In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, taking time out to be available and present during the formative years of our young students is crucial. Being present means more than just being physically there; it involves engaging with our children, listening to them, and participating in their lives. This presence can have a profound impact on their development and well-being.

The Bible offers profound insights into the responsibilities and privileges that come with being a parent. Here are two references that highlight the significant roles of parents:

Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way they should go; even when they are old, they will not depart from it." This verse emphasizes the importance of guiding our children from a young age, instilling values and principles that will stay with them throughout their lives 1.

Ephesians 6:4: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse underscores the importance of nurturing our children with love and guidance.

Insights from Experts

Adolescent psychologists Michael Carr-Gregg and Steve Biddulph have extensively studied the importance of parental involvement in children's lives. In their books they emphasise that children thrive when they have strong, positive role models in their parents. Michael Carr-Gregg highlights that children need parents who are present, engaged, and actively involved in their lives. Steve Biddulph adds that "the most important thing a parent can do is to be there for their child, providing love, support, and guidance".

A Personal Reflection

Last Friday evening, our Primary School organised another of our annual Fathers and Special Persons Night. It was a wonderful night that involved leadership from several Primary School staff, Secondary student helpers, and, of course, our wonderful Parents and Friends team who cooked our BBQ. With approximately 300 in attendance, loud music, fun games, and good-hearted Dad jokes and banter, it was a night that all enjoyed 3.

Twenty years ago, I remember being in the same venue as a father with my own son who was completing his grade 6 level here at Tyabb, Flinders. I recall that night well, as does my son. Nothing special was said or done during the evening, but I was there, and that is what he and I can agree on and remember. Making time for each other, playing, and having adventures can never be underestimated with our children. I am competitive by nature, and I recall that I, sadly, didn’t win any game on the night. Twenty years later, though, I can confidently say that it hasn’t mattered in any way. What did matter is that I was there. I was present and he and I have long lasting memories as a result.

Raising children is tough in today’s world. Helping, coaching, and guiding them to lives filled with hope and purpose and in a manner that they might flourish is something that we all want to do. I thoroughly enjoyed watching our dads and other special persons hang out with our younger students. It is a humbling privilege for our school to host this amazing opportunity, and we do not take this opportunity for granted.

Thank you for the incredible job you do in parenting your children. Your presence and involvement in the daily lives of your children does make a world of difference to them.

Julian Van Tienen

Head of Primary School

On Monday 8th September, our school community was treated to an unforgettable evening of music at the Term 3 Primary and Secondary Music Showcase. From soulful solos to high-energy performances, the event highlighted the incredible talent, dedication, and creativity of our students.

Across both Primary and Secondary, students took to the stage with confidence, performing a wide variety of pieces that showcased their musical growth throughout the term. Whether it was a beginner’s first time performing or a seasoned student refining their technique, every performance reflected countless hours of practice and a true passion for music.

The audience was blown away by the depth of talent, with standout performances on piano, guitar, strings, vocals, saxophone, and trumpet. The atmosphere was electric, and the pride on the faces of students, teachers, and families was truly heartwarming.

A huge thank you goes to our dedicated music staff, whose guidance, encouragement, and expertise continue to inspire our students to reach new heights. Your passion for music education is evident in every note our students play.

We also extend our sincere thanks to all the parents who support our young musicians whether it's helping with practice, attending performances, or simply encouraging their love of music.

To all our performers: congratulations! Keep practicing, keep creating, and continue to pursue your musical journey. We can’t wait to see where your talents take you next!

Adam Carson
Head of Performing Arts

On Tuesday 2nd September, our Junior Strings and Beginner Woodwind students had the exciting opportunity to participate in a special Music Workshop hosted by Mount Eliza North Primary School.

Throughout the day, students rehearsed collaboratively with their peers from Mount Eliza North, working hard to prepare a range of musical pieces. It was a fantastic chance for our young musicians to develop their ensemble skills, gain confidence, and experience the joy of performing in a larger group setting.

