in focus - 2013 term 4

Links to articlesCover Story :. 10 Fundraising :. 6R U OK? Day :. 18

IN FOCUS

2 0 1 3N o v e m b e r

From the PrincipalEducation has many layers to the complex role it

plays in students’ lives. These are the academic,

social, emotional, physical and spiritual dimensions

that make us all the individual beings that God

created us to be. We are not all the same and we do

not all learn the same. We each have different talents

and abilities that equip us for the purpose God has

for us.

Schools and families play vital roles in shaping

our young people. As do their friends and the

experiences they have as they grow. To maximise the

time that our students spend at Christian College,

we have made a deliberate effort over the years

to present our educational program in a format

that offers a broad range of learning experiences

and opportunities. This includes thorough pastoral

and values framework to support our students in

developing their character.

I am delighted that we have been able to offer

a number of our Senior students the alternative

pathway to study both VET subjects and a Victorian

Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) commencing

in 2014.

Last term I had the privilege to accompany a Year 10

trip to the Central Desert of the Northern Territory

and spend time at the Alcoota School. It was here

that I reflected upon the very nature of education

that stems well beyond knowledge and skills. In my

discussion with students about their experiences,

I was reminded of the importance of having a fine

academic program supported by opportunities for

our students. Thus they are encouraged to discover

not only who they are, but also to think of others in

all situations.

At the commencement assemblies held at each

campus this term, I encouraged the students to focus

on the words that Matthew shared in his gospel;

Matthew 22: 36-40

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the

Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all

your heart and with all your soul and with all your

mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as

yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these

two commandments.”

In addition, I wanted them to understand our call

to love God and others. As I consider the many

ways that our students support and contribute to

the numerous efforts undertaken to serve and love

others, I am extremely proud of the way that they

embrace the Christ-like efforts to reach out to others

and readily demonstrate fine Christian character.

New Motivator Format

This year the College is producing our College

Yearbook, ‘The Motivator’, in both magazine and

digital format. Earlier this term I had the opportunity

to preview the digital component that has captured

a number of activities and events at each of the

campuses. As I did, I could not help feeling a sense

of amazement at the range, depth and quality of the

many aspects of the College program. This highlights

our students in the positive and enthusiastic way

that they have embraced and contributed to the

learning opportunities that our College offers them.

I am extremely grateful to all of our students

and staff, both teaching and non-teaching and

families for contributing to such a memorable year.

With some of our major events, such as Year 12

Graduation, Presentation Evenings and other end of

year activities still to come, we certainly have many

reasons to praise God for His provision in 2013.

Glen McKeeman Principal.

Glen McKeeman with the Year 10 students in Central Australia.

christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au : .

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

Mahatma Gandhi once said ‘The best way to find yourself is

to lose yourself in the service of others’. In many ways this

statement is the opposite of what we are told by today’s western

culture. We are encouraged to think about ‘What is in it for us?’

When contemplating every action.

I love the farm’s ability to remove students from many of our

cultural influences and immerse them in community living.

For each rural group the dynamics of this looks different, but the

overriding ingredient for its success is the service of others and

the question, ‘What can I do or say that will help our community

function better?’

This is not only true for peer and teacher interactions but the

animals the students care for while at the farm. These animals are

dependent on the students’ service for their health and well-being.

The most recent Bellarine girls’ rural experience encapsulated this

service when caring for a cow that had calved but was left with

paralysis after the delivery. The girls fed, watered, helped lift the

cow and sheltered it throughout the day and night. This was

done without the chance of anything in return apart from the

recovery of the cow. Unfortunately the cow died, despite the

girls’ dedication.

The students’ connection to the farm, in some way, is a result of

the service invested during their time there. The culmination of

the rural experience has changed this year to include a student

presentation to parents on the final night. Listening to the

reflections of students as they present to their parents is always

a highlight as their relationship with the farm and their rural

community is strongly expressed.

To aid us in the continued development of the ‘Back Creek’

program, online surveys have been developed and will be

distributed to students before and after their farm experience.

This data will give us invaluable insight into the student learning

and development at the farm and give us the opportunity to

further enhance the program.

Kim Ali joined the ‘Back Creek’ staff team this year as the

‘Homestead Operations Teacher’. Kim’s background in

experiential learning is a real strength that she brings to

the farm along with her empathetic pastoral care that

Kim naturally uses when interacting with the students.

She has enhanced the use of garden produce into the

‘Cottage Cooking Experience’ and has developed the

cheese production from the farms milk. We are blessed

to have her working at ‘Back Creek’.

It is a great privilege to be leading ‘Back Creek’ and I

look forward to helping the students experience the

beauty of living and learning during their future visits

to the farm.

Earl MooreDirector ‘Back Creek’ Scotsburn

Back Creek’ Farm Experience

Year 9 Bellarine girls caring for the calf that was left with paralysis.



