Download - In Focus - 2012 Term 1
IN F
OCUS
M a r c h 2 0 1 2
Links to articles
New Sports and Aquatic Centre - 6 :.
Congratulations Class of 2011 - 9 :.
Focus on East Timor - 16 :.
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Over recent years there has been much
discussion and debate surrounding
schools and education in our country - The
introduction of the Federal government’s
My Schools website, the introduction and
effort to prepare for and introduce a national
curriculum and the Gonski review of funding
of schools, to name a few. Interestingly, my
direct conversations with stakeholders in our
community, including colleagues from other
schools, often specifically involve asking
questions about the qualities of a great school.
Factors to consider.
In considering the elements that are factors
in defining what a great school looks like, I
challenge myself to think about the following
presuppositions. I believe great schools focus
on these key factors.
A shared understanding about the ethos and culture of the school.
Ours is a Christian School that strives
to support our students in character
development and educational outcomes. We
strive to encourage each of our students to
develop a personal faith in Jesus Christ and to
understand the purpose that God has for their
lives. Together with a balanced education that
offers learning opportunities and pastoral
care, our students are encouraged to achieve
their best. In a framework of continuous
improvement, clear and explicit goals for
students are understood and supported by
students, teacher and parents.
Believing in and supporting all students to learn.
Our College aims to provide the right learning
environment that encourages and supports all
students to learn. We work hard to create an
environment where students feel safe, valued
and engaged in the learning process, so as to
make the most of every opportunity through
the programs, facilities, resources and services
available to them. This is best achieved in a
shared culture of learning where everyone sees
themselves as learners - students, members of
staff and parents included.
Barriers are Identified and addressed.
There is no such thing as a perfect school. A
great school is prepared to remove barriers
or improve programs in order to create
structures and procedures to assist students,
educational personnel, support staff and
parents to cooperatively and collaboratively
enjoy a cohesive, shared understanding of
their contribution to the education process.
Programs are reviewed and assessed for improvement.
In recent years our College has undergone
and benefitted from reviews of programs at
all levels including Senior, Middle and Junior
School as well as the program at ‘Back Creek’
farm. New initiatives have been successfully
introduced and students are demonstrating
positive outcomes as a result of these. In
many cases the information used as part of
the reviews has involved student learning
data, feedback from students, members of
staff and our parent body. A shared input into
this process is invaluable.
Teaching staff play a significant role in student success.
The selection and recruitment of teaching
staff and a commitment to supporting each
one in their professional growth has been a
focus of our recent emphasis on teaching
and learning.
Staff professional learning is enhanced through discussion groups
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
What makes a great school?
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Our teaching staff are involved in a range of
professional learning teams to collaboratively
consider initiatives and practice that
challenges and improves their effectiveness
in classrooms. The introduction of a
reflective Teacher Performance Management
program will allow our teachers to work
with colleagues in order to obtain feedback
that will support and encourage their career
development and practice. The desired
outcome is ongoing, high quality, state of
the art practical experiences to enhance the
delivery of learning for our students.
Effective communication.
The effort to use technology to improve
communication with students and assist
them with their daily organisation and also
with families through the newly developed
portal, are each aimed to provide effective
and more efficient methods of sharing
information.
Change of this nature is not without
challenges; however over time through
reviewing and improving these elements
of our College communication links using
technology, we will see considerable benefits
in the months and years ahead.
The new College website, a Facebook page
and a Christian College smart phone App
will be introduced soon and will enable us
to keep the entire College community up
to date with events, celebrations and news
concerning the College program.
Effective communication through this
method will increase and enhance the
feedback provided to students and
families regarding the learning undertaken
throughout the College as well as details on
individual students.
Our shared aim.
This year I have challenged the staff in all
areas of the College to focus upon and to
strive for excellence - to not only focus on the
end result being excellent, but also to engage
in a process of giving ones best effort to
continuing to improve.
In this way I ask our entire community to
support and encourage each other in this goal.
For students to challenge themselves
and take responsibility to give their very best
effort to take up the opportunities provided
to them by listening to their teachers,
submitting their best work at all times and
within the time expected and to use the
feedback offered to improve their learning.
For the staff to work collectively and
collaboratively toward offering the very best
educational opportunities and feedback
possible, through reflecting upon their
practice and learning from their colleagues
and best practice initiatives.
For parents to encourage and support
students in their learning as well as to be
accountable for their efforts and contributions
by supporting the teaching staff in their efforts
to deliver the program.
We have much to be thankful for at Christian
College. God has blessed us with a clear
focus on love and a great example to follow
in His son Jesus. Our daily living, if based on
His example and desire to make the world a
better place, gives us a tremendous purpose.
