In Focus - 2013 Term 2

IN FOCUS JUNE 2013

Links to articles Cover story :.9 Deb Balls :. 11 Central Aus trip :. 14

technology into Christian College, such as the ‘Bring Your Own Device’ model. In this situation, some schools have requested families to purchase and maintain devices for students to meet their learning needs with minimum support and specifications. In these situations a helpdesk for minor trouble shooting and loan computers may be provided whilst families have devices repaired.

Future Technology Needs

a rent or lease agreement between the school and the

College has provided computer labs and class sets of laptop

families. The school provides selected devices to the

computers for students to access.

students to best meet and deliver the program within the

The nature of learning has changed, with students having

school environment. The devices usually come with backup

greater access to information on the College portal, using

support, insurance and are paid for by families over the

blogs and online learning forums, as well as new pedagogy

period of the lease. As these devices are purchased in bulk,

business of learning and thinking. As knowledge becomes

being introduced by teaching staff that involves various

they can be provided with the necessary software and

so readily available through a variety of digital and online

technology. These new tools, along with classroom demand

potentially the electronic textbooks at very competitive

sources, our students need to be cued into considering what

for access to technology, have required the College leaders

pricing.

it is that they need to learn and how to apply the knowledge

to re-think our current delivery and access to computers

they have gained.

throughout the College using our wireless network.

Whilst not the complete answer, the use of technology has

A significant amount of time has been spent looking

Heads of Campus, Directors of Teaching and Learning, the

enhanced many of the classroom practices and learning

at various options on the best way to introduce new

College Information and Technology Team and myself have

The changing landscape in education brings with it wonderful opportunities for schools and students to review current practice and consider new and exciting endeavours.

It is well established and accepted that the challenge for schools in the 21st Century is to engage students in the

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An alternative option that some schools are using involves undertaken by students in recent years. In the past, Christian

To enable our College to make wise decisions for the future, a committee comprising of representatives from

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

Glen McKeeman and Sue Strong gaining great knowledge at the EduTECH Conference in Brisbane.

students to strive and work hard as he felt the world would

dedicated much time in the past two years to consider each

The Year 11 Debutante Balls held in the Middle School

of our options. We have visited cutting-edge schools in

Sports and Aquatic Centre were wonderful family occasions

Victoria and interstate to observe programs and devices in

to celebrate our young people who presented for their

use, and to meet with other educators to discuss possible

debut.The students, staff and families involved are to be

options for our College. We have also attended conferences

commended and congratulated on the great success of

and undertaken studies relating to developments in the use

these evenings.

of technology in classrooms now and in the future.

The Middle School at Highton had a passing visit from

see the Bellarine Campus Ceilidh Band perform. This is the

We are moving very close to making a recommendation

former Prime Minister and current Foreign Minister Mr Kevin

fifth year that the group has performed at the festival and

to College Executives and the Board regarding the future

Rudd. Mr Rudd spoke to Year 9 students on the topic, ‘From

they are gaining quite a reputation for the quality of their

direction for our College. Once this decision has been

Little Things Big Things Grow”. During his talk, Mr Rudd

performances. I feel that my wife Pam and I are becoming

reached and ratified, a detailed presentation will be

used the history and development of our College, as well as

Celtic ‘groupies’ as we follow these performances with great

forwarded to families outlining the benefits to our students.

the work that our College has achieved in East Timor as an

joy. I am most grateful to the musicians, staff and families

Recent Events

example.

It has been a very busy time at all of the campuses throughout second term with many exciting events and celebrations of learning. I wish to particularly highlight a couple of these.

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He also shared his hope for the future in Geelong, speaking

‘be their oyster’, particularly with the National Broadband planned for Geelong in 2015.

Finally, over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Annual National Celtic Festival to

for creating such a wonderful opportunity for the capacity audience in attendance.

of new and exciting industries resulting from the new Carbon Fibre research facility that has been established at

Glen McKeeman

Deakin University. Most importantly he encouraged our

Principal

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students a Christian College Bible, a copy of the ‘Good News’.

Jesus Christ, and to apply His teaching of love, justice and compassion in their relations with others.

I recall receiving my first Bible as a child, with my mother

The Apostle Paul writes in his first letter to the Corinthians:

It is a great privilege for me to place into the hand of new

bringing to my attention a verse which summarises such a profound message…

Each one of us does the work which the Lord gave him to do:

‘For God loved the world so much that he gave

I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God

his only Son, so that everyone who believes

who made the plant grow. … For we are partners working

in him may not die but have eternal life.’

together for God, and you are God’s field. You are also God’s

-John 3:16

building. Using the gift that God gave me, I did the work

This verse was a seed sown toward a growing faith in Jesus within me. Although we must remember, that from a seed, a mature plant does not appear immediately. The soil must be fertile, watered and then the plant will grow.

