IN FOCUS Links to articles Cover Story : . Page 5 Cross Age Collaboration : . Page 8 2016 VCAL In Action : . Page 20
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From the Principal Reflecting on 2016 This final edition of In Focus for 2016 provides an opportunity
The Junior Bellarine Choir performing at the Music Evening.
Senior Boys Netball team- State Winners!
to reflect, and I particularly want to share some of my thoughts given some of the events that have taken place this year in our community. Like any community we have had our share of highs and lows, celebrations and challenges. I am hoping by sharing a few of my own thoughts and reflections I can help us all to focus on the important things in life.
to draw meaningful connections between their learning and the
rewarded in national competitions and had their work
greater purpose of life.
published. Excellent feedback has been received from guests
This year has seen the formal introduction of Mytern. This common language provides our students with the
visiting classrooms as part of the learning of respectful levels of engagement and motivation.
opportunity to develop an awareness of their own emotions and
The Music faculty enjoyed a wonderful tour of Sydney which
A community as large as ours mirrors the events of a small town
to take responsibility for their responses to the situations that
included performances on the Opera House stage. We celebrated
or village. We experience occasions such as weddings, births or
can arise any time during the day. It has been pleasing to see and
our Senior Boys Netball taking out the State Championship, a
anniversaries worthy of celebration, and we also face the sad
hear so many of the students, staff and families embracing the
State Final in 4 x 100m track and field relay in the girls under
passing of loved ones and dear friends.
language at school and at home.
12/13 event as well as a victorious team in the State Surfing titles.
Our desire to take a more restorative approach to student
We also experienced the performance of a new genre
wellbeing and management has been a positive inclusion as part
of drama, ‘Our Town’ - a three-act play by American
of our pastoral care for all students. Bringing parties together to
playwright Thornton Wilder.
We welcome newcomers and say ‘Goodbye’ to those who move on, as well as celebrating the achievements of those in our community. At Christian College, we have experienced all such examples throughout 2016.
The Highs Throughout this year we have seen great learning taking place
seek positive outcomes and to support behavioural norms within the College community has led to reflective and harmonious outcomes to many of these situations that arise in schools.
through many new initiatives and opportunities. The culture of
The year has also seen many academic successes and some
learning at Christian College is one that encourages our students
outstanding results in all subject areas. Students have been
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Once again, the annual Music Evening, Arts Extravaganza, success in Junior World Robo Cup competitions, the many exhibitions and evenings to celebrate student learning, all give reason to celebrate the 2016 College year.
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Strings Ensemble performing at the Sydney Opera House during the Music Tour.
Surfing State winners team.
The Lows This year we sadly lost much loved members of our College family. At the beginning of the year the Middle School chapel at Highton was filled with family, friends and colleagues to pay tribute to Mrs. Andrea Collins,
Andrea with her husband Neil and children, Josh, Zoe and Aaron.
a parent and colleague who died after a long brave and inspirational fight with cancer. At the end of last term, the passing of Year 12 student Jacob Marsden was a time of great sadness for our community. During these difficult periods the heartfelt response from our community was most evident and demonstrated what a loving and caring community exists at Christian College. Many times in any year I hear of examples of the depth of love or the kind acts of service that our students, staff and families show one another. Yet, as it is with any community, we have also experienced our share of challenges. Like all schools we have faced issues involving inappropriate cyber behaviour and received our share of criticism through social media and in the media in general. By reflecting on the lows, it is important to consider how we feel in these times and what we remember about these instances. For me the death of someone who is part of a community provides an opportunity to celebrate their contribution and the legacy that they leave behind, as well as to reflect on how we live our own lives. Jacob with classmates in the Senate Chamber at Parliament House during a Legal Studies and Australian History trip to Canberra.
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Jacob on stage at Costa Hall during the Senior School House Music Competition.
The Learning That Matters This year we have been focusing on ‘The Learning that Matters’ as part of our teaching and learning framework and advertising campaign. But what does this mean? For me, the learning that matters goes beyond the recall of facts and knowledge and the development of skills. Whilst these are important,
At the time of Jacob’s death many were comforted by this young
On the day of Jacob’s funeral, in the days prior and even since,
man’s faith in God and his willingness to share that he was not
I have been extremely proud of the students, staff and families
afraid to die and that he was confident about where he would
of our College. Not just for the heartfelt response to Jacob’s
be going when the time came for him to leave this earth. Jacob
sad passing, but for living up to and exemplifying an education
believed in Heaven and his Christian faith was a comfort to him,
that ‘matters most’.
as it was to many of us after his passing.
‘It is not something that I am doing right’. As the wise African
I firmly consider that it is the character development, values and
Shortly after the service that was held to celebrate Jacob’s life I
saying says, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. We belong to a
foundational understanding of our purpose that far exceeds
received a letter from a local member of clergy who had not had
wonderful ‘village’ at Christian College and we all contribute to
these. It is how we think, act and use our gifts and talents to
any previous contact with Christian College before this day.
the culture that we share. It is important to always remember
serve each other in our community and how we see ourselves in the sight of God that matters most. To me this is learning to live a good life - a life that is lived to enrich and positively impact the lives of others. It is not selfish or self-serving or lived with a sense of entitlement. When our community gathered to celebrate the lives that Jacob
In the letter he wrote these sentiments: Congratulations Principal: you must be doing something right. At the recent funeral the students and staff present, glorified God and showed how much they loved each other. If this is an example of what your school is about and the calibre of the students it
that it is God’s community that we celebrate and His love that sustains and upholds us in truly seeking and providing the learning that matters. Glen McKeeman Principal
produces, I am very excited and confident about our future.
and Andrea lived, the common thread that was woven through each of their contributions to the lives of others was their willingness to serve them and, above all, to love.
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Students enjoying the Bellarine peppercorn tree.
Lighting of the ‘future candle’, Head of the Bellarine Campus, Nicholas Watson with Prep students, Archie Underwood and Ellie Priebbenow.
Principal and Foundation Head of the Bellarine Campus, Glen McKeeman sharing fond memories during the service.
The Bellarine Campus 20th Year Anniversary Celebrations
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Lighting of the ‘present candle’, former Bellarine Head of Campus, Scott Elliss with past Bellarine Campus Captain, Katie Rowe.
