IN F

OCUS

November 201 1

Links to articles

Q’ed initiative 3 :. Seussical the Musical 5 :.

Vietnam Visit 10 :. Around the campus 12 :.

From the principal

Page 2 : .

Over recent years there has been much

discussion and debate surrounding

schools and education in our country. The

introduction of the Federal government’s

My Schools website, the introduction and

e� ort to prepare for and introduce a national

curriculum and the Gonski review of funding

of schools, to name a few. Interestingly, my

direct conversations with stakeholders in our

community, including colleagues from other

schools, often speci� cally involve asking

questions about the qualities of a great school.

Factors to consider.

In considering the elements that are factors

in de� ning what a great school looks like, I

challenge myself to think about the following

presuppositions. I believe great schools focus

on these key factors.

A shared understanding about the ethos and culture of the school.

Ours is a Christian School that strives

to support our students in character

development and educational outcomes. We

strive to encourage each of our students to

develop a personal faith in Jesus Christ and to

understand the purpose that God has for their

lives. Together with a balanced education that

o� ers learning opportunities and pastoral

care, our students are encouraged to achieve

their best. In a framework of continuous

improvement, clear and explicit goals for

students are understood and supported by

students, teacher and parents.

Believing in and supporting all students to learn.

Our College aims to provide the right learning

environment that encourages and supports all

students to learn. We work hard to create an

environment where students feel safe, valued

and engaged in the learning process, so as to

make the most of every opportunity through

the programs, facilities, resources and services

available to them. This is best achieved in a

shared culture of learning where everyone sees

themselves as learners - students, members of

sta� and parents included.

Barriers are indenti� ed and addressed.

There is no such thing as a perfect school. A

great school is prepared to remove barriers

or improve programs in order to create

structures and procedures to assist students,

educational personnel, support sta� and

parents to cooperatively and collaboratively

enjoy a cohesive, shared understanding of

their contribution to the education process.

Programs are reviewed and assessed for improvement.

In recent years our College has undergone

and bene� tted from reviews of programs

at all levels including Senior, Middle and

Junior School and the program at ‘Back Creek’

farm. New initiatives have been successfully

introduced and students are demonstrating

positive outcomes as a result of these. In

many cases the information used as part of

the reviews has involved student learning

data, feedback from students, members of

sta� and our parent body. A shared input into

this process is invaluable.

Teaching sta� play a signi� cant role in student success.

The selection and recruitment of teaching

sta� and a commitment to supporting each

one in their professional growth has been a

focus of our recent emphasis on teaching

and learning.

Sta� professional learning is enhanced through discussion groups

christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au

What makes a great school?

From the principal (continued)

Page 3 : .

Our teaching sta� are involved in a range of

professional learning teams to collaboratively

consider initiatives and practice that

challenges and improves their e� ectiveness

in classrooms. The introduction of a

re� ective Teacher Performance Management

program will allow our teachers to work

with colleagues in order to obtain feedback

that will support and encourage their career

development and practice. The desired

outcome is ongoing, high quality, state of

the art practical experiences to enhance the

delivery of learning for our students.

E� ective communication.

The e� ort to use technology to improve

communication with students and assist

them with their daily organisation and also

with families through the newly developed

portal, are each aimed to provide e� ective

and more e� cient methods of sharing

information.

Change of this nature is not without

challenges, however over time through

reviewing and improving these elements

of our College communication links using

technology, we will see considerable bene� ts

in the months and years ahead.

The new College website, a Facebook page

and a Christian College smart phone App

will be introduced soon and will enable us

to keep the entire College community up

to date with events, celebrations and news

concerning the College program.

E� ective communication through this

method will increase and enhance the

feedback provided to students and

families regarding the learning undertaken

throughout the college as well as details on

individual students.

Our shared aim.

This year I have challenged the sta� in all

areas of the College to focus upon and to

strive for excellence. To not only focus on the

end result being excellent, but also to engage

in a process of giving ones best e� ort to

continuing to improve.

In this way I ask our entire community to

support and encourage each other in this goal.

For students to challenge themselves

and take responsibility to give their very best

e� ort to take up the opportunities provided

to them, by listening to their teachers,

submitting their best work at all times and

within the time expected and to use the

feedback o� ered to improve their learning.

For the sta� to work collectively and

collaboratively toward o� ering the very best

educational opportunities and feedback

possible, through re� ecting upon their

practice and learning from their colleagues

and best practice initiatives.

For parents to encourage and support

students in their learning as well as to be

accountable for their e� orts and contributions

as well as supporting the teaching sta� in their

e� orts to deliver the program.

We have much to be thankful for at Christian

College. God has blessed us with a clear

focus on love and a great example to follow

in His son Jesus. Our daily living, if based on

His example and desire to make the world a

better place, gives us a tremendous purpose.

