March 2013
Links to articles Cover storyy :. 9 LITEhouse :. 15 enVision Maths :. 11
In 2013 our staff and students are focusing
wonderful to see our students embrace the
on the collaborative nature of learning. Some
project with such a broad collaborative effort.
examples where I have witnessed powerful collaboration taking place have been in the following areas:
Student Leadership Student leadership plays a vital role in the culture and tone of schools. At Christian College students have an opportunity to demonstrate and develop leadership qualities in a variety of areas. These occur formally through a leadership structure where leaders are appointed or selected and the less formal means when students, through natural inclination, take the lead in a particular way when interacting with others.
Page 2 :.
On a less formal basis I observed students sharing leadership abilities at the recent Year 7 camp during a raft construction activity. As the group worked to plan, construct and launch their raft into the lake I was impressed by the way that the students cooperated in this task. The success of the task, due in some part to the initiative that the students offered to lead others either through example or by encouragement.
Staff Leadership Taking the responsibility for particular areas or programs within the College structure also offers the teaching staff opportunities
Our newly appointed student leaders at each
to provide leadership of programs and
Throughout the term I have enjoyed the
Campus have started the year across the
colleagues involved. I recently sat in on a
opportunity to see and appreciate the many
campuses supporting new initiatives and
meeting held by the Directors of English,
benefits that our students receive from their
activities with their peers. They have taken
Mathematics, Humanities and Science.
education at Christian College. I have visited
a major role in the leadership of the House
These four subject areas are the four Phase
many classes where I have specifically asked
Swimming Carnivals, encouraging other
One subjects of the Australian Curriculum
students to share with me details about
House members and competitors to support
implementation and the Directors are
what they are learning. To my delight, on
or compete for their respective Houses.
meeting regularly to support each other
the majority of occasions this term I was
Other leaders are actively engaging their
through this process. I felt privileged to join
informed that, ‘we are learning to write a
peers in fundraising and service activities to
in on the discussions which were rewarding
persuasive text’, or ‘we are discussing the
support Project Care, initiatives. This term a
and assuring for me. Whilst passionate
features of a quality resume’, even ‘exploring
number of these have supported the One
about the specific area or subjects in their
the structure of organelles in cells’. This clearly
Hundred For 100 Campaign to support our
responsibility, collectively they demonstrated
indicates most positively to me that we are
colleague Miss Kristi Van Es. Kristi has shared
a far broader desire to see teaching and
tracking extremely well in creating a rich
her plans to support this project with the
learning at Christian College flourish and
culture of learning.
students at each campus and it has been
develop in the future.
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
I could give any number of other different
well as proposals to include VET and VCAL
about what type of leadership our College
examples where this occurs from all levels
programs in the near future.
aspires to achieve, this being one based on
within the College as we continue to strive to provide the very best learning opportunities for our students.
It is my privilege to work in collaboration with the leaders from these areas of the College
service to others and one which follows the examples of the teaching of Jesus.
who are so dedicated to ensure that our
5
Heads Of Campus
College continues to provide for the broad
and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying
This year the Heads of Campus have
range of needs for our students.
them with the towel that was wrapped
commenced a revised meeting format to
Congratulations to our 2013 Student Leaders
around him.
provide greater leadership to the learning at our respective campuses. The new format has
After that, he poured water into a basin
15
I have set you an example
that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater
included separate meetings for each section
Given the important role that leaders play in
than his master, nor is a messenger greater
within the College program. We now conduct
society and in the shaping of any community.
than the one who sent him. ‘
regular meetings with the combined Heads
I wish to acknowledge and congratulate
and Deputy Heads of Junior School to discuss
the students who has been selected and
the teaching and learning needs and plans
accepted to fulfil 2013 leadership positions
for this level. Combined Heads and Deputy
throughout our College.
Heads meetings of the Middle Schools discuss the specific needs of the programs for Years
Jesus lived and to seek to serve others with the opportunities provided to us as students, teachers and parents whenever
Servant Leadership
5 to 9, including assessing and evaluating
Our student and staff leaders were all recently
the 100 Plus initiative. Separate meetings
inducted in services conducted to formalise
consider the requirements and needs at
these appointments. A common thread in
Senior School including the VCE program as
these times was the important reminder
Page 3 :.
Our purpose is to follow the example that
they arise.
Glen McKeeman Principal.
Phys Ed teacher and ‘One Hundred For 100’ creator- Kristi Van Es speaks at the Senior Prefect Investiture.
Ali Kim- Graduated 1999 • Back Creek Homestead Operations Teacher ‘In the time between being a student and returning as a staff member I have studied, travelled, lived abroad, married and had two beautiful children. I have always loved teaching and working with students, especially in experiential settings. I felt that if I were returning to work, I wanted to feel passionate about the school and position offered. I wanted to belong to a supportive community where ideas are embraced and change is constant. Christian College is such a place.’
Stephen Brewster- Graduated 1995 • Senior School Japanese Language Assistant
The year of 2013 has brought us blessings
Corey Bolton- Graduated 2000
with several new staff at each Campus. We are
• Bellarine Campus Chaplain
confident that each of them will bring their
• Year 8 P.E Teacher
individual God given gifts to our College.