2016 School Captains, Zac Edwards and Katie Rowe.
Twenty years on, we are celebrating The Bellarine Campus, its
The Bellarine Campus has always been a very personal place, a
experiences that will prepare our students for the
inception, continued excellence and intrinsic qualities. The Campus
place where students, parents and staff are known by name, where
21st century world they live in, and above all, for their
community, foundation students and their families, past staff and
relationship and partnership are at the core of educating our young
heart’s desire to nurture the faith of our young people.
students, and present staff and students, all came together on
people. At the outset, the Campus was founded on the need to
the 11th of September, 2016 to mark the 20th Anniversary of our
build a community with shared values, a desire to provide a quality
Bellarine Campus.
education, and to develop the character of our students.
We had much to celebrate and be thankful for. From that initial
The Bellarine Campus is God’s blessing to the Bellarine. We pray
McKeeman and Mr Earl Moore, and for our dedicated
decision to investigate having a Christian College Campus on the
that the Bellarine Campus will continue to grow as a dynamic
staff group. We will continue to be the ‘keepers’ of the
Bellarine Peninsula, to the provision of the campus site, the calling
educational facility, where students, their families and Staff always
Bellarine Campus for now and into the future.
of the staff, and the gift of students to be educated here. All of
feel valued and welcome.
these major moments have been under God’s hand and a part of His ongoing plan for the Bellarine Campus. God has continued to honour His plan for our school throughout those twenty years, with the significant growth of our Campus community, facilities and rich depth of educational opportunities.
This is an incredible privilege and awesome responsibility for me, as the third Head of Bellarine Campus, and for the Campus Deputy Heads, Mrs Pam
The Bellarine Campus future is bright, as we
I acknowledge everyone who has made a contribution over the
strive in partnership with our school families, to
years, in particular those who made that initial leap of faith. For
strengthen the strong community culture that God
those who shared the vision for transforming the empty building
has allowed to flourish in this place since its humble
and gravel filled grounds on the present site. They believed
beginnings twenty years ago.
wholeheartedly that God would establish something very special, The Bellarine Campus! I also acknowledge our fine group of committed educators today, who have a passion to see further
Nicholas Watson Head of the Bellarine Campus
growth of our community, to develop authentic educational
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Past Bellarine Campus Parent, Sally Stewart alongside Principal, Glen McKeeman, School Captain, Katie Rowe, Vice-Principal, Scott Elliss, Prep students, Archie Underwood and Ellie Priebbenow with Head of the Bellarine Campus Nicholas Watson.
Past families who significantly contributed to the Bellarine Campus.
Lighting of the ‘past candle’, former parent, Sally Stewart with the Bellarine Campus Foundation Head, Glen McKeeman.
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Cross Age Collaboration aids to create a ‘family-
buddies during recess and lunch, as well as participating in different
like’ community throughout the campus. The Year
activities throughout the year. Friendships formed often continue
9 Leadership team supports the Junior School in
over the students’ time together at the campus.
a number of ways. They join the Junior School students on their ‘Getting to Know You’ excursion, year level camps and assist with special activity days
Cross Age Collaboration
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The Bellarine Campus offers the unique and invaluable opportunity for collaboration to take place among students from Prep to Year 9.
happening during the year.
Year 9 students also have regular interactions with the Prep students. They participate in a reciprocal reading and writing program every Friday. During these sessions, both Prep and Year 9 students involve themselves in roles such as summariser, questioner,
Over the past several years, and continuing this
clarifier or predictor. In most cases, the Year 9 student ‘models’ and
year, the Prep students have been supported by
‘scaffolds’ the younger student throughout the task.
Cross Age Collaboration exists in many ways
their Year 4 buddies. Right from the beginning, on
throughout the year and aids in creating a supportive
Orientation Day, the incoming Year 4 students do a
culture throughout our Campus. Multi-age activities
phenomenal job in becoming the ‘big buddies’ to
generate intellectually stimulating and safe learning
the ‘very little Preps.’ As leaders of the Junior School,
environments for students of all abilities and ages.
the Year 4 students welcome the Preps, contribute in
The ‘whole child’ is nurtured as students engage
making them feel safe and comfortable, and simply
in cross age interactions. Interpersonal, leadership
share in fun time together. This buddy system is an
and academic capacities are developed through the
essential part of the young students’ transition to
various interactions as the young and older students
school life, as for example, older students assist with
come together to learn.
changing runners for ‘Huff and Puff’, check in on their
While at the Back Creek Farm, the Year 9 Bellarine Campus boys lead the visiting Prep students through set activities during their annual Farm excursion. The excitement and pleasure that the Prep students gain from spending time with their Year 9 buddies at the farm is reciprocated by the Year 9 students. This is a unique situation. The older boys introduce their learning environment to the Prep students, and are able to share their new found knowledge and skills with the youngsters.
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During Term 3, Year 9 students work alongside our
Cross Age experiences are diligently planned to
skills that can be used later in life. Students gained
Year 2 students during the Literacy Block.
provide meaningful opportunities for all students to
a different perspective of themselves as learners, by
The students work with one another in the class.
engage collaboratively, perhaps with students they
stepping into the ‘teacher’s shoes’.
They participate in reading activities whereby the
ordinarily may not spend time with.
Middle School and Junior School students read to
These experiences build confidence, meet specific
each other.
learning intentions and help students in transferring
Cross Age Collaboration also takes place when Year
the skills learned in the classroom.
Collaboration tasks encourage students to think about their own thought process during a particular activity. Students learn to be actively involved and monitor their comprehension, ask questions,
7 and Year 1 classes work together on Mathematics
The multi-age collaboration has quickly become one
capitalising and assisting in making links.
throughout the second semester. The primary
of the highlights of the year for many students, and
They become confident learners through the
purpose of these interactions being to increase the
significant friendships and bonds have developed.
program as the benefits of such a learning
mathematical language of both age groups as well
Upon reflection, Year 9 students shared that they
environment create a flow on effect across all
as for the Year 1’s to develop rapport with the older
learned from the younger students as they were
subjects. Cross Age Collaboration is an incredibly
students. Furthermore, this environment provides
teaching them.
positive experience socially, emotionally as well as
the Year 7 students with leadership opportunities.
educationally.