Part of our College philosophy is for students to be encouraged to adopt for themselves a personal faith in

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‘We are simply God’s servants, by whom you were led to believe.

of an expert builder and laid the foundation, and someone else is building on it. But each of you must be careful how

So it is with Christian College, we do not farm alone.

Nurturing faith in Jesus Christ is part of a collaborative effort.

Home Room Teachers provide devotions from God’s Word.

Christian Education teachers journey students through Bible application. Student Prefects engage their peers with God’s Word and Chapel Services are conducted by staff.

Local Church groups also visit to provide lunchtime programs and challenging presentations within the College.

This list, like our faith is ever growing.

We are partners working together for God and through Christian College planting, watering and praying that we continue on this journey in faith.

you build. For God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid.’

-1 Corinthians 3: 5b-6, 9-11

Jason Morrison School Chaplain Middle School, Belmont

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Term 2

with other subjects set to follow in Phase 2 and 3 over the

•

In the previous edition of ‘In Focus’ I shared some thoughts

next 2 years. The strength of the Australian Curriculum lies,

capability

I believe, in what it captures and outlines for each student

•

Critical and creative thinking

•

Personal and social capability

•

Ethical understanding

•

Intercultural understanding

and strategies we can employ to assist our students in building their ‘capacity to learn’ both at school and at home. In this edition I plan to outline the reasons why it is important for us to be building our students’ capacity to learn in a broader context and outline some of the new

curriculum based purely on delivery of content, routine skills and structures, but fosters the learning of new skills, intentional application of knowledge in a variety of contexts

and through experiencing non-linear concepts and thinking.

The Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young

to support our students in achieving this goal.

For example, students learn about the meaning of Science

Australians (2008) was developed by the Education Ministers

Australian Curriculum roll out

through ‘Science as a Human Endeavour’, a learner in History

with a plan to see all young Australians become:

develops the ‘History Concepts’ and Mathematics is given

The roll out of the Australian Curriculum has presented us

‘successful learners, confident and creative individuals and

purpose through the learning of ‘Proficiencies’.

active and informed citizens.’

The Australian Curriculum also has a focus on 7 General

This document sets out a variety of key points and targets; in

Capabilities for all students and our teams of staff have been

particular I really like the focus on the following in terms of

looking at creative ways to incorporate these across all year

fostering successful learners:

initiatives we have introduced at Christian College this year

with an exciting opportunity to further enhance what was already a comprehensive curriculum at Christian College.

The Directors of Teaching Learning and Junior School Deputy Heads of Campus in each of the Phase 1 subjects of Mathematics, English, Science and History have spent significant time over the past 12 months with their teams, re-writing and re-working units for implementation this year,

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to be an effective learner in each subject. No longer is the

Information and communication technology

levels and faculty areas: • •

•

Students should be able to think deeply

Literacy

and logically, and obtain and evaluate evidence

Numeracy

in a disciplined way as the result of studying

fundamental disciplines.

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

•

Students are creative, innovative and resourceful,

and are able to solve problems in ways that draw

upon a range of learning areas and disciplines.

•

Successful learners are able to plan

activities independently, collaborate, work

in teams and communicate ideas.

It is with these goals in mind that we continue to refine our curriculum and teaching pedagogy to assist our students in becoming confident, successful learners in the 21st Century.

Personal Learning The Middle School Audit Professional Learning Team

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Personal learning strengths and weaknesses

The feedback from our teachers and also the students has

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Learning Styles – eg. auditory, visual, kinaesthetic

been extremely positive throughout the first semester.

be a tumultuous time of physical, social and emotional

•

Setting Goals

challenges. The Audit Team discovered a number of our

•

What motivates us?

young people were actually struggling with the basics in

•

Creating and working to a timeline

levels, allowing time for follow up, encouragement and

terms of being able to effectively manage themselves as

•

Responsibility for ourselves – actions, behaviour,

accountability for the students. It is still only early in terms

excuses, ownership

of measuring the full impact of our ‘Personal Learning’

•

Organisational skills – using the student organiser

spent much time last year rigorously discussing the best ways to foster effective adolescent learners. This can

independent learners. As a result, many of the 100+ Program initiatives were introduced this year, along with a new subject to Year 7 and 8 called ‘Personal Learning’. We felt it was and continues to be important for our young people

benefit through being able to meet with ALL students through ‘Personal Learning’ at each of their respective year

program, however we would welcome feedback from parents as to whether they are seeing benefits through home learning as a result of this subject being offered at

to receive explicit teaching in this area and for these skills

•

Time management

and attributes to then be reinforced across all curriculum

•

Home Learning – developing a routine and good

areas.Years 5 and 6 have also benefitted from the use of the

habits

our students opportunities to be successful learners,

‘Home Learning Grid’ this year to help guide their school/life

•

Improving memory

confident and creative individuals and active and informed

routines and manage their time.

