Nurturing Hope Amidst Uncertainty

As we navigate the complexities of the world, it is not uncommon for young people to experience moments of doubt and hopelessness when contemplating the future. Friedrich Nietzsche, a philosopher known for his thought-provoking ideas, once wrote, "The Earth has a skin and that skin has diseases, one of its diseases is called man." These words, though sombre, encapsulate the concerns many young minds share about the state of our planet and the pessimistic attitude towards humanity. However, amidst these concerns, we must not forget the remarkable potential that our young people possess to create positive change and the goodness that they can bring to the world.

It is crucial to acknowledge that the challenges we face are immense, particularly in relation to the environment. Climate change, deforestation, and pollution cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future. Yet, in the face of this, we can find inspiration and hope by looking at projects that demonstrate humanity's ability to heal and nurture the Earth.

One such inspiring project is the "Greening the Desert" initiative in Jordan. This remarkable endeavour showcases how humans can be a force for positive impact on our world. In an arid region where life struggled to flourish, dedicated individuals and organizations came together to transform the barren desert landscape into a thriving oasis. By implementing innovative techniques such as permaculture and water harvesting, they restored fertility to the land and brought about a profound transformation. The project serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating our capacity to restore and regenerate even the most seemingly inhospitable environments.

The "Greening the Desert" project exemplifies the resilience, determination, and creativity needed to address the environmental challenges we face. It reminds us that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, individuals and communities can unite, combining their knowledge, skills, and passion to make a tangible difference. It is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the potential we possess to heal the wounds inflicted upon our planet. C.S. Lewis once said that the purpose of education is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts. The “Greening the Desert” project is a tangible outcome of minds that have been educated with a perspective of hope and optimism.

While the road ahead may seem daunting, let Nietzsche's quote and the success of the "Greening the Desert" project empower us to channel our concerns into action. Together, we can foster hope, drive positive change, and build a future where humanity and the world can flourish.

In the scriptures we are presented with a hopeful story. A story that speaks of joy and restoration. In the book of revelation it states, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the sufferings of the past have gone and all things are like new.” The Christian story is one that speaks of hopeful story where all of creation is renewed, and this positive narrative is a vital part of a young person’s journey. Equipped with a sense of hope and purpose in their lives, students can move into life with confidence and genuine opportunity to flourish.

Cameron Pearce

Executive Principal

TERM 3

20th July: Flinders Giving Day

20th July: Secondary Pathways EXPO from 4:00pm

28th July: Schools Tree Day

16th, 17th and 18th August: Grease School Production

14th September: Last Day of Term 3

TERM 4

2nd October: All Students Commence Term 4

13th October: Year 12 Breakfast and final day of lessons

24th October: VCAA Written Exams Commence

6th November: Mid Term Break

7th November: Cup Day Public Holiday

24th November: Student Free Day

6th December: Secondary Presentation Night

8th December: Primary Presentation Night

8th December: Last Day of Term 4

Cliff has recently participated in the national baseball tournament in Mildura, where his team finished 6th in

the country. Next month Cliff will be competing in a national softball tournament in Queensland representing the state of Victoria.

Incredible achievements from Cliff, FCCC wishes him the best of luck and look forward to hearing more of his successes!

Nurse Berry came to kinder to talk to the K4 classes about staying healthy. She discussed with us when, why and how we wash our hands. She then put some glitter bug potion on our hands and said to put them under her ultraviolet light. We were amazed to see all the germs! Wow! We then followed her instructions while washing our hands and low and behold the germs all disappeared. We knew they were all gone because we checked them under her special light again. We now all feel very knowledgeable about washing our hands! Thanks Nurse Berry.

Maree Kelly
K4 Teacher

Professor Bubbles and Professor Rainbows science incursion was a great success, There were shreiks of laughter from the K4 classes as we marveled in the changing chemical reactions, giant bubbles and elephant toothpaste. We learnt to make predictions about what could happen, made mini volcanoes pop and smoke, saw exploding little black containers and saw rainbow changing coloured water from science beakers. Thank you to Mr Van Tienen and Mrs Priest for visiting us at Kinder.

