In Focus - 2012 Term 2
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Transcript of In Focus - 2012 Term 2
IN F
OCUS
J u n e 2 0 1 2
Links to articles
New Centre at Bellarine - 4 :.
Celebrating Q’ed - 18 :.
Quality Teaching Impact - 21 :.
Page 2 : .
I was honoured and pleased to be asked
to participate in and speak at the Official
Opening of this magnificent facility at
our campus on the Bellarine Peninsula. In
preparing for the day my task being to share
something of the journey of this campus
since its inception in 1996, I could only
look back with thankfulness to God for His
provision and blessing.
The new facility is a wonderful place for
community activity whether this be sporting
activities, music or drama performances,
assemblies or a place to worship. It is the
sense of community and shared vision that
has built this and the other campuses over
the history of our College. Communities are
made up of people and there have been
many who have contributed to the life of the
Bellarine Campus over the past 16 years.
I know that the new facility will be of great
benefit to the students and the programs at
Bellarine. But I know it is the people, the staff,
students and families who will continue to
make this place the true blessing that it is for
those who make up this community.
I am grateful to Mr. Scott Elliss, Mr. Andrew
Dunlop and their respective teams for
providing such a fitting event to celebrate this
wonderful new College facility.
Facebook and the Christian College App.
Continuing our development of electronic
communication with our families and
the broader community the College has
introduced a Facebook page and a College
App. for iPhones. The Facebook page will
display news and events to highlight the
many efforts and achievements throughout
the College. As the page attracts friends
and people like the articles or news items
published it is hoped that these good news
stories about our College and our students will
spread throughout the digital community.
Part of this process is hoped to also promote
good modelling of digital communication
where people can support and encourage
others in a positive manner. If you are a
Facebook user I ask that you consider making
Christian College one of your friends and that
you support items published with a ‘like’ to
share these with your own Facebook friends.
The College App. can be downloaded for
free following a link on our College website.
It will provide iphone or Andriod users with
access to information regarding the College
on portable devices. Information will include
news and events, the In Focus magazine,
campus information, the Term Calendar,
Uniform Shop and Canteen information as
well as my blog. Over time, additional features
will be included to keep our families well
informed regarding our College activities.
Naplan Testing
Recently students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9
completed testing as part of the National
Assessment Program –Literacy and Numeracy
Program (NAPLAN) 2012, conducted by
the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment
Authority (VCAA).
This year the students were asked to produce
a piece of persuasive text as part of the
Writing Test. The same stimulus was given to
all year levels across Australia. The topic was
‘Everyone should learn to cook’.
Students were given five minutes at the
start of the test to plan, 30 minutes to write
and five minutes at the end of the test to
Unveiling the commemorative plaque during the Opening Ceremony at Bellarine
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
Bellarine Campus Music, Sport and Performing Arts Centre
Page 3 : .
edit their work. The marking criteria was
developed and agreed to at a national level.
The ten criteria assessed are:
1. Audience – the writer’s capacity to orient,
engage and persuade the reader
2. Text structure – the organisation of the
structural components of a persuasive text
(introduction, body and conclusion) into an
appropriate and effective text structure
3. Ideas – the selection, relevance and
elaboration of ideas for a persuasive argument
4. Persuasive devices – the use of a range
of persuasive devices to enhance the writer’s
position and persuade the reader
5. Vocabulary – the range and precision of
contextually appropriate language choices
6. Cohesion – the control of multiple
threads and relationships across the text,
achieved through the use of referring words,
ellipsis, text connectives, substitutions and
word associations
7. Paragraphing – the segmenting of text
into paragraphs that assists the reader to
follow the line of argument
8. Sentence structure – the production of
grammatically correct, structurally sound and
meaningful sentences
9. Punctuation – the use of correct and
appropriate punctuation to aid the reading of
the text
10. Spelling – the accuracy of spelling and
the difficulty of the words used
Parents will receive results of this testing in
September.
It is important for parents to note that the
assessment of student learning involves a
broader process taking into account a wide
variety of indicators. Our College carries
out a range of assessment strategies which
consider many factors concerning student
performance and learning. Our detailed
reporting system and the vitally important
Parent / Teacher (and as appropriate student)
Conferences each play an important role in
providing parents and students with detailed
feedback on student learning.
Student Achievements and Performances
Throughout the year I have been delighted
to see the number of students who have
participated in a range of activities and
endeavours representing the College. These
have included sporting, music, creative and
academic pursuits. This is a very important
aspect of the culture of schools. These
students have been acknowledged on the
College website as well as at assemblies
by their peers. I add my congratulations to
those who have supported and participated
in the many opportunities offered for the
way that they have added to the rich and
diverse culture and tone of our College.
I encourage all families to make a habit
of regularly visiting the College website
www.christiancollege.vic.edu.au to see for
themselves the wonderful things that are
taking place.
Head of Junior School Change
Earlier this term the College was informed of
Mr. Stephen Riddle’s intention to step down
from his role as Head of our Junior School,
Belmont for medical reasons.
The College has benefitted greatly over
the past 19 years from Stephen’s gifts as an
educator and his love and compassion for
others. We wish him well as he takes time to
recover. Please keep him in your prayers.
The College leadership has commenced the
process of appointing a replacement Head of
the Junior School at Belmont.
Glen McKeeman, Principal.
Student musical items presented in the new auditorium at Bellarine
Mr Michael Peck speaks at the Opening Ceremony at Bellarine
1
Page 4 : . christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
Students, staff and families from the Christian
College Bellarine Campus celebrated the
opening of their cutting edge performance
facilities with the Official Opening and
Service of Dedication of the Centre for Music,
Sport and Performing Arts on the 25th
May, 2012. The Centre was officially opened
by the Chairman of the College Board, Mr
James Shirley and the Principal, Mr Glen
McKeeman. The Principal, who was also
the founding Head of Campus at Bellarine
spoke of ‘The Journey‘ of the Campus from
its commencement in 1996 with 62 students
to the fine school it is today with almost 500
students enrolled from Prep to Year 9.
