CCC Connect Edition 1 2017

COOLOOLA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE EDITION 1 2017

CONNECT

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

PROVERBS 16:24

FACES OF CCC CONTENT Faces of CCC, pg 1 From the Principal, pg 4 News & Events, pg 5 Feature Articles, pg 7 Staying In, pg 15 Going Out, pg 17 ELC News, pg 18 Community, pg 19 Serve to Learn, pg 21 The Arts, pg 25 Sport, pg 26 Our Alumni, pg 30 Easter, pg 33

TEAM Natalie Cocks, Designer Loris Becker, Co-ordinator Minette Engelbrecht, Editor Staff, Students & Alumni, Content & Photos

FACES OF CCC

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FACES OF CCC

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Growing God's Kingdom through Excellence in Education Our Mission statement is “Growing God’s Kingdom through Excellence in Education”. What does that mean for Cooloola Christian College in 2017 and into the future? Essentially this statement has two key components.

Firstly, we are committed to being a distinctly and genuine Christian college. We seek to create a school environment in which every action and every spoken word brings honour to God, and is a positive representation of what Christ has done for us. We know we are not perfect, however we are striving to model and encourage the kind of life that God calls us to in the Bible. We hope that we will be

able to help every young person understand how important they are to God, and to know that God has an amazing plan for their life.

Secondly, we are committed to giving your children a thoroughly excellent education. We are committed to providing high quality learning opportunities in every classroom and learning space and in every lesson. We will provide many opportunities for your children to excel in sports, in the arts, in service and in academic pursuit.

We are striving for excellence in all that we do, so that our students are also striving for excellence in all they do. This will look different for every young person. Some students will excel in certain areas and find other areas more challenging. This is part of the uniqueness that God has given us.

We all have different gifts and talents. At Cooloola Christian College we want to help every student to discover their own particular gifts and talents, and to be able to demonstrate excellence in each of these.

We have enjoyed a fantastic start to an exciting year and are praying that all of our families, students and staff will join together as we Grow God’s Kingdom through Excellence in Education.

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NEWS & EVENTS WHAT ARE OUR 2016 GRADUATES DOING NOW?

Reece Brierly works for Ashes Enterprise as a tree harvester in the Toolara forest.

Charlotte Clark Is working at Malouf Pharmacies Southside for her fourth year. She is going to study nursing and midwifery later this year or next year. She is really enjoying being out of school.

Jacob Clifford is studying a Cert IV in Outdoor Recreation at TAFE Mooloolaba.

Annabelle Collins has deferred uni this year and is currently searching for work. She plans on moving to Brisbane soon to further her hockey career.

Jacob Hughes is taking a break from study and is working as the Assistant Manager at Woolworths (Produce Department) before starting a Bachelor of Primary Education next semester.

Thomas Lee is attending the University of the Sunshine Coast, studying a Bachelor of Education (secondary)/Bachelor of Arts. His major will be History and minor will be English.

Brad Snelgar is looking for work and studying a diploma in IT. Vernon Grieger Industries at USC.

is

studying

Creative

Bronte McGill is taking a gap year, holding down two jobs at the United Servo and at IGA while deciding what to do next.

Nathan McClintock is currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons)/Bachelor of Mathematics at University of Queensland in Brisbane. His plans further down the track are to go into the field of Engineering and then possibly into the field of Senior Mathematics teaching.

Kaitlyn McNeil is studying a dual degree of Engineering (Hons) & Commerce at the University of Queensland in Brisbane.

Harry Norman is studying a Bachelor of Business and Law at USC. He remains active at CCC assisting with the Football Academy on Thursday mornings.

Jemmima Shelley is at USC doing a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education full-time.

Emma-Lee Stenner is doing a gap year, working and planning to do some travelling.

Next year she will start at uni, studying Food Nutrition and Dietetics.

Niccola Warner is working and looking at studying a beauty course.

EVENTS COMING UP...

Put them on your calendar today and plan to join us for some great events celebrating life at Cooloola Christian College!

MONDAY 17TH APRIL

PRAYER MEETING

MONDAY 24TH APRIL

STUDENT FREE DAY

TUESDAY 25TH APRIL

ANZAC DAY MARCH

FRIDAY 28TH APRIL

JAZZ BAND STREET PERFORMANCE

SATURDAY 29TH APRIL

FAMILY NATURE PLAY & BBQ

WEDNESDAY 17TH MAY

UNDER 8’S IN THE PARK

THURSDAY 18TH MAY

CONCERT BAND PERFORMANCE

FRIDAY 19TH MAY GYMPIE SATURDAY 27tH MAY

SHOW HOLIDAY

CCC OPEN DAY

FRIDAY 9TH JUNE TRIVIA

NIGHT

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NATURE PLAY

NATUREPLAYQLD.ORG.AU

At CCC we believe that unstructured, outdoor play is essential for the healthy development of children.

Nature Play QLD is a fantastic government initiative encouraging families and kids to get outdoors! We have included a fun list to provide some outdoor play ideas these holidays. Go outside and have fun!