We benefit as a result of the provision of
great students, the most wonderful learning
environment, excellent programs and facilities
for teaching and learning, a professional and
dedicated teaching and support staff and a
positive and supportive relationship between
the College and our families.
This to me describes a great school, one that
continually strives for excellence.
Glen McKeeman, Principal.
Senior staff and students recognizing student leadership
Class group learning in action at Bellarine Campus
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New Sports and Aquatic Centre
Recently the opportunity for the Middle
School community to come together in our
Sports and Aquatic Centre was a dream come
true. Our Leaders’ Induction Service saw 620
students joined by over 150 parents and staff
to dedicate our student leaders, in service, to
their school and to God.
The venue looked and sounded wonderful
and our guest speaker Miss Georgina Faulkner
spoke to the audience about the true essence
of servant leadership and the ability of young
people to make a real difference in their
world. This had already been evidenced
earlier in the day by observing our
basketball court quickly transformed into a
community hall by a group of dedicated staff
and able students.
This time together allowed us to praise God
for His provision and celebrate the gifts He
has given to our children.
Welcome Evenings
Our Years 5/6 and Year 7 Welcome Evenings
this year brought freshness and excitement
to the experience. Under the direction of the
coordinators Mr Peter Fossey and Miss Kerrie
Reid each evening had common threads yet
each was programmed differently.
The commonality was the picnic tea, followed
by Chapel and finally the classroom to give
the families a taste of a day in the life of their
children. The friendship experienced over the
picnic was encouraging and the time in the
Chapel with our Chaplain, Mr Jason Morrison,
unpacking our desire for students to
experience excellence in 2012, was inspiring.
The variation occurred in the classroom
where the Year 5/6 families spent their time in
their child’s classroom with their Homeroom
teachers listening and doing activities whilst
the Year 7 families not only spent time in the
Homeroom but also visited other classes. The
bell was rung to signal the end of one class
and the start of the next. A true experience of
a student’s life at school was gained by all.
Campus Life
The experience of campus life is many and
varied whether it be in the classroom, the
gym, the pool, the sporting field, the camp,
the farm or on excursion. However there
are two common pursuits we have for 2012 -
Excellence and the Sharing of Love.
The excellence we seek is not a destination
but a journey. It is the desire to see each
student improve and grow moment by
moment, day by day. Teachers not only
want this experience for their students but
are passionate themselves to share in the
attainment of true excellence. We too want to
improve and grow.
The love we seek to share is not love as the
world knows it but love as God intends it to
be. It is best defined by Paul in his letter to
the church at Corinth:
‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it
does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is
not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps
no record of wrongs. Love does not delight
in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always
protects, always trusts, always hopes, always
perseveres. Love never fails’.
1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
Wayne Hines
Head of Middle School, Highton
Picnic in the courtyard for Year 7 families and teachers
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
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Rural Experience Overview
The purpose of the Farm is to provide year
9 students with an enhanced educational
experience through a residential rural
programme where they are immersed into a
working farm (primarily a commercial dairy),
whilst living with their peers - away from most
of the comforts and conveniences of home.
This new environment is a wonderful
platform for children to discover things about
themselves, taking responsibility, the role
of primary production in the food chain - it
does not just appear on supermarket shelves,
experiential learning of tolerance for those
living and working with them, opportunities
to develop leadership potential, and using
initiative in problem-solving.
204 students participated in the Programme
in 2011 (142 from Highton, 62 from Bellarine)
The school part of the Rural Programme
currently has 2 full-time and 9 casual /
sessional staff.
The Farming Operations
The farm part of the Rural Programme
currently has 2 full-time and 3 casual staff.
• 98 hectares owned + 405 hectares leased
• 285 cows being milked twice daily
• 271 sheep
• 54 beef cattle and calves
• 100 calves
• 200 hens
• 110 eggs collected, washed and sold daily
Starting 2012 at the Farm
The new vegetable gardens are in full
production, particularly potatoes
“Garden Cooking” is going really well. The
Year 9 Rural 1 students have presented
complete meals 90% from our own sources
The hot house tomatoes are flourishing and
look like the ‘Day of the Triffids’
The main car park has been edged with
sleepers and shrubs to make a hedge. Elm
trees are spaced along the car park
The front gardens are divided into sections
which the students look after. Plants include
Corea, Daisy, Hebes, Lavender, Diosma
Green, Diosma Yellow, Grevillea, Boronia,
Leucodendron, Proteas, Ti Tree etc.
The bridge over the back of the dam is
complete and now in use.
