InFocus-Semester 2-2024 by Christian College Geelong

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the Semester 2 edition of In Focus for 2024.

As Christian College enters a period of leadership transition, we take a theme for this edition of ‘Where we’ve come, and where we’re going’. We pay tribute to retiring CEO Mr Daryl Riddle OAM. A number of people who worked closely with him during his 44 years, including the ﬁrst Board Chair Howard Williams and long-serving Vice Principal Gwen Prosser, reﬂect on their association with the man whose vision and drive have enabled the building and shaping of this College and its community for nearly all of its history.

We look at another milestone moment in Surf Coast Campus’s life as it hits secondary levels with Year 7s on the scene next year, and in another piece that follows our theme, we hear from two mums who attended Back Creek Farm as Year 9 students and this year, accompanied their own Prep-aged children for a farm visit.

One of the joys of a multi-campus, K-12 college is the interaction that goes on between young people of di erent ages from di erent campuses – we explore how our students at various levels engage with children from our two kindergartens. Our Year 12 Prefects visited Viqueque in Timor Leste this year – the ﬁrst such visit since 2019 and we hear reﬂections from two of the group who went. We shine the spotlight on the Christian College Swim Program involving students from Prep through to Year 6, there’s a photo spread from this year’s Music Evening – and lots more good reading. Please enjoy this edition of In Focus.

Sim Garner

Editor - In Focus

Rampaging RoboCuppers!

Christian College teams travelled to Brisbane to participate in the 25th Annual RoboCup Junior Australian Open National Championships.

Our teams performed extremely well against topnotch opposition from around Australia, as well as representative teams from New Zealand and South Korea.

Year 12s, Arlin Benson and Martin Dean, made school history, cementing themselves as the ﬁrst team to ever compete and win a match in the Open League Division. Not only did they score goals and win a match, but the boys also ﬁnished 3rd overall in the nation. Congratulations to all students who participated, and to Mr O’Kelly and Mr Benson for their work in preparing, supporting and travelling with the teams.

Where we’ve c e, and where we’re going

The Clocktower at Middle School Highton holds a special place in the heart of our school. Visible from miles around, it serves as an iconic symbol of our College, and is featured prominently in brochures and promotional videos.

But beyond its striking appearance, the Clocktower carries a deep tradition that connects generations of students. On their last day of school, Year 12 students climb its stairs to leave a mark—signing their names on one of the bricks inside the tower walls.

This rite of passage, dating back to 1991, has become a treasured part of the Christian College experience, reminding graduates that they are part of something bigger than themselves and that their contribution extends beyond their day of graduation.

Over the years, with increasing numbers of alumni, finishing Year 12 students have had to climb higher within the tower to find unmarked bricks. To accommodate this, a new staircase was installed in 2020, funded by donations from the College community. These contributions were commemorated with engraved plates on each step, symbolising the support and dedication of those who invested in this enduring legacy. On the very first step—an easily missed spot at the base of the staircase—lies a plate bearing the names of two of Christian College’s founding members, Dinny Terpstra and Ailsa Pearce. These two humble yet visionary women dreamed of a school that would o er families a Christcentred education for their children.

Between those two names is another plate, inscribed with these words: “Remember, we all stand on the shoulders of those who preceded us”. They are an adaption of the words attributed to Isaac Newton, when he acknowledged those in the ﬁeld of science who paved the way for him: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”

Ringing the College bell is part of the Year 12 rite of passage as they spend their last day at Christian College

One such foundational ﬁgure is our current CEO, Daryl “Butch” Riddle. Since the time when Christian College was just a handful of rented classrooms serving 60 students, Butch has been a constant presence, guiding and shaping the school’s growth. As the curtain draws on a long and illustrious career in education, and retirement awaits him at the end of this year, we acknowledge the leadership, God-fearing faith and dedication that Butch has brought to our College over four decades. His visionary mindset and equipping of others have made it possible for others to carry forward the mission, ensuring a bright future for Christian College for generations to come. You can read some tributes to Butch in this edition of In Focus, starting on page 8.

“As Christian College now looks toward the future, we do so with a sense of hope and assurance in God’s plan for our school.”

Next year, we welcome a new Executive Principal, Dr Mathilda Joubert, who will lead us into this next chapter, bringing fresh vision and energy while honouring the legacy and values that deﬁne us.

This leadership transition marks a new day for our school, one ﬁlled with opportunities for growth and advancement, building on the solid foundations laid by those before.

Rick Geall Acting Principal

Dr Mathilda Joubert takes on the role of Executive Principal in 2025

Mr Daryl Riddle (Butch) celebrates 20 years of friendship with Timor Leste in 2023 - just one of the initiatives that is part of his remarkable legacy

FROM THE DEAN OF CHRISTIAN CULTURE

On Track and Moving F ward!

“You’re doing great Sweetie” the grandma runner with the ﬂuoro bum bag and parachute tracksuit called out as I sat in the grass at kilometre 10 contemplating my life’s choices. I had signed up for a 20km fun run to raise money for children’s literacy and was seriously struggling at the halfway point.

Here in November, we are well and truly beyond the halfway point of the 2024 school year, and yet if we step back and take a longer look at the life of the College who knows where the halfway point is or will be? There’s a sense of joyful temporal mystery when considering such things as God only knows the timing of one person’s life or that of any organisation or community. This mystery, I think, is a part of what makes life and time so precious – we don’t know how much of it we have, and therefore every moment is uniquely valuable and ﬁlled with unknown possibilities.

So far, our College has successfully contributed to the lives of thousands of students and potentially hundreds of thousands families those students were and are now connected with. In fact, our very ﬁrst set of Year 12 graduates, and plenty of those who have graduated since them, are now parents of current students who are making their way through their own educational journey at Christian College. These past 45 years are our ‘so far’, who knows how far our ‘could go’ is going to be. What a wonderfully delightful thought! It gets me thinking, dreaming, hoping and praying for all that is ahead for our community.

Celebration Day - the end of the road for Year 12s in 2024

Perhaps you’re reading this today and you’re a student in your Middle School years, Prep was years ago and Year 12 feels like a long way ahead…perhaps you’re in your Senior School years and you’re realising that while school has been with you for most of your life so far, your Christian College journey is indeed coming to an end sooner than later. Maybe you’re a parent aware of how quickly your children are growing up and how many fee-paying years you have to go, or perhaps you’re a sta member just starting out in your teaching career beside a colleague who is preparing to retire – we are all in the middle of a story that is still being written.

It helps me, no matter what area of life I am contemplating and considering, to remember that “I am in the middle of an interesting story”. It is good to stand still for a moment, in the midst of whatever we’re thriving in, struggling through, celebrating or anticipating, to acknowledge that God is with us and working all things for our good (Romans 8:28) with a future ahead that we can neither perceive nor control and yet are invited to participate in and enjoy. We are a blessed people indeed!

No matter where you’re at, there is so much for you individually and for us as a community to celebrate in terms of where we have been so far. You have a 100 per cent success rate at getting through each day. Not an unimportant achievement I might add. You have faced fears and tried new things, succeeded and failed and turned up for this beautiful thing we call life and community. We are grateful that to our betterment you’ve chosen to do all of that here with us as a part of the Christian College community. Together our community has covered so much ground, ﬁve campuses, three student-run café’s, one community Sports and Aquatic Centre, two kindergartens, one Art, Technology and Design Centre and a much beloved dairy farm and we’re nowhere near ﬁnished yet! Thousands of graduates with many more on the way, and so many stories to share and discover as we live, learn, work and play together in this beautiful community.

If I’m honest I have always been a little bit more couch potato than fearless marathon runner. Where running was concerned, I was admittedly more familiar with ‘the walk of shame’ than ‘runners high’. However, the couple of years I got into running thanks to the ‘Couch to 5K’, followed by the ‘Couch to 10K’ programs really helped me conquer a longheld fear and get a sense of my potential. What I learned from that short-lived season was that ‘looking behind is just as important as looking ahead’. It’s good to stop and pause, to look behind us and see how far we’ve come, the terrain we’ve covered, things we’ve shared and celebrate our accomplishments. This builds courage and conﬁdence for all that might lay ahead. It’s also important to keep our eyes ﬁxed on Jesus and the future God has planned and prepared for us as we move into the future.

I encourage you individually, as a family and all of us as a community to take a pause, look back, see how far you’ve come this year and over the past few years. Look back and see what you can see, learn from the story so far, assert the positives over the negatives and then turn around to face the future with me knowing that forward is forward no matter the speed you go at, and walking into tomorrow and all that is ahead together is a gift we cannot begin to fathom but are absolutely ready to enjoy!

God knows the next part of our story; it’s looking fabulous so far and I’m grateful for you and your company on the road ahead!

Mia Kafieris Dean of Christian Culture

DARYL RIDDLE OAM 44 YEARS OF SERVICE

Retiring CEO Leaves Remarkable Legacy

This year marks the retirement after an amazing 44 years of service from a man whose name is synonymous with Christian College. When a young teacher, Daryl Riddle (or Butch to most who knew him), ﬁrst stepped through the door, Christian College was a very di erent place –barely a year old; student numbers totalled a few dozen and the premises comprised several rented rooms in the wing of an orphanage. Mr Riddle took on the role of Acting Principal in 1982, returned to the classroom in 1983, then became Principal in 1984 – a position he occupied across the next three decades. Serving as our CEO for more than a decade, Mr Riddle has driven the College’s expansion in many areas. Today, we are one of this state’s largest Independent schools with ﬁve campuses, two Early Learning centres, a working dairy farm and more, and we o er an unparalleled range of learning programs and experiences from Kinder through to Year 12. Throughout this remarkable journey, countless thousands have been touched by Mr Riddle’s life’s work and his genuine love and compassion for people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.