Together students complete mathematical
The older students in particular enjoyed mentoring
problems, discuss alternative strategies on how to
and observing the progress their buddy made
solve problems and develop a better understanding
throughout the year. Lessons involving multi-age
of themselves as learners.
collaboration were said to have elevated student’s
Katie Oelke, Bellarine Campus Prep - Year 2 Coordinator
mood, provided for higher engagement, and taught
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Grandparent’s Day
Special Guests
Junior Campus Around the Campuses
Side Show Alley
Grandparent’s Day
Side Show Alley
Students, Grandparents and Special guests enjoyed coming
In Term 4 our Year 4 students, planned, prepared and presented a
together in a community celebration at Junior School recently
‘Side Show Alley’ to their fellow Junior School students.
for Grandparents Day. Our visitors were able to watch our strings ensemble, dance and choir groups perform and then spend special time together in the classrooms with their Junior School students. The children had great delight in sharing games, stories and even handwriting competitions with their Grandparents.
The Year 4 students worked hard to run a small stall promoting a fun activity that would engage their audience. From fun houses to photo booths, face painting to mini-golf, there was something for everyone. The Junior School students had a great time visiting the stalls and the Year 4 students learnt some valuable lessons about running a small business.
Prep Camp Fun!
Special Guests!
As part of the Year Prep camp, students went on a Safari
Some ‘special guests’ from the garden were invited into the
Adventure to the Werribee Zoo. They were able to see first-hand
Year One classroom as writing prompts. An important part of
what animals need, to survive as part of their Integrated Studies
learning to write for young children, is making connections with
Unit. It was very amusing to see the Gorilla actually make his own
experiences. When students have opportunities to engage their
shelter from the rain! Students participated in an educational
senses, they are able to write from a place of understanding.
lesson with Zoo staff and met some native reptiles including a
Our special snail guests inspired these Year One students and
Blue Tongue Lizard. They also experienced the Zoo Safari and
were able to spend the whole afternoon, because they were very
became Habitat detectives.
well behaved!
Prep Camp fun!
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Middle Campus SSV State Track & Field Championships The College acknowledges the performances of the Year 4 to 6 students who qualified for the School Sport Victoria - Track & Field
Action in the Community
State Finals. To reach the Finals, the students needed to place first or second at District, Division and Regional rounds. We congratulate the Girls 12/13, 4 x 100m relay team; Luka Mathe, Jorja Kirsopp Cole, Molly Sellar and Nyah Brown on winning the State Final!
Action in the Community Students in Year 5 embarked on a new journey, ‘Action in the Community’. They enthusiastically worked towards a community issue that they were passionate about and were challenged to come
Nyah Brown and Patrick Aquilina are also to be congratulated
together to make change in the lives of others. This included, raising
on being selected to represent Team Vic at the Australian Track &
awareness about consumer choices and palm oil, helping children
Field Championships this November.
who are in the hospital, raising awareness about homelessness, and a range of other issues. One exuberant experience came with motorcycles revving into the classroom, this was a presentation by a group who chose to support sufferers of cancer. The students’ work included the development of research skills, questioning, writing letters and emails, constructing surveys, and analysing and representing data. Most importantly, the task developed students’ dispositions in the areas of collaboration, interdependence, empathising and listening, and imitating.
Real Talk Presentations
Real Talk Presentations Our Year 9 students recently attended a presentation by ‘Real Talk’. ‘Love and Life’ were the topics discussed, including content on relationships, self-worth, sex and personal identity, with a Christian perspective. The session included dynamic testimony, video content, discussions and audience participation. Gerard was an engaging speaker whom the students found entertaining and relational. Within the Health and Physical Education program, further discussion will be held throughout the term to reinforce what was learnt in the presentation.
Market Day Year 6 students rose to the challenge when tasked with the design and marketing of a stall to sell products or services on Market Day. In preparation, students heard from guest speakers from a variety of Geelong business sectors, including Hannah Pearson (Cotton On), Jake Munday (Bronx Pressed Juices and Pearly Whites), Kerrie Reid (Offspring Project) and Glen McKeeman and Scott Elliss (Christian College). The students were eager to learn from the presenters and then apply the ‘tricks of the trade’ in the hope of making a profit from their stall; with all proceeds being donated to a student elected charity. Market Day was a wonderful success and saw our students not only develop their entrepreneurial skills but also strengthen their collaboration, problem solving and perseverance ‘muscles’.
4 x 100m relay team state winners!
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Market Day
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Design and Construct a Musical Instrument During Semester 2, Year 6 students designed and constructed a musical instrument of their own choice. This year, students rose above and beyond the standard expected and created some incredible instruments! There were home-made drums, horns and stringed harp-like instruments as well as some hand crafted
Bellarine Campus
guitars that would have involved an incredible amount of skill and time. As always, we were very proud of our students, pushing themselves to develop something unique and truly their own. Year 6 students Jordan Cormack with his guitar, Brianna Hopper with her guitar and Hugh Moran with his chimes.
Materials, Forces & Heat
Prep Camp Adventures During week 1 of Term 4, Prep students embarked on the first of many overnight
The Year 3 and 4 students have been involved in a range of
Energy of the Future
experiments this term as a part of our ‘Materials, Forces &
During this semester, in Systems and Technology, Year 9 students
to develop their interpersonal skills, strengthen friendships and grow in
Heat’ Integrated Studies unit. The students started the unit by
designed and constructed a solar model car. During the weekend
independence. Racing the Staff down the slides was a must at ‘Meerkat Manor’
classifying the properties of a liquid, solid and gas, and using their
of 15th and 16th of October, some very enthusiastic students
before travelling to Cottage by the Sea in Queenscliff. Building sandcastles, a visit
‘reasoning muscle’ to justify their thoughts. The students also
participated in a ‘State Victoria Solar Model Vehicle Challenge’
from ‘Pirate James’, along with choosing and making their own beds, were some
had the opportunity to make slime using corn flour and water,
(VSMC) at Scienceworks in Melbourne. The students were required
highlights! Prep Camp complimented the learning that has taken place through
and again, had hearty discussions as to whether it was a liquid
to have their car compete on a ‘figure-8’ track of approximately 86
both the Play Based Learning and Discovery Learning Programs. While completing
or a solid. To investigate further, the students were given the
metres in length. Our students were very competitive amongst the
the ropes course, the Preps took calculated risks and developed their resilience.
opportunity to observe the changes that occurred while cooking
high standard of hundreds of students represented from all parts
Collaboration was a focus when building sand castles and when moving their
pancakes. The students worked together to explain what change
of Victoria. It was wonderful to witness the amount of learning
luggage up the two flights of stairs! The camaraderie that has been developing
occurred and why this might have happened, all while enjoying
taking place and the exceptional way in which our students
over the year was evident, as students encouraged and supported each other
the smell and taste of the pancakes!
conducted themselves.
throughout the experiences.
