CCC 30years of Blessings

COLLEGE

Much of the early history of Cooloola Christian College is documented in ‘Looking Back Moving Forward, Cooloola Christian College 1992-2002’. That publication, compiled by Pat Towner, tells the story of the development of the College from a dream of a dedicated few to its 10th anniversary. The following pages are not intended to replicate this work or re-tell that story; they are intended to complement the existing history and provide highlights of the College’s 30 years of blessings.

FROM OUR PRINCIPAL ROSS WALTISBUHL

Most of us love birthdays. The idea of people making a fuss over us and of receiving gifts or phone calls from loved ones brings a sense of anticipation and excitement. As a College, we have been able to celebrate our 30th year together in 2022. This significant milestone has been a chance to recognise God’s blessing on this ministry and to thank so many who have contributed to building and shaping the College from a vision to reality, from humble beginnings to innovative and comprehensive offerings.

However, milestones like birthdays are also a good opportunity to re-calibrate and set directions. The cliché of hitting our 40th and experiencing a midlife crisis is fundamentally a checkpoint in our life journey to reflect on where we have come from and where we are heading for the next 40 years. The same audit should be undertaken by Christian schools to ensure we are still fulfilling the mission and purpose for which we were established. In navigation terms, the image that comes to mind is that of checking our bearing using a compass (or GPS if you are a millennial).

Therefore, in 2022 we introduced the notion of the CCC Way, a visual reminder of our mission, and the guiding values and principles that point us to maturity in Christ. This thinking places Christ as our True North. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and

the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Helping students and families understand who Christ is and the central truth of the Gospel remains our most important goal at CCC. This, of course, can only happen when we are providing high quality Christian education that inspires, challenges and equips young minds, hence our mission statement: “Growing God’s Kingdom through Excellence in Education”.

Ultimately, the knowledge gained as a student in our College (head) needs to translate into a heart response which in turn, results in actions (hands) –choices that honour God and serve or uplift those around us. This is the culture we are nurturing at CCC every day, and why we are so excited to be a part of this ministry in this season.

Thank you to all our CCC team (Teachers, ESOs, Admin and Ancillary Staff) who enable and enact this mission each day. Thank you also to the Parents and Friends of our College who volunteer in many different ways.

Thank you to the Associated Pastors and churches for their ongoing support and fellowship. And most importantly, thanks be to God for His provision and blessing over 30 years.

Happy Birthday CCC!

Ross Waltisbuhl

IN THE

BEGINNING

ASK, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU; SEEK, AND YOU WILL FIND; KNOCK, AND THE DOOR WILL BE OPENED TO YOU.

MATTHEW 7:7

It began as an idea; a belief that Christianity had a place in the education of children and that there was a way to provide students with an education that would equip them for a life following God.

On 5 May 1990, a public meeting was held to share that dream and to realistically examine the need for, and interest in, the development of a Christian school. On 3 February 1992, Cooloola Christian College opened its doors to 57 founding students.

The initial steering committee consisted of representatives from six churches, but only the Gympie Baptist, Wesleyan Methodist, Presbyterian and Church of Christ remained through the initial development. They were required to register as a school and develop a statement of faith, curriculum, staffing, policies and procedures, uniforms and a myriad of other small yet significant requirements to legally operate a school. This diligent group of men and women were unswerving in their faith and tireless in their duties.

It was this group of people that set the foundations for the development of the College as we know it today, and it is this group of people, and those that have followed, for whom we give thanks and uphold.

“In these very early meetings a dire warning was given that the school may not succeed. What the group was about to attempt, had never been done successfully in Australia. Most Christian schoolshadbeenestablishedbyonecongregation, and here were six very diverse congregations, consisting of evangelical and reformed wings of the church, endeavouring to form the basis of a school which would appeal to all. ... Overriding all differences however was the tremendous vision of establishing a school that would provide a sound biblically based education for children. Central to the success of the venture was to be a unity of vision and purpose – ‘unity in diversity’.”

(LookingBackMovingForward,CooloolaChristianCollege 1992-2002)

“Your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” JOEL 2:28

SCHOOL VERSE

Proverbs 2:6

“What was lacking in experience in starting the school was certainly made up for in courage and faith.

The formation of the school was a miracle of God’s provision in having staff, suitable resources, a site and the sufficient number of children to receive funding from the State and Federal Governments.”