Friday mornings look at little different in 3A this term. The children have been mastering their literacy, numeracy and social skills through playing a range of board games. We are so thankful to all the parents, grandparents and other special guests for coming along to help out. The children absolutely love it!

Mrs Laura Jackson

3A Teacher

The Grade Fives enjoyed spending the day at Moonlit Sanctuary recently. They learnt about the varied adaptations animals have that enable them to survive. These included learning about why wombats have square poo, why Tasmanian Devils are called devils and what it means when a bearded dragon turns a dark colour. Despite the cool conditions, the Grade Fives loved their time at Moonlit.

Helen Smith & Eric Wilson
Grade 5 Team

Over the past few weeks the year 12's were tasked to write a letter to their future selves, to be opened at their 10 year school reunion. Additionally, they wrote a secret encouraging letter to one of their peers, paired with a token gift. This week they received these gifts and letters from their peers and enjoyed the afternoon lead by the wonderful Justin & Julie Gillett.

Mornington Main street came to life on Sunday 11th to the tunes of a wide variety of talented Mornington Peninsula musicians including the Secondary Ensembles of Flinders Christian Community College.

It was an early start with bump in from 8:30am and performances hitting the Flinders stage from 10:30am. Our talented year 12 students, Selina and Craig, were first on the run sheet, performing a wide range of stylistic repertoire including pieces for their end of year performance exam. This was closely followed by the Camerata and Chamber Orchestra, directed by Greta and Cathy, playing a selection of classical and contemporary songs.

The day continued with big hits performed by the Secondary Choir, Year 8 Rock Band, Year 9 Rock Band, Jazz Band, Brass Hipstas, and the Year 9 and 10 music classroom bands. Each group was provided a 30 or 60-minute time slot to showcase the wide range of repertoire they’ve been learning since the beginning of the year.

The year 9 and 10 classroom bands, led by Miss Davidson and Mr. Carson, were assessed on their performance skills and instrument technique. This included the incorporation of segues, stylist approach, interaction with band members and the audience.

The day ended with the sun setting over the Port Phillip Bay with the Modern Band playing hits by Gwen Staffani, Avicii, Rihanna, Katrina & the Waves, and Amy Winehouse.

All the performers pulled in big crowds with audience members filling up the main street and overflowing to the opposite pathway.

The music team would like to thank the students’ parents and the MWMF event organiser, Bec, for their continued support towards music education at Flinders. The school is highly fortunate to be provided a full day time slot at one of the biggest music festivals on the Mornington Peninsula.

I’d like to share my appreciation and congratulations to all the staff and students involved. It’s always a pleasure to see a community strengthen its connections through sharing a passion, joy, and enthusiasm of music. Music Education is highly regarded for teaching students the importance of community, along with establishing a wide range of other key life skills such as organisation, team-work, leadership, and confidence. These life skills are elevated through the active involvement in live performance. At Flinders, the Music Department provides a wide range of performance opportunities including its weekly Gig Day Friday performances, term based soirees, music workshop programs, cross school events, and external performances.


Adam Carson
Head of Performing Arts

Do you love trees? 🌳 We do too! Trees are amazing because they give us oxygen, shade, fruits, and homes for many animals. They also make our planet beautiful and healthy.

That’s why we are celebrating Schools Tree Day on 28th July. Schools Tree Day is a special day when students all over Australia plant and care for native trees and shrubs in their schools and communities.

But we want to do more than just plant trees. We want to show our love for trees in a fun and creative way. And we need your help!

We are inviting you to send us photos of yourself, your family, or you and your pets hugging trees. Yes, you read that right: hugging trees! 🤗

We want to see how much you appreciate and enjoy the trees around you. You can hug any tree you like: in your backyard, in your street, in a park, or even in a forest. Just make sure you have permission from your parents or guardians before you take or send any photos.