Materials, forces and heat investigation.
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Solar Challenge students.
camp experiences to come. Camp provided the opportunity for students
Prep students building sand castles on camp!
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Christian College graduate, Kate Elstone at the WorldSkills Competition.
WorldSkills Competition A small group of Senior students recently visited the ‘WorldSkills Australia National Competition’. WorldSkills Australia (WSA) aims to develop and nurture the skills of young Australians. WSA promotes and builds a skills culture by inspiring young people, celebrating skills excellence, and providing them with an opportunity to showcase their trade and skill talent through competitions; like the very one the students visited. The calibre of the
Year 10 Deakin Maths Competition On Friday 26 August, over two hundred Year 10 students from Geelong and Western Victoria gathered for the 28th Annual The final farewell for the Year 12 students.
Celebration Day for Year 12 students was held on October 19th 2016. The Senior School library was transformed with balloons into a wonderful venue to host our students and Senior School staff for a delicious buffet breakfast. Students then enjoyed an array of fun activities with their House Group friends and teachers. The much revered Clock Tower visit, with Principal, Mr. Glen McKeeman, proved to create an indelible memory for students as they officially ‘signed off’ with the ringing of the bell at Christian College. This was followed by the traditional final Chapel Service. Students were encouraged to ‘step forward’ and find their
(VET in schools) students competing. We also had the privilege of seeing CCG Graduate, Kate Elstone compete again. (Kate has won awards at the competition in previous years).
Deakin University Mathematics Competition, held at Deakin’s Geelong Waurn Ponds campus.
Year 12 Celebration Day
competing apprentices was of a very high standard and there were even some ‘VETiS’
Christian College entered two teams, each made up of five students. The students worked both individually and in their team, to test their mathematical skills in four separate events. The questions challenged the students to think about their mathematical knowledge as a whole, rather than separate areas or topics. Congratulations to James Antonello, who individually finished in equal 15th place on the day. Witnessed throughout the day, was how our students embraced the opportunities of both
The VCE Music Performance Night The VCE Music Performance Unit ¾ Class and VCE Music Investigation Unit ¾ class performed for their family and friends at two recital nights in the Highton, Middle School Chapel on Thursday September 8th and Thursday October 6th. These nights allowed the students to share a part of their final performance examination repertoire with the audience and assisted in preparing them for the pressure of their performance exam. Each student presented around eight minutes of their final twenty-five minute programs. The students presented a huge range of styles of music displaying superb skills and musicianship, making both recitals very enjoyable, entertaining celebrations of their work.
challenge and growth that the contest offered as they developed their mathematical skills. Their efforts are to be commended.
calling in life through faith in God’s love and His care for them. The day ended with a guard of honour created by our Staff, and Years 10 and 11 students, to farewell our proud Year 12 students as they were led down our main driveway by the alluring echoes of a Scottish piper.
Senior Campus Students deep in thought at the Maths Competition
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Year 11 student, Jack McPhail performing at the VCE Performance Night.
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Extensive Drama Opportunities Term 4 is an exciting time for Drama at the Highton, Middle and Bellarine Campuses. As a result of our developing program, students have more opportunity than ever to both witness and participate in Live Theatre. Our Year 5 students continue to interact with Indigenous Australian culture and non-naturalistic performance techniques. Throughout the term, they work collaboratively to develop an original ‘Dreamtime’ story for the stage, which they then perform in front of their peers. This is an enjoyable and rewarding process that fosters creativity and confidence, as well as an understanding of Indigenous culture in our young people.
This Term, Year 7 and 8 students had the opportunity to enjoy a performance of ‘Venice in Love’, presented by Commedia dell’Arte Company, Make A Scene. This form of masked comedy uses bold characterisation and exaggerated movement to entertain an audience. Year 7 students have since been working to develop and rehearse their own performances in this style, paying particular attention to
to showcase the talent of our Year 9 students before they graduate from their respective campuses. The event will showcase the talent of our Year 9 students in three theatre styles and is to be held in the Auditorium at the Bellarine Campus.
the communication of character. This explicit focus on non-naturalistic
With 2016 drawing to a close, we are excited for the opportunity to
communication skills (both verbal and non-verbal) has assisted the Year
celebrate the talent of our students in a public forum. The Highton Middle
8 students as they work towards the reimagining of picture books for
School Year 8 Drama Showcase will take place on November 23rd in
performance. Both of these tasks ask our students to think ‘outside of the
the Middle School Chapel, presenting the original and engaging pieces
box’, developing creativity, confidence and collaboration skills.
of theatre Year 8 students have been working diligently to develop.
For the second year running, Year 9 students from the Highton and Bellarine campuses will take part in a joint production to be performed on November 15th. At the Bellarine campus, the Year 9 Drama class are working hard to learn their lines for the Week 7 performance. Students
At the Bellarine Campus, a showcase of work from the Years 5, 7 and 8 Drama students will also be performed at 6pm on the 23rd November. We welcome the College Community to come along and support our talented students.
will be encouraged to take ownership over this event and are working
Alice Claringbold and Michaela Gregory
throughout the Term with elements of stagecraft and production, in
Drama Teachers
addition to taking part in group rehearsals. A fantastic opportunity this event fosters a cross-campus community within the Performing Arts,
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Appreciating The ‘Engine Room’ At Christian College
‘God puts the parts in the body as He wanted them. He made a place for each one. So there are many parts but only one body. God did this so that our body would not be divided, God wanted the different parts to care the same for each other. If one part of the body suffers, then all the other parts suffer with it. If one part is honoured, then all other parts share its honour. All of you are the body of Christ. Each one of you is part of that body.’