MARK HODGES (FOUNDING PRINCIPAL)

For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.

FIRST STEPS

1991 - 1992 THE DREAM BECOMES REALITY

By the end of September 1991, the school was registered with the Education Department and the Memorandum and Articles, signed on 8 October, were completed and sent away for endorsement.

With the school registration now complete, the committee were still in need of a suitable venue for which to commence the school. Ray and Thyra Mallett owned a property on Kidgell Street that boasted a lovely historic home set on 3 acres. Upon hearing of the need for a venue for the newly formed Christian College, the Malletts approached the committee to offer their Kidgell Street property for lease and the Steering Committee gratefully accepted their generous offer.

Despite the tireless efforts of all involved, the site would not be ready for school to commence.

The Assembly of God (AOG) Church came to the rescue, generously offering their building as a temporary site for the school while the upgrades to the Kidgell Street property were being completed. For the first few months, classes were held in ‘The Shed’, with a long walk to the amenities block, no formed play space, no administration buildings and limited space for classes.

Cooloola Christian College held its first Commencement Service on 31 January 1992. The service was a time of reflection and thankfulness at the recognition of God’s great faithfulness.

On 3 February 1992, fifty-seven children (Preschool to Year 7) and two teachers attended their first day at Cooloola Christian College.

1992

57 STUDENTS

PRESCHOOL TO YEAR 7

2 TEACHERS

MARK HODGES & JOANNE SCHUMACK

Miss Shumack taught the lower grades and five little preschoolers in ‘The Shed’. When the weather was fine and sunny, the doors remained open to allow the fresh air to flow, however when it was raining, the doors were closed, banging together making a great noise!

At one time a wayward snake made an appearance on the window. The students quickly alerted Miss Shumack to the visitor and called Mr Hodges to attempt to relocate the reptile. His attempts were unsuccessful. It was quite some time before the children would sit anywhere near that window.

Mr Hodges took his upper Primary classes in the church hall. At the end of the school week, all of the desks, chairs and equipment were stacked up for the weekend’s church activities. It was a significant undertaking for the church to have a school operating on their premises.

FAITH JOURNEY

KIDGELL STREET

AT THE BEGINNING OF APRIL 1992, AFTER MONTHS OF HARD WORK, KIDGELL STREET WAS READY.

Teams of parents came to help with the move into the new school site, expressing their loyalty and support.

Students and teachers alike quickly settled into their new premise. Mark Hodges had his class upstairs, while Joanne Shumack and the little learners were downstairs.

Over the next five years, additional buildings and staff were added to the Kidgell Street site.

The years spent at Kidgell Street would prove to be a time of consolidation, during which much of the culture of the school was formed.

With the prospect of rapid growth in enrolment numbers, the College Board began to search for a bigger site that would enable the College to grow and reach its full potential.

On 6 December 1997, Cooloola Christian College shut its gates on the Kidgell Street site for the last time.

FACILITIES

The main building on Kidgell Street fulfilled the immediate needs of the school. But as the school continued to grow with enrolments, further provisions, such as a carpark and more teaching spaces, were desperately needed. In 1993, three demountable buildings, one from Gympie West and the other two from Brisbane, were maneuvered onto the site. Wet weather hampered the progress, and so the Mobile Mission Maintenance team from Brisbane camped at the site until the installation was complete.

MOVING FORWARD COLLEGE ROAD

From the very beginning there was a clear vision of the future of the College. It was proposed that a site at least 20 acres in size was required and that the College grounds would consist of purpose-built buildings to house students from Preschool to Year 12, specialist subject areas, a library, a canteen and administration buildings. Outside areas would consist of open play areas, sports facilities, playgrounds and parking.

The current site, discussed in the formative years, was originally dismissed as the cost of the land and requirements from both the local council and main roads seemed too daunting to overcome. Again, hard work and strong faith brought the vision to reality.

When school commenced on 2 February 1998, there were 141 students enrolled at CCC.

The move to College Road was a coming of age for the College, and an opportunity for real growth, earmarked by an expansion into Secondary education in 1999.

The relaxed atmosphere that was present at Kidgell Street developed into a strong school community in the well-planned surrounds of College Road.

The new campus utilised our current administration block for a library, a classroom, reception, an office, a meeting room and a staff room. Three demountables

were moved from Kidgell Street and transformed into permanent classrooms, and plans were underway for future development.