The workshop concluded with a wonderful performance to the Mount Eliza North school community, showcasing the dedication and progress of all students involved.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our dedicated instrumental staff, Greta, Tonino, Kate, and Gary, for their guidance and support. We also extend our sincere thanks to the amazing music staff at Mount Eliza North Primary School for hosting such a well-organised and inspiring event.

It was a day full of music, learning, and new friendships, a memorable experience for all!

Adam Carson
Head of Performing Arts

The Year 7 Classroom Concert Band program has been buzzing with excitement and musical mastery! Recently, our young musicians showcased their dedication and enthusiasm as they prepared for their upcoming music theory assessment through an innovative and energetic classroom round robin.

This fast-paced activity featured 8 game tables, each focusing on a key area of music theory: note reading, note duration, instrument families, rhythms, and musical symbols. With just 3 minutes per station, students raced against the clock, sharpening their skills and reinforcing their knowledge in a dynamic and engaging environment.

The classroom was alive with energy, collaboration, and lots of laughter, a perfect blend of learning and fun! This creative approach not only helped consolidate important musical concepts but also fostered teamwork and quick thinking.

We’re incredibly proud of the Year 7s for their enthusiasm and hard work. Their progress in both practical musicianship and theoretical understanding promises a bright musical future ahead!

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from our talented young performers.

Mrs Yates
Year 7 Music

Flinders College proudly attended its very first FISAF Australia National Championships on the Gold Coast, with 27 students representing the College on the national stage. This outstanding milestone reflects the hard work, determination, and commitment each student has displayed throughout the season. To qualify in the very first year of taking up this sport is an incredible achievement, and every performance across the week proved that Flinders athletes truly belonged on the Nationals stage.

Results:

• 1st Place – National Champions: Flinders Radiance
• 2nd Place: Flinders Dream
• 4th Place: Sarah S
• 5th Place: Lucy J
• 7th Place: Charlotte & Vivienne
• 8th Place: Flinders Fearless
• 8th Place: Flinders Ascend
• 8th Place: Flinders Fierce
• 10th Place: Tahlia W

Congratulations to all our athletes – your dedication, teamwork, and energy have made this debut season one to remember!

For the final week of term we will be running skills assessment trainings for our 2026 Flinders Basketball Academy classes. Thank you to the students who've sent through an application to be considered for this class. Additional information with regards to this class can be found on our website Flinders Basketball Academy | Flinders Christian Community College. Places in this class are limited and require an online application as well as attendance at one of our on court skills assessment.

Details of these sessions are as follows:
Carrum Downs current Year 7 students: Monday 15th September lunchtime in the gym
Tyabb Current Year 7 students: Tuesday 16th September lunchtime in the gym
Tyabb Current Grade 6 students: Wednesday 17th September 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Carrum Downs Current Grade 6 students: Thursday 18th September 5:15pm - 6:45pm

These are closed sessions and all participants are required to wear PE uniform or domestic basketball uniforms, appropriate footwear and bring their own drink bottle to the session.
Any questions, please contact Ms Natalie Chatfield: natalie.chatfield@flinders.vic.edu.au

Flinders College proudly competed across multiple age groups at the Basketball Victoria Champions Cup 2025, showcasing the talent, determination and sportsmanship of our students.

• U15 Elite 8: Our U15 Boys fought hard in every game, showing determination and resilience against tough opposition. The U15 Girls were outstanding, progressing through the Finals Round and into the Champions Cup Finals Day, a fantastic achievement that places them among the top school basketball teams in the state.
• U17 Boys: The U17 Boys faced a highly competitive pool with some of Victoria’s strongest basketball programs. Despite tough results, the team battled hard in every game, demonstrating resilience, teamwork and commitment, gaining valuable experience at this elite level.
• U20 Elite 8: In the U20 division, our Boys competed with great effort against strong opposition, showing determination and pride in representing Flinders College. The U20 Girls also had an excellent campaign, making it through to the Finals Round, where they experienced a close loss. Both teams should be congratulated for their dedication, teamwork, and strong performances throughout the competition.

Across all age groups, our students represented Flinders College with skill, commitment and sportsmanship, making the 2025 Champions Cup a memorable experience for all involved.