•

Self-correction, editing and proof reading skills

At the Bellarine Campus, Mr. Geoff Trevaskis has been

•

Breaking large tasks down in to smaller more

teaching ‘Personal Learning’ to all of the Year 7 classes and

manageable tasks

Mr. Andrew Platt has been teaching all of the Year 8 classes.

•

What does it mean to be a 12/13 year old in our

society?

•

Balancing life – academics, recreation, part-time

Scott Elliss

work, social and family time

Head of Bellarine Campus

In Year 7 and Year 8 students have been examining such topics as:

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effectively

Both Mr.Trevaskis and Mr. Platt have experienced a tangible

Year 7 and 8. We will remain fixed on our goal of building capacity to learn and these new initiatives can only enhance

citizens.

I look forward to seeing you for the Parent/Student/Teacher Learning Conferences at the beginning of next term and wish you and your family a restful holiday break.

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

The teachings of Christ are quite clear when it comes to the point of serving and service.

Jesus himself said, ‘I came to serve, not to be served’.

I am extremely grateful to my Deputy Head Mrs Heather Faulkner for her passion in

the students have excelled at forming great relationships with the various people they

commencing our new Community Service

have interacted with, and their confidence

Elective in Year 8, to allow students the

and self-esteem has improved having the

opportunity to experience this type of service

opportunity to help others.

One of our aims at Middle School is to grow

in action.

an awareness within our students of their

I recently heard a person interviewed on television suggesting that it was not the amount of food that was available in the world that was the problem but rather the sharing of that resource that was the issue.

I immediately thought of Jesus saying, ‘I tell

Our Year 8 students have also worked in class

you with certainty, since you did it for one of

The new elective has been well received and

the least important of these brothers of mine,

connection to communities, not just with

groups to support a Lunch Program that

has seen very enthusiastic students eager

you did it for me.’

our school, but with their local and world

is run to help the disadvantaged students

to help in various ways in our community.

communities too.

from Oberon South Primary School. Each

Our children are growing up in a world

Their first activity was at the Geelong Food

homeroom group has, together with their

where they need to understand the joys and

Bank where students heard about the needs

homeroom teacher and other willing

responsibilities of living in communities.

staff, served lunches to primary students

It is our belief that we are helping to form

who would otherwise go hungry. This has

these understandings with these fantastic

In his recent visit, former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd spoke to the Year 9 students about growing things from small beginnings.

He knew that this was evident in Christian College’s own journey and encouraged our students to continue their fine work in East Timor and build on it. He said, ‘Anything is possible’.

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of the homeless and those living in poverty.

This was followed with them stacking shelves in the Food Bank Shop or sorting through a pallet of eggs which had fallen off a fork lift in a supermarket. Since then, students have

developed not only an empathy for those

opportunities of experiential learning.

struggling, but also an appreciation of our own blessings. I would like to thank Graham

Wayne Hines

Aged Care Facilities, Kindergartens, Schools,

Barton and the Year 8 team for their time and

Head of Middle School, Belmont

Rainbow Riders and Child Care Centers. All of

organisation of this great initiative.

been involved in helping out regularly at

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Vietnam is just so different from Australia. Tourist

‘People in Ha Le work really hard and have so little,

Other students were shocked that ‘Sponsor

Visiting the mountain ethnic minority people,

‘hotspots’ make life comfortable for Westerners

but they are so generous and seem happier than us’.

children’ received no money directly and the

living near the Chinese border, exposed us to

but life in the ‘real’ Vietnam is often challenging

- Abbey Year 11 .

Christian ethos was only implied.

a culture under real pressure – similar to what students observed in Indigenous communi-

and confronting. This is the focus of the Year 11 ‘Our World’ program. Students participate during

We hear and see a lot about the work of big aid

In the amazing city of Hanoi where 6 million

ties last year. The harshness of life and survival

the trip in home staying with different families

agencies in the media, but to really understand

people live in an area the size of Geelong, we

shocked us, as did the beauty of the landscape.

(rural and mountain ethnic minorities), which

our issue of ‘Ethical responses to poverty’, the

experienced the highs and the lows. We visited

Progress has really hit this area – with its costs

involves unique eating, sleeping, ablution and

students visited a World Vision program in Son

the well known city of Ho Chi Minh and spent

and benefits.The trip was certainly no relaxing

personal space conditions. It also exposes us

Tay. 60% of 200,000 people in this area live on

some time with orphan babies and toddlers be-

holiday, but a chance to experience a really dif-

to amazing warmth and generosity, simplified

less than $1.00 a day and infant mortality is

ing cared for by Buddhist monks. This was quite

ferent place.

life-style and surviving hard ship. Every family

5 times the Vietnamese average. Most of the

confronting. Many babies were quite sick and our

we stay with lost a family member during the

students, but not all, were greatly impressed with

students were inspired to fundraise to help fund

American War and survived the terrible poverty

the long-term practical approach taken by World

a monthly visit from a doctor.

of the 1980’s.