• Year 8 Maths Teacher
Six new staff are already quite familiar with
• Year 8 and 9 Christian Education Teacher • Year 9 Homeroom Teacher
Christian College as they were once students. It is wonderful to see the familiar faces around and to find out the reason for them wanting to come back to Christian College.
‘I loved my time as a student here at Christian College. This place played a major role in my own spiritual development and I hope to be able to assist other students in their discovery of who they are in Christ. When I decided to become a teacher, I just knew I wanted to teach at Christian College.’
Page 4 :.
‘After graduating I began my first stint back at Christian College as a teacher in the music department. I did that for a few years and then found myself in Japan pursuing a fairly different passion from my school days, Japanese language, and after 12 years I’m back at Christian College. I can see how much things have changed including the direction and vision for the future. I am very excited to be part of the wonderful LOTE department and the Christian College staff once again.’
Tim Wright– Graduated 2006 • Year 9 Outdoor Education Teacher • Year 7 and 8 Humanities Teacher • Years 7 and 8 Environmental Studies electives Teacher ‘I have worked at many schools since
graduating from Christian College and have never found anywhere with the same sense of family and community. I also respect the high values and work ethic of the school and wanted to put my teaching efforts into the best place possible. It is a fantastic feeling to walk into work on a Monday morning. I haven’t said that about a teaching job before!’
Renee McCance- Graduated 2005 • Year 10 PE and Australia’s Health Teacher • VCE Physical Education and Health and Human Development Teacher ‘My experience as a student at the College provided me with the opportunity to achieve so much after finishing school, and so I wanted to have the opportunity to give something back to Christian College that provided me with so much. This year is my first year of permanency after working at ‘Back Creek’ farm campus as a program supervisor as well as at Junior School as Kinder to Year 1 Physical Education Teacher. It is great to be able to work with and learn from the people who inspired me to become a teacher.’
Kate Hill- Graduated 2003 • Year 2B Class Teacher at Junior School ‘I wanted to be a part of Christian College again because of the supportive, Christian environment it offers. It’s wonderful to be able to share my faith within day-to-day teaching. I have really enjoyed my return to Christian College and it’s been great to see so many familiar faces around the place too!’
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
Taylor House Andrew Fitzgerald Jacob Hunniford Olivia Kehoe Yi Lynn Leong Katrina Palmer Marnie Platt
We congratulate the leaders of the College for 2013:
SENIOR SCHOOL Burrows House Rachel Hodder Nicholas Hogan Joshua Horton Allison Norris Ivy O’Dwyer Taylah Wright Penman House Matthew Gunn
House Leaders at the Bellarine Campus
Kristina Macula Jayden McHenry Madison Riddle Jacob Sharp Jasmine Yoong Flynn House Nathan Carnie Ricci Curtis Thomas Grayson Sydney Jenkins Oliver Overman Emily Rastas
Page 5 :.
School Captains Ivy O’Dwyer Jacob Sharp Vice Captains Madison Riddle Thomas Grayson
MIDDLE SCHOOL Middle School Student Representative Council Year 5 Benjamin Madden Joshua Spence Ava Halloran Year 6 Darcy Aylen Erin Russell Benjamin Conn Year 7 Georgia Quick Bailey Hunter Noah Stott Isaac Hanneysee Chiara Centorbi Zachary Schwarz Year 8 Michael Little Jack McPhail
Cathy De Rosso Thomas Newman Brydon Barnett Olivia Aylen
Matilda Thompson Anneke Richards School Captains Zachary Edwards Claudia Vasey
Middle School House Officials Burrows House Captain Harrison Hogan, Amy Troy Flynn House Captain Cain Mackay, Lydia Mackie Penman House Captain Jordan Rossi, India Moran Taylor House Captain Kelly O’Neil, Zoe Collins Prefects Devotion Prefects Ellenie Case, Claudia Vasey, Zachary Edwards, Joel Inei Project Care Prefects Xavier Andueza Mossop Faith-Emily Bailey Callum Hogg Ruby Serong Music Prefects Jasmine Copeland Daniel Bell Joshua Farrell General Prefects TaleeaDrever Jordan Gibson Hayley Gough Jack Heathcote Brittany Siketa Jessica Meddings
Vice Captains Xavier Andueza Mossop Amy Troy Middle School Mentors Grady Baxter Sarah Burgess Jack Hamer Molly Lamond Rosie Murphy Coby Robson Madeline Timberlake Gemma Beard Naomi Caulfield Noah Hanneysee TahleeMarchello Caitlyn Oakley Micky Robinson Asha Bent Thomas Clarke Matilda Jones Zoe McClure Gemma Podbury Serena Roach-Gepp Keely Bent Albany Flanagan Jane Kosutic Harry McEvoy Tom Puckett Hannah Sleeman
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
Flynn Brady Nankervis Indiana Van Someren
Penman Elizabeth Kefaloukos Jackson Spanic
Penman Mitchell Ryan Meg Richardson
Taylor Sienna Nelis Alex Souflas
Taylor Angus Callahan Jakara Anthony
Prefects Erin Anderson Jakara Anthony Angus Callahan Ebony Corless Molly Gray Natasha Henningsen Josiah King Brady Nankervis Amelia Raleigh Katie Rowe Mitchell Ryan Alice Stewart Indiana Van Someren
House Secretaries Burrows Laetitia Chow Sophie Symes The Principal congratulates the Senior School Captains for 2013.