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THINGDSO TO

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Obstacle Course

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Water Games

To Have Fun in the Backyard

Create your own obstacle course using simple items that are available. Set up different stations and make it a challenge to beat your own times. This is fun for the whole family!

There are many water games to play in the backyard, including: water balloons, water pistols, using food colouring in water play, floating toy boats in buckets and more!

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Build a Cubby House

Create your own special spot outside to play in and even have a picnic. Use items like sheets hanging over the clothesline or a tree; even large boxes make fun outdoor spaces!

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Ball Games

Play piggy in the middle, catch, roll ball, tunnel ball, poison ball, backyard soccer.

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Chalk Drawing

This is a cheap and easy outdoor activity for the backyard. Simply provide outdoor chalk and children can draw and create on the concrete.

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Wash Toys

Washing toys can be fun! Think a car wash with shaving cream and a tub of water or sudsy water to wash doll clothes or hair.

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Paper Planes

Have a paper plane challenge. You can Google templates to use, and then have a challenge to see how far family members can throw the planes in the backyard.

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Blow Bubbles

Blowing bubbles is always a hit. Keep them in the cupboard for a lazy afternoon of fun.

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Dinner Picnic

The summer months are a good opportunity to head out for an early family picnic dinner. The good thing about this idea is you can keep inside mess to a minimum.

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Mud Kitchen

Kids love mud! Find a spot in the corner of the backyard for a mud kitchen.

Check out www.natureplayqld.org.au for more Nature Playlists and outdoor activities.

Content supplied by Be A Fun Mum, in partnership with Brisbane Kids.

Supported by

HEALTHY LIVING Hello I’m Jekka Shearer, a 2010 graduate from CCC. I work in the Human Services, am a blogger of ‘Naturally Jek’ and a health consultant. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Robin who recently worked for 2 years at CCC, for 5 years. Together we are excitedly expecting our first child in August.

I am deeply passionate about healthy living and want to share a few tips with you that I have picked up on my journey thus far.

They are based on the five Blue Zones, where geographically and demographically people live longer and healthier lives. I love to enrich my living experience by applying the following principles to my life....

1. Each day spend quality time with Jesus, in the word, praying and being connected to His creation out in nature.

2. Stay connected to community ~ whether that be family, friends, or church.

3. Eat a whole~foods, nutritionally~rich diet.

4. Daily exercise ~ just enough to get the blood moving.

5. Drink 3 litres of water per day ~ great for anti-aging too.

6. Set defined and achievable goals, dream big and everyday do something to work towards those dreams to make them a reality.

7. Build your immunity naturally to avoid the environmentally~caused ailments that are impacting many of our lives.

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FOCUS ON THE FAMILY A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO BULLIES

BY FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

“Why are you reading that girly book?”

the bully on the bus asked my 11-year old son, who told me about the incident later that day.

We talked through what had happened, and I could tell he was shaken by the incident. As we talked, he decided that the next time it occurred, using humour would be the best way for him to respond. We had fun role-playing this before his bus ride the next day.

Cater the role-playing to your children’s comfort level. If they do not feel comfortable in the ways you practice responding, your children will have trouble using those methods when the situation arises. Instead, equip them with effective responses based on their disposition.

Sure enough, the bully was at it again: “Are you still reading that girly book?”

Details, Please

“Yep,” my son said without skipping a beat, “Thanks for letting me borrow it!”

That got laughs from the kids on the bus. Even the bully cracked an appreciative smile.

Before you act out the situation at home, find out where the bullying is taking place. Typically, bullying takes place in areas where bullies feel empowered to do as they please, such as on the playground, in the bathroom, on the school bus and so forth.

Many parents struggle knowing how to deal with the situation when our children are bullied.

We fear that if we intervene in the wrong way, we could potentially make life harder for them. On the other hand, we do not want to demoralise their spirit by leaving them to fend for themselves without equipping them with appropriate resources.

Talk through different response options before the next time bullying might take place, and then act it out. The home is the safest place in which to prepare for real-world issues.

How can parents help children deal with bullies on the bus, playground or wherever?

Tell an Adult. Even if the bullying is more verbal than physical, it always has the potential to escalate. To ensure that your kids’ safety is not threatened, let them know that it is appropriate and necessary to tell an adult.

Here’s some practical advice: Role-Play With Your Child One of the best ways to prepare your children to handle bullying situations is through roleplaying at home. The key to teaching them to deal with bullies is to familiarise yourself with your kids’ individual personality. Knowing your children well will help you equip them with the proper skills needed to respond to a bully.

Real-Life Strategies Here are some strategies your children could use:

Talk with your children about which adult, in a particular setting, could help most the next time bullying occurs. Make sure the adult your children turn to will not treat their concerns lightly but will properly deal with bullying behaviour.

FIND MORE GREAT ARTICLES AT

FAMILIES.ORG.AU

Avoid/Walk Away. Encourage your children to avoid areas where the bullying is taking place, even if that means taking another hallway or using a different bathroom.