Now, more than ever before, it seems that bullying behavior amongst children and adults

is receiving wider attention from the media and the authorities. It is certainly not a new

phenomenon, but as a buzz word, often loosely used in the wider community, the definition of

what really constitutes bullying has been clouded (The Christian College Geelong diary draws

on the definition given by Farrington (1993) describing bullying as ‘the repeated intimidation,

over time, of a physical, verbal or psychological nature of a less powerful person by a more

powerful person or group of persons.’); moreover the nature of bullying is changing. Evidence

suggests that the incidence of overt bullying such as teasing or physical confrontation is falling,

however covert forms of bullying (facilitated by use of technologies), which are more difficult

for families and schools to detect, are on the increase. Cyber bullying, which can be covert, is

bullying behavior using digital technology. Examples of cyber bullying can include harassment

via mobile phone or social networking sites, setting up a defamatory personal website or

deliberately excluding someone from a social networking space. Cyber bullying can happen

any time in public or private and is sometimes only known to the victim and the bully.

As our students are preparing for their future in a world that is

increasingly driven by technology, it is essential that they learn

to embrace the benefits of technology but in an environment

where their exposure to cyberspace risks such as cyber bullying,

as well as other potential dangers such as identity theft, online

sexual predation and accessing or sending inappropriate

images and content is reduced. At Christian College, there is

already much proactive work that is being done to address the

issues of cyber safety, but in appreciation of the importance

of a comprehensive and strategic approach, the College has

recently registered to work through the process to become an

E-Smart School.

A world first, funded by the Victorian State Government and

co-ordinated through the Alannah and Madeline Foundation,

the E-Smart initiative utilises a whole school approach to

support student learning and make cybersafety a normal part

of their lives. It is designed to be a holistic approach connecting

cyber safety with overall wellbeing and focuses on fostering

a culture of respect and personal responsibility as well as

equipping students with the practical knowledge to ensure

their security in the use of cyber technology.

The E-Smart Schools Framework is organised into six domains,

each of which the school will address through a planning,

implementation and sustaining phase. These domains include:

1. Effective school organisation

2. School plans, policies and procedures

3. Respectful and caring school community

4. Effective teacher practices

5. An E-Smart curriculum

6. Partnerships with parents and the local community

In the first instance, a Committee with representation from

each of the College campuses, will be set up and a process of

auditing and prioritizing against each of the domains will be

conducted. This will create the basis for the Action Plan which

will be undertaken across the College in the coming months

and years to ensure that Christian College continues to provide

our students with an education and an environment that is

truly ‘cyber smart’.

Marion Nott

Head of Junior School, Belmont

Working Towards Being an E-Smart School



On our Highton Middle School section of the School Website I make the

following statement:

‘Our aim is to constantly motivate students to learn through many and

varied teaching strategies and ‘hands-on’ practical experiences.

Great opportunities are given for students to participate in sporting teams,

musical ensembles, bands or choirs as well as dance groups and musical

productions. Such activities and competition develop students’ confidence

in their own abilities and self-esteem as well as the benefits of teamwork and

co-operation within a peer group.’

Add to this, the incredible opportunities in the Arts, Design and

Technology area and the encouragement for our students to grow

spiritually, and one sees great prospects available to all students.

I take every opportunity I have when speaking with students to remind

them of what it is they have available at their fingertips within Christian

College, as some just need a little encouragement to grasp hold of it.

We have just completed an amazing Middle School Talent Quest at the

end of Third Term which followed hot on the heels of the Royal South

Street Music competitions. Put this together with the Costa Hall Music

Evening, the Art Extravaganza and the multitude of sporting pursuits

available and one can see that there is plenty on offer for everyone.

In a world that competes at every level of existence, we believe we help

students to understand what it is to compete well, participate better

and be able to accept victory or defeat with grace and dignity.

It is not even the competition, as such, that matters the most but rather

the journey that occurs through competing. I just recently spoke

with the Middle School students and emphasised that the growth

they experience when joining a team or creating a piece of artwork or

learning an instrument is wonderful, but the real joy comes when your

work is experienced by an audience.

I have been present to hear the ‘oohs and ahhs’ that occur when

someone has accomplished an amazing sporting feat. I have been

elevated by music that has touched my soul and I have been challenged

and inspired by artwork that stimulates my visual senses.

The avenues to these accomplishments are enabled by great teaching

and learning opportunities. The accomplishments themselves also offer

the great joy of sharing their talents with an audience. The opportunity

is then available to give glory to God in acknowledging Him in all that

we do.

It was wonderful to witness the winning of a second Brownlow

Medal for a former Christian College student Gary Ablett Jr. His

football has amazed and inspired many of us over the years but it

was even greater to hear him acknowledge God when thanking

those who had helped him.

Our aim as always is to help our students shine their ‘light’.

‘You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.

No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead it is put on the

lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. In the same way

your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things

you do and praise your Father in heaven.’

(Mat 5:14-16) GNB

Wayne Hines

Head of Middle School, Highton

Opportunities Bring Growth and Joy Students performing at the Annual Music Evening

Students performing at the Middle School Talent Quest.



Our College Principal states on our website that he

is ‘proud of the Christian College community for

the way that we share in the journey of educating

our students. The true sense of belonging that

students, staff and parents enjoy creates a unique

educational environment.’

We see the sense of ‘belonging’ carried out every

day at Christian College within the classroom, on

the school grounds and within the staff room. But

belonging to the Christian College community

stems far beyond the 12 years of education and

the College walls.

This is prevalent at each 10 Year Reunion that is held

for past graduates. They all still feel as though they

belong to Christian College even though they have

progressed in their studies and years.

