Dr Henry Cloud, author of the book Integrity, uses the analogy of a ‘boat’s wake’ to discuss our impact.

I recall one Boxing Day, heading across to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania and watching the wake spread from the back of the ship. The ship’s wake was enormous and wide-reaching; smaller speed boats were jumping across both sides of the wake.

With people, the same thing is true. We also leave a wake. As a person goes through school, work or life, they leave a wake behind them. There are two sides to this wake - the task and the relationships.

The analogy of leaving a wake in our tasks and relationships encapsulates the enduring impact of our actions. Just as a boat leaves a trail in the water, our endeavours and connections leave a mark on the lives we touch. The wake we leave embodies the quality of our character and the sincerity of our efforts.

When completing a task, it is wise to consider whether the mission is being accomplished. Are we getting things done? Are we getting results? Or are there unreached goals and projects? Is there a lack of completion? Disorganisation and chaos? When collaborating or working alongside someone, it is good to consider whether those who encounter us are more trusting. Do they feel better about themselves? Do they feel lifted and encouraged? Have they grown as a result of being around us? Or, otherwise.

Dr Henry Cloud states, 'If you want to leave the best wake possible, leave behind a trail of people who have experienced your being for them. People of grace leave others better off than how they found them, even when they were getting nothing in return'.

Dear Flinders Families,

Please read attached the information regarding the Ballarto Road upgrade commencing January 2024.

There will be an information session being held this Saturday 18 November 9.00am - 11.30am (drop in anytime) in the Ten Boom House, please see map attached.

Reminder to parents

If your child is currently learning to drive and you have L plates displayed on the car, remember to take them off if your child is NOT driving as this can incur a fine from the police.

Our Kinder- Grade 6 cereal domino run was a HUGE success!

On Tuesday 14 November we gathered to watch the cereal we collected, fall in one long domino train. Beginning in the Grade 6 rooms, it extended all the way through to Grade 3 with our students on either side cheering it along.

Thank you to all the families who donated a box or more for our exciting missions’ event. Together we collected 305 boxes of cereal to donate to Pantry Plus, a local charity providing support for those in need on the Mornington Peninsula.

Not only was it a special event for our students, but as the delivery arrived at Pantry Plus, we discovered that they had run out of their cereal supply the day before and were unsure when they would be restocked.

Isn’t God’s timing perfect! What a blessing to be a part of His plan and help make a difference in the lives of those around us.

There has been a LOT going on this week! As we head towards Kickstart in Weeks 9 &10, there is still a lot happening as we prepare for exams from Years 7-11 from Friday this week through to Thursday next week.

REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE
Already we have had the Monday morning Remembrance Day service led by our Head of Humanities, Mr. McLean. It was a wonderful, respectful and moving ceremony, highlighted by the duet of Mr. Lyall and Mr. Neil singing the evocative song ‘The Green Fields of France’, made famous by Eric Bogle.

SECONDARY ASSEMBLY
We heard a short, challenging devotion from our chaplain, Mr. Gibson.
Two of our Year 7 students , Charlotte and Isabella spoke about the issue of bullying and challenged the secondary students to do something about it. I admired their courage to get up in front of the entire Year 7-11 student cohort to deliver their message.

We were challenged and informed by Maresha de Kretser who came to speak to the students about the work of ZOE Australia who are working to minimise the trafficking and enslavement of children. Her presentation was full of information about modern day slavery as well as some ideas and suggestions about ways in which students might become more informed and proactive in this space.

HOUSE MENTOR GROUP RESTRUCTURE
The Heads of House have been working very hard to create 5 new Year 8-12 Mentor Groups out of the 4 existing ones. This has come about due to the 70+ additional students expected in Secondary in 2024. We have endeavoured to take student voice into account by receiving their initial preferences and then then responding to further suggestions for these new groups. I expect that it will be impossible to please every single student, but if there are genuine concerns, please make sure that you contact the Head of House to discuss further.

ACTIVITY DAY PLANNING
A grand total of 391 responses was received from Year 7-11 students with regards to the planned Activity Day on December 1st. The students were asked to nominate 1st, 2nd and 3rd preferences from the list of 6 excursions and 3 activities. The current job is to create a list of who will do what…

TEN BOOM FUNDRAISER
Two of our Ten Boom Year 11 students, Victoria Romundt and Laura Veale, along with Mr. Neil, planned some fundraising events for ZOE Australia. The first two of these – the Free Dress Day and BBQ – happened on Tuesday. The third – and most creative idea – has been scheduled for Thursday this week. At the time of writing this article, we have 11 students planning to run a Market Stall on Thursday. The $10 fee for the stall will go towards ZOE; any profits made by the students will be able to be donated as well (or kept by them – their choice…)