A year later, a science lab, textile room, two general classrooms, staff preparation area, multi-sports court and amenities block were constructed to accommodate the growth into Secondary.

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done’.”

At the beginning of 2001, the new Manual Arts Centre was on track for use and the first stages of the oval were being developed. The Tuckshop was opened in 2002.

The then-Board Chairman, Phil McLaren, and Groundsman John Harris, were instrumental in bringing the vision of the landscaping to life by creating beautiful, inviting gardens for staff, students and families to enjoy. The garden design and layout gave Phil and John first place in the Cooloola Shire Gardening Competition two years in a row!

From humble beginnings, the site on College Road has grown into a modern education facility, well equipped to cater for the range of students and curriculum offered.

To coincide with the introduction of Prep in 2007, a purposebuilt Prep classroom was constructed.

Stan Baker Hall (SBH) was constructed in 2009 with the help of funds obtained through the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution (BER) program. The hall was designed to accommodate the growing Arts curriculum. It recognised the importance of the Outdoor Education program through the inclusion of an indoor rockclimbing wall; and, more importantly, it provided a space for the whole school, and school community, to gather, to celebrate, to commemorate, to play and to pray.

The 5 acre Nature Space, dedicated to education and recreation, was developed in 2016. Both Primary and Secondary students use the area for curriculum-based activities. The Nature Space features a 600m International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) level mountain biking track, as well as a large dam for canoeing and kayaking.

(Above) Maurice Carter, Phil McLaren & Mark Hodges inspecting the progress of the Administration building during construction. (Right) John Harris opening the new playground at College Road.

FOUNDING PRINCIPAL MARK HODGES

During the latter half of 1991, the Committee’s attention turned toward securing a Principal for the fledgling school in time for its launch in 1992. Many applicants were interviewed, but none were successful.

Mark Hodges, while Principal at Kia Ora State School, had engaged with the committee in an advisory capacity. It seemed like a fitting choice; however, Mark was quite clear in his intentions to the Committee that he was not prepared to take on the Principalship of the new school.

With time of the essence, the committee was in need of a Principal and, after careful thought and prayer, Mark felt the Holy Spirit’s prompting and tendered his application. Mark was offered the position of CCC’s very first Principal.

Mark faithfully served the College as Principal for its first 10 years, creating a sense of community that continues to permeate the College today, and leaving a founding legacy on which the College has grown.

“What better place to be than where the Lord has called you and doing the work He has set for you to do,” recounts Mark.

Reflecting on the first day of Cooloola Christian College, Mark writes:

“There was such a sense of expectation in the eyes of the 57 students for that first parade. Their hearts and minds were full of questions, as were their parents. “Have we done the right thing in sending them here?” or, “It doesn’t look like school!” More than at any other time I remember the family atmosphere and the Sunday School picinic feeling.”

FAITH IN ACTION

PARENTS & FRIENDS

writes Jo Holvast, Parents & Friends (P&F) Secretary at the first AGM in August 1991

SERVING OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY

On 29 August 1991, the first AGM of the P&F was held. During that initial meeting, parents and friends of prospective students willingly offered their services to assist in the development of the College.

To complement the work of the P&F, the Faith in Action group was developed by Andi Owen in 1998. The aim of the group was to share in fellowship, to nurture and encourage new families, and to help encourage the growth and function of the school while providing opportunities for parents to work together for the benefit of the College.

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“We set out three rows of chairs. Towards 8pm, chairs, chairs and more chairs had to be set out to accommodate the people who came streaming in. Parents were enthusiastic to have their names on the list of volunteer helpers.”

Funding was a major concern in the early years, so in response, a fruit and vegetable fundraiser was proposed. The Fruit and Vegetable Distribution

Fundraiser was the major fundraising activity for many years. Phil McLaren, with a team of helpers, undertook the weekly task of fulfilling and distributing orders.

‘Fruit & Veg’, as it was known, commenced in May 1997 and, by Term 3, 2000, it had raised over $66,000.

“Small was our faith,”

AERIAL VIEW OF THE COLLEGE GROUNDS IN 2001

DEVELOPING THE ARTS

AT CCC

1993

COPY CATS OF THE KING

Copy Cats of the King was the first musical staged while the College was at Kidgell Street. A legion of parent helpers were onsite to assist Miss Shumack with backstage management and props, and were the makeup artists for the budding performers. At the conclusion of the performance, everyone shared in a celebratory cake and a can of soft drink.