Vision- staffed only by young, educated locals with no westerners for hundreds of kilometers.

‘Vietnam is such a great place and has beautiful culture. The trip has really made me re-think how I live and what I do with my money’ – Hamish Year 11.

John Tatnell Director of Teaching & Learning Outdoor Education

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Students from Years 5 to 12 worked together

members who were involved for the first time

props construction, costume, marketing and

to produce a musical of which they were

and they will now leave our college with the

make-up. This was an amazing experience for

all justifiably proud of, and which they will

memory of the musical as a highlight of their

these students and they all learnt so much

remember being a part of for years to come.

schooling.

about the production process of a major

Now that the curtain has come down on the

The musical is one of the rare opportunities

2013 College production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’

for students from three campuses to come

it is worth taking time to reflect on the value

together and the Senior students were great

of the school musical in the curriculum and

mentors to the Junior cast members.

for the whole school community in general.

We began rehearsal in January this year with

musical production.

the on-stage cast, and the student orchestra

As the director of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ I am

began work soon after. For the next three

immensely proud of the professionalism of

months the ‘Land of Oz’ began to take shape.

the cast, the orchestra and the students who

During the auditions back in November 2012,

Dorothy and Toto, Scarecrow, Tinman and

worked behind the scenes. It is enormously

During the four months of rehearsal 130

it was clear that we had the makings of a very

Lion, the munchkins, jitterbugs, good witches,

satisfying for me as a performing arts

students from across 3 campuses had the

strong cast. The beauty of auditions is that we

bad witches, Oz citizens and winkies - the

educator to see all of the elements of a

opportunity to work closely together on

never know what talent may be unearthed,

musical was full of a vast array of colourful

production come together so beautifully

an important project that has become

and we always go into the audition process

characters who sang and danced their way

and to be a part of a school where so many

a showcase for our College. Students

with completely open minds. Approximately

through a familiar and well-loved story.

talented staff, students and parents are

learnt about the discipline and commitment required by all cast and crew members in a show. They learnt about collaboration and teamwork, about focus and developing character, about retaining stage directions and learning lines, songs and dances.

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170 students auditioned and we had the heart breaking job of reducing that to a manageable 90. We always hope that the children who have missed out this time will come and audition again in two years’ time. We had a number of Senior School cast

For the second time, the Year 11 Theatre Studies class was offered at Senior School and

prepared to give up their time and expertise to make our musicals the best they can be.

directly linked through teaching and learning to the college musical. These students were

Mandy Calderwood

all cast members and involved with various

Production Director

other ‘stagecraft’ responsibilities, including

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

Mrs Nott congratulating the new Junior School Captains Finlay Kerr and Madeleine Benson

‘Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy

their senior level at each campus. While there are

(Through unforeseen circumstances unfortunately

for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those

formalised positions of leadership at these levels, it

this part of the camp did not proceed. The work of

entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.’

is becoming more widely understood that the entire

these willing Year 9 students was greatly appreciated

- 1 Peter 5:2-4

year level can act as leaders. Indeed, there are expec-

and would have enhanced the possibilities of the

tations of students across the cohort to help set the

camp experience for our younger students.)

Who can be a leader? What are the characteristics of effective leaders? How can we instill leadership qualities in our students?

These are important questions and ones that have been carefully pondered at Christian College in recent times. So many of our students at Christian College have the capacity to be worthy leaders.

It is about students identifying their skills within, and seizing the opportunityto use each moment for wise and effective leadership.

tone of the school and to act as role models to their junior schoolmates.

This year, one of the initiatives at Junior School, and indeed across the wider College, is to be more intentional about developing awareness and understanding of what it means to be leader and how that can translate into everyday school life. It was a pleasure recently, to welcome a group of Year 9 student leaders from Middle School who ran a ‘leadership

Our Year 4 students at Junior School have this year set the ‘leadership’ bar for future years. Their skills were on show when they, as a whole year level, helped to organise and run the wide variety of activities for the rest of the Junior School at the Mothers’ Day Tabloid Sports event earlier in the term. We are all looking forward to more such opportunities for them to practice their skills as the year progresses.

workshop’ for all the Year 4 students at Junior School.

At the same time, the sixteen formally recognised-

The structure of Christian College provides authen-

We have also appreciated the involvement of Year 9

student leaders at Junior School have:

tic opportunities for students to take on significant

student leaders in our Junior School assemblies and

•

Begun meeting regularly to talk about the

the part they played in preparing for, and setting up

various characteristics that make a good

the Year 4 Camp site at Back Creek.

leader.

leadership roles at various times throughout their educational journey. These are particularly evident at Year 4, Year 9 and Year 12 as the students reach

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•

Planned and delivered a presentation to all of the Junior School students on ‘Stand Up Against Bullying’ Day about the different forms of bullying and what children should do if they experience or see bullying happening to someone else.