‘Larry ‘ and ‘Garry ‘, our two goats are great for
keeping the fence lines clean.
Much new work has been done on the
renovation of the ‘Gatehouse’
Mr Earl Moore has been appointed as our
Teaching and Learning Operations Manager.
His work is focused on the homestead, its
organisation and systems.
New steps have been installed on the
northern end of the cabins.
Russell Barter, Director of ‘Back Creek’
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
Gathering wood for the boiler
Rural 2 girls getting used to the working the herd
Apples, apples and more apples!
O P E N I N G C E R E M O N Y
The expansive new sports facilities at the Christian College Middle
School in Burdekin Road, Highton was officially opened by Darren
Cheeseman, MP and James Shirley, Chairman of Christian College
Board on Friday 9 March. The new Sports Centre includes a
gymnasium with two basketball courts, a circuit training room and
sports administration areas. It will also be used as an auditorium for
College assemblies and special events.
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1
2 3
1. Year 8 Physical Education classes include swim training in the Aquatic Centre
2. Two Indoor Cricket matches can take place at once in the spacious
new gymnasium
3. The Head of Middle School and the Board Chairman listen to
the response from Sally Ramsay, a Middle School parent at the
Opening Ceremony
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
During the Opening Ceremony, a plaque was
unveiled acknowledging the contribution
of the Australian Government. College CEO
Daryl Riddle OAM stated that the long-term
‘dream’ of the College Board had only been
made possible with financial assistance
from the Federal Government’s Building
the Education Revolution initiative. He
also acknowledged the pivotal role of the
architect and Project manager, Paul Brewster.
Mr Frank Costa OAM congratulated the
College Board for its vision and gave an
inspirational message to the students
encouraging them to develop character as
well as their skills.
Aquatic Centre Refurbishment
In addition, the original St. Augustine’s
Orphanage swimming pools have now been
completely refurbished, heated and enclosed
as part of the new Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Several of the St Augustine’s Old Boys took part
in the unveiling of a plaque commemorating
the work of the boys and Christian Brothers in
the excavation of the pools in 1939.
The pools will now be used for swim
instruction throughout the year by Christian
College classes from Junior, Middle and Senior
School as well as by community groups.
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Prayer of Dedication
At the Opening Ceremony the following
prayer was offered by Salvation Army Board
Representative, Captain David Collinson
Dear God,
We thank you for Christian College Geelong - for
the staff and students you have placed here and
for the diversity of people that come through
their doors every day.
We thank you for the gift of sport and the
abilities you have given us to run, play, swim
and compete.
We ask now your blessing on this Sports and
Aquatic centre, praying for the work that will be
done here and the care, support and education
that will be offered in Your name.
May this building be a blessing to the
community here at Christian College and to the
City of Geelong.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
1. The Senior Wind Symphony provided musical
support at the Opening Ceremony
2. Darren Cheeseman MP, Daryl Riddle CEO
of Christian College, St. Augustine’s ‘Old
Boy’Charlie Walker and the College Chairman,
James Shirley in the new Aquatic Centre
1
2
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
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On February 14th the Senior School held its
Prefect Investiture Ceremony. While there
were twenty four of our Year 12’s who were
invested into their new roles, we celebrated
the qualities of leadership which we are all
able to display. I would like to outline some of
the qualities of being a leader, as these allow
us each to improve and to be our best self,
and for us to help others become their best
as well.
A good leader is responsible: We all have to
be responsible for our own actions and to be
aware of the impact that those actions may
have on others. When we make a choice there
is always a consequence, whether positive or
negative.
A good leader loves those whom he or
she serves: A leader will be much more
effective in serving those they are working for
if they love them. Without love it will be just
mindless work, but if you love others you will
be considerate of their wants and needs and
this will make your service more meaningful.
A good leader has a good attitude: Your
attitude will not only determine your personal
success but it will determine how successfully
you can lead others. A truly good leader will
have a positive attitude about everything
he or she does. Doing your part is good
but doing it with a good attitude and with
enthusiasm is even better.
A good leader knows what he or she stands
for: No one wants to follow someone who
is unsure or wavering. Even if those you are
leading do not agree with the beliefs you
have, they will still follow you if you know
what you believe in.
A good leader has vision: This means that
a good leader can see what he or she is
working towards, has an end result in mind
and always has a plan of action.
Every one of our young people at Senior
School is able to work on these outlined
attributes and to be a leader to those around
them.
Senior Prefects 2012
We are grateful to all the Year 12’s who last
year indicated their willingness to become a
Prefect in our community and we celebrate
with those who were successful in becoming
one. The oath that each of these young
people made at the Investiture Service is set
out below. As a community we are grateful
that they have made such a promise.
