Demonstrating love and kindness is a vital practice in our community. One powerful lesson comes from the story of the fig tree in the Bible, which I was reminded of recently. In Mark 11:12-14 and 20-25, Jesus encounters a fig tree that, despite its healthy appearance, bears no fruit. He uses this moment to teach His disciples a profound spiritual truth: faith and fruitfulness complement each other.

At first glance, Jesus’ response to the barren fig tree may seem harsh, but His lesson is clear – God calls us to be fruitful. It is not enough to simply appear faithful; our lives should reflect the love, kindness, and grace of Christ. Just as a fig tree is meant to produce figs, we are meant to bear the fruits of commitment through our actions, words, and relationships. As parents and educators, we have the privilege and responsibility of nurturing this connection in our children by guiding them in faith, love and service.

In our families, we can practise the virtues of kindness, peace and goodness in our homes, therefore showing our children how to love and respect one another. Whether it’s through small acts of generosity, being patient in difficult moments, or choosing to forgive, we model what it means to be Christlike. Jesus frequently emphasised the importance of serving others. In Matthew 25:40, He says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Encouraging children to serve – whether by helping a classmate, volunteering in the community, or simply offering a kind word – teaches them to put love into action. I have witnessed this in many ways this year, one example being the work of some of our senior students who assist in the Joshua Centre on a weekly basis. They model responsibility, resourcefulness and respect.

The fig tree story reminds us to examine our own nourishment and growth. Are we merely looking the part, or are we truly bearing fruit? Are we demonstrating patience, generosity, and forgiveness? Are we teaching our children not only by words but also by example?

Let us be a community that flourishes, not just in appearance but in spirit and deed. May our school be a place where love is evident, and the fruits of the Spirit are abundantly present. Just as a well-nurtured tree provides nourishment and shelter, may our actions bring encouragement to those around us.

Thank you for partnering with us in this mission. May we continue to grow together as a community, bearing fruit that blesses both our families and the world around us.

Mrs Karen Bryant

Deputy Head of Secondary and Head of Teaching and Learning

Primary and Secondary music students showcased their musical talents to family and friends during the Term 1 Music Soiree on Monday 25th March. The Music Soiree offers students the opportunity to perform as either a solo, or ensemble performer in an informal and relaxed environment. Students involved in the Flinders Music Instrumental Program, Ensemble Program, Classroom Music, or learn music externally are invited to perform at the Music Soiree which is held at the end of each term. Primary students perform from 3:30pm to 4:30pm and Secondary from 5:00pm to 6:00pm.

Matylda (Primary Music Captain) emceed the Primary Soiree with confidence and passion. Parents and friends enjoyed a wide range of solo and group performances on piano, vocals, violin, and guitar. A wide selection of entertaining repertoire was enjoyed by the audience including A Thousand Years by Christina Perri, The Nutcracker, A Life That’s Good by Nashville Cast, and Moonlight Mist. Congratulations to the performers Cadence, Lucy, Eva, Jesse, Casper, Tiaasha, Ella, Zelda, Elle, Sophie, Xavier, Claire, and Daisy.

The Secondary Soiree featured a selection of the Year 12 VCE Music students who performed one of their songs prepared for the end of year VCE Performance Exam. Flinders Music has a key focus on supporting students receive high VCE scores by offering a broad range of performance opportunities. The Soiree is one of many performance opportunities that allow students to develop and practice their performance and technical skills. VCE Music students including Sasha, Caleb, Brynner, Lawrence, and Max, performed a diverse selection of repertoire including Yardbird Suite, Dean Town, and A Lovely Night from La La Land. The audience also enjoyed an entertaining performance of Green Onions from the saxophone ensemble (Michael, Ben, Mason) directed by Flinders Music woodwind specialist, Kate, and impressive violin and piano solo performances by Lucy, Charlie, and Jayden.

The Music Department would like to congratulate all of the students on their superb performances and look forward to seeing students perform again at the Term 2 Soiree!

