As we come to the end of another school term, there is a natural pause, a moment to reflect, to rest, and to give thanks for all that has been.

To our families, this term has been filled with growth, learning, friendships, and perseverance. There have been challenges along the way, but also many moments of joy and achievement. We are so grateful for your ongoing support, encouragement, and partnership in your child’s journey.

As we now enter the Easter season, we are reminded of a message that sits at the very heart of our faith and hope. Easter tells the story of new life. It reminds us that even in the hardest moments, light overcomes darkness, and hope rises again. It is a time to reflect on love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and the promise of renewal.

In the busyness of family life, school commitments, and everyday responsibilities, Easter gently invites us to slow down.

To spend time together.

To be present.

To remember what truly matters.

As it says in Scripture:
"He is not here; He has risen, just as He said." (Matthew 28:6)

May this Easter bring peace into your homes, joy into your hearts, and a renewed sense of hope for the term ahead.

We pray that your family enjoys a safe and restful break, filled with special moments together.

Blessings,
Flinders Christian Community College, Carrum Downs

Reminder to parents that students are required to wear the winter uniform in Term 2 and 3. We encourage all families to begin organising their student’s winter uniform requirements now. To avoid the peak period and ensure your student is prepared for the change please consider visiting the uniform shop prior to the upcoming holiday break.

The Uniform Shop’s final day of trade for Term 1 is Thursday 2 April 2026

Holiday Opening Times

Thursday 16 April: 1.00-4.00pm

Friday 17 April: 8.00 – 11.30am

Monday 20 April: 8.00 – 11.30am

Please read the attached flyer for more information about ordering online.

We will be holding our Campus Open Day on Saturday 28 March from 9:00am - 11:00am. This is a wonderful opportunity for outside families to explore our campus, see learning in action, and experience the vibrant community that makes our school so special. Please help us spread the word to friends and family we would love to welcome them.

As we come to the close of another rich and rewarding term, I am filled with gratitude for the energy, curiosity and community spirit that have been so evident across our Primary School. We have shared many memorable moments together: welcoming extended family members at Grandparents Day as we honoured the vital role they play in our children’s lives; celebrating Harmony Day, where unity, respect and diversity were joyfully on display; and delighting in the imagination and aspiration of our Grade One students as they dressed for Occupations Day. Alongside this, our Grades 1 and 2 students showed growing independence and confidence during their Stay Late evenings, an important step as they prepare for future camping experiences.

Our students have also represented the College with pride beyond the classroom, competing at District Swimming and Lightning Premierships, and engaging enthusiastically in excursions that bring learning to life. These experiences remind us that education is both broad and deeply formative, shaping character as well as knowledge.

As we approach Easter, we pause to remember its profound significance in our Christian faith. Easter invites us to reflect on the love, sacrifice and hope found in the work of Christ on the Cross, and to carry that message of grace and new life into our community. As the term concludes, we thank our students, families and staff for their partnership and support, and as we look forward to a safe, restful break filled with joy and renewal.

Toni Steinbergs
Head of Primary

We kindly remind parents and carers of the importance of adhering to parking signage to ensure the safety of all members of our community. Staff carparks are not to be entered or used for student drop‑off or collection at any time. Students must be collected from the designated drop‑off zone or from one of the two parent carparks only.

Your cooperation with these procedures helps maintain a safe, orderly environment for students, families and staff, particularly during busy arrival and dismissal times.

If students are absent, for any reason, please ensure you log the absence explanation via the Connect App. If you are planning to take extended leave, such as a family holiday, please notify the College well in advance so that students can be supported with the learning they will miss. Where it is possible, please avoid extended absences during term time, as missed learning often leads to children falling behind and missing key understandings necessary for future learning.

To celebrate the last day of term, students are invited to come to school in their pyjamas! We ask families to please donate a gold coin or contribute new or gently worn pyjamas and/or winter clothing (all sizes welcome from newborn-teens). This year, we are proudly supporting Mums Supporting Families in Need (MSFIN). All donated items will help provide warm clothing to local families in need this coming winter.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

The voting is now complete, and we are pleased to announce the class representatives for SRC from grades 3-5. Congratulations to:

3F - Alyssa W 3P - Angus Mc

4C - Ava A 4K - Lili K

5P - Dominic D 5V - Riaan S

Grades 3 and 4 students were acknowledged at Chapel last Tuesday. Due to NAPLAN, Grade 5s will be given their badges in class and acknowledged at Chapel at the start of next term.

Congratulations to Harvey, Imogen, Alfie and Nicholas for receiving their Flinders Values Award during Primary Chapel. Harvey received his award for exemplifying the Flinders values of excellence by constantly pushing himself to be the best he can both in the classroom and in the pool.

Imogen received her award for displaying humility. She demonstrates this by being modest and humble, helping everyone, trying her best and being grateful for everything.

