As our Year 12 students complete their final day of classes and prepare to enter their examination period, we take this moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate all that they have achieved, and all that lies ahead.

This year’s theme, “Called to Flourish” from Psalm 1:3, reminds us that flourishing is not simply about success, but about becoming who we are created to be — grounded, faithful, and courageous even through seasons of uncertainty. Like Abraham and Sarah, who stepped out in faith into the unknown, our graduating class now takes their own steps into a new chapter, trusting that God will guide and sustain them.

Flourishing doesn’t always mean life will be easy or predictable. It is about finding growth even in times of hardship, discovering joy in serving others, and using one’s gifts for good. As our graduates prepare to sit their final exams and take their next steps beyond school, we give thanks for the community that has helped shape them — parents, teachers, mentors, and friends, each playing a role in nurturing their roots deep in faith, hope, and love.

To the Class of 2025: go with courage and gratitude. Go with faith that you are called to flourish, to build others up, to seek truth and purpose, and to live with compassion. May you continue to grow, to serve, and to shine wherever God leads you next.

May you flourish wherever the Spirit and the call of adventure lead you next.

Mr Luke Swain

Head of Campus, Tyabb & Mount Martha

We are delighted to announce and congratulate our 2026 Student Leadership Team. Each of these students has been prayerfully selected and recognised for their character, commitment, and heart to serve our community.

At Flinders, leadership is more than holding a title, it is an opportunity to serve, to model integrity, and to inspire others to live out our values with courage and compassion. As these students step into their new roles, we give thanks for their willingness to lead and for the example they will set for others.

2026 Student Leadership Team
College Captains: Beth I. and Lucy J.
College Vice Captains: Torsha M. and Will D.
Cuthbert House Captains: Thomas L. and Ella M.
Flynn House Captains: Georgia A. and Sunday M.
Nicholls House Captains: Nathaniel D. and Gemma H.
Ten Boom House Captains: Sarah S. and Katie S.

We are excited to see how this group will use their gifts to strengthen our campus community, leading with humility, fostering unity, and continuing to build upon the legacy of those who have gone before them.

Congratulations to each of you. We look forward to walking alongside you in 2026 as you lead with purpose, faith, and joy.

We are so excited to be using our newly renovated Chapel, a beautiful and sacred space that now stands as the heart of our campus once again.

A huge thank you to our incredible staff and contracted teams who have poured so much heart, time, and effort into bringing this project to life. While our pew seating is still to come, we have already dedicated the space to Christ and are grateful to see it being used and enjoyed by our community.

This week, our Primary students performed their musical in the Chapel, and our Year 12s gathered here Thursday for the Leavers Assembly, before they head into exams weeks ahead, a true blessing to see this space already filled with worship, celebration, and reflection.

Exciting progress is being made on our new Prep to 2 building! The structure is now fully formed, and the play areas are beginning to take shape, a wonderful glimpse into the vibrant learning and play spaces that will soon welcome our youngest students.

We are eagerly looking forward to opening and utilising this incredible new space in 2026, creating a nurturing and engaging environment for our Prep to 2 learners to flourish.

October marked a joyful celebration of creativity and collaboration through our Primary School production of Frozen the Musical Kids. This wonderful event brought our primary community together and showcased the incredible talent, enthusiasm, and teamwork of our students.

The production was the culmination of our first year implementing a dedicated Performing Arts subject, led by Mrs Michele Hayes. Each primary class has enjoyed a fortnightly period exploring drama, music, and movement in a structured and engaging way — encouraging confidence, creativity, and self-expression.

The performance was held in our newly renovated chapel, providing the perfect setting for students to share their hard work and passion with family and friends. The musical not only highlighted the gifts of our students but also reflected our College’s commitment to fostering a rich and vibrant arts education within the Primary School.

We are incredibly proud of every student who participated and thankful to our staff and families for their support in making this production such a memorable celebration of the arts at Flinders.

On September 11th, a bus full of excited campers and enthusiastic teachers rolled out of the school gates, bound for the beautiful township of Flinders and the Golden Valleys Adventure Camp. The bus was packed not just with gear, but with anticipation and energy.