The new Australian Curriculum includes a
strong emphasis on the arts and sport, so this
brand new facility is timely to facilitate the
greatest learning opportunities possible for
our students. It will also be available for public
events to extend this benefit to our local
community here on the Bellarine Peninsula.
The Auditorium
With full theatre seating for 320 people, it
offers us versatility to accommodate a variety
of year level assemblies, guest speakers,
musical performances, parent evenings and
drama classes. In Term 3, the auditorium will
provide the perfect venue for our inaugural
theatre production, ‘Cinderella’. This will be a wonderful opportunity for our College community to come together to celebrate live theatre and see this amazing venue at work.
The auditorium also affords us some exciting opportunities in our delivery of teaching and learning. Year level lectures are now a reality, allowing teaching staff to present a concept to the whole group, before breaking off in to some smaller tutorial type groups for further exploration and discussion.
Physical Education, Health and Sport
The faculty staff have a spring in their step,
now having some fabulous options for indoor
sports participation. Wet weather wash outs
are a thing of the past, with the new stadium
providing an expansive space for Basketball,
Volleyball, Badminton, Netball and various
indoor sporting pursuits.
Upstairs is a fitness circuit room and across
the spans of one mezzanine floor sits 6 table
tennis tables. A health room also adjoins
this area for theory classes and teacher
guided learning. To be able to take our
students, Junior and Middle School, out of
the elements is important in the learning
of the foundational motor skills and for the
successful mastery of sporting techniques.
Page 5 : . christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
Already the students are enjoying a raft of
lunch time sporting activities, sports trials and
House events in the new stadium. This facility
also has the capacity to seat 800 students for
formal occasions and whole school events.
Music
The consolidation of all music facilities in this
one new Centre is already bearing fruit. The
collaboration between students, music and
instrumental staff has been a joy to witness and
I believe we will all be the beneficiaries of some
fine musical performances as the year unfolds.
Classroom music is conducted in the open
plan design, allowing plenty of room
for students to move around, play the
instruments or create small group pieces.
Teacher led music instruction can be
completed in the adjoining theory room,
which is also amply equipped with computer
technology for music making and analysis.
Further down the hall you will see the music
offices, along with numerous private tuition
rooms for the teaching of instrumental music.
Larger ensemble groups can use the rehearsal
space, which is big enough to accommodate
our Bellarine Concert Band or combined
going from strength to strength.
Serving the Community
The Centre for Music, Sport and Performing
Art has the scope to not only benefit the
students, staff and families at Christian
College. This is a community facility, with a
wider scope and purpose of ‘bringing people
together’. After all, that is the essence of
community. The Rotary Club of Drysdale were
our debut guests over the Easter weekend
this year, with some 800 people attending to
view their Annual Art Show.
The new facility played perfect host, the
main stadium being set with Art displays
and a mobile café set up in the delightful,
Cyprus lined foyer. It is shaping as a busy year,
with enquiries being made by various other
Symphony Orchestra with ease. What a
wonderful vehicle to build on our students’
confidence and performance techniques.
Performing Arts
It is vitally important for students to have the
opportunity to be able to express themselves
through theatre and performance. Whether it
is conveying an emotion, a character or telling
a story, drama and theatre are integral facets of
providing a well-rounded educational program.
The Auditorium is proving the perfect place
to be inspired for drama and auditions
will begin soon for our opening theatre
performance of Cinderella. Adjoining the
stage area to both sides are ramps declining
to the ‘green rooms’ underneath the building,
the perfect place for donning the costume or
making those last minute adjustments before
launching on to the stage to perform.
Dance will also be another ‘benefactor’ of this
facility, with ample space for both rehearsal and
performance. Drama, performance and dance
provide a great outlet for student expression,
both individually and through working together
as a group. To now have our own specialised
facility to foster this creative art form, I can see it
community groups, sporting clubs, and local
organisations across the Bellarine.
We are both humbled and blessed to be the
recipients of this fine Centre of Music, Sport
and Performing Arts here at the Bellarine
Campus. We look forward with excitement
to seeing its potential unfold and that of our
students, both now and in the future. We are
appreciative of the dedicated efforts of all
who have planned and worked to make this
such an amazing community facility.
Scott Elliss, Head of Bellarine Campus
1 . Junior Physical Education class in the new
Sports Centre
2. The expansive foyer a meeting place on Open
Day, 2012
2
Page 6 : .
Each year I am constantly astounded by the
quality of our young leaders and their selfless
desire to serve their College community.
Since the beginning of the year our Year 9
Prefects have been a blessing to both fellow
students and staff through their positive and
proactive engagement in leading camps,
excursions and College events.
The Junior School “Get to Know You” beach
activity day at Point Lonsdale was a great
opportunity for the junior students to meet
and interact with the Prefect group through
various rock pool and beach activities. The
Prefects were outstanding in their enthusiasm
and willingness to engage with and encour-
age the younger students, with some strong
bonds established.
A new initiative this year was to conduct 2
days of the Year 4 camp at the Back Creek
Farm. Utilising the kit huts and sites of the
Year 8 camp, the Prefects were instrumental
in the establishment of the campsite and the
leadership of small group activities in what
was an exciting and successful bush camping
experience for our Year 4’s. Despite being very
tired, the Prefects have further developed
their positive relationships with the younger
students while at the same time enhancing
their leadership skills through the hands on
experience.
Further to the camping experience for the Year
4’s was an opportunity to explore the concept
of ‘paddock to plate’. Lead by Year 9 girls from
the Bellarine Campus, who were in residence
at Back Creek , the students explored the
processes of farming and where what we eat
comes from. An enjoyable aspect of this was
the opportunity to participate in the process-
ing and even taste some of the farm produce.
Nick Watson, Co-ordinator Years 8 and 9
Bellarine Campus
Christian College Bellarine held a most
successful Buskers Day on 7th June, with 29
different groups signing up to participate.
Buskers ranged from singers, gymnasts,
magicians, group bands, individual
musicians and we even had two students
doing Shakespeare recitals.