In this edition of In Focus, we present a photo gallery spanning 44 years and hear some reflections from five people who have known and worked with Daryl Riddle for significant periods of time over that 44-year journey.

Daryl Riddle and the Board Chairs he has worked with over 44 years, from left - current Chair, Assoc. Prof. David Fuller; Mr James Shirley; Mr Daryl Riddle; Mr Howard Williams; Rev. Paul Stephens. Inset, Mr Chris Golden.

The Christian College sta - 1984

Some pretty memorable things have been shared over the 42 years that Daryl and I have known each other. I’d like to share a few here that might not be so familiar to people who know him.

First was when he trained and led the few children we had (at the school) in a musical ‘The Story Telling Man’. I believe that was his crowning experience. The few parents at that time would have followed Butch anywhere after such a great e ort. That rapport continues still.

We were getting on our feet a bit as a school when one evening I needed to speak to Butch as he drove out of the schoolyard in his precious Holden ute. I looked into the back and could see through to the back axle and the ground. No chassis in those old Holdens of course. We decided soon after that we would either need to increase his wages or organise a school car.

About that time, Butch asked me to go with him to take a class diving. It came around to my turn and he said “C’mon Howard, jump in.” I could barely swim to save myself. The water was many metres deep. Next, it was taking a class canoeing down the Barwon River. It was beautiful weather as we departed, so we all left our jackets behind. One of the students’ canoes became stuck between a couple of rocks. Daryl realised they’d dropped away from the group and imagine the thoughts going through his mind as he took o in his wet togs across a thistle-ridden paddock to ﬁnd them.

I was always proud of the way Butch introduced me as his chairman when we needed to attend get-togethers with the heads of other private schools. I am sure I was the only one present with such a down-to-earth job as dairy farming.

Soon after establishing the sister school relationship with Naga High School in Japan, we visited there. We were in the street one day when some local boys were obviously impressed with Daryl’s size. I just said “Sumo” and pointed to Butch. The boys almost worshipped him.

It was great to have Daryl come to East Timor to the o cial opening of the dairy project at Fuiloro in 2004. (This had involved the breeding and raising of dairy calves). It was there that their new Minister of Agriculture promised to provide the wages for the two local workers we had trained to manage the farm. Sadly, that never eventuated and the cows that were giving a mug of milk each day to 800 children slowly dried up. Most of the children there didn’t have anything to eat before walking several kilometres to school.

The incredible work that Christian College has done in Viqueque since then eventuated from Daryl’s visit. We used to camp on the concrete verandah of the Viqueque District Administrator’s home at the time we were establishing the work there. We were o ered a building for us to repair and use as our home in Timor. It was a building that had been built by the Indonesians during their occupation.

There were many more noteworthy happenings of course during the 25 years that Daryl was Principal, so ably assisted by Mrs Gwen Prosser, his Vice Principal, which set Christian College on the incredible path it has followed since.

Howard Williams

Christian College Board Chair

1987 - 2006

In thinking back to the early days of Christian College, it was evident that Daryl’s passion for teaching, his strong Christian faith and his inherent leadership qualities were vital attributes needed in the establishment and growth of a new Christian College in the Geelong region.

I first met Daryl when I accepted a secondary teaching position in 1982 with responsibility for Years 8 and 9. It was obvious, even then, that we were both committed to developing a fine Christian School with high academic standards combining with the daily expressions of Christian values. The first motto of the College was “Christian College – a balance of care and curriculum for today”

He was appointed originally as a young enthusiastic teacher for Years 4,5 and 6 combined. However, within a few short years the College Board appointed him as Principal. The challenges facing the College in the 1980s centred around the need for increasing enrolments at all levels. Many evenings were spent by Daryl and the retired Principal of Eltham College, Mr Des. Davey, sitting in public halls throughout the district talking with prospective families about Christian College.

Finances were tight as well, but sta and Board members were often surprised by Daryl’s ability to unearth secondhand classroom furniture at little or no cost. A willing band of sta and parents were on hand to restore it ready for student and sta use.

With the introduction of some mainstream Christian Churches – Anglican, Uniting and Salvation Army on to the College Board, Daryl’s leadership broadened by his direct involvement in the ensuing changes to the College Constitution.

Over the years, as enrolments increased and year levels expanded, Daryl’s extraordinary ability to negotiate property leases and eventual sales ensured that facilities were developed across di erent levels and at various campuses – in Highton, Drysdale, ‘Back Creek’ Scotsburn and on the Surf Coast. These were real answers to prayer.

Daryl Riddle’s retirement function was held at Deakin Estate in November

Daryl was often forward in his thinking and took opportunities as they presented - with Japanese and Indonesian languages o ered even though many schools were still focused on French and German. He was a real advocate of sports and negotiated interschool competitions with other Christian Schools in the region. Christian College also trialled some VCE subjects a year prior to its full introduction across Victoria.

As Principal, Daryl wisely recognised the importance of all sta - whether teachers, administration, or maintenance sta - showing Christian values in their daily roles. His introduction of annual Sta Retreats focused on teamwork activities to emphasise these priorities.

My sincere thanks go to Daryl who, as Principal, inspired the initial and ongoing success of Christian College as demonstrated by the graduate reunions and students who return as sta members, parents or members of the College Foundation.

Gwen Pro er Vice Principal Christian College

1985 - 2013

I have known Daryl since I applied for a job teaching Mathematics to Year 7 and 8 students at Christian College in 1987. I was interviewed for the job and immediately felt part of the place, ready to begin the following the following year.

At this stage, Christian College had fewer than about 50 students. However, by the start of the following year, through Daryl’s great belief that everything would be ﬁne, we began with about 132 students.

Daryl’s belief and ability transmitted to sta and students as we all pulled together. In the beginning we would have assemblies in the chapel of the old St Augustine’s boys’ home however by the time I retired in 2023, we needed spaces like the Sport and Aquatic Centre, such was the growth in numbers of parents wanting to give their child a Christian College education.

Daryl’s greatest wish was, and always has been, that students from Christian College would go into the world to help make it a better place and be people who put others ﬁrst. He is a man with an amazing vision, commitment, integrity and love for all sta and students, and has guided the growth of Christian College with a passion.

Having been a sta member and a parent, I have always found Daryl supportive and caring and have been proud to consider him my friend.

What an amazing legacy that Daryl has established, and it is one that will continue in years ahead, shining brightly and reﬂecting his example for others to see.

Vicki Hayden

Christian College Maths teacher 1988 – 2023

I recall a late night trip to the College at around 11pm in the evening after a movie because the College internet connection had failed. He stuck by me that entire time whilst it was ﬁxed as he knew I didn’t really like being at the College late at night in the pitch black – and in true Butch style, he had to throw in a little scare in there as well.

I started my Christian College Journey in 1998 when I moved from Colac High School to Christian College. I remember seeing Butch as the principal and thinking I never wanted to ﬁnd myself in that man’s o ce!

However, hearing him talk at assemblies and special events always left you feeling inspired, ready to face life’s next challenge, head-on. I remember shaking hands with him at the Deb Ball, meeting him at various music performances, and other events. He was always present and genuinely excited to see the students and always was positive, thankful and stirring up a bit of fun.

My schooling ﬁnished and my next big interaction with Butch was sitting on his red leather couch in a job interview. To say I was nervous, would be an understatement. Butch just casually opened the conversation and as he does, broke down the barriers and made me feel so at ease.

Since that interview and in my time as an employee at CCG, I have found Butch to always be supportive, caring, loving, gracious and a fantastic mentor. I will always remember the phrase “If I can think it, it can be done.”

When times have been tough though, I could always count on Butch to be there to support me and always provide a laugh along the way. Disagreements in our work environment were always short-lived and solutions were invariably easily found.

Around 2010, Butch and I found a common interest in repairing old cars. Sharing that interest has continued since that time, and we have fixed several old cars, holidayed together, gone on road trips and just had fun. I find Butch to be one of those people that, as a close friend, you will find loyal, supportive, fun, caring and always there when you need him most – and sometimes when you think you don’t need him too.

I will miss Butch being around the College in the years to come but will continue to enjoy the friendship that has been created over all these years and enjoy the Godly Kingdom that Butch has built at Christian College.

Ashley Walters

Former: CCG student; CCG IT Manager

Current: CCG Bus and Fleet Manager

ﬁrst met Butch back in 1983 when I was in Grade 6. My parents took me to a kids Church program on a Sunday morning called Crumpet Street. As always, he was larger than life and made every kid feel they were worth a million dollars.

Reﬂecting over the last 40+ years, I have always felt I walk taller from moments in life when I have been privileged to have Butch speak into them. As a young boy, an adolescent or furthering my career in my adult life, he has been the coach, conﬁdant and champion that has always encouraged me to aspire to more. He has been the great keel keeping balance and perspective, while daring to believe and aspire to be a greater man for the greater purpose.

Butch ﬁlls a room, his personality is so infectious. Over the years watching him interact with others I have seen that when he enters a room, everyone gravitates towards him, to hear a tale or words of encouragement and love – no-one misses out as he has always made sure that every single person matters and can contribute to the greater cause. No matter how small or great the impact you have, I have learnt from Butch that it is through the power of all contributing that we make a di erence.

I have always loved being on the work site and when Butch shows up, all the sta and trades make their way over to him, not just because he’s the boss, but because they have all felt they come away from him walking just a little bit taller, feeling that bit more valued. That has always stood out for me.

