As we reach the end of term, thank you once again for supporting independent Christian education at Flinders. Although Term Two has been a long one, students have been working hard and can be proud of their efforts, with finalised Semester reports to be released shortly.
On a personal note, I want to thank the staff, students, and parents with whom I have interacted, as I moved into the Acting Head of Campus role. I must acknowledge the exceptional work of Mrs. Franklin, Mrs. Hoy, and Mrs. Toporzisek in their new roles this term. Their dedication and commitment, along with all staff, has been significant as we work towards our shared vision of being a Transformative Christian Learning Community
As we near the Semester break, I have become aware of the book, 'The Anxious Generation'. For any adult who is concerned about the dangers of mobile phones, Haidt outlines more than a dozen mechanisms that have interfered with children's social and neurological development, covering sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, social comparison, and perfectionism. Haidt explains why social media damages girls more than boys and why boys have been withdrawing from the real world into the virtual world, with consequences for themselves, their families, and their societies. Importantly, Haidt has a 'call to action' with clear steps that we can take. If you are interested, I encourage you to check the link above. For those not so keen to read, audible is an excellent alternative.
I pray you have a restful semester break, and I look forward to partnering with you at the start of Semester 2.
Adam Swain Acting Head of Campus.
Important Information
Term 3
Date: Wednesday 17th July 2024 Week A - Day 3 Uniform: Winter
Flinders Connect: It's time to Update your Family Details
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 'Immunisations & 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.
This coming school holidays, we are running a Flinders Basketball Holiday Program (Term 2 break). This is open to all Flinders Basketball club members and Flinders students from the ages of 7 to 16 years. The program is a great opportunity to enhance skills and have fun on court with Flinders Basketball Academy coaches and senior academy players.
Don't forget to buy your tickets to support our wonderful & talented students in the production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR.
Showing on Wednesday 26 June & Thursday 27 June at the Frankston Arts Centre!
Please spread the news to family and friends!
Bookings can be made via the QR code above or through Frankston Arts Centre Box Office HERE or call 9784 1060
Flinders Kinder
What's been happening at Kinder@Flinders with Mrs. Linda Topo
Welcome to WINTER: Our Kinder groups celebrated Winter with a Pyjama Day and collecting breakfast foods for our local Frankston Churches Winter Shelter Program. We are so proud of the understanding young children have shown towards showing empathy and compassion and being so excited to help others in our community. We collected a boot load of breakfast foods that I will deliver to the Winter Shelter this week at Peninsula City Church.
Flinders Flock: Our children are enjoying the latest upgrades to our chicken and sustainability area of the Kinder. Our 3 chickens are loving their home and the daily attention, food and play they get from being part of our Kinder community. We welcome anyone who wants to help and support this project. We also have eggs for sale at 50c each if anyone is interested.
Kinder PMP: Our children are enjoying our Winter PMP ( perceptual motor program) each week as they move their body in specific exercises planned by Julie Wachter. PMP enhances gross motor development, hand/eye and foot/eye coordination, balance, core strength, eye tracking and more. The children absolutely love this time ! Here we have the children participating on their PJ day exercising and balancing.
Always lots to celebrate and enjoy together at Kinder.
The children have done an amazing job of lasting the distance for this long term 2 !!!
Linda Topo
Primary School
Teamwork Makes The Dream Work
This has been a long, busy and exciting term. With Mr. Watts away on Long Service Leave, people have had the opportunity to step into new positions. This can only happen if the right team is in place - a team that can adapt and work together.
I walked into Grade 1 this term and they were completing writing pieces titled Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork. They had been watching short videos demonstrating Teamwork and were learning about the need to work together, collaborate, cooperate and respect the ideas and opinions of others. Learning in the classroom is all about Teamwork. Students are expected to ensure an environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn. One distraction can have a ripple effect of less focus or one person not contributing to a group project can cause stress on other group members. Two samples of the Grade 1 work are below - notice the use of the word “together” indicating the need to work as a team.