The students busked right through their
lunch period while students, staff, parents
and grandparents walked around putting
money in their “hats”. All money raised went
to support Open Family Australia, who have
been helping the lives of young people in
at-risk or homeless situations for the last
30 years. A BIG ‘THANK YOU’ to the buskers
who willingly shared their talents with us to
raise an amazing $850
Kristie Van Es, Project Care Co-ordinator,
Bellarine Campus
Page 7 : .
involved in a very special, mass participation
cross curricula spectacular that will stomp
into life with fun creativity and colour. Under
the guidance of Art teacher, Mrs Beck-
Carlson our students will paint, decorate and
transform the white elephant into a beautiful
sculpture which will be on show at a number
of venues before taking part in the Gala
celebrations at Melbourne Zoo in September
and then coming back home to Junior School.
As a part of the Melbourne Zoo’s 150th
Birthday celebrations schools were invited
to submit a proposal that would see them
directly involved in promoting creativity,
citizenship and environmental awareness.
Junior School, Belmont submitted their
proposal to receive a life size fibre glass
elephant and were successful.
This now allows the Junior School to be
As Term two concludes our students are
putting the finishing touches on their own
Mini Malis.
Junior School students have created a
miniature white elephant sculpture in their
Art classes from a variety of modelling
materials. The Year 4’s have loved using Mod
Rock which sets much like the plaster used for
broken bones. The Preps to Year 4 have used
paper clay which is very soft and ideal for
little hands to manipulate.
We now commence researching the
endangered animals that wlll be used to
decorate Mali.
These include: The Helmeted and Hodded
Honey Eaters, Spotted Tree Frog, Black tailed
Rock Wallaby and Eastern Barred Bandicoot.
Our endeavour is for all the children at Junior
School to create a small piece of Art linked
with the images of the related animals. We
then use these images to cover our White
Mali. Already we have some Senior and
Middle school students who would have
expressed an interest to become involved in
the design and implementation.
This project has been a wonderful way
to encourage our students to embrace
the natural world and take on the role of
custodians. Children have been very creative
in their approach and staff have been
overwhelmed by the Art works being created
in response. Each week children bring in their
own drawings of what a decorated Mali might
look like. Others bring in their research data
including nature studies and detailed drawings
indentifying the listed endangered animals.
The Melbourne Zoo have been very generous
with resources and support. Recently
teachers leading the Project were involved
in a professional development day which
saw them engage with zoo staff to further
develop ideas and liaise with other Mali
Project workers.
On the 25th of June we will host two
Melbourne zoo staff for an incursion. Children
will have an opportunity to work alongside
the staff and further develop their ideas for
conservation.
We will be able to show how our wonderful
students have become enriched through this
fabulous experience and they can show off
their Mini Mali’s.
Everyday Mali is admired by visitors and the
children have decided they just must have
their photo taken with her.
Jennifer Beck-Carlson, Art Specialist
Junior School Belmont
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
The Mini Malis take shape in Art classes at Junior School
Page 8 : .
At the end of last term Christian College
Bellarine received the exciting news that we
had been successful in applying for some
critically endangered Lord Howe Island Stick
Insect eggs to hatch and raise as part of our
conservation studies.
The Lord Howe Island Stick Insect,
Dryococelus australis, was driven to the
brink of extinction by Black Rats in the early
twentieth century. However, in 2001 it was
rediscovered on Balls Pyramid, a rat-free
volcanic outcrop 23 km off the coast of Lord
Howe Island.
The seas around Balls Pyramid are too rough
to land a boat. However, a rescue team leapt
ashore in 2003 and brought two breeding
pairs of Lord Howe Island Stick Insects back to
mainland Australia.
At the time of their rediscovery, very little
was known about Lord Howe Island Stick
Insects. Melbourne Zoo plays a important
role in the captive breeding of this Critically
Endangered species. As part of the
Melbourne Zoo program 20-25 schools from
around Victoria applied for and gained the
responsibility of raising Lord Howe insect
numbers at their schools.
Christian College Bellarine hatched the first
insect (out of 10 eggs) in the whole schools
program. Well done!
‘UNO’ (number one) is under constant
surveillance from the students and Science
teacher Ms Deb. Singleton as this species was
thought to be extinct for over 80 years.
Specifically, the Year 8 Environmental Studies
group and the Year 9 Science students are
particularly involved with the data collection
and study of these special animals. Our Year 8
Environmental Studies group is interested in
animals, especially endangered species. They
have shown a special interest in the Orange-
bellied Parrot, as these birds over-winter on
the Bellarine Peninsula. So students are tuned
in to endangered species. Welcome LHISI’s!
Year 8 students also want to be ‘bug buddies’
with Years 1 and 2 students at Bellarine, who
are studying Minibeasts, and show them one
REALLY special insect: LHISI
There is a constant stream of young students
who are keen to spot Uno our number
one stick insect amongst the foliage in his
enclosure each day. He has since moved
upstairs to the next branch of his fodder tree!
Further information can be gleaned from the
Melbourne Zoo website
http://www.zoo.org.au/lord-howe-island-
stick-insect
Deb. Singleton, Teacher of Science,
Bellarine Campus
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
A group of very excited Prep children from the
Bellarine Campus participated in a ‘Transport
Excursion’, as part of their Integrated Studies
unit this term.
The day began with a train trip through
tunnels and over railway bridges from South
Geelong to Lara. The students then boarded
a College bus for a ride back to the Geelong
waterfront, where they enjoyed a snack before
hopping aboard the Hygeia for a relaxing
cruise around Corio Bay. The day concluded
with a short walk to the Ford Discovery
Centre where the students toured the facility,
learning about how all forms of transport have
evolved over time.
The Preps were able to use their new found
knowledge to plan and build their own clay
model cars to take home with them. As well
as enjoying a wonderful day out and about,
the students gained much knowledge about
our transport systems, their many different
features, how we are able to use them to help
us and also how invaluable they are to the
entire community.