Personally, I have so many memories, from youth group camps at Mill Valley Ranch to camping down at Cumberland River, from all-nighters with 15 – 20 teens in their house to travelling over to Adelaide helping out with a kids program. From New Year’s Eve celebrations dressed up like Fonzie, to time sitting on the couch in his o ce weighing up career opportunities. There are so many adventures and moments within my own life in which Butch has played such a signiﬁcant part.

Butch’s legacy is summed up nicely in a few words: “Dare to dream and we can make it work!” Being within the Construction and Maintenance team, I have watched this organisation grow significantly. Daring to dream to make the impossible possible is something he is leaving with us. The other significant thing is making it work, when all the external indicators say it will cost more or can’t be done, he has always pushed the envelope for the betterment of the College, and this is definitely something I have seen not just the Christian College Executive team embrace but those who work within our department push for to make it work.

To be very honest, when I started working with a building team as a 16-year-old kid starting out as an apprentice, I was very naive and had no comprehension of how fortunate I was to have landed in such an extraordinary organisation. Just recently I was able to be a part of the opening of the new Stage 2a facility on the Surf Coast Campus. Sitting there watching the kids perform in a brand-new gym building that will be used for years to come, I leaned over to one of the team members and whispered, “this is why we do what we do.” His response: “100 percent Stu!”. It is such a privilege and honour to work at Christian College Geelong. Without doubt, if it was not for Daryl Riddle there is no way know this organisation would have achieved even half of what it has.

S Wilkins

Christian College Construction Manager –Commercial Buildings

SURF COAST GOES TO HIGH SCHOOL

Quality Spaces f a Quality Educati

As the Construction, Grounds, and Maintenance team, we consider it a privilege to be part of a school dedicated to creating an environment that o ers the greatest opportunities for the next generation of students at Christian College Geelong. Right now, this is especially true at our developing Surf Coast Campus.

With growth comes increased demand, and a diverse suite of subjects necessitates multi-use spaces that not only provide exceptional learning experiences but also embrace sustainable building design. This approach ensures that students can seamlessly transition between various subjects as they navigate the campus.

Since 2023, the College has focused on preparing for the incoming middle school years at Surf Coast, ensuring that both current and new students beneﬁt from quality spaces that uphold our high educational standards. This commitment has led to the construction of a new gymnasium, additional primary school classrooms, and a new campus administration building. As we concluded Stage 2 of development this year, we also modiﬁed existing spaces to accommodate primary level Art and Science classes.

Southeast elevation of Stage 4 with the new classrooms for Year 8

Engaging and Interactive Design

This year the College has rapidly progressed into Stage 3 of the campus development to prepare for the new Year 7 cohort of 2025. This phase includes the addition of two general learning classrooms, a new Food Technology room, amenities, and a state-of-the-art Innovation Centre. Collaborating with the school’s architects, we have designed an engaging, interactive space that integrates Art, Technology, Media, and Textiles under one roof. With construction well underway, we are on track to open the new Year 7 classrooms and Food Tech room for the start of the school year.

Looking ahead to 2025, we will continue to develop the campus in preparation for the Year 8 cohort in 2026, with plans for additional general learning classrooms and a new science lab. Upon receiving council approval, the Grounds and Construction team will promptly begin preparations for a new sports ﬁeld and access road around the site.

There is much to be excited about for the future of our Surf Coast Campus!

S Wilkins Construction Manager –Commercial Buildings

Northeast elevation of Stage 4 with the Science room in the foreground and decking connections to the Stage 3 Art Innovation Centre

Humble Beginnings – but Look at us Now!

Our Surf Coast Campus has grown signiﬁcantly since its establishment in 2018, remaining rooted in its faithbased values while expanding to serve a diverse and vibrant student community. From an initial group of just 10 students, our campus will grow to accommodating over 300 students in 2025.

When the Surf Coast Campus opened its doors in 2018, the focus was on building a Christian learning environment centred on faith, character development, and academic excellence. With only 10 students in the inaugural class, the school’s vision was to create a nurturing and personalised space where each student could ﬂourish spiritually, academically, and emotionally.

The small size of the initial cohort allowed for deep, personal connections between sta and students, fostering a strong sense of community. Grounded in Christian values, the sta sought to model servant leadership and provide a supportive, Christ-centred learning environment. The early days were marked by the development of relationships and the establishment of a culture that encouraged students to reﬂect God’s love in their interactions and learning, and this culture continues today.

Enhancing learning and spiri al development

As the campus grew, so did its facilities. New learning spaces were added to accommodate the increasing number of students, with classrooms, and play spaces evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding community. From its humble beginnings, the campus now features a stadium, administration building and the upcoming Year 7 classrooms, an innovation centre and Food Studies kitchen and dining space. All these spaces are designed to enhance both learning and spiritual development.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Surf Coast Campus is its commitment to providing an education grounded in Christian principles. As the campus expanded, the integration of faith into daily school life has remained a cornerstone of the educational experience. Students participate in regular, Devotions, and Christian Studies classes, which form a central part of the curriculum and campus culture.

The development of diverse programs and extracurricular activities has been a key focus of the campus’s growth. Initially, the academic program was the primary focus, but as the student population grew, so did the breadth of o erings. Today, students have access to a wide range of activities, including debating teams, performing arts, food studies, environmental clubs, and sports programs. These programs reﬂect the campus’s mission to create well-rounded individuals.

As student numbers grew, so too did the need for additional sta . The early years of the campus were supported by a small group of educators who embraced multiple roles. Over time, the sta has expanded to include a diverse team of teachers, specialists, and support sta , all dedicated to maintaining a high standard of Christian education.

2023 - Fun at the Year 2 camp, Angahook

A s g sense of c munity

Despite its growth, the Surf Coast Campus has maintained a strong sense of community, which is deeply rooted in its Christian identity. From the beginning, the campus has focused on creating an inclusive and caring environment, where every student feels valued as part of God’s family. The Christian ethos permeates all aspects of school life, fostering a spirit of kindness, compassion, and service to others. The close-knit atmosphere of the early years has been carefully maintained, with e orts to ensure that each student, regardless of when they joined us, feels an integral part of the school’s story. The community-driven focus continues to be a hallmark of the campus.

Looking toward 2025, with over 300 students projected to enrol, including our ﬁrst cohort of Year 7 students, the campus leadership remains focused on maintaining the Christian foundation that has been key to its success. The future vision includes continuing to expand both academic and faith-based programs, ensuring that the campus remains a place where students can grow intellectually and spiritually.

I have been truly blessed to be a part of the Surf Coast Campus journey from its inception. Every year has brought new challenges and joys, each one shaping not only the growth of the campus but my own personal growth as well. It has been a privilege to walk alongside the students, sta , and families as we’ve built this vibrant and faith-filled community together. Watching the campus flourish into what it is today, while staying rooted in our Christian values, fills me with immense gratitude. This community is more than just a school; it’s a place where we all grow and learn together, and I’m honoured to continue being part of it.

Debbie Riddle Surf Coast Campus Leader

2023 - Our inaugural Year 5 group sees blazers on campus for the ﬁrst time

2022 - Colourful kimonos in Year 2 Japanese

2020 - Urban Upcycle incursion

Cu icula Tail ed to Meet Evolving Interests and Pa i s

Exciting new Learning Opportunities for Year 7s

Surf Coast Campus taking on its ﬁrst Year 7 cohort in 2025 marks a new era of exciting learning opportunities, driven by an innovative secondary curriculum and an expansive elective program that prepares students for the Senior program.

With new buildings, grounds, and specialist secondary sta joining the campus, students will beneﬁt from enhanced educational spaces designed to foster academic excellence, creativity, and personal growth. Our students are not just encouraged to excel academically, but they are also empowered to actively participate in their educational journey, with greater autonomy and a voice in directing their learning.

From Year 5, specialisation and experiential learning have been integral to the Surf Coast experience. Now, with the addition of Year 7, further learning opportunities are o ered, which are tailored to meet the evolving interests and passions of our students.

Core and Elective O erings for Year 7 in 2025

The Year 7 curriculum o ers a broad spectrum of subjects that aim to develop each student’s ability to think critically, solve problems, and take ownership of their learning.

Students in Year 7 will participate in the following core subjects for the entire year:

• Christian Education

• Digital Technologies

• English

• Health and Physical Education

• Mathematics

• Science

• Wellbeing

• Humanities (Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business, Geography, and History)

Additionally, students will study these subjects for one semester:

• Indonesian

• Japanese

• Music

• Visual Art

2021 - Wonka Day was a big hit with the Year 3s

2023 - Turning the sod for Stage 2 of the construction works at Surf Coast Campusz

2021 - Year 1s - Learning about light and sound with a sensory approach to Science

The elective program o ers students the opportunity to explore their personal interests and passions. Year 7 students will complete two elective subjects per semester, choosing from:

• Drama

• Media

• Music Elective

• Food Studies

• Production Design (Materials: Wood, Metal & Plastic)

• Production Design (Textiles)

• Systems Engineering (Robotics/Electronics)

• Writers’ Workshop

• How Does Your Garden Grow?

• Interschool Sport

Looking Ahead: Year 8 and Year 9 Expansi

While the introduction of Year 7 is an exciting milestone in the life of the campus, it cannot happen without consideration of what follows in 2026 and 2027 as those students move into Year 8, then Year 9.