The ‘Copy Cats of the King’ musical was reprised in 2016, entertaining a new audience.

1994 WE LIKE SHEEP

A simple production with no scenery changes. Mr Hodges took the part of the Good Shepherd, carrying the baby lamb, Becki Edmonds, on his shoulders. Taurean Thompson performed as the lost sheep who was brought back into the fold.

1995 SINGSATIONAL SERVANTS

The musical was taken from a series of musicals in which the singing book ‘Psalty’ sings songs of praise to Jesus. ‘Charity the Church Mouse’ was the star of this production.

1996

GO, GO, JONAH

Go, Go, Jonah was a lively production and was the most ambitious to date with elaborate scenery changes and costumes. The underwater scene after Jonah was thrown overboard was impressive.

1997

KINGDOM CASTLE

Kingdom Castle tells a story of four young children exploring the Australian bush who stumble on a fantastic castle. The keepers of the castle, ‘Truth’ and ‘Grace’, meet the children and share with them the wonders of the Kingdom Castle.

FIRST CAMP TO LAKE COOROIBAH

STUDENTS IN YEARS 6 & 7

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Beyond the Classroom is about learning, growing and building community through activities and endeavours that predominantly take place outside the normal classroom and beyond the traditional curriculum. The best learning happens through rich, shared experiences in real contexts, with worthwhile goals. Beyond the Classroom is the initiative that opens doors and gets students out there!

School camps and excursions have long been an integral part of the CCC culture.

In 1995 one of the earliest overnight camps was held with the Year 6 and 7 students heading to Lake Cooroibah for an outdoor adventure camp. As the College developed, so too did the camp program, with core camps being established for students to look forward to as they move through the College.

In addition to class camps, a bi-annual ski trip is offered, along with ministry trips to the Solomon Islands and Outback Queensland.

As part of the early stages of establishing ‘Beyond the Classroom’ at CCC, Ross Waltisbuhl was asked to consider planning an overseas ministry trip for Secondary students. So, with the help of Pastor Gary McClintock, CCC stepped out in faith and began biannual ministry trips to the Gympie Wesleyan Methodist Church’s sister school in Gizo, Solomon Islands.

DEVELOPING SPORTS AT

CCC

Very early in the life of the College, the concept of forming two sporting houses was brought to fruition: Meshach and Shadrach, named from the Book of Daniel.

In July 1996, the first inaugural school sports athletics carnival was held at Albert Park. Those who participated all have fond memories of the sports days and the ball games, including a great deal of parent participation.

On one occasion, Mr Hodges tried to make up time by running without the batton in a relay race. The children were very quick to chastise him.

In 2005, as student numbers continued to grow, a third house, Abednego, was formed, and a healthy school rivalry was developed.

Over the years, CCC has developed a strong sports program that integrates in-school sports, inter-school sports and opportunities to participate at the District, Wide Bay and State competition levels.

The College continued to grow its sporting interest through offering dedicated coaching in Netball, Soccer, Volleyball and Futsal.

AERIAL VIEW OF THE COLLEGE GROUNDS IN 2019

1992 - 2001

Created a sense of community that continues to permeate the College today.

2002

Genuine belief that student needs were paramount.

2003-2005

Care for all children, and rocket launches to start each new year.

2006-2007

Quiet confidence, gentle manner and sense of community.

CCC has been blessed with men and women in leadership who have faithfully served the College, providing the right environment for all of our students to learn and discover the path God has set before them.

MARK HODGES

MATT HAMMANN

ROSS CARLYON

LOUIS SAAYMAN

FAITHFUL LEADERS

LEANNE MCCLINTOCK

2008 - 2015

Unswerving faith, provided solid foundation for next chapter of CCC.

TREVOR NORMAN

2015 - 2020

Focussed on establishing clear direction for the future.

ROSS WALTISBUHL

2021 - Current

Focus on the CCC Way, desire to see every child reach their God-given potential.

30 YEARS OF BLESSINGS

HOW WE HAVE GROWN

2003

The first group of 17 Year 12 students graduated from CCC.

2009

“It was tough getting Year 12 started in 2003, but parents kept the faith, and their children worked hard, and the three OP1s were a gracious gift of God that year, as well as other outstanding results”

MATT HAMMANN - PRINCIPAL, 2003

2006

CCC led its first bi-annual team of students and staff to the Solomon Islands.