‘With God’s help, I wholeheartedly accept the
responsibilities associated with upholding the
standards, ideals and integrity of this my school
- Christian College.
I will strive to show understanding, compassion
and respect in my dealings with students and
staff.
I will endeavour to be fair and consistent in the
decisions I make, whilst being committed to the
high ideals of my College motto – ‘Seek ye first
the Kingdom of God’
I would like to particularly congratulate our
2012 School Captains Alicia McNamara and
Ben McCarthy and our School Vice Captains
Sam Liistro and Madelaine Blomfield . We are
delighted that they have accepted these roles
and we pray for God’s hand on them for the
year ahead.
This prayer, below, which we prayed for our
School Captains is just as appropriate for all
our young people on the Senior campus.
Father, thank you for these young men and
women - for the people they are and for whom
they will become. As Your word declares, we
ask wisdom for them in their roles knowing
that you will give generously. Lord grant them
an increased creativity – we are made in your
image and you are a Creator-so guide them in
new ways of thinking, new ways of problem
solving and new ideas for 2012. Amen.
Susan Strong
Head of Senior School
The Senior Prefects give their Oath of Commitment during the
Investiture
The 2012 Senior School Captains and Vice Captains are congratu-
lated by the Head of Senior School and the Principal
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
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REBEKAH HINES: 2011 DUX OF CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
Rebekah studied Group Music, Further Mathematics,
Chemistry, Music Investigation, English and
Mathematical Methods.
She believes she did well with her ATAR because she had
sufficient motivation toward what she wanted to do in
the future. She made sure that she never stressed herself
out, by remembering that her life would continue even
if she did not reach her goal. This approach released a
lot of potential pressure.
This year she plans to study a Bachelor of Science at
Melbourne University whilst living at St. Hilda’s College.
Various music groups and church/Christian unions
will also fill in her hobbies and keep up her life outside
study.
After two years of the Bachelor of Science, Rebekah can
apply to start her Doctor of Veterinary Science course a
year early, thanks to her guaranteed ATAR entry. So, in
the future she will be a vet, hopefully working in a rural
area, but maybe working with some wild animals or in a
zoo ultimately.
JACOB PETKOVIC
Jacob studied English,
Drama, Indonesian,
Japanese and Literature in
Year 12.
He says that having a clear
goal in mind throughout
Year 12 gave him the
motivation, enthusiasm and
determination to attain his
desired ATAR. Additionally, by choosing subjects he
enjoyed, the workload and homework were much more
manageable.
In 2012 Jacob will study Professional Communications
at RMIT city campus. As a part of this degree he will be
able to complete studies in a range of areas including
journalism, public relations, languages and Asian
studies.
After completing his studies, Jacob hopes to pursue a
career in the broadcast journalism industry and perhaps
work as a TV reporter.
ANDREW PEEL
In Year 12, Andrew studied
English, Accounting, Physics,
Japanese and Mathematical
Methods.
He believes that he did well
because he continually
reviewed previously studied
topics throughout the
year so that he did not
have to relearn everything when it came time for the
examinations.
This year Andrew will begin studying Medicine at
Adelaide University and his future plans include
being a doctor and then deciding upon his area of
specialisation.
The 2011 Year 12 Graduates of our College have done particularly well in their VCE studies. We would like to share some
insights and advice from a few of the Year 12 students who did particularly well last year.
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
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RIANNI LANCASTER
In Year 12 Rianni studied English, Further Maths, Japanese,
Chemistry, Psychology
Rianni attributes her fine results to hard work and dedication.
She says: “There is only one way to do well and that is to study,
though, you have to study smart by choosing what works
best for you. For example, I never wrote notes; rote rehearsal
was just a waste of time for me. Instead I gave meaning to the
information by using mnemonic devices (memory enhancers)
and creating pictures at times (weird I know!) It is important
to not underestimate the importance of SACs as well; I looked
at them as exam. preparation and made sure I knew basically
everything regarding that topic and what I didn’t know I would
ask my teachers. I also did every question I could get my hands
on before the SACS, from the text books, study aids etc.
I found it so much easier to learn concepts well the first time,
so that when exams came around, my preparation just felt like
revision and I could get into practice exams as soon as I could.
It is also important to have balance; I made time to still do
exercise each day, have a couple of jobs, go out on weekends
and things like that, but just prioritise; it’s not possible to do
these all the time!
Leading up to the exams I took at least a month off work, and
didn’t go out and things like that as I found studying more
important at these times. Just find what works for you! You get
out of it what you put in. It’s easy to start the year motivated
then slacken off, but persist and it will all be worth it in the
end. Still remember to enjoy it!