The Year 8 curriculum will continue to provide a balance of core and elective subjects, further developing the skills and knowledge gained in Year 7. Core subjects are similar to those in Year 7, except that students choose either Japanese or Indonesian for the year, and the Humanities o ering consists of the subjects Geography and History, which are each taken for one semester. Environmental and Outdoor Studies is introduced at this level, which is also taken for one semester.

Electives in Year 8 include similar options to Year 7, as well as Marine Studies, Art Making and Exhibiting and Community Service. How Does Your Garden Grow? is not o ered at Year 8.

In Year 9, Christian Education, English, Health and Physical Education, Mathematics, Science and Wellbeing continue as core subjects, together with the choice of either Indonesian, Japanese or Worldview, which explores global perspectives and ethical considerations.

Year 9 students will also participate in two experiential learning programs: the Rural Experience at Back Creek Farm and the Transformation Program, each providing unique real-world learning experiences.

Elective choices at this level include: Drama, Media, Music, Art Making and Exhibiting, Digital Technologies, Food Studies, Product Design (Materials & Textiles), Systems Engineering, Visual Communication Design, The Editorial, Geography, Law and Order, Australia’s Health, Principles of Training, Outdoor and Environmental Studies and Marine Studies.

As we continue to expand and develop the Surf Coast campus, we look forward to o ering these rich educational experiences that will inspire and prepare our students for their futures.

Ant y Bens Executive Director of Teaching and Learning

2024 - Book Week celebrations in the new gymnasium

PREFECTS RETURN TO TIMOR LESTE

Life-Changing Mem ies, a Transf mati al Opp nity

For the ﬁrst time since 2019, the Year 12 College Prefects travelled with a group of sta , and the Board Chair, to Timor Leste. The experience for the Prefects is always impactful as a teambuilding and leadership development experience, as they witness and participate ﬁrsthand in the work that Christian College has long supported in the Viqueque community.

One of the teachers who accompanied the group, and longstanding Timor Leste Committee Chair, Mr Graham Barton, summed up this year’s trip like this:

“The one word on the minds of the Year 12 Prefects as they completed a life changing trip to East Timor, was ‘community’. It was incredible how quickly students connected with the Viqueque community during their time there. They taught English classes to the local senior high school students, visited many schools, orphanages and communities to ﬁnd a need to raise money for at the upcoming trivia night (Christian College’s Annual Timor Leste Trivia Night, held in August). This annual trip is a unique and transformational opportunity for our young people to develop a sense of social responsibility and connectedness to their world.”

Two of the Prefects who attended, Molly Daly and Sam Francis consulted their Prefect peers in preparation for a speech they delivered between them at the Senior School Commencement Assembly in Term 3. Here is what they said:

Reflecti s the Tim Leste Experience

Molly Daly:

“As many of you may know, some of the Prefects travelled to East Timor over the holiday break, on the ﬁrst prefect trip in 5 years. And while it is incredibly di cult to summarise everything that happened on our trip, we thought it would be best to give you a day in the life in Viqueque, the village in which we spent most of our time.

On this particular day, some of us woke early around 6am to the excited shouts and cheers from the streets – Portugal had won a soccer game, and people couldn’t be happier. They ran down streets chanting ‘Ronaldo’, rode on motorbikes waving the Portuguese ﬂag behind them, and danced around outside their houses in their red soccer jerseys. While this didn’t happen every day, it was a welcome sight to see.

Then we all ate breakfast in the main house and were on the road by 9:00am to a senior school in the back of a bumpy troupie or bus. As the wet season came late in Timor this year, we quite often had signiﬁcant amounts of rain overnight during our stay – and unfortunately for the school we visited, most of the grounds were underwater by at least a foot. Now for us, rain wouldn’t normally be an issue in regard to school, but for the kids in Viqueque, large amounts of rain usually meant the teachers wouldn’t make it to classrooms, and they wouldn’t be taught that day.

For some of us to access the classes, we had to submerge our shoes in at least a foot of water, which was not a very enjoyable experience, let me tell you. In the classes, we would run activities, ranging from 4 Corners to Celebrity Heads. In each class, the kids would be so happy to see us, they would cheer when we walked in, greeting us with shouts of ‘Bon dia kolega’ which translates to ‘good morning friend’. We’d usually spend a few hours at these schools, running our activities, getting to know some students and taking photos with them –and boy do they love their photos! Interacting with these students and seeing the joy they show was a moment most of us will never forget.”

Sam Francis:

“After visiting the schools, we’d usually return back to the main house for lunch and then a siesta (not a ﬁesta, as some people confused it with). On this day, we had organised two soccer matches, one for the boys and one for the girls.

Although we did consider them to be friendly matches, the locals were competitive and the games were very tense and serious. The soccer pitch consisted of a large square patch of land about the size of an actual football field, with large posts making up the goals on each side. The field had chickens, roosters, a cow and a couple of goats wandering around – plus a rogue pig that ran across the field mid-game. Although there was a competitive side to the games, there was also an amazing amount of joy and fun experienced as this game brought two totally di erent groups of people together, displaying the power this sport has in this community. After two very tense and sweaty games there were lots of goals, laughs, new friends made… and a few questionable decisions made by the refs. We then made our way back to the main house.

We were very blessed that that night we had the lovely Azena cooking Mi Goreng for us. Each night after dinner, we would do a group reﬂection on our time in Timor and what it meant for each of us to be here and present in this amazing community. And speaking of an amazing community, we later joined a group of locals who were singing outside to indeed, have a ﬁesta. It was nights like these that I think we can all agree made our trip the special and unique experience it was. When locals who have very minimal English can bond with you by perfectly singing lyrics of Ed Shearan songs – you know you’ve found something special!

Now we would like to present you with a video that sums

our trip up as best it can. I think we as a Prefect group would love to show you hours’ worth of footage, but, with the time provided, we sadly cannot. Putting our trip into 3 minutes seems almost impossible, but thanks to a huge amount of e ort from Caitie Deretic, we have a short video that we hope gives a slight idea of what our Timor experience was like. In this video, you will see the people we interacted with, the activities in which we participated, the experiences we had (maybe a couple of goals we achieved) and most importantly- the lifechanging memories which we have returned with and will carry forever.”

In Focus readers can view the video by clicking on this link or copying and pasting it into a web browser: https://vimeo.com/989983486

Christian College

Geelong

Junior School - Belmont

Williams House Kindergarten

Surf Coast Campus - Torquay

Butterfield House Kindergarten

Bellarine Campus - Drysdale

Middle School - Highton

Senior School - Waurn Ponds

KINDER KIDS MIXING IT WITH THE BIG KIDS

Lots of Learning and Age is no Ba ier

One of the joys of a K-12 college is that students of very di erent ages have opportunities to spend mutually beneﬁcial time with one another – across di erent learning environments.

Christian College’s kindergarten children are as much a part of our student community as anyone in Years Prep to 12. Over the course of a year, students from various campuses engage and interact with the kinder children – and regardless of the age di erence, it’s always a fun learning experience for both the ‘big kids’ and ‘little kids’.

Our two kindergartens, Williams House and Butterﬁeld House, are each located adjacent to a Christian College campus – Junior School-Belmont and Surf Coast Campus respectively. Plenty of interaction occurs between the kinder children and their adjacent campuses. The sharing of resources and specialist teaching sta in areas like Library, Music and Japanese set our College apart. Not many Early Learning Centres have access to well-equipped and resourced school campuses on their doorstep.

But it goes further than that – events such as Book Week and Easter Bonnet Parades allow the kindergarten children to be part of fun activities together on campus with primary school-aged children. Among other things, it provides the kinder children with a ﬁrsthand experience of being inside a school, and outside in a playground. For those who go on to Prep at a Christian College campus, it means that by the time they start school, they are already familiar with the buildings, some of the teachers and the look and feel of where they will attend every day once they start their own school journey.

In Semester 2, Prep and Year 3 students from Junior School-Belmont spent time this year visiting Williams House. P-4 Learning Leader Julie Shutie said the Preps read to the Kinder children showing them how much they learned in their ﬁrst two terms of school – at the same time, practising their reading and building conﬁdence. They also chat about what it is like to start school.

The Year 3s, who will become the Buddies for these Kindergarten children, have a chance to be a role model and leader, nurturing the younger children.

“Creating and maintaining trusting relationships within a school requires intentional e ort and strategies. It involves expressing care, challenging growth, providing support, sharing power, and expanding possibilities,” Mrs Shutie said.

“Throughout these experiences we endeavour to show the children that there are many people in our learning community who we can connect with. They present our school aged children with opportunities to build relationships in di erent ways and play a role that they may not have normally such as that of a leader, mentor or role model.”

The interaction across age levels for the kinder children is not limited to those in Prep to 4 years. During 2024 there have been a number of occasions when secondary students and kindergarten children engage. For the secondary students, it’s directly linked to learning outcomes. For the kindergarten children, plenty of learning goes on as well.

Kinder Children Visit Back Creek Farm

Each year kindergarten groups visit Back Creek Farm. The children love the opportunities they have to get up close to chickens and goats, to hand-feed calves, to pick fresh produce from the market garden and to have great fun rolling down grassy slopes and playing on haybales.

But it’s not just about having fun – although there’s plenty of that. It’s also a fantastic and immersive learning experience for the Year 9 students in residence at Back Creek Farm when the ‘little kids’ visit. When 14 and 15-year-olds spend time with 3- and 4-year-olds, showing them things, sparking their curiosity, making them laugh and sharing a bit of farm life with them, it’s a profoundly positive experience for the teenagers. They learn quickly that 3- and 4-year-olds have no ﬁlters… they say what they think, they ask questions, and they behave with few inhibitions. And it demands of the Year 9s that they are responsible, caring and engaging in their interactions with the children. For many teenagers at the fam, the engagement with little ones comes very naturally.