Flynn Erica Bjornenak Molly Gray
BELLARINE CAMPUS
Year 7E - Holly Peacock
Project Care Representatives
Year 8D - DenaeVagg
Year 4D - Saxon Apps, Abbey Ryan Year 4S - Jordan Smith, Holly Harris Year 5D - Lauren Cairney
Year 7S - Serena Cullum
Year 8E - Sarah Mansell Year 8S - Peyton Greiner Year 9D - Damon Baker Year 9E - Brooke Woodhart
Taylor Lachlan Fog Phoebe Talbot Junior School House Captains
Year 6D - Tess Elstone
House Captains
Burrows Neve O’Brien Oscar Price
Year 6S - Kira Miles
Burrows Darcy Pearson Katie Rowe
Flynn Ella Jones George Maroulis
Year 9S - Nicholas Bazalicki
Year 5S - Michaela Holsted
Year 7D - Jane Martin
Page 6 :.
Penman Liam Warren Brooke Woodhart
School Captains Katie Rowe Mitchell Ryan
JUNIOR SCHOOL School Captains: Finlay Kerr Madeleine Benson Burrows House Captain Cooper Geall Annabelle Geall Burrows Secretary James Richardson Michelle Zhao Flynn House Captain Dante De Beer Madeleine Benson Flynn Secretary Charlie McFadyen Ruby Oliver Penman House Captain Finlay Kerr Matilda Puckett Penman Secretary Gordon Wang Eliza Bell Taylor House Captain Liam Handley Tyler Costin Taylor Secretary Tom Dell-Rennie Harriette St. Ledger
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
be fostered through encouraging students to: •
Wonder, question and become adventurous in their thinking
•
Make links with previous and existing learning experiences
•
Develop a view that learning is exploratory, fun and rewarding
•
Reflect on themselves as learners, in particular their feelings about learning
•
Respond to open-ended questions, rather than repeat lists or rote learning
•
Reflect on their thinking, why they think what they think
Welcome to 2013
•
It is always exciting to begin a new year at the
themselves as ‘learners’. All children have the
Building Capacity to Learn
Bellarine Campus. In particular, I would like
opportunity to learn in the context of their
We believe that a successful educational
to extend a warm welcome to those families
school, families and community. In their
experience has to be built around individual
beginning their educational journey with us
early years of school, our students broaden
students learning about how they personally
and trust you have enjoyed a smooth and
their learning about the world through
fruitful start to the year. I enjoyed catching
connecting with people, places, technologies,
up with many of you at our Family Welcome
natural materials and environments. In
Picnic and Information Evenings and for
line with the outcomes of the Victorian
those families I missed, I am sure we will have
Early Years Learning and Development
opportunities to meet as the year unfolds.
Framework, it is our endeavour to foster curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity,
Growing Confident and Engaged Learners One of our aims at Christian College is to develop our students’ understanding of
Page 7 :.
learn best. One of the key areas of our
complete tasks •
•
parents. It begins in our Junior School and
commitment, enthusiasm, persistence,
flows through to the Middle School where our
imagination and flexibility through a variety
students are developing independence and
of learning opportunities for our students.
personal responsibility for their own learning. This process of building capacity to learn can
Begin to take initiative as learners and ask questions for clarification
•
Recall information and share the ‘sense and meaning’ of the knowledge or skill
can take time to develop and requires the support and encouragement of staff and
Use their imagination and curiosity to generate ideas
strategic plan for teaching and learning is how we in fact ‘Build Capacity to Learn’. This
Learn to manage time and resources to
•
Transfer concepts and ideas from one area of learning to another
Of course this is not an exhaustive list, however, as parents, it may assist you in framing questions when discussing your child’s learning at home.
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
Year 6 Bellarine students working in the Science vegetable garden.
Parents can also support our teaching staff in
confidence and involves them fully in the
school item, does not assist the student
for you as parents to monitor the ‘personal
building the capacity of our students to learn
dialogue of learning – an important skill
in learning to be responsible for his/
learning’ and progress of your child.
for success in the Middle and Senior Years.
her items and in preparing for the
by fostering such things as: •
•
Allowing students to complete their
•
school day. Take the time to
Explaining to your child that a deadline
discuss the ‘consequences’ at home and
The partnership between parents and staff is integral to the process of building capacity to learn for our students. We invite your
own work and home learning. As parents
for the submission of work needs to be
we sometimes think that we can ‘hasten’
met. Do not make excuses for your child,
the process and make it a little less
do not let it become a point of ‘argument’
‘painful’ by doing the work for
at home, but allow the teaching staff to
known to text/phone home to have
our children. This is counterproductive
deal with any late submissions from a
parents bring items to the school (which
and reduces the learning experience
school perspective through personal
is not permitted), so please do not
significantly.
learning and follow up. Support the
respond to such requests for the same
We pray that the year ahead will be filled with
teaching staff through these endeavours.
reasons outlined above.
many blessings and that God’s word will continue
Encouraging students to return to school for teacher clarification if they are unsure
•
Allowing your child to experience the
develop strategies and routines to support a well organised start to each day. Some of our older students have been
•
Maintaining regular contact with your
involvement and feedback and trust that as the year unfolds we can take some significant steps in developing the personal learning strategies employed by all students, to allow them to achieve their best in 2013.
to be a ‘lamp to our feet and a light for our path’.
of a concept or skill required to complete
consequences for disorganisation. Driving
class/homeroom teacher through the
Scott Elliss
a task at home. This builds student
to the school to deliver a hat or required
student organiser. This is also the place
Head of Bellarine Campus
Page 8 :.