We will collect all the photos and make a movie clip out of them. The movie clip will be shown at the school assembly after Schools Tree Day. It will be a great way to share our love for trees with everyone.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera or phone and start hugging some trees! 📸

Please send your photos to siobhan.morris@flinders.vic.edu.au
by the 7th July. We can’t wait to see them!

Thank you for joining us in celebrating Schools Tree Day. Together, we can make a difference for our environment and our future.

Leafy Regards


Siobhan Morris
Agricultural Studies

Dear families,

Welcome to the latest update from the Flinders Farm.

Crackle, our lovable pig, has been the centre of attention lately. With her playful antics and mischievous personality, she never fails to put a smile on our faces. Whether she’s enjoying a friendly scratch or taking a refreshing mud bath, Crackle continues to bring charm and amusement to the farm.

Speaking of new additions, our lambs are out and frolicking in the sun they have filled our pastures with new life and energy. Watching them prance around, exploring their surroundings, is an absolute delight. The lambs have been thriving under our care, and we are grateful to witness their growth and development firsthand.

Of course, we can't forget our feathered companions—the chickens! These lively creatures provide us with fresh eggs and endless entertainment. Their clucking and pecking around the farmstead create a vibrant atmosphere. We've been observing their natural behaviours and learning more about their unique personalities. It's fascinating to see how each chicken has its own distinct character.

In other exciting news, we've been diving into the world of wool and discovering its versatile uses. Our Corriedale sheep, known for their soft and lustrous wool, have become our primary source for making felt. Felt-making is an ancient craft that involves matting and pressing wool fibres together. The resulting material can be shaped into various forms, such as clothing, accessories, and decorative items.

We have been experimenting with different felting techniques and creating beautiful pieces using the wool from our Corriedale sheep. Not only does this provide us with a creative outlet, but it also showcases the natural beauty and sustainability of wool as a material.

We hope these heartwarming stories have brought a smile to your face and inspired you to explore the world of wool and felting. As always, we appreciate your continued support and look forward to sharing more adventures with you in the future.

With warm regards,

Siobhan Morris and the Ag Studies team

Our Year 8 Agricultural students are taking their learning to new heights with the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology. Immersing themselves in a virtual world, they can visualize and interact with various agricultural concepts, complementing their theoretical studies. Equipped with VR headsets and controllers, students are improving their skills in order to explore virtual farms, witnessing daily activities, farming techniques, and participating in tasks like sowing seeds and operating machinery. This hands-on approach enhances their understanding, fosters a deeper appreciation for agriculture, and develops critical thinking skills. By bridging theory and practice, VR technology prepares students for real-world challenges, while offering a safe and controlled environment for experimentation. Our Year 8 Ag students are embracing the possibilities of VR, shaping themselves into informed and passionate individuals ready to make a positive impact in the agricultural world.

Hello, everyone! Today, the Year 8 students embarked on an exciting excursion to the beautiful Cranbourne Botanic Gardens. The purpose of this trip was to engage in a fascinating biomimicry activity, where our students had the opportunity to explore the amazing world of plant adaptations and draw inspiration from nature's brilliance.

Throughout the day, our young explorers immersed themselves in observing and studying the diverse adaptations of plants to various environments. From desert succulents to lush rainforest flora, the students were amazed by the ingenious ways in which plants have evolved to survive and thrive in different conditions. They learned about unique features like water-storing leaves, spiky thorns for protection, and intricate root systems that help plants anchor themselves securely.

Drawing inspiration from the ancient grass trees, which have stood tall for over 300 years, the students were tasked with developing innovative products that could benefit both people and the environment.

