to provide for the broad

and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying

This year the Heads of Campus have

range of needs for our students.

them with the towel that was wrapped

commenced a revised meeting format to

Congratulations to our 2013 Student Leaders

around him.

provide greater leadership to the learning at our respective campuses. The new format has

After that, he poured water into a basin

15

I have set you an example

that you should do as I have done for you.

16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater

included separate meetings for each section

Given the important role that leaders play in

than his master, nor is a messenger greater

within the College program. We now conduct

society and in the shaping of any community.

than the one who sent him. ‘

regular meetings with the combined Heads

I wish to acknowledge and congratulate

and Deputy Heads of Junior School to discuss

the students who has been selected and

the teaching and learning needs and plans

accepted to fulfil 2013 leadership positions

for this level. Combined Heads and Deputy

throughout our College.

Heads meetings of the Middle Schools discuss the specific needs of the programs for Years

Jesus lived and to seek to serve others with the opportunities provided to us as students, teachers and parents whenever

Servant Leadership

5 to 9, including assessing and evaluating

Our student and staff leaders were all recently

the 100 Plus initiative. Separate meetings

inducted in services conducted to formalise

consider the requirements and needs at

these appointments. A common thread in

Senior School including the VCE program as

these times was the important reminder

Page 3 :.

Our purpose is to follow the example that

they arise.

Glen McKeeman Principal.

Phys Ed teacher and ‘One Hundred For 100’ creator- Kristi Van Es speaks at the Senior Prefect Investiture.

Ali Kim- Graduated 1999 • Back Creek Homestead Operations Teacher ‘In the time between being a student and returning as a staff member I have studied, travelled, lived abroad, married and had two beautiful children. I have always loved teaching and working with students, especially in experiential settings. I felt that if I were returning to work, I wanted to feel passionate about the school and position offered. I wanted to belong to a supportive community where ideas are embraced and change is constant. Christian College is such a place.’

Stephen Brewster- Graduated 1995 • Senior School Japanese Language Assistant

The year of 2013 has brought us blessings

Corey Bolton- Graduated 2000

with several new staff at each Campus. We are

• Bellarine Campus Chaplain

confident that each of them will bring their

• Year 8 P.E Teacher

individual God given gifts to our College.

• Year 8 Maths Teacher

Six new staff are already quite familiar with

• Year 8 and 9 Christian Education Teacher • Year 9 Homeroom Teacher

Christian College as they were once students.

It is wonderful to see the familiar faces around and to find out the reason for them wanting to come back to Christian College.

‘I loved my time as a student here at Christian College. This place played a major role in my own spiritual development and I hope to be able to assist other students in their discovery of who they are in Christ.

When I decided to become a teacher, I just knew I wanted to teach at Christian College.’

Page 4 :.

‘After graduating I began my first stint back at Christian College as a teacher in the music department. I did that for a few years and then found myself in Japan pursuing a fairly different passion from my school days, Japanese language, and after 12 years I’m back at Christian College. I can see how much things have changed including the direction and vision for the future. I am very excited to be part of the wonderful LOTE department and the Christian College staff once again.’

Tim Wright– Graduated 2006 • Year 9 Outdoor Education Teacher • Year 7 and 8 Humanities Teacher • Years 7 and 8 Environmental Studies electives Teacher ‘I have worked at many schools since

graduating from Christian College and have never found anywhere with the same sense of family and community. I also respect the high values and work ethic of the school and wanted to put my teaching efforts into the best place possible. It is a fantastic feeling to walk into work on a Monday morning. I haven’t said that about a teaching job before!’

Renee McCance- Graduated 2005 • Year 10 PE and Australia’s Health Teacher • VCE Physical Education and Health and Human Development Teacher ‘My experience as a student at the College provided me with the opportunity to achieve so much after finishing school, and so I wanted to have the opportunity to give something back to Christian College that provided me with so much. This year is my first year of permanency after working at ‘Back Creek’ farm campus as a program supervisor as well as at Junior School as Kinder to Year 1 Physical Education Teacher.

It is great to be able to work with and learn from the people who inspired me to become a teacher.’

Kate Hill- Graduated 2003 • Year 2B Class Teacher at Junior School ‘I wanted to be a part of Christian College again because of the supportive, Christian environment it offers. It’s wonderful to be able to share my faith within day-to-day teaching. I have really enjoyed my return to Christian College and it’s been great to see so many familiar faces around the place too!’

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

Taylor House Andrew Fitzgerald Jacob Hunniford Olivia Kehoe Yi Lynn Leong Katrina Palmer Marnie Platt

We congratulate the leaders of the College for 2013:

SENIOR SCHOOL Burrows House Rachel Hodder Nicholas Hogan Joshua Horton Allison Norris Ivy O’Dwyer Taylah Wright Penman House Matthew Gunn

House Leaders at the Bellarine Campus

Kristina Macula Jayden McHenry Madison Riddle Jacob Sharp Jasmine Yoong Flynn House Nathan Carnie Ricci Curtis Thomas Grayson Sydney Jenkins Oliver Overman Emily Rastas

Page 5 :.

