2023 Annual Report

CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GEELONG

Democratic Principles

Christian College is committed to the principles of a liberal democracy

• We believe in an accountable, democratically elected government.

• We respect and observe the rule of law, and believe that no person is above the law.

• We believe in equal rights for all before the law, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender or other attributes.

• We believe not only in the freedom of religion, but also the need to practice tolerance and understanding of others’ beliefs.

• We believe in the value of freedom of speech and freedom of association, but also acknowledge that we have the responsibility not to abuse this freedom.

• We believe in the values of openness and tolerance, and value and respect all members of the Christian College community regardless of background.

THE CHAIR’S REPORT

There are lots of expressions that we use in daily conversation that have interesting origins.

The expression “doing the hard yards” is one such expression. One suggestion for its origin is that it came from the description of doing difficult work on squared rigged sailing ships.

Doing the “hard yards” meant climbing way up on the highest yard arms, perhaps in inclement weather, to furl or unfurl the sails!

Now, as a person who does not like heights, the thought of engaging in such activity makes me feel squeamish, but in its own way the Board has been “doing some hard yards” during the last year.

It has had to confront some significant challenges.

These have included working with the Executive on difficult matters pertaining to staffing and the College budget.

The Board’s role is governance and not management; and this means not becoming caught up in the day to day matters of the life of the school. The Board normally meets on a Saturday commencing at 7.00 am, with these meetings sometimes extending into late morning.

Some of the positive matters dealt with by the Board in 2023 include:

• The expansion of the Board’s Committee structure to now include committees for Finance, Remuneration and Review, Constitutional matters, Board member nominations, Strategic Planning.

• The Board working with the CEO and the Executive in the development of a strategic plan for the College. This is now offering a real sense of energy and purpose in regards to future directions for the College.

• Board members championing approaches to the College becoming environmentally sustainable. The Board has received detailed reports on possibilities in this regard. (Just turning off lights and equipment in the hours when buildings are not used can make a huge difference.)

• The Board seeking to finalise the renewed version of the Constitution. While some practical hurdles have set this work back somewhat, it is nearly completed.

• West Carr & Harvey Financial Planning being engaged to carry out a review of the College’s accounting processes. The outcomes of this review are being implemented.

• A team led by Murray Baird from Prolegis Lawyers being engaged to both review the Board’s current functioning and offer recommendations for a model that will enhance the future governance of the College.

• The Board fostering the development of review processes for all College leaders.

• The Board has been encouraged by the ongoing and exciting work of the Foundation, with substantial gifts being made for the long-term benefit of the College.

• The College’s Bus operation being registered to take on work in the general community.

Some other matters that I would draw to your attention, and which have been included on the Board agenda:

• The continuing development of Surf Coast Campus. (The November Board meeting was held there, and the Board was able to see the extent of the significant developments associated with the site.)

• The proposed gift of Suma Park to the College was withdrawn.

• The transfer of the Uniform Shop to an external provider, which continues to provide excellent service.

• The closing of Back Creek Café due to ongoing staffing and logistical issues.

Following a financial loss in 2022, the structure and operations of the College has remained on the agenda, as we work with the CEO and Executive, planning for a sustainable future. The Board has received a proposed budget for 2024 and agreed to a 5.9% increase in tuition fees. The Board remains committed to keeping fees as low as practical while meeting the challenges of the current economic environment.

I want to acknowledge and thank all Board members for the professional and faithful way in which they carry out their responsibilities. This commitment goes well beyond attending the formal meetings of the Board.

As the new Chair of the Foundation Board, Tim Page-Walker joined the College Board from the beginning of 2023. During the year Danna Grills and Ben Peck resigned from the Board, having made significant contributions. At the annual meeting of the Board in May I was re-elected Chair along with Associate Professor Dave Fuller as Deputy Chair. I indicated at that time that I would resign as Chair and as a Board member at the end of 2023. The Board has consequently elected Dave Fuller as Acting Chair and

Nathan Boseley as Acting Deputy Chair effective from January 1 2024 with new elections to be held at the next Annual General Meeting of the Board.