Melissa Smith, Prep to Year 2 Co-ordinator,
Bellarine Campus
Page 9 : . christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
In 2011 with the completion of the new administration building in sight, plans to identify some of our
buildings with their House areas began. Students were invited to be a part of the design process with
the final design work and construction performed by former Christian College parent Mr Mark Trinham.
Each House mural encapsulates the House mascot, colour and name. The artwork is specifically
designed for the outdoor environment and will deliberately rust over time to contrast with the wall on
which it is mounted.
Three of the four murals have been located in their House areas with Burrows to be installed once the
preparation of the wall is complete.
Dianne Martin, Deputy Head Senior School
Page 10 : .
Character and Sportsmanship
It is lunch break at the Senior and
Intermediate Geelong Independent Schools
Sports Association (GISSA) Netball Carnival
and I am talking to some of the umpires
about how the event is progressing. Mary, an
experienced umpire who has attended many
netball carnivals in her time, says “You know
what Jonathan; I enjoy coming to umpire
GISSA carnivals. The students, including those
from your school are so polite, the game is
played in a competitive yet good spirit, the
players respect the umpires, their coaches
and each other. It is a true pleasure!” I shared
this with the players during the official
presentations at the conclusion of the day.
Louise McCarthy, a Taylor Year 7 student is
racing to the finish line in the House Cross
Country. On the sidelines are a group of Year 9
leaders who are cheering and yelling words of
support and encouragement as she drives to
the line. Louise placed 6th.
It is the Semi Final of the Year 7 and 8 Boys
Victorian Schools Netball Championships.
The game is tight, with Melbourne High
beginning to claw back from a 3 goal deficit.
The Christian College Wing Attack has been
called for stepping and slams the ball down
into the ground. The umpire imposes a
penalty of a free shot on goal to Melbourne
High – they score; 2 goals down, Melbourne
High centre pass. The Christian College
Goal Attack and Captain shoots a look of
disappointment at the Wing Attack, the
Wing Attack drops their head for a moment,
understanding the mistake they have made.
The Captain seeing this walks over and taps
the Wing Attack on the back as a way of
saying ‘let’s move on’. They do, with the Wing
and Goal Attack working together to record a
nail biting 1 goal victory.
We arrive at the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club
for the Christian College Year 7 & 8 Tennis
Championships. We are greeted by Club
manager Ken Barton, who welcomes the
players and speaks to them about enjoying the
day. No mention of behavior or expectations
on students is discussed. From past experience
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
Year 8 Physical Education Class training in the new Circuit Room
Ken knows that Christian College students
respect each other and the places they travel
to. The kids do the right thing!
These situations are not uncommon
occurrences as we attend the many and
varied sporting events we offer at Christian
College. A culture of respect, doing the
right thing and pulling together to achieve
a common goal is evident when Christian
College students attend events. At time
mistakes are made; it is how we react after
making the mistake that shows something
about the character of the person.
Jonathon Ryan, Director of Teaching and
Learning - Sport and Physical Education
Jordan Drew, Year 12 drills a half volley
Middle Years Physical Education
Physical Education in the Middle Years
at Christian College has undergone a
transformation. The new Sport Centres at
Middle School and the Bellarine Campus have
provided the opportunity for the department
to explore new and different ways in which to
deliver the Physical Education program.
Utilising the multi-discipline areas of each
of the new centre’s - Aquatic*, Circuit
Room, Gym Floor and Multi use space, the
program offers students the opportunity to
be educated in, and to experience activities
related to aquatic fitness and water safety,
strength and conditioning and to be engaged
in sport related drills.
For example a Year 7 student attending a
Physical Education class at the Middle School
may participate in a swimming lesson that
contains lap swimming and diving practice;
rotates through activities using their own
body weight in a circuit class and participates
in drills related to Basketball.
Each student brings a different set of skills,
knowledge and enthusiasm to a session.
By using a multi-discipline approach staff
members have noted student’s interest and
engagement levels have been higher than
in the past.
Just as the students bring a specific ‘skill set’
and understanding to each discipline, staff
members too, whilst trained in all facets, have
strengths in particular disciplines. Providing
an opportunity for staff to use their strengths,
ultimately improves the program.
A component of Health and Physical
Education is lifestyle change. A multi
discipline approach assists by providing
the building blocks in a variety of physical
pursuits so that students can become and
remain healthy individuals as they grow
and develop.
*Aquatic Centre at Middle School. Bellarine
students travel to Bellarine Aquatic Centre
Dale Hemley – Sports Co-ordinator
Middle School Highton
Team Vic
Christian College congratulates the following
students on their selection in Team Vic State
teams. Team Vic are teams selected by School
Sport Victoria to compete at the National
Schools Championships. Each student has
devoted an enormous amount of time to
training and competition in the lead up
to the National Championships and we
congratulate them on this outstanding
achievement.
Andrew Medew, Year 11, Baseball; Andrew
was a member of the successful Victorian
team that defeated New South Wales in the
Final of the National School Sport Victoria
Championships in Adelaide.
Jordan Drew, Year 12, Tennis; Jordan was
a member of the Victorian team who
competed in Toowoomba, Victoria placed
3rd in the event.
Michaela Caldow, Year 9, Swimming;
Michaela has been selected to represent
Victoria at the National Swimming
Championships. This is the second year in a
row that Michaela has been selected.
George Blagojevic, Year 10, Basketball; George
has been selected to represent Country Victoria
at the National Basketball Championships to be
held in Dandenong, Victoria.
James Syddall, Year 10, AFL Football; Jamie
has been selected to represent Country
Victoria at the National Championships to be
held in Adelaide.
Page 11 : . christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
Year 10 Basketballer George Blagojevic in action
Page 12 : .
This Annual House competition gives the
entire Senior Campus an opportunity to
participate and celebrate the gift of making
music together. The Costa Hall facility gives
our students an experience on a world class
concert stage in front of a large audience.
The Concert also allows each House and the
community the chance to encourage and
celebrate their outstanding musicians. The
2012 House Music Competition was a lively
event with a great vibe.