In the Year 8 Community Service elective taught at Highton and Bellarine campuses, students undertake a placement in a setting where they contribute to important and worthwhile community-based work. Some Year 8s choose kindergartens, including our own Williams House in the case of Highton students, for a community service placement. They assist in a real workplace environment, spending time with preschool-aged children, caring for them, playing with them, helping them and watching how Early Learning specialist educators engage and manage a group. For those Year 8s who think they might be interested in a career in the early childhood space, it is an especially instructive experience.

VCE Food Tech S dents At Bu erfield H se

In late August this year, a group of VCE Food Technology students from Senior School visited Butterﬁeld House. Director, Michelle Young, said it was a rich experience for all involved.

“The students along with their teacher, Renee Pomfret, came to make pizza with the Hummingbirds group,” she said.

“The kinder children had been interested in pizza making and had been enjoying the ‘Pizza Shop’ area in the room where they were pretending to make and serve pizzas.

“Emma, the Hummingbirds Teacher, planned a cooking experience with Renee, whose son is in the kinder group, and what a special and exciting time it was for everyone involved!

“It was a labour of love making the pizza bases from scratch, but the results were worth it! It was great to observe the connections the children were making with the older students and vice versa. We look forward to opportunities where we can welcome more CCG students to Butterﬁeld,” Michelle said.

Year 11HHD S dents At Williams H se

Year 11 students undertaking Health and Human Development (HHD) as part of their Unit 2 studies explore development changes in the transition from youth to adulthood and analyse factors that contribute to healthy physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development at various stages of the lifespan, including early childhood.

For our students at Senior School, part of this involves observation of, and interaction with, children at Williams House Kindergarten. For their part, the children love being the big kids’ ‘case studies’. For the Senior students, partnering up with a kinder child delivers learning that’s rich and immersive, and gives them an opportunity to collect ﬁrsthand observational data.

Some reﬂections from Year 11s.

During our time at Williams House, we got partnered up with the young kinder kids. I partnered up with Sophia who was a super cute, intelligent girl. During our HHD course, we learn lots about physical, intellectual, emotional and social development, all of which I was able to observe in Sophia. She was able to tell me lots about her holidays and memories of it and she is a very social girl who had many friends at kinder. We did a lot of imaginary play and there was lots of physical play as well.

Watching the children interact was so adorable and seeing their faces light up when we arrived made our week. This was such a good way to apply our learning.

- Eliza

At Williams House Kindergarten during Term 3 we had two visits to get to interact and play with the kids there. We learnt a lot about how they play and learn as well as their varying levels of social skills and behaviour. Overall, the experience was fulﬁlling and an enjoyable one for us and hopefully for the kindergarten children as well.

- Oska

During my time at the kinder for HHD, I was able to connect with many of the kids. The ﬁrst week of the experience, we arrived outside in the play area and the sound of their joy and excitement was all you could hear! Immediately a boy came up to me and asked if I could play with him, which continued in all the weeks we visited. His name was Harvey – he was an outgoing and full-of-energy kid who never seemed to stop playing and using his imagination. Harvey was an amazing kid and connecting with not only him, but the other kinder kids as well, was an amazing opportunity.

- Ben

Going to the kinder was a great experience for me. The kids I woked with were enthusiastic and eager to show me their favourite activities, which allowed me to observe their developmental stage and gain an understanding of where they are at and what milesones they have achieved so far. A visit sould involve using the play equipment and having fun doing di erent activities, engaging in conversation, and even sometimes resolving conﬂict. It was followed by an in-depth reﬂection back at school on the ways in which our child matured physically, intellectually, socially and emotionally. This experience allowed me to gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the complex process through which a child develops.

- Suzanna

For our Health and Human Development class we visited the Williams House Kindergarten. In doing so, we got to interact with a range of young children who o ered us an insight into the development that occurs during early childhood. Back at school, we had been learning about the di erent aspects of development which are physical, intellectual, emotional, and social, and we used this knowledge to identify these aspects of development in a kindergarten environment. We encountered a plethora of examples of early childhood development throughout the kindergarten children, such as running, remembering names, e ectively expressing emotions, and learning to apologise. This fulﬁlling experience fostered a sense of community across both places, and it helped consolidate our knowledge on development, which was useful for our SAC later in the term.

- Mia

I had a good time connecting with the younger people, it was good to be able to see them interacting with us as well as their peers. It was fun to be able to learn about development in a di erent and much more engaging way.

- Charlie

Throughout Term 3 we visited Williams House Kindergarten for three sessions. This program was a great opportunity to get to know and understand the kids. A part of this experience was watching the kids develop the physical, emotional, intellectual and social skills. My buddy was Judy. She was playful and kind and watching her get more comforatasble and conﬁdend over the three weeks was a highlight. Overall, this was a special experience that allowed us students to have a friendship and bond with our younger peers.

- Zoe

I enjoyed interacting with the kids. It was interesting seeing the way that they sort of look up to us and see us as role models.

- James

I enjoyed connecting with the kids at the kindergarten. It was fun experience getting to interreact with them and be able to communicate with them on a di erent level especially when I got to listen to Huey (one of the kids) count to twenty multiple times. It was interesting to see how they reacted to us visiting the ﬁrst week compared to the second week when they were screaming “the big kids are back!”, overall, it was a fun activity to have in HHD.

- Indie

Our experience at Williams house was to help us study early childhood development, we focused particularly on social and emotional development as well as assessing their physical development and their ﬁne and gross motor skills. We noticed that building trust through playing games and di erent activities relaxed the kids and helped them to enjoy conversations and tell you lots of di erent stories about their day and interests. We experienced that some kids had strong gross motor skills

- Harper

TAKING TO THE WATER

Aquatic and Water Safety Programs Ma er

Around 85 per cent of both the Victorian and Australian population live within 50 kilometres of the coast. For most Christian College students, that distance is far less. In fact, every Christian College learning site – aside from Back Creek Farm – is located within 10 kilometres of a bay or ocean beach coastline. Water plays such a big part in our lives. We love to swim, surf, paddle, ski, sail, ﬁsh, walk, run or ride bikes in, or alongside, water.

It’s not hard to understand why swimming programs are so prominent in Victorian schools, including ours. This year, students from four of our ﬁve Christian College campuses have participated in our aquatic and water safety programs, representing seven year levels (Prep through to Year 6). The programs involve multiple 30-minute lessons. All participating students from Junior School, Surf Coast Campus and Middle School, as well as Year 5s and 6s from Bellarine Campus, attend the Sports and Aquatic Centre at the Highton campus. Prep to Year 4 students at Bellarine Campus attend the Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre in Ocean Grove.

Christian College’s Director of Health and Physical Education, Mr Drew Oliver, said the close proximity of all Christian College campuses to oceans and rivers, as well as our regional location, provide motivation to ensure students grasp a deep understanding of water safety and the ability to execute swimming and water safety skills.

All swimming lessons taken by Christian College students are conducted by trained instructors. Naturally, there is a range of skill levels and degrees of conﬁdence in the water among children and that is impacted by a variety of factors, including how much exposure to the water and water-based activities they have outside of the school program. More about that shortly.

Is starting earlier better?

Some children are introduced to swimming programs at a very early age. Many swim schools have programs that start as young as six months old.

According to an article published originally in The Conversation, and found on Surf Lifesaving Australia’s website, author, NHMRC Research Fellow Amy Peden says there isn’t a lot of research on what the best age is to start swimming lessons. But Australian studies do indicate that children begin to master water conﬁdence and basic aquatic locomotive skills at around four years old.

Furthermore, the same researchers found that regardless of how early children take lessons, the skills necessary to perform freestyle are achieved by around ﬁve and a half years of age.

Intensive aims

The aquatic and water safety program conducted by Christian College is an intensive one. At the Middle School Sport and Aquatic Centre in 2024, students completed their program within a two-week period in either Term 1, 3 or 4.

Mr Oliver said the program aims for students to:

• Learn the core survival swimming skills as a minimum, preparing them for unexpected entry into (open) water

• Learn personal safety when it comes to assisting someone in trouble

• Increase their self-awareness, good decision making and leadership capabilities

• Be empowered to take personal responsibility for their actions

• Become the inﬂuencers to keep family and friends safe

• Achieve the expected standard for their year level according to the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework

He said witnessing the enthusiasm of students, and the sta ’s commitment to seeing them progress as much as they can during the school’s intensive swimming program, is extremely rewarding.

“The sta ’s dedication and encouragement help the students thrive, building both their swimming abilities and water safety awareness,” he said.

“The swimming program at CCG for Prep to Year 4 is outstanding! And to strengthen it further, we plan to align the program with the National Swimming and Water safety framework.

“It provides a well-structured, inclusive, and engaging approach that builds essential water safety and swimming skills. The emphasis on progressive skill development ensures participants gain conﬁdence in the water while fostering a lifelong appreciation for swimming.

“This framework will provide parents and guardians with a clear indication of the developmental milestones achieved by their child relative to their age group. The milestones will focus on eight key learning areas including Hazards and Personal Safety, Entries and Exits, Flotation, Swimming, Underwater, Lifesaving, Rescue and Survival Sequence all of which provide essential life skills to be safe and competent near the water,” Mr Oliver said.

Csistency pays o

Amy Peden says it’s beneﬁcial for children to undertake swimming lessons consistently over a period of time, and when considering the costs, parents should try to enrol children over the long term and stick at it until they have the skills to stay safe in the water.

