"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Dear Parents,
In the midst of packed lunchboxes, drop-offs, homework routines, and after-school commitments, it’s easy to feel like you're simply getting through the day. But in the eyes of your children—and in the eyes of God. what you are doing is sacred work.
Your quiet faithfulness, your daily sacrifices, your patience on hard days, and your love on all days; these things matter more than you know. Even when your children may not yet understand the depth of your care, you are planting seeds of love, security, and resilience in their lives.
Be encouraged: you are not alone. God sees you. He walks beside you. And He delights in your efforts to raise and nurture your children. His grace is enough to fill the gaps on the days when you're running on empty.
Take a moment today to breathe, to pray, and to remember that you're doing better than you think.
As a school community, we are here with you and for you cheering you on and walking this journey together.
With blessings and encouragement!
For Parents
Keep your Family Information Up-to-date
Have any of your family details changed recently? If so, please take 5 minutes to check and update your family details on Flinders Connect
All information can be updated on the Flinders Connect App or Flinders Connect through a web browser (link below).
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
Instructions for 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 'edit' and the section you can edit will be highlighted in yellow.
Update the information and click on 'SAVE' on the top RHS
Instructions for 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.
Sign in with your Flinders ID and Password (same as app)
Select 'My Account' from the top ribbon (see image below)
Click on 'My Details' tab
Update information as required.
DON'T FORGET TO 'SAVE' ONCE YOU HAVE UPDATED
Raising Children Network: Introducing an app to support student wellbeing
The Raising Healthy Minds app is a free, personalised, pocket resource to help parents and carers raise confident, resilient children. Co-designed with parents and experts and funded by the Australian Government, Raising Healthy Minds aims to support children’s social and emotional wellbeing with evidence-based information.
You’ll find information on topics like dealing with worries and making friends, as well as ideas for day-to-day life, like creating family routines, looking after yourself as a parent, and building strong relationships.
The app offers a mix of quick-read articles, videos and animations aimed at parents and carers of children aged 0-12 years. You can tailor information to the age of your child and opt-in to receive helpful tips.
Raising Healthy Minds provides simple-to-use information at your fingertips with clear actions you can start today.
Download from Google Play or the App Store or go to raisingchildren.net.au/rhmto learn more and raise a healthy mind
We have limited places, so best to apply as early as possible especially if you have a sibling.
Submitting an application is just a click away!
If you have any questions, please contact enrolments@flinders.vic.edu.au
Primary School
Welcome to Semester 2
Dear Primary School Families,
Welcome to Semester 2.
We trust you had a refreshing break and look forward to the upcoming term. Our 2025 theme of Be Kind, Work Hard is one we will continue to promote. Fostering a culture of diligence and compassion is essential for student success and character development.
This term, we welcome back Mrs. Odette Smith from long service leave, while Mrs. Penny Bowen takes leave. We wish Mrs. Bowen all the very best on her well-deserved break.
In week 3, we will begin important Student Support Group (SSG) meetings for students requiring extensive or substantial classroom adjustments. We also have our Book Parade and look forward to seeing the usual assortment of outstanding costumes.
Illness: As we head into the final month of winter, there are usually a few bugs going around. School attendance is very important; however, if your child is unwell, please be reminded of exclusion periods outlined in our Primary Handbook HERE.
Important Dates
Book Parade : Tuesday 5 August
The Primary Book Parade is taking place Tuesday 5 August, Period 1 in the gym.
Students are to come to school dressed as their favourite book character.
There will be prizes for the best costumes in each class as well as prizes for the best costumes for mums, dads and grandparents.
We are encouraging students to bring along a copy of the book that inspired their costume.
Primary Athletics Day: Friday 15 August
On Friday 15 August the Grade 3 – Grade 6 students will be going to Casey Fields for our annual House Athletics Carnival.
The Grade 3-6 students will depart Flinders College at 9.00am and be bussed to Casey Fields where they will be competing in a variety of track and field events. The results from this day will form the basis for selection to represent Flinders College at the District Athletics Track and Field Carnival,
Our Prep - 2 students will have their athletics day at a later date.
Grade 3-6 Athletic Day Hot Dog Lunch Order.
A hot dog and a fruit box drink is available for $6.00 to prepurchase for lunch at the Athletics carnival. Please Order by Monday 11 August
To pay and order on the Flinders Connect App
Please click on My Account and choose Activities
Select the Activity: 2025 Primary Athletics Hot Dog Lunch
Click on the 'Attending Button' and follow the prompts to pay.
The P and F will also be running a small canteen during the athletics carnival selling various snacks.
From Monday 4 August until Thursday 7 August, we will have the Book Fair set up in the library.
Students are welcome to visit and purchase books before school, recess, lunch, during their library time & after school until 4pm
Your purchases at the Book Fair help raise funds for our school library to purchase new and exciting books! Cash & Card accepted.
Volunteers Needed
The library is looking for parents to help with the Book Fair stall in the library before school, 8.30 -9.00am or in the afternoon 3.00pm – 4.00pm. If you are able to help, please contact leith.towan@flinders.vic.edu.au
The hours you accrue at the Book Fair will be added to the 'Flinders Community Program'
Primary Performing Arts – Finding Nemo Kids Production
We are thrilled to announce our 2025 Primary Production of Finding Nemo Kids! This exciting show will be performed live on stage at the George Jenkins Theatre, Monash University Frankston, on Thursday 28th August. There will be two performances—at 4:15pm and 5:30pm—featuring our whole primary school! Don’t miss this unforgettable, show-stopping event filled with music, colour, and talent. Tickets are limited, so get in quickly to secure your seats!
Let your imagination roll free! This is your chance to turn your wildest ideas into a creative skateboard design.