We bene� t as a result of the provision of

great students, the most wonderful learning

environment, excellent programs and facilities

for teaching and learning, a professional and

dedicated teaching and support sta� and a

positive and supportive relationship between

the College and our families.

This to me describes a great school, one that

continually strives for excellence.

Glen McKeeman

Senior sta� and students recognizing student leadership

Class group learning in action at Bellarine Campus

Middle School Highton

Page 4 : .

New Sports and Aquatic Centre

Recently the opportunity for the Middle

School community to come together in our

Sports and Aquatic Centre was a dream come

true. Our Leaders’ Induction Service saw 620

students joined by over 150 parents and sta�

to dedicate our student leaders, in service, to

their school and to God.

The venue looked and sounded wonderful

and our guest speaker Miss Georgina Faulkner

spoke to the audience about the true essence

of servant leadership and the ability of young

people to make a real di� erence in their

world. This had already been evidenced

earlier in the day by observing our

basketball court quickly transformed into a

community hall by a group of dedicated sta�

and able students.

This time together allowed us to praise God

for His provision and celebrate the gifts He

has given to our children.

Welcome Evenings

Our Years 5/6 and Year 7 Welcome Evenings

this year brought freshness and excitement

to the experience. Under the direction of the

coordinators Mr Peter Fossey and Miss Kerrie

Reid each evening had common threads yet

each was programmed di� erently.

The commonality was the picnic tea, followed

by Chapel and � nally the classroom to give

the families a taste of a day in the life of their

children. The friendship experienced over the

picnic was encouraging and the time in the

Chapel with our Chaplain, Mr Jason Morrison,

unpacking our desire for students to

experience excellence in 2012 was inspiring.

The variation occurred in the classroom

where the Year 5/6 families spent their time in

their child’s classroom with their Homeroom

teachers listening and doing activities whilst

the Year 7 families not only spent time in the

Homeroom but also visited other classes with

the bell ringing to signal the end of one class

and the start of the next. A true experience of

a student’s life at school was gained by all.

Campus Life

The experience of campus life is many and

varied whether it be in the classroom, the

gym, the pool, the sporting � eld, the camp,

the farm or on excursion. However there

are two common pursuits we have for 2012 -

Excellence and the Sharing of Love.

The excellence we seek is not a destination

but a journey. It is the desire to see each

student improve and grow moment by

moment, day by day. Teachers not only

want this experience for their students but

are passionate themselves to share in the

attainment of true excellence. We too want to

improve and grow.

The love we seek to share is not love as the

world knows it but love as God intends it to

be. It is best de� ned by Paul in his letter to

the church at Corinth:

‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it

does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is

not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps

no record of wrongs. Love does not delight

in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always

protects, always trusts, always hopes, always

perseveres. Love never fails’.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

Wayne Hines

Head of Middle School, Highton

Picnic in the courtyard for Year 7 families and teachers An informal greeting time for sta� and students at Middle School, Highton Middle School Chaplain, Jason Morrison addresses families in the Campus Chapel

christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au

Senior School Report Leadership

Page 4 : .

On February 14th the Senior School held its

Prefect Investiture Ceremony. While there

were twenty four of our Year 12’s who were

invested into their new roles, we celebrated

the qualities of leadership which we are all

able to display. I would like to outline some of

the qualities of being a leader, as these allow

us each to improve and to be our best self,

and for us to help others become their best

as well.

A good leader is responsible: We all have to

be responsible for our own actions and to be

aware of the impact that those actions may

have on others. When we make a choice there

is always a consequence, whether positive or

negative.

A good leader loves those whom he or

she serves: A leader will be much more

e� ective in serving those they are working for

if they love them. Without love it will be just

mindless work, but if you love others you will

be considerate of their wants and needs and

this will make your service more meaningful.

A good leader has a good attitude: Your

attitude will not only determine your personal

success but it will determine how successfully

you can lead others. A truly good leader will

have a positive attitude about everything

he or she does. Doing your part is good

but doing it with a good attitude and with

enthusiasm is even better.

A good leader knows what he or she stands

for: No one wants to follow someone who

is unsure or wavering. Even if those you are

leading do not agree with the beliefs you

have, they will still follow you if you know

what you believe in.

A good leader has vision: This means that

a good leader can see what he or she is

working towards, has an end result in mind

and always has a plan of action.

Every one of our young people at Senior

School is able to work on these outlined

attributes and to be a leader to those around

them.

Senior Prefects 2012

We are grateful to all the Year 12’s who last

year indicated their willingness to become a

Prefect in our community and we celebrate

with those who were successful in becoming

one. The oath that each of these young

people made at the Investiture Service is set

out below. As a community we are grateful

that they have made such a promise.