Nicholas shows leadership and embodies the values of love, humility, grace and integrity, setting a wonderful example for his peers.

Alfie is a caring member of Grade 4 who shows joy and friendliness to everyone. He received his award for the values of love and humility.

Students in Grades 2 to 6 are invited to take part in the Picture Book Reading Challenge, which encourages them to borrow an extra picture book each week and read it aloud at home to a parent, grandparent, sibling, or even a pet. This challenge supports fluency, expression, and comprehension, while also creating meaningful shared reading moments at home. Parents are encouraged to listen, enjoy the story together, and talk with their child about the book’s message or lesson. Students will share their learning at school to earn House points, with an optional video reading challenge offering additional opportunities for participation and celebration.

What You Need to Do:

If you are in Grades 2–6 you can borrow one extra picture book each week. It does not replace the novel.

It will need to be read aloud to a parent, grandparent, sibling or even your pet!

Introduce the title, author, and illustrator

Read with expression

Show the pictures as you read

Picture books often have an important lesson or message.

Share what the book was about and what you learned.

You can share during library time with Mrs Treanor, Miss T or Miss Cosham and your House will earn 10 points.

Optional Challenge: Reading Video

This part is optional, but fun! You may video record yourself reading a picture book (get your parents to help).

Email your video to: sue.treanor@flinders.vic.edu.au

Make sure your video includes your name and your class.

📅 Videos must be submitted by the end of term for the following term. Highlights of videos may be chosen to be shown at Chapel and Friday lunch time in the library.

If your video highlights are shown at Chapel, your House will earn 100 points.

By taking part, you will:

Become a more confident reader

Enjoy sharing stories with others

Discover lessons through picture books

Earn points for your House

Most importantly — have fun and be creative!

We are very excited to let you know that the Camp Australia Term Holiday Rocketeers
bookings are now Live! Autumn Rocketeers is built around the idea of Wild and Wonderful. A season that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and moments of unexpected joy.

With four core creative Projects anchoring the holidays and a range of adaptable experience days, Autumn Rocketeers offers something for children to look forward to every day.

Parents can register here: Camp Australia - Create an account here

Parent with an account can log in here: Camp Australia - Sign into the Parent Portal

Dear Parents and Carers,

As Term 1 concludes, I am pleased to share a snapshot of recent achievements, our focus for student development, and key upcoming dates.

Celebrations

Colours Assembly: Year 12 students were acknowledged for their contributions to college life and culture, thank you Mr Watts for a great assembly.

Year 7 Camp: Students enjoyed adventure and team-building on Phillip Island. Thank you Mrs. Vorster our Year 7 Transition Coordinator.

Canberra Student Leaders Conference: Our female leaders represented the college with pride well done College Captain Eden Vass, Vice- College Captain Esther Quan and Mrs. Piening for taking them.

International Women’s Day: Thank you to Mrs. Cosgrave for supporting our female students.

Cuthbert Carnival: Thank you to Mrs. Cairns, Mr. Barlow, and the Cuthbert team for a successful event.

Focus: Committed to Growth
This term, we spotlight the Flinders Way element of being ‘Committed to Growth’, encouraging students to build positive habits and continually improve. At Flinders we affirm behaviours that support growth for themselves and others, alongside values such as being Called to Flourish, Connected by Love, and Capable of Influence. When parents and carers receive a positive acknowledgement for being committed to growth your students are being seen doing one of the below positive behaviours.

Behaviour Spotlight
We commend students for arriving on time and being prepared, especially by bringing their diaries to class. Diaries help with organisation and communication between parents and Home Group Mentors. If your student forgets their diary, please email their mentor for an allowance; otherwise, a detention can apply.

Important Dates

23/3/2026: Athletics Day

26/3/2026: Year 10 Zoo Excursion

2/4/2026: World's Greatest Shave VM fundraiser

3/4/2026: Good Friday & start of Term 1 holidays

20/4/2026: Student Free Day (staff only at school)

21/4/2026: Term 2 begins for all students (Summer or Winter uniform)

24/4/2026: Anzac Day service (morning)

Thank You
Thank you to all staff and students for your dedication this term, and to our parents and carers for your ongoing support. Enjoy the break and we look forward to seeing everyone in Term 2.

Kind regards
Matthew Bodley (Head of Secondary)
Flinders Christian Community College Carrum Downs Campus

As we coming to the end of a very busy and rewarding term, it’s wonderful to reflect on the many opportunities our students have been involved in across the Music Department.

Our recent Bunnings Fundraiser BBQ was a fantastic success, helping to raise funds for the upcoming Generations in Jazz Festival in Mt Gambier this May. We are excited that four of our ensembles will be attending this prestigious event this year and representing our school again.

Our Senior Stage Band also had the opportunity to perform at the Big Band Sunsets Festival in Mordialloc, showcasing their talent and hard work in a wonderful community setting.