From blazing flames that race down the board, to enchanted forests filled with magical creatures, galaxies swirling with stars and aliens, or bold patterns bursting with colour, the design is completely up to you!
🛹Theme: A creative skateboard that shows your imagination and personality.
📅 Entries Due: August 29th 3:45pm
✨ Winners: Winners will be announced at assembly September 2nd.
🎉 Prizes: 14 Winners Total (2 per year level)
Winners will each receive a packet of paint markers and a skateboard. The best part? Your skateboard comes blank, ready for you to decorate with your own winning design!
Show off your style, your story, and your creativity. If you win, you’ll bring it to life on your very own skateboard. It’s not just art — it’s a rideable masterpiece!
📍 Location: Drop off artwork at the Primary Art Room (J01) for P-4 and J11 for 5&6.
*You can collect skateboard templates at the Primary Art Room*
Welcome back to Term 3 at Flinders Christian Community College, Carrum Downs Campus! I trust you had a restful break and enjoyed special time with your families.
At the heart of our school is a commitment to creating a safe and orderly learning environment. Central to this is the affirmation of our teachers as the authority in every classroom. Their authority is firstly to their love and care for each student, and secondly in creating safe, disciplined, and supportive learning environments. I believe that by fostering strong discipline at school, we are equipping our students with the skills and habits needed to lead disciplined and fulfilling lives. This is achieved through the daily routines and practices we implement, all of which are guided by our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Framework.
I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a key component of our PBS Framework as we return to school, our Called to Flourish Document. This foundational document reflects our school’s thoughtful approach to what it means for students to truly flourish in life. It identifies the behaviours that should be acknowledged and rewarded to help each child reach their full potential.
At Flinders, we strive to create an environment where students are:
Committed to their growth, both personally and across all their learning areas. Connected by love to those around them, fostering a strong sense of belonging to the school, their House, their Homegroup, and their year level. Capable of Influence, making a positive impact on their personal lives, their families, our school, and the wider community. Called to Flourish in every aspect of their life.
These aspirations are known as the 4 C’s of Flinders Christian Community College. They rest on the foundation of our school values and shape everything we do. This is the central part of our PBS system and is seen in every classroom below. I hope you are receiving PC note emails acknowledging your students positive behaviour that encourages flourishing in their lives.
Celebrations and Highlights
The term has started with enthusiasm, including the annual Snow Camp—thanks to Mr Van Strijp and Miss Cosgrave—and Deb practice, led by Marianne Morgan. Preparations for the Choral Competition are underway, with Houses now rehearsing to earn Cultural Cup points toward the House Cup.
Upcoming Dates Please take note of these important dates for your calendar:
1 August 2025: Year 12 Formal 7 August 2025: Year 12 VTAC information night for current students and parents 11 August 2025: Year 10 Camp
I would like to extend my gratitude to all staff and students for their dedication and enthusiasm, ensuring a positive and vibrant start to Term 3.
Warm regards,
Matthew Bodley: Head of Secondary School Flinders Christian Community College Carrum Downs Campus
Monday 18 November @ Ballam Park (Benanee Dr, Frankston VIC 3199)
Flinders Golf Masters
We’re excited to announce the return of the Flinders Golf Masters in 2025! This year’s event will take place on Tuesday 28 October at Centenary Park Golf Course. The competition will follow a 9-hole format and is open to all secondary students. Students are encouraged to sign up in teams of 3–4. To register, students can head to the Carrum Downs Sport Moodle page. We look forward to another fantastic day on the green!
FISAF Nationals Fundraiser – Support Our Sport Aerobics Teams!
We are thrilled to announce that three of our Sport Aerobics teams will be representing Flinders College at the FISAF Australia National Championships on the Gold Coast this August!
Representing the Carrum Downs Campus are:
Flinders Radiance (Year 8)
Flinders Fearless (Year 7)
Vivienne & Charlotte (Year 3)
To help support our athletes on this exciting journey, the teams will be hosting a sausage sizzle fundraiser to assist with the costs of flights, accommodation, and entry fees.
Our teams have trained incredibly hard throughout the season and delivered outstanding performances at the FISAF State Championships, earning a well-deserved place at Nationals.
Date: Friday 8 August Time: Lunchtime – 12:50pm to 1:30pm Location: Next to the Gymnasium
Come along and grab a sausage or drink to support our teams as they prepare to represent Flinders on the national stage!
Thank you for your support!
Performing Arts
Update
Primary Production - Finding Nemo Kids
Congratulations to the students who auditioned for roles in our production of Finding Nemo Kids!
For all families of cast members, please bookmark THIS Moodle page for all Primary Production related content: HERE
Tickets are available for Finding Nemo Kids - limited tickets remain. Secure your seats now:HERE
Secondary Performing Arts
2026 Secondary Production Announcement will be made next Tuesday in Assembly. The production will be available to students in years 5-12, however only years 7-12 are eligible to audition for lead roles. Auditions will be in Week 8 this term, and the performances will be in May 2026 at Frankston Arts Centre.
Secondary Dance Extension Programme continues Tuesday Mornings, 8am in D block - please contact MS Cossey if you are interested in joining.
Secondary Musical Theatre Club will commence on Wednesday Afternoons, from 3.30-4.30pm in D block. We will be exploring ensemble and dance numbers from iconic musicals. Please see Ms. Cossey if you are interested in joining.
The Flinders Gala 2025 in Term 2 at Frankston Arts Centre was an enormous success and we are looking forward to hosting a screening of the performances in the near future for all cast members to attend and celebrate their achievements. A huge thank you to the wonderful Music and Arts Departments whose collaboration made the gala an extra special celebration of our talented students. Please check out these images of the Gala, taken by our resident photographer, Vinnie McDonald: HERE