If children undertake only intensive programs at school, or those o ered by swim schools during holidays it is important for parents, if they can, to give children regular opportunities to swim and recreate in the water on a regular basis. Research co-authored by Amy shows that the more exposure children get to water play and other water-based activities, the better they will do at swimming lessons. She and her co-authors recommend that children swim at least once a fortnight.

While the Christian College program is intensive rather than long-term, Mr Oliver said it is pleasing to see the impact that it has on participants.

“The sta ’s dedication and encouragement help the students thrive, building both their swimming abilities and water safety awareness. It’s amazing to see how the kids are not only improving their swimming skills but also gaining conﬁdence in the water,” he said.

And what do CCG Swimming Program participants say?

Tayla – Year 2: I learnt to push yourself up instead of just ﬂoating when trying to do survival backstroke. The lessons really helped me improve my swimming.

Jude – Prep: I had lots of fun and had a funny great teacher.

Evie – Year 1: I liked the swimming program because it was fun. I learnt to make sure I’m not bending my knees when kicking on my back.

Mia – Year 2: On the last day we all came together in the small pool and made a really fun whirl pool. When we had to go the other way, it was so hard. I loved going on the big mat and having lots of fun.

Chloe – Year 3: I enjoyed being challenged by my teacher and group members.

Maddi – Year 5: It was good because it helped me learn how to swim better. I got to swim with my friends, which made swimming more enjoyable.

Maiella – Year 2: I enjoy swimming, so it was fun to get in the pool every day for two weeks.

Taj – Year 4: I liked it because I got to swim and be in a group with my friends. I improved my breaststroke technique.

Buster – Year 2: The swimming program made my swimming a bit better, and I deﬁnitely felt more conﬁdent. I enjoyed doing it with my friends and jumping in the deep end.

Drew Oliver Director of Health and Physical Education

A FARM VISIT FOR THE GENERATIONS

People of all ages love Back Creek Farm. Each year kinder children and Preps have excursions to take a ﬁrsthand look at farm life, and it’s always popular with the Farm sta , the Year 9s who are residing there when the visit happens, the young children and the parents who accompany them.

When Preps from Junior School-Belmont visited this year, four of the children whose parents accompanied them created a generational link – the four parents had all attended Christian College and enjoyed the Farm experience themselves as Year 9s. In 2024 they found themselves returning with their own children – who are destined for their own residential experience in 2033.

Two of the parents, Alex Phillips (nee Ward) and Rebekah Sheahan (nee Carrato) reﬂected on their own Farm experience, what’s changed over the years and how their children, Olivia and Kennedy respectively, enjoyed their visit to Back Creek in August.

Alex:

When were you at the Farm as a student?

In 2008, I was in Rural 6.

Tell us what you remember about the Farm back then… I remember very cold mornings when we got up to milk the cows.

We stayed at the farm every weekend, except the third weekend when we went home for a visit. I was very homesick!

During our Rural, the South Street Music Competition was on in Ballarat. Christian College was performing, and Russ (Barter) organised a bus for us to go into Ballarat and watch. All of us girls got dressed up and out of our farm clothes for the special occasion! My now husband was performing at the time in the Christian College Stage band.

Five ex-Year 9 students who visited the farm this year, four of them with their own children who are now in Prep at Junior School.

From left: Steve Horman (Junior School teacher), Alex Phillips, Bek Sheahan, Laura Monahan, Steve Wainewright.

Camping out in a paddock in our last week there. Spending time with friends and having the independence and freedom to explore the Farm during our free time.

Anything in particular that stood out?

Milking – and then cleaning up afterwards…the smell of the dairy!

Being there during spring we looked after a lot of baby animals. We cared for lambs that had been rejected by their mothers, getting up during the night to feed them and make sure they were okay.

Was the August visit your ﬁrst return to Back Creek since Year 9?

No- I was lucky enough to work at the Farm for four years while I was studying teaching at Deakin University. I was an undergrad who stayed with the students in the afternoon and overnight. I worked there for four years and absolutely loved it! It was a fantastic part time job, extremely rewarding and set me up for my future career in working with young people while teaching. I was a part of the team that set up Back Creek Cafe and worked there on weekends (my mum was the Cafe manager too!). I also went back to visit the sta (Russ, Earl, Nettie and Kim) after I had Olivia so they could meet her when she was a baby – and she is now in Prep G!

What’s changed – and not changed – since you were in Year 9?

What’s changed:

The garden that Joel Inei has been working on. It looks absolutely incredible!

The chicken coup has moved to next to the shed. It used to be in the paddock and was guarded by a big sheep dog and alpacas.

The kitchen has had a revamp and is looking really good as well.

What hasn’t changed:

The cabins and the main building had the same feel (maybe a new lick of paint). When I was a student, I loved the outlook standing on the veranda and looking out of the dam and the hills and it looks exactly the same today. It brought back the same feeling I had on the ﬁrst day when I arrived in Year 9.

The smell of the dairy was the same too!

What did Olivia think?

Olivia loved the farm! She really loved the animals and being able to touch and hold them. It was a great excursion as they got to see all the operating aspects of the farm and there were planned activities at each station as they rotated through the day. She commented on the smell of the dairy (along with all of the others in her group) and couldn’t wait to get out of there. I had to chuckle as I was imagining her in Year 9 working up there in the dark in the early hours of the morning and not having a choice to leave!

Given that Olivia ‘does Farm’ in Year 9, what do you hope she gets out of it?

My husband also went to the Farm in 2008; however, he went in Rural 1, and it was very hot. He remembers the hot days and having fun doing slip and slides and water ﬁghts. He loved it and had a great time. As a student I struggled with the cold weather (August in Ballarat!), being away from home and how hard some of the work was.

Looking back now I can see so many valuable lessonsworking through hard tasks when you want to give up, cooking and cleaning for yourself at a young age, dealing with conﬂict when staying with your friends for extend periods of time…

I would give her the advice that things will be tough but that she is strong and can do anything she sets her mind to. She will also learn so many valuable lessons that she would not experience in the classroom. Although she’s not at school she will still be learning so much. Olivia is independent and resilient so I think she will adjust to being away from home much better than I did! I’m so excited for her that she will have the opportunity that both her dad and I did and that she will make lifelong memories there.

When I went with Olivia we walked all over the property, and I remembered where everything was (it was helpful that I spent an extra four years working there) but I loved the openness of the place and the feeling of being in the country air.

Rebekah:

When were you at the Farm as a student?

Whilst it certainly doesn’t feel like it, I attended the Farm in 2000!

Tell us what you remember about the Farm back then… Looking back at my farm experience, they are always joyful memories. I feel blessed to have been able to have had the experience and for the duration we stayed too! I remember heading up to the milking sheds early in the morning before the sun had come up. I remember the pristine sky and the crisp farm life air. I have cherished memories of the laughs, the friendships made and strengthened. Getting my mule licence, building fences. Gosh, I have so many fond memories and I still often think about my time at farm, even to this very day!

Anything in particular that stood out?

I think a standout memory was being there as a cow gave birth! What a privilege that was! And I remember I was able to help with the delivery and after care for the calf in her ﬁrst hours being earth side.

Was the August visit your ﬁrst return to Back Creek since Year 9?

It was actually, and I find it surprising…my first visit back to the Farm since my Year 9 experience. I went to university in Ballarat and would often drive past. And each time I drive past now, I always reflect on what an amazing experience I had there.

What’s changed – and not changed – since you were in Year 9?

There was just the perfect amount of change from my experience. I noticed the hot houses for the vegetables and other produce, which wasn’t there in 2000. The changes that I noticed were so complimentary and I was also really pleased to see that the farm was still just as wonderful as it was.

I recognised the room that my friends and me stayed in, and all the memories kept ﬂooding back!

What did Kennedy think?

Kennedy said, “I loved the animals and the land at the farm. And my mumma was a farmer there when she was a school kid.”

The photos of my daughter and all the kids really say it all about their visit to Back Creek! The weather was perfect with clear blue skies on show. And they held the guinea pigs, rabbits and chooks. They were also excited to pick out some fresh veggies from the garden.

Looking forward to Kennedy ‘doing Farm’ in 2033?

Oh yes! So very much! Besides me missing my children like crazy! I am also really excited for them and for their individual experiences at farm. As each student will take home something di erent. Year 9 can be a particular age that brings so many di erent challenges and having this opportunity for myself, and soon my children too, is such a win. I feel we are incredibly blessed to have such a valuable experience on o er.

I would like to thank Junior School for providing this opportunity and experience for our Prep students. My daughter was so excited to share the excursion with me, especially knowing I had been there before. They were absolutely thrilled with their day! Other parents and I also commented that Year 3 would also be a perfect time to visit the farm for students – either again or for the ﬁrst time, and they too can (again) look forward to it being their turn in years to come.

Preps and parents getting up close to the Back Creek Farm chickens, from left: Kennedy with mum Bek Sheahan, Lachlan, Anthony, Charlotte with mum Laura Monahan and Lana

ANNUAL MUSIC EVENING 2024

Another ShowcaseSpectacular of Musicianship!

On October 16, the Annual Christian College Music Evening showcased our College ensembles in a superb concert. This annual concert is a signiﬁcant event for our College Community, our music students and their families. It was a celebration, and a blessing to all who performed and attended, one that featured 450 student performers from Prep to Year 12. The concert highlighted the exceptional direction and expertise of our music sta , as well as the depth of skills and development across the performance program of our College Choirs, Bands and String Orchestras. We also farewelled and honoured the work of our Year 12 ensemble members who have spent many years ‘growing up’ in the program.