School Captains Ivy O’Dwyer Jacob Sharp Vice Captains Madison Riddle Thomas Grayson

MIDDLE SCHOOL Middle School Student Representative Council Year 5 Benjamin Madden Joshua Spence Ava Halloran Year 6 Darcy Aylen Erin Russell Benjamin Conn Year 7 Georgia Quick Bailey Hunter Noah Stott Isaac Hanneysee Chiara Centorbi Zachary Schwarz Year 8 Michael Little Jack McPhail

Cathy De Rosso Thomas Newman Brydon Barnett Olivia Aylen

Matilda Thompson Anneke Richards School Captains Zachary Edwards Claudia Vasey

Middle School House Officials Burrows House Captain Harrison Hogan, Amy Troy Flynn House Captain Cain Mackay, Lydia Mackie Penman House Captain Jordan Rossi, India Moran Taylor House Captain Kelly O’Neil, Zoe Collins Prefects Devotion Prefects Ellenie Case, Claudia Vasey, Zachary Edwards, Joel Inei Project Care Prefects Xavier Andueza Mossop Faith-Emily Bailey Callum Hogg Ruby Serong Music Prefects Jasmine Copeland Daniel Bell Joshua Farrell General Prefects TaleeaDrever Jordan Gibson Hayley Gough Jack Heathcote Brittany Siketa Jessica Meddings

Vice Captains Xavier Andueza Mossop Amy Troy Middle School Mentors Grady Baxter Sarah Burgess Jack Hamer Molly Lamond Rosie Murphy Coby Robson Madeline Timberlake Gemma Beard Naomi Caulfield Noah Hanneysee TahleeMarchello Caitlyn Oakley Micky Robinson Asha Bent Thomas Clarke Matilda Jones Zoe McClure Gemma Podbury Serena Roach-Gepp Keely Bent Albany Flanagan Jane Kosutic Harry McEvoy Tom Puckett Hannah Sleeman

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

Flynn Brady Nankervis Indiana Van Someren

Penman Elizabeth Kefaloukos Jackson Spanic

Penman Mitchell Ryan Meg Richardson

Taylor Sienna Nelis Alex Souflas

Taylor Angus Callahan Jakara Anthony

Prefects Erin Anderson Jakara Anthony Angus Callahan Ebony Corless Molly Gray Natasha Henningsen Josiah King Brady Nankervis Amelia Raleigh Katie Rowe Mitchell Ryan Alice Stewart Indiana Van Someren

House Secretaries Burrows Laetitia Chow Sophie Symes The Principal congratulates the Senior School Captains for 2013.

Flynn Erica Bjornenak Molly Gray

BELLARINE CAMPUS

Year 7E - Holly Peacock

Project Care Representatives

Year 8D - DenaeVagg

Year 4D - Saxon Apps, Abbey Ryan Year 4S - Jordan Smith, Holly Harris Year 5D - Lauren Cairney

Year 7S - Serena Cullum

Year 8E - Sarah Mansell Year 8S - Peyton Greiner Year 9D - Damon Baker Year 9E - Brooke Woodhart

Taylor Lachlan Fog Phoebe Talbot Junior School House Captains

Year 6D - Tess Elstone

House Captains

Burrows Neve O’Brien Oscar Price

Year 6S - Kira Miles

Burrows Darcy Pearson Katie Rowe

Flynn Ella Jones George Maroulis

Year 9S - Nicholas Bazalicki

Year 5S - Michaela Holsted

Year 7D - Jane Martin

Page 6 :.

Penman Liam Warren Brooke Woodhart

School Captains Katie Rowe Mitchell Ryan

JUNIOR SCHOOL School Captains: Finlay Kerr Madeleine Benson Burrows House Captain Cooper Geall Annabelle Geall Burrows Secretary James Richardson Michelle Zhao Flynn House Captain Dante De Beer Madeleine Benson Flynn Secretary Charlie McFadyen Ruby Oliver Penman House Captain Finlay Kerr Matilda Puckett Penman Secretary Gordon Wang Eliza Bell Taylor House Captain Liam Handley Tyler Costin Taylor Secretary Tom Dell-Rennie Harriette St. Ledger