•

Represented the Junior School at the Com bined Schools ANZAC service in Geelong.

•

Planned and led the Junior School ANZAC Day Service.

•

Took turns to help out in the Williams House Kindergarten.

• Acted as guides for prospective parents

touring around the Junior School on Open Day. Across the College, we are very proud of our student leaders and what they add to the culture of our respective campus and wider College communities.

Marion Nott Head of Junior School, Belmont

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

The 2013 Debutante Balls saw the largest participation numbers in College history. Each night 31 couples presented themselves to the official dignitaries and families with pride. Over 550 guests including staff from all campuses enjoyed the nights.

Onlookers were entertained with the Evening Three Step, the Tango and the Samba to name a few of the fabulous dances performed.

Students looked polished and prepared on the night but what is most impressive was their 10 week journey leading up to the event. Under the instruction of Mr. Joel Owen the students rehearsed each week at Senior School. The dance steps were broken down into fun and achievable goals; however, by the first lesson they had already learnt most of the first two dances. Over the following weeks the students were introduced to more dance moves with the final lessons all about the finishing touches and flair. It was great to see some students add their own unique elements such as the rose between the teeth during the Tango.

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The page boys and flower girls, Rhiarn Shaw and Hudson Long from Junior School along with Sienna Nelis and Finn Moate from Bellarine, were along for the journey. These year 4 students attended every dance session and sometimes came to both for a period of 9 weeks. They were comfortable in the company of the older students and were a joy to get to know. On the night they demonstrated their confidence by leading out the 60 strong group of Year 11 Debutantes. The debutantes, the staff and their families were all extremely proud of their efforts and grateful for the commitment they made.

In another first, representatives from each debutante group were invited to present the official speeches of the night. It was a test of nerves as they stood up to present a speech to the College community, their families and peers. We were all very proud of Olivia Baron and Caleb Ford who spoke on Friday night and Jacqueline Nolen and Alistair Chandler on Saturday

night. In their speeches the students shared their reflection on the debutante ball, the rehearsals and preparations. Jacqueline described the debutante ball during her speech as ‘One of the many opportunities of which each and every one of us feels privileged to be a part of. This ball has given us the chance to become closer with not only our peers but also our teachers.’ They identified what the evening, and all the lead up meant to them, but more than that, they identifiedwhat the College and its many opportunities have meant to them. It was a joy to hear them speak with such pride about their school and the contribution they make to it. The students were grateful for the support of Ms. Georgia Barber who helped them prepare, and was there with them at side stage with words of encouragement.

Sometimes we are asked why Christian College continues the tradition of a Debutante Ball? The answer is because it so beautifully celebrates our young people. It honors them as young adults, and it is honoring of the support and love of their families and close friends who have journeyed with them to this point. It is a celebration of community, the one they belong to as Christian College students and more broadly the community they belong to outside of school, their family, their friends, and the one they will go out into as young adults. We are very proud of their achievements and congratulate them on two wonderful nights.

Dianne Martin Deputy Head, Senior School

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

‘By having the Outdoor Ed garden accessible to us, gives a better understanding when learning about A year has already passed since the Outdoor

around Geelong and the Surf Coast. A water feature

to Balyang Sanctuary where they taught in groups

Education faculty began working on the native

has also been included as well as endangered plant

about plants and their surroundings. By studying

gardens at Senior School. So much nature and

species that, without the garden, the students would

first hand different plant and wood types from the

growth now surrounds the classrooms to create

never have been able to see first hand.

new Outdoor Education gardens, the Year 11’s were able to instruct with more depth and knowledge.

what the aboriginals used plants for- medicine or food etc. It also allows us to understand what types of plants there are so we can pass our knowledge onto other kids which makes you feel good that you can help them learn about it too.’ - Emily Machar, Year 11

real life ‘tools’ that benefit the students within their

The Outdoor Education Faculty aimed to create the

subjects.

gardens to allow for a holistic, successful education,

The new area of gardens, having already been used

Different classes from Year 10 have been involved

which is engaging, integrated and interesting for the

and integrated into Mathematics, Our World and the

in the construction of the gardens, from Modified

students at Senior School. This has been achieved

Middle School Environmental Science curriculum,

Mathematics students who measured the land,

with the students able to utilise the gardens within

have been very well received by students and staff

researched plants and calculated the costs, to the

their studies and pass their knowledge onto others.

from many faculties.