All sixteen items presented are rehearsed
and presented by the students themselves.
Through this experience the students
experience what it is to work in a team, take
responsibility for their work, and gain skills in
leadership while supporting, encouraging and
respecting their peers.
This year’s adjudicators Mr Ben Calderazzo,
a local jazz identity and teacher along with
Mr Ross Irwin, a Melbourne based performer,
writer and arranger with an international
reputation (who has worked with such groups
as ‘The Cat Empire’). They both were impressed
with the student performances.
The general student population gains a small
glimpse as to what it takes to rehearse, prepare
and present a musical performance. Each House
presented a soloist, a small and large ensemble
as well as a whole House choir (some even
including their House teachers). The musical
items ranged from classical solo works, movie
themes to modern popular works. Some items
featured students’ arrangements of works to suit
the instrumentation available to them within
their House.
Congratulations to all the performers
and prize winners. The adjudicators
awarded the Champion House Soloist to
Constantine Karatenislis (Year 12 Flynn
House) for his technically brilliant clarinet
solo. The Penman small ensemble caught
Mr McKeeman’s eye winning the Principal’s
Choice award with their version of The Cat
Empires ‘Fishies’. The Champion House Choir
was Penman House with their Lion King
Medley and the overall Champion House for
2012 is Penman House.
The Highton Rotary Star Search Competition
This is Geelong’s longest running talent
quest. The competition involves a large
number of amateur performers from the
community going through an audition
process to be selected to perform in the
final. The final was held at The Costa Hall
on Friday May 11th with Christian College
students appearing in 7 of the final items
Part of the winning Penman House Choir in performance
The Taylor House ‘Thong-a-Phone’ on stage
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
– the College was represented by Katelyn
Shirley, Adam Di Martino, Jamie Parker,
Rhiannon Irving, Constantine Karatenislis
all Year 12 students and the Senior String
Ensemble – comprising Year 11 students
Alice Waddell, Victoria Wright, Reshae
Armstrong, Lily Pipkorn, Emily Carpenter
and Ainsley Liley. We are very proud of
their fantastic performance work and
congratulate them on being selected
to perform in the final of such a well-
recognised community event.
Jamie Parker received third prize in the
Instrumental Section for his violin solo
with the encouragement award going to
Constantine Karatenislis of Year 12 for his
clarinet solo. Both of these performances
were accompanied by Mrs Regina Thomae
and were presented with convincing
musicality.
The vocal solo section saw Adam Di
Martino, Year 12 take out first prize
with Rhiannon Irving receiving an
encouragement award. Adam with his
friend Emily Jacker also won the ensemble
section. The Christian College Senior String
Ensemble were awarded third place in the
ensemble section.
The Australian Youth Classical Music Competition
This contest is held each year by the
Geelong Advertiser Music Scholarship Trust
and is a national and regional scholarship
competition for young classical musicians.
The regional event is known for attracting
the most outstanding young musicians
from both secondary schools and tertiary
music institutions. Events such as this allow
‘elite’ young performers to strive for their
very best. From the initial audition process
12 semi -finalists were chosen to compete
for a place in the final and a chance to win
the $3000 first prize.
The 12 semi-finalists performed for the
adjudication panel on Thursday May 31st
and 4 finalists were selected to perform in
the grand concert to be held on Thursday
August 16th at Costa Hall, Deakin University.
Christian College is proud to announce that
all 4 finalists in this regional competition
are Christian College current or graduated
musicians. Congratulations to Aidan Hodge
(Tenor Saxophone), Constantine Karatenislis
(Clarinet), Jamie Parker (Violin) all Year
12 students and as well Georgia Williams
(Flute) a 2011 Christian College graduate.
Recognition must also go to the students’
instrumental teachers - Ben Anderson,
David Gardner and Ben Castle as well as
their accompanist Regina Thomae for their
expert tutorage, guidance and support of
the students.
Fiona Gardner, Director of Teaching and
Learning -Music
The Christian College finalists in the Australian Youth Classical Music Competition Judge Ben Calderazzo presents Constantine Karatenislis with
the Champion Soloist trophy at the House Music Competition
Page 13 : . christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
Christian College Middle and Senior Schools
collected for the Salvation Army Red Shield
Appeal on Sunday 20 May from 3 areas in
Highton and Belmont . The combined amount
collected by both groups was $3968.
The students were dressed immaculately in
College uniform and were all keen to help the
Salvation Army. There were 50 students from
Middle School and around 30 students from
Senior School together with about 15 teach-
ers and many parents also on hand to help.
A comment made by a student at how amazed
they were that someone had given $100. It
gave us a wonderful opportunity to share how
many kind and generous people there are in
the world that we never hear about.
The feedback from both parents and staff
was how enthusiastic and courteous our
students were.
As Middle School Leaders Mr and Mrs Hines
and Mrs Friday were equally impressed with the
students when they brought their money in and
were asked to count it and record details. This
was done very cheerfully and accurately.
The South Barwon Salvation Army were very
grateful and full of praise for the fine job our
students had done on their behalf.
Thirty two students, five staff and eight parents
from the Bellarine Campus took part in the
Doorknock, giving over two and a half hours to
collect from homes in the Drysdale area. $1550
was collected by the students on the day.
The Bellarine students who participated were
extremely enthusiastic about helping those
less fortunate in our community and wore
their College uniform with pride.
The whole Senior School took part in this
fundraiser for Cancer Research on Friday 8
June at morning recess. House groups set up
colourful tables with a range of homemade
treats to tempt staff and students.
Everyone was asked to wear their most
colourful clothes to ‘Brighten up the Day’.
The Head of Campus then chose the outfit
that best reflected the occasion.
The students enjoyed the festivities whilst
contributing $1000 to Breast Cancer
Research from their donations.
Page 14 : .
Page 15 : .
Years of Year 11 and 12. Staff at Christian
College have been preparing for this for the
past eighteen months and are well positioned
for a successful transition.
What is the Australian Curriculum?