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

be fostered through encouraging students to: •

Wonder, question and become adventurous in their thinking

•

Make links with previous and existing learning experiences

•

Develop a view that learning is exploratory, fun and rewarding

•

Reflect on themselves as learners, in particular their feelings about learning

•

Respond to open-ended questions, rather than repeat lists or rote learning

•

Reflect on their thinking, why they think what they think

Welcome to 2013

•

It is always exciting to begin a new year at the

themselves as ‘learners’. All children have the

Building Capacity to Learn

Bellarine Campus. In particular, I would like

opportunity to learn in the context of their

We believe that a successful educational

to extend a warm welcome to those families

school, families and community. In their

experience has to be built around individual

beginning their educational journey with us

early years of school, our students broaden

students learning about how they personally

and trust you have enjoyed a smooth and

their learning about the world through

fruitful start to the year. I enjoyed catching

connecting with people, places, technologies,

up with many of you at our Family Welcome

natural materials and environments. In

Picnic and Information Evenings and for

line with the outcomes of the Victorian

those families I missed, I am sure we will have

Early Years Learning and Development

opportunities to meet as the year unfolds.

Framework, it is our endeavour to foster curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity,

Growing Confident and Engaged Learners One of our aims at Christian College is to develop our students’ understanding of

Page 7 :.

learn best. One of the key areas of our

complete tasks •

•

parents. It begins in our Junior School and

commitment, enthusiasm, persistence,

flows through to the Middle School where our

imagination and flexibility through a variety

students are developing independence and

of learning opportunities for our students.

personal responsibility for their own learning.

This process of building capacity to learn can

Begin to take initiative as learners and ask questions for clarification

•

Recall information and share the ‘sense and meaning’ of the knowledge or skill

can take time to develop and requires the support and encouragement of staff and

Use their imagination and curiosity to generate ideas

strategic plan for teaching and learning is how we in fact ‘Build Capacity to Learn’. This

Learn to manage time and resources to

•

Transfer concepts and ideas from one area of learning to another

Of course this is not an exhaustive list, however, as parents, it may assist you in framing questions when discussing your child’s learning at home.

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

Year 6 Bellarine students working in the Science vegetable garden.

Parents can also support our teaching staff in

confidence and involves them fully in the

school item, does not assist the student

for you as parents to monitor the ‘personal

building the capacity of our students to learn

dialogue of learning – an important skill

in learning to be responsible for his/

learning’ and progress of your child.

for success in the Middle and Senior Years.

her items and in preparing for the

by fostering such things as: •

•

Allowing students to complete their

•

school day. Take the time to

Explaining to your child that a deadline

discuss the ‘consequences’ at home and

The partnership between parents and staff is integral to the process of building capacity to learn for our students. We invite your

own work and home learning. As parents

for the submission of work needs to be

we sometimes think that we can ‘hasten’

met. Do not make excuses for your child,

the process and make it a little less

do not let it become a point of ‘argument’

‘painful’ by doing the work for

at home, but allow the teaching staff to

known to text/phone home to have

our children. This is counterproductive

deal with any late submissions from a

parents bring items to the school (which

and reduces the learning experience

school perspective through personal

is not permitted), so please do not

significantly.

learning and follow up. Support the

respond to such requests for the same

We pray that the year ahead will be filled with

teaching staff through these endeavours.

reasons outlined above.

many blessings and that God’s word will continue

Encouraging students to return to school for teacher clarification if they are unsure

•

Allowing your child to experience the

develop strategies and routines to support a well organised start to each day.

Some of our older students have been

•

Maintaining regular contact with your

involvement and feedback and trust that as the year unfolds we can take some significant steps in developing the personal learning strategies employed by all students, to allow them to achieve their best in 2013.

to be a ‘lamp to our feet and a light for our path’.

of a concept or skill required to complete

consequences for disorganisation. Driving

class/homeroom teacher through the

Scott Elliss

a task at home. This builds student

to the school to deliver a hat or required

student organiser. This is also the place

Head of Bellarine Campus

Page 8 :.

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

Year 8 students visit the elderly.

Learning abseiling skills at Year 7 Camp.

integrity. These are all wonderful attributes

explanation is that He is building quite a different

and traits that we seek to develop come not

but character growth or development

house from the one you thought of - throwing

from comfort but rather from difficulty. It

is something that takes time, love and

out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor

is the aim of Christian College to remind

patience both from the one developing as

there, running up towers, making courtyards. You

students that they have a school and loving

well as the mentor. Character is something

thought you were being made into a decent little

family to support them when difficult or

that is forged and built, it does not come in

cottage: but He is building a palace, He intends to

challenging times arise. They will see Love,

a ‘take away’ package.

come and live in it Himself.”

Hope, Faith and Trust in action and, in turn,

C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity paints a picture

‘Safe, Secure, Listened To’

come to understand how they can exercise

of the way in which God himself stretches

Christian College understands that before you

and develops us:

are able to reach out to respect others you

Challenge and Character

When looking to define ‘character’ one finds

“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes

must have a healthy respect for yourself. Our

In the classroom and school environs we

definitions such as: ‘the aggregate of features

in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can

Middle School slogan“Safe, Secure, Listened

share and discuss what it is to be caring,

understand what He is doing. He is getting the

To” seeks to assure all our students that they

compassionate and honest but it is often the

drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof

are in an environment where they are safe

and so on; you knew that those jobs needed

to be themselves and we seek to help them

and traits that form the individual nature of a person; moral or ethical quality; qualities of honesty, courage, integrity and good repute.’

recognise their innate value.