Of course, encountering bullies may be inevitable. If your children encounter bullies who begin picking on them, have your kids practice walking away and simply ignoring them.

Deflect/Use Humour. Deflection can be used to get bullies’ attention on something else for the moment, creating an opportunity for your children to remove themselves from the situation. If your kids have a sense of humour, using humour appropriately could be a working tactic as well.

Take a Stand. If responding to aggression or physical bullying, teach your children to stand up to bullies.

“Be strong and courageous,” Moses encouraged God’s people (Deuteronomy 31:6). “Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Encourage your kids with this verse and remind them that the Lord is always with them.

Then, practice phrases your kids can say at a time of particular need, such as “please stop” and “that’s not cool.”

Have your children practice deliberately looking you in the eye and responding. But be sure there is ample space between you as you practice — you don’t want bullies to get the impression that your children want to escalate the encounter into a fight.

It is our job as parents to teach kids how to handle real-life situations with confidence and maturity. Remember to talk through the situation with your children, discuss their options, and then practice at home. Have fun with it so that the exercise does not become a highpressure situation. Rather, create an opportunity through which your children learn to thrive!

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Our Story STUDENT BLOG

‘through our eyes’

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ut seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6: 33

This term has been a crazy start to the year, as piles of assessments and exams are already coming toward the due date. Sometimes we can be so caught up in study and assignments that we forget to spend quality time with the Lord.

Set aside some time to dwell in His presence each day and He will make time for you.

- By Year 9 Blogger Talisa

‘Our Story’ blog group meets Wednesdays, 11:15am, in the Learning Hub - all welcome!

Contact Natalie Cocks (marketing@cccgympie.qld.edu.au) or Sue Waltisbuhl (sue.waltisbuhl@cccgympie.qld.edu.au)

NEW FACES @ CCC Charlene Van Zyl I grew up on a farm outside of Pretoria in South Africa. Both my parents are still living on the farm and looking after the animals, while my older brother is living in Pretoria East with his wife and 2 children. Erich and I got married on a game reserve outside Pretoria in 2013 and shortly (13 days) after moved to Roma.

Roma is a beautiful country town and extremely hot with a lot of kangaroos and echidnas roaming the landscape. We called Roma ‘home’ for 3 years before moving to Gympie this year.

Jacinta Cooke I have one amazing husband and four beautiful children (2 boys aged 8 & 5, and twin 2yo girls), plus 1 dog, 1 cat and 3 hermit crabs (and hopefully soon a couple of horses too!)

I originate from Victoria, but have been fortunate enough to have lived and taught in FNQ for almost 6 years before returning to Victoria where I completed my Masters in Special Ed and have worked as a specialist teacher for the last 6 years whilst also raising my family.

Lisa Eustace I’ve grown up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and moved to the Sunshine Coast last year to become a Queenslander.

I have been a teacher for 15 years and have been fortunate to teach overseas in China and Indonesia. I really enjoy seeing children learn and discover new things.

When I’m not in school-land, I enjoy spending time in nature: surfing, swimming, rock climbing, camping and trail running.

I love living by the beach although Gympie now holds a very special spot in my heart!

Natalie Cocks I am a wife and mum of 4 (2 boys and 2 girls). I grew up on a dairy farm at Goomboorian, surrounded by family. Family and community are very important to us! In my spare time I love gardening, painting old furniture and cooking for people! 10 years ago I worked at CCC as a Year 2 teacher and then left to have my children. I am very excited to be back teaching again at CCC!

Farewell, Goodbye, Adieu from Loris Becker We often find ourselves, in our journey through life, in situations and circumstances that have nothing to do with how well we are walking, where we are stepping or any other reason. It is just life, and as they say ‘life happens’. And so, we trust in God’s Word that says ‘Surely goodness and Mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives’ Ps 23 and ‘The steps of a good woman are ordered and directed by the Lord and he delights in our way’ Ps 37:23. I say goodbye to Cooloola Christian College, knowing that God was and is with me. It has been a great blessing and privilege to serve you.

The future can often be ‘scary exciting’ but by faith we step into it, assured of his great faithfulness and amazing grace.

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OUR CAPTAINS

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GABRIEL LIPPIATT SCHOOL VICE CAPTAIN

ALINTA HERRINGTON SCHOOL VICE CAPTAIN

I

started school at CCC at the beginning of 2016. It was hard at first fitting in, increased work load and getting used to the new school and its rules and guidelines. School became a lot easier once I made friends and started enjoying my subjects. CCC is a beautiful College and the Christian values are to the highest standard. As Vice Captain I want to help continue instilling these values throughout the school. The Team of Captains for 2017 are very capable of achieving this task. I pray that God will shine through us and help grow this school, not only in numbers, but faith as well.

I

went to the Compass Schools Conference in Canberra. The most amazing part of the conference were the group discussions. I was able to gain so much insight and knowledge and grow so much spiritually as we talked about the Bible and issues within the community. The small discussion group allowed everyone to have their say and during the discussions I grew so much closer to my fellow leaders.

This was an amazing experience where I really grew in Christ and spent quality time with my fellow leaders.