I am totally amazed at the vibrant life of the College community that I have had the honour of serving. In the words of our CEO, it is a school that genuinely “encompasses holistic education” for students. Thank you, on behalf of the Board, to all the wonderful and creative staff of the College, to the families of students who contribute in so many ways, and most importantly to the students who are at the heart of the life of the College.

I wish to express our appreciation to Mr Glen McKeeman who resigned recently from his role as Principal, having served the College for many years. The College is grateful for his dedication and leadership. We wish him well in a new role with Independent Schools Victoria.

A particular word of thanks to the senior leadership of the school, CEO Daryl Riddle, Acting Principal Rick Geall, Jonathan Ryan (Operations Manager), Brenda Lyons (Senior Finance Officer), Bernard Nicholls (Company Secretary), Mia Kafieris (Dean of Christian Culture) and all Heads of Campus. The roles they fulfil are difficult at the best of times and involve countless hours and untold challenges. Words seem so inadequate when it comes to expressing the appreciation of the Board for the work and commitment of these people.

I have been wandering around book shops recently and have been amazed to see what is missing. The Christmas displays do not include books which tell the story of the birth of Jesus. Holistic education includes telling the story of the good news of the coming of Jesus … the one the Gospel writer Matthew declares “Emmanuel … God with us.”

In a world grasping to find hope, the coming of Jesus is indeed “good news for all.”

May the College continue to be a place where this Good News is shared in word and deed. In other words, a place where we “…seek first the kingdom of God.”

Grace and peace

Rev. Paul Stephens Chair of the Christian College Board

2023 MEMBERS OF THE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GEELONG BOARD

Board Chair

Rev. Paul Stephens

Resigned 31 December 2023 Uniting Church Clergy Representative

Deputy Board Chair Assoc. Prof. David Fuller Anglican Church Lay Representative

Mr Nathan Boseley Parent Representative

Mrs Kristy Cochrane Parent Representative

Mrs Danna Grills Resigned 29 July 2023 Parent Representative

Mr Ben Peck Resigned 24 May 2023 Baptist Church Lay Representative

Rev. Jonathan Taylor Anglican Church Clergy Representative

Mrs Susan Strong Uniting Church Lay Representative

Mrs Sally Stewart Parent Representative

Dr Bernard Shiu Parent Representative

Major Karen Castley The Salvation Army Clergy Representative

Tim Page-Walker Christian College Geelong Foundation Board Chair

FROM THE CEO

I am pleased to present the CEO’s annual report for 2023, reflecting on the achievements, challenges and significant developments that have shaped our institution.

Approaching the final days of the year, I am often reminded of the many wonderful aspects of our community, both within our College, and also the wider Geelong community. Our country is certainly the land of opportunity, and as I watched the faces of the children on stage at the end-of-year Celebration Evenings demonstrating their skills, confidence, and happiness, it makes me grateful for all the goodness and kindness we can share with one another. But it also makes me feel sadness and concern that for many people around the world experiencing extreme and difficult circumstances, their reality is very different.

The year presented us with challenges and blessings, which seem to come in equal measure. These include several cherished long-term staff retiring, the closure of the Back Creek Farm Café, and the replacement of some staff due to illness. However, the year has witnessed numerous incredible events and achievements that we need to mention and celebrate.

Firstly, I would like to express my personal thanks and gratitude for the work of the current College Board. The valued and tireless work they do on behalf of this community should not be underestimated. The Chairperson, Reverend Paul Stephens, stepped down from the Chair of the College Board in December this year. I want to recognise and thank him for his genuine pastoral heart, generosity and the wisdom he has brought to the Board over the last two years. His leadership, knowledge and support for this College and the staff have been wonderful. Associate Professor Dave Fuller, the current Deputy Chair, will take up the Acting Chairperson's role, with Nathan Boseley serving as the acting Deputy Chair until the Annual General Meeting next May.

BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE

There have been several milestone events this year that deserve mention and acknowledgement. The continued building program at Surf Coast, overseen by our Construction Manager and Head of Maintenance, Mr Stuart Wilkinson, is reaching the end of stage 2A. These works will accommodate continued growth 6 and allow space for two streams of primary students from Prep through to Year 6.

These projects are being funded through State Government funding (Block Grant Programme) and loans from the Bendigo Bank. Christian College is committed to enhancing and maintaining its infrastructure across all campuses. These projects are directed by Stuart, who leads a dedicated team working on various campuses to ensure that the College's facilities meet building codes and support the quality of learning. Our Grounds team, led by Jack Sims, takes care of landscaping, gardening, and sports fields across all College campuses.

The College has many older buildings that require constant renovation and improvement of classrooms, walkways, facilities, and offices. We follow an annual plan for each campus to upgrade and modernise the learning and working spaces. Some of the recent projects include the Middle School Instrumental area, Junior School classrooms, Bellarine Campus external painting, and the new Humanities office space at Senior School. The College has installed LED lights across the campuses, and we are exploring the possibility of adding more solar panels to supplement those already at the Senior Campus. In addition, we are switching from gas to electric heating and implementing more sustainable waste management and paper and cardboard recycling. Improvements have also been made Back Creek Farm with the renovation of the accommodation cabins and the expansion of the market garden.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

This year, we have seen the resumption of our international exchange students visiting our College from our Indonesian sister school, SMA 2 Mataram in Lombok during February. The resumption of these visits has provided our students with a much richer exchange experience, and the reconnection has been valuable. Additionally, we celebrated 31 years of sister school relationship with Naga Senior High School in Japan. We were thrilled to welcome two staff and 20 students for exchange. We also welcomed the current Principal and two past Principals who have shared the 30-year journey with us. I wish to thank Mr Yuji Nakayama for his splendid organisation of the event and wish him and all the senior students and staff on their exchange visit to Japan and Naga in late November this year. It was also very exciting to see the East Timor visits begin this Easter, with more trips planned for 2024.

A number of activities throughout the year need to be highlighted, including the various campus leadership investiture services, two extremely successful Presentation Balls, the College Senior Drama Performance of "Picnic at Hanging Rock," the Art, Technology, and Design Extravaganza held at Villa Paloma, the incredible Annual Music Evening held at Costa Hall, the inaugural Sports Hall of Honour held at Mount Duneed Estate, the Foundation Golf Day held at Point Lonsdale Golf Club, the end-of-year VCE Graduation ceremony and dinner, the end-of-year campus presentation evenings and awards night, the 30th Anniversary of the Naga-Christian College Sister School Celebration, the reestablishment of the Lombok – Christian College exchange program, the resumption of the East Timor Trivial Pursuit fundraising Night, and the staff trip to Viqueque. Thank you for making these events so remarkable.

This year, we see several staff retiring from the College, all of whom have left a substantial legacy in the areas they have taught. They are individuals who have spent a considerable number of years in the teaching profession and at Christian College.

FAREWELLS

Glen McKeeman

The first person of note to mention is Mr. Glen McKeeman, who retires from the College this year after 32 years of service in a career that has covered roles including teaching, being a year level coordinator, foundation Head of the Bellarine Campus, Head of the Senior School Campus, and then Principal of the whole College. Glen has served Christian College very well during his career here and has become an important board member of AHISA (Association of Heads of Independent Schools) and a Board member of the ISV (Independent Schools of Victoria). Glen's new role as a Director of Innovation, Strategic Development, and Data in the ISV will be very challenging, and we wish him well with this new direction for the future.