They can be ‘upfront’ or ‘behind the scenes.’ They can be found working inside or outside. They can work at a desk in a quiet backroom or be on the ‘frontline’ to everyone who passes through the school doors. They work on the College grounds and buildings, keeping them ‘spick and span’ to all those coming and going through the front gates; and they ensure the safety of our students travelling to and from school each day.
I had the privilege of leading two wonderful groups of our nonteaching staff at this year’s Staff Retreat. We had lots of fun chatting and sharing together, often outside each other’s usual circle of colleagues; while we creatively made our pizzas. It was interesting hearing about people’s varying journeys prior to working at Christian
Staff Retreat cooking!
College and the richness of each person’s background.
Some work with the students, in a variety of settings and situations, from
The making of our pizzas was a picture of our staff here at Christian
the youngest student at Williams House to the most senior of students; as
College, with Christ as our foundation (crust/base) and all the different
well as providing daily organisation and support to our leadership staff.
roles that people contribute (ingredients). Each pizza made a great
Some provide the listening ear when tough times come.
combination, just like when all our staff work in unity.
Some are visionaries, some troubleshooters, some managers; and some deal with the ordinary, yet, necessary, requirements that need to be
Together we discussed the key ingredients that our non-teaching staff
completed each day. They supplement, enrich and organise the important
sees as being important. These included; a caring, compassionate
roles of others with their daily acts of service. They keep communication
Christian workplace, everyone being valued equally, respect for one
lines functioning effectively, either through their technology skills or ability
other, being acknowledged, a willingness to embrace our school
to relate to others. This group makes up one third of the staff population
values, valuing prayer and having time to reflect, appreciating our
across the campuses, employing ninety-nine staff members.
diversity, having excellent leadership, growing a sense of community, having fun, dedication to our tasks, having good communication,
Yes, I’m sure you’ve guessed by now- these are our non-teaching staff
helping others to improve, and thinking about others and
members! They share the same passion and dedication to their roles
the wider community.
as those that are undertaken by our amazing group of teachers here at Christian College. They are an integral part of our special and unique
What a great list!
Christian College community and we need to ensure they are truly
Let’s all play our part, whatever our role, in honouring God and
valued and appreciated for the wonderful gifts they contribute. We must never take them for granted and we need to remember to acknowledge their support and assistance either face to face or maybe through an encouraging email or card. As it states, using excerpts from 1 Corinthians 12:
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seeking to make this unique, working community even stronger. To all our non-teaching staff, thank you, you are such a blessing to us all. Rowan Thurman Chaplain at Junior School - Belmont
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Life-Changing Timor-Leste Experiences The Year 11 ‘Our World Global Politics’ students have recently
In the passenger seat of my dad’s car, driving home from Melbourne Airport at
returned from two-weeks travelling across Timor-Leste.
11:30 at night, I recalled in a dedicated and successive spiel, tales of the two weeks I
The objective of this unique program, is to help students
had just spent in Timor-Leste. A time that I enjoyed with the rest of the Year 11 ‘Our
consider their responsibilities as global citizens, analyse and
World Global Politics’ class. My father sat silently to the right of me as I marveled
evaluate solutions to poverty reduction, and investigate the
at the smoothness of the Princess Highway beneath the wheels of our car, and
impacts of globalisation.
made comment on the quiet stillness of Melbourne’s outer suburbs at this time of
Prior to departure, students study the history, culture and reasons for different standards of living between East Timor and Australia. During their trip, the students teach English to the Timorese children, learn about their culture, build relationships and on return, draw from these experiences and observations to improve their understanding of concepts discussed. One of the Year 11 students who went on the trip, Lily Di Sciascio, reflects here about her experiences over in East Timor. How those experiences have not only enhanced her appreciation for Australia but also for the Timor-Leste people.
evening. It dawned on me then, that I was thousands of kilometres away from the rugged travel experience provided by Timor’s roads, and the chorus of late night clamors produced by roosters and street dogs in Viqueque. I was home, in Australia, back to the smoothness and silence. It is those kinds of societal dissimilarities, slight, as they may have initially appeared, that pronounced themselves prominent within my head on that car trip back to Geelong. It is those differences that encompass my deep rooted admiration, love and respect for the Timorese people, country and culture. The purpose of the Timor-Leste trip was to encounter and understand the realities of life in Timor. To grasp the effects of their muddled colonial history and how it influences existence for people today; and to build and sustain Christian College’s
Beautiful Timor-Leste sunset.
Christian College group over in East Timor.
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Handing out English certificates to the Timorese students.
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
fourteen-year legacy of aid work and friendship. For me, it was
into heavier issues, such as healthcare, the high rates of
throughout that week we spent in Viqueque, that the trip’s value and
unemployment and government mismanagement, it is easy
purpose was achieved. Working from the ‘Friendship House’ that was
to see the difficulties of life in Timor-Leste.
set up by Christian College in 2004, our time in Viqueque was spent teaching English at different schools within the district to kids of all ages and capabilities, and building memorable friendships. Through this, we gained personal understandings of the challenges faced by our new friends, and the ways that every-day life is so different in Timor to Australia.
A newfound familiarity with Timor’s challenges garnered me a closer understanding of Australia’s privilege but also exposed me to an overwhelming sentiment of community and pride that I’ve never before felt in Australia. Despite their situation, our friends in Viqueque were so gracious, and welcoming, and ‘together’. There was a sense of unity
Anna, a volunteer teacher at the Friendship House, walks five
and communal cheerfulness that I have yet to see replicated
kilometres from her home to her volunteer workplace every morning
in the too-quiet, too-private streets of Australia. They had
and night, whilst pregnant! A young woman from Viqueque, whom
a national pride that promised self-improvement. It is this
Christian College are sponsoring to go to Dili University, studies
feeling of social cohesiveness, paired with a compassion for
until 2am most mornings. She does this to make the most of her
Timor-Leste, built off conversations in broken English and my
opportunity which she knows is a rarity in her country. Difficulties
‘shonky’ Tetum, which I never want to lose or forget.
include the lack of internet access and the quality of the resources being used in her course.