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

GRADUATE STATEMENT Cooloola Christian College provides a safe, caring learning community, reflecting values and ethics explored through a Christ-centred and Biblically-based curriculum. CCC provides continuous opportunity for students to: respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to recognise and develop their God-given talents, and conduct themselves in a God-honouring manner; all so that our Graduates are enabled to be: • critical and creative thinkers; • compassionate servants demonstrating good character; • ethical and moral decision makers; • informed and responsible global citizens; • learners for life; • positive contributors in God’s world.

l l SOPHIE COLLINS SCHOOL CAPTAIN

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ne of the greatest moments of my school life would definitely have been going to the Solomon Islands for a ministry trip. It was such a blessing to be able to reach out into the community there and show our love for Jesus. It was also a blessing to learn a lot from them. One aspect that really stood out for me, was that these people, who have very little, are first and foremost willing to give up all that they have and also their time for us. It challenged me; how could I bless others with what I have?!

JOEL SHEEHAN SCHOOL CAPTAIN

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hen a high school student thinks of school, ‘great moments’ probably isn’t the first thing that comes into their heads. Although Emu Gully had its share of awesome moments it didn’t totally take the biscuit for me. Probably the greatest experience I’ll ever have in my school life was the Solomon Islands Ministry Team that went to help our brothers and sisters in Christ last year.

From building a radio station to learning about their true hardships, the trip really opened my eyes and taught me compassion. I think that this is a very important value to have as a School Captain because you are responsible for the well-being of your class mates. You need to step into their shoes and come to understand their situation and then help them to sort it out.

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STAYING IN Life Ed helping our children make great choices

During Week 8, of Term 1, all our primary students enjoyed a visit to the Life Ed Van with Nikki and Harold. The message is simple: we are all made in the image of God and we need to look after our amazing bodies, minds and hearts.

Younger students learned about good nutrition and keeping fit, while our older students investigated topics like cyber safety, alcohol, and smoking.

“Nikki makes learning fun”, one student commented.

HOME AMONG THE GUMTREES

Nature Space enthusiasts started building cubbies with branches and leaves. Their grand designs won’t win any awards but it is lots of fun. We currently have over 90 students from Year 3 to 6 registered to play or ride bikes in the Nestle-funded Nature Space. Go to the office to collect a permission form if you want to get in on the fun.

STAMPP OUT BULLYING

It is always great to teach the students about bullying and how to handle themselves when involved in a situation where they or friends are being bullied. On Thursday 16th February the Primary students enjoyed a creative puppet presentation on how to stop bullying called “Too Cool to Bully”. They learnt the following anagram: S - Stop T - Tell someone A - Always help M - Make yourself bully-proof P - Be persistent P - Pray

THE FLOWER HUNTERS

There is a new lunchtime club for Year 1 and 2 students who are interested in learning about gardening. The aim of our club is to celebrate God’s beauty of creation, to enjoy learning about plants, develop gardening skills and to grow beautiful flowers that we can to give to others in our College Community.

YEAR 6 SCIENCE DAY

The Year 6s organised and ran a Science Day with hands-on experiments and investigations for all primary students.

Well done Year 6!

STAYING IN CCC’S LEARNING HUB

Our Learning Hub is a centre of daily activity. In 2017 the Learning Hub is hosting a weekly student blogging group. Our secondary students are guided in the responsible use of social media to celebrate ways they have discovered life at CCC. Our students also use the Learning Hub for private study, peerto-peer learning, and indoor games for an enjoyable escape during lunchtimes. Teachers use the space to collaborate and plan lessons and future activities. Naturally, the Learning Hub is also a place where anyone can come and enjoy a quiet escape in a book or hear reading shared together. We are blessed to have this collaborative space and look forward to discovering new ways to work and learn together in the months ahead.

HEAVENLEIGH CUPCAKES

Leigh, owner of HeavenLeigh Cupcakes, came and talked to Yr2B students. She shared about service to customers, demonstrated mixing frosting and icing cupcakes. The students got to have a go icing their very own and were able to sample them too - yum! It was a very enjoyable and informative time for everyone.

Table tennis

We have been playing table tennis every day (except Wednesdays) before school and first break from Week One. Between 40 to 50 students have been coming in every day and students have improved greatly throughout this time. Mr Brown (table tennis coach) has also been coming in during Senior Phys Ed practical lessons to help with technical skills. Mr Brown, who has taught in State Schools for over 30 years, has said that our students were the best he has seen in table tennis in Gympie. Lachlan Seed, Year 12, commented that it was fun and exciting and he has developed some relationships with the younger grades as a result of it.

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GOING OUT CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY

Each year some of our students participate in Clean-up Australia Day. On Tuesday afternoon, 6th March, the Year 10 AXIS class, with Mr Vogler, participated in this event.

The class was broken up into 3 groups and collected rubbish from the streets surrounding the college, including Stumm, Glastonbury, Davidson, College and Exhibition Roads. As you can see in the photograph there was quite a lot of rubbish collected in 80 minutes.

