Whilst I prefer my steaks medium rare, I am happy to serve up a “Well Done Parents”! (Sorry, dad joke)

Having recently joined the Year 5 students for the Sovereign Hill Camp, I can report that they are a delightful group of young people. I had a tremendous time getting to know the students better and experiencing Sovereign Hill with the great group of students and staff.

Having also attended a number of other year level camps and retreats across primary and secondary, as well as numerous excursions and classroom visits, I am equally convinced that our students here at Flinders Christian Community College are an exceptional group of students. Not perfect, not without their “moments” of course, but collectively, and ultimately, an undeniably amazing and exceptional group of students.

I say all this to their credit, but also to the credit of their parents, guardians and carers. Yes, we cannot overlook the obvious hard work our Flinders families are putting in to raise such exceptional individuals.

Our Flinders students are already impacting our society in positive ways throughout our community and beyond.

I personally would love to hear the stories of how our students are influencing the world around them. Please feel free to share with me examples of our student impact and influence either in person or by email; I love hearing “good news stories” about our students.

We read in Proverbs:

6 Train up a child in the way he should go, [^a]And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6 New King James Version

I am convinced when you combine the influence of a positive family environment with the positive environment of Flinders, the outcome of this training is exceptional citizens being released into the world.

Even if they take a few wrong turns along the way, I’m trusting they will find their way back to the right path and influence those around them to also be the best version of themselves.

I’ve heard it said that it takes a village to raise a child. Well, I’m proud to be part of the Flinders Village.

So, as I began, let me conclude, “Well Done Parents”!

Jon Gibson

Campus Chaplain

Students are required to wear the Summer Uniform in Term 4. The College allows for a 2 week transition due to the varied weather we experience in Melbourne.

To help you transition from Winter to Summer uniform the Uniform Shop will be open on the following days over the school holidays:

Date: Thursday 3 October
Time: 9 am-12pm

Date: Friday 4 October
Time: 1pm - 4pm

Please note: There is a 2-week transition period from winter to summer uniform in Term 4.

Links to:
Uniform Shop Information
Uniform Policy
Uniform Regulations

Please see the attached flyer for our uniform shop trading hours over the holidays

Before you commence the new term, please take 5 minutes to check your family details on Flinders Connect.

All information can be updated on the Flinders Connect App or on Flinders Connect through a web browser.

The most common areas of change are:

New Mobile / Phone number

Change of Address

Emergency Contacts (we require 2 contacts other than the parents) - this information is found under 'Immunization's & HealthCare'

Medical Update

Flinders Connect App

Open the Flinders Connect App

Click on the 'My Account' tab

Open 'My Details'

Select the person and then select the information you want to edit

An 'Edit' button will appear at the top RHS of the section you want to update - click on word and the section you can edit will be highlighted in yellow.

Update the information and click on 'SAVE' on the top RHS

Flinders Connect Web Version (iPad, laptop, desktop computer)

If you find the app difficult to navigate when updating information (it is quite small) then you may find updating this information on a web browser a better option.

Click HERE: https://connect.flinders.vic.edu.au

Sign in with your Flinders ID and Password (same as app)

Select 'My Account' from the top ribbon

Click on 'My Details' tab

Update information as required.

DON'T FORGET TO 'SAVE' ONCE YOU HAVE UPDATED

Here are some Knowledge Base Articles that will help you with navigating Flinders Connect:

Edit your details in Community Portal

Edit your child's medical details in Community Portal

Finding your Occupation Group

Viewing your finance details

Dear Flinders families,

Applications are open for the following year levels:

Year 7, 2027

3- & 4-year-old Kinder, 2026

We recommend families lodge their applications as soon as possible as we have waiting list across many year levels.

Siblings are given a priority, however, places are not guaranteed, to lodge an application please refer to our website.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at enrolments@flinders.vic.edu.au we will be happy to help!

Dear Primary School Families,

We have had an action-packed term. From academic competitions (spelling bees, Australian Mathematics competitions) to sporting events (cross country and athletics), House competitions (Song and Dance Battle) Grade 5 Sovereign Hill Camp and a Footy Day, we have engaged our students with numerous opportunities.

Term 4 Uniform : In term 4, we have a two-week changeover period during which students can wear either winter or summer uniforms (not a combination of both). Uniform regulations are found HERE. I encourage families to read the policy and wording that includes ‘neatness is of paramount importance regarding hairstyles’ before holiday haircuts are done.