This year she is studying Law/ Science, which she believes will
‘keep her on her toes’.
JASON ALLSOPP
Jason’s studies for Year 12
were Chemistry, Biology,
English, Maths Methods,
Physics, Further Maths
Success came to Jason
because of a number of
factors. Firstly, he found
his goal, of working in the
medical profession and thus
he looked towards an ATAR of 99.95
He decided all this towards the end of Year 10 and
began work then, so that there was barely anything
new in Year 12. This meant that when he got to Year 12
he had completed almost all his coursework, and could
grasp concepts better and ask more complex questions.
Jason’s hints to others include:
Summarising his own notes and speaking everything as
he wrote.
Not leaving things to the last minute.
Teaching others helped to show where he lacked in his
own understanding.
Having a balanced life (some social activities, plenty of
sleep and regular exercise included)
This year Jason will study Dentistry at La Trobe
University in Bendigo. His future plans include some
aspect of dentistry and travel.
CHLOE LILKENDY
Chloe studied English,
Psychology, Studio Arts, Maths
Methods, Specialist Maths and
Further Maths in Year 12
Chloe feels that she did well
in her ATAR because Effort
> Natural Talent. She put in
the ‘hard yards’ all through
Year 11 and during the year
in Year 12. Chloe made sure that she understood each
concept properly as she was learning it.
She deeply involved herself in class discussion and was not
shy to ask questions or get clarifications.
She says ‘If you start trying and truly understanding early on,
Year 12 becomes easier and when exams come along you
are not in a rush to attempt to understand the impossible.’
This year Chloe is enrolled at Monash University to study a
Bachelor of Science, particularly focusing on Mathematics
and Psychology. She wants to relax a little within her
studies however, and hopefully take on some extra
curricular activities, embracing her passions for dance and
photography.
Chloe is still unsure of what she wants to be when she
grows up, but she is fine with that. She would be interested
in continuing her studies perhaps Honours, Masters and
maybe a PHd.
Chloe found it hard to choose between creativity and
academia when deciding on a university course, so she
hopes that she can continue to embrace art and hopefully
find a career that encompasses both aspects.
All these students are
positive about the future
and expressed their thanks
to Christian College for
giving them a wonderful
start to their chosen career.
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
Page 11 : .
Education continues to be a strong focus
Christian College Geelong began visiting
Viqueque in 2004. That year, a work-party
established a community Friendship House
called Uma Maun Alin. In 2005, a second group
renovated another building in Viqueque, which
now provides accommodation for visiting
groups and individuals. Many friendship trips
have ensued.
The community of Viqueque has a formal
friendship relationship with Geelong. In
2010 a Memorandum of Understanding was
renewed and signed between the Mayor of
the City of Greater Geelong and the District
Administrator of Viqueque.
The Friendship House, supported by Christian
College Geelong, hosts a range of important
community-based activities. It currently
accommodates a registered kindergarten
in the mornings and English classes for
primary school students some afternoons.
The ICT classes have become increasingly
popular since another batch of laptops has
been installed at Uma Maun Alin. A women’s
sewing group has started a business there
too. These skilled ladies make and sell school
uniforms. With the addition of more ‘modern’
electric sewing machines in 2011, they are
already experimenting with ‘fancy stitching’ to
embroider table cloths and napery.
It is fantastic to see the adoption of new
technology and ideas for the improvement of
lives in the community and in the classrooms.
With the advent of 24 hour per day electricity
in Viqueque in 2012, even more goals will
be met. This will positively impact the ICT
timetable which will allow more students to
learn ICT skills on the laptops. The sewing
ladies’ use of the new sewing machines will
not be restricted to starting the generator or
coming to work when the power is on.
It is hoped that the support for these programs
will continue strongly into the future.
Kindergarten at the Friendship House
Kindergarten teachers from Viqueque,
Nurlinda and Lucia, both taught at Christian
College’s Kindergarten, Surfside Kindergarten
and Kardinia Child Minding Centre, as part of
a comprehensive 2-3 month training program
in Geelong in 2011. Their experience provided
them with new skills and ideas, which they
immediately put into practice upon their
return, transforming the Kindergarten
in Uma Maun Alin , the Christian College
Friendship House. They have implemented
activities such as a home/play corner, dress
ups, playdough, finger-painting, gardening
and water play, just to name a few of the new
activities at the kindergarten.
Venancia is the third teacher and she will be
following a similar intensive training program
of experience at Williams House in Term 2 this
year. A big ‘thank you’ to the dedicated staff
at our Williams House Kindergarten. They are
fantastic kinder teachers and the children at
the Friendship House Kindergarten are lucky
to benefit benefit from their experience.