There were 16 items with many ensembles collaborating across the campuses, such as the Junior String Ensembles from Bellarine, Belmont and Surf Coast combining to create a big orchestra and the Middle School Choirs from the 3 campuses forming a wondrous combined choral sound. There were many moments of triumph and musical conviction, overcoming nerves and experiencing the joy of performing for the ﬁrst time! The backstage buzz was amazing as students moved on and o stage, from item to item.

The concert ﬁnale featured an acknowledgement of the College’s CEO Daryl Riddle OAM who will be retiring after over 40 years of service in leadership of the College. This item featured a video presentation, then a performance of the College hymn ‘Seek Ye First’ ‘introduced’ by an 8-piece brass fanfare from the balcony, and accompanied by the Senior Strings, Wind Symphony and Choir with the audience invited to sing.

The music sta , along with leadership and support sta from each campus were so proud of the students who presented beautiful music to the appreciative audience. Thanks to all who contributed to this wonderful event from across the community, both on the evening and throughout the day of preparations and rehearsals. Thank you also to the families of all our Music students for their wonderful support not only of the program, but of their students as they rehearsed and prepared over many weeks and months for this event.

Conducted by Andrew Dunlop Assisted by Sean Loughran, Sharon Huber, Brighid Mantelli and Kate Martin

Conducted by Sean Rankin Assisted by Rob Mo att

Directed by Rob Mo att

The Surf Coast Junior School Choir Conducted by Kate Notini

Assisted by Yvonne Walters. Accompanied by Brad Treloar

The Junior School Strings – Bellarine, Belmont and Surf Coast

Conducted by Martin DeMarte and Rebecca Bertoncello

Assisted by Catie Martin, Stephanie Lawrence. Accompanied by Tammy Treloar

Conducted by Sean Rankin

Assisted by Sharon Huber

Directed by Carla Dunlop, Laura Hollingsworth and Steve Horman. Accompanied by Tammy Treloar

School Choir

Directed by Carla Dunlop, Laura Hollingsworth and Steve Horman.

Accompanied by Tammy Treloar

The Bellarine Junior School Choir

Conducted by Stephanie Lawrence

Accompanied by Molly Hanson

The Highton Intermediate Concert Band Conducted by Andrew Dunlop Assisted by Sean Loughran

The Middle School Choirs - Bellarine, Highton and Surf Coast

Conducted by Kate Notini

Assisted by Sharon Huber. Accompanied by Brad Treloar, Regina Thomae

Conducted by David Gardner. Assisted by Andrew Dunlop

The Senior Choir

Conducted by Kate Notini. Assisted by Brad Treloar

The Senior String Orchestra Conducted by Martin DeMarte

Fi a Gardner Director of Teaching and Learning – Music

Andrew Dunlop Director of Instrumental Music and Major Events

The Senior Wind Symphony Conducted by Fiona Gardner and Sean Rankin. Assisted by Sean Loughran and David Gardner

Farewell to Year 12 musicians

Finale

OUR NEW FOUNDATION MANAGER

Q&A With Tennille McInnes

What is your connection with Christian College?

I am a Christian College parent, with Ava in Year 11 and Willow in Year 8. My youngest son, Sam will also join in 2026 as a Year 7 student. As a parent, I have participated in many College events including the 40-year anniversary dinner, school productions and Gathering Hope luncheons. It was an easy decision for me to apply for this job. I absolutely love the College, and from the very ﬁrst interview, I knew this was the right step for me. It is such an amazing community, and I feel very blessed to be involved.

In what other roles have you worked prior to joining Christian College?

After graduating from a Bachelor of Business/ Arts (majoring in International Trade and Japanese language), I started my career working with Telstra on their graduate program. I worked my way into the sponsorship/marketing area where I was part of a small team that managed the Telstra Business Awards and Telstra Businesswomen’s Awards program. This was an exciting program, where we executed 32 prestigious events each year nationwide.

After meeting my husband, I moved to Geelong and worked as the Sales Manager at The Pier Geelong for 7 years. As part of my role, I liaised with many Geelong schools to manage their graduation and social events. I was always so impressed by the behaviour of the Christian College students and admired their beautiful and respectful relationships with their teachers. This is when I decided I wanted my kids to be involved with this incredible College.

I then worked for the Geelong Chamber of Commerce for 5 years and was responsible for the planning and implementation of the Geelong Business Excellence Awards program. Transforming a prestigious awards program from a face-to-face event to an online event generating 20,000 views during COVID was a signiﬁcant challenge, but also a career highlight and one that I am very proud of.

I feel incredibly grateful now to be involved with the Christian College Geelong Foundation.

Can you explain your two roles as a) Foundation Manager; and b) Alumni O cer?

I work in a part-time capacity as the Foundation Manager and Alumni O cer. As the Foundation Manager, I am responsible for supporting the planning and implementation of a major gifts and bequest program. This includes building and expanding relationships with new and existing donors and planning and implementing fundraising events. I work with an extremely passionate and generous group of Board members who are committed to raising funds to assist families experiencing ﬁnancial hardship and funding initiatives that will enhance the educational experience of all students. I also work one day a week as the Alumni O cer. This role involves fostering a vibrant alumni network by building and maintaining relationships with alumni and coordinating events that engage the Christian College community.

Your early impressions of the job…are you enjoying it?

Christian College is a strong vibrant community. Every sta member I have met so far has been extremely friendly and I am excited to go into work each day. We recently held our annual Golf Tournament for the Foundation, and I have been blown away by the incredible generosity of the College community and its sponsors.

And your hopes for what lies ahead?

My hope is for every student, parent, and alumni member to know the purpose and importance of the Christian College Foundation. I also hope to create a strong spirit of philanthropy within the Christian College community with the purpose of creating exceptional educational opportunities for all students. I very much look forward to meeting and engaging with our alumni community through reunion events. We are currently planning our 2025 fundraising activities, and there will be something for everyone including a Night of Cabaret, a Christmas Carols event, Golf Tournament and the introduction of a Cookbook.

So, what if people want to know more?

Anyone interested in knowing more about the Foundation and alumni community and opportunities to get involved, is very welcome to come and have a chat with me. Please email me on t.mcinnes@ccg.vic.edu.au or call on 0477 100 022.

Golf Day Raises over $60K!

The Christian College Foundation Annual Golf Tournament supported by major sponsor AECS was a sell out this year with 80 golfers of all abilities embarking on the Creek Course at 13th Beach Golf Links.

We are truly grateful for the incredible turnout, a clear testament to the amazing Christian College community. A huge thank you to the sta , volunteers, local businesses and sponsors whose generosity made this day an astounding success.

We are thrilled to announce the event raised $31,717.88. The funds raised were doubled thanks to our current dollar matching campaign, making a total contribution of $63,435.76.

As our Foundation’s largest fundraising event, all the proceeds raised from the day will be invested into the Eternity Fund. This fund enables the Foundation to assist families experiencing ﬁnancial disadvantage or hardship, and to provide funds for new initiatives and educational opportunities.

Congratulations to the winning team, Cooper consisting of Jamie Cooper, Aaron Croft, Simon Martin and Lachie Martin who only won by one point.

This event could not happen without the incredible support of our major sponsor, AECS (Australian Environmental Cleaning Services) and supporting sponsors Cotter Reid Architects, eManaged, Veneziano Co ee Roasters, Mortgage House, Arthur Reed Photos, LSRM Trading Pty Ltd and DRINK X.

Prize winners on the day. The winning team was ‘Cooper’ (pictured top) consisting of Jamie Cooper, Aaron Croft, Simon Martin and Lachie Martin.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

ADRIAN SCHONFELDER

1992 GRADUATE

I attended Christian College in the late 1980s and early 1990s. I completed VCE in 1992.

Some of my best memories of my time at Christian College were a couple of school camps I attended – Mill Valley Ranch in Year 8 and in senior schooling years, Outward Bound at the Grampians.

I really enjoyed Music classes at school under the instruction of Miss Ramsay, who later became Mrs Phillips. I also enjoyed Christian Education, in particular I remember watching The Ten Commandments, which is my favourite ﬁlm.

Since graduating from Christian College I studied Economics and Politics. I have worked as a Data Adjudicator at the Australia Bureau of Statistics and as a Policy Analyst at the Victorian Farmers Federation. The year after graduating I was elected at the youngest Councillor in Victoria’s history at the (then) Shire of Barrabool, which ceased to exist after council amalgamations. I am currently a Councillor at Surf Coast Shire. In a way, this followed some family traditions – my great great grandfather James Anderson ﬁrst settled in Barrabool in 1848. My great grandfather William Anderson and my grandfather Douglas Anderson were also both Councillors at the Shire of Barrabool who served for 31 and 45 years respectively.

My time at Christian College prepared me for my career pathway in that it was where I ﬁrst really learned about leadership and teamwork. Learning information and communication skills also assisted me greatly.

For me, Mr Riddle and Mrs Prosser were great role models – they taught me a lot about compassion and understanding. I still maintain contact online with a few of my contemporaries from school days.

Outside of a busy schedule as a Surf Coast Shire Councillor, I breed a small herd of cattle and am involved in a family business, Barrabool Hills Retreat, which is a guesthouse and gallery. I’m also a member of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and the Geelong Football Club.

In the years ahead, I would be honoured to continue representing people at a local government level, or state government level.

MOLLY ENGLAND

2020 GRADUATE

Molly England was the 2020 College Captain and part of the ﬁrst cohort to undertake Year 12 during the COVID pandemic.