Adam Carson
Head of Performing Arts

Flinders Music was thrilled to be invited to perform for its 3rd year at the Red Hill Show on the 8th March. Two performance locations were provided with full day time slots on the top and back ovals. This was the first year Flinders Music has been offered full day time slots in two performance locations.

Performances on the top oval Music Marquee started at 9am with the band JOBS playing a collection of original and cover songs. This was followed with back-to-back performances by the Smashed Avos, Year 10 Rock Band, Ensalada De Papa, Jazz Band, Modern Band, and the Big Band. Each ensemble was allocated a 45-minute set with 15 minutes change over time.

The Secondary Choir, solo vocalists, Chamber Orchestra, Junior Orchestra, and Camerata performed on the back oval from 9:30am to 2:45pm. Positioned conveniently in-between the pony rides and hot rod car display, the ensembles had a steady stream of spec takers from young families to car enthusiasts.

The performances showcased the student’s skill in performing with fluency, technical skill, and confidence. The Red Hill event organiser, Bree, shared her praise for the students stating that “it was an absolute pleasure to have the Flinders ensembles perform—their talent and energy added so much to the event”. Bree went on to share that the event organisers “received fantastic feedback from patrons, and it’s wonderful to see the positive impact the students had on the show”.

Flinders Music would like to congratulate all the students on their sensational performances and share our appreciation towards the support from the parents.

Adam Carson
Head of Performing Arts

Term 1 is speeding by, filled with sun, fun, and laughter! Our days have been spent enjoying the outdoors, seeking shade from the summer heat, and learning how animals find relief in warm weather—whether it’s Crackle the pig wallowing in her mud pit, chickens cooling down with open beaks, or sheep resting in the shade. We've been making the most of the misters and keeping our thirsty plants and gardens well-watered.

In Prep, Year 1, and Year 2, students have been learning about life cycles and fascinating chicken facts. Years 3 and 4 have been uncovering the secrets of sunflowers—how big they grow, what they need to thrive, and how we use them. (Did you know a sunflower isn’t just one flower, but hundreds of tiny flowers, each forming its own seed?)

Meanwhile, Years 5 and 6 have been diving into the hidden world beneath our feet, exploring microorganisms, decomposers, compost and the hidden pH story in soil.

In the sustainability space, our passionate sustainability volunteers from both primary and secondary proudly represented Flinders at the Environmental Sustainability Summit hosted by the Mornington Peninsula and CERES, where they connected with students from other peninsula schools to share ideas and learn new ways to improve our environmental impact. They’ve returned full of enthusiasm, eager to contribute to a more sustainable world!

In Year 7, students have been completing their Paddock to Plate assignments, cooking pizzas at home and gaining a deeper understanding and respect for where our food comes from and the origins of agriculture. Year 8 students have been grappling with the complexities of agriculture, balancing the needs of biodiversity with the realities of farming, and developing a new appreciation for sustainable agriculture.

The farm has been alive with activity, with our paddocks and plants feeling the full force of the summer heat. The recent rain was a welcome relief, breathing new life into the landscape and refreshing both plants and animals alike.

We’re looking forward to another exciting month ahead. :I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow." – 1 Corinthians 3:6"

🌱 Teaching and learning – Students and teachers put in effort, but understanding and growth take time.
🌿 Farming and sustainability – We plant, water, and care for the land, but nature (and God) provides the true miracle of growth.
💛 Community and teamwork – Everyone plays a role, but success is a shared effort.

Siobhan Morris on behalf of the Ag Studies team

On our last day of kindergarten for term 1, the Sea Dragons celebrated with a visit from Seaweed Sally (also known as Southern Marine Education) she had several ocean artefacts and a live tank of sea creatures for us to learn about and engage. Some of the creatures included; biscuit sea stars, elephant snails, decorative crabs, 11-armed sea stars, granular sea stars, sea squirts and sea urchins. We were able to share this experience with 8 senior school students as part of the local mission’s camp. Photos of these experiences are here for you to see.

What a successful Athletics Day we had on Thursday 27th March. The students were so excited and it was so great to see them dress up in the colours of their house group. It was wonderful to see and hear the cheering and encouragement for their peers. So many smiling faces and epic dance moves. We want to thank God for providing us with an absolutely magnificent day!