2007

Introduction of Prep. A purpose-built classroom was constructed and opened for students.

2008

The introduction of the Australian Curriculum - a federal initiative to align learning of all children across Australia. CCC was required to adapt its curriculum to meet the new standards across English, Maths, Science & History. CCC continued with its commitment to deliver high-quality, Christ-focussed education.

With the assistance of the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution (BER) program, the Stan Baker Hall was constructed. The hall was designed to accommodate the growing Arts curriculum, and most importantly, provide a communal space that would accommodate the entire school.

2011

CCC expanded its spiritual offering and support of students and their families through the introduction of a Chaplaincy Program.

2014/2015

Additional classroom buildings were constructed. F Block was built to accommodate Primary classes. L Block houses Secondary classrooms and administration areas.

2016

The 5 acre Nature Space is dedicated to education and recreation and is an integral part of our Outdoor Education and Recreation Studies subject offerings. Both Primary and Secondary students use the area for curriculum-based activities. The Nature Space features a 600m International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) level mountain biking track, as well as a large dam for canoeing and kayaking.

2016

The CCC Early Learning Centre was officially opened, providing long daycare, an accredited Kindergarten program and before/after school care.

The Solomon Islands team partnered with United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) to assist in launching Laef FM, the first Christian radio station in the Western Province.

2018

The STEM Centre and Arts precinct was developed. This provides an environment for innovation and collaboration for the 21st Century.

A dedicated CCC Bus Service was launched, now transporting a quarter of students to the College each day.

2020

The Year 4 Music Immersion Program was successfully piloted. This program has been incredibly successful in the years since.

Renovations and extensions to The Learning Hub were completed.

2021

Renovations and extensions to the Administration building were completed.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream ... it has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

JEREMIAH 17:7-8

THE FUTURE

CCC HORIZON MASTER PLAN

CCC is a College that has moved through infancy, childhood, and the awkward youth years. We are now stepping into true adulthood - bringing an expectation of excellence across a diverse range of subject offerings, educational partnerships, career pathways, staffing, facilities and resources.

We are charged with the responsibility of equipping students so they can confidently embrace the opportunities and challenge of living in a post-Christendom world.

CCC continues to partner with families in raising their children to know God and recognise His plan for their lives.

As our enrolments grow, our built environment must grow with us. Our Master Plan helps us prepare for projected growth and meet the needs of our students and staff over the next 10 to 20 years.

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” EPHESIANS

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MITCHELL COCKS

STORIES FROM THE PAST

FOUNDING STUDENT TO BOARD CHAIR

I am blessed to have had the unique opportunity to be one of the 57 founding students to attend CCC in 1992. I completed all my Primary schooling up until the end of Year 7 in 1995, before Secondary school existed.

In the early years, the College was predominantly made up of like-minded Christian families, who had a desire to provide an alternative Christian education to not only their own children, but other children in the wider community.

My best memory of CCC in the early years was the family-like atmosphere, with a strong ‘everyone knows everyone’ feeling. I am encouraged to see that the College still maintains that strong sense of community. I can still remember setting up our school desks on a Monday morning and packing them up on a Friday afternoon at the temporary location, generously offered up by the Assembly of God Church. In the months and years following the opening of CCC, I can remember many, many hours spent building, modifying, painting, cleaning and arranging in preparation for new sites and buildings.

The College’s establishment and growth can largely be attributed to the many volunteers that generously invested time, gifts and skills throughout the past 30 years. This heart of service is one of the reasons that makes CCC unique.

I am now privileged to be able to send my five children to CCC to be taught by the professional and loving staff and teachers, as they strive to continually provide a Christ-centred education. It is comforting to know that, in this challenging age, our children are being taught the same values and worldview as they are at home. I am thankful for the support network the College provides to families.

Additionally, I am honoured to have the opportunity to currently serve the College as Board Chair. To be able to give back to the College and its founders is a privilege and honour.

“Over the past 30 years I have witnessed the Lord’s gracious and guiding hand upon this College and trust He will continually provide for this College well into the future.”

Mitchell Cocks

WE ARE ALL PART OF THE CCC STORY.

COOLOOLA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

1 COLLEGE ROAD

SOUTHSIDE QLD 4570

E : admin@ccc.qld.edu.au

W : ccc.qld.edu.au

P: (07) 5481 1000