Some years ago, a sociologist accompanied a group of mountain climbers on an expedition. Among other things, he noticed a distinct correlation between cloud cover and contentment. When there was no could cover and the peak was in view, the climbers were energetic and cooperative. When the grey clouds eclipsed the view of the mountaintop, the climbers behaved sullenly and selfishly.

This story provides us with a good reminder about remaining positive even in the face of stormy weather or tough times at work or in our home life. A Bible verse in 1st Peter 1:8, says “You have not seen Christ, but still, you love him. You cannot see him now, but you believe in him”. Tough times and rough days are unpleasant to journey through. Having faith in God is a very reassuring thing and knowing that you can pray and ask God for help is exactly what God would have us do. As long as our eyes are on God’s majesty there is a bounce in our step.

Over many years since 2007, I have been privileged to take students, staff, and parents to walk the 100km of the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. It’s a wonderful country that comes with lots of mud, and rain with what feels like endless vertical hill climbs. Each day is filled with laughter and sore backs, blistered feet, and aching bodies but a lesson that I have learned is that when we focus on the dirt below, then we grumble about every rock and muddy puddle we must cross.

It takes discipline to look up and enjoy the view. Taking short breaks. Being kind to yourself. Sharing your burden with trusted friends. Keeping your eyes on the end goal, knowing that your tough time will pass, and keeping positive self-talk are terrific things to practice until they become a habit.

A wonderful scripture puts it simply. “Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up and be alert to the things going on around Christ – that’s where the action is. See things from God’s perspective” (Colossians 3:1-2 Msg).

Knowing that you are loved by God and that you will not be abandoned in your hour of need or time of distress, is a wonderful thing to remind ourselves of each day. There is always joy to be found every day and enjoying the view by looking up is a perfect option for us to choose.

Julian Van Tienen
Head of Primary

Please keep an eye on Flinders Connect for additional dates and the latest information. Meanwhile, here are a few event dates that lie ahead:

Friday 2nd December: Primary Orientation 8:30am - 11:10am

Friday 2nd December: Primary Presentation Night 7:00pm

Monday 5th December: Secondary Presentation Night 7:00pm

Thursday 8th December: Last Day of Term 4

Looking ahead to 2023

Friday 27th January: Year 12 Retreat

Tuesday 31st January: 2nd Hand Uniform Shop Open 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Wednesday 1st February: Kinder, Prep, Year 7 and Year 12 students commence

Thursday 2nd February: Joshua Centre and all other year levels commence

Thursday 2nd February: Mobile Catering Canteen re-opens for 2023

Monday 13th February: Primary District Swimming Tryouts 

Monday 20th February: Photo Day for Secondary Students

Tuesday 21st February: Photo Day for Primary Students

Wednesday 1st March: Primary Swimming Carnival

Saturday 4th March: SAVE THE DATE! Movie night

Wednesday 5th April: Primary Athletics Carnival

Students in Grades Prep to 2 are loving their swimming lessons at King Swim Mornington. We’re learning to float, paddle, kick, and of course have lots of safe fun in the pool!

A huge thank you to Mr Emmett for organising the P-2 swimming program for the first time post covid. We love you Mr Emmett!

The Class of 2022 Valedictory Dinner photos have arrived. They are available for collection from the Secondary Administration Office. All students who attended the evening will receive a group photo courtesy of the College.

Families that had group photos done; these are available for collection as well.

If you are unable to collect the photos, please email  Suzette.Ryan@flinders.vic.edu.au to organise to have them posted to you. Please keep in mind that Australia Post aren't often gentle with things, and we can't be sure as to what state they will arrive in.

Our Class of 2022 have now officially finished secondary school! We have had the fun farewell assembly, special chapel service, Valedictory Dinner event and now all exams have been completed.

Our final opportunity to celebrate these students and send them on their way into their futures will be at the Secondary Presentation Evening on Monday 5th December, 7:00pm at the New Peninsula Church in Mount Martha.

All Grade 6 students who will be in Year 7 at Flinders Christian Community College in 2023 will attend a Transition Program in the Secondary School on the 24th November 2022. 

Students will meet with Year 7 teachers and student leaders. They will take part in activities and information sessions during the afternoon.

School uniform is to be worn. Refer to the notice on the Flinders Connect app for further details.