One of the 2003 Christian College graduates, Casey

Tutungi in late June of this year injured his spinal

cord when he collided with an opponent during a

football game and was diagnosed a quadriplegic.

Hearing of this tragic news, the Christian College

community rallied together and decided they would

help raise raising money for Casey. The money raised

would go towards Casey’s mission of travelling to

the USA for 2 months next year to be a part of the

world-renowned rehabilitation centre known as

‘Project Walk’.

Project Walk® Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center,

the world leader in spinal cord injury recovery,

provides an improved quality of life for people

with a spinal cord injury through intense activity-

based recovery programs, education, training,

research and development.

The Junior School, Belmont campus raised money by

challenging each Year Level to run to Lorne (Casey’s

home town) and back, which equated to a round

journey of 120km. The students used their morning

fitness time to run and walk laps and build a growing

total over two weeks late in Term 3.

All year levels successfully made the 120km target

and raised over $4,000 through doing so.

At the Bellarine campus, money was raised through

a combination of donations from a casual dress

day and also by running a basketball ‘shoot-out

‘competition with two female Geelong Super Cats

players that visited the campus. Each fundraising

effort was a great success and the students were able

to raise a total of $939.10.

The Middle School, Highton campus had a football

dress-up day where each student wore their

favourite football team’s colours and gave a gold-

coin donation. They also ran a football ‘kick-off’

on the last day of Term 3 and Matthew Scarlett

presented the main prize. Middle School, Highton

raised $2,209.35 through their great efforts.

Senior School supported the cause with Flynn

House students writing messages of hope that

were sent to Casey. They also created a ‘Mini

Market’ that was held at Senior campus that

incorporated a gold coin donation on entry,

sausage sizzle and food sale, silent auction from

donated goods plus live music. The students

fundraising at Senior School raised $1500.00.

Through these efforts by each campus, Christian

College raised $8650 for Casey Tutungi.

The College community thanks all the students

and teachers for their dedication in making the

fundraising efforts come to fruition.

We pray that the funds raised help Casey continue

on his mission to one day walk again.

Fundraising for ‘One of Our Own’

Casey Tutungi, 2003 Christian College graduate.



Mathematics equips our students with a uniquely powerful

set of tools to understand and change the world. These tools

include logical reasoning, problem-solving skill and the

ability to think in abstract ways. As such, Mathematics is a

creative discipline. It can stimulate moments of happiness

and wonder when a student or teacher solves a problem

for the first time, discovers a more efficient solution to a

problem or suddenly sees hidden connections and patterns.

Throughout history, mathematics has shaped the way we

view the world. Mathematics helps us see the order and

beauty of God’s creation and of God himself. It has an

important role to play in our God-given stewardship of the

earth and in the building of human communities. It has

also been integral in many discoveries that have shaped the

world we live in.

Many life stages and skills require a solid grasp of

Mathematics, from entering university to balancing a

household budget, applying for a home loan, or assessing

a possible business opportunity. When children eventually

leave education and seek out a career, they will inevitably

need to call upon the mathematical skills and strategies

they have learnt at school. They will soon realise that many

careers require a solid understanding of Mathematics.

Doctors, lawyers and accountants use Mathematics

on a daily basis, as do builders, plumbers, engineers

and managers. Mathematics is a critical skill for many

professions and opens a world of opportunity for children.

Mathematics at Christian College.

In 2013, we entered a new phase in Mathematics

Education with the implementation of the Australian

Curriculum across our campuses from Prep through to

Year 10.

Mathematics in the Australian Curriculum aims to ensure

that students:

• Are confident, creative users and communicators

of mathematics, able to investigate, represent and

interpret situations in their personal and work lives and

as active citizens.

• Develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding

of mathematical concepts and fluency with processes,

and are able to pose and solve problems and reason in

Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and

Statistics and Probability.

• Recognise connections between the areas of

mathematics and other disciplines and appreciate

mathematics as an accessible and enjoyable discipline

to study.

Throughout the Junior School and early Middle School years

from Prep through to Year 6, teachers have been using the

enVisionMATHS program. This is a Mathematics teaching

program that combines print-based teaching resources with

outstanding digital teaching and learning tools.

Mathematics is important

Year 5 students engrossed in Mathematics during the activities morning with their Year 9 mentors.

Year 8 & 9 students with their creation at the

Mathematics Challenge Excursion.



It provides for deep conceptual understanding of

Mathematics in accordance with the aims of the

Australian Curriculum. During the transition from

Junior School into Middle School, Years 5 and 6 will

also utilise the envisionMATHS program, importantly

providing a continuity and familiarity with the style

and format as they move through their educational

journey at Christian College.

In Years 7 to 10 we are using the Pearson

Mathematics series. This has been structured

according to the latest research on how students

learn mathematics and how to avoid common

misunderstandings, equipping us to deliver an

innovative and effective Mathematics education

to our students. These resources are based on the

latest pedagogical research on how students learn

best. It is supported by a rich multimedia resource

bank, which can help to create engaging lessons,

providing additional support, extension activities,

and consolidate learning.

To support the enVision and Pearson Mathematics

programs, we have also introduced our students

to Mangahigh, which is an online Mathematics

game-based resource. It provides students with

the opportunity to practice and consolidate new

skills and is also an excellent opportunity for both

students and teachers to get lots of immediate

feedback. More feedback means more opportunities

for students to work on misunderstandings, as well

as working on the process of learning how to learn.

