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Transcript of Test Infocus
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.
Page 5 : .
1
2 3
1. ????????????????????????????
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