We have a lot of lost property. Is your child missing something? Perhaps a blazer or soft shell jacket, a jumper, drink bottle, lunch box, or a shoe (yes it's true. Someone is going about life with only one shoe). Please ask your child if they are missing something they haven't told you about. You and your children are welcome to come and have a look through our vast collection. These items are all stored in the Secondary Admin Office. 

For items that are named, yes - your child has been individually contacted but in many cases, they have not yet collected their property. Check these photos and see if you recognise anything as belonging to you. There are also more items where these came from.

We are running out of space. Any items not claimed by Friday 25th November will be donated.

Application enquiries? Email enrolments@flinders.vic.edu.au

After a hiatus of a couple of years team racing is back and a group of Flinders students with some sailing experience is joining Peninsula Grammar, Toorak College, and Woodleigh in the John Middleton team racing series at Davey’s Bay in Mount Eliza.

Team racing, also known as team sailing, is a popular form of dinghy racing and is great fun. Two teams compete in a short race of 6 to 10 minutes, each sailing two to four boats of the same class. The winning team is decided by combining the results of each team's boats. The races require sailing skills and tactics. The outcome is not decided by boat speed alone.

The races are usually on a Wednesday afternoon starting as close as possible to 4 pm. A “Girl Sail” is planned for the 24th of February. If you are interested in learning to sail, or already have some sailing experience, please contact Mr Dremel at Bernd.dremel@flinders.vic.edu.au .

 

Flinders Sailing Team:

Willow Freer
Clementine Harvey
English Maddeline
Douglas McCallum
Connor Mc Cartin
Jordan Tomkins
Ella Ware

Introducing Christine Parkin

My role at FCCC is in Education Support. I work with the lower primary school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I assist with the delivery of the programs and help to ensure the students are happy and engaged in their activities.

On Thursdays and Fridays I work in The Joshua Centre, also in an Education Support role. As with the primary school, my role is to assist the classroom teacher deliver the programs and help the students to feel welcome and supported at school.

I am fairly new to Flinders. I began working here in early September. I’m really looking forward to getting to know everyone. My time here so far has been exciting and rewarding.

At Flinders, I love the feeling of being welcome and included. I am getting to know the children better every day, and am excited to learn more about the school, staff and students as time goes on.

I was born in Bethlehem hospital in Caulfield. I lived in Highett until I was three years old. I then moved to Hastings with my parents which is where I have lived for most of my life.

Regarding a teacher who inspired me, without a doubt, my grade six teacher was my favourite and one whom I will never forget. He was supportive and dedicated.  Although I am not a strong swimmer, he worked with me to complete all my swimming certificates. His patience and dedication helped to teach me to be resilient and to persevere in everything I do. He taught me that hard work and persistence will always pay off.

My favourite food is spaghetti bolognaise. As for interests, I recently bought a kayak. I am really looking forward to some lovely, warm weather to be able to get out on ‘the high seas’. I have only been out in it a couple of times, so really looking forward to some wonderful adventures.

A skill of mine is cooking. I love to experiment in the kitchen when I get a chance. I don’t really go by recipes, rather I love to experiment with different foods and the way different ingredients accompany and complement each other.  

What's on my bucket list? 
Way back in 1992, I travelled through Europe for three months. I would now like to go back and re-visit some of my favourite places. My favourite countries were Germany, Austria and Switzerland. I would love to re-visit and stay longer in each place as my last visit was a bit of a whirl wind. 

This month on SchoolTV - Bullying

Bullying is an ongoing or repeated misuse of power in relationships, with the intention to cause deliberate psychological harm. Bullying behaviours can be verbal, physical or social. It can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious or hidden. Bullying in any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.

Despite the efforts made to reduce bullying behaviours, the research tells us that one in four students still report being bullied every few weeks. However, not all negative behaviour should be considered bullying. The key difference is that bullying does not stop on its own. It’s important young people learn how to identify behaviours that are rude, behaviours that are mean, and behaviours that are related to bullying. 

Often the reasons for bullying can be complex. Some young people do it to get approval from others, some do it to regain control, whilst others may do it because it makes them feel safe. Supporting young people as they work through their emotions will help them unpack the motivation and reason behind the behaviour. 

In this edition of SchoolTV, caregivers can better understand why some young people engage in bullying behaviours and what to do to support a child experiencing it. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

You can learn more about this issue HERE.