2025 Primary Classes : Throughout Term 4, staff deliberate and evaluate many aspects to ensure classes are balanced for the new year. Considerations include academics, boy/girl ratios, friendships, additional needs, ILPs, behaviour and incoming students. Occasionally, parents may have additional insight we need to consider. Please address, in writing, any requests to Adam Swain by Friday the 18th of October (adam.swain@flinders.vic.edu.au)

Adam Swain
Head of Primary

Please ensure that your child brings their hat to school during Term 4.

It should be clearly labeled with your child’s name. Hats need to be worn during recess and lunch. If your child forgets their hat, they will be required to play in a shaded area

Swimming lessons begin 1st week of Term 4. The program will occur on Mondays for Grade 4 and 5 and Fridays for Prep, Grade 1, 2 and 3. Lessons will be run by the staff at Paul Sadler Swim School and supervised by our staff.

Grade 6 participated in an open-water beach program in Term 1 and will have another open water session at the end of the year. This is instead of swimming lessons.

Please ensure that you have given consent for your child to attend and fill out the Paul Sadler swimming ability form found on the Flinders Connect App with the activity notice and swimming schedule.

Congratulations to Zara and Aaliyah for receiving a Flinders Values Award during this week’s Primary Chapel Service.

Zara received her award for displaying Love, Integrity, Resilience and Excellence by modelling Flinders values to her peers and approaching her work at all levels with a high level conscientiousness

Aaliyah exemplified the values of Love, Faith and Perseverance by showing kindness to her peers, fully contributing to the classroom and always giving her best.

It is amazing to think that term 3 is coming to an end, along with celebrating 30 years of OSHC with Camp Australia, and all the fun spring activities. A big thank you to all the parents and children for participating. As we head into Term 4, please do not forget your sunscreen and hats!

Make sure to reserve your spot for our spring Holiday – Rocketeers.

Bookings have opened for the Camp Australia Holiday Rocketeer Program that is held here CD Flinders.

Download the full program here and to book a place

What an incredible Term 3 it has been at Flinders Christian Community College! The energy and enthusiasm from both our students and staff have made this term truly memorable.

One of the standout events was the Cuthbert Carnival, where Yellow House brought the fun with cake stalls, a shoe-shining station, various games, and even a dunk tank! It was wonderful to see our students participating with such joy and creativity, making the day a resounding success.

As we move into the final week, we are eagerly anticipating our Choral Competition, where each house will perform a Michael Jackson song. This event always brings out the best in our students, showcasing their musical talents and their spirit of teamwork. We are also looking forward to our RUOK Day celebration, where we will come together as a community to focus on mental health and well-being.

As you may have gathered, I am passionate about creating a calm and orderly learning environment. This term, we have made significant strides in refining our detention process to create a more consistent and fair approach. I believe by creating clear processes and procedure that we empower, staff and students and parents/carers to know the rules and follow them.

Finally, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated staff. Your hard work, commitment, and passion have made all these events possible and have contributed to a positive, engaging, and supportive environment for our students. Thank you for everything you do!

Looking forward to an exciting Term 4 ahead!

Warm regards,

Matthew Bodley
Head of Secondary

Please find below details for our optional Swim Squad Program that runs annually in Terms 1 and 4 coached by elite swimmers. The purpose of the Flinders Swim Squad is to improve each student's competitive swimming performance at the Term 1 House Swimming Carnival in 2024 and to adequately prepare students for racing. Please note that this optional opportunity is not a learn to swim program, as students are expected to be able to swim competently for multiple laps of a 50m pool. The sessions will focus on preparing students for future competitions. There is a small cost of $60 for the sessions that is subsidised by the College.

Please RSVP your students' interest in this program via the Flinders Connect App or by emailing Emily Fellows (emily.fellows@flinders.vic.edu.au)

When: Friday mornings on the; 1/11, 8/11, 15/11, 29/11 & 6/12

Time: 7:20am - 8:30am

Where: Pines Forest Aquatic Centre, Forest Drv. Frankston North

Transport: Families drop students off at the pool at 7:20am, College bus transports students to their respective campus.

Cost: $60.00 for the sessions.