Students delved into brainstorming sessions, collaborating, and sharing ideas with their peers. The results were truly inspiring. Among the many remarkable concepts that emerged, one group produced smoke detectors that communicate with each other and your phone, providing an advanced level of safety. Another group proposed hair straighteners that not only style your hair but also protect it from heat damage—an ingenious blend of fashion and functionality.

The students' innovative thinking extended to environmental sustainability as well. One group designed vacuum water tanks that could collect rainwater, conserving this precious resource for future use. Another group explored the potential of resin syrup paint, a biodegradable alternative to traditional paint that could reduce harmful environmental impacts.

Despite the day's chilly weather students' enthusiasm shone brightly as they presented their ideas, and it was evident that they had truly embraced the concept of biomimicry and its potential for real-world applications.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens for hosting us and providing an unforgettable experience. A big thank you also to Jenny Anderson and Kerry Jolly whose presence made our excursion possible. Our students left with a newfound appreciation for nature's wonders and a deeper understanding of how we can learn from and contribute to the world around us.

Siobhan Morris
Agricultural Studies

If your child is interested in learning about the Australian Defense Force, please see below opportunities for work experience.

Army Familiarisation: Hawthorn Training Depot
- From: 14-18 August
- Where: Hawthorn Training Depot, Victoria
- Last date to apply for this placement: 02 July 2023

Introduction to DAP (Defence Assistance Program)
- One day: on 14 August 2023
- Where: Victoria Barracks, St Kilda Rd 3006
- Last date to apply for this placement: 09 July 2023

Introduction to DAP (Defence Assistance Program)
- One day: on 20 October 2023
- Where: Victoria Barracks, St Kilda Rd 3006
- Last date to apply for this placement: 07 September 2023

This month on SchoolTV - Social Media Influencers

Social media influencers wield significant power, shaping opinions, particularly among young people. However, their impact on youth mental health is concerning. Most recently, the controversial actions and statements of Andrew Tate and his rise to fame, has made him a polarising figure, amassing a significant following of mostly young males. Educators and families have raised urgent concerns about the damaging nature of Tate’s content, worried that his messages may radicalise students and create a generation of young men with regressive and harmful beliefs.

In today's digital world, anyone can be an influencer, exerting influence through their audience relationship. Comparisons to idealised lives on social media can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, while exposure to inappropriate content and distorted body image perceptions exacerbate the issue. The fast-paced environment inundates young people with information, making them susceptible to certain beliefs and evoke strong emotions. Attention has become a valued commodity, therefore influencers design content to captivate their audiences.

Filtered portrayals of perfect lives create unrealistic expectations often resulting in dissatisfaction. Comparisons with peers intensify insecurities and anxiety. Social media algorithms may also expose a young person to inappropriate content, fostering negative and divisive narratives which can then lead to cyberbullying and online harassment, further harming their wellbeing.

It is therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to guide a young person’s social media use, encourage open communication, and educate them about the realities of social media. Be curious to comprehend why they might be drawn to radical influencers, like Andrew Tate, and actively seek understanding as part of the solution. Through modelling kindness, respect and positive values, you can help tackle the sway of such influencers, countering unhealthy masculinity and mitigating potential harm. While not all influencers have a negative impact, it is important to ensure there is a balanced approach between online and offline activities. Emphasise the importance of critical thinking, real-life connections and positive values.

For more information on how to instil positive values in your child, you may find the following websites useful.

White Ribbon: This is part of a global social movement working to eliminate gendered violence.
Man Cave: A preventative mental health and emotional intelligence charity that empowers boys to become great men.
Orygen: A framework to help boys learn healthy behaviours and develop a positive approach to masculinity.
R4Respect: An education strategy to prevent domestic and family violence led by young people for young people.
Flourish Girl: Promoting mental health and emotional intelligence for teenage girls and gender diverse teens in schools.
Girl Power: Fostering a positive mindset, inner confidence and resilience in girls at a young age, before they embark on their teenage years and are exposed to the powerful world of social media.

You can learn more about this issue HERE.