Recent trips…
In 2010 and 2011, Senior students from
Christian College Geelong recommenced
regular trips to East Timor. When these
students visited the communities of Viqueque
and Kraras, they continued to strengthen the
existing bonds between the school and the
communities.
These trips offer Geelong students the
opportunity to experience village life in
Viqueque, and make their own contribution
to the ongoing efforts of Christian College;
and to improve the living standards and
educational opportunities within Viqueque,
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
Christian College teacher, Ms Singleton joins in the sewing class at the Friendship House at Viqueque
Kraras and Raitahu. The expeditions also
serve to develop relationships between these
villages and the Greater Geelong community.
Raitahu School
Last year, the Christian College Senior
Prefects tabled a proposal to the Christian
College community and set a challenge for
staff and students to raise funds for a new
Friendship School, 15 km from the village
of Viqueque. It was an initiative developed
in consultation between Christian College
Geelong and the village elders, teachers
and parents of Raitahu. Christian College is
thrilled to announce that a three room school,
including a staff room, is well on the way to
completion. It will be formally opened when
the 2012 Prefects visit in June/July. We would
like to take this opportunity to thank our
many supporters and look forward to your
continuing support.
The original Raitahu primary school is typical
of remote, rural schools in Timor Leste. It
is constructed of palm poles, a palm leaf
thatched roof and has mostly open ‘walls’.
Forty to sixty primary school students attend
this single room school, taught by three
teachers, including the Principal.
Scholarships
Two senior schools in Viqueque are ‘buddied’
with two of the Christian College campuses.
SMA Calixa is in desperate need of renovation,
but must await government and education
department discretion as to when and where
funding is granted. SMA Septembru 4 School
received new trusses and a roof over the 2011
Christmas period. Despite difficult physical
surroundings, learning continues with very
little in the way of material resources and
aides, even if it is under the trees while the
roof is dismantled and re-constructed.
It is difficult for most families to support
their children through tertiary studies, so
during 2011, Christian College inaugurated
support for a young man and a young woman
from each of their buddy schools to go to
university in Dili. Typically, courses run for
three years. It is anticipated that new students
will be supported in successive years. The
students are studying a variety of courses
including nursing, teaching and chemistry.
At the completion of their studies they hope
to return to Viqueque to make positive
contributions to their community, through
education and health.
Christian College Staff and Students
In June 2011, Jill Jolliffe (author of Balibo) and
her Timorese friends set up a photographic
and video exhibition, The Living Memory
Project, at the Christian College Chapel at
Middle School, Highton. Many students were
moved by the personal stories of torture and
survival. Rich, authentic learning experiences
such as these convey a powerful message,
augmenting the school’s Humanities
program. Then in November, a representative
group of teachers from Viqueque visited
Geelong on a study trip. They toured their
Friendship Schools Group buddy schools and
enjoyed collegiality with staff and students.
A dedicated band of Christian College staff
are once again visiting Viqueque in the Easter
holidays this year, to maintain the buildings,
and experience the friendship and humble
surroundings offered by our mates and
colleagues over there.
2012 Calendars
Some copies of the East Timor Calendars are
still available from Reception at each Campus.
Parents are warmly encouraged to take a
calendar home and read more about our East
Timorese friends. At this stage of the year,
the calendars are free, but if you would like
to make a gold coin donation, every little bit
helps support the people and projects run by
Christian College in Viqueque.
Deb. Singleton
Secretary, Christian College East Timor
Association
Page 12 : . christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
Kinder in action at the Friendship House
Senior students and staff visited in 2011
The Principal with the students of Raitahu School
Page 13 : .
Welcome to 2012
Once again it has been a very smooth start to
the year and to this end I am grateful for the
work all staff and parents have contributed
in ensuring the students’ have a positive
beginning to 2012. I would like to extend a
warm welcome to those families beginning
their educational journey with us as part
of the Preparatory Year and also in Year 7. I
enjoyed catching up with many of you at our
Family Welcome Picnic and for those families
I missed, I am sure we will have opportunities
to catch up as the year unfolds.
Parent/Teacher Partnership
Throughout the year there are many
opportunities for you as parents to become
involved in the life of the College. Further,
we encourage you to introduce yourself
to your child’s Homeroom teacher and/or
the specialist staff to begin what will be an
important partnership as we share in the
responsibility of ‘educating’ your child. We
see this as a reciprocal relationship that can
be fostered between home and the school.
In order to bring about the best outcomes
for your child, we need to be supportive of
each other’s roles as parents and teachers.
