As parents, there are seasons in life when we feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or anxious about the future of our children and families. In those moments, God gently reminds us that we were never meant to carry every burden alone. Trusting in God does not mean we will always understand His plan, but it does mean believing that He walks beside us through every challenge and every joy.

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

When life feels busy or difficult, may we pause and remember that God’s love is constant, His timing is perfect, and His faithfulness never fails. As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the example of trusting God wholeheartedly in the good times and in the hard times.

May we continue to place our families, our hopes, and our worries into His hands, knowing that He is always guiding, protecting, and providing for us.

Prayer: Lord, help us to trust You more each day. Give us peace when we feel worried, strength when we feel weary, and faith to know that You are always in control. Bless our families and guide our children in Your love and wisdom. Amen.

Please be advised that there will be some upcoming changes to the area around the construction zone at Flinders Christian Community College. The driveway leading to Reception will be narrowed to one lane of traffic, and a designated pedestrian footpath will be sectioned off with bollards.

Parents with prams may prefer to use the path that leads around past E Block and D Block to avoid this busy area.

It is important that all parents supervise students carefully while walking in this area and ensure they remain on the designated path at all times.

To help keep traffic moving safely, parents are asked not to stop at the top of the front carpark to drop off or pick up students, as this creates congestion. The Kiss and Go area is the designated location for student drop-off and pick-up, and vehicles must not be left unattended in this area.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Parents are reminded that dogs are not permitted on school property.

The College now has a therapy dog, and it is important that the dog is not distracted or brought into contact with other dogs while working.

Here is Smudge!

Our 4‑year‑old kinder children recently took part in a “Bale Grow” hay bale gardening Incursion, where they planted a variety of vegetables and herbs in the hay bales. This hands‑on experience supported children’s understanding of how plants grow and how to care for living things, aligning with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLF).

Through working together to plant and water the hay bales, children developed a sense of connection to their community and environment (Outcome 2), built confidence and independence (Outcome 1), explored sustainability and the natural world (Outcome 2), and strengthened physical skills and wellbeing (Outcome 3). The children also asked questions, shared ideas and used new vocabulary related to gardening and nature, supporting communication and learning (Outcome 4).

Across the Primary School, a number of recent experiences have highlighted the Flinders Way in action and the heart of our formational mission. Excursions and camps, including our Grade 4’s at Mill Valley last week, continue to be a rich opportunity for students to grow in independence, resilience and connection, as they step outside their usual routines and build confidence in new environments. Grade 4’s braved wet and wintery conditions to try new things including raft building, archery and horse-riding, developing new skills, confidence and resilience.

At the same time, our commitment to student wellbeing extends beyond the classroom into the digital world, where we are partnering with families to support safe and wise engagement online. We encourage parents to visit the visit the eSafety website for helpful tips and advice on digital safety at home. Through open conversations, clear expectations and strong relationships, together we are equipping students to navigate these spaces with discernment and responsibility.

We also saw the Flinders Way formation on display at our recent Primary Cross-Country event, where students from Prep to Grade 6 demonstrated both excellence and perseverance in a very real way. We celebrate and congratulate those who finished in the top 10 in their age group; qualifying to represent the school at the District Competition. While not every student could finish first, many chose to keep going when it was hard, encouraged by peers, staff and families. These moments reflect something deeper than physical effort—they reveal character being shaped whether they placed 4th or 44th, first or last. When students face challenge, whether in sport, learning, friendships or personal growth, they are developing resilience, courage and a quiet determination to keep moving forward.

At Flinders, we believe these experiences are not separate but connected. Each opportunity: on camp, online, in the classroom or on the sporting field, plays a role in shaping who our students are becoming. As a community, we continue to value perseverance just as much as excellence, encouraging one another and reminding our young people that they are supported in every step of their journey. Finishing well, with integrity and strength of character, remains at the centre of the Flinders Way.

Blessings,

Toni Steinbergs
Head of Primary

Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been a joyful and productive start to the term, and I would like to begin by acknowledging the excellent progress on our new building works. It is exciting to see the project moving along on time and taking shape so well, with two new common-room spaces, six classrooms, and a new front administration area all preparing to serve our community in the near future. These new spaces will be a significant blessing for our students, staff, and families, and we are grateful for the way this development is enhancing the future of our college.

Celebrations

ANZAC Day Service: Our ANZAC Day Service was a meaningful opportunity for our community to reflect, remember, and honour those who have served our nation. Thank you to Mr Mclean for his leadership and care in helping make this an important and respectful occasion.
Assembly Celebrating the Cuthbert Carnival: We enjoyed a fun and memorable assembly celebrating the success of the Cuthbert Carnival, including some staff bravely following through on their punishments after more than $10,000 was raised. Thank you to the Year 12 College Captains and Vice Captains, as well as the Cuthbert House team, for their energy and leadership in making this such a great community event.