At the end of the day we ran a Teachers v Primary Students v Secondary Students v Parents relay race. It was neck and neck throughout the entire race and it was the Secondary Students who won, 2nd to Teachers, 3rd Parents and 4th Primary Students. The most incredible result was that there were no hamstrings pulled.

Thank you to Blind Beans for providing us coffee and Sally and the PFA for operating the sausage sizzle. Also a big shout out to the secondary students and parents who helped out on the day. Special mention to Chantal Stirling and Mariko Mitchell!

Our last day of term started with much excitement as the Preps participated in their first Easter Bonnet Parade.

The Preps excitedly shared their amazing Bonnets with the help of our special guest “The Easter Bunny”.

Thank you to the families and Year 6 Students that came to cheer the Preps on and share in this Easter cheer.

The Prep Team would like to wish everyone a happy and Holy Easter break and congratulate the Preps on their first term at school!

On Monday, 24th March, selected swimmers from House Swimming and Swim Intensive represented Flinders College at the SIS Relay Carnival, held at Pines Pool. Competing against other schools in the association, our swimmers showcased their talent, determination, and teamwork.

Flinders came away with great success, with numerous students earning ribbons for their outstanding performances. This event was a valuable opportunity to finalise relay teams for the upcoming SIS Division A Swimming Carnival, refine race strategies, and perfect changeovers.

Congratulations to all our swimmers on their fantastic efforts—we look forward to seeing them in action at SIS Division A Swimming in Term 2!

SIS Division A Swimming Carnival

Date: Tuesday, 29th April

Location: Melbourne Sport & Aquatic Centre


House Cross Country Carnival

Date: Thursday, 1st May

Location: Flinders College – Tyabb


Cross Country Training Day

Date: Friday, 9th May

Location: Flinders College – Carrum Downs


SIS Division A Cross Country

Date: Tuesday, 27th May

Location: Casey Fields Regional Athletics Field

Over the past few weeks, Flinders College teams have showcased outstanding skill and teamwork at the 3X Cup Qualifying Days at Frankston Stadium.

In the U20 division, both teams delivered exceptional performances, with the girls’ team securing 1st place and the boys finishing runners-up. Their success has earned them a well-deserved spot in the 3X Finals.

Our U17 teams impressed, with all teams battling their way to the Grand Final. The girls fought hard but narrowly missed the win after a tense 3-point shootout. Meanwhile, in an all-Flinders boys’ final, Flinders 1 claimed victory over Flinders 2 to bring home the championship flag.

In the U15 division, Flinders was represented by two boys’ and two girls’ teams, all achieving fantastic results. Both girls’ teams reached the Division 1 Grand Final, with one team advancing to Finals Day. Our Division 1 boys claimed the grand final win, while our Division 2 boys finished runners-up.

A huge congratulations to all our athletes for their achievements. We look forward to seeing them compete in the finals next term!

We are incredibly proud of every team for their hard work, dedication, and determination throughout the season. Your commitment to teamwork and sportsmanship has been outstanding, and we celebrate all the effort and success achieved this term.

Well done to everyone who represented Flinders—we are excited for the Term 2 season ahead and look forward to another great round of competition!

Thank you to our wonderful German Teaching staff, Mrs Trewin and Mrs McKernin, for putting on a wonderful event for our secondary students.

JCC students enjoyed a special Buddies session with JCA, where they read books to their younger peers. They asked questions to learn more about them, building connections and fostering a love for reading.

Students in the Joshua Centre have come together in an incredible display of teamwork, working on an ongoing Project-Based Learning (PBL) initiative to construct drainage systems and improve the outdoor space. Every class has played a role, from foraging for equipment to problem-solving and hands-on construction. This wasn’t just a one-time effort—it’s a continuing project that students are dedicating their recess, lunch breaks, and even after-school time to. The collaborative spirit, resilience, and sense of ownership they are showing highlight the power of teamwork.