Congratulations to Sam Roberts for finding the most interesting piece of rubbish, an old phone.

It gave the students a greater awareness of the problems of litter in our environment. It was a great opportunity for the students to serve their local community, build relationships and spend time in God’s amazing creation.

Point pure

Week 9 was an opportunity for Outdoor Education and Recreation Studies students to go to Brooyar State Forest for some climbing on real (if somewhat soggy) rock. Pictured are Izaak Webb and Joel Hughes setting up personal safety lines on top of the cliff, ready to rig the ropes for climbing at 25metre high Point Pure. When you know that the indoor wall is only 8 metres high, 25 metres is pretty impressive!

YEAR 7 CAMP

Year 7 camp was held at Lake MacDonald in Cooroy. Over the three days the students went abseiling, canoeing, fishing and orienteering. They had an enormous amount of fun learning how to set up a tent as well as other bush skills. Swimming in the lake had extra fun attached to it as you got to squish your way through the mud first because water levels were down. When one student was asked about the camp their quote was “The food was great”, a very important part of a great camp, when dealing with teenagers.

Thank you to Mrs Bunter, Ms Grady and Kristie for catering, it was a memorable camp because of you. Special thanks go to Mr Rathbone, Mr and Mrs Hodgson, Joey and Chappy for looking after all the students and guiding them through the activities.

Telephone 54839517 – 1 College Road Southside, Gympie.

This term has been an eventful one in the ELC. We are currently learning about Easter and how we can have new life in Christ Jesus. Our Adopt-A-Cop Andy came to visit with his work colleagues and their patrol car. Mrs Chapman helped to make a Scarecrow for our garden.

CCC Year Two have been visiting us for weekly reading sessions and this has inspired the Pre-kindy children with a love for books. Mrs Oliver, our CCC Spanish Teacher, has been introducing the young ones in technology in our Spanish lessons and Mrs Kraak has been inspiring the children to put their gross motor skills to the test. School Age Care has grown in number and the children are enjoying social activities and role play.

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COMMUNITY GYMPIE PRIMARY LEADERS DAY “Absolutely amazing” and “I loved Lorin’s inspirational talk” were just 2 of the responses from Year 6 students who attended the 2017 annual GPLD held in March at CCC. In fact, 250 students from 17 Gympie district schools attended over the two-day event and it was double thumbs up all round.

Renowned speaker, Lorin Nicholson shared what it is like to be born legally blind, but how a setback should never stop us from climbing our mountain and reaching for big goals. Former Broncos stars, including Jack Reed, taught the students how to set SMART goals. The young leaders also experienced our climbing wall and a search for gold in our gigantic inflatable gold mine.

We thank all our sponsors including Gympie Regional Council, Ellingsen Partners, Polleys and Southside Little Smiles without who this training just could not happen.

Principal, Trevor Norman reflected, “this is not only a great opportunity to show-case our school, but a chance to lead the way in providing high quality training for the next generation of leaders who are already making an impact in their schools and beyond.”

COMMUNITY

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LEARN TO SE

SERV

YR 12 VISITS PREP

GSSS RI SERVICE

“I loved to challenge the preps on the obstacle course but more over I loved to watch them achieve their goals.” - Joel Sheehan

We had an awesome time at Gympie South State School where we were able to share the gospel message and the true meaning behind celebrating Easter.

“I love working with the preps as it builds relationships within the school. Getting to know the preps is such a blessing and it feels great to be able to help them learn in a fun environment!” - Brookelynne Davies.

Our theme was ‘Peace with God’ and our memory verse was from Romans 5:1. ”Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. “ You would have been so proud of our students.

Thank you for allowing this to happen and letting our students be a part of this special opportunity.

ERVE

VE TO LEARN

YR 11 VISITS YEAR 2B

FAB ACTS OF KINDNESS

The Year 11s have been visiting Year 2B each Monday and helping with Science experiments, book borrowing during library time and also coming and demonstrating skills from their jobs outside of school. Kyle and Tim came in their uniforms and demonstrated mixing and braiding bread dough. Both Year 11 and Year 2 students love this time together and seeing relationships develop.

FAB is a lunchtime activity, for girls in Yr 4/5/6, running every Friday at first break. It is now in its 8th year! This year the girls are focusing on RAK (Random Acts of Kindness). This term they have had a party for Mrs Nolan’s birthday, made thank you cards for family and friends, celebrated the end of summer by having icecream & handing them out to staff and ventured down to the Nature Space to hand out oranges to the students after a hot morning ride. Thank you FAB for your thoughtful acts of kindness.

YR 2B VISITS KINDY Year 2B have been visiting the ELC each Thursday to spend time reading to the pre-kindy and kindy students. The Year 2s confidence in reading has really grown during this time and they have loved being role models to younger children.