The Australian Curriculum sets out what all
young Australians are to be taught, and the
expected quality of that learning as they
progress through schooling. At the same time
it provides flexibility for us to provide this
education within a Christian Worldview, and
to build on student learning ensuring that
each student reaches his or her full potential.
It is a curriculum which emphasises the
importance of knowledge, understanding
and skills of learning areas, general
capabilities and cross-curriculum priorities
as the basis for a curriculum designed to
support 21st century learning.
Why have an Australian Curriculum?
Increasingly, in a world where knowledge
itself is constantly growing and evolving,
students need to develop a set of skills,
behaviours and dispositions, or general
capabilities that apply across discipline
content and equip them to be lifelong
learners able to operate with confidence in a
complex, information-rich, globalised world.
The Australian Curriculum includes a focus
on seven general capabilities (literacy,
numeracy, information and communication
In 2013 all schools in every Australian state
and territory will begin implementation of the
new Australian Curriculum initially in English,
Mathematics, Science and History from the
Prep Year to Year 10. These will be followed by
Geography, the Arts, Languages and later the
remaining subjects focusing on Economics
and Business, Civics and Citizenship, Health
and Physical Education, Design and the
Technologies. Concurrently with this, work
is being done to cover the Senior Secondary
technology competence, critical and creative
thinking, ethical behaviour, personal and social
competence and intercultural understanding).
These will equip our students to effectively
engage with and prosper in society, compete
in a globalised world and thrive in the
information-rich workplaces of the future. In
addition to the general capabilities there are
three cross-curriculum priorities (Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures,
Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia
and Sustainability). Continuation of learning
has been developed for each, to describe the
relevant knowledge, understanding and skills
at particular points of schooling.
Christian College – Ahead of the Game
Staff at Christian College have been preparing
for the Australian Curriculum since 2011.
Under the guidance of Faculty Directors and
Deputy Heads of Campus (Curriculum), staff
in the first instance became familiar with
the structure of the Australian Curriculum
documents. Particular attention was paid to
the Achievement Standards, the Content and
Skill Descriptors and the relationship between
these. Staff are also well aware of the General
Capabilities and the Cross Curriculum
Priorities - their purpose, their relevance and
where they fit into the subject and Year level
they are teaching.
This term in faculty teams audits are being
carried out comparing our current curriculum
and the Australian Curriculum looking for
areas where there is complete agreement –
and there are many – and areas where some
modifications will need to be made. Various
staff groups have met to discuss and make
recommendations on areas ranging from
timetabling to reporting to parents.
At the end of this term staff will work at our
Staff Retreat with one of Australia’s foremost
educators, Dr Julia Atkin, on the Australian
Curriculum and for the second semester this
year develop or consolidate units of work
incorporating material from the General
Capabilities and the Cross Curriculum Priorities.
Many Christian College staff members
have attended professional development
sessions both here in Geelong and in
Melbourne. Consistently, the feedback from
the educationalists has been that Christian
College staff have demonstrated a notably
high knowledge and awareness of the
Australian Curriculum compared with many
other schools.
We look forward to incorporating the
Australian Curriculum into our College, to
teaching it within a Christian Worldview,
and using it to enhance what we already do
without compromising any of our current
strengths and positive attributes.
John Rose PSM
Head of Higher Education and
Staff Development
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
The 2012 Christian College Debutante Balls were proudly celebrated
on Friday 1 June and Saturday 2 June. This year heralded the first time
Christian College was able to conduct these occasions on our own site
utilising the new Middle School Sports and Aquatic Centre.
The Friday night ball was attended by 28 couples and 600 guests. The Saturday
night ball had 22 couples and wonderful audience of 420. Proudly compering
the evenings were the Year 11 Co-ordinators, Mrs Strauch and Mr Moore. Each
couple was presented to the College CEO Mr Daryl Riddle OAM, The College
Principal Mr McKeeman and the Head of Senior School, Ms Strong.
On both nights we were entertained by the debutante group performing
eight different and traditional dances beautifully. The students are to be
commended for the way they prepared for the evening over 10 weeks of
training and for the way they supported each other and presented themselves.
It is a pleasure to reflect on what were amazing family occasions with many
parents, grandparents and extended family dancing the night away to the
music of Tobias.
Special mention must go to our Junior School Flower Girls and Page Boys -
Isobel McDonald and Sam Blomfield from the Bellarine Campus and Olivia
Richardson and Lachlan Moloney from Junior School Belmont. These four
young people led the formal presentations with such confidence and grace.
Finally I would like to extend my thanks to the staff who generously gave
up their time to help make these nights so successful; we are truly blessed
to have these wonderful people within our community.
Dianne Martin, Deputy Head,
Christian College Senior School
Page 16 : .
The Page Boy and Flower Girl were just as excited as the Debutantes
The dance floor lighting sets a great atmosphere for the exhibition dances The Debutantes were presented to the College Principal, the College CEO and their wives
placed in teams of between two and five
members and assigned either one or two
engineering challenges for the day. The
challenges involved everything from creating
satellite dishes to receiving coded digital
messages, to developing electronically
controlled air balloons which had to be
steered through an obstacle course. The finale
was construction of the lightest, strongest
bridge. The Christian College construction
was the only one to withstand the full weight
of the ‘bridge buster’
Nick Ward, Teacher of Science,
Senior School
Congratulations to Year 10 students from
Senior School who won the regional
competition at Deakin University on 25
May. The team will now progress to the
State Championships later this year.
The Science & Engineering Challenge is a
nation-wide competition which runs for
students in Year 10. The regional competition
was held at Deakin University Waurn Ponds,
and involves 16 schools from the Geelong
area. Competition was held over two days,
with 8 schools competing each day.
On the day of competition students were
Page 17 : . christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
On Friday the 18th May, Mr Daryl Riddle,
CEO of Christian College and four Christian
College Highton Year 8 students attended a
function at Geelong City Hall, to mark East
Timor’s 10th year of independence.