In the two weeks I spent in Timor, I came to understand that the Timorese are a people who are striving to better
Our trip to Viqueque from Dili took six hours, even though the
themselves and their country, despite the challenges they
distance was under 200 kilometres, due to the basic poor quality of
face. I realise now, that those breathless recollections to
the roads and the difficult landscape.
my father of my time in Timor were an attempt to educate
In the Friendship House, we went without showers some days
him about the struggles of a country I had come to care
because we only had running water at specific times. Life in Timor
for deeply. A mode for me to recall a heartfelt intercultural
is hard and development is a long, tedious road; more than a few
experience I never want to forget.
people told me this when I was overseas. Without even venturing
Lily Di Sciascio Year 11 Student
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christiancollege.vic.edu.au
Where Are They Now? Kirsty Stewart - 2008 Christian College Graduate Memories of my days at the Bellarine Campus are numerous. When recalling my time, I am filled with memories of the staff and teachers, and the supportive, nurturing role they played in my schooling and upbringing. I remember in my early years of
All ready for the Easter Bonnet Parade!
schooling I stubbornly refused to eat my packed lunch on a regular basis and so began my daily lunch dates with teachers. They were not just employees performing a job, they were role models who
Kristy’s first day of school at the Bellarine Campus, 1996.
I deferred, then withdrew from my course, before later enrolling in a
truly cared about the education and holistic wellness of their pupils.
Diploma of Practice Management.
Students grew up together, both at school and in each other’s homes.
After spending four years at home, raising our family, I prepared myself
Bellarine began as such a small, close-knit community, it was like belonging to another family. Other particularly memorable occasions include: •
•
Impromptu dance lessons with ‘Dunny’ leading up to my being a
to enter the workforce once again. Within a year, I was blessed with the most amazing opportunity to work as an Administration Manager at the Belmont Bulkbilling Clinic. I am able to work part-time and still spend much time with my family. It really is a perfect situation.
Flower Girl at the College Debutante Ball.
My husband, Dave (also a past CCG student), and I moved back to Geelong
Intrigue and friendships grown with visiting international students
first daughter, Ellie, and I even being discharged from hospital, were Glen
from Naga High our Sister School, Japan.
and Pam McKeeman. Glen waked through the door asking if he should
shortly before beginning our family. Some of the first visitors prior to our
organise the Christian College enrollment paperwork for us! There was
•
Music, dancing and pure chaos with Mr Smith!
•
The captivating, engaging devotions led by Mr Tomlins and Mr
Dave and I both highly valued the time we spent at the school. It is our
McKeeman in the Bellarine Chapel.
greatest hope that we can provide our children with the same wonderful
Post graduation, like so many students, I went out into the world nervous, excited and eager to take on the world. I went to university with the intention of becoming a Lower Grades Primary School teacher, and again like so many students, discovered that what I was studying was not actually leading me where I wanted to end up. At that point,
never much doubt that Ellie would attend Christian College.
education we experienced, the values and opportunities that Christian College provides. We have both been so blessed that our families sought out, and chose to send us to Christian College; though it has left us with a high expectation of what education looks like. In Ellie’s preschool years, we performed our due diligence, visiting and researching local schools
Music with Mr Smith.
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but kept returning to Christian College. Its supportive and nurturing environment instills within students a love for learning, strong work ethic, strength in faith and strategies to take on the many challenges that life throws at us. Who wouldn’t want that for their children? Returning to Christian College as a parent has been a surreal experience. Although the
Academic Excellence and General Excellence Scholarships 2018
Christian College Geelong is pleased to offer a number of Academic and General Excellence Scholarships each year for entry at Year 5 or Year 7 at Middle School, Highton and at the Bellarine Campus; and also for entry at Year 10, at our Senior School in Waurn Ponds. These scholarships are designed to encourage and support current students, and prospective students who wish to enrol at Christian
college has grown tremendously in the 20
College. Students must demonstrate high levels of academic
years since I first began, it has retained its
excellence, character and citizenship.
wonderful community feel. It still projects an amazing sense of familiarity and belonging. I’m so glad to be back, now as a parent! Kirsty Priebbenow 2008 Christian College Graduate
Further scholarship application information is available on
Successful scholarship application will result in a reduction of tuition
the College website:
fees by up to 50% annually, continuing through to the completion of
www.christiancollege.vic.edu.au Applications Open: Monday, November 7th, 2016 Applications Close: Wednesday, 15th March, 2017
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Year 12 at Senior School. The scholarship selection process involves consideration of application responses from the student, scholarship examination results, and for shortlisted applicants, performance at interview.
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
BBQ to raise funds for the bus refurbishment.
Decorating the inside of the bus
2016 VCAL In Action
Hard at work on the VCAL bus.
Schools’. Students created their own interior bus plans, a wish list,
Students worked with other expert mentors to make their
hand painted bright cushion covers and were involved in one of
projects a reality. Mr Andy Phillips, from the Maintenance Team,
the many fundraising events for the bus.
has worked patiently and consistently throughout the year with students from both Year 11 and 12 levels.
The focal point for VCAL students’ projects this year has
The Year 11 Intermediate students took charge of the bus
centered around the renovation of an old, decommissioned
exterior. They divided their tasks up into a ‘hands-on’ working
Christian College school bus into a community bus. The main
party, a design team, and a fundraising team. As a result of a
purpose of this bus, when completed, is to provide a mobile
Year 12 excursion to ‘The Powerhouse’, contact was made to
hub for primary-aged students from diverse backgrounds to
the curator of this exciting project, Ian Ballis. Ian was enlisted
interact with Christian College students as mentors. Some of
under the direction of our Senior Art teacher Mrs Jane Bailey,
The renovation tasks have enabled integrated and applied
the relationship building activity ideas include sports, help with
to provide some expertise and guidance for the students
learning across the VCAL year levels and curriculum.
reading and homework, indoor and outdoor games, learning
regarding preparation of the bus surface, type of paint to use
simple food preparation skills, listening to music, and so on.
and design input. The bright artwork to date, is a credit to the
The Year 12 Senior students planned the interior of the bus which has a fully plumbed kitchen and a study nook. The VCAL Students interacted with Tate Street Primary kids to help with ideas for the
team of very creative people. Jane also volunteered her time to help the students implement their fundraising activities. Her contributions to the project this year have been invaluable.