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LEARN LEARN TO TO SE S

SERV

YR 2B SERVING AT THE GROWERS MARKETS This term Year 2B have been learning about serving their local community. They decided to put this learning into action by visiting the Growers Market and serving a complimentary morning tea to stallholders and visitors. It was a great experience! CCC loves learning and serving in our community! “On Wendesday 15th March Year 2B went to the Growers Markets to serve other people with pikelets with maple syrup. Then we went through the Memorial Gates to go to Mary Street. We went up Mary Street and looked at historical things. It was so much fun!!!�

- Daniel Ellingsen

SERVE ERVE

VE TO LEARN

RHIANNON COX SERVING GLOBALLY In the week before Christmas, we spent time in a remote village in Cambodia, where we helped teach English to young people aged 2-18. It was such an amazing experience to see how happy they could be living such simple lives. Each family has a house or shares a house, has some animals such as cows, water buffalo, chooks, or a pig, and most have a bicycle. Most of the people in the village either work on the farm, which is also where the school is, or they are taken by bus to a factory to work for the day.

people. They are working on rebuilding the country and the opportunities for its people.

Through learning English young people are able to move to better jobs and higher levels of education.

The children attend the local school for 1/2 a day and the ‘English’ school for the other 1/2 a day. Trish Hume has started the English school in order to teach the people about God. They were so eager to learn as this is one of the few ways for them to ever move away and experience life outside their village.

For us, it was amazing to spend time away from a western lifestyle, with little in the way of modern technology or appliances. We slept on a mat on the floor for the first few days.

We had rice and a small amount of veggies for most meals, unless someone brought us a live chook which Trish would slaughter. We went for walks and met many of the families.

We sat around talking and laughing.

Cambodia is a country, where through politics and war, all wealth and opportunities for education have been taken from the

On the one hand it is understandable that they want a better life for future generations, but on the other, the children are happy and healthy, they make up games, use anything available as toys, and no-one seems to have the stresses that our lifestyle creates.

Rhiannon and Leonora

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THE ARTS

The hidden histories of Indigenous experience on the colonial frontier, particularly those of women, continue to inspire Judy Watson. She used rubbings, engravings and incisions from the land and subtly inscribes them upon her work.

Year 5 and 6 students attended with 10 parent volunteers. They toured the exhibition and then listened, using beautiful manners, to the artist’s talk. They loved hearing about the indigenous culture and perspectives. Judy Watson’s unique techniques were quite fascinating, generating a lot of questions.

’MY COUNTRY, I STILL CALL AUSTRALIA HOME’ EXHIBITION

Internationally acclaimed Indigenous artists Judy Watson and Vernon Ah Kee presented at the Gympie Regional Gallery in February.

SPORT l ZEKE THE EAGLE CCC SPORTING MASCOT The eagle is mentioned several times in the Bible (in different contexts) as an inspirational symbol of strength, vision and leadership. What better school symbol for our sporting teams than that of an eagle!

So, when it came to the inspired decision of what Biblical symbol would best suit our college sporting teams and represent our school in the community, it was the eagle that topped the list. The eagle would make a perfect logo and mascot! Ezekiel the Eagle had been conceived!

“Zeke”, as he is already affectionately known, arrived as a package-taped egg on the 9th March, and was “born” at 10am! He made his fledgling appearance shortly thereafter to Mr Norman and the Prep class!

He (The Lord) gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not be faint..

Isaiah 40:29-31 NKJV

FOOTBALL ACADEMY This year Cooloola Christian College has introduced the CCC Football Academy for students in Years 6-8 and the Junior Football Academy for students in Years 3-5. Both of these programs have had a great start with over 30 students already involved. Our young athletes have had the opportunity to practise and develop important skills to help them become better football players, to help them stay fit and healthy and to develop skills required to work together as a supportive team. The Football Academy mission is “Developing young players into high performing and technically skilled team players”.

The Football Academy program is open to both male and female students from years 3-5 (Junior) and YEARS 6-8.

Please email football@cccgympie.qld.edu.au for more information.

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SPORT Cooloola Christian College was well represented at the Gympie District and Wide Bay sporting trials during Term One. All students represented the College with the right attitude and great sportsmanship. The students listed below were selected to represent Gympie at the Wide Bay Trials: 10-12 Years Gympie District: Jenna Williams Soccer and Touch Football Lillian Diefenbach Touch Football Liezl Schreuder Hockey Wouter Schreuder Hockey Bodhi Webster Soccer Cooper Robbins Tennis Brayden Bainbridge Rugby League Caitlyn Wheatley Golf 10-12 Years Wide Bay: Jenna Williams

Aquathlon

13-19 Years Gympie District: Marc Schreuder Hockey and Tennis Lachlan Seed Tennis and Soccer Henry Wano Rugby Union Thomas MacDonald Rugby Union Aaron Eggleston Soccer Noah Collins Hockey Sophie Collins Hockey Will Gaze Hockey 13-19 Years Wide Bay: Jack Hodgson Molly Hodgson Gerrit Engelbrecht Mathias Martin Alex Wheatley Timmy Collins

Triathlon Triathlon Swimming Swimming and Rugby Union Golf Hockey

SPORT FUTSAL This term the College’s Futsal teams have been training every Thursday and Friday in preparation for the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast Titles that will be held next term. This year we will have three teams; Open Girls, Open Boys and U16 Boys.