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
Year 8 students visit the elderly.
Learning abseiling skills at Year 7 Camp.
integrity. These are all wonderful attributes
explanation is that He is building quite a different
and traits that we seek to develop come not
but character growth or development
house from the one you thought of - throwing
from comfort but rather from difficulty. It
is something that takes time, love and
out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor
is the aim of Christian College to remind
patience both from the one developing as
there, running up towers, making courtyards. You
students that they have a school and loving
well as the mentor. Character is something
thought you were being made into a decent little
family to support them when difficult or
that is forged and built, it does not come in
cottage: but He is building a palace, He intends to
challenging times arise. They will see Love,
a ‘take away’ package.
come and live in it Himself.”
Hope, Faith and Trust in action and, in turn,
C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity paints a picture
‘Safe, Secure, Listened To’
come to understand how they can exercise
of the way in which God himself stretches
Christian College understands that before you
and develops us:
are able to reach out to respect others you
Challenge and Character
When looking to define ‘character’ one finds
“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes
must have a healthy respect for yourself. Our
In the classroom and school environs we
definitions such as: ‘the aggregate of features
in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can
Middle School slogan“Safe, Secure, Listened
share and discuss what it is to be caring,
understand what He is doing. He is getting the
To” seeks to assure all our students that they
compassionate and honest but it is often the
drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof
are in an environment where they are safe
and so on; you knew that those jobs needed
to be themselves and we seek to help them
and traits that form the individual nature of a person; moral or ethical quality; qualities of honesty, courage, integrity and good repute.’
recognise their innate value.
Christian College upholds the values:
doing and so you are not surprised. But presently
Love, Hope, Faith, Trust and Grace and
He starts knocking the house about in a way
Once a child recognises they are a person of
promotes fine character traits such as care,
that hurts abominably and does not seem to
value and a child of God, they are in a fine
compassion, respect, tolerance, honesty and
make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The
position to begin to grow. Many of the values
Page 9 :.
these traits in their own life.
opportunities that are offered the students, as part of their learning program, beyond the school walls, that allows the theory to be practised and grown. School Camps, the Back Creek Farm, visits to Aged Care Facilities, helping those less
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
fortunate than ourselves, sporting events,
I love attending Year 7 Camp as, in a matter
home study, Christian Outreach and other
of hours, you can see before your eyes new
activities too numerous to mention all
students growing in understanding of what
place challenges before our students that
it is to support one another. You can see
will stretch them. It is in the taking up of
students who understand it is important
these challenges that we see the character
to do your best and just as importantly to
development that we desire for our students.
celebrate other people’s best. I was humbled
This ‘stretching’ regularly occurs in ways
at a recent Year 7 camp when a Year 7 girl
families and students could never have
seemed even keener for me to swim well
predicted, a little like C.S. Lewis’ house.
and win than she was for herself. I know my
Resilience Resilience is a ‘buzz’ word at the moment but the fact is that, in essence, it is intertwined with good character development. Students will learn that failure is but a step toward success, that difficulties are there to be overcome and that through all circumstances when we stand together we stand with the strength of the group. Character development is never about
character grew through this one experience. During His time on earth Jesus demonstrated Godly character and helped His disciples to grow this way. Christian College seeks
Christian College presents ‘The Wizard Of Oz’ at GPAC this April 26th and 27th. The 120-member cast and orchestra have spent months in rehearsal and have put together a truly magnificent show.
to support such character development
Much preparation has gone into the
recognising that both in school and beyond,
Production that occurs biennially at Christian
this will lead our students to experience
College. Students, staff and parents volunteer
fulfilment in their lives and equip them to
their time to assist in creating what always
make a difference in their world.
is a memorable event. From set building to costume making, countless hours have been
learning to be strong enough to stand without others but rather to stand with others. If it is
Wayne Hines
put into this Production of the Wizard of Oz,
not your turn to be helped it will be your turn
Head of Middle School Highton
but everyone involved gives up their time with
to be the helper.
joy and ease as the benefits the students get from participating makes it all worthwhile. The production features a range of characters very familiar to many and is based on the classic movie. The audience will witness
Page 10 :.
Dorothy trying to find her way home, and
along the way meeting Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion. With the three companions, Dorothy embarks on a journey to Emerald City whose wonderful Wizard of Oz they believe will provide them with what they lack: a brain for the Scarecrow, a heart for the Tinman, courage for the Lion, and a way home for Dorothy. The Musical is also about the power of the imagination and the importance of those ideas. Perfect for all ages, it celebrates friendship, perseverance, compassion and love. Christian College invites the community to come and enjoy the Wizard of Oz and what will be a very entertaining night out in April. Tickets will become available from March 16th 2013 via the Christian College website or through GPAC online or at the ticket office.