Environmental Studies classes who helped plant the

During Term 2, the Year 11 students conducted

‘I find having the new garden helps me relate to the

different species. The outcomes are 5 main garden

classes for the Year 2 students. The Year 11 Outdoor

teachers more when learning, as you can see what they

beds featuring plant species, all from different areas

Education students took the Year 2 children down

‘It’s pretty cool that we’re about to talk about the plant life in class then to just step outside and view natural examples of them.’ - Jemma Schaftenaar, Year 11

are talking about. The garden engages the students and changes the way we learn, instead of being in class all the time, we are out amongst the plant life which is great!’ - Braydon Warren, Year 11

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(Answer: I thought space and aerospace engineering

What an inspiration it has been talking so candidly with

was about the most exciting type of career that was

these aerospace engineers. It was hard to believe they

around at the time! I was right!!)

were right around the other side of the planet.

How long does it take to get to the moon?

The students have been collecting information

At the time, they were creating a Space Based

(Answer: a few days each way, allowing for exiting

about the planets in our Solar System from a variety

Interceptor that would detect an incoming missile,

Earth’s gravitational pull, getting into orbit, and then

of sources, and none so novel as ‘ringing Grandpa in

and then with pin point accuracy, their missile, the Kill

returning)

Vehicle, would intercept the RV (Re-entry Vehicle) and The regular Science curriculum at Christian College Bellarine, 2013 has become extra special. The Year 5 students were fortunate to have the opportunity to connect in May with California, USA via SKYPE from their classroom.

Matthew McInerney, a student at Bellarine, was extremely proud to share his Grandfather- Roger Seastedt, who lives in California, with his classmates.

Roger, now retired, worked with the Flight Controls of Space Shuttles and rocket projects contracted to NASA in the 1980’s early 1990’s. He was part of the space race during the 1980’s and Roger and his team were also involved in Star Wars - The Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI).

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America’. The best thing was being able to share the experience on the big screen in the school library with

How fast does the International Space Station travel?

all the students. There was a real buzz in the class that

(Answer: 40,000 km/h! On the ISS, the astronauts see

day. The students were excited to learn in a different

day and night every 45 minutes, they are going so fast

way. They took it in turns to come to the ‘question chair’

orbiting the Earth!)

in front of the webcam to talk to Roger and Chuck on SKYPE.

is what is used today. This cutting edge science put an

After patiently answering many student questions,

Since this Skype session, students have been designing

end to the Cold War with Russia.

Roger and his good friend and colleague; Chuck, asked

and making models of space craft they deem suitable

Back in Drysdale on Monday 20 May, 54 Year 5

the class a couple of questions:

for travelling to a planet of their choice. You never know

students from Christian College Bellarine sat enthralled

Can you guess what an aerospace engineer would do

during the 45-minute Skype link-up. Many of the

in their job? Matthew and his friends said ‘Working with

It has been a privilege and a pleasure being caught

metal and rockets. And, you need lots of money!’

up in our own little space race at Christian College

nullify it, saving Americans and Israelis from terrorist attacks- at the time it was against the Russians, known as the Cold War. This project lasted for about 3 years and then transferred from Space to Ground Base, which

th

students had prepared questions, such as: Jessie: How long did it take to build the shuttle?

(Answer: Including the design stage, about 15 years) Jasmine: What made you interested in space?

When Roger and Chuck asked if any of the students wanted to go to ‘College/University’, there was a resounding cheer and a unanimous show of hands.

who will be the next Roger or Chuck!

Bellarine, 2013.

Deb Singleton Bellarine Science Teacher

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

On Saturday April 27th, 19 students and 3 staff flew to Alice Springs. This was the second of three 12 day trips to Central Australia that occur every year throughout the Year 10 ‘Our World’ studies.

The two-week journey has been implemented into the Year 10 curriculum for those taking ‘Our World’ to give them real-life involvement with aboriginal life and their communities. These amazing experiences also directly relate to the areas of study which are focussed on in class.

studies, students develop empathetic views, understand

Our students were able to tour significant sites with

‘Going to a community who are less fortunate than how

the blessings of their lives and grow a huge knowledge

the Aputula teachers and traditional owners, learn

we normally live was an incredible experience. To realise

on indigenous cultures and issues.

about the everyday life of the community and bond

what they live on and how they manage it was a whole

When the students arrived in Alice Springs on April 28th,

through working with the primary children in the school.

different experience in itself. It was easily the best trip I’ve

Catherine Kilpatrick, a Christian College student from

ever been on and I hope to have more experiences like it.’

excitement and expectations of the experiences which

the trip said ‘The connections we made with the kids

lay ahead were evident. To grasp a sense of Alice Springs,

will be cherished forever. I will treasure my ‘Our World’

students were able to sight see and browse the many art

experience and it will shape who I am from now on.’

galleries that were full of indigenous art. This illustrates the role that indigenous culture has taken within such an important town.