Kevin Smith

Kevin began working at Christian College in 1993 as a primary school music teacher, teaching from Prep to year 6. His unique teaching style created enthusiasm for the students in his classroom. His wonderful ability to utilise multiple forms of musical expression through instrumental work, singing, choir, and dance always made his lessons vibrant and enjoyable. Mainly working through the primary years at junior schools both at Belmont and Bellarine, Kevin was easily recognised at any College social gathering fair as he and his students performed. Kevin’s retirement marks the end of a wonderful career in teaching music and leadership, and his fun and lively character will be greatly missed.

Vicki Hayden

Vicki began her teaching career at Christian College in 1987 and she spent her time teaching middle school aged students, which I believe to be the most challenging of all age groups to teach. Adolescent behaviour is confronting, and it does take extraordinary patience and skill to negotiate the students and even greater skill to thoroughly teach the high demands of the curriculum. Vicki demonstrated a strong desire and commitment and over the 37 years has taught most key subject areas, including Mathematics and English across all middle year levels. As well, Vicki has been a successful secondary homeroom teacher, a passionate house teacher, a mentor, and professional support to many staff who have travelled through the middle school. Vicki is a warm and caring person, and when I go to various reunions of ex-students, many will ask after Mrs. Hayden and ask me to pass on their regards. This is a simple reflection of the regard students have for her. Thank you, Vicki, for your incredible contribution to this our College.

Wayne Hines

This year marks the retirement of another wonderful staff member, Mr Wayne Hines, who, after nearly 30 years in the College, leaves for retirement. Wayne began in 1994 as a specialist Mathematics teacher and a dedicated homeroom teacher, where he fulfilled the roles until he became Deputy Head of the Middle School-Highton in 2003 and then Head of that campus between 2008 - 2016. After taking on the role of Head of Campus, Wayne successfully guided the Middle School and its staff through the next 10 years. After that, Wayne joined the Christian College Institute of Teaching and Learning in 2016 - 2017, where this pioneer group of teachers attempted to establish a new teacher training college designed for the development of new teachers who would service our College for the future. We thank you for your passion for teaching, your enthusiasm to serve God and the students in this College. May God continue to bless you as you move into this new phase of your life. Thanks, Wayne.

Vicki Hayden

Wayne Hines

Glen McKeeman

Kevin Smith

SPECIAL THANKS

This year we have been blessed to have had the services of Mr Rick Geall in the initial role of Acting Vice Principal, then Acting Principal. Rick has proven himself to be an exemplary leader in so many ways. His attention to detail combined with his enthusiasm and positive planning/thinking has led us well throughout the year through many difficult challenges. He will continue to lead us into 2024 as we begin the search for a new Executive Principal of Christian College, which will be undertaken by the CEO and the Board early next year.

I would also wish to express my thanks to Mr Adam Kennedy and Ms Kerrie Dapiran for making themselves available in the Middle School roles as Head of Campus and Deputy Head of Campus for the past two years. They have contributed a great deal to this College, and as they move in different directions for the time being, we thank them and pray for great blessings upon both. Another long-term contributor to the College who finished at the end of last term was Di Martin. I want to personally thank Di for her long-term service to the College and especially as Deputy Head of Senior School, and for her tireless work in running many years of Presentation Balls, which provided students with memories to cherish forever.

In conclusion, I want to express my gratitude to each Board member and staff member for their unwavering support, guidance, and commitment to the mission of Christian College. The collaboration between the Board, staff, students, and the broader community remains essential for our continued growth and success. I want to especially thank the members of the Executive Team, Mia, Brenda, Bernard, Jon Rick, and Sheryn for the many hours of sometimes difficult and challenging work this year.

Mr Daryl C. Riddle OAM Chief Executive Officer

FROM THE ACTING PRINCIPAL

As we reflect on the milestones and accomplishments of the past year, I am proud to share the highlights of 2023, a year marked by the reaffirmation of our core values, academic achievements, cultural exchanges, as well as community engagement.

At a planning day involving Heads of Campus and key leaders early in the year, the College recommitted to its four-decade-old Philosophical Statement, focusing on the holistic development of students—spiritually, intellectually, physically, and emotionally. Emphasising the importance of faith formation, we reaffirmed the place and purpose of staff and student devotions at the start of the day, on all campuses and across all year levels, providing a foundation for spiritual growth and setting a positive tone for each day.