In Agriculture Studies, JCA students loved spending time with the animals, learning about their care and habitats. Interacting with the animals provided a hands-on way to understand responsibility and the natural world.

During P.E., students embraced movement and teamwork, building their fitness and coordination through fun activities.

In Maths, JCA students explored shapes, discovering their properties and how they fit together. Through hands-on activities, they built, sorted, and identified different shapes.

To top it all off, students had a fantastic time hunting for Easter eggs today! Eggcitement filled the air as they searched high and low for hidden treats, making for a joyful end to a great term of learning and fun.

It’s been a hands-on and engaging time in JCC, with students diving into learning through creativity, exploration, and teamwork!

In Maths, students took their understanding of fractions and decimals outdoors, creating number lines with chalk. This interactive approach helped them visualise mathematical concepts in a fun and practical way.

Meanwhile, in Science, students foraged for natural resources and sourced recyclable materials to create their traveling turtle ecosystem, designed especially for Timmy the Turtle to trial on the last day of term. As part of their inquiry-based learning on Living Things in Their Environment, students carefully selected leaves, rocks, and other natural elements to mimic a real-life habitat while incorporating recycled materials to promote sustainability. The hands-on experience deepened their understanding of how living things interact with their surroundings and the importance of environmental responsibility. Excitement grew as they worked together, knowing that their creation would soon be tested by Timmy himself—a perfect way to bring their learning to life!

JCB eagerly embraced the challenge of watercolour painting during their art therapy session, exploring the delicate balance between control and spontaneity. Students experimented with blending colours, watching as blues bled into greens and reds swirled into purples. Mrs. Natsis encouraged them to embrace mistakes as part of the creative journey, fostering a sense of confidence and self-expression. By the end of the session, each student had not only created a unique piece of art but also experienced the calming, meditative power of watercolours.

In Agriculture studies, students have thoroughly enjoyed getting their hands dirty while learning about plant growth, animal care, and sustainable farming practices. In Science students stepped into the role of young scientists. They have been learning how to make predictions, conduct investigations, and evaluate their results. Along the way, they have explored the differences between qualitative and quantitative data, and practiced recording their findings accurately using scientific methods. JCD crafted their very own bowls in ceramics. From shaping to glazing, students loved working with clay and were proud to see their unique designs come to life.

The JCD class celebration was a well-deserved reward for the students’ dedication to teamwork and our positive classroom culture. Throughout the term, they have supported one another, collaborated on challenges, and demonstrated kindness and respect in their interactions. This celebration was not just about enjoying a special moment together—it reflected their efforts to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Dear Flinders Families

I hope this message finds you well. I write to address an important matter concerning the safety of our community, particularly your children, during pick-up and drop-off times.

I would like to remind everyone of the importance of driving safely and respectfully, especially in the presence of young people who are watching and taking note of our actions.

As role models, it is critical that we demonstrate appropriate driving behaviours, for example, showing grace with our L-plate drivers, and following the road signs carefully. Our actions behind the wheel can significantly influence the driving habits of our young learners, and we must ensure that we are setting a positive example for them to follow.

We understand that pick-up and drop-off can sometimes be challenging. We greatly appreciate your grace and patience as we continue to navigate current parking arrangements to better accommodate everyone.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.

Yours Faithfully,

Mr Luke Swain

Head of Campus

In today's digital world, young people are more connected than ever, using technology for education, social interaction, and entertainment. While the internet offers incredible opportunities, it also presents significant risks, including cyberbullying, online predators, exposure to inappropriate content, and excessive screen time. Cybersafety is about equipping children and adolescents with the skills and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. This includes fostering open communication between parents and children, implementing appropriate parental controls, educating young people about privacy and online etiquette, and encouraging a balanced approach to technology use. By promoting digital wellbeing and responsible online behaviour, we can help young people harness the benefits of technology while staying safe in an increasingly connected world.

For further information click HERE

Great news! Registrations are now open for the Flinders CC - Tyabb Campus Term 2 Auskick Centre set to run on Friday, May 9th from 3:45PM-4:45PM, for 5-weeks!

Registration link HERE: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/fc7ba0