The students ran different classes such as Science, Physical Education and guided reading for the primary indigenous children. Our students found this

Through the next few days, the students drove to the

interaction hugely beneficial and it helped them with

remote township of Finke and stayed with the Aputula

their confidence and allowed them to give back to the

Indigenous Community. This town of only 120 people

community. Often this was all achieved without needing

have an inspiring positive Christian background and

a common language of English to communicate which,

Centre. Although the rock is open to the public for climbing, Christian College continues respecting the aboriginal beliefs and the students do not walk on Uluru.

Central Australia was hot and dry, but amongst this, had great beauty and majestic desolateness. This beauty also showed through Christian College and the Aputula Indigenous Community working together as one for what was another amazing visit.

although challenging, makes the achievement and

Rob Moore

success extremely rewarding.

Year 10 Co-ordinator

During the lead up to the trip, the students all reflect

have been welcoming the Christian College students for

on society, the meaning of equality and poverty, and

over 10 years. Our College and the Aputula Community

how this fits within Australia as a nation. A large focus is

have a strong relationship and each trip aims to leave a

For some of our students, this is the first sight of

placed on Central Australia and the difference of our life

positive legacy on both communities, intertwining the

indigenous life and is a real awakening of how remote

from those in indigenous communities. Through these

relationship.

communities live. Jack Bennett, Year 10 explained that

Page 14 :.

A highlight of the trip was visiting the Uluru Culture

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

My name is Stephen Richmond. I graduated from Christian College back in 1995, and I have lived and worked in Japan ever since I finished university in 2000. I took Japanese as part of the Christian College LOTE program, but at the time I had no idea that I would end up using the language every day of my life.

At first, it was hard going. I understood vaguely that studying a second language might open career doors, but Japanese was astoundingly difficult for the first few years that I studied it.

I nearly threw in the towel several times, but my teachers wisely talked me out of it.

I am now an Associate Professor at a small private university in

I first came to Japan when I was sixteen, on the school trip to

a city called Kyoto, where I’ve been living for the past ten years.

Naga High School in Wakayama. We ‘had a ball’ travelling around

I teach courses in ESL, Foreign Culture and Communication, and

the main cities for a week, and then spent a great few weeks

I am also involved in writing, translation and editing.

with our homestay families. At the point when we could finally put the language into practical use, we realised how beneficial it was that we had continued to take Japanese classes year

As I try to make foreign language and culture interesting for my students, I am reminded of my classes at the Highton Campus

after year. I was motivated to complete a Japanese major at

at Christian College, and my first tentative steps into a foreign

university, so I returned to Japan on a working holiday visa as

culture. My advice to LOTE students? If you have any interest

soon as I possibly could.

in exploring the world outside Australia, stick with a foreign

Like many Westerners in Japan, I began by teaching at a private

language. The hard work is extremely worth it.

English conversation school, in a city called Kanazawa, where

These days it may be possible to travel the world in ten minutes

I had previously spent a month on a university study abroad

on the internet, and English may be spoken just about anywhere

trip. As I got more comfortable, I slowly branched into children’s English classes, with a bit of translation and editing work on the side. This was all fun, but I realised that I wanted something

you go, but a second language will still open up possibilities you only ever dreamed of.

more stable, so I went to the University of London to do a

(Stephen is happily married to his wife Keiko, living in Kyoto with

master’s degree in Applied Japanese Linguistics. After I returned

their two children Beatrix, 8 and Louis, 3.)

to Japan, I taught at several universities in the Kansai area before finding my current position.

Page 15 :.

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

emotional outlet, particularly for teenagers and young adults as they grow up. Learning an instrument is also

addition to extraordinary control of diaphragmatic, back,

qualities. The program has a general expectation of

stomach and chest muscles.

excellence and encourages the students, through

(Source: Music Education Resources – The Music Achievement Council, 2000)

an academic pursuit that has tremendous benefits for a

We have seen young students gain tremendous

student’s development.

confidence through music performance that in

Are You Aware That . . .

turn impacts on everything in their lives. They are encouraged to develop self-discipline and organisational

Across the College campuses in Term 2, the Music

Music is Mathematical - It is rhythmically based on

skills through the responsibilities that comes with

Department programs featured many entertaining

the subdivision of time into fractions, which must be

studying an instrument.

student solo performance opportunities which included

performed instantaneously.

class recitals, informal lunchtime concerts and Campus Music Evenings. We have held seven evenings with up to 30 performers in each featuring students from Years Prep to 12. Student performers are encouraged by the music staff while playing in a friendly environment for family and friends. These solo performance opportunities are a

As the young musicians progress on their instruments,

Music is a Foreign Language - Most musical terms are

they are invited to join a College Ensemble becoming a

in Italian, German and French. The musical notation is a

member of a Choir, Band or String Orchestra. Growing

highly developed form of short hand that uses symbols

up in the music performance program at Christian

to represent ideas. It is believed to be the most complete

College provides a place to belong. The social and

universal language.

psychological benefit of ‘belonging’ to a group is undoubtedly significant and fundamental to the well-

celebration of hours of careful preparation and practice,

Music is History - Music usually reflects the

and a result of passionate expert teaching.

environment and times of its creation.