It has proven to be a valuable addition this year and

will continue to be integrated into our teaching and

learning in years to come.

Spotlight on Math

Year 5 ‘Hand-on’ Mathematics with the Year 9

Mentors

During Term 3, the Year 5 students and their Year

9 mentors took part in a ‘hands on’ Mathematics

activities morning. Mentors worked with the student

groups helping to organise, guide and encourage

each other to become fully involved in these

Mathematics-related activities.

These activities included – calculating averages

(taken from the time in a running activity),

investigating capacity (filling containers with

water), multiplication and addition (from goal

shooting) measuring distance (taken from making

and throwing paper planes) and using compass

directions (identifying landmarks around the

campus).

The students finished their session together by

sharing in morning tea. The Year 5 students loved

spending time with their mentors and really enjoyed

their involvement. The mentors were able to develop

their leadership and teaching skills, as well as impart

some of the Mathematics they have developed

during their time at Christian College.

Year 8 and 9 Maths Challenge Excursion

As part of the Year 8 and 9 Mathematics Challenge

program in Term 2, students participated in a fun

event involving principles of Science, Engineering

and Mathematics at Victoria University, Footscray

campus. It was designed for teams to work

on a problem scenario such as designing and

constructing a building to withstand the force of a

tsunami. Their constructions were then put to the

test in a ‘wave pool’ with points allocated for height,

weight and size of wave which the construction

could withstand. The key concepts of the day were to

engage students immediately in an activity, with the

minimum of introduction and theory and for them

to explore scientific principles for themselves rather

than being guided to a pre-determined answer.

The students were also given a guided tour of

Mathematics is important(Continued)

Burrows winners of the Senior House Mathematics Competition.



Mathematics is important(Continued)

the University’s new ‘Sports Medicine and Performance

Research’ facilities and were able to see first hand how

Mathematics and Science combine to create improved

sporting performance.

Senior School House Mathematics Competition

At the Senior Campus, the students regularly compete for

their house in lunchtime competitions, and in Term 3 the

much anticipated House Maths Competition was held over

four consecutive lunchtimes. Each lunchtime saw between

40 and 60 students from Years 10 to 12 compete in the

following activities:

Monday – Snap Quiz; quick mental-arithmetic style

questions.

Tuesday – Round Table; working collaboratively on 10

challenging non-routine problems.

Wednesday – Letters and Numbers; based around the SBS

TV Game Show.

Thursday – Mathematics Relay; a fast-paced and lively relay

race to answer 20 questions.

Many additional students came along to watch and support

those competing, and I was again amazed at our students

ability to problem solve and to apply their Mathematics

skills in non-routine and often abstract situations. It was

also impressive to see what students were able to achieve

collectively and collaboratively.

It was great fun but it was also a competition and Burrows

dominated the competition across the four days, taking

out the House Mathematics trophy for the second

consecutive year.

Year 5 and 9 students enjoying the Mathematics activities day together.



A sold-out Costa Hall audience witnessed the

benefits of a great music education at the College’s

Annual Music Evening on Thursday October 18th.

The night featured students from Year Prep to 12 in

fifteen ensembles. The high standard and quality of

the students’ performances featured a huge range

of styles and contrast, ranging from the energy

of young musicians giving their first big stage

performance to the poise and maturity of our most

senior musicians.

As well as great ensemble performances our

students have achieve wonderful work as soloists

throughout the year. From Year Prep. to 12 over 700

music lessons happen each week at the College. A

student’s musical ‘journey’ while developing as a

performer can include a huge range of opportunities

and challenging experiences. Across the campuses

the Music Department organises student solo

performance opportunities which include class

recitals, informal lunchtime concerts and Campus

Music Evenings. Students are encouraged by the

music staff to experience music performance and

play in a friendly environment in front of peers,

family and friends. These solo performance opportunities are a celebration of

hours of careful preparation and practice, and a result of passionate, expert

teaching. Students also complete examinations in both performance and

theory with the AMEB and ANZCA.

Christian College is proud of our students’ achievements and at a VCE level, we

have had many students receive outstanding results. Last year, two of our Year

12 students received the perfect study score of 50 for VCE Music Investigation.

Opportunities exist for students to complete Year 12 Music Studies early in

their VCE, as we have an accelerated class of students that complete Year 12

Performance in Year 11 each year. Many of our outstanding young musicians

have continued onto tertiary music study and forged successful careers

in various music pathways. We are excited to be able to offer VET Music

Performance at the Senior Campus in 2014 for the first time.

The College Ensemble program has a series of camps and tours that past

students often reflect upon as major highlights in their time at school. We hold

annual music camps for both Middle and Senior Campus Ensembles and the

Senior Campus has a bi-annual performance tour. Our Middle Schools ‘

Music Camp, held in Anglesea in September this year saw 189 students

rehearse in bands, choirs and string orchestras to prepare for the College

Annual Music Evening. During the camp students work as large ensemble

groups and also spend time working on their instrument or voice in small

groups with specialist tutors. Here they focus and learn about the finer details

of playing their instruments individually and in an ensemble. A huge feature of

this camp is the students from Year 4 to 9 from both the Bellarine and Highton

campus working, learning and playing together while making new friends

across the year levels and campuses.