‘With God’s help, I wholeheartedly accept the

responsibilities associated with upholding the

standards, ideals and integrity of this my school

- Christian College.

I will strive to show understanding, compassion

and respect in my dealings with students and

sta� . 

I will endeavour to be fair and consistent in the

decisions I make, whilst being committed to the

high ideals of my College motto – Seek ye � rst

the Kingdom of God’

I would like to particularly congratulate our

2012 School Captains Alicia McNamara and

Ben McCarthy and our School Vice Captains

Sam Liistro and Madelaine Blom� eld . We are

delighted that they have accepted these roles

and we pray for God’s hand on them for the

year ahead.

This prayer, below, which we prayed for our

School Captains is just as appropriate for all

our young people on the Senior campus.

‘Father, thank you for these young men and

women - for the people they are and for whom

they will become. As Your word declares, we

ask wisdom for them in their roles knowing

that you will give generously. Lord grant them

an increased creativity – we are made in your

image and you are a Creator-so guide them in

new ways of thinking, new ways of problem

solving and new ideas for 2012. Amen.’

Susan Strong

Head of Senior School

The Senior Prefects give their Oath of Commitment during the

Investiture

The 2012 Senior School Captains and Vice Captains are congratu-

lated by the Head of Senior School and the Principal after the

christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au

New Sports and Aquatic Centre at Highton Campus

O P E N I N G C E R E M O N Y

The expansive new sports facilities at the Christian College Middle

School in Burdekin Road, Highton was o� cially opened by Darren

Cheeseman, MP and James Shirley, Chairman of Christian College

Board on Friday 9 March. The new Sports Centre includes a

gymnasium with two basketball courts, a circuit training room and

sports administration areas. It will also be used as an auditorium for

College assemblies and special events.

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1

2 3

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2. ????????????????????????????

3. The Head of Middle School, Mr Hines and the Board Chairman listen to

the response from Sally Ramsay, a Middle School parent

christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au

During the Opening Ceremony, a plaque was

unveiled acknowledging the contribution

of the Australian Government. College CEO

Daryl Riddle OAM stated that the long-term

‘dream’ of the College Board had only been

made possible with � nancial assistance

from the Federal Government’s Building

the Education Revolution initiative. He

also acknowledged the pivotal role of the

architect and Project manager, Paul Brewster.

Mr Frank Costa OAM congratulated the

College Board for its vision and gave an

inspirational message to the students

encouraging them to develop character as

well as their skills.

Aquatic Centre Refurbishment

In addition, the original St. Augustine’s

Orphanage swimming pools have now been

completely refurbished, heated and enclosed

as part of the new Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Several of the St Augustine’s Old Boys took part

in the unveiling of a plaque commemorating

the work of the boys and Christian Brothers in

the excavation of the pools in 1939.

The pools will now be used for swim

instruction throughout the year by Christian

College classes from Junior, Middle and Senior

School as well as by community groups.

Page 6 : .

Prayer of Dedication

At the Opening Ceremony the following

was o� ered by Salvation Army Board

Representative, Captain David Collinson

Dear God,

We thank you for Christian College Geelong for

the sta� and students you have placed here and

the diversity of people that come through their

doors every day.

We thank you for the gift of sport and the

abilities you have given us to run, play, swim

and compete.

We ask now your blessing on this Sports and

Aquatic centre, praying for the work that will be

done here and the care, support and education

that will be o� ered in Your name.

May this building be a blessing to the

community here at Christian College and to the

city of Geelong.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

1. The Senior Wind Symphony at the Opening

Ceremony

2. Darren Cheeseman MP, The College CEO

Daryl Riddle, St. Augustine’s ‘Old Boy’Charlie

Walker and the College Chairman, james Shirley

in the new Aquatic Centre

New Sports and Aquatic Centre at Highton Campus (continued)

1

2

christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au

CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 2011 ‘HIGH FLYERS’

Page 8 : .

REBEKAH HINES: 2011 DUX OF CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

Rebekah studied Group Music, Further Mathematics,

Chemistry, Music Investigation, English and

Mathematical Methods.

She believes she did well with her ATAR because she had

su� cient motivation toward what she wanted to do in

the future. She made sure that she never stressed herself

out, by remembering that her life would continue even

if she did not reach her goal. This approach released a

lot of potential pressure.

This year she plans to study a Bachelor of Science at

Melbourne University whilst living at St. Hilda’s College.

Various music groups and church/Christian unions

will also � ll in her hobbies and keep up her life outside

study.

After two years of the Bachelor of Science, Rebekah can

apply to start her Doctor of Veterinary Science course a

year early, thanks to her guaranteed ATAR entry. So, in

the future she will be a vet, hopefully working in a rural

area, but maybe working with some wild animals or in a

zoo ultimately.

JACOB PETKOVIC

Jacob studied English,

Drama, Indonesian,

Japanese and Literature in

Year 12.