Music is a creative craft that gives students an

Music is Physical Education - It requires the

life skills, positive relationships with peers and staff,

opportunity to express themselves. It can be a great

coordination of fingers, hands, arm and facial muscles in

the ability to work collaboratively and gain leadership

Page 16 :.

being of an adolescent. Through the opportunities provided in the ensembles, students develop many

performing, to aim high and to experience a sense of pride in their achievements.

Senior Musicians Perform in Hong Kong in 2014.

The College Ensemble program has a series of camps and tours that students often reflect upon as major highlights in their time at school. We hold annual music camps for both Middle and Senior Campus Ensembles and the Senior Campus has a bi-annual performance tour. The Music Department is excited to announce that in April 2014, 70 students and staff will travel to China and Hong Kong where our Senior Choir, Strings and Wind Symphony will take part in school exchange performances as well as perform at the Hong Kong International Youth Music Festival. It will be an exciting time preparing for this trip but one that promising to be a rewarding experience for the tour members.

Fiona Gardner Director of Teaching & Learning - Music

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

Christian College owns and operates a fleet of 25 buses

Who: John Ashton

with 20 different bus services, transporting over 800

Bus number: 16

students to and from the College campuses each day.

One might say on a regular day between 8.30-8.45am, the Middle School bus depot can sometimes seem like Grand Central Station! Hundreds of students are arriving and departing on their specific buses, but it all runs smoothly with everyone getting to class on time thanks to our reliable bus maintenance team, drivers and fleet manager.

Route: Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Whittington to Highton and Belmont

College?

‘Christian College Geelong is such a supportive, encouraging and spiritual environment and it’s wonderful to be a part of this family’.

How long have you been with the Christian College: 2 years in August ‘13 What do you love about your job?

‘To work with children is such a privilege. I enjoy driving the kids to and from school safely and seeing them everyday.’

Page 17 :.

Why do you enjoy working for Christian

‘I like Mr Ashton as my bus driver because he’s nice and really friendly.’ – Olivia Donaldson, Year 2 ‘He’s a rad bus driver who is pretty funny!’ – Chris Janse van Vuuren, Year 9

christiancollege.vic.edu.au

The Year 10 Systems and Engineering students have started off the year on an exciting note. They were invited to compete in a mini competition as part of the Youth Technology Precinct displays at the Avalon Airshow 2013 alongside other schools in the region. This was not only a fun and interesting day out for the students, but also gave them the opportunity to work among some of the most advanced systems in the world at the Airshow.

Students were given the challenge to design and develop a LEGO NXT® soccer robot.The robots were required to locate and capture an Infra-Red transmitting ball, run it down the field and hopefully pass it into the goals. The Robot Soccer

from Mr Naylor’s class and ‘F22 Raptors’ from Mr Thomas’

All the students endorsed the value of the excursion and

class. The game was a close affair and attracted enormous

a number of them plan to extend their skills and further

interest from the public, attracting crowds often up to 10

develop and test their mechanical, digital and electro-

people deep. The Raptors managed to prevail with only one

technical systems by competing in the LEGO NXT® RoboCup

goal separating the two teams.

Junior events later in the year.

combined to form a controlled integrated technological

The students have returned to class and have given

It was also a great opportunity for Christian College Geelong

system such as a robot. This includes knowledge of inputs,

insightful evaluations of their robot’s performance during

to demonstrate some of the technical capabilities of our

processes and outputs that enable technological systems

the event and have also gained extensive knowledge in

students at a high profile public event.

to function. Students develop their engineering knowledge

sharing their ideas collaboratively with students from other

and undertake the construction and testing of a substantial

schools.

game is a two on two competition so the students also needed to team up with other students collaboratively in order to compete. This program also forms part of the Year 10 Systems Engineering curriculum, where students focus on how mechanical, digital and electrotech systems are

system.

In between games the students were given the opportunity

During the event The Australian Champion team from Trinity

to investigate the trade displays and static aircraft displays.

College Colac, gave the Christian College students some

The variety of cutting edge technology that was available

valuable experience and ideas. Fortunately for us the Trinity

to the students was unsurpassed. The students managed

College robots ran into some technical difficulties just prior

to collect a host of resources for their upcoming research

to the finals. The final was played out between ‘Home Guard’

projects.

Page 18 :.

Antony Benson Director of Teaching & Learning- Art, Technology & Design

christiancollege.vic.edu.au