Throughout the year, students were offered a myriad of opportunities to enrich their learning experiences. Academic challenges and competitions such as the Global Academic Challenge, Tournament of Minds, Australian Maths Competition, Science and Engineering Challenge and RoboCup Regional and National Events showcased the diverse talents and interests of our students. Academic excellence was celebrated with two students, Adela Karol and Oscar Saffin, receiving the prestigious VCE Premier’s Award for outstanding achievement in their VCE studies in 2022.

Our Music students were also able to extend their learning experience, showcasing their musical abilities in front of a range of community audiences, performing in venues such as Geelong Arts Centre, GMHBA Stadium, St. Pauls Anglican Church, Hawthorn Arts Centre, Geelong Waterfront and the Piano Bar. The staging of the play "Picnic at Hanging Rock" showcased the talents and dedication of our senior students, with a cast of 20 supported by a production team of other staff and students.

Language students had incredible opportunities to connect globally, fostering cultural understanding and cooperation this year. For the first time since COVID-19, our language exchange programs welcomed students from SMA2 Mataram, our sister school in Lombok, Indonesia, in March and Naga High students from Wakayama Prefecture, Japan in August, promoting cross-cultural learning experiences. And the increasingly connected world thanks to technology allowed students to engage in online video conferences with schools in Indonesia and Japan at other times of the year.

Then, in December, 18 students and four staff travelled to Japan for a 14-day cultural exchange program with Naga High School, our first overseas trip since 2019. The students made us proud as the immersed themselves in Japanese culture, exemplifying the spirit of cultural exchange and international cooperation.

Christian College continued its commitment to global outreach, maintaining strong connections with East Timor through various initiatives, including a teacher trip in April, the annual East Timor Trivia Night fundraiser in August, and a wonderful celebration reaffirming our 20-year friendship with East Timor in October.

Positive developments in the Junior Years saw collaboration across campuses to enhance the learning experience through innovative pedagogical approaches and resource allocation. The Surf Coast Campus welcomed its first cohort into Middle Years education with the progression to Year 5.

Community engagement remained a cornerstone of Christian College, with students actively participating in events such as ANZAC Day, National Reconciliation Week, and RUOK Day. National Reconciliation Week was particularly memorable, with choirs across all campuses uniting in song, symbolising the power of reconciliation and unity.

The commitment to lifelong learning was evident among the teaching staff, with several educators participating in professional development programs and further studies. Mrs Julie Shutie, Mrs Emma Workman, and Mrs Nicola Morrish, actively participated in the yearlong Teaching Excellence Program conducted by the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, whilst Lori Ruplal and Sarah Nailer were involved in the inaugural ISV Fellowship Program.

A further 100+ teachers in our College participated in our own Professional Growth Program, designed to encourage staff to set goals to develop their professional knowledge, practice and engagement. And most significantly, Ingrid Staggard was recognised as a nationally accredited Lead Teacher, embodying excellence in teaching practice having demonstrated she met the criteria in all 37 Australian Professional Standards for teachers at a lead level.

The annual Staff Retreat, held with a renewed focus on service-oriented activities, fostered a sense of community and purpose among staff members. Under the theme “Here to Serve”, staff feedback was overwhelmingly positive, largely in response to the renewed purpose of the activities, which still enabled social-connectedness and fellowship with colleagues, yet with a genuine sense of helping out in our local community. The Retreat dinner was also a highlight for many, and I would like to thank those members of the Board who attended, which I know was greatly appreciated by many staff.

In 2023, Christian College bid a fond farewell to a cadre of esteemed staff members, whose collective tenure represented a cornerstone of our institution's history. Wayne Hines, Andrew Richardson, Vicky Hayden, Kevin Smith, and Glen McKeeman, all stalwarts of our community,

departed, each leaving an indelible legacy. Their unwavering dedication, tireless service, and genuine camaraderie were pivotal in shaping the ethos of Christian College. As we reflect on their remarkable contributions, we extend our deepest gratitude for their enduring imprint on our cherished community.