Together we can achieve some great things!
The College Diary is an important tool
in this process and forms the basis for
communication between parents and
teaching staff. It is important that the Diary
be viewed and signed each night for Junior
School students and each week for Middle
School students. Parents are encouraged to
communicate with staff via the Diary and may
wish to follow up with a phone call or email
as required. The Diary should also provide an
overview of student progress in academics,
attitude and campus based events, ensuring
parents remain well informed.
Support at home can help your child succeed!
A recent study at the Queensland University
of Technology (QUT) found that parents who
remain engaged with schools throughout
their child’s education are more likely to
have children who complete the high school
years and also go on to further study. This
study found that there is a very high level of
parental involvement in the early years of
schooling; however this engagement starts to
decrease as secondary studies commence.
My encouragement to all parents is to take
advantage of the many ways you can remain
involved, even as your child moves into
the middle and senior years of schooling.
Coaching a team, assisting on excursions or
camps, offering to help on a special activity
day, volunteering with fundraising initiatives
or in the Barn are just a few of the ways you
can remain involved and connected with
your school and child’s education. The QUT
study also reported that parents helping with
homework, discussing experiences at school
and what is being learned lets children know
that their parents are interested, concerned
and place a high value on education.
Ways parents can help their children learn
1. A positive start to the day.
Assist your child with routine and
organising the night before in readiness
for the next day. This will prevent the rush
and stress of not being able to locate
Proud parents congratulate the 2012 Bellarine School Captains Staff and families meet informally in Term 1 at the Bellarine Campus The Chaplain’s message at the Welcome Evening
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
Page 14 : .
SMA Negeri 2 Mataram Senior High School students and staff from our Twin School in Lombok,
Indonesia visited Geelong and were hosted by Christian College families from February 26 to 10
March. This is the 16th year of the exchange that commenced in 1997.
At the Welcome Ceremony on Wednesday 29 February in the Senior School Chapel, host students
formally welcomed the SMA Negeri 2 students to Victoria and Christian College in Indonesian. A
representative from the Consul General of Indonesia attended the special occasion.
The 20 students and 3 staff- including the Principal, Pak Hairuddin Ahmad visited the various
school campuses, Narana Creations and many other local tourist attractions with their host families.
In 2011 ten students from Christian College and their parents went on a 2 week study tour to Indo-
nesia ( Bali and Lombok) and were hosted by SMA Negeri 2 Mataram and the local community in
Lombok.
Visits by students and staff to and from Indonesia not only assist our students with their LOTE stud-
ies but firm friendships into the future are made.
Mrs Carol Milton-Garner, Director of L.O.T.E
uniform items, books and notices etc.
in the morning. Having an appropriate
breakfast will also ensure your child has
the appropriate ‘fuel’ for the day. A positive,
happy start is a great foundation for a new
day at school.
2. Prepare for a positive reunion at the
end of the day.
Just as a positive start to the day is
essential, so too is a happy conclusion
to the school day. Putting aside some
uninterrupted time, perhaps 10-20 minutes
to listen to your children talk about their
day is really important. This lets them know
that you are interested in their learning and
they will value your attention.
3. Remember it is your children’s
homework, not yours.
Create a time and quiet place as a regular
homework space. It is valuable for parents
to encourage editing and revision of work;
however it is really important to allow your
children to make mistakes and complete
their own work. This also allows teachers
to gauge if your child has understood
the material presented and encourages
our young people to take responsibility
for the quality of their work and develop
independent learning habits.
4. Foster a love of learning.
As a parent you can enrich your child’s life
and love of learning by showing them your
own curiosity, respecting their questions,
asking questions and encouraging their
efforts. Filling your home with books to read,
books to look at and books that will assist in
answering questions can be invaluable.
5. Develop a learning partnership with
your child’s teacher.
Introduce yourself, assist in the classroom,
maintain contact through the diary and take up
the opportunity for Parent/Teacher Interviews.
If you need to speak to the teacher in reference
to a specific issue with your child, do it privately,
not in front of your child. Never criticise your
child’s teacher in front of your child. Staff will be
only too happy to oblige and attempt to bring
about a positive resolution. It is important that
your child sees a positive relationship between
parent and teacher.
As the new school year unfolds, we look
forward to working with you (the parents)
to assist your child as they learn and grow
to be the best that they can be. Together we
can achieve great things and encourage in
our young people a desire to be lifelong and
passionate learners.
Scott Elliss, Head of Bellarine Campus
Discovering Highton Campus with Middle School students
Page 15 : .