Congratulations to all Flinders students who competed at the SIS Division A Athletics on Tuesday, 2nd September at Casey Fields! The day was filled with outstanding performances, personal bests, and podium finishes across multiple events. Flinders had some incredible results:

Male Athletes:
• U13 100m: Liam B – 3rd, Leidson C – 3rd
• U13 Discus: Jensen H – 2nd
• U14 Discus: Harsimran S – 1st
• U14 Shot Put: Koby C – 1st
• U15 Shot Put: Logan S – 3rd
• U15 Long Jump: Kaiden M – 3rd
• U15 4x100m Relay: Flinders – 2nd
• U16 Discus: Ben F – 3rd
• U16 Shot Put: Michael F – 1st
• U16 High Jump: Spencer M – 1st
• U17 Shot Put: William O – 2nd
• U17 Long Jump: Marc F – 2nd
• U17 High Jump: Bailey M – 2nd
• U17 Triple Jump: Marc F – 1st
• U21 Javelin: William O – 2nd
• U21 High Jump: Marc F – 2nd

Female Athletes:
• U13 100m: Mia R – 1st
• U13 Javelin: Ella S – 2nd
• U13 Long Jump: Mia R – 3rd
• U14 Javelin: Faith C – 3rd
• U14 High Jump: Tahlia W – 3rd
• U15 200m: Samreen S – 2nd
• U15 Long Jump: Samreen S – 2nd
• U15 High Jump: Latika H – 3rd
• U15 Triple Jump: Samreen S – 1st
• U15 4x100m Relay: Flinders – 2nd
• U16 400m: Amy A – 3rd
• U16 Javelin: Taylor K – 3rd
• U16 Shot Put: Nyachoop M – 2nd
• U16 Long Jump: Latika H – 2nd
• U16 High Jump: Bella C – 3rd
• U17 Long Jump: Natalia H – 2nd
• U17 4x100m Relay: Flinders – 3rd
• U21 100m: Grace E-K – 3rd
• U21 400m: Amelia L – 3rd
• U21 800m: Sunday – 3rd
• U21 Javelin: Ella S – 2nd
• U21 Shot Put: Amelia L – 1st
• U21 Triple Jump: Jazlyn H – 3rd

Flinders College athletes demonstrated tremendous skill, effort, and determination across every event. The results reflect the hard work and dedication of all our students, and it was fantastic to see so many of them achieving podium finishes. Well done to everyone who represented Flinders with pride!

Flinders Christian College proudly entered Junior (Years 7/8), Intermediate (Years 9/10) and Senior (Years 11/12) Boys teams at the Netball Victoria School State Netball Boys Gala Day.

Junior Boys (Years 7/8): A strong effort with 3 wins from 5 games, finishing with an impressive percentage of 133.33.
Intermediate Boys (Years 9/10): Showed great resilience, picking up a well-earned win and battling hard all day.
Senior Boys (Years 11/12): Gained valuable experience across six tough games, highlighted by a determined win.

It was a fantastic day of netball, with all teams representing Flinders with pride and great sportsmanship.

On Thursday, 28 August, our Junior (Years 7/8), Intermediate (Years 9/10) and Senior (Years 11/12) girls competed at Jubilee Park, Frankston in the Netball Victoria School Championships, presented by Deakin University – one of the largest school netball tournaments in Australia.

Intermediate Girls – Finished top of the ladder, undefeated (6 wins), with an incredible 91 goals scored to just 22 conceded. They have now qualified for the State Netball Finals later this term.
Junior Girls – Placed 3rd on the ladder with 5 wins and 3 losses, showing great teamwork.
Senior Girls – Finished 5th overall, winning 4 of their 8 matches with plenty of determination.

Congratulations to all our girls for representing Flinders so proudly at this prestigious event!

Our cross-campus Year 9/10 Intermediate Girls Netball team put in an outstanding effort at the State Netball Schools Championships Finals Day, held at the State Netball and Hockey Centre on Wednesday, 10 September. After a full day of back-to-back games, the girls narrowly missed out on progressing to the crossover final. A big thank you to coach Wicko and assistant Jane Lyon for your guidance and support throughout the day. Congratulations girls on a fantastic effort!