At the ceremony, we listened to a student
forum with a number of speakers explaining
their travels in East Timor and the problems
the country is currently facing. We learnt
about the incidents surrounding the vote for
independence, made by the people of Timor
Leste ten years ago. We also had the privilege
of meeting Venencia, a Timor Leste national
who is currently teaching at Christian College
Preschool, Williams House.
After the forum, Mr Daryl Riddle OAM gave
an address and we then watched the raising
of both the Australian and East Timor flag,
which were raised at the same time, to mark
the friendship between the two countries.
The flags were raised by two members of
Australia’s Armed Forces. This was done while
singing the national anthems of each country.
After the unfurling of the flags, we
participated in the reading of a poem
written in Timor Leste, about freedom and
independence.
(This report was written by Hayley Gough
Year 8, Middle School, Highton)
Christian College representatives with Mr Riddle at City Hall after the ceremony
The successful team delighted with their trophy at Deakin University
Page 18 : .
In 2011, Christian College established
the highly innovative Q’ed 1 Program for
talented and gifted students in Years 5,6
and 7. The College recently announced Q’ed
2, a comprehensive second year program
which emphasizes online and digital learning
possibilities to enhance students’ capacity to
learn and manage their own learning.
Q’ed House
This year Q’ed has made a vibrant and
stimulating home in the former Drama House
at Senior School and it has not taken long for
the space to be transformed with interactive
displays, including a giant brain and ‘Fred’,
our resident skull and brain model. Bright
displays, challenging materials, posters,
resources, models, mystery objects and online
facilities are readily available to students in our
wonderful physical and cyber Q’ed classroom
environments.
2012 Launch: Qed 1 and Qed 2:
Excitement abounded on the 22nd of March at
Senior School at the launches of Q’ed I and Q’ed
2 as staff, students and parents experienced a
small, tantalizing taste of Q’ed 2012.
Q’ED 1
Students, parents and staff engaged in a
highly charged, lively learning environment
at the Q’ed 1 launch, undertaking creative
thinking challenges and exploring interactive
displays.
Try your skill at this creative thinking exercise.
What do you see in each of these images?
Concentrate on the shape and the colour of
each.
imagination
wonder
randomness
impact
separation
confusion
Q’ed 1 will operate every Tuesday morning
at the Senior School in the Q’ed House
throughout Terms 2 and 3. Staff members,
Mrs Kelly, Mrs Smith, Ms Mocan and Mr Cody
will work with Q’ed 1 students to tackle
another ‘BIG QUESTION’. See the ’fruits’ of
their endeavours at the Q’ed Exhibition to be
held at the Senior School Chapel on Tuesday
4 September 2012.
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
Mr McKeeman and Q’ed 1 students wearing their thinking caps
Parents and students at the Q’ed 2 launch in the Senior Library
Page 19 : .
Q’ed 1 students summed up their
impressions as follows:
“So far we have learned more about ourselves
as learners and have learned how neuroscience
is helping us to find out more about how our
brains learn”.
“We have each made a thinking cap decorating
it to show how our individual brain learns
and have also made a model of our brain out
of plasticine to remind us that we have the
ability to enhance our capacity to learn due to
neuroplasticity.’
“We learn in many different ways in Q’ed, like
games, challenges, acting, group activities, art
and maths instead of just writing and listening
to the teacher all the time. It’s fun.”
“I have never really thought about how I think
and learn and it is hard to do. Q’ed makes me
do this but I am getting better at it. I now realize
that it is really up to me to use my brain well.”
Q’ED 2 Launch
The vibrant learning environment of the
new Senior Library provided an ideal context
for the launch of Q’ed 2. Accessing various
state of the art technology options available
within this space, students and families were
introduced to some intellectually vigorous
aspects of online learning. The program
facilitators, Mrs Lean, Mr Vanderkley and Mrs
Smith, unveiled the cyber classroom, the
‘Belonging’ blog, through which much of the
new and challenging learning is to occur. A
highlight of the launch was a Skype session
with Mr Tom March, a renowned educator
and proponent of Web 2.0 technologies and
their capacity to enhance learning. Students
also completed a critical thinking routine
entitled ‘See Think Wonder’; capturing their
responses on the Q’ed 2 ‘Belonging’ Blog.
‘I see a new opportunity to find useful tools on
the web to help expand our learning.’
‘It makes me think about all the digital learning
we will be doing in Q’ed this year, like what we
will learn and how?’
‘It makes me wonder what we will do this year
with our new knowledge and what programs
we will use.’
Merinda Kelly and Roselyn Smith,
Co-ordinators of the 2012 Q’ed Programs
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.auDarcy Aylen, engrossed in creating an individual profile of how her own brain learns
Page 20 : .
Early this year Mrs Jennifer Beck-Carlson,
the specialist Art teacher at Junior School in
Belmont was thrilled to have been invited
to exhibit some of her detailed Water-
colour paintings of plants, fruits and flowers
in the Sydney Botanical Gardens Exhibition,
“Botanica 2012”.
This exhibition showcased the artistic work
of 78 Australian Artists, some of which are
extremely important illustrators in the field
of natural science and their work is held in
many important museums and art galleries.
Mrs Beck-Carlson commented about the
Botanica 2012 Exhibition –
‘Of course I was very humbled to have my work
hanging alongside some of Australia’s best and
my greatest mentors. This has given me great
encouragement to continue to pursue my own
education in the field of visual art and to strive
for excellence in my chosen field. Furthermore
this experience reinforces the importance of
visual communication and creativity.
I came away from this experience even
more determined to encourage my students
at Junior School to develop a passion for
the beauty in our world. It is a joy to impart
my growing knowledge and develop my
students observation and creative skills. For
students this process helps them to better
understand their world and make the creative
journey meaningful. Especially in our rapidly
changing world of modern technology it is
lovely to see that there is still room for beauty
in nature.
I would like to add that this exhibition
experience reaffirmed the importance of
hanging our childrens’ Art up in an important
space to allow us to feel that sense of worth. Our
Annual Christian College Art Show held early in
Term 4 is just one of those events to foster this.’
christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
Papaver sp. poppies
300 x 420 mm
Watercolour
plums/blackberries
380 x 200 mm
Watercolour
Page 21 : . christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
We have been blessed wonderfully by God
in recent years with great additions to our
facilities and resources at Middle School
Highton but it is the people who make
Christian College a unique school.