Jesus had a team of disciples who went everywhere with him. He sent his disciples out in teams of two to begin doing their ministry. He gave specific instructions to not pack anything, but rather to rely on people who invited them into their homes (Mark 6:7-13). The notion that we all have a part to play in life is not a new one. We have been sent to use our gifts and talents to contribute to God’s Church. Our role is to encourage others to use their gifts and talents as well (Ephesians 4:15-16). We all need to work as a team towards the contribution of ‘life’.
Teamwork is not just a concept in our school, it's a way of life. But what truly makes the dream work is when we, as a school community, partner with our families to help our students thrive. This collaborative effort is the key to our success.
Thank you for a wonderful term – to all of the Team; our supportive families, wonderful students and the diligent and committed staff and administration.
Well, we are nearly at the end of the term and half way through the year. It is a privilige to walk through the classrooms and see the students so engaged with the curriculum and actively learning. The Grade 5 and 6 students have continued with their Clubs this term. The garden near the library is starting to grow a variety of new foods and plants for the Garden to Plate club. Basketball skills are improving and performance skills are honed. Not forgetting the Drawing Club who are producing masterpieces. This is a great initiative of the Grade 5 and 6 teachers.
Food Tech has been a wonderful enhancement to the Primary Curriculum that was introduced this year. Every Primary class has experienced cooking a delicious treat. A very big thank you to Mrs. Ansalde and Mrs. Gillespie for running and organising these sessions.
In 2023, two reading support programs were launched – Mini-Lit Sage (was Bridges) and Maq-Lit; both a part of the Multi-Lit program used in the P-2 classrooms. Students were selected to work in small groups and their reading has shown great improvement. This term, Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. DeVries from the Education Support Department, have set up reports for the Maq-Lit students that will be emailed to parents next week. Please read these in conjunction with the Reading report. Mini-Lit reports will be ready for the end of Semester 2.
Life in a Primary School is very busy. Thankfully we have Mrs. Lokot and Mrs. Morgan in our administration team who are able to solve many problems. Mrs. Blashki and Mrs. Harris are also experts in the curriculum and music areas. Each of these wonderful people assist the teachers in more ways than are ever acknowledged.
Thank you to our Primary community for a wonderful term!
Primary Cross Country
Congratulations to Hayden in Grade 6 who has placed 5th in the Southern Metro Region Cross Country and has now qualified for the State Cross Country.
Primary HOT DOG Lunch Day: Thursday 27 June
The parents and friends group are organizing a Hot Dog Lunch for the Primary Students on Thursday 27 June. For $6 students will receive a Hot Dog and a Juice Box. Please note that these hotdogs are not purchased through the canteen or Munch Monitor. Order forms were given out to students last week. Please return the order form with the correct money to the school or pay on the Flinders Connect App by Monday 24 June so that orders can be processed.
Please click on My Account and choose Activities Select the Activity: CD Primary Hot Dog Lunch Click on the 'Attending Button' and follow the prompts to pay.
If you would like to help the P and F to cook and distribute the hotdogs please contact Marianne.morgan@flinders.vic.edu.au or return the slip at the bottom of the order form.
Primary What’s On Podcast
Do you listen to the What’s On Podcast? This wonderful initiative is brought to you by Mrs. Lyndel Hoy who puts it all together. Our Primary School Captains, Jade and William, do a wonderful job in hosting the Podcast. Mrs. Hoy was invited to speak at a conference last week in Adelaide about how she makes the podcast and the equipment she uses, which is a program called Soundtrap. Well done to Mrs. Hoy on representing the school and for being innovative in education. We look forward to more editions of the fortnightly podcast next term.
Flinders Values Awards
Congratulations to Max and Harvey for receiving the Flinders values award during last week’s Primary Chapel. Max exemplified Perseverance and Love, by remaining steadfast and focused while showing patience, forgiveness and love to classmates. Harvey displays Perseverance and Faith by remaining studious and focused during class and praying regularly.
Grade 5/6 After school Netball
This term saw the introduction of our Grade 5/6 girls joining the After School Netball competition on a Friday with our secondary students. We have an exclusive Tyabb team as well as a Carrum Downs team with Lucy, a Flinders Tyabb student. Unfortunately, one of our students is injured and Lucy has volunteered to play for the CD team to balance out the numbers. The girls are doing really well so far and all growing in confidence each and every game.
As we reach the midpoint of Term 2, I am delighted to reflect on the recent events that have brought our school community together and to share the exciting activities we have planned for the near future.
Celebrating Recent Successes Over the past two weeks, our students have showcased their resilience, dedication, and community spirit through various significant events. Our Year 10 students enjoyed a memorable Formal, celebrating in style and fostering lifelong memories. The completion of the Year 12 General Achievement Test (GAT) is a milestone worth noting, as it marks a critical step in their academic journey. Additionally, our Year 9, 10, and 11 students have successfully completed their exams mid-year exams, demonstrating their hard work and commitment to their studies.
Our Year 12 students also participated in the TRAG (Teenagers Road Accident Group) excursion, focusing on road safety. This impactful experience emphasized the importance of making safe choices and highlighted real-world consequences, reinforcing our commitment to student wellbeing and safety.
Exciting Upcoming Events Looking ahead, we have a series of exciting events planned. Our Year 8 students will embark on a winter adventure at Marysville, engaging in various activities designed to build teamwork and resilience. Year 11 students are preparing for their camp at Phillip Island Adventure Resort, where they will partake in team-building exercises and outdoor adventures, strengthening their bonds and leadership skills.
We are also thrilled about our upcoming school production, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." Our students and staff have been working tirelessly to bring this beloved story to life, and we cannot wait to see their talents shine on stage. This production promises to be a spectacular showcase of our students' creativity and hard work.
Community Engagement and Future Directions I would like to thank parents/ carers who completed the Behaviour Management Survey give us important baseline data. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to create a positive and supportive environment for all students.
We are excited to announce that our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) framework, which has been successfully implemented in Years 7, 8, and 9, will be extended to the entire school starting from Term 3. This initiative is designed to promote positive behaviour and create a consistent approach to behaviour management. We will be seeking further parent feedback as we continue to refine and enhance this important process.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in your child’s education. Together, we are building a vibrant, positive, and nurturing community at Flinders Christian Community College.
Warm regards,
Matthew Bodley Head of Secondary Flinders Christian Community College
Flinders Basketball
Champions!
And we wrap up the week with a CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
Our U20 Boys were sensational yesterday in the Division 2 competition of the Victorian College Champs. Congratulations to Peter and Toby and your players on an incredible day, winning the Grand Final against St Helena College by 18 points.
Performing Arts
What's On
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR.
Our Secondary School Production will take place at the Frankston Arts Centre on the 26th and 27th June. Tickets are now available to buy online or from the Frankston Arts Centre box office. Don’t miss out on a fabulous production. The cast and crew would love the support of the Flinders community.
Flinders Got Talent 2024 #4
I am excited to announce that FGT returns next term. This is one amazing night of entertainment from the staff and students from our CD community. This year the event will be FREE. I will be organising a little donation bucket at the door for the charity Feel the Magic, who support children who have lost a parent or sibling, a charity which is close to the hearts of myself and daughter. The event will take place on Thursday 15th August at 6pm in E Block. Previously we have had magic, singing, dancing, dog tricks and gymnastics to name but a few. This year our judging panel will be the cast of Alice by Heart from MLOC Productions, who are a talented group of performers with many years training and performance in the Performing Arts industry. Closing date for entries will be the 1st of August. In the first instance, please contact my Performing Arts Captains, Salma and Mackenzie with your expression of interest to perform and what your act will look like. You can email them on SMusa24@fccc.vic.edu.au and MVokes25@fccc.vic.edu.au.