VCE Expo: The VCE Expo was a fantastic evening that gave students valuable insight into the subjects they may choose in the future. Thank you to Mrs Hodder, Mrs Kincses, and all staff involved for creating such a helpful and engaging experience for our students and families.

Generations in Jazz Music Camp: Our students had a wonderful opportunity to be involved in the Generations in Jazz Music Camp, representing the college with enthusiasm and excellence. Thank you to Mr Rollerson and the Music Department for the time, organisation, and support that made this possible.

House Cross Country: House Cross Country was a strong example of participation, perseverance, and house spirit across the secondary school. Thank you to Mrs Jackson, Mrs Chatfield, and the PE and Sport team for organising and running the event so well. Well done Flynn house for winning.

Year 8 Halls Gap Camp: Year 8 students enjoyed a valuable camp experience at Halls Gap, with many opportunities for challenge, connection, and growth. Thank you to Mrs Cairns and the staff who attended and supported our students throughout the camp.

Positive Culture and the Flinders Way

One of the key ideas within the Flinders Way is being connected by love. This reminds us that a strong school community is built when people are known, valued and loved, and when they in turn learn to know and love others well. Across our secondary school, I continue to see this lived out in the way students encourage one another, staff invest deeply in relationships, and families partner with us in support of learning and wellbeing. As we continue to grow in the 4 C’s of being called to flourish, connected by love, committed to growth and capable of influence, we are helping shape a community where every student can belong, contribute and thrive.

Behaviour Spotlight

Our behaviour focus at present is on students using their Yondr pouches well and bringing them to Home Group each day, maintaining a high standard with winter uniform and blazers, and continuing to work hard every class. I would like to thank our students for the many ways they are responding positively to these expectations and contributing to a calm, respectful, and focused learning environment.

Important Dates

18 May: Year 9 City Camp

27 May: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

2 June: Year 12 are on the TRAG excursion

4 June: Year 10 Subject selection counselling

Kind regards

Matthew Bodley (Head of Secondary)
Flinders Christian Community College Carrum Downs Campus

The first semester has been a vibrant and rewarding time in Waymaker, with students embracing both learning and new community-based experiences. In the classroom, young people have been diving into their studies with increasing confidence, curiosity and resilience.

Beyond the classroom, students have enjoyed a range of excursions that supported connection, wellbeing and real-world learning. Highlights have included challenging themselves on a high ropes course, exploring outdoor sculptures, visiting the RSPCA and sharing a cinema experience together.

We’ve also been excited to settle into our new purpose-fit space, which has provided a calm, welcoming, and functional environment for both learning and support. Our team has grown with the addition of new staff, strengthening the learning and care we can offer each student. Our therapy dog, Smudge, has become a valued and much-loved part of the program, supporting emotional regulation and engagement across the day.

It’s been wonderful to see the growth in our students, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the weeks ahead.

It has been an exciting and rewarding start to the term for our Music Department, with students already engaging in a range of enriching performance opportunities.

Over the weekend of 1 - 3 May, 38 students across four ensembles proudly represented the College at the Generations in Jazz Festival in Mt Gambier. This is a highlight on the music calendar, bringing together approximately 6,000 talented young musicians from across the country and New Zealand. Our students performed with enthusiasm and professionalism, making the most of this incredible experience.

We are delighted to share that our Small Jazz Combo won the Callisto Small Jazz Combo Spirit Award, recognising not only musical achievement but also teamwork, attitude, and commitment. In addition, James Bixler was selected for the Division 3.1 Super Band (Trumpet 2), an outstanding individual honour. We were also proud to see our Brass IMT, Angus O’Shea, representing the College as part of the selected Staff Band.

A great time was had by all, and we are incredibly proud of the way our students represented the College. Our sincere thanks go to all the teachers and IMT’s that worked with our students in preparation and especially Joey Rolleston for leading and supporting our students throughout such a successful and memorable event.

Looking ahead, we are excited for our next event, the Cross Campus Year 7 Band Incursion with our Tyabb Campus. This will be a fantastic opportunity for students to collaborate, develop their ensemble skills, and connect with peers across campuses. The day will conclude with a performance, showcasing the work achieved together.

Later in the term, our department is looking forward to supporting the Performing Arts team in their production of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory on 27th
May at the Frankston Arts Centre. Joey Rolleston will be leading a live orchestra for the production, featuring several of our IMTs alongside four students who have been specially selected to perform. This promises to be a wonderful celebration of talent across our school. We are looking forward to a great term ahead, with growing enrolments and many more opportunities for our students to perform, collaborate, and thrive in music.