Late in 2011 Christian College commenced
a review of the Junior School Mathematics
program. This undertaking by a Professional
Learning Team under the leadership of Mr.
Wayne Hines, as part of the College Strategic
Educational plan, aimed to assess the
strengths and needs of the program covered
from Prep to Year 4 in our Junior Schools at
Belmont and at the Bellarine Campus.
The collaborative team have so far
surveyed staff on teaching and learning
practices, collected data relating
to student learning and consulted
Mathematics specialists regarding best
practice and the latest research.
Teaching Workshops
At the start of this year a highly successful
workshop was conducted for all Junior School
teachers from both campuses to specifically
explore teaching strategies and exercises
to enhance understanding for students in
classroom lessons. These hands on sessions
were extremely valuable and already staff are
utilising some of these in classrooms as well
as some of the resources that were shared.
The next stage of the process will involve
engaging experienced consultant teacher
coaches to work with our teaching staff
to further implement and enhance the
effectiveness of the teaching of Mathematics
in each classroom.
Curriculum Audit
As we prepare for the introduction of
the Australian Curriculum we are also
in the process of auditing our current
curriculum and assessing new programs
to best meet the future needs of students
in our Junior Schools.
I am encouraged by and appreciative of the
efforts of Mr Hines and his team as well as the
staff at the Junior Schools for embracing and
undertaking this important process to benefit
the foundations of learning in Mathematics.
As a result students will experience richer
and deeper levels of understanding in
Mathematics to build upon in the Middle
Schools.
Mathletics.
Mathletics is a web based Mathematics
learning tool that integrates home and school
learning via the Internet.
www.mathletics.com.au
Students from Years 1 to 7 have been
provided with 24-hour access to Mathletics
and can access this by using a unique user
name and password. Prep. students will
commence using the program in Term 2.
We recommend that parents spend time
becoming familiar with the program with
your child so that you can gain the greatest
understanding of how Mathletics works and
how it will benefit your child
There may be times when your child’s
classroom teacher will set specific
Mathletics tasks to be completed either at
school or at home. We ask you to encourage
your child to use this invaluable program at
home each week.
Glen McKeeman
Principal.
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
Year 3 boys at Junior School engrossed in Mathletics
Following on from the Year 7 Orientation Program, the Year 7 Camp is
set early in Term 1 with the similar aim of ‘providing opportunities for
students to form new friendships’.
Cave Hill Creek Camp is set in a pristine bush environment on the
outskirts of Beaufort. The camp program, designed and run by the
Homeroom teachers, has ‘adventure’ as its theme and is designed
to stretch students both physically and in their relationships. New
student and staff bonds are formed quickly as Homeroom groups
are mixed into Camp Platoons who then participate in challenging,
team orientated activities. Over the 3 days, students were involved
in activities such as raft construction, canoeing, low ropes course,
bushwalking and the Cave Hill Extreme Triathlon. These activities
pushed students, and some teachers, out of their comfort zone and,
in the process, naturally fostered relationships and engendered a
competitive team spirit.
It was great to see students encouraging each other and attempting
to try activities such as abseiling for the first time! Camp is also a
fantastic opportunity for staff and students to see each other in a
different light and get to know each other outside of the classroom
environment.
Kerrie Reid, Year 7 Co-ordinator, Middle School Highton
Page 16 : .
At various times throughout the school year,
photographs of students may be taken in class,
in sporting teams or when involved in a broad
range of learning activities. A selection of such
photographs or videos may be used for College
publicity and promotion including class displays,
student presentations, media presentations or
for student teacher folios. Often this can be an
effective way of acknowledging student and
College achievements.
Our staff are always careful to choose only
appropriate photographs to support our printed
publicity, promotional material, newletters
or news and events reports on the Christian
College website www.christiancollege.vic.edu.au
However, if any parents do NOT wish their son
or daughter to be photographed for these
purposes, named in College publications or on
website reports, you are asked to notify your
Head of Campus in writing as soon as possible.
Parents would be aware that we live in a visual
society where images convey more than words.
In addition, communications between our
College and families are increasingly being
made by electronic means.
It has been decided that this year’s In Focus
Newsletters will be published on the Portal
and on the College website and NOT printed
in hard copy.
Page 17 : . christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
Christian College is developing a free smartphone app, compatible with both iPhone
and Android. The app will include all the latest news and events streamed from the
Christian College website. Other useful features will include a photo gallery, term
calendar, canteen and uniform price lists as well as campus contact details. Due to be
released over the next couple of weeks be sure to keep an eye out for it on our website:
www.christiancollege.vic.edu.au
New staff for 2012 met at Senior School for their orientation sessions before the start of Term 1