Mr Dan Harwood, also from the College Maintenance Team is to be acknowledged for his expertise in directing the student cabinet makers. Thanks as well to Mr Trevor Howard, College Plumber, for his help with the internal bus plumbing.
To make this project a reality, students applied their learned, appropriate communication methods to approach local businesses for their support with resources. We would like to acknowledge Cabinet Makers Choice, Fletchers ‘Choices Flooring’, Total Tools, and Mitre 10, for their generous donations.
project. They came up with the bus name ‘BORIS’ which was then further developed to stand for ‘Building Ongoing Relationships In
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The ‘BORIS’ Bus is taking shape!
Other exciting activities throughout the year have also
make some nutritious meals. The course aligned closely
involved VCAL students. One highlight was the Year 12 VCAL
with Work Related Skills Outcomes, providing the students
students’ visits to MACS (Multicultural Aged Care Geelong)
with valuable personal development and culinary life skills.
to talk with residents about their musical memories. The
In feedback, students reported having more confidence
idea for this project grew from watching a documentary
in cooking, having attempted at least some of the recipes
called ‘Alive Inside’. It followed the experiences of an
at home and understood some basic cookery techniques.
American social worker who discovered almost by accident
They also commented on being more aware of nutritional
that when he played music to people with dementia, they
issues and portion size. To showcase their skills, students
became animated and were able to access memories that
then planned and prepared a nutritious lunch for the
had otherwise gone. Our students interacted with buddy
Senior School teachers.
residents, and then recorded a playlist of music onto an individual iPod device for them. The reaction of residents when they recognised the music, was very moving. The Year 12 Senior VCAL students also completed a 7-week healthy cooking class at Jamie Oliver’s ‘Ministry of Food’. The students learned and practised a variety of skills to
The VCAL program in our College is young and continues to grow. We look forward to initiating new, exciting and innovative projects in 2017 as new students and staff join our cohort. Kerryn Fearnsides VCAL Coordinator Something smells good! VCAL students cooking up a storm in the Jamie Oliver ‘Ministry of Food’ kitchen.
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Jesus, Leading by Example
We are very fortunate to be a part of a community with
gain an understanding of, many people in our community
so much variety and depth. Having a beautiful mixture of
they otherwise may not come into contact with. We are
age, experience and multiculturalism, means that we are
fortunate enough to be able to spend five consecutive
all enriched as a result. There are, however, some people
weeks with residents of ‘Wallace Lodge’. We have plenty of
in our community who do not receive the same level of
time to chat over a cuppa and cake, listen to music, play
attention. ‘Jesus in the Modern World’ students have been
games and quizzes, and provide entertainment through
tasked with looking at Jesus’ example of interaction and
concerts. The possibility to tap into an enormous amount of
treatment of people. We attempt, as a class, to engage
wisdom and experience is incredibly special, and offers us
and form relationships with those who may have been
all a chance to compare life as it is today, with what is was
marginalized in our society.
like many years ago. Finding out about what life was like for
McKellar Centre Walking into the ‘Grace McKellar Centre’ in North Geelong, students experience a mixture of feelings. Some are nervous, some apprehensive, some very excited but the reasons for
the youth in Geelong, amongst other places, 70 to 80 years ago is fascinating, and it is intriguing to hear tales about that time. We have met many truly inspiring people and we are so grateful for the opportunity!
our visits are all the same. ‘Jesus in the Modern World’ offers students the opportunity to form relationships with, and
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Christ Church Community Meals Program
Tate St Visits
Kheehane – ‘When we were reading with them, it was like we
Another opportunity offered to the ‘Jesus in the Modern
After spending time with the elderly, we then have the
brought out their inner child.’
World’ students, is to assist in a truly hands-on way, at the
opportunity to work together with the Year 5 students at
‘Christ Church Community Meals Program’ in Geelong.
Tate St Primary School. Our two classes have been spending
Students are able to wait on the patrons by serving meals,
time together and forming friendships. ‘Stop Motion
clearing plates, cleaning, and chatting. This program has
Productions’ is our project that we are creating together, and
Layla – ‘This has improved my confidence with talking to
been operating for over 25 years and runs 365 days a year
the students’ imaginations and creativity are flying, as we are
young adults and teenagers because before that, I was quite
for breakfast, while dinner is served two evenings per week,
working towards completing our movies.
terrified of teenagers!’
all for those in need. Run solely by volunteers, the program uses donated food and goods. By participating, the students have the opportunity to be actively involved in a program
The Tate Street Students wrote statements about what their
Jordan – ‘I feel more confident reading to the Christian
community that we do not often come into contact with,
College students because they can help me and
yet it is such a humbling experience to meet and serve these
they aren’t judgmental.’
to assist in this program of their own accord, which is a testament to the Christ Church Program.
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to us and helped us when we needed it.’
Jane Smith Senior School - Waurn Ponds Teacher
experiences with the Christian College students were like:
that impacts lives in a very practical way. This is a side of our
people. Many students have chosen thereafter to return
Sanskriti – ‘I liked how they understood our choices, listened
Jess – ‘I liked the experience of working with older people from high school. As a Grade 6 student, I got to see a bit what it is like.’
christiancollege.vic.edu.au
Interactive Technologies Enhance the Classroom
The Year 6 ‘Refugee and Asylum Seeker’ unit was designed to
to think deeply and reflect upon what they have seen and
draw across the English, Humanities and Christian Education
discussed are very exciting. The culmination of the unit was
curriculum areas, and give students opportunities for deep
the Year 6 ‘Refugee Day’, an opportunity for the students to be
and real learning. The aim was to give the students a different
further immersed in their learning through a variety of authentic
perspective by having them walk in the shoes of a refugee.