In conclusion, 2023 was a year of growth, achievement, and community at Christian College. With a renewed commitment to holistic development and excellence in education, we look forward to embracing the opportunities and challenges of the future, guided by our enduring philosophy and values.

Mr Rick Geall

Acting Principal

FINANCIAL REPORT

I trust this provides you with an understanding of Christian College Geelong’s financial position as at the 31st December 2023.

Mrs Brenda Lyons

Finance Manager

2023 Financial Year in Review

On behalf of the Board of Christian College Geelong, please find below the annual financial report for 2023.

Our 2023 operating deficit prior to extra ordinary items was $1,671,888.

Our total comprehensive income was $4,637,880 due to a College-wide asset revaluation increment of $4,986,922 and extra ordinary grants of $1,322,846 received towards the building projects at our Surf Coast Campus.

The College Board has a policy of having its real estate assets revalued every three years. The properties were last revalued at 31st December, 2023 and are due to be revalued in 2026.

ENROLMENTS

Enrolments for 2023 on August census day were 1,998 students.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

$151,672 was expended on professional development

Profit and Loss Statement as at 31 December 2023:

INCOME

Tuition fees

Commonwealth Government grants

Miscellaneous sources

State Government grants

Capital Works Levy

Other fees and charges

TOTAL:

EXPENDITURE | NON-CAPITAL

Salaries and other staff expenditure including staff entitlements, workers compensation and training

Other expenses

Depreciation

Educational expenses

Operational costs on items including insurance, electricity, telephone

Finance and leases

Administration and other costs

Buildings and grounds

$24,045,185

$20,077,448 $5,155,228 $3,458,619 $1,653,071 $718,209 $55,107,760

$39,139,704

$4,138,713

$3,804,024 $2,866,511 $2,290,154 $1,664,294 $1,440,467 $1,435,781 $56,779,648

$4,986,922 $4,637,880

BALANCE SHEET ITEMS

91.60% Total assets are land, buildings and improvements

49.87% Total liabilities are long term (12 months or more) capital borrowings

The overall net worth of Christian College Geelong is $82,582,798 – an increase of 35.8% on the previous year.

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2023:

ASSETS

Land and Buildings - Non Current Buildings and Grounds Improvements - Non Current Other - Current Other - Non Current

Teaching and Learning - Non Current Buses - Non Current Debtors - Current Bank - Current TOTAL:

LIABILITIES

Capital Borrowings - Non Current Borrowings - Current Leave Entitlements - Current Borrowings Other - Non Current Fees in Advance - Current Creditors - Current

Leave Entitlements - Non Current Creditors - Non Current

TOTAL: NET ASSETS:

EQUITY

Contributed Capital Asset Revaluation Reserve

Accumulated Profits Current Year Profit/Loss

TOTAL:

$107,400,980

$5,619,355

$3,407,498

$2,290,741

$2,282,614

$1,816,231

$463,592 $2,429

$123,283,440

$17,660,428

$8,112,167

$7,521,275

$2,635,286

$2,304,793

$1,849,552

$574,568 $42,573

$40,700,642

$82,582,798

$56,837,147

$20,784,628 $323,143

$4,637,880

$82,582,798

2023 Building and Grounds

The College continues to develop and enhance infrastructure on an annual basis across all campuses.

Classroom and office development remain a high priority with many being completed throughout the year. Refurbishment of classrooms provides students with spaces that are aesthetically appealing, functional, fit for purpose and conducive to learning. Construction of new classrooms at the Surf Coast Campus continues, as the campus expands each year.

In addition, the external grounds and ovals at each campus have been further developed. By creating and maintaining beautiful and functional outdoor spaces, the College promotes the wellbeing of its community, encouraging an active lifestyle that complements academic pursuits.