NETBALL The Year 8 girls Netball team have been promoted to B grade this year after winning C grade last year. They started the grading season well and only lost one game. Each week the girls play on Monday evenings at the Netball courts and train on Tuesday afternoons.

TOUCH We have a new look side this year as many of our players from last year have moved to Secondary. The students once again are playing in the Junior Touch Competition and play every Wednesday afternoon. They have played six games so far this season and have won five of those games. It has been fantastic to see the student’s skills improve each week, learn new Touch Football concepts and learn to work together as a team. They are dedicated and train each Friday at first break.

HOCKEY Once again CCC participated in the Interschool Hockey Competition. The competition went for four weeks and the students played each of the other high schools. Each week our students improved and learnt new skills. The boys team only lost to James Nash while the girls team had some difficult competition and were unlucky not to win a game.

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SPORT The year began with a splash at the Secondary Swimming carnival.

It was a tight competition with Shadrach coming first (of course) on 595 Points, & a close 30 points between Meshach on 438 points (2nd) and Abednego on 406 Points (3rd).

Much fun was had that day, as well as many performing exceptionally, causing a few records to be broken.

SWIMMING AGE CHAMPIONS

GIRLS Ariel Bunter 12 Years BOYS Bodhi Webster

GIRLS Molly Hodgson 13 Years BOYS Harrison Lenz

GIRLS Haylee Keep 14 Years BOYS Mathias Martin

GIRLS Tascha Cox 15 Years BOYS Jack Hodgson

GIRLS Kayla-Rose Dooley 16 Years BOYS Isaac Harris

GIRLS Emma Young 17 Years BOYS Gerrit Engelbrecht

GIRLS Jodi Dixon 19 Years BOYS Gabriel Lippiatt But not all the action was in the pool! Thanks to the staff for cheering and encouraging the competitors, as well as being great timekeepers, and keeping everyone fed with freshly cooked sausages. A big thanks to Mr. O for being a great MC, and Mrs Pick for running all the behind the scenes. Thanks to Mr. Collins and Mrs. Kraak for organizing the day.

So, THANKS!! ~From the Shadrach captains, Elise & Caleb.

OUR ALUMNI

IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE? CCC producing doctors at record rates Since our first students graduated many years ago, many have been choosing to go into the medical profession. Our current crop of doctors-to-be include: Mitch Davis Lachlan Davis Tim Davis Nathan Davis Sam Waltisbuhl Tim Haydock Jesse Harris CCC has a strong Science and Maths focus with experienced teachers who are dedicated to ensuring students achieve their full potential.

This has been one of the factors enabling students to achieve very high OP scores in the last 5 years. In fact, in 2015 CCC came 2nd in the state for OP 1-5 scores based on school size.

In his sixth year of the seven year course, Mitch Davis commented, “CCC was a great environment throughout both primary and secondary school. The teachers had a genuine desire to help all students achieve their potential. The support I received gave me the best possible foundation for university and further study. Most importantly, the school’s commitment to Christian values nurtured my faith and helped me to grow as a follower of Christ.”

Current Principal, Mr Trevor Norman said, “Our teachers have made learning a priority in every classroom. All students are able to achieve their potential, whatever that potential may be, and students who want to achieve at the highest levels are certainly supported to achieve their goals.”

This year CCC will commence construction of its new STEM facility, which will provide cutting edge classrooms fitted with the latest technology expanding our ability to deliver Maths, Science, Engineering and Computer Technology lessons.

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The Davis boys are all following in their father’s footsteps. Dr Randal Davis has a practice here in town and has said, “Our boys have worked very hard to make the most of the great academic opportunities that CCC provides. We are very grateful to the staff who supported and nurtured their learning as well as their Christian growth.”

OUR ALUMNI

MITCH MAHAFFEY I recently returned to CCC and it was like going down memory lane as I remembered the many stories and great times I had over 14 years with the great people at Cooloola Christian College. I was so thankful to God to have the opportunity to share the gospel at the place where I not only first heard it but saw it lived out by the Christian community at CCC. I am ever thankful to God for my schooling looking back, even though at the time you aren’t so thankful.

During that time our boss decided we needed to go and see history with our own eyes if we were going to be talking about it with young people and so for 4 weeks we toured Turkey and Israel, heading to Gallipoli and many of the places where Jesus Himself walked the earth! The next year I decided it was time to find a new route and so I took a job at the QCCC Mapleton Centre where I had done work experience many years before- amazing how God works!!

I remember leaving on my last day of school and wondering what on earth I was going to do now with my life. And as God always does, He led both me and my twin sister Courtney to work at our favourite school camp Emu Gully first as an intern, then as a full-fledge senior staff member. We would instil character and team work/leadership skills into the lives of 30,000 young people a year and many other groups such as the army and professional development days for teachers which were always interesting!

But after turning my back on God in pursuit of the three C’s -cars, cash and cuties, I had a huge wake up call when in a freak car accident I flipped a brand new car. God spoke to me in that moment as my car was in flames, saying - “Mitch are you going to live for me or for money”. It hit me like a tonne of bricks and I gave my life back to Jesus saying, “I’ll go wherever you want me to go.”

