As we enter this beautiful Christmas season and look toward the close of 2025, our hearts are filled with gratitude for each of you. Your dedication, encouragement, and unwavering support have shaped our community in countless ways.

May this time of year bring you moments of rest, joy, and togetherness, quiet mornings, shared meals, and memories made with the people you love most. As you celebrate the birth of Christ, may His peace fill your homes and His hope refresh your spirits.

We pray that the remainder of 2025 is filled with gentle grace, renewed strength, and the kind of rest that restores the soul. And as we turn our eyes toward 2026, we do so with excitement and expectation for all that God has in store for our college community. May it be a year of growth, blessing, and new opportunities for your children and for us all.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas, a joyful New Year, and a season overflowing with God’s love.

Please check the Lost Property prior to the end of term. Any unclaimed items will go to the P&F to sell as 2nd Hand uniform in the new year.

Areas to Check:

Student Health

Primary Office in H Block (Primary items only)

Gym

Uniform Shop

The uniform shop’s last day of operation is this Thursday 4 December. Any orders placed after this day will be available in 2026 for collection.

Please refer to the attached flyer for Uniform Shop opening times in January for both Carrum Downs and Tyabb.

Please note: The Uniform Shop is going cashless as of 1 January 2026.

Please read the attached flyer regarding the uniform trading hours over the holidays.

The final weeks of the Primary school year are a wonderful reflection of what we have achieved. From the Prep Nativity to Grade 6 Graduation, there are numerous milestones to enjoy in the Primary school. I am proud of the growth students have shown this year. They have lived up to our motto of ‘Work Hard, Be Kind’. Next week our Celebration afternoon will see our families come together to applaud the achievements of our community.

As we head towards the Christmas break, I wish every family a blessed and restful Christmas break. Enjoy the time together, and we look forward to seeing you in 2026.

Next Monday 1 December, teachers will meet their new classes, and students will be excited to find out who is in their 2026 class. Staff deliberate and evaluate many aspects to ensure classes are balanced for the new year. Considerations include academics, boy/girl ratios, friendships, ILPs, additional needs, behaviour and incoming students. We are confident that 2026 classes have been created in the best interest of all students.

Our Celebration Afternoon is always a great end of year ‘celebration’ of the academic year. Families and friends are invited to attend to recognise the achievements of the Primary school students and enjoy the items that are presented. Invite is below.

A huge thanks to all Primary families for their contribution to the successful Colour Run last week.

We raised a total of $29,750 that will be utilised in our Primary space.

The Student Representative Council voted for outdoor seating, drinking taps and other smaller items.

The Rocketeers program offers various activities, excursions, and incursions.

Please click HERE to find out more about the Rocketeers program and to register your child.

As we come to the end of another school year, it’s a wonderful time to pause and reflect on all that Term 4 has brought us. The past few months have been buzzing with energy, enthusiasm, and achievement. Our students have shown outstanding commitment—striving for academic excellence, supporting one another, and embracing every challenge with resilience and kindness. The sense of community amongst students and staff has been truly inspiring, and it’s been a privilege to witness their growth and accomplishments firsthand. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or during special events, everyone has contributed to making this term and year memorable. There’s a real sense of pride in how our school comes together to support each other and celebrate success. Thank you to every student, teacher, and family member for being part of this journey and making our school such a vibrant place to learn and grow.

Highlights of Term 4

Exams Completed: Congratulations to all students and staff for your hard work and dedication during exam time. You should be proud of your efforts and perseverance.
Morrisby Counselling: Students explored future pathways with the guidance of Mrs. Hodder. Thank you for helping students consider their next steps and ambitions.
Remembrance Day: The school community came together to honour this important day. Our students showed great respect and maturity—thank you Mr. Mclean for your leadership.
Flynn Fest: Our house fundraiser music festival was a fantastic celebration of talent and house spirit. Thanks to Mr. Neil, Mr. Armstrong, the Flynn House students, and all House Leaders for making it a great success.

Year 7 Space Study Day & Year 10 Carnival of Thinking: Students dived into hands-on learning groups, building rockets and bridges, discovering the science behind flight and forces and leaning about all the elements of space and God’s creation. A special thanks to Mr. Mclean, our Head of Experiential Learning, for inspiring curiosity and innovation.
Great Vic Bike Ride: This adventurous event saw our students pushing themselves and working as a team on the open road. Thank you to Mrs. Cosgrave for supporting and guiding them along the way.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

1/12/2025: Up Day – Year 7 2026 Orientation
2/12/2025: Christmas Chapel and Secondary Presentation Evening
5/12/2025: Activities Day and students’ last day of Term 4
29/1/2026: First day back for Year 7 and 12
30/1/2026: First day back for Year 8-11

As we wrap up Term 4 and look forward to the holidays, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our staff and students for making 2025 such a positive and enriching year. Your hard work, kindness, and enthusiasm have made a real difference in our school community. Wishing you and your families a safe, relaxing, and very Merry Christmas. May you enjoy a well-deserved break and return refreshed for another fantastic year in 2026.

Luke 2:10-11 And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Matthew Bodley
Head of Secondary

Our combined campus carnivals are a time for students from both Carrum Downs and Tyabb campuses to come together to engage in healthy competition and work hard to earn points for their house! Please be reminded that the Combined Campus Secondary House Carnivals (Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country) are important and compulsory College events that all students are expected to attend. We thank you for supporting your child's attendance at these annual days which provide opportunities for all students to demonstrate their gifts and talents, and to support their peers, in a positive and healthy environment.