He says that having a clear

goal in mind throughout

Year 12 gave him the

motivation, enthusiasm and

determination to attain his

desired ATAR. Additionally, by choosing subjects he

enjoyed, the workload and homework were much more

manageable.

In 2012 Jacob will study Professional Communications

at RMIT city campus. As a part of this degree he will be

able to complete studies in a range of areas including

journalism, Public Relations, languages and Asian

studies.

After completing his studies, Jacob hopes to pursue a

career in the broadcast journalism industry and perhaps

work as a TV reporter.

ANDREW PEEL

In Year 12, Andrew studied

English, Accounting, Physics,

Japanese and Mathematical

Methods.

He believes that he did well

because he continually

reviewed previously studied

topics throughout the

year so that he did not

have to relearn everything when it came time for the

examinations.

This year Andrew will begin studying Medicine at

Adelaide University and his future plans include

being a doctor and then deciding upon his area of

specialisation.

The 2011 Year 12 Graduates of our College have done particularly well in their VCE studies. We would like to share some

insights and advice from a few of the Year 12 students who did particularly well last year.

christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au

Page 8 : .

RIANNI LANCASTER

In Year 12 Rianni studied English, Further Maths, Japanese,

Chemistry, Psychology

Rianni attributes her � ne results to hard work and dedication.

She says: “There is only one way to do well and that is to study,

though, you have to study smart by choosing what works

best for you. For example, I never wrote notes; rote rehearsal

was just a waste of time for me. Instead I gave meaning to the

information by using mnemonic devices (memory enhancers)

and creating pictures at times (weird I know!) It is important

to not underestimate the importance of SACs as well, I looked

at them as exam. preparation and made sure I knew basically

everything regarding that topic and what I didn’t know I would

ask my teachers. I also did every question I could get my hands

on before the SACS, from the text books, study aids etc.

I found it so much easier to learn concepts well the � rst time,

so that when exams came around, my preparation just felt like

revision and I could get into practice exams as soon as I could.

It is also important to have balance, I made time to still do

exercise each day, have a couple of jobs, go out on weekends

and things like that, but just prioritise, it’s not possible to do

these all the time!

Leading up to the exams I took at least a month o� work, and

didn’t go out and things like that as I found studying more

important at these times. Just � nd what works for you! You get

out of it what you put in. It’s easy to start the year motivated

then slacken o� , but persist and it will all be worth it in the

end. Still remember to enjoy it!

This year she is studying law/ science, which she believes will

‘keep her on her toes’.

JASON ALLSOPP

Jason’s studies for Year 12

were Chemistry, Biology,

English, Maths Methods,

Physics, Further Maths

Success came to Jason

because of a number of

factors. Firstly, he found

his goal, of working in the

medical profession and thus

he looked towards an ATAR of 99.95

He decided all this towards the end of Year 10 and

began work then, so that there was barely anything

new in Year 12. This meant that when he got to Year 12

he had completed almost all his coursework, and could

grasp concepts better and ask more complex questions.

Jason’s hints to others include:

Summarising his own notes and speaking everything as

he wrote.

Not leaving things to the last minute.

Teaching others helped to show where he lacked in his

own understanding.

Have a balanced life (some social activities, plenty of

sleep and regular exercise included)

This year Jason will study Dentistry at La Trobe

University in Bendigo. His future plans include some

aspect of dentistry and travel.

 CHLOE LILKENDY 

Chloe studied English,

Psychology, Studio Arts, Math

Methods, Specialist Maths and

Further Maths in Year 12

Chloe feels that she did well

in her ATAR because E� ort >

Natural Talent. She put in the

‘hard yards’ all through Year

11 and during the year in Year

12. Chloe made sure that she understood each concept

properly as she was learning it.

She deeply involved herself in class discussion and was not

shy to ask questions or get clari� cations.

She says ‘If you start trying and truly understanding early on,

Year 12 becomes easier and when exams come along you

are not in a rush to attempt to understand the impossible.’

 This year Chloe is enrolled at Monash University to study a

Bachelor of Science, particularly focusing on Mathematics

and Psychology. She wants to relax a little within her

studies however, and hopefully take on some extra

curricular activities, embracing her passions for dance and

photography.

 Chloe is still unsure of what she wants to be when she

grows up, but she is � ne with that. She would be interested

in continuing her studies perhaps Honours, Masters and

maybe a PHd.

Chloe found it hard to choose between creativity and

academia when deciding on a university course, so she

hopes that she can continue to embrace art and hopefully

� nd a career that encompasses both aspects.

CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 2011 ‘HIGH FLYERS’ (continued)

All these students are

positive about the future

and expressed their thanks

to Christian College for

giving them a wonderful

start to their chosen career.

christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au