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?

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

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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



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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’


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. 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



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

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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



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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.



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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.



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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,


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

: . 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


: .

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



: .

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

: .

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.


Year 3 boys at Junior School engrossed in Mathletics

http://www.mathletics.com.au

http://www.mathletics.com.au


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

: .

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.

: . 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


in focus - 2012 term 1

Documents

learners students

great schools

learning process

junior school

perfect school

christian school

shared culture of learning

members of staff