For any general inquiries or questions about our music programs, please feel free to contact Mrs. Linda Harris at musiccarrumdowns@flinders.vic.edu.au

Four Flinders students were selected to compete as part of the SIS team at the Victorian Schools Association Swimming Championships, held at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Monday 11 May. Congratulations to Teale W, Harry C, Dex C and Daniel G on this outstanding achievement. Representing Flinders with pride, they delivered exceptional performances and achieved some fantastic results.

On Monday 4 May, Carrum downs Secondary Students came together to run the annual Cross Country. Despite challenging windy conditions, the carnival was conducted successfully.

This event continues to provide an excellent opportunity for all students to be involved.

The house results were as follows:

1st Place – Flynn House

2nd Place – Ten Boom House

3rd Place – Nicholls House

4th Place – Cuthbert House

Congratulations to the following students who won their age group:

U13 Female – Isabella B

U14 Female – Andi M

U15 Female – Zoe A

U16 Female – Bethwyn W

U17 Female – Abigail N

U21 Female – Teale W

U13 Male – Oratile M

U14 Male – Yash M

U15 Male – Ethan S

U16 Male – Alexander B

U17 Male – Liam W

U21 Male – Harry W

On Monday 27 April, Flinders College swimmers competed in the SIS Division A Swimming Carnival at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC).

Students represented the College with excellence in a highly competitive environment. Strong performances across events resulted in Pennant wins for the:

Under 15 Boys

Under 16 Boys

Open Boys

These results contributed to an outstanding 2nd Place Overall finish, a significant achievement at Division A level and a credit to the effort, resilience, and team spirit of all swimmers involved. Go Flinders!

Flinders College was strongly represented across a range of age groups and divisions at the 3x3 Cup Secondary State Championships, achieving competitive results:

U15 Girls – Division 1: 1st Place (Champions)

U20 Girls – Division 1: 1st Place (Champions)

U20 Boys – Division 1: 2nd Place (Runners‑Up)

U15 Boys – Division 2: 3rd Place

U17 Girls – Division 1: Semi‑Finalists

The rescheduled House Athletics Carnival was held at Ballam Park on Monday 23rd March and ran smoothly. Participation was strong across all year levels, with students demonstrating enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and house pride.

The house results were as follows:

1st Place – Flynn House

2nd Place - Ten Boom House

3rd Place - Cuthbert House

4th Place - Nicholls House

A special acknowledgment goes to our individual age group champions for their excellent achievements.

On Tuesday 5 May, a group of passionate soccer players from both Carrum Downs and Tyabb competed in the CSEN Soccer Tournament, held at the Home of the Matildas in Bundoora. Despite the early start, our teams arrived ready to compete and give their best.

Flinders was represented by Junior Boys, Junior Girls, Senior Boys and Senior Girls teams, with all students displaying enthusiasm, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the day.

Our Junior Girls achieved an outstanding result, taking home the silver medal in Division 2, while our Senior Girls progressed to the Division 1 bronze medal match, narrowly missing out after a closely contested game. It was a fantastic day of competition and a wonderful achievement for all involved.

Congratulations to Carrum Downs students Alicia H, Kai S, Maddison C, Tina P, Nyachoop M, Irina I, Meia G, Ziva W and Jarlie F, who competed in the inaugural Basketball Australia NBA Rising Stars Qualifying Tournament.

Held at the State Basketball Centre from 8–10 May, the tournament brought together the nation’s top five teams, with the winning team earning the opportunity to represent Australia at the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Finals in Singapore later this term.

Our girls performed exceptionally well, showcasing outstanding teamwork and talent throughout the competition. While they were unfortunately unable to secure the win, qualifying for this prestigious tournament is an incredible achievement in itself. We are so proud of their efforts and the way they represented Flinders. Go Flinders!

Students in Years 9–12 and their families are invited to attend the VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) Showcase 2026. This event brings together VET providers from across our region to help students explore future study and career options.

The showcase offers a valuable opportunity to:

Learn about the wide range of VET programs available

Speak directly with training providers

Explore different industry areas

Understand how VET can support secondary schooling and post‑school pathways

Gather information to help with subject and program selections

Event Details
VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) Showcase 2026
📅 Tuesday 19 May
📍 Frankston Arts Centre
27–37 Davey St, Frankston VIC 3199
⏰ Open from 5.00pm – 7.00pm
Open to Years 9–12 students and families

Bookings
Bookings are essential.
👉 BOOKING LINK

Students considering VET pathways in 2027 and beyond are strongly encouraged to attend with their families.