On Friday 5th September three teams of Flinders students competed in the SIS Debating Semi Finals, hosted here on site at Tyabb. We had the honour of hosting the competition for ten visiting schools and enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere with students competing well and getting to know like-minded people from other schools in our local area.

Our students debated on topics including ‘That Australia should have a fast fashion tax’ and ‘That we should eliminate national representation and have athletes compete as individuals at the Olympics’. Our teams all did well and competed with grace and integrity against their opposition. It was great to see that our junior and senior teams won their prepared debates, and we especially congratulate Liv English and Elsie Kerr on achieving best speaker in one of their respective debates, an amazing achievement and a testament to their effort in preparing for the competition.

While our teams will not be progressing to the grand final, we thank and congratulate all of our debating students for their hard work and dedication throughout the SIS Debating Competition and look forward to competing again in 2026.

Liam Allars
Public Speaking and Debating Coordinator

Led by the Ten Boom student leadership team, our whole school community came together to support Red Nose Day, raising an incredible $1,682 to help fund vital research and support for families.

The day was filled with fun and a sea of red across the campus as primary students added a splash of red as part of our much-loved Whacky Wednesday, proudly wearing a red dot on their noses, painted on by our student leaders in exchange for a gold coin donation.

Meanwhile, secondary students enjoyed a sweet treat with Krispy Kreme donuts proving very popular yet again. Excitement built throughout the week with our red raffle draw. Congratulations to our lucky winners, E. Stewart from primary and M. Barrett from secondary!

We are so proud of the generosity and spirit shown by our students, staff, and families. Together, we have made a meaningful difference for such an important cause.

Two of our Flinders Tyabb students proudly represented Victoria in the National Schools Culinary Competition in Brisbane.

Congratulations to Georgia A and Joanie B, who returned with a Silver Medal at the nationals – an incredible achievement!

Over the weekend, they were hosted by the Australian Culinary Federation and experienced a range of opportunities, including masterclasses, back-of-house tours at Brisbane’s Convention Centre restaurant, sustainability workshops, and fine dining experiences – all leading up to competing against the best from across the country.

This marks the first time Flinders has reached the national level in this competition, and we couldn’t be prouder. Well done, Joanie and Georgia – you have done us proud!

Last week, the Buddies teamed up for a creative activity of drawing and colouring in pictures together. It was a wonderful opportunity for the younger students to learn new techniques and feel supported, while the older students took on leadership roles with kindness and enthusiasm.

JCA explored percussion instruments in the music room today. The students were really creative and did a great job looking after them. We even had a special treat-listening to Mr. Bell play some ACDC on his electric guitar and show us the mandolin. Then, Mr. Berghella cleared out everyone's ears with his piccolo! A great session of music-making for everyone.

In JCB, students are diving into their ceramics project with enthusiasm and creativity. Inspired by their love for Orcas, they are crafting beautiful clay models of these majestic marine animals. This project not only allows them to explore artistic techniques but also connects their personal interests with hands-on learning. One standout student, Angus, is channeling his passion for birds into his ceramics work by creating a Magpie. His unique contribution highlights the freedom students have to express themselves and explore different themes in art class. It’s wonderful to see how personal interests are shaping their artistic journeys and fostering a deeper connection to their work.

Our JCB and JCD Buddy classes recently joined forces for a hands-on science experiment that consolidated our learning about the water cycle and the importance of clean, filtered water entering our waterways and oceans. Together, students built their own water filtration systems using plastic bottles, rubber bands, cloth, and natural materials such as sand, rocks and leaves. Working like the scientists they are, they hypothesised, tested, and then reviewed their results, discussing what worked well and what could be improved next time. It was a fantastic opportunity for collaboration, problem-solving and applying scientific thinking to a real-world challenge.

Last week, students at JCC and JCD had an exciting and educational visit from the local police. The officers engaged with students on important topics such as safety and cyber bullying, helping them understand how to stay safe both online and in their daily lives. One of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity for students to sit inside a real police car and try on police vests. This hands-on experience sparked curiosity, giving students a unique glimpse into the life of a police officer. The visit was a valuable opportunity for students to see how the police are involved in our community. It helped build trust and opened the door for meaningful conversations, as students were encouraged to ask questions and learn more about the role of law enforcement. Overall, it was an amazing experience that left a lasting impression on many of our students. We are grateful to the local police for their time and dedication to community engagement.