Primary Mathematics for students and teach-
I like the way that it allows for questions along
ers. It combines visual learning strategies and
the way to encourage the children to think
digital teaching and learning tools that assist
about what they are working on and to make
tic because it is fun and it requires teamwork.
students to make meaningful connections
observations about what will come next. “
I don’t really like maths but the new program
“It has been very interesting to hear some of
is really teaching me more about how it all
the students’ responses during question time,
works.”
between known and new Maths concepts. The different components of the program enable the use of differentiated teaching and learning strategies that allow teachers to tailor content and methods to improve students’ learning. It’s been wonderful to hear many positive The Prep to Year 6 staff and students across
comments from both teachers and students
the Campuses of Christian College are
working with envisionMATHS;
celebrating the introduction of the enVision-
was spent by the Maths Review Committee, seeking the best direction for Christian College to move in relation to the effective teaching of Mathematics.
“I think that the new maths program is fantas-
already they’re displaying a much deeper lev-
–Jackson 4D.
el of thinking. The discussions they have with
“I think the new Maths program is more fun
each other and their sharing of thoughts with
and entertaining. I enjoy the investigation
the whole class have been most valuable.”
cards because they are a challenge.”
“The differentiated components I’ve used
–Saxon 4D.
cater for a range of ability levels, this enables
“I think it is fantastic because you get to
Teachers
you to extend the students who are ready
follow the instructions to work through the
“The Visual Learning component of the Envi-
for it, assist the children who are finding the
problems. For example, we needed to find out
sion Maths program really engages the chil-
topic difficult and allow the children who are
the average attendance at an attraction and
dren, encourages them to think ‘outside the
working at their optimal level to consolidate
then add the numbers, we couldn’t find the
box’ and uses language that is appropriate to
their understanding.”
MATHS Program. The commencement of the new program in 2013 comes after much time
Students
their level. I often use this part of the program to introduce a topic as they are explained
enVisionMATHS is a set of new resources that
clearly and use a range of visual examples to
reflects the best practice in the teaching of
help the children with their understanding.
information on the web so we called Adventure Park and the Zoo. How cool!” –Sienna 4D.
Pam McKeeman Deputy Head of Bellarine Campus
Page 11 :.
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
The Summer break saw a significant amount of work being done at Junior School Belmont to enhance the way that we utilize technology in our everyday teaching and learning practice. This occurred on two fronts: Firstly, the computers from the Computer Lab were all relocated to the Library. This year, all students have their Computer and Library classes time tabled so that one immediately follows the other. This enables the two programs to be integrated so that the computer skills learned in one lesson can be immediately applied to the library/literature context in the other. Such an approach not only optimizes the use of time available – for young students logging on and off computers can be quite a time consuming operation – but it promotes the understanding among our young learners
Page 12 :.
about why and how skills and understandings can be applied for different purposes and across subject areas. Secondly, new Interactive White Boards were installed in ten classrooms so that now every general classroom space at Junior School has the use of an Interactive White Board. As the teachers are constantly working to develop and share new resources and ideas for teaching using the powerful range of tools of the IWBs to complement other learning activities, it is evident that the children are finding this approach highly engaging and useful. These tools are providing an excellent means for teachers to readily accommodate the interests and needs of children who have different learning styles, and their capacity to embed information presented in a variety of formats
– animations, interactive tasks, documentary clips etc – allows teachers to offer precise and engaging material and activities to focus on the learning goals set. It has been wonderful to watch the variety of ways in which teachers and students have been able to make use of the new technologies at their disposal at the Junior School Campus this year. We have been truly blessed to be able to offer these new facilities to our students.
Marion Nott Head of Campus, Junior School Belmont
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
Page 13 :.
At the Senior School, the students and staff identify very strongly with their House. The House to which one belongs is of great importance and permeates campus life here. The day commences with time together in a House Group and devotional time is shared with others in the same House. This is a good place for relationships to begin and to be built upon.
tive approach. Hear what two of the House Prefects have to say:
The physical areas of our site are identified through the House names, such as “Down in the Penman Quad” or “At the Flynn tables” and everyone immediately knows the place to which that statement refers.
At Senior School we pride ourselves on the number of lunchtime activities which students may enjoy and, the opportunity to represent one’s House in these sports is hotly contested.
Each House is led by six Prefects who organise the many activities throughout the year for their particular House. The Prefects work together as a team and they work hard at building up the life of their House, together with the Head of House and so many other students who demonstrate strong leadership. Their Houses all benefit from this collabora-
There is a large focus on the four major carnivals, and while participation in the Swimming is strongly encouraged, all students take part in the Cross Country, Music and Athletics carnivals. Individual high achievers in all carnivals are acknowledged on the day and the Senior School Community congratulates them on their great achievements.