Professor Stephen Dinham from Melbourne
University spoke to staff at our 2011 retreat
and emphasized the difference that quality,
effective teaching can make for the learner.
He stated:
“The teacher and the quality of his or her
teaching are major influences on student
achievement, along with the individual student
and his or her prior achievement.”
This simply added to a long list of previous
presenters including Dr David Sousa and
Dr Julia Atkin who reminded us that quality
teachers can impact the students’ learning in
an incredible way. The resources and facilities
at the teacher’s disposal are simply a tool.
New Facilities and Learning
The use of the Sports and Aquatic Centre by
our staff at Highton has been just one such
example. The building on its own is simply
that, a building, but under the direction of
expert Christian College staff it becomes a
centre in which students train, swim, exercise
and play in every Physical Education session.
This is a case where not only the program
has benefitted and grown but the students
have been impacted very positively. They are
growing daily and are striving for excellence.
One could write paragraphs about each
faculty area and how the passion, love and
expertise of the teacher is the major factor
influencing our students’ learning.
Visiting Experts share Experiences
Christian College staff do not pretend that
they have the answers to help every student
excel which is why we have invited many
experts to have input into our campus life.
We have had scientists, doctors, authors,
artists, sports coaches, musicians,
psychologists and many other highly skilled
people attend our school to lecture, teach,
guide and further enhance the learning
opportunities of our students. We also take
the opportunity to involve our students on
excursions to witness such experts in the field
and share in their work and experience.
Just recently Sue Lawson, a notable
author, spent a number of days working
Page 22 : . christ iancol lege.vic.edu.au
with students at Middle School inspiring
their writing and offering them great
encouragement and advice. This program is
offering unique opportunities for students to
be mentored, guided and extended in an area
of their passion.
The Q’ed program for gifted and talented
students continues to challenge our
students to stretch their thinking and
learning capacities and has added the online
dimension for our Second Year students.
The expert guidance of Mrs Roselyn Smith,
Mrs Merinda Kelly, Mr Steve Cody and Mrs
Chris Lean (along with a large team of staff
as mentors) continues to grow this program
not just to extend those who are able but to
further inform our classroom practice.
Mrs Alex Page-Walker is doing valuable work
to help those students who need a little more
help to gain extra confidence and skills in
literacy and numeracy. Alex has a love for our
children and a desire to see all succeed.
The author Parker Palmer advocates that
“you teach who you are” which challenges
all teachers to be lifelong learners. Christian
College teachers have taken up this
challenge which ensures that our students
are being mentored in their learning by
experienced learners (the teachers).
Growing in the Christian Faith
As a Christian College, growth in faith in
Jesus Christ is very important to us. At
Middle School we have staff accepting the
opportunities provided to study God’s Word,
share devotions and pray which allows
authentic conversation and learning in the
area of faith. The teacher again offers quality
teaching from experience, not theory. The
student learns as much about God, if not
more, from their teacher’s actions and the
love they share.
Thank you for the affirmation and positive
feedback we receive from our families. This
encourages us greatly to continue to grow as
teachers so that we might further bless our
students.
Wayne Hines, Head of Middle School,
Highton
Author Ms Sue Lawson works with students in a Middle School English class
Page 23 : .
On Saturday 26th May, 16 Indonesian lan-
guage students from Bellarine, Highton and
Senior Campuses represented the Geelong
region at the State Finals of the Sayembara
Lisan Indonesian speaking contest, held at the
Sidney Myer Asia Centre Melbourne University.
Congratulations to
1 Christopher Bottrell, Senior School who
gained second place in the Year 10 Competition
2 Peyton Greiner, Christian College Geelong
(Bellarine) who gained Second Place in Year 7
Beginners Competition
3 Lydia Mackie, Christian College Geelong
(Highton) Year 8 who gained third place in
the Continuing Indonesian Competition
Earlier in the Term Christian College students
won 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in the Geelong
regional competition hosted at Surfcoast
Secondary College and were awarded with
gold, silver and bronze medals featuring the
colours of the Indonesian flag.
Victorian Indonesian Teachers Association
(VILTA) members commented on the high
standard of Christian College students, who
had prepared well for the 10 minute individ-
ual interview and competed against Indone-
sian language students from metropolitan
and country schools.
Photos 1792 and 1793 are of Sue Strong in
the Indonesian classroom presenting Yr 10
Indonesian boys with their medals from the
Geelong Regional Speech Contest.
can range from organised special events such
as the Pancake Day and Games Day, to just
‘hanging out’ together on wet days.
The mentors have cooked pancakes for their
buddies and have recently enjoyed a games
rotation afternoon in the new sports centre.
Other plans for Terms 3 and 4 include a Maths
activity afternoon, Devotions prepared by
mentors to share with Year 5’s, board games one
lunchtime, mentors invited to Year 5 classrooms
during wet weather and the mentors to assist
with Year 5 Project Care fundraising. The plan
is to finish the year with shared Christmas
activities and a party.
Both the Year 5’s and the 9’s really enjoy the
opportunities to be together and there is always
plenty of fun and laughter.
Marisa Bettiol, Year 5 Homeroom Teacher
This program has become a valuable tool in the
successful transition of Year 5’s into the Middle
School at Highton. The Year 9 mentors volunteer
for the program and are recognized as part of
the Middle School student leadership team.
The program allows Year 9 students to meet their
Year 5 ‘buddies’ 2 or 3 times per term to take
part in a range of activities together designed to
link the Year 5 students with the older students,
helping them to settle in to Middle School and
feel connected to the older students.
For the Year 9s, this is a great opportunity for
leadership experience through mentoring
and guiding younger students who look up to
them as positive role models, thereby leading
by example.
Once the students get to know each other, they
take part in a range of shared activities which
Mrs Strong presents the Year 10 winners with their medallions