Christian College upholds the values:

doing and so you are not surprised. But presently

Love, Hope, Faith, Trust and Grace and

He starts knocking the house about in a way

Once a child recognises they are a person of

promotes fine character traits such as care,

that hurts abominably and does not seem to

value and a child of God, they are in a fine

compassion, respect, tolerance, honesty and

make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The

position to begin to grow. Many of the values

Page 9 :.

these traits in their own life.

opportunities that are offered the students, as part of their learning program, beyond the school walls, that allows the theory to be practised and grown.

School Camps, the Back Creek Farm, visits to Aged Care Facilities, helping those less

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

fortunate than ourselves, sporting events,

I love attending Year 7 Camp as, in a matter

home study, Christian Outreach and other

of hours, you can see before your eyes new

activities too numerous to mention all

students growing in understanding of what

place challenges before our students that

it is to support one another. You can see

will stretch them. It is in the taking up of

students who understand it is important

these challenges that we see the character

to do your best and just as importantly to

development that we desire for our students.

celebrate other people’s best. I was humbled

This ‘stretching’ regularly occurs in ways

at a recent Year 7 camp when a Year 7 girl

families and students could never have

seemed even keener for me to swim well

predicted, a little like C.S. Lewis’ house.

and win than she was for herself. I know my

Resilience Resilience is a ‘buzz’ word at the moment but the fact is that, in essence, it is intertwined with good character development. Students will learn that failure is but a step toward success, that difficulties are there to be overcome and that through all circumstances when we stand together we stand with the strength of the group. Character development is never about

character grew through this one experience.

During His time on earth Jesus demonstrated Godly character and helped His disciples to grow this way. Christian College seeks

Christian College presents ‘The Wizard Of Oz’ at GPAC this April 26th and 27th.

The 120-member cast and orchestra have spent months in rehearsal and have put together a truly magnificent show.

to support such character development

Much preparation has gone into the

recognising that both in school and beyond,

Production that occurs biennially at Christian

this will lead our students to experience

College. Students, staff and parents volunteer

fulfilment in their lives and equip them to

their time to assist in creating what always

make a difference in their world.

is a memorable event. From set building to costume making, countless hours have been

learning to be strong enough to stand without others but rather to stand with others. If it is

Wayne Hines

put into this Production of the Wizard of Oz,

not your turn to be helped it will be your turn

Head of Middle School Highton

but everyone involved gives up their time with

to be the helper.

joy and ease as the benefits the students get from participating makes it all worthwhile.

The production features a range of characters very familiar to many and is based on the classic movie. The audience will witness

Page 10 :.

Dorothy trying to find her way home, and

along the way meeting Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion.

With the three companions, Dorothy embarks on a journey to Emerald City whose wonderful Wizard of Oz they believe will provide them with what they lack: a brain for the Scarecrow, a heart for the Tinman, courage for the Lion, and a way home for Dorothy.

The Musical is also about the power of the imagination and the importance of those ideas.

Perfect for all ages, it celebrates friendship, perseverance, compassion and love.

Christian College invites the community to come and enjoy the Wizard of Oz and what will be a very entertaining night out in April.

Tickets will become available from March 16th 2013 via the Christian College website or through GPAC online or at the ticket office.

Primary Mathematics for students and teach-

I like the way that it allows for questions along

ers. It combines visual learning strategies and

the way to encourage the children to think

digital teaching and learning tools that assist

about what they are working on and to make

tic because it is fun and it requires teamwork.

students to make meaningful connections

observations about what will come next. “

I don’t really like maths but the new program

“It has been very interesting to hear some of

is really teaching me more about how it all

the students’ responses during question time,

works.”

between known and new Maths concepts. The different components of the program enable the use of differentiated teaching and learning strategies that allow teachers to tailor content and methods to improve students’ learning.

It’s been wonderful to hear many positive The Prep to Year 6 staff and students across

comments from both teachers and students

the Campuses of Christian College are

working with envisionMATHS;

celebrating the introduction of the enVision-

was spent by the Maths Review Committee, seeking the best direction for Christian College to move in relation to the effective teaching of Mathematics.

“I think that the new maths program is fantas-

already they’re displaying a much deeper lev-

–Jackson 4D.

el of thinking. The discussions they have with

“I think the new Maths program is more fun

each other and their sharing of thoughts with

and entertaining. I enjoy the investigation

the whole class have been most valuable.”

cards because they are a challenge.”