Eligibility: Flinders Years 6-12 Students need to be capable of participating in a swim squad session (age appropriate). This is not designed for beginners, rather students to further improve their competitive swimming technique.

To register, please contact Natalie Chatfield Natalie.chatfield@flinders.vic.edu.au or Emily Fellows emily.fellows@flinders.vic.edu.au

Expressions of interest are now open for Yr 5-12 students to play in our after school netball program for Term 4.

Location & Time
The Frankston and District After School netball competition is held on a Friday Night. Matches times are approx 4:15pm, 4:50pm or 5:25pm at Jubilee Park in Frankston.

Coaching & Team Manager’s
All teams will require a parent volunteer coach and team manager who is able to provide a current Working with Children Check as well as complete the College on boarding protocols. Cost

Approx. cost for Term 4 is $85. **this is subject to fluctuate slightly based on how many rounds each team plays.

Tryouts & Teams
Depending on numbers will indicate whether or not we need to run a skills assessment session and/or if teams are able to go ahead.

Teams are created based on student year level.

Yr 5 - 6
Yr 7 - 8
Yr 9 - 10
Yr 11 - 12

Expressions Of Interest
Expressions of interest can be made via the form below
https://forms.office.com/r/K5afzryPPN

Please reach out to Emily (Emily.Fellows@Flinders.vic.edu.au) or Natalie (Natalie.Chatfield@Flinders.vic.edu.au) if you have any further questions.

Congratulations to all of our primary and secondary students to participated in the term ⅔ after school netball season. We are very proud of all of our students, especially those who participated in the ‘finals’.

Our year 7 / 8 Angels & year 7 / 8 Gems met for the year 7 / 8 grand final.

Congratulations to our Yr 7/8 Angels who defeated the Yr 7/8 Gems. A special congratulations to Zoe Allison being named MVP for the game!

In the year 9 -12 division our Year 9/12 rubies played against the 9/12 emeralds.

Congratulations to our Yr 9/12 Rubies who defeated the Yr 9/12 Emeralds. Another special congratulations Holly Nisbet being named MVP for the game.

As term 3 comes to an end our Sport department as busy planning term 4 SIS Weekly Sport! Students will receive an email from Laura about when dates tryouts will be.

Please see below for sports on offer for Term 4

Junior Girls Basketball
Junior Boys Basketball
Junior Girls Volleyball
Inter Girls Basketball
Inter Boys Basketball

Frozen A new term 4 schedule will be sent out over the holidays to all families. From next term it is essential that all students if requested on the rehearsal schedule attend.

Grade 5&6 Performing Arts Club During Term 2 and 3, we had the pleasure of grade 5 and 6 students who decided to give Performing Arts a go during their clubs’ time. This year the students studied Dance and participated in Hip Hop, Dancing through the Years, attended a workshop with a Broadway Dancer and finished up with a Dance Off. It was especially lovely to have some male students take part and show us their Dance Skills. Congratulations to Verity and Ava who won the Dance Off as voted by their peers. Thank you to the supervising teachers and to Mr. Edens who organised the Clubs’.

Performing Arts Lessons Thank you to Ms. Peterson and Mrs. Mendolia for their time and energy in teaching Performing Arts to the many students in our care. We currently have students attending lessons in Acting, Musical Theatre, Screen Acting, Hip Hop and Lyrical Dance.

So, You Think You Can Dance Competition Don’t forget to send your online entries to Mrs. Mendolia for judging Ashlene.Mendolia@flinders.vic.edu.au. Diane O’Hare Performing Arts Coordinator.

Congratulations to all teams who played semi-final games.

The Club had an amazing 51 teams representing Flinders Basketball across our 4 associations!

Congratulations to the 33 teams who made it to the Grand Finals rounds, and even more exciting – the following Grand Final Premiers… and counting…

u12 Girls All Stars (Casey)

u10 Boys Jets (WPBA)

u12 Boys Crusaders (WPBA)

u16 Girls Diamonds (WPBA)

u16 Girls All Stars (WPBA)

u21 Boys Titans (WPBA)

u16 Girls Diamonds (FDBA)

u16 Boys Saints FDBA)

u16 Boys Titans (FDBA)

u18 Boys Kings (FDBA)

If you are able, please come and support the last of our Grand Final teams on Saturday (FDBA association) as they play for their premiership title: