“Life is difficult. This is a great truth… because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.” M. Scott Peck, The Road Less Travelled.

At Flinders Christian Community College, we don’t shield students from that truth; we prepare them to meet it with courage, wisdom and hope. Our calling as a Christian school is to form the whole person: minds that can discern, resilient hearts, relationships that are life-giving, and spirits anchored in Christ. Jesus names the path plainly: “Enter through the narrow gate… small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life” (Matthew 7:13–14). Choosing that road often means taking an unpopular stand, persevering when others give up and seeking the good of others even when it costs.

Today’s young people face real headwinds. The 2024 Mission Australia Youth Survey, Australia’s most extensive annual youth study, reports rising concerns across mental health, equity and discrimination, and financial pressures among 15–19-year-olds. National data also show that anxiety and mood disorders remain the most common mental illnesses, contributing substantially to Australia’s burden of disease. Online, harms are intensifying. Valid cyberbullying reports to the eSafety Commissioner jumped from 536 in 2019 to 2,978 in 202, a 455% increase, and many incidents affect 12–13-year-olds. These realities confirm what our students already know: the easy road isn’t necessarily the safe one, and the popular road isn’t always the right one.

So how do we help students take the road less travelled? First, we cultivate disciplined hearts and minds. Peck defines discipline as habits like delaying gratification and embracing responsibility; our classrooms and pastoral care embed those practices through clear expectations, reflective learning, and coached decision-making. Second, we strengthen social and emotional skills, teaching empathy, healthy boundaries, conflict resolution and digital wisdom, so students can stand firm without standing alone. Third, we invite students into a living faith that shapes character: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). In chapels, small groups, and service learning, students practice courage, gratitude and self-control, the very character skills global research links with long-term flourishing.

Independent research within Australian Christian schools is reinforcing this vision. In 2024, Christian Schools Australia partnered with Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program to measure student flourishing and identify practices that nurture it across our sector. Their work provides data-driven insight into how Christian formation, relational belonging and purposeful service contribute to the well-being and growth of young people. We are translating these insights into daily habits: mentoring and House communities that foster belonging; restorative practices that heal relationships; co-curricular pathways that align gifts with service; and digital citizenship that forms character, not just compliance. When setbacks come, we teach students to “consider it pure joy… because the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2–4).

The narrow road isn’t lonely at Flinders; it is a shared pilgrimage. Families, teachers, chaplains and peers walk it together, trusting that the way of Jesus leads to life, for each student and for the communities they will one day serve. In a world of shortcuts and noise, our prayer is simple: may our young people accept the difficult, choose the good, and, by God’s grace, flourish.

Cameron Pearce

Executive Principal

Hello everyone,
It’s been a little while since our last update, so I thought it was time for a bit of a catch-up from the farm — and what a busy, beautiful spring it’s been!

Our students have been caring for our much-loved chickens as always, spending time observing and learning from them. There’s been lots of discussion about our roosters and the surprise discovery that our little bantam hens aren’t babies at all — they’re fully grown and simply lay smaller eggs! Interestingly, when you crack the eggs open, there isn’t a huge difference between the bantam eggs and those from our bigger hens. A great reminder that size isn’t everything in nature!

In the wicking beds, our plants are thriving. The herbs — parsley, basil, sage, thyme, and mint — are growing strong and full of flavour, while our snow peas, banna passionfruit and purple beans are absolutely loaded with pods ready for picking. Students have learned how to gently harvest fruit and vegetables so the vines aren’t damaged, showing wonderful care and patience.

Over in the greenhouse, with Kerry’s expert help and student enthusium, things are really flourishing. We’ve been potting up and planting out a colourful mix of vegetables and flowers, and our strawflowers are in full bloom — their papery petals are a hit with students and pollinators alike!

The warm weather has also meant grass (and weeds!) are growing faster than ever, so our keen primary and secondary helpers have been working hard to weed, mulch, and compost to give our garden and paddocks plenty of room to breathe.

One of the most special moments this term came when our JC students had the lovely surprise of seeing our resident koala up close. As we were walking up to Ag Studies, he decided it was the perfect time to move between trees! It was such a treat to watch him in action and a beautiful reminder of the wildlife that shares our school environment.

In class, we’ve been diving into a range of fascinating topics — from exploring tree rings and recognising plants by their seeds to understanding how we can care for our world through recycling and composting. Our older students have been learning about biodiversity, looking at the role of ants and other insects in keeping ecosystems balanced.

Spring truly is a wonderful time to celebrate growth, colour, and new life all around us. With blossoms, sunshine, and the hum of activity on the farm, it’s hard not to feel grateful for the beauty of nature and the joy it brings to learning every day.

“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come.”
— Song of Solomon 2:11–12

Spring reminds us that new life always follows the stillness of winter.
Just as our gardens burst into colour again, we are reminded of God’s renewing power at work in creation and in our hearts.

Siobhan Morris
Agriculture Studies

The Grade Five students recently embarked on a three-day camp to Sovereign Hill, diving into the vibrant history of Ballarat’s gold rush era. Throughout their stay, they participated in a range of engaging educational activities, such as re-enacting the Eureka Rebellion, playing a gold-themed game, making confectionery, dipping candles, touring two mines, and watching a gold pour demonstration. Beyond these sessions, students explored the open-air museum, enjoyed 1850s-style shopping (with the sweet shop being a clear favourite!), tried their hand at nine pin bowling, panned for gold, and wandered through the many historical buildings. Wednesday’s highlight was a hilarious pantomime performance at the theatre, while Thursday evening featured the stunning sound and light show, ‘Aura’. The camp was a fantastic experience for all, and by Friday, the bus returned to school full of tired but happy children. A heartfelt thank you goes to Mr Van Tienen, Mr Emmett, and Miss Pittard for their wonderful support and enthusiasm throughout the trip.

Grade Five Team

On October 28th a beautiful, sunny Tuesday afternoon, the Primary oval turned into a colourful battlefield. Students ran through obstacles and dodged teachers armed with watercannons and bottles of coloured dust. It was a battlefield of fun and laughter. ​
Everyone had so much fun! ​
Everyone got so wet! ​
Everyone got so “coloured”! ​

As we look back on a year of learning and growth at Kinder@Flinders, these images capture the rich experiences that shaped our three-year-old kindergarten journey. Guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), we celebrate achievements across all five outcome areas—identity, community, wellbeing, learning, and communication. Each moment reflects children’s curiosity, resilience, and connection as they explored, discovered, and thrived in a supportive environment. These snapshots remind us of the powerful foundations laid for lifelong learning.

Last week our students from JCA and JCB went on an excursion to the Honey Farm in Moorooduc! They discovered the fascinating world of bees, learned how honey is made, crafted their very own beeswax candles, and enjoyed tasting a variety of delicious honeys. It was a sweet and educational experience that everyone thoroughly enjoyed!

This week our JC Year 8 students joined their peers from the main campus for a hands-on science practical, dissecting a sheep’s heart and lungs. This engaging session tied in perfectly with our 2024 key learning focus on bodily systems and health, as students explored the vital functions of organs within the human body. In preparation, our students researched the similarities and differences between sheep and human organs, allowing them to make meaningful connections between theory and practice. Having experienced a solo practical in the main campus lab last term, many students were already familiar with the setting. Our Year 8s approached the experience with curiosity and maturity. It was wonderful to see them engaged, collaborating, and strengthening both their scientific knowledge and inter-campus connections.

This week, JCD and JCB came together to celebrate The Big Draw. Our buddy session drew inspiration from JCD’s study of Blueback and JCB’s passion for marine life, exploring the theme of marine ecosystems alongside planets and space, which both classes have been learning about this term. The collaborative art experience encouraged students to express their ideas visually, experiment with colour and form, and connect meaningfully with one another. It was a wonderful celebration of imagination, teamwork, and the joy of creative expression!

Our JCA and JCB students have also been loving their recent swimming lessons in Mornington. With the guidance of skilled instructors, they’ve been building their confidence in the water, learning essential swimming skills, and even overcoming some initial fears. It’s been wonderful to see their progress and the joy they’ve experienced along the way.

On Tuesday 28th October, our JC students took part in the much-anticipated Colour Run, and what an incredible afternoon it was! The event was filled with laughter, colour, and community spirit as students ran, walked, and danced their way through a rainbow of fun. The afternoon celebrated not only physical activity and wellbeing but also teamwork, inclusion, and joy. A huge thank you to our staff and volunteers for their organisation and enthusiasm, and to our students for bringing such positivity and energy to the event.

Our JC students proudly showcased their creativity at this year’s Art Show, with their artwork on display for the entire college community and visiting family and friends. The exhibition featured pieces they’ve been working on throughout the year, highlighting their artistic growth and imagination. We’re incredibly proud of their efforts and the vibrant, thoughtful work they shared with us all.

The annual Flinders Open and Flinders Masters events were once again standout highlights on the College sporting calendar, giving students the opportunity to test their skills, enjoy friendly competition, and celebrate the spirit of Flinders sport.

Both tournaments drew participation and plenty of excitement, with students demonstrating talent, teamwork, and determination across the courts and greens.

In the Tennis competition, Kate Blashki (CD) and Ella Wilson (TY) played an impressive women’s final, with Ella taking the win two sets to one. The men’s final between Oscar Furness and Caiden Hicks remains on hold, with Caiden leading one set to nil — the match will be completed in the coming week.

Over on the Golf course, Flynn Hunter claimed victory in the men’s event with an impressive score of 37 (just one over par), while Eliza Blashki took out the women’s event with a score of 47.

Congratulations to all students who participated in the Flinders Open and Masters. These events continue to grow in popularity and provide an excellent opportunity for students to connect, compete, and display the values of perseverance and sportsmanship that define our College community.

Flinders were represented by a Championship team at this years SIS golf Championships. Tom L, Tom R, Sam D & Henry R enjoyed perfect conditions for the 9 hole completion.
The boys finished an incredible 4 under par with the winners from Bayside Christian College finishing 6 under. Congratulations boys on an outstanding event.

On Wednesday 29th October, students from our Year 10 Music Recording Artist Class and Year 11 VCE Music Class took to the stage at the Mornington Main Street Market, completing their performance assessments in front of a live community audience. The event was not only a wonderful showcase of student talent but also a meaningful opportunity for our young musicians to connect with the broader Mornington community through live performance.

Performing outside of school is an invaluable experience for developing musicians. It builds confidence, adaptability, and stage presence, while also allowing students to share their passion for music with new audiences. At Flinders Music, we deeply value these opportunities to perform in community spaces, they help our students grow as artists, collaborators, and ambassadors for our school’s vibrant music culture.

The Year 10 students gained particularly rich insights into what it takes to make a performance successful beyond the stage. They were involved in aspects of event coordination and gig setup, learning the practical side of live music production from equipment setup to sound checks. The Year 10 Rock Band also impressed the crowd with an energetic set that brought smiles to faces and feet tapping!

The general community responded with overwhelming positivity, sharing feedback such as:

“This is a great opportunity for the kids’ musical talents to get noticed by the community and the music industry... They should perform every week!”

We extend a sincere thank you to the Mornington Chamber of Commerce for providing this performance opportunity and for their ongoing support of local youth arts. Thank you also to Gary Bosdorf and Annette Yates for their invaluable assistance in preparing and supporting the students throughout the day.

Finally, congratulations to all our students for your professionalism, enthusiasm, and outstanding musicianship. The Flinders Music Department is incredibly proud of your achievements and the way you represented the school in the community. What a fantastic day of music, learning, and community spirit!

Adam Carson
Head of Performing Arts

Over three exciting days, our Flinders Orchestra students had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with the Frankston Symphony Orchestra in a series of music filled events that inspired, challenged, and celebrated our young musicians. The program included a Masterclass Session with the orchestra’s conductor, Mr Thaddeus Huang, a Rehearsal alongside the full orchestra at the Frankston Mechanics Hall, and a spectacular Concert Performance that concluded the experience in style.

The Masterclass Session with Mr Huang provided invaluable insights into orchestral technique, ensemble awareness, and musical expression. Students gained direct feedback from a professional conductor and witnessed first hand the discipline and artistry that bring a symphony orchestra to life.

The joint rehearsal at the Frankston Mechanics Hall allowed our young performers to play shoulder to shoulder with experienced community and professional musicians. This collaboration fostered teamwork, confidence, and a deep appreciation for the dedication involved in large scale ensemble performance. A warm thank you goes to all the parents who came along to support our students at this memorable rehearsal.

The final Concert ran in the Tyabb Secondary Gym to the Primary and Joshua Centre students was an uplifting celebration of music and community. The audience enjoyed a stunning program that showcased both professional and student musicians performing with passion and precision. Mr Huang provide insightful music demonstrations of each section of the orchestra and their key roles within the ensemble, making it both an entertaining and educational performance.

Events such as this highlight the importance of connecting students with community arts groups like the Frankston Symphony Orchestra. These experiences enrich students’ musical education, inspire future learning, and build lasting appreciation for the role of music in community life. Both the performers and the audience gained a deeper understanding of orchestral music and the joy of collaborative performance.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Greta Kerrigan for coordinating this outstanding event and for her ongoing commitment to the Strings programs at Flinders. We also extend our gratitude to Jenni Moser, Annette Yates, Liam Green, and Gary Bosdorf for their support and guidance throughout the program, and to the Flinders Sports Department for providing the Secondary Gym for the Concert.

Finally, congratulations to all our students who performed with such professionalism, enthusiasm, and musical excellence. Your superb performances were a true reflection of your hard work and passion for music.

Adam Carson
Head of Performing Arts

Social Media Age Restrictions – What Families Need to Know

From 10 December 2025, under the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, most major social media platforms — including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (Twitter) and Facebook — will be required to prevent users under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts.
This new law aims to protect young people from harmful design features such as algorithmic feeds, pressure to post, and exposure to inappropriate content. It gives students more time to develop emotional resilience and digital maturity before engaging in social media environments.

What this means for families

Platforms (not parents) are responsible for enforcing the age limit.
Young people may still view public content but won’t be able to have their own accounts.
It’s a good opportunity for families to review current social media use and discuss healthy online habits.

Tips for supporting your child

Talk openly about how they use social media and what they enjoy or find challenging.
Frame the change as “not yet” rather than “never.”
Encourage other ways to connect and express themselves — sport, creative hobbies, or group chats in safer environments.
Review privacy and screen-time settings together.
Keep communication open if something online makes them uncomfortable.

How the school will help

Flinders will continue to include digital wellbeing and online safety learning in our programs and provide families with up-to-date information and resources from the eSafety Commissioner.
For more details, visit the eSafety website: esafety.gov.au/parents/social-media-age-restrictions