“The differentiated components I’ve used

–Saxon 4D.

cater for a range of ability levels, this enables

“I think it is fantastic because you get to

Teachers

you to extend the students who are ready

follow the instructions to work through the

“The Visual Learning component of the Envi-

for it, assist the children who are finding the

problems. For example, we needed to find out

sion Maths program really engages the chil-

topic difficult and allow the children who are

the average attendance at an attraction and

dren, encourages them to think ‘outside the

working at their optimal level to consolidate

then add the numbers, we couldn’t find the

box’ and uses language that is appropriate to

their understanding.”

MATHS Program. The commencement of the new program in 2013 comes after much time

Students

their level. I often use this part of the program to introduce a topic as they are explained

enVisionMATHS is a set of new resources that

clearly and use a range of visual examples to

reflects the best practice in the teaching of

help the children with their understanding.

information on the web so we called Adventure Park and the Zoo. How cool!”

–Sienna 4D.

Pam McKeeman Deputy Head of Bellarine Campus

Page 11 :.

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

The Summer break saw a significant amount of work being done at Junior School Belmont to enhance the way that we utilize technology in our everyday teaching and learning practice. This occurred on two fronts: Firstly, the computers from the Computer Lab were all relocated to the Library. This year, all students have their Computer and Library classes time tabled so that one immediately follows the other. This enables the two programs to be integrated so that the computer skills learned in one lesson can be immediately applied to the library/literature context in the other. Such an approach not only optimizes the use of time available – for young students logging on and off computers can be quite a time consuming operation – but it promotes the understanding among our young learners

Page 12 :.

about why and how skills and understandings can be applied for different purposes and across subject areas.

Secondly, new Interactive White Boards were installed in ten classrooms so that now every general classroom space at Junior School has the use of an Interactive White Board. As the teachers are constantly working to develop and share new resources and ideas for teaching using the powerful range of tools of the IWBs to complement other learning activities, it is evident that the children are finding this approach highly engaging and useful. These tools are providing an excellent means for teachers to readily accommodate the interests and needs of children who have different learning styles, and their capacity to embed information presented in a variety of formats

– animations, interactive tasks, documentary clips etc – allows teachers to offer precise and engaging material and activities to focus on the learning goals set.

It has been wonderful to watch the variety of ways in which teachers and students have been able to make use of the new technologies at their disposal at the Junior School Campus this year. We have been truly blessed to be able to offer these new facilities to our students.

Marion Nott Head of Campus, Junior School Belmont

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

Page 13 :.

At the Senior School, the students and staff identify very strongly with their House. The House to which one belongs is of great importance and permeates campus life here.

The day commences with time together in a House Group and devotional time is shared with others in the same House. This is a good place for relationships to begin and to be built upon.

tive approach. Hear what two of the House Prefects have to say:

The physical areas of our site are identified through the House names, such as “Down in the Penman Quad” or “At the Flynn tables” and everyone immediately knows the place to which that statement refers.

At Senior School we pride ourselves on the number of lunchtime activities which students may enjoy and, the opportunity to represent one’s House in these sports is hotly contested.

Each House is led by six Prefects who organise the many activities throughout the year for their particular House. The Prefects work together as a team and they work hard at building up the life of their House, together with the Head of House and so many other students who demonstrate strong leadership.

Their Houses all benefit from this collabora-

There is a large focus on the four major carnivals, and while participation in the Swimming is strongly encouraged, all students take part in the Cross Country, Music and Athletics carnivals. Individual high achievers in all carnivals are acknowledged on the day and the Senior School Community congratulates them on their great achievements.

“Our House is about inclusiveness, of everyone having a role to play and something to contribute. We believe in teamwork and that we can achieve more when we work together.“ “Together we try hard, we aim high, with the grace of God”

Every lunchtime activity and carnival provides a means for points for the House to be earned. These points are gathered throughout the year and totalled. The House with the highest number of points is awarded the D C Riddle trophy for that year. It is with great excitement and anticipation that the students await the announcement of this at our Presentation afternoon at the year’s end.

The spirit of the Houses is an inherent and important part of our daily living at the Senior Campus.

Susan Strong Head of Campus, Senior School

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

guidance, but the students do the majority of the enquiry in their own time, which allows them to feel a real sense of achievement.

Peyton Greiner who was one of the students involved in the Q’ed 1 Program in 2012 worked with other students in Years 5, 6 and 7 to solve the ‘How can we create a healthy community?’ question. All students thoroughly researched this question and came up with stimulating and very different presentations. Peyton took his enquiry to an incredible depth by looking at a community issue of healthy food choices. Peyton, who is now in Year 7, worked with the Geelong City Council Town Planners to allow them to have a student’s perspective on how they could implement healthier initiatives within Geelong.