God must have a sense of humour because He sent me to the least likely of places -

NORFOLK MINISTRY Check out the link below to see more of the ministry that Mitch was involved in at Norfolk:

https://youtu.be/NfvJ08WUbgI

Norfolk Island where I was a Youth Pastor for the entire Island for the past 2 years. God grew me and it was amazing to see so many young people come to Christ during that time and I was blessed when my sister Court couldn’t help herself and came to join me in the ministry.

things along the way. After that, who knows what God has planned but I do know that the God I serve has never once let me down and He won’t stop now. He won’t let you down either!

At the end of last year I knew it was time to move home and study God’s word deeper and so we said the many sad goodbyes to our Norfolk family and headed home. God had a job waiting for me doing pastoral work at the Gympie Community Church. I have loved it because it has allowed me to move away from just Youth Pastoring to also pastoring the whole congregation.

It has also given me an opportunity to reconnect with my family and start an organic honey business which has grown quite large in order to bless charity and aid organisations.

In April I will fulfil a life dream to head to Capenwray Bible College in England and Austria to spend concentrated time getting to know Jesus and hopefully see some iconic

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EASTER

FOUR THINGS TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THIS EASTER

BY CHRISTINA FOX

FIND MORE AT DESIRINGGOD.ORG In a couple weeks, we’ll celebrate the most important holiday weekend of the year: our Lord’s death and resurrection. Beyond jellybeans and warm sunshine, we remember and rejoice in the new life that is ours because of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and triumph over the grave.

And we want our children to know this joy, too.

We want our children to know that there is more to this time of year than chocolate bunnies and marshmallow peeps — so much more.

Will you join me in trying to turn the blooming opportunities of this season into a way to teach our children more about Jesus? Let’s think toward making the most of this time to show our kids all that they have because of Christ.

Here are four key things to teach our children this Easter.

1. The Story of Redemption Our family has what we call a “Resurrection Tree.” For the month leading up to Easter, we read through the story of redemption. We begin with creation and the Fall. We then go through

God’s covenant promises in the Old Testament, as well as prophecies about the Messiah such as in Isaiah 53. We study Jesus’ birth, baptism, and ministry. During the final week, Holy Week, each day’s passage focuses on Jesus’ last days.

For each story and passage we read, we hang an ornament on our “Resurrection Tree” that we’ve made to symbolize the passage we read.

2. The Importance of the Resurrection Jesus’ resurrection from the grave is at the heart of our faith. Paul wrote, “If the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied”. (1 Corinthians 15:16–19) Go through this passage with your children and teach them how crucial the resurrection is to our salvation. Teach them that Christ rose from the grave because he was the perfect Son of God. The grave could not hold him. He conquered sin and death. Not only that, his resurrection assures our own future bodily resurrection.

EASTER 3. Christ Is the Passover Lamb It is no coincidence that Jesus suffered and died during the Passover. Teach your children the significance of this. Read the story of the original Passover. Show them how the Passover in Exodus points to Jesus, and how because of Jesus we are freed from God’s righteous judgment.

4. Cross Truths Easter is also a great time to teach your children central themes such as substitutionary atonement, justification, imputation, and redemption. Discuss how Jesus perfectly obeyed his Father in all things. Teach your children that Jesus’ perfect life has been credited to us in union with him by faith. In Christ, God now looks at us and sees Christ’s perfect life. Talk about the sacrifices made in the Old Testament and why they were not sufficient to atone for our sins.

Discuss why Jesus was a perfect sacrifice for us at the cross and that it was sufficient for all time. Talk about what it means to redeem or buy back something. How does Jesus redeem us?

Allegories can be a helpful aid in teaching these wonderful truths, including R.C. Sproul’s The Prince’s Poison Cup and The Priest With the Dirty Clothes, and of course, C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. As we teach our children about the cross, let us also remember those wonderful words from Aslan,

"that though the Witch knew the Deep Magic, there is a magic deeper still which she did not know. Her knowledge goes back only to the dawn of time. But if she could have looked a little further back, into the stillness and the darkness before Time dawned, she would have read there a different incantation. S he would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor's stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backward."

CHURCH SERVICES THIS EASTER

Gympie Baptist Good Friday 5pm Easter Sunday 9:30am

Gympie Weslyan Methodist Good Friday 8am Easter Sunday 6am & 9am

Presybeterian Church Good Friday 8:30am Easter Sunday 9:30am

Church of Christ Good Friday 8am Easter Sunday 9:30am

Mary Valley Weslyan Methodist Good Friday 6:30am & 8am Easter Sunday 9:30am

Gympie Community Church Good Friday 9:30am Easter Sunday 9:30am

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COOLOOLA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 1 COLLEGE ROAD, SOUTHSIDE WWW.CCCGYMPIE.QLD.EDU.AU 07 5482 1222 ADMIN@CCCGYMPIE.QLD.EDU.AU