“Our House is about inclusiveness, of everyone having a role to play and something to contribute. We believe in teamwork and that we can achieve more when we work together.“ “Together we try hard, we aim high, with the grace of God”
Every lunchtime activity and carnival provides a means for points for the House to be earned. These points are gathered throughout the year and totalled. The House with the highest number of points is awarded the D C Riddle trophy for that year. It is with great excitement and anticipation that the students await the announcement of this at our Presentation afternoon at the year’s end. The spirit of the Houses is an inherent and important part of our daily living at the Senior Campus.
Susan Strong Head of Campus, Senior School
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
guidance, but the students do the majority of the enquiry in their own time, which allows them to feel a real sense of achievement. Peyton Greiner who was one of the students involved in the Q’ed 1 Program in 2012 worked with other students in Years 5, 6 and 7 to solve the ‘How can we create a healthy community?’ question. All students thoroughly researched this question and came up with stimulating and very different presentations. Peyton took his enquiry to an incredible depth by looking at a community issue of healthy food choices. Peyton, who is now in Year 7, worked with the Geelong City Council Town Planners to allow them to have a student’s perspective on how they could implement healthier initiatives within Geelong. Teachers at Christian College always aim to
participating students have excelled in their
Like all the Q’ed students, Peyton loves his time
create a high standard of learning for each of
ability to learn.
within the Q’ed program and enjoys ‘meeting
their students. The College strives to create an environment to cater for all the students and help them by finding their individual strengths. A specialist team of teachers from our College in 2010 came up with a different way of teaching, and created a unique learning structure for gifted and talented students from Years 5 to 9 at the Bellarine and Highton Campuses known as the Q’ed Program.
Page 14 :.
The Q’ed Program continually challenges the
new people and being challenged’.
students for the three years that it operates.
This year Q’ed 3 has been launched with many
Many topics that students discuss during
exciting and challenging activities and topics
the Q’ed class surround everyday life such
within the program. The Qe’d 3 students
as technology and community issues. These
have already been involved in a ‘mock board
themes generate questions and thoughts
meeting’ at the Senior Campus. Lead by the
in the students so they do not just work
Principal and Heads and Deputies of each
academically, but on a personal and emotional
campus, the students were able to see first
level as well. Questions like ‘What does it
hand how a board meeting runs and were
means to belong?’ and ‘How can we create
able to comment and ask questions at the end creating great discussion and topics that they
Two successful years have passed since the
a healthy community?’ are asked to allow
implementation of the Q’ed Program in 2011.
the students endless possibilities to explore
The Program continued with Q’ed 2 online
deeper into the topic and find a solution.
Roselyn Smith
in 2012 and because of being involved,
Teachers support the students and give them
Co-ordinator of the Q’ed Programs
will further examine later in the program.
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
to use these to enhance their depth and enjoyment of learning. Through this, staff are also learning new ways of teaching and integrating library resources and information and technology into all subjects. The skills that the LITEhouse faculty want to focus on within the classrooms for students to benefit from are: thinking, communication, evaluating and creating. This incorporates many different areas like questioning, searching and locating, synthesising, organising and presenting, Web 2.0 applications, internet searching skills, creation of videos and green screen presentations. The Digital Revolution has placed a huge amount of information within everyone’s reach. Because of this, the skills required to work effectively and efficiently with the information have become critical for students to develop from a very early age.
involvement in student learning is in Year 7 History where students are being taught how to create their own questions. They are discovering that the quality of the information found is very dependent on the way that the question is formed, and
With this is mind, since 2011 Christian College
that the answering of a question will very
has been implementing initiatives from
often lead to more questions needing to be
the LITEhouse faculty (Library Information
asked. Questioning techniques are a skill
Technology Education) to integrate
that students will then revisit and investigate
Information & Technology and Library
more deeply in future years.
resources to expand the way the College educates students in Years 5 to 9.
Page 15 :.
A current example of theLITEhouse
Through the LITEhouse faculty, educating the students has truly become a more
The LITEhouse staff work with all teachers
collaborative endeavour requiring real and
within the computer lab, library and the
virtual, flexible and creative learning spaces
classroom to help equip the students with
that makes a new and exciting environment
knowledge and skills, and guide them
for students to grow and learn within.
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
Page 16 :.
At Junior School Belmont and across all
these frameworks and teaching practices and
and expectations. The morning tea was
campuses we see educating our students to be
participate in the classroom assisting students.
very well attended and allowed new and
a three-part relationship between the College,
Parents have regular communication with
our parents and our students. Parents are vital
classroom teachers regarding programs such
in establishing an environment for our children
as the ‘Doorway Into Practical Literacy’ initiative
that promotes a love and respect for learning.
to assist them when students are completing
Some of the ways that we encourage this
activities at home. We also encourage
intentional partnership at Junior School
feedback from our parents as to how they feel
are through offering parent sessions that
as a part of their child’s experience in coming
Ann-Marree Weigl
demonstrate some of the teaching and
to Christian College Junior School.
Deputy Head, Junior School Belmont
learning frameworks that exist within the
Recently, we held a Prep Parent’s morning
Junior School. Parents become familiar with
tea where parents shared experiences, ideas
existing families to connect. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with lots of conversation bubbling throughout the morning. Parents shared experiences and stories with genuine enthusiasm.
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
Page 17 :.