Teachers at Christian College always aim to

participating students have excelled in their

Like all the Q’ed students, Peyton loves his time

create a high standard of learning for each of

ability to learn.

within the Q’ed program and enjoys ‘meeting

their students. The College strives to create an environment to cater for all the students and help them by finding their individual strengths. A specialist team of teachers from our College in 2010 came up with a different way of teaching, and created a unique learning structure for gifted and talented students from Years 5 to 9 at the Bellarine and Highton Campuses known as the Q’ed Program.

Page 14 :.

The Q’ed Program continually challenges the

new people and being challenged’.

students for the three years that it operates.

This year Q’ed 3 has been launched with many

Many topics that students discuss during

exciting and challenging activities and topics

the Q’ed class surround everyday life such

within the program. The Qe’d 3 students

as technology and community issues. These

have already been involved in a ‘mock board

themes generate questions and thoughts

meeting’ at the Senior Campus. Lead by the

in the students so they do not just work

Principal and Heads and Deputies of each

academically, but on a personal and emotional

campus, the students were able to see first

level as well. Questions like ‘What does it

hand how a board meeting runs and were

means to belong?’ and ‘How can we create

able to comment and ask questions at the end creating great discussion and topics that they

Two successful years have passed since the

a healthy community?’ are asked to allow

implementation of the Q’ed Program in 2011.

the students endless possibilities to explore

The Program continued with Q’ed 2 online

deeper into the topic and find a solution.

Roselyn Smith

in 2012 and because of being involved,

Teachers support the students and give them

Co-ordinator of the Q’ed Programs

will further examine later in the program.

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

to use these to enhance their depth and enjoyment of learning. Through this, staff are also learning new ways of teaching and integrating library resources and information and technology into all subjects.

The skills that the LITEhouse faculty want to focus on within the classrooms for students to benefit from are: thinking, communication, evaluating and creating. This incorporates many different areas like questioning, searching and locating, synthesising, organising and presenting, Web 2.0 applications, internet searching skills, creation of videos and green screen presentations.

The Digital Revolution has placed a huge amount of information within everyone’s reach. Because of this, the skills required to work effectively and efficiently with the information have become critical for students to develop from a very early age.

involvement in student learning is in Year 7 History where students are being taught how to create their own questions. They are discovering that the quality of the information found is very dependent on the way that the question is formed, and

With this is mind, since 2011 Christian College

that the answering of a question will very

has been implementing initiatives from

often lead to more questions needing to be

the LITEhouse faculty (Library Information

asked. Questioning techniques are a skill

Technology Education) to integrate

that students will then revisit and investigate

Information & Technology and Library

more deeply in future years.

resources to expand the way the College educates students in Years 5 to 9.

Page 15 :.

A current example of theLITEhouse

Through the LITEhouse faculty, educating the students has truly become a more

The LITEhouse staff work with all teachers

collaborative endeavour requiring real and

within the computer lab, library and the

virtual, flexible and creative learning spaces

classroom to help equip the students with

that makes a new and exciting environment

knowledge and skills, and guide them

for students to grow and learn within.

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

Page 16 :.

At Junior School Belmont and across all

these frameworks and teaching practices and

and expectations. The morning tea was

campuses we see educating our students to be

participate in the classroom assisting students.

very well attended and allowed new and

a three-part relationship between the College,

Parents have regular communication with

our parents and our students. Parents are vital

classroom teachers regarding programs such

in establishing an environment for our children

as the ‘Doorway Into Practical Literacy’ initiative

that promotes a love and respect for learning.

to assist them when students are completing

Some of the ways that we encourage this

activities at home. We also encourage

intentional partnership at Junior School

feedback from our parents as to how they feel

are through offering parent sessions that

as a part of their child’s experience in coming

Ann-Marree Weigl

demonstrate some of the teaching and

to Christian College Junior School.

Deputy Head, Junior School Belmont

learning frameworks that exist within the

Recently, we held a Prep Parent’s morning

Junior School. Parents become familiar with

tea where parents shared experiences, ideas

existing families to connect. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with lots of conversation bubbling throughout the morning. Parents shared experiences and stories with genuine enthusiasm.

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

Page 17 :.

Staying healthy is vital for every Australian.

health issues that directly affect a Year 10 age

Government initiatives encourage everyone

group. This results in the students having

to implement sound health practices into our

a greater understanding of the benefits of

own lives and set an example for children to

leading a happy and healthy lifestyle.

follow in our footsteps. As an educational

An interactive and a hands-on Workshop has

institution which nurtures students’ well-

also been included in collaboration with one

being, Christian College has the responsibility

of the Senior School Chaplains. This creates

to guide the students into practicing healthy

a safe and loving environment when dealing

lifestyle habits and also to make them aware

with sensitive issues relating to mental health,

of the major health risks in Australia.

self image and other health issues.

To continue to broaden the knowledge of

The workshops are to give students a real life

our students on different health issues, a new

look at how specific health issues affect them

Year 10 subject ‘Australia’s Health’ has been

and the wider community - putting the theory

incorporated into the curriculum at the Senior

into a real life perspective, and offering a hands

Campus this year.

on approach to dealing with these difficulties.

Within this subject the students discuss and

Taking ‘Australia’s Health’ will encourage the

learn about many facets of Australia’s health

students to pursue VCE Health & Human

issues. These include the overall health status,

Development studies and continue to live a

major causes of morbidity and mortality and

healthy lifestyle.

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

Two Christian College 2004 Graduates who

Law, receiving a Cambridge Commonwealth

were awarded Dux of the College are proving

Scholarship.

that with some hard work and a supportive and highly educational background, you can achieve great things.

most rewarding of our lives’. He also mentioned that ‘we thoroughly enjoyed our studies and

Attending Christian College provided Chris

one of the highlights was the opportunity to

and Sophie Atkinson with a strong academic

learn from leading minds in our fields.’

and social grounding that has assisted them

Students at Cambridge come from all over

to pursue exciting and rewarding careers.

the world which has, in turn, provided

After both graduating from Christian

them with the benefit of hearing different

College in 2004 they went onto to pursue

perspectives, as well as creating friendships

their passions; Sophie studied Engineering

from across the globe.

and Arts at the University of Melbourne

Upon returning from Cambridge, the two

and gained employment as an Engineer at

have resumed their careers at their previous

Vic Roads in 2009. Chris studied Law and

employers and have soared to new heights.

Commerce at Deakin University, and began

Sophie is passionate about sustainable

work in taxation at Deloitte, becoming

transport, and is working on integrated

qualified as a solicitor in 2010.

transport solutions for Victoria through

In 2011, Chris and Sophie decided to live

strategy and policy development. Chris has

overseas and further their education. Both

been involved in several high profile taxation

undertook Masters Degrees at the University

and administrative law matters, many of

of Cambridge. Sophie undertook the MPhil

which have involved litigation in the Federal

in Engineering for Sustainable Development.

Page 18 :.

Chris said ‘the year at Cambridge was one of the

Court of Australia.

She was one of four Australians to receive

Chris and Sophie both thank the Christian

the prestigious full-cost Gates Cambridge

College Community for the support that has

Scholarship. Chris undertook a Masters of

helped them to achieve their goals.

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

POWERS S is an acronym, where each letter stands for something we believe is crucial in ensuring your success. Through guest speakers and activities, we are trying to build up these 6 aspects of life at Christian College: P = PEOPLE You cannot achieve your goals without incorporating other people. They can be your teachers, family or friends.

When students come to Senior School they

as an introduction to the Powers Program.

are in their last three years of secondary

This occurred in Term 1 and was filled

education. These are vital years for teachers

with activities, each focusing on different

to set them up to be ready to go out into

outcomes to help the students learn about

the world and lead fulfilling lives that God

themselves and each other.

intended for them.

Kelly Cartwright, a local Paralympian talked

To help enable this, the Powers Program was

to the students about her journey on how

introduced several years ago. Starting in Year

she overcame her obstacles of cancer and

10, this program instills qualities into the students that will help them gain wisdom and become empowered to make wise decisions, not just for their academic future but for their personal lives as well.

having part of her right leg amputated as a consequence. As Kelly is in her early 20’s, the students easily related to her and learnt about resilience by using her as an example, and realising that they too can overcome their own set backs through life.

As part of the Powers Program at Senior School, students from Years 10 to 12 partake in a vast range of activities, seminars, guest speakers and programs that are specifically designed for their particular needs at each year level.

activities within their house groups to help everyone get to know each other as the students have come from the Highton and Bellarine campuses as well as outside schools.

The Powers Program enables the students to

Year 10 students will be involved this year in

form strong friendships so that a caring and

a Careers Expo and Driver Education Seminar.

supportive environment is made through

Year 11 will focus on mental health and study

their Senior Years.

skills, and Year 12 students learn about time management and attitude with different guest speakers and activities.

A full day is allocated for the Year 10 students

Page 19 :.

The Year 10’s also participated in bonding

The last session that they took part in for the day illustrated their character traits and showed them how to deal with others that are different from their own.

We teach you the importance of these people in your lives as a source of knowledge and support.

O = OWNERSHIP Developing Ownership of your own Goals and Learning.

This is about you controlling your future. We aim to empower you to make your own decisions for your future. It is about you taking ownership of both good and bad decisions and learning from them. It is about developing independence.

W = WORK The Powers Program aims to develop within you A Good Work Ethic.

We all know that nothing worthwhile is achieved without hard work.

E = ENRICHMENT Enriching yourself with knowledge. This involves you enriching your lives with all that is available to you. Be it special programs to suit your needs or expert advice from professionals.

R = RESILIANCE Developing a mental toughness to cope with stress, to handle failure and to bounce back and begin again.