learning experiences. One of these included the students being
Encouraging our students to feel empathy towards other people and situations those people find themselves in, will have a greater impact on their view of the world and their place in it. Students’ appreciation has been enhanced through a number of mediums, including a literature study of the novel, ‘Boy Overboard’ by Morris Gleitzman, and by putting the students into situations to imagine they are refugees and how would it be if they were forced to flee their country. The rich discussions that came out of these activities demonstrated great depth of
given a design brief for the next generation refugee tent. The students collaborated in groups, using the knowledge they had gathered throughout the unit, to design a tent that would meet the needs of those using them. They produced designs that included water conservation, heating and cooling elements, and energy solutions. Discussions were also based around sustainability and the fact that the tents needed to be designed to be transportable. The tents were designed, sketched and a prototype was built by each group.
thinking in our young students. The abilities they are developing
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Interactive use of technology was a feature in the students’
reality, once the domain of the military and aviation industry,
learning experiences throughout Refugee Day. Through
has become accessible for use in the classroom. Virtual learning
engagement in an online simulation game, students were placed
is an exciting new window of opportunity in education, that
into the situation of being forced to flee Australia as a refugee.
brings another dimension to engaging with curriculum. Virtual
This game was able to give real context to many of the class
reality transports the learner into a completely different world
discussions about decisions they might need to make if they
where interaction with the environment is possible. Not only
were actual refugees.
does this engage students in their learning, it is beneficial in
Another highlight of Refugee Day was the Virtual Reality (VR) documentaries that the students were able to interact with. The VR headsets transported the students from the classroom and immersed them into a simulated refugee camp. Within this virtual reality, students could interact and engage with people in their daily life, and so develop an understanding and empathy for those forced to live in these conditions. In recent years, virtual
the learning process, as it has been found that the human brain tends to remember 90 percent of what it does or simulates. Through the use of technologies such as VR and simulation games, learning experiences can be given a global perspective without the restrictions of travel. It is a very exciting time to be in the classroom! Mrs Claire Deretic and Mr Ryan Healy Bellarine Campus, Year 6 Classroom Teachers
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2016 Asian and Oceanian High School Students’ Forum From the 29th of July to the 4th of August, I had the privilege of attending
Each country offered a new perspective on a particular topic. I found it really
the ‘2016 Asian and Oceanian High School Students’ Forum’ in Wakayama,
interesting how different aspects of a topic were prioritised, depending
Japan. Students from 19 other countries in Asia and Oceania such as China,
on how relevant they were to the country’s situation. The Forum really
New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Turkey participated, as well as
broadened my mind and I began to realise just how different life is for
students from other prefectures in Japan. The purpose of the Forum was to
people in other countries. I started to understand how incredibly lucky
provide students with the opportunity to develop a global perspective on
we are to live in Australia and I felt a great sense of gratitude after coming
current issues, and to enhance the ability to communicate internationally by
to that realisation.
exchanging opinions about universal concerns.
At the Forum, I learnt about problems and solutions. I was particularly
Before we flew to Japan, participants were given a topic to select from, ‘Disaster Prevention’, ‘Environmental Issues’, ‘Tourism and Culture’,
interested by the idea of vertical farming, in Singapore, as I think if the idea takes off, it could potentially be the answer to many agricultural issues.
‘International Issues’ or ‘IT and Communication’. We were then asked to
English was the communicative language of the Forum so all of the students
prepare a 15-minute presentation to give on the first day of the Forum. We
attending spoke English very well. It was a fantastic opportunity for me to
were also asked to prepare a 5-minute introductory talk about our country,
learn even more about day-to-day life in other countries, and I also learnt a
town and school. The talks were also to be conducted on that first day. On the
lot about the social atmosphere as well as the physical atmosphere in other
second day of the Forum, we completed a review and a ‘Q & A’ session, based
countries. I will always treasure the friendships I made and I still keep in
on an overall question that summarised all of the presentations within our
contact with everyone, to this day.
specific topics. My group posed the question –‘How do we promote tourism while still preserving culture?’ This question was based on the evidence of people not being aware of the cultural significance of an event or place, and therefore resulting in either physical damage to the location or the true meaning of the celebration being lost.
As for the actual Forum, it only ran for two days. I was very lucky to be able to participate in other activities during my week in Japan. I did a one-night homestay with a lovely Japanese family. They took me shopping and to visit the stunning Wakayama Castle. One of the highlights of my trip was visiting Koyasan, a world heritage listed city, situated at the top of a mountain in
I was given the topic ‘Tourism and Culture in Australia’ and I split my
Wakayama Prefecture. Koyasan was founded roughly 12 centuries ago and is
presentation up into three main discussion points: Aboriginal Culture, Modern
home to many Buddhist temples.
Australian Culture and the Multicultural Society of Australia. I spoke about the traditional way of life of the Aboriginal people and the significance of body paintings and Aboriginal art. I discussed the relaxed lifestyle in Australia and the importance of equality, sport and a traditional Aussie BBQ. As well as, I included some of the migration history to Australia and the different ethnical influences that can be seen throughout Melbourne.
I would like to sincerely thank Nakayama Sensei and M-G Sensei for choosing me as the representative of Christian College and Australia, and for giving me this incredible opportunity. I would also like to thank Yukari Sensei for coming to Japan with me and looking after me over there, and for all her help and support with everything in the weeks leading up to the trip. Caelli Wood Year 10 Student
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Timor-Leste Experiences Page 27 :.
pg 16 christiancollege.vic.edu.au
Williams House Kindergarten
Butterfield House Kindergarten
39 Broughton Drive, Belmont 3216 Tel. 03 5241 3556
240 Great Ocean Road, Torquay 3228
Junior School - Belmont
Middle School - Highton
39 Broughton Drive, Belmont 3216 Tel. 03 5241 1565
18 Burdekin Rd, Highton 3216
Bellarine Campus
Senior School - Waurn Ponds
‘Back Creek’ Farm Scotsburn
40 Collins Street, Drysdale 3222
135 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds 3216
Midland Hwy, Scotsburn 3352
Tel. 03 5253 2998
Tel. 03 5241 1577
Tel. 03 5341 2051
Surf Coast Campus, Torquay
‘Villa Paloma’ Arts/Technology Centre
‘Back Creek’ Cafe
Proposed Commencement 2018
25 Waurn Ponds Drive, Waurn Ponds 3216
1/27 Staughton Street, Meredith 3333
Enquiries: Tel. 03 5241 1899
Tel. 03 5241 8844
Tel. 03 5286 1166
Tel. 03 5241 3556
Tel. 03 5241 1899
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