Please see below for our 2026 combined campus carnival dates.

Swimming Carnival
Tuesday, 3 February 2026 @ Pines Forest Aquatic Centre (Forest Drive, Frankston North, 3199) - Completed

Athletics Carnival
Monday, 2 March 2026 @ Casey Fields Athletics Track (160 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne East, 3977)

Cross Country - Carrum Downs
Monday, 4 May 2026 @ Flinders Carrum Downs (100 Ballarto Rd, Carrum Downs, 3201)

After our combined campus carnivals we are able to select our Interschool teams to represent the College at the Southern Independent School Division A carnivals for swimming, cross country and athletics. Students are selected based on their cross campus carnival results.

Please note the following dates for those students who are selected to represent the college at the Southern Independent School Division A carnivals :

Division A Swim Relay Carnival
Monday, 23 March 2026 @ Pines Forest Aquatic Centre (Forest Drive, Frankston North, 3199)
Please note: students are able to register to compete at this following the School Swimming Carnival

Division A Swimming Carnival
Monday, 27 April 2026 @ Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (30 Aughtie Dr, Albert Park, 3206)

Division A Cross Country
Tuesday, 26 May 2026 @ Casey Fields (160 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne, 3977)

Division A Athletics Carnival
Tuesday, 1 September 2026 @ Casey Fields (160 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne, 3977)

Sport Aerobics Program Returns in 2026!

After a very successful 2025 season, our Sport Aerobics program will return for 2026! This program is open to both primary students (Grades 3–6) and secondary students (Years 7–12).

Sport Aerobics combines elements of dance, cheerleading, and gymnastics to create an upbeat routine. Students will have the opportunity to compete at various state-based events throughout the year.

Training Schedule:

Primary & Year 7: Lunchtime sessions

Years 8–12: Before school sessions

The final training schedule will be emailed to students and families in early 2026.

If you have any further questions about the program, please email Coach Emily at Emily.Fellows@Flinders.vic.edu.au

Sessions are coached by elite swimmers to help students refine their technique, build confidence, and prepare for upcoming swimming carnivals and competitions. This optional program is designed for competent swimmers and is not a learn-to-swim program.

Program Details:

When: Every Friday morning, from 13 February to 20 March

Time: Drop-off at 7:20am; session runs 7:30am – 8:30am

Location: The Pines (parents drop off); College transport provided back to campus

Cost: Approx. $70 (subsidised by the College)

Register via the link below

Flinders Swim Squad – Term 1 Registrations – Fill in form

We’re excited to announce that SIS Weekly Sport is back for 2026! This program gives students the chance to represent Flinders and compete against other schools in the Southern Independent Schools network. It’s a fantastic way to build teamwork, develop skills, and enjoy some friendly competition.

When do games happen?

Junior (Years 7 & 8): Tuesdays

Intermediate (Years 9 & 10): Fridays

Senior (Years 11 & 12): Thursdays

2026 Sports Program

Term 1

Junior: Boys AFL 9’s, Girls AFL 9’s, Triathlon

Senior: Girls Basketball, Boys Soccer

Intermediate: Girls Handball, Boys Handball, Girls Volleyball, Boys Indoor Cricket

Term 2

Junior: Girls Netball, Boys Soccer, Boys Volleyball

Senior: Girls Volleyball, Boys Volleyball

Intermediate: Boys AFL, Girls AFL, Mixed Badminton

Term 3

Junior: Boys Netball, Mixed Badminton, Boys Football (AFL), Girls Football (AFL)

Senior: Girls Netball, Boys Basketball

Intermediate: Boys Soccer, Girls Netball

Term 4

Junior: Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Girls Volleyball

Intermediate: Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball

Students are encouraged to keep an eye on their emails for information about when tryout sessions will run for each term’s sport.

The Flinders Basketball Club and NINCH Hoops (Flinders Alumni and Frankston Blues NBL1 player Blake Jackson) are running FREE “Have a Go” Clinics over the holidays.

Register your interest using the links below - links close on Monday 8 December.

Families can choose to sign up for one clinic or both - whatever suits you best!

"Have a Go" - Mini Hoops
Register - Mini Hoops

Perfect for children who are new to basketball and have not yet played in a domestic team. Aimed at current (2025) Flinders Kinder and Prep students
(all campuses).

"Have a Go" - Next Level
Register - Next Level

For NON-REP Primary School Flinders Basketball Club members who are registered for the 2025/26 summer season competition. Designed to help players build confidence, sharpen skills, and prepare for higher‑level competition.

Last week, our Primary and Secondary Performing Arts Students lit up the Flinders stage with colour, talent and joy in our Semester Showcase. With an audience of just over 50 friends and family members, our performers had a wonderful opportunity to share their growth, build confidence and experience the thrill of performing for a live audience.

Students took to the stage with a diverse range of performances, including musical theatre, singing, speech and drama, lyrical, jazz and tap dance. Each item reflected the hard work, imagination and commitment our performers have shown in their extra-curricular lessons. Whether stepping into character, mastering a dance combination, or finding their voice in a solo piece, every student shone in their own unique way.

We are so proud of each performer who took to the stage with courage and enthusiasm. Thank you to our families for your ongoing support, and congratulations to all students on an inspiring and joy-filled showcase. We look forward to seeing how your artistic stories continue to unfold in the year ahead.

If you would like your child to be a part of the Flinders Performing Arts Programme in 2026, please register your interest on the Flinders Connect App. Places are limited and filling fast!