Furthermore, continuous upgrades to essential services like plumbing, electrical, and data systems have been undertaken. This ensures teachers and students are provided with the necessary infrastructure as they go about their daily routines.

COLLEGE PERFORMANCE

2023 Staff Satisfaction Survey

Christian College Geelong - all

Campuses

Overall teaching staff means versus all schools and statistically similar schools

A total of 222 staff from Christian College Geelong completed the Staff Satisfaction Survey in 2023. The below graph displays the overall teaching staff means versus statistically similar schools.

Overall teaching staff means verses all schools and statistically similar schools Figure 4: displays

Overall teaching staff means versus all schools and statistically similar schools

FIGURE 1: displays

2023 Parent Satisfaction Survey

A total of 440 parents from Christian College Geelong completed the Parent Satisfaction Survey in2023. The below graph displays parent satisfaction per domain for Christian College Geelong against the ISV benchmark.

Overall means per domain verses all schools and statistically similar schools

Overall means per domain versus all schools and statistically similar schools

Overall means per domain versus all schools and statistically similar schools FIGURE 2: displays overall parent satisfaction per

Figure 3: displays overall parent satisfaction per domain for Christian College Geelong against the ISV benchmark.

2023 Student Satisfaction Survey Overview

A total of 811 students from Christian College Geelong completed the Student Satisfaction survey in 2023 from the estimated population of 1255 (Years 5-12)

The below graph displays student general satisfaction per domain at Christian College Geelong against the ISV benchmark.

Overall means per domain

Overall means per domain

3: displays General Satisfaction per domain at Christian College Geelong against the ISV Benchmark.

3: displays General Satisfaction per domain at Christian College Geelong against the ISV benchmark.

Figure

FIGURE

Figure 3: displays General Satisfaction per domain at Christian College Geelong against the ISV benchmark.

FIGURE 4: displays student satisfaction with the Quality of Teaching per domain at Christian College Geelong against the ISV Benchmark.

Figure 4: displays student satisfaction with the Quality of Teaching per domain at Christian College Geelong against the ISV benchmark.

Mr Rick Geall Acting Principal

TEACHING AND LEARNING

EARLY LEARNING

Kindergarten | Care

3-year-old kinder: Mudlarks and Sandpiper Groups

4-year-old kinder: Banksia, Sheoak and Wattle Groups

Daycare: Gumnuts Group

Kindergarten | Care

3-year-old kinder: Possums, Wombat and Emu Groups

4-year-old kinder: Bilbies, Koalas and Wallabies Groups

Extended care: Kookaburras Group

Programs + Practice

All our programs were in full swing in 2023, with regular bush kinder outings, excursions to various locations and specialist classes.

Both Williams House and Butterfield House, went through the lengthy ‘Assessment and Rating’ process in which we were assessed against the seven quality areas of the National Quality Standard. Both services were pleased to receive overall rating of ‘Exceeding’ the National Quality Standard.

As a result of the Department of Education announcing up to 15 hours of funded 3-year-old kinder, Butterfield House embarked on a major workplace change similar to what Williams House had done, to increase the hours of 3-year-old kinder available to families, with the exciting changes to be implemented at the beginning of 2024.

School Readiness Funding

For the second year, both kinders were included in the Department of Education and Training’s School Readiness Funding grants. Both kinders prioritised the areas of wellbeing and communication and were able to work closely with an Early Intervention Advisor to help support all children to participate in the kindergarten program.

The funding also allowed both our teams to engage in additional professional development, whilst also providing families with information sessions and support.

Specialists

In 2023, we continued to enjoy our connections with the adjacent Christian College’s junior schools. We are grateful to Deanne Elliss and Kevin Smith at Belmont, and Katie Moore and Kate Notini at Surf Coast for brilliantly accommodating opportunities in Library, Japanese and Music for our preschool children. Additionally, Williams House, has continued to engage in a much-valued Japanese program funded through the Department of Education.