The K4 class have been enjoying Perceptual Motor Program sessions onsite at Kinder. This supports brain and body coordination and children's confidence with using their bodies differently to the regular kinder program.

This year, our Grade 4 students enjoyed an unforgettable three-day camp at Lord Somers. They took part in exciting activities that built teamwork, resilience, and independence. Highlights included T-shirt printing, pizza making, beach games, the Coolart Walk, initiative challenges, and photo finds. Evenings were filled with trivia, a lively talent show, and a movie night. For many, the biggest achievement was staying away from home for two nights, a milestone they can be proud of. The camp created lasting memories, new friendships, building their teamwork skills and plenty of fun for everyone.

The Grade Fives recently spent the day visiting the McCrae Homestead; a National Trust property located on the Mornington Peninsula. Here the students were given a peek into how life would have been through European and Indigenous eyes.

The students were given a guided house tour, they made their own butter the way it would have been made in the 1800s, they explored the garden, learnt about Bunurong traditional stories, visited a Willum on the property and engaged in some servants’ tasks such as washing and sweeping. The students learnt so much and thoroughly enjoyed their day as the photos show.

Miss Smith and Mr Wilson
Grade Five Team

Flinders riders proudly represented our College at the recent Boneo Interschools Dressage Day, achieving some excellent results.

Georgia C competed strongly in the Intermediate Preliminary section, placing 4th and 5th.

Jude M delivered an outstanding performance in the Intermediate Novice, finishing as Champion.

Congratulations to both students on their dedication and achievements—we are proud of your efforts!

Dear families,
What a busy and exciting few weeks it has been! We had some very successful fundraising efforts to support our sporting families heading to Nationals. Thank you to everyone involved and to all who popped over for a sausage.

Next came our Father’s Day stall and Father’s Day Fun Night. We loved seeing the kids carefully choosing special gifts for their dads or important people in their lives. The Fun Night was an absolutely wonderful evening – while we were busy serving burgers and drinks, it was heart-warming to hear the music and the happy sounds of families enjoying time together. A big thank you to Mr Van Tienen for his passion and enthusiasm in hosting this much loved event.

On the last day of term we have Sports Day with our traditional lunchtime sausage sizzle for the primary kids. That evening, families will enjoy the performances at the Music Showcase, while the P&F will put on a delicious charcuterie-style spread. What a perfect way to finish the term -great food, great music and a wonderful sense of community.

Looking ahead to Term 4, there are even more exciting events on the calendar. One not to miss, our Willy Wonka Movie Night on Saturday 29th November! Save the date now, because it’s going to be a magical night of prizes, games and all sorts of chocolatey fun! And yes… you might just find yourself singing “I’ve got a golden ticket”!

As always, none of this would be possible without our amazing P&F team. Thank you for the laughter, energy and dedication you bring to every event. We’d love to welcome some new faces too, Term 4 is a great time to get involved!

Thank you again to our school community for your continued support. We can’t wait to finish the year with lots of fun, connection, and celebration.

God bless,
Parents and friends

Dear Flinders families,

Applications are open for the following year levels:

Year 7, 2028 & 2029

3- & 4-year-old Kinder, 2027 to 2028

We recommend families lodge their applications as soon as possible as we have waiting list across many year levels.

Siblings are given a priority, however, places are not guaranteed, to lodge an application please refer to our website.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at enrolments@flinders.vic.edu.au we will be happy to help!

We are pleased to share that the discounted ticket arrangement between the Flinders Basketball Club and NBL SE Melbourne Phoenix Basketball has been extended to all Flinders staff and their families.

Enjoy discounted tickets to any SE Melbourne Phoenix HOME game by using the code FLIND2020 at checkout.

Season Opener:
SE Phoenix vs Cairns Taipans
Saturday 20 September
John Cain Arena

Don’t miss the excitement as the Phoenix open their NBL26 season!

Tickets HERE