Plans are now well underway for the Senior Music Tour in April 2014, where

95 students and staff will travel to China and Hong Kong to take part in school

exchange performances as well as perform at the 6th Hong Kong International

Youth Music Festival. Music students and parents have held a BBQ at Bunnings

Warehouse to raise funds for the trip as well as a Christmas card fundraiser. It

will be an exciting time preparing for this trip and one that promises to be a

rewarding experience for the tour members.

Musical Success in 2013

The Combined Middle School Concert Band.



Each year in September many of the Christian College ensembles

and selected students soloists compete in competitions such as the

prestigious Royal South Street Competition in Ballarat. This year’s

competition results highlight excellent student solo performances

as well as College Ensembles setting a great standard in their

divisions. Congratulations to all students who performed at South

Street, Geelong Eisteddfod and the Geelong Movement and Music

Festival at GPAC. At all events the College was been blessed by

wonderful musical performances as well as fabulous commitment and

presentation from each performer.

Highlights of Competition results in Music competitions 2013:

• Christian College Geelong Combined Middle School Strings –

2ND Prize at RSSS

• Christian College Geelong Combined Middle School Concert

Band – 1st Prize at RSSS and a Gold Award the the VSMF

• Christian College Senior Wind Symphony – 2nd Prize at RSSS and

Platinum Award at the VSMF.

• Christian College VCE String Ensemble -1st Prize at RSSS

• Christian College Junior School Year 4 Choir Belmont – 2nd prize

at RSSS

• Christian College Bellarine Geelong Junior School Choir – 3rd

Prize at Geelong Eisteddfod

• Christian College Senior Stage Band – 4th Place at the National

Championships & HM at RSSS

• Alex Jeantou, Yr 10 Tuba Soloists 1st prize in 3 solo sections - 18

yrs & Under, VCE Solo, Open Solo

• Tess Barber, Yr 11 Flute soloists 1st prize in the open woodwind

solo & Hm in the 18yrs & Under

• Blake Newton, Yr 11 Guitar soloist 1st prize in 2 sections -

Acoustic Guitar Solo & Open Solo

• Grace Law, Yr 8 Piano soloist 1st prize in Solo by Aust. Composer

U 14, 3rd prize in u14 solo section and winner of the Darcy

Perpetual Shield for piano.

• Chloe Kacprzak, Yr 9 Vocal Soloists 1st Prize in 2 sections – U15

Pop Vocal & U15 Musical Theatre Vocal

• Other students who placed in the 1st or 2nd place of their solo

sections at RSSS – George Elliss, Nathaneal Chong - Yr 6, Emilie

Crole – Yr 7, Hollie Steele, Jodie Mitten, Molly Ganim-Heath - Yr

8, Joshua Farrell, Ben Farrell, Neel Malhotra, Zachary Edwards,

Gemma Podbury - Yr 9, Will Crowther, Bella Winter - Yr 10,

Hannah Rundell, Joshua Smith, Ashleigh Cushion - Yr 11, Tanya

Ferguson Yr 12.

Fiona Gardner

Director of Teaching & Learning - Music

Musical Success in 2013 (continued)

Ainslie Liley and Alice Waddell, VCE String Ensemble

Senior Wind Symphony at the Annual College Music Evening



A Culture of Learning

Learning is a basic and universal human activity.

Society is based on learning, communities are

held together by learning and people construct

their identities through learning. A school must

offer learning as a key to the world. It must build

on diversity, and create diversity. We want our

students leaving school not only having a grasp of

uniform knowledge, but to be self-directed, creative,

adaptable and knowledgeable.

The culture of learning has a profound impact on

students’ academic behaviours. All of us at one time

or another, have experienced the phenomenon of

a classroom ‘charged’ with energy and enthusiasm

for learning. But it can be challenging to replicate

that experience every day to create an environment

that increases the likelihood that all students will

engage and learn. Current research indicates that the

culture of learning is shaped by many factors. These

include the attitudes and beliefs of the students and

teachers, the classroom interactions, the available

resources, and the instructional practices employed

by the teacher.

The culture of learning is positively affected when

teachers and students develop a true community

of learners. A community of learners can be defined

as a group of people who share values and beliefs

and who actively engage in learning from one

another—learners from teachers, teachers from

learners, and learners from learners. They create a

learning-centred environment in which students

and educators are actively and intentionally

constructing knowledge and skills together.

Learning communities are connected, cooperative

and supportive. Peers are interdependent in that

they have joint responsibility for learning and share

resources and points of view, while sustaining

a mutually respectful and cohesive environment.

A positive learning community supports diverse

student capabilities by enabling all members to

participate at their level of expertise and comfort—

and, specifically, is characterised by feelings of safety

among participants, along with a willingness to

ask questions and make mistakes. This supported

engagement motivates students so that they are

more willing to persist when they are challenged

or confused. Environments that foster beliefs of

competence through effort can create a secure

sense of belonging; ones’ interest, commitment, and

progress matter more than ones’ perceived ability

(Inzlicht & Good, 2006). Therefore, a priority for us

at Christian College is creating a safe community in

which peers and teachers are viewed as allies, which

is essential for greater engagement and inevitably

academic achievement.