Earlier this month we were privileged to host the Royal Australian Navy Big Band. Students participated in a workshop throughout the day with Navy staff, gaining valuable insights and inspiration from professional musicians. The day ended with a performance which was a truly memorable experience for all involved. Watching the joy on our students’ faces was a pleasure to see.

Rehearsals are well underway for the SIS Performing Arts Big Night Concert, and we look forward to seeing our students perform alongside others from the schools involved. Please come along and support them, tickets available here.

Our Year 6 students also presented a small performance for parents and siblings, proudly showcasing what they have been learning in class so far this term. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to build confidence and share their progress.

A group of our Secondary students are in preparations for the first School Open Day on Saturday 28 March, where they will perform for all our visitors. This select group will proudly showcase the energy and excellence of our music program.

Finally, this year we are delighted to introduce our new Head of Music, Joey Rolleston. Joey has been a valued member of our department for the last few years, and we are thrilled that he is now leading the way. Penny Bowen has also joined the team, and we warmly welcome Penny and look forward to the expertise and energy she will bring to our program.

Thank you to all students, staff, and families for your continued support of the Music Department. We look forward to another exciting term ahead.

For any general inquiries or questions about our music programs, please feel free to contact Mrs. Linda Harris at musiccarrumdowns@flinders.vic.edu.au

Performing Arts Lessons

Performing Arts lessons have commenced and we are currently at capacity.

For enquiries or adjustments, please contact Linda.harris@flinders.vic.edu.au

Secondary Production – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Rehearsals are well underway for our Secondary production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Please check Moodle regularly for rehearsal schedules (including proposed holiday workshops): HERE

Tickets for our performances on May 27 at Frankston Arts Centre are on sale now HERE

Cast merchandise will be available soon. Cast are required to have paid their production levy before they receive their merch.

Primary Production – Seussical Kids

We are excited to announce the cast for Seussical Kids - our 2026 Primary production.

Performances will be held at George Jenkins Theatre on 6 August 2026.

Primary Music – Ensembles Concert

On Tuesday 17 March, our Grade 6s put on their first concert for the year for parents, staff and peers. This was a showcase of the Grade. 6 Training Band and Grade.6 Strings Orchestra. Thank you to our amazing instrumental teachers involved in preparing our students. Mr. Perry, Mr. O’Shea, Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Armstrong and Mrs. Bowen.

Secondary Music – Generations In Jazz

On May 1-3 next of Term 2, we are sending 4 of our students to the Generations In Jazz Festival in Mt. Gambier, South Australia. This is the largest school music festival in Australia that sees over 100 schools and thousands of students attend a weekend of playing music, attending concerts and being inspired. Our Sr. Stage Band, Jr. Stage Band, Jazz Ensemble and Vocal Ensemble will be representing Flinders Carrum Downs and are very excited for the opportunity. Preparations have included weekly ensemble + sectional rehearsals as well as workshopping with the Royal Australian Navy Big Band.

Our combined campus Swimming Carnival, held at Pines Forest Aquatic Centre on Monday 2nd March, was a fantastic success. With clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine, students embraced the day with enthusiasm, showcasing outstanding house spirit, teamwork, and competition.

The results were as follows:

1st place - Flynn House

2nd place – Ten Boom House

3rd place – Nicholls House

4th place – Cuthbert House

A special acknowledgment goes to our individual age group champions for their excellent achievements.

Pippa recently achieved an incredible milestone on the international stage, representing Outlaws Allstars – Lady Lieutenants at the prestigious National Cheerleaders Association competition in Houston, Texas, held from 28 February to 1 March. Competing amongst an astonishing 750,000 athletes involved in the event worldwide, Pippa and her team delivered an outstanding performance to finish 6th in the world! This remarkable achievement is a testament to Pippa’s commitment to her sport. We congratulate her on this exceptional accomplishment and look forward to seeing what she achieves next.

In the U15s division, Flinders was strongly represented with two Division 1 boys teams, two Division 1 girls teams, as well as a division 2 boys team and a division 2 girls team. Across the day, all teams demonstrated great teamwork, determination, and pride in their performances. A highlight was the Division 1 Girls White team, who delivered an outstanding performance to win their grand final and progress through to the State Championships. The Division 1 Boys Maroon team also impressed, earning a place in the grand final and narrowly missing out on the win in a closely contested match.

Congratulations to all players for their efforts and for representing Flinders with such pride.

The U20 Basketball Victoria 3x Cup Qualifying Day, held at Jubilee Park Stadium on 5th March, was a highly successful event for Flinders. The school was represented by three teams: a division 1 boys team, a division 1 girls team, and a division 2 boys team. Both division 1 teams delivered outstanding performances throughout the day, ultimately winning their respective grand finals and securing their place at the State Championships later in the year.

The Division 2 boys team also impressed, narrowly missing out on a grand final berth. Well, done to all teams!