Staying healthy is vital for every Australian.
health issues that directly affect a Year 10 age
Government initiatives encourage everyone
group. This results in the students having
to implement sound health practices into our
a greater understanding of the benefits of
own lives and set an example for children to
leading a happy and healthy lifestyle.
follow in our footsteps. As an educational
An interactive and a hands-on Workshop has
institution which nurtures students’ well-
also been included in collaboration with one
being, Christian College has the responsibility
of the Senior School Chaplains. This creates
to guide the students into practicing healthy
a safe and loving environment when dealing
lifestyle habits and also to make them aware
with sensitive issues relating to mental health,
of the major health risks in Australia.
self image and other health issues.
To continue to broaden the knowledge of
The workshops are to give students a real life
our students on different health issues, a new
look at how specific health issues affect them
Year 10 subject ‘Australia’s Health’ has been
and the wider community - putting the theory
incorporated into the curriculum at the Senior
into a real life perspective, and offering a hands
Campus this year.
on approach to dealing with these difficulties.
Within this subject the students discuss and
Taking ‘Australia’s Health’ will encourage the
learn about many facets of Australia’s health
students to pursue VCE Health & Human
issues. These include the overall health status,
Development studies and continue to live a
major causes of morbidity and mortality and
healthy lifestyle.
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
Two Christian College 2004 Graduates who
Law, receiving a Cambridge Commonwealth
were awarded Dux of the College are proving
Scholarship.
that with some hard work and a supportive and highly educational background, you can achieve great things.
most rewarding of our lives’. He also mentioned that ‘we thoroughly enjoyed our studies and
Attending Christian College provided Chris
one of the highlights was the opportunity to
and Sophie Atkinson with a strong academic
learn from leading minds in our fields.’
and social grounding that has assisted them
Students at Cambridge come from all over
to pursue exciting and rewarding careers.
the world which has, in turn, provided
After both graduating from Christian
them with the benefit of hearing different
College in 2004 they went onto to pursue
perspectives, as well as creating friendships
their passions; Sophie studied Engineering
from across the globe.
and Arts at the University of Melbourne
Upon returning from Cambridge, the two
and gained employment as an Engineer at
have resumed their careers at their previous
Vic Roads in 2009. Chris studied Law and
employers and have soared to new heights.
Commerce at Deakin University, and began
Sophie is passionate about sustainable
work in taxation at Deloitte, becoming
transport, and is working on integrated
qualified as a solicitor in 2010.
transport solutions for Victoria through
In 2011, Chris and Sophie decided to live
strategy and policy development. Chris has
overseas and further their education. Both
been involved in several high profile taxation
undertook Masters Degrees at the University
and administrative law matters, many of
of Cambridge. Sophie undertook the MPhil
which have involved litigation in the Federal
in Engineering for Sustainable Development.
Page 18 :.
Chris said ‘the year at Cambridge was one of the
Court of Australia.
She was one of four Australians to receive
Chris and Sophie both thank the Christian
the prestigious full-cost Gates Cambridge
College Community for the support that has
Scholarship. Chris undertook a Masters of
helped them to achieve their goals.
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
POWERS S is an acronym, where each letter stands for something we believe is crucial in ensuring your success. Through guest speakers and activities, we are trying to build up these 6 aspects of life at Christian College: P = PEOPLE You cannot achieve your goals without incorporating other people. They can be your teachers, family or friends.
When students come to Senior School they
as an introduction to the Powers Program.
are in their last three years of secondary
This occurred in Term 1 and was filled
education. These are vital years for teachers
with activities, each focusing on different
to set them up to be ready to go out into
outcomes to help the students learn about
the world and lead fulfilling lives that God
themselves and each other.
intended for them.
Kelly Cartwright, a local Paralympian talked
To help enable this, the Powers Program was
to the students about her journey on how
introduced several years ago. Starting in Year
she overcame her obstacles of cancer and
10, this program instills qualities into the students that will help them gain wisdom and become empowered to make wise decisions, not just for their academic future but for their personal lives as well.
having part of her right leg amputated as a consequence. As Kelly is in her early 20’s, the students easily related to her and learnt about resilience by using her as an example, and realising that they too can overcome their own set backs through life.
As part of the Powers Program at Senior School, students from Years 10 to 12 partake in a vast range of activities, seminars, guest speakers and programs that are specifically designed for their particular needs at each year level.
activities within their house groups to help everyone get to know each other as the students have come from the Highton and Bellarine campuses as well as outside schools. The Powers Program enables the students to
Year 10 students will be involved this year in
form strong friendships so that a caring and
a Careers Expo and Driver Education Seminar.
supportive environment is made through
Year 11 will focus on mental health and study
their Senior Years.
skills, and Year 12 students learn about time management and attitude with different guest speakers and activities. A full day is allocated for the Year 10 students
Page 19 :.
The Year 10’s also participated in bonding
The last session that they took part in for the day illustrated their character traits and showed them how to deal with others that are different from their own.