‘Art from the Heart’ at Christian College Bellarine

In Term 3, the Bellarine Campus hosted an event

titled ‘Art from the Heart’, the concept and vision

was directed by Mrs. Anne Young and she was ably

supported by Mrs. Sally Gray. The concept was

simple – all students from Prep to Year 6 produced

a piece of art work for the campus based ‘exhibition’

as a part of their regular lessons, the piece was then

framed and put up for sale for parents, family, staff

and the community to purchase in the form of an

exhibition.

christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au

Organiser of ‘Art from the Heart’ Anne Young with Principal

Glen McKeeman and engaged students viewing the artwork.




However, there was a twist, with all proceeds of the

sale of student work going towards the One hundred

for 100 Campaign, supporting the work of Miss Kristi

Van Es who is spending this year following her call to

mission in addressing the people trafficking issues in

India.

This concept started as quite a simple learning

activity, however momentum quickly gathered and

the rich learning experience that followed for our

students was something to behold. Students quickly

grasped that THEIR work was going to be on display

for all to see in the form of a real life exhibition,

the level of engagement immediately rose, the

focus and attention to detail was exquisite and the

collaboration of the Bellarine Campus to see this

exhibition come to fruition was a wonderful example

of what can be achieved when we create learning

opportunities that have sense, meaning and a real

life application.

In the lead up to the event I witnessed first-hand the

following impacts on learning:

• Students were excited and engaged with

creating their piece of art work

• Students were researching India, the culture,

the colours and considering how their piece of

artwork could best reflect the country of focus

• The value of creating this piece of work was

magnified, it was for a real life purpose

• Great thought, care and detail was being put in

to producing the best piece of work that each

individual student could produce

• Students were collaborating, sharing ideas,

encouraging each other, making suggestions on

how each piece could be improved

• The Year 9 Food Technology students joined

in and began researching the food of India,

producing these items during class time,

freezing them and preparing them for service

during the exhibition

• Other students were preparing flyer’s, posters

and advertising materials, whilst others were

being trained to do ‘food service’ at the official

opening of the event

The ‘Art from the Heart’ Exhibition was conducted

in the basement of the Auditorium at the Bellarine

Campus, and even we could not have predicted the

response! Over 400 people attended the official

opening and exhibition, ALL Prep to Year 6 student

artworks were sold and over $5, 500 was raised for

the One Hundred for 100 Campaign.

Learning in school should be an extension and

enhancement of the learning and thinking that

students do outside of school, and vice-versa. If there

are no boundaries between subject matter and the

social contexts in which it is useful—if school is not

an isolated community of learners learning only

‘school things’, then there is a possibility for merging

practice outside and inside the classroom. Everyday

situations give real life content and context to all

curricular studies. This is not simply an enhancement

to motivation for learning, but a direct approach to

the basic issue of creating meaningful learning. ‘Art

from the Heart’ certainly captured what it means to

be an effective community of learners.

Scott Elliss

Head of Bellarine Campus

A Culture of Learning(continued)

The crowds enjoying the ‘Art from the Heart’ exhibition at the Bellarine Campus.



Ensuring students receive a rigorous grounding in

understanding and method,whilst providing an exciting

curriculum to inspire students is the preeminent

challenge for Science teachers in the 21st century.

Earlier this year, when Matthew McInerney mentioned

that his grandfather worked for NASA, Deb Singleton

saw an opportunity not to be missed. Roger Seastedt

designed Space Shuttles back in the 1980’s and together

with his good friend Chuck Larson, a Shuttle design

engineer, they were only too delighted to talk to the Year

5 students at Bellarine back in May. The students had

researched and studied ‘Earth and Space’ and all were

armed with questions for the spacemen. The astronauts

repaid handsomely with responses pitched perfectly for

their young audience, who stayed riveted throughout

the 40-minute trans-pacific link.

Creating interest is only the first stage in developing

a budding scientist. The faculty at all campuses

endeavours to match this enthusiasm with a solid

grounding in the understanding of scientific principles,

the ability to inquire in a rigorous and scientific way and

to nurture creativity through project assignments. We

have been updating the content we deliver – to align

with the Australian Curriculum – but have also opted

to extend our students in specific areas where we think

a greater depth of understanding is essential for the

pursuit of excellence.

The Approach May be Starting to Bear Fruit….

Just recently, two of our Year 9 students were selected

for the ‘Conoco Phillips Science Experience’. Lachlan

Fog and Angus Callahan have a goal to help mankind

through research into new medicines. They will spend

three days at Melbourne University participating in a

broad spectrum of hands on experiments relevant to the

medical field.

In Year 10, students learn the art of titration – a key

technique that ensures your tablets have the right

dosage or chemicals we buy are the correct strength.

Together with the Year 12 Chemistry students, they

compete against all other students in Victoria. Our

highest-ranking Year 10 team placed 3rd in the state,

whilst only one other student in Victoria bettered

Annaliese Dillon’s (Year 12) accuracy and precision.

Alistair Chandler has been selected to attend the

National Youth Science Forum. Alistair and two other

Year 11 students progressed to the final selection

process where they were all subjected to a rigorous

round of interviews, debates and test exercises. Alistair’s

achievement will see him join about 100 of Australia’s

most ambitious Science students at a two week

residential course in Perth in January 2014.