THE APPOINTMENT OF THE 2024 HOUSE CAPTAINS
At the Secondary Assembly on Tuesday, the Campus Principal, Mr. Watts, announced and badged the 2024 House Captains. He also presented badges to the College Captains and Vice Captains. It will be wonderful to see how these new House Leaders acquit themselves as we finish up the 2023 school year and plan towards 2024.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS – YEAR 8-10 HOUSE LEADERS, HOUSE VICE CAPTAINS AND PORTFOLIO CAPTAINS
The final stage of leadership appointments will be finalised over the next week or so, The goal is to announce and badge the remaining Student Leaders at the November 28 assembly – the second day of Kickstart.

There are many students who have applied for a number of these leadership positions. This is a really positive sign of students gaining confidence in how they can make a difference in their own school community.

2024 YEAR 7 EVENTS
Following on from the recent Year 7 Orientation Afternoon, there are 3 more significant dates to be aware of.

Monday 4 December Orientation Day from 8.40 – 3.20pm
Wednesday 31 January Transition Day for all Year 7 students
Thursday 1 February Normal class will commence.

Regards

Geoff Grace
Head of Secondary

2024 Dates
Over the next few weeks the PE department will begin releasing important information regarding 2024 carnival dates etc. Please keep an eye out for these dates. We will also release the sports that will be on offer for SIS Weekley sport in 2024. We have some new sports we are very excited about.

Swim Squad
We have one swim squad training session remaining for term 4. If your student would like to complete this session please reach out to Emily Fellows (emily.fellows@flinders.vic.edu.au). 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.

Great Victorian Bike Ride
The Great Victorian Bike Ride represents the world's largest fully supported bike tour, and Flinders has extended invitations to both the Tyabb and Carrum Downs campuses to partake in this 5-day cycling and camping experience. A talented group of participants, including students ranging from Year 7 to 12, as well as parents, guardians, and grandparents, are diligently preparing for this challenging endeavour. This marks Flinders' eighth consecutive year of involvement in this remarkable event. The upcoming GVBR is scheduled to take place from December 25 to December 30. We extend our best wishes to all students, parents, guardians, grandparents, and staff undertaking this rewarding journey.

Australian Schools Basketball Championships
We are blessed to have four teams representing Flinders College at this year's Australian Schools Basketball Championships in Queensland. This tournament serves as the premier gathering for school basketball in Australia, uniting secondary schools nationwide for a weeklong competition at venues such as the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium, and Coomera Indoor Sports Centre, scheduled to take place from November 26 to December 1, 2023. We take great pride in the selection of our students to participate in this event and wish them the best of luck. Additionally, we extend a sincere thank you to the dedicated coaches, staff, and team managers who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this trip.

Last Thursday marked an unforgettable evening at the Tyabb Campus as the much-anticipated Battle of The Band’s Music Showcase unfolded. It was such a fantastic opportunity to see all our wonderful musicians in action. The event wasn't merely about competition though, it was a celebration of music and camaraderie as students from both campuses encouraged each other. We can’t wait to see what else these groups can achieve in 2024.

At the recent Chapel our Junior Choir and Junior Strings Orchestra performed. It was great to see the smiling faces of these students as they shared with our Primary School what they have been working on this past Semester.

If any students wish to start singing lessons or learn how to play an instrument, we are in the process of confirming enrolments for Individual Music Lessons next year. If you would like an Enrolment Form or have an enquiry, please contact Mrs. Linda Harris at musiccarrumdowns@flinders.vic.edu.au

Aladdin Kids
Our primary school production will take place in the gym on Thursday 23 November. Our Cast are doing an amazing job and cannot wait to perform for you. With every class from Prep to Grade 6 taking part, it is one not to miss!

2024 Dance Classes at School
Next year we will be offering Dance classes on an individual basis in the genres of Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, and Hip Hop. Classes will be taught by our Performing Arts Teacher Mrs Mendolia, a graduate of Performing Arts and qualified and experienced Dance Teacher and Choreographer. Registrations can be made through Flinders Connect.

2024 New Performing Arts Lessons
As well as our classes in Musical Theatre and Speech and Drama lessons, I am excited to announce that we will be offering lessons in Screen Acting and Audition Techniques. Registrations can be made through Flinders Connect.

2024 Secondary School Production
I am delighted to inform you that our 2024 Secondary School Production will take place in June next year at the prestigious Frankston Arts Centre. This will be an amazing opportunity for our students to shine on stage. Our initial cast read through will take place on Monday 27 November at 3.30pm in the Drama Room.