Frozen Kids 2024
I am overwhelmed by the large amount of Primary School students who auditioned for this year’s Frozen Kids Primary School Production to be held in November this year. All cast are required on Monday 22nd July from 3.30pm until 5.00pm in the Drama Studio for our first read through. This is when students will also receive their first rehearsal schedule outlining what dates they will be required. Congratulations to everyone who auditioned, the talent of Performing Arts students continues to soar!!
Congratulations
Congratulations to Aaliyah and Shanaya Bondin, Toby Blashki and Dean Baker who have recently been cast in MLOC’s Theatre Production of Alice by Heart. They will be playing the roles of Young Alice and Young Alfred.
Diane O’Hare
Performing Arts Coordinator
Sports News
Basketball Update
VCC Basketball U15 Finals Day: Flinders were represented by a Division 2 boys team who lost in the semifinal to Berwick College as well as a Division 1 girls team who lost the Grand Final to Edinburgh College. Congratulations to all players who represented the College admirably today both on and off the court as well as our amazing coaches for all their hard work and commitment to our teams.
VCC Basketball U17 Finals Day: Flinders were represented by 3 teams at the finals day of the U17 Vic College Bball Champs on Wed 19th.. Congratulations to the players involved & your performances on the court.
The Div 2 girls lost their semifinal to Berwick to finish 4th, the Division 1 girls had 2 very tough games to start the day but came back fighting to finish 3rd overall & the Division 1 boys who were a wild card entry played 3 back to back games to make the GF & narrowly lost to Berwick in a hard fought battle. Well done to our coaches once again for their work with our teams throughout the day. Go Flinders!!
VCC Basketball U20 Finals Day: Flinders were represented by a Division 2 Boys team. The boys had a very successful day, winning 4 out of their 5 pool games and advancing to the grand final. They excelled, beating Saint Helena 42-24. Well done to both the coaches and the boys for this incredible achievement. Go Flinders!!
Term 3 Sport Events
We are very excited for another term of incredible sporting opportunities. Please see below for dates and venues. Please note times listed below are approximate and may fluctuate depending on fixtures and/or run orders.
Athletics Training Day Friday 19 July, 9:30am - 11:30am @ Ballam Park
Badminton Rally Day Tuesday 30 July, 9am - 3:15pm @ Somerville Rec Centre
Victorian Basketball Schools Champions Cup Junior & Inter Girls, Monday 5 August, 9am - 3:15pm @ State Basketball Centre Junior Boys, Tuesday 6 August, 9am - 3:15pm @ State Basketball Centre Inter Boys, Wednesday 7 August, 9am - 3:15pm @ State Basketball Centre Senior Boys, Thursday 8 August, 9am - 3:15pm @ State Basketball Centre
Victorian Schools State Netball Prelims Junior, Inter & Senior Girls, Tuesday 30 July, 9am - 3:15pm @ Jubilee Park Stadium Junior, Inter & Senior Boys, Tuesday 13 August, 9am - 3:15pm @ State Netball Centre
SIS Div A Athletics Carnival Tuesday 27 August, 9am-3:15pm @ Casey Athletics Field
Basketball Champions Cup Elite 8 (subject to qualification) Junior Boys & Girls, Tuesday 27 August, 9am - 3:15pm @ State Basketball Centre Inter Boys & Girls, Wednesday 28 August, 9am - 3:15pm @ State Basketball Centre Senior Boys & Girls, Thursday 29 August, 9am - 3:15pm @ State Basketball Centre
Victorian Schools State Netball Finals (subject to qualification on Preliminary day) Junior Girls & Boys, Tuesday 27 August, 9am - 3:15pm @ State Netball Centre Inter Girls & Boy & Senior Girls & Boys, Thursday 29 August, 9am - 3:15pm @ State Netball Centre
Student Spotlight
Athlete in the Spotlight: Bailey M
Congratulations to Bailey who has just been selected into the School Sport Victoria 16 Years and Under Boys state team for 2024. The Nationals will be held on the Gold Coast from the 27th of July - 1st of August. Bailey has worked super hard for this and we are so proud of him!