We teach you the importance of these people in your lives as a source of knowledge and support. O = OWNERSHIP Developing Ownership of your own Goals and Learning. This is about you controlling your future. We aim to empower you to make your own decisions for your future. It is about you taking ownership of both good and bad decisions and learning from them. It is about developing independence. W = WORK The Powers Program aims to develop within you A Good Work Ethic. We all know that nothing worthwhile is achieved without hard work. E = ENRICHMENT Enriching yourself with knowledge. This involves you enriching your lives with all that is available to you. Be it special programs to suit your needs or expert advice from professionals. R = RESILIANCE Developing a mental toughness to cope with stress, to handle failure and to bounce back and begin again. S = SPIRITUALITY The role of God. The most significant of all, that underpins all of these concepts. It’s about opening you up to the idea of God in your life and asking him in to your life to help you and support you in your life’s journey.
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
Here are some average literacy rates comparing Australia and East Timor: •
Australia - 99% (this is the assumption for all developed countries)
•
Indonesia - 92% (national self-reported data)
•
East Timor - 10% (1975, following
visits, there has been limited opportunity to
approximately 500 years of Portuguese
expand their English repertoire.
occupation)
The goals for the week of intensive training
East Timor - 33% (1999, compared to 79%
are simple: teachers from Christian College
for Indonesia)
will deliver talks on a few areas that we take
•
• •
East Timor - 50% (2007 UNDP)
Page 20 :.
and preparation, strategies for classroom
Viqueque - 43% (Geelong Friendship
management and ideas for varied lesson
Schools website, 2010)
delivery will be covered. This more formal
So despite literacy increasing from 1975 to
presentation will be followed by our teachers
1999 during Indonesian rule, it is apparent
taking the theory into certain classrooms.
that literacy rates are still about half that of
It is hoped that some Timorese teachers
Australia, especially in rural districts such as
will feel encouraged and empowered to
Viqueque. In speaking to Timorese teachers
‘try something new’. The second phase of
during recent visits, they have always
the training would then continue in actual
expressed interest in education workshops.
classrooms in a team teaching situation.
And so a seminar is underway.
With interpreters and small groups of
Teacher to Teacher Training
Christian College teachers working in local
Nelson Mandela once said “Education is the
A dedicated group of ten Christian College
most powerful weapon which you can use to
teachers has been preparing for a ‘teacher
change the world.”
to teacher’ seminar being held in Viqueque,
Thinking of education, we think of children.
for granted. Topics such as basic planning
East Timor in April this year during the Term 1 vacation. All of our friends in Viqueque are
We think of teachers and schools. We think of
interested in learning English and seeking to
opportunity for a successful future. We think
practise it whenever the ‘malae’ (foreigners) are
of literacy. What is literacy? Literacy is the
in town. Beyond a few lessons at high school
ability to read and write.
and snatched occasional conversations during
schools (from kindergarten to primary and secondary schools) it will prove to be a challenging week for all concerned. Resources will be minimal and ingenuity will rate highly. With the level of good will and expertise that has been evident in the preparations so far, the training is bound to help some willing teachers take that next step.
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
Venancia happily went shopping for resources for the Kindergarten at the Friendship House in Viqueque. She is one of three kindergarten teachers, who have each spent three months in Geelong being mentored by staff from Williams House kindergarten.
Obvious physical needs such as building
computer offices. As a result, teaching and
repairs, school furniture and sanitary
learning styles in the Friendship House
conditions are constant reminders that
kindergarten are now following best practice.
conditions are not ideal. However, there is
It has been heart-warming to see such a swift
a real local curiosity in changing teacher
and successful change. The Timorese are keen
behaviour within those crumbling walls.
to learn and quick to adopt ideas where they
Discussions with a few leading teachers from the community have been the inspiration for this seminar. It is hoped that interest in varied ways of teaching and strategies for learning,
can see how it works. Immersion in Geelong is one way of enabling change in East Timor. But empowering teachers in their own classrooms will be able to reach so many more people.
will result from the seminars and workshops,
Having local staff in Viqueque with IT skills
and subsequently change teaching habits.
and training gained in Geelong will mean that
Even if just one or two teachers pick up an
the teachers from Christian College will feel
practise their English conversation skills with
community of Viqueque, please visit this link:
idea from the training, it will definitely be a
well supported. They will have good access to
native speakers. Correct pronunciation is
http://www.christiancollege.vic.edu.au/
small step towards a positive change.
computers and a projector, even though they
encouraged especially at these times of one-
east-timor-friendship-projects
will be in a developing country.
on-one experiences. Through the consistent
If you feel inclined to donate to the projects
Student Visit 2013
interest and support of Christian College staff,
in East Timor, rest assured that one hundred
students and their families, the projects in
percent of funds are spent directly on
East Timor continue to develop and grow.
projects. Teachers fund their own trips and
The confidence to go ahead with the teacher training has also been based on the successful model of having five of our
As in the last few years, students from
Timorese friends from the Friendship House
the Senior School will travel to East Timor
in Viqueque come to Christian College over
at the end of Term 2 and meet the local
For further background and project
the last three years. They have ‘shadowed’
students of Viqueque. They also spend time
information about the ten year relationship
Deb Singleton, Secretary
our teachers in the Kindergarten and staff
in classrooms where Timorese students can
that Christian College has forged with the
Christian College East Timor Committee
Page 21 :.
volunteer their own time.
christiancollege.vic.edu.au