With individual success there has also been an

increase in uptake across the sciences. We have had

to recruit expert teachers in Chemistry and Physics

to meet the demand for multiple VCE classes in all

sciences. Retention rate statistics also demonstrate

that our students are making sound and informed

subject choices. And now, as our Year 12 students

enter the home stretch, we are very proud that, for

many, this has only been one leg of what will be a

lifelong voyage in Science.

Michael Neaves

Director of Teaching & Learning- Science

Finding the Spark to Ignite the PassionAlistair Chandler who has been selected to attend the National Youth Science Forum.

Annaliese Dillon perfecting the art of titration.



New Pathways for Senior School 2014VCE-VETand VCAL

Christian College Senior School is proud of its VCE success stories and over the

past 10 years the program and subject offerings have increased to meet the

needs and interests of our students. In evaluating how to complement our

senior secondary experience and provide pathways for students who wanted

an alternative to the VCE, it was decided to extend our program to include VET

and VCAL.

For those new to the terminology, the VCE is the Victorian Certificate of

Education, it is a senior secondary qualification with successful students

undertaking entry into employment or tertiary studies. VCE students study

a minimum of 16 units of study across Years 11 and 12. In most cases, VET or

Vocational Education and Training certificates, are counted as units towards the

attainment of VCE. VET certificates provide students with comprehensive

and relevant industry skills and experience. This study combined with

the VCE is a balanced combination of academic and vocational studies.

Upon completion, VCE-VET students will have access to tertiary courses,

apprenticeships or other employment.

Another option for students who wish to complete Year 12 and attain a senior

secondary qualification is to undertake VCAL. VCAL stands for the Victorian

Certificate of Applied Learning. VCAL is studied, like VCE or VCE-VET, at different

levels across Year 11 and 12 and is comprised of studies in Literacy, Numeracy,

Industry Skills, Work Related Skills and Personal Development. Students

undertaking VCAL will also complete a VET certificate in an industry relevant area,

or an area of personal development.

VCAL is a flexible learning environment and aims to meet both the interests and

learning needs of the students. VCAL students will form strong community and

industry links, and like VCE students will receive a statement of results when they

successfully complete their studies.

In 2014 we welcome our first intake of both VCE-VET and VCAL students. The VCE–

VET students will study industry recognised certificates in Fitness, Allied Health,

Building and Construction, Childcare or Music. Additionally we will see 3 of our

Year 12 students graduate with their VCAL qualification.

VCE-VET and VCAL students will enjoy the same

access and opportunities, pastoral care and

involvement that they are accustomed to at Senior

School. They will have the support of a dedicated

VET and VCAL coordinator and we look forward to

the new relationships that Christian College will form

with community organisations and employers.

Enquiries regarding our VCE, VCE-VET and VCAL

pathways are always welcome at Senior School from

families. We hope you follow us on the journey

next year as we showcase the achievements of our

students, and we warmly invite families who may like

to offer community links or work related experiences

to contact myself or the VET/VCAL coordinator at

Senior School.

Dianne Martin

Deputy Head of Senior School



Where Are They Now?

Lyndal Dew – 2008 Graduate

Professional Triathlete

Since graduating from Christian College I was inspired to continue

my studies further by completing a ‘Bachelor of Sport and Recreation

Management’ at Victoria University.

While this course was exciting and interesting, I was still looking for

something else. I had always had the thought of being a professional

athlete as my ultimate job and career path, but I never knew this could be

possible, as I never thought I was good enough!

In late 2009 I began competing in triathlons as a social and challenging

sport to complement my netball at the time. I quickly began to surprise

myself with my natural ability, winning nearly all the events I entered. I

quickly lost my interest for netball and dedicated all my time and effort

to triathlons.

I soon found myself winning multiple Victorian and Australian

Championship titles and representing Australia at the World

Championships.

After a successful 2012 and 2013 season racing as an

elite athlete in events around Victoria, I managed to

get selected to become a professional level athlete to

represent Australia. This is triathlon’s biggest ‘ticket’ to

racing against the world’s best triathletes from all over the

world. To me, this was a dream come true.

Since gaining my ‘professional license’, I have now

completed two professional races overseas. The first race

was in September in Singapore, where I placed 5th.

The second race was China, where I placed 1st. These

results have far exceeded my expectations and I hope this

is a sign of great things to come in the future.

My current job as a professional athlete is like any job. It

has ultimate highs and lows. I must admit though, I do

wake up each day with a smile on my face thinking how

lucky I am to train and race for a living.

However, it is not always as glamorous as it seems. On

those cold winters’ mornings when it is pouring rain I still

have to train. The positives though of traveling the world,

meeting new people, pushing my physical limits and

seeing some awesome places, keep me going.

I am lucky enough to also have fantastic support from my

family, friends, coaches and sponsors who all want to see

me chase my goals and dreams.



A Typical Training Day:

5.30am: wake up

6-7.30am: swim session

8-10am: bike + run session

10.30am-1.30am: breakfast + rest + lunch

2-3pm: pilates/gym session

3-4.30pm: swim session

5.30-6pm: stretch and massage

6pm- dinner + rest

The best thing my parents did for me was sending me to

Christian College. I learnt and developed great values, morals

and beliefs that now guide my daily decisions and choices that

I make.