I started at CCG in Year 7 at Middle School Highton and graduated from Year 12 at Senior School in 2020. The excess of opportunity at Christian College provided so

many memories from my school journey. From netball competitions across Melbourne, musical productions and choir performances, Canberra trips, Japanese and Indonesian language experiences, Art showings at the Villa to working in the dairy at Back Creek Farm.

I really enjoyed Australian History and Revolutions, as well as Literature and English Language. I loved the way these arts and literature subjects lend themselves to each other, and how the teachers made us better learners, teaching us that engaging with and understanding art makes us more empathetic and understanding of humans. Drama was also one of my favourite classes, exploring everything from Chekov to Artaud.

2020 was an incredible year. Unpredictable. It was a time that gave us no options but independence and introspection. It was my time with my family and their

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

support through the exam period and the loss of so many experiences. It made me realise that connection is the lifeblood of our community, and how staying connected kept us aﬂoat. As a young person attempting to care for those around us, it shaped and formed the way I care for others, and for myself.

After graduating, I was o ered the University of Melbourne Principles Scholarship, where I commenced a Bachelor of Arts at the Parkville campus. With lockdowns, the Uni lifestyle I had imagined pre-2020 was not the reality of Melbourne in 2021. Endless study without the connection, lectures and Uni friends wasn’t giving me joy and a sense of accomplishment. I decided to step away from my course, to take some time to recalibrate after 2020. It was in this interim period, feeling lost and disconnected, that the opportunity arose to join the production of SOOT’s My Brilliant Career. It’s a story about a young girl desperate to see the world, to ﬁnd her place in it and to have the freedom to create –and it resonated with a recently turned 19-year-old. This production continued for eight months between lockdowns across Geelong and Melbourne, and by the end of the run we had performed for hundreds of patrons and students studying the play for their VCE exams. I was honoured to be awarded Best Actress in a Drama at the Victorian League Awards for this performance, which encouraged me to believe that this diversion from what I thought was my path, may have been God’s plan all along.

Since graduating, I’ve been working as a theatre maker and a writer. I completed some study with the National Theatre Melbourne and performed across Geelong and Melbourne. I worked as a production intern, assistant writer and assistant director across theatre and musical theatre, gaining experience in the creation and presentation of works. Currently, I am working at the Geelong Arts Centre in arts administration while running my own theatre company, Overflow. I created Overflow Theatre Company as a collective for Geelong creatives, both experienced and early-career, to find work and opportunity without having to travel to Melbourne. I also have three published works with ATAR Notes, examining and explaining literary works for VCE students.

process of curating a career in the arts. While I did not end up taking the professional musical theatre route, these teachers made me believe that I could create art, and that the art we create is of worth to the world. God is the ultimate creative, and all our artistry can be found in Him. We only need to look at the landscape to see how the original artist created for our joy. This love for the deeply creative parts of us was cared for and encouraged through my time at Christian College.

It is always such a joy to see past teachers out and about after graduating. I had the pleasure of being Assistant Director alongside Mandy Calderwood, who was my drama teacher throughout Senior School. It was a great experience to work alongside Mandy in creating theatre, just as she had guided me back in my school days.

It is with my dear friends made at Christian College that we make theatre at Overﬂow. I’m so glad that our time spent together as teenagers grew into friendships lasting into our twenties.

I adore creating art that explores the depth and joy of the human experience. I love that connecting with people and telling stories on land where stories have been told for thousands of years is a gift and a responsibility. The constant learning and challenging of my perspectives and ideas, and the teamwork it takes to create performances is a gift!

In the years ahead, I hope to be continuing to do what makes me happy, I’d like to do some more travel and continue fulﬁlling the purpose God has for my life. I have no idea what the future holds, which is the greatest gift. I do know it will be full of family, joy and love.

The opportunities for leadership at Christian College partnered with the time to ﬁnd out what my passions are, encouraged my peers and me to become empathic, well-rounded humans. The standard of leadership set by the College, in both students and teachers created opportunity for growth based in faith and community.

The College’s Investment in the arts as a viable career option was a gift I look back on now and am so grateful for. After Annie the Musical, the Christian College Music Team spoke with me and my family to explain the

I attended Christian College between 2007 (Year 7) and 2012 (Year 12).

My best memories from school would have been my time as a student at Back Creek Farm and Year 12. Year 12 was a big year but the most memorable, and I enjoyed ’The Farm’ so much that I went back to work there as an undergraduate assistant during my years at university.

The subjects I enjoyed most in secondary school were Maths and Physics because these were my strengths, but how could I not like studying Indonesian! (Simon’s dad is a senior lecturer in Indonesian at Deakin and his mum is an Indonesian teacher who taught for many years at Christian College)

Since graduating at the end of Year 12 I was fortunate to get a Barwon Water scholarship for my double degree of engineering and commerce at Deakin. During my time at university, I worked at the CCG Back Creek Farm as an undergraduate which I loved, and I also spent a semester studying at BC University in Canada. I now work in construction, delivering civil projects as an engineer. I got married this year and my wife and I are now expecting our ﬁrst baby in April 2025.

My time at Christian College set me up well to go into university to study engineering. The subject choices at CCG enabled me to study the classes I enjoyed and allowed me to pick the classes that worked to my strengths. I was able to connect with a group of classmates who took similar study and professional pathways into di erent ﬁelds of engineering.

I was able to make such good friendships at Christian College, and regularly catch up with many of my Year 7 homeroom friends, with overseas travel and 4WD trips across Australia.

Growing up with Mum (Bu Welsh) on sta at CCG, I feel very connected to the school’s community and grew up knowing a few of the teachers as family friends. I am very close to some of my school friends still, with three of my groomsmen being friends from school.

In terms of my current work, aspects I really like about it include working with people and managing a project through from start to finish. I get a sense of accomplishment when finishing a project and seeing the end result. In the years ahead, I imagine I’ll be doing similar project work to what I’m doing now, but I also imagine home life will be quite a bit di erent with a baby on the way! I see myself still enjoying fishing and being active, and I am looking forward to sharing these hobbies with my family.

SIMON WELSH

2012 GRADUATE

Liz Vi ue and Stacey Pulis

If you’ve ever phoned or visited the Surf Coast Campus, you’ll have most likely spoken with Liz Virtue, Stacey Pulis or both. Of course, if you have children that attend the campus, you’ll be well acquainted with Liz and Stacey –the team of two who keep the main o ce and student o ce running smoothly.

They hadn’t met prior to their employment with Christian College. They started on the same day as each other in May 2022, and they both wear dual hats as Surf Coast parents and sta . Liz’s children, Sophie and Freddie are in Years 6 and 3 respectively, and Stacey’s son Rory is in Year 4. The two mums have become very good friends – something they say wouldn’t have happened had they not worked together.

By their own admission, Liz and Stacey see similarities in the way they each operate – and di erences. In some ways, their di erences are complementary.

“Stacey and I are emotionally opposite. She knows me, knows what I go through, and she’s taught me to let go of things – we are always looking out for each other’s wellbeing, we’re so fortunate we got paired up at this campus,” Liz said.

“It happens very naturally. I can me myself with Liz and she doesn’t judge me, we support each other, and we trust each other completely. We can say what we like to each other, vent if we need to and because we’re both parents here as well as sta , we both care a lot about the place,” Stacey added.

While they started on the same day as Christian College employees, Liz spent 12 months ‘ﬂoating’ at di erent campuses before anchoring down at Surf Coast. She and Stacey worked through procedures together, establishing the best way to tackle various tasks.

“We didn’t really know what we were doing back then –we were in the trenches together, coming up with new ways of doing things,” Stacey said.

Their work in the trenches has paid o . As the campus grows one year level every 12 months, the changes have kept coming. The pair have worked side-by-side for the past couple of years and while their jobs aren’t without their challenges, the partnership works exceptionally well.

“Teachers come to either one of us and know they’ll get the answers and the help they need. They trust us, and we trust each other,” Liz said. “And sometimes it’s me that needs help…I can’t remember whether I’ve done something or not – I don’t have to check, Stacey just looks at me and she knows…’yes, you’ve done that’, she’ll say.”

“We can always tell when the other has written something – we have di erent styles – I write as I speak whereas Liz writes a lot more formally. It makes us laugh sometimes,” Stacey said.

With both parents’ and employees’ hats on, the pair say they both love the feel of the campus and working in a positive and supportive environment.

“The campus is always growing, new families, students, sta … it’s a very inclusive place – the feel, the vibe, it all starts at the top and trickles down. And we see how much e ort, serious e ort, our teachers put in. It’s a great place to work, coming here is like a breath of fresh air,” Stacey said.

“It’s my village,” added Liz. “If I can make this a better place for my kids and for every other parent’s kids, I will – if I can make someone smile, make people feel better, then that fulﬁlls me.”

Outside of work, Liz and Stacey meet up for co ees and chats. Their kids get on well, although aren’t in the same friendship groups at school. Stacey loves spending time with Rory; she loves to surf with him and sometimes takes Liz’s kids with her too.

The two of them roll di erently in many ways –the bond uniting them is they’re both parents and employees of Christian College at a campus they care about and are strongly invested in. What they do brings them into contact with many di erent sta , students and families on a daily basis.

“It’s really all about the people in this community, I am passionate about genuinely wanting to make people feel good,” Liz said.

Stacey agrees: “As mums, we feel a lot for our students, and we know some of what they go through as kids. We’re very driven in our care and compassion for them, and for this whole campus.”