S = SPIRITUALITY The role of God. The most significant of all, that underpins all of these concepts.

It’s about opening you up to the idea of God in your life and asking him in to your life to help you and support you in your life’s journey.

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

Here are some average literacy rates comparing Australia and East Timor: •

Australia - 99% (this is the assumption for all developed countries)

•

Indonesia - 92% (national self-reported data)

•

East Timor - 10% (1975, following

visits, there has been limited opportunity to

approximately 500 years of Portuguese

expand their English repertoire.

occupation)

The goals for the week of intensive training

East Timor - 33% (1999, compared to 79%

are simple: teachers from Christian College

for Indonesia)

will deliver talks on a few areas that we take

•

• •

East Timor - 50% (2007 UNDP)

Page 20 :.

and preparation, strategies for classroom

Viqueque - 43% (Geelong Friendship

management and ideas for varied lesson

Schools website, 2010)

delivery will be covered. This more formal

So despite literacy increasing from 1975 to

presentation will be followed by our teachers

1999 during Indonesian rule, it is apparent

taking the theory into certain classrooms.

that literacy rates are still about half that of

It is hoped that some Timorese teachers

Australia, especially in rural districts such as

will feel encouraged and empowered to

Viqueque. In speaking to Timorese teachers

‘try something new’. The second phase of

during recent visits, they have always

the training would then continue in actual

expressed interest in education workshops.

classrooms in a team teaching situation.

And so a seminar is underway.

With interpreters and small groups of

Teacher to Teacher Training

Christian College teachers working in local

Nelson Mandela once said “Education is the

A dedicated group of ten Christian College

most powerful weapon which you can use to

teachers has been preparing for a ‘teacher

change the world.”

to teacher’ seminar being held in Viqueque,

Thinking of education, we think of children.

for granted. Topics such as basic planning

East Timor in April this year during the Term 1 vacation. All of our friends in Viqueque are

We think of teachers and schools. We think of

interested in learning English and seeking to

opportunity for a successful future. We think

practise it whenever the ‘malae’ (foreigners) are

of literacy. What is literacy? Literacy is the

in town. Beyond a few lessons at high school

ability to read and write.

and snatched occasional conversations during

schools (from kindergarten to primary and secondary schools) it will prove to be a challenging week for all concerned. Resources will be minimal and ingenuity will rate highly.

With the level of good will and expertise that has been evident in the preparations so far, the training is bound to help some willing teachers take that next step.

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

Venancia happily went shopping for resources for the Kindergarten at the Friendship House in Viqueque. She is one of three kindergarten teachers, who have each spent three months in Geelong being mentored by staff from Williams House kindergarten.

Obvious physical needs such as building

computer offices. As a result, teaching and

repairs, school furniture and sanitary

learning styles in the Friendship House

conditions are constant reminders that

kindergarten are now following best practice.

conditions are not ideal. However, there is

It has been heart-warming to see such a swift

a real local curiosity in changing teacher

and successful change. The Timorese are keen

behaviour within those crumbling walls.

to learn and quick to adopt ideas where they

Discussions with a few leading teachers from the community have been the inspiration for this seminar. It is hoped that interest in varied ways of teaching and strategies for learning,

can see how it works. Immersion in Geelong is one way of enabling change in East Timor. But empowering teachers in their own classrooms will be able to reach so many more people.

will result from the seminars and workshops,

Having local staff in Viqueque with IT skills

and subsequently change teaching habits.

and training gained in Geelong will mean that

Even if just one or two teachers pick up an

the teachers from Christian College will feel

practise their English conversation skills with

community of Viqueque, please visit this link:

idea from the training, it will definitely be a

well supported. They will have good access to

native speakers. Correct pronunciation is

http://www.christiancollege.vic.edu.au/

small step towards a positive change.

computers and a projector, even though they

encouraged especially at these times of one-

east-timor-friendship-projects

will be in a developing country.

on-one experiences. Through the consistent

If you feel inclined to donate to the projects

Student Visit 2013

interest and support of Christian College staff,

in East Timor, rest assured that one hundred

students and their families, the projects in

percent of funds are spent directly on

East Timor continue to develop and grow.

projects. Teachers fund their own trips and

The confidence to go ahead with the teacher training has also been based on the successful model of having five of our

As in the last few years, students from

Timorese friends from the Friendship House

the Senior School will travel to East Timor

in Viqueque come to Christian College over

at the end of Term 2 and meet the local

For further background and project

the last three years. They have ‘shadowed’

students of Viqueque. They also spend time

information about the ten year relationship

Deb Singleton, Secretary

our teachers in the Kindergarten and staff

in classrooms where Timorese students can

that Christian College has forged with the

Christian College East Timor Committee

Page 21 :.

volunteer their own time.

christiancollege.vic.edu.au