Down Memory Lane

I have many special memories of my time at Christian College. A

particular memory that stands out was ‘The Farm Experience’ in

Year 9. This opportunity gave me my first taste of independence

and created some lifelong friendships.

I also have great memories of all the sports days,the formal and

debutant ball.

A particular teacher that had the biggest impact on my time at

Christian College was Andrew Richardson who, at the time, was

the Senior School Physical Education Co-ordinator. From day

one, he always went out of his way to help me and made me

believe that I could achieve anything I put my mind to.

I would like to tell anyone reading this to follow your dreams;

anything is possible and never give up. From experience, all

my successes and opportunities have come from hard work,

commitment, sacrifice and a positive attitude. Usually just when

you are about to give up, success is just around the corner, so

keep searching for what it is that you are looking for.

If you cannot find a way, create one.

Where Are They Now?(continued)



R U OK? Day at Senior School

This year at Senior School a small committee of staff with the

Chaplains worked together planning activities that would ‘de-

stigmatize’ the negative label often associated with mental health.

We wanted to encourage everyone to admit that some days are

harder than others, but there is always hope for a brighter future

through God.

We began the day by using the staff devotion to consider

Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus, the tax collector. Jesus told

Zacchaeus he would see salvation because Jesus came to seek

and save the lost.

Our staff were then encouraged to answer two questions

anonymously, under the heading; ‘Sometimes we are not OK, and

that is OK.’

• What hides behind your smile sometimes?

• What is your phrase of hope for yourself and others today?

House group teachers then took these questions and used their

devotion time to ask their students to answer them as well. Through

this activity, by recess we had a very large collection of honest

thoughts and hopeful ideas from the staff and students, all written

on sheets of green paper. The organising team then pinned them

up in the corridor in front of the Chapel for everyone to view.

Many students and staff took time to read them, which evoked

many discussions about mental health, and how asking if ‘U R

OK?’ can offer support and strength to those in need.

At Senior School, as at all the Christian College campuses, we

gave out juicy green apples to the students and staff as a symbol

of health and a reminder to check in with one another.

We are very grateful to Glyn Harvey, from ‘Harveys of Highton’

who has been generously donating the apples for four years. Our

staff were also treated to an apple themed morning tea and we

thank the ‘Porter Hot Bread Kitchen’ for their generosity too.

‘RUOK? Day’ at Christian College was a day for raising

awareness, breaking down barriers and most importantly,

encouraging us all to reach out and be a light of hope, grace,

truth, faith and love to others.

Lyn Nethercote

Senior School Chaplain

Senior students reading the honest thoughts during ‘R U OK? Day’.



Save the DateA reminder that the Christian College end of year

formalities are coming around quick and fast so please

keep the following relevant dates available in your diary:

• Year 12 Graduation - Sunday 24th November 2:00pm

• Senior School –Wednesday 27th November 1:30pm

• Junior School, Bellarine –Monday 2nd December 7:00pm

• Middle School, Bellarine –Tuesday 3rd December 7:00pm

• Middle School, Highton –Wednesday 4th December 7:00pm

• Junior School, Belmont –Thursday 5th December 7:00pm



General Excellence Scholarships

Christian College Geelong is pleased to offer a

number of General Excellence Scholarships each

year for entry at Year 5 or Year 7 at Middle School,

Highton and at Bellarine Campus and at Year 10 level

at Christian College Senior School in Waurn Ponds.

These Scholarships have been designed primarily to

encourage and support new and current students

who wish to enrol at Christian College and who

demonstrate high levels of academic excellence,

character and citizenship.

Successful Scholarship application will mean that

the student’s tuition fees are reduced by up to 50%

annually and this will continue through Middle

School to Year 12 at Senior School.

The Scholarship selection process involves

consideration of application responses from

the student, a written test, and interviews for

shortlisted applicants.

Scholarship students would also be eligible to join

the Christian College Q’ed program for talented

and gifted students at Year 5 or Year 7 level. This

programme is held weekly over 2 Terms at Christian

College Senior School and provides students with

learning experiences that encourage divergent

thinking, multidisciplinary concepts as well as

co-operative working scenarios. Each year the

units completed will culminate in an exposition

presentation to the Christian College community.

Scholarship Application forms will be available

online www.christiancollege.vic.edu.au from

December 2013 for entry at Year 5, Year 7 or Year 10

in 2015.



2013 Motivator Distribution

Because of the changes in format to the 2013

Motivator we are planning to distribute the College

Yearbook to students in years Prep. to Year 8 at each

Campus on the last student day of the year – Friday

6 December.

For families in Years 9 to 12, one copy per family

will be delivered by Australia Post in the week

commencing 9 December. Because the Motivator

will include a DVD this year, delivery instructions

have included FRAGILE - DO NOT FOLD, so an

Australia Post notice may be left in your letterbox if

space is limited.

I trust that all families will enjoy reading and viewing

the highlights of the school year as well as an insight

into a wide variety of classroom learning.

Gwen Prosser

Editor of Motivator



in focus - 2013 term 4

Documents

senior students

college program

christian college

college yearbook

learning opportunities

purpose god

fine academic program

fine christian character