Other Collaborative CCG Connections

We remain grateful for the support from our Junior School leaders, Ann-Marree Weigl and Debbie Riddle, and for all the behind the scenes support from Jonathan Ryan, Brenda Lyons, Belle Holmes, Bree Caldwell, Marketing and Publications, People and Community, and more practically, Jack Sims and his grounds and maintenance team.

Staffing Butterfield House

In 2023 we farewelled Chelce Powell and Lana Rigney from our day care team. We welcomed back Monique Bernard and Kathy Bamert after their maternity leave.

Congratulations to Bessie Beggs on the birth of her daughter Maisie. We look forward to welcoming Bessie back in 2024.

Williams House

In 2023 we introduced additional 3-year-old kinder groups, who attend for extra hours. We welcomed new graduate Mimi Wong, to teach our Possums group, who attended 15 hours a week, and Caroline Davies from Butterfield House, to teach our two 13 hour 3-year-old groups, the Wombats and Possums.

We introduced extended care, called the Kookaburras, which aims to support our families who may work or study, offering after kinder care. This care is available on their child’s kinder days and is led by Bianca Mullen.

In Conclusion

We are thankful to God for the opportunity to partner with so many wonderful families in their child’s early years, and for the opportunity to work in such positive and supportive environments. We look forward to the growth in both our centres in 2024.

Mrs Steph Butler

Director of Early Learning

Williams House

Mrs Michelle Young

Director of Early Learning

Butterfield House

TEACHING AND LEARNING

PRIMARY & SECONDARY

This year highlighted the agility, flexibility, and adaptability of the education program at Christian College Geelong. The Teaching and Learning program successfully delivered a varied and rich curriculum to the community.

We saw Senior academic results improved, thanks to the strategic goals that guided the program.

The program developed strength throughout the year with the implementation of various digital learning initiatives into the classroom, offering dynamic ways of engagement as well as synchronous and asynchronous learning environments to meet the ever-changing needs of learners.

In addition to the core teaching and learning program, initiatives aligned with the strategic goals were implemented. The Middle School campus settled into the structural change, benefiting from a new daily model that enabled longer teaching blocks and deeper learning opportunities, as well as increased devotional and pastoral time.

The Assessment and Reporting PLT implemented standardised assessments and an agreed common assessment language across the campuses. A new timely assessment was also developed to support College families in understanding how their child engaged with and progressed in their learning.

The Teacher Toolbox was enhanced to support staff with various initiatives. The Professional Growth Program was introduced, successfully trialled, and continued to grow, providing opportunities for College staff to improve their professional practice. In addition the new Awards software was introduced across the College.

Looking ahead, the program was set to review the Middle School structural change and commence Phase 2 implementation. Additionally, plans were in place to overhaul reporting methods to demonstrate students' growth over time, alongside a thorough evaluation of our Student Learning Management System to identify a suitable replacement for Learning Management System (LMS). Furthermore, the program would further enhance its offerings through the introduction of the Australian Curriculum V9.0, integrating general capabilities, cross-curricular priorities, and key learning areas into the existing dynamic program.

Mr Antony Benson

Executive Director of Teaching and Learning

Williams House Kindergarten

39 Broughton Drive, Belmont 3216

Tel. 03 5241 3556

Butterfield House Kindergarten

240 Great Ocean Road, Torquay 3228

Tel. 03 5264 6803

Junior School - Belmont

39 Broughton Drive, Belmont 3216

Tel. 03 5241 1565

Middle School - Highton

18 Burdekin Drive, Highton 3216

Tel. 03 5241 1899

Senior School - Waurn Ponds

135 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds 3216

Tel. 03 5241 1577

Surf Coast Campus

248 Great Ocean Road, Torquay 3228

Tel. 03 5244 8799

Bellarine Campus

40 Collins Street, Drysdale 3222

Tel. 03 5253 2998

Back Creek Farm

Midland Hwy, Scotsburn

Tel. 03 5341 2051 www.christiancollege.vic.edu.au