Upon arrival, our fantastic camp leaders, Kalani (ex Flinders student) Kurt and Ali, quickly had us settled into our cabins and introduced to the camp routines. From the very beginning, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and anticipation.

Over the next two days, students laughed, played, and supported one another through a series of unforgettable experiences. Some of the highlights included:

Archery – Sharpening our aim and celebrating every bullseye.

Hiking – Tackling a massive trek through the stunning local national park.

Flying Fox – Screaming with joy as we soared down the zip line.

Low Ropes Course – Working together to overcome tricky obstacles and build trust.

Giant Swing – A thrilling ride that left our stomachs behind!

Camp-Wide Game – A high-energy challenge that had everyone engaged and on the move.

Camp fire – Telling stories and roasting marshmallows over the flames.

The camp was a huge success, filled with laughter, courage, and new friendships. It was a valuable learning experience for all, and one we’ll remember for years to come.

From the Grade 3 Camp Team:
Mr. Van Tienen, Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Campbell, Frau Trewin, and Mr. Salisbury

Our recent Grade Five Science Expo was truly out of this world! Students dazzled parents, other students and staff with their fascinating projects on Space, showcasing everything from detailed models of the solar system to kahoots and word searches! The passion and creativity on display were nothing short of stellar. A big thank you to all our young scientists for their hard work and to everyone who attended and supported this galactic event. Your enthusiasm made it a memorable experience for all!

Grade Five Team
Mr Eric Wilson and Miss Helen Smith

Students in 7C showcased their entrepreneur research task to the secondary school throughout the week, culminating in a presentation of their work to the Head of Teaching and Learning, Ms Karen Bryant. Beth Cross from Western Boots, Adolf Dassler founder of Adidas, Dr Federick Moll et al founders of Intuitive Surgical, Sharalyn Marchant and Ange Pnini founders of The Green Bowl and George Duncan Guthrie founder of Bendigo Pottery were among the entrepreneur’s students chose to study.

Product, profile and profit were the elements the year 7 students were required to cover, with the added challenge of removing any information which linked the three elements together. This created opportunity for their peers to establish which entrepreneur’s created which products and how much profit was made, proving quite the challenge. The quality and efficiency in which students completed the task and the confidence they showed in presenting their work to the wider school community was commendable, well done.

The Year 12 Theatre Studies Students performed their Monologue performance examinations yesterday to the VCAA assessors at Kingston Town Hall. Our students have been preparing all term for this performance that is part of their VCE assessment and all did an outstanding job.

In Unit 3/4 Product Design and Technologies, Year 12 students have dedicated the year to designing, developing, and producing innovative products tailored to the needs of a chosen end-user. Throughout the process, they have thoughtfully considered ethical and sustainable practices.

Using the Double Diamond Design Process, students have explored ideas, tested prototypes, overcome challenges, and applied critical thinking to bring their concepts to life. Many ventured into unfamiliar territory, learning entirely new skills such as upholstery, three-way halving joints, and patchwork — demonstrating both adaptability and creativity.

Congratulations to Clare, Hunter, Archie, Jack, Jackson, Morgan, Riley, Jaslyn, Will, and Finn for their hard work and persistence. The quality of their final products and folios is a testament to their dedication and growth.

With a diverse range of products created for both human and animal use, the craftsmanship on display is nothing short of professional. Well done to all Unit 3/4 PDT students — you should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved!

On the final day of Term 3, the annual Secondary Music Showcase brought the Flinders community together for an unforgettable evening of live music, talent, and celebration. The night was a true reflection of the vibrant Flinders Music program, highlighting the dedication of our Secondary music students and the tireless efforts of our passionate music staff.

The event featured an outstanding range of performances, from our VCE Year 12 Music students and Year 10 Classroom Music Bands, to a diverse line-up of ensembles including: Smooth Groove, Secondary Choir, Smashed Avos, Taking Notes, Standards Band, Modern Band, Saxophone Ensemble, Jazz Band, Ensalada De Patatas, Year 10 Rock Band, JOBS, Chamber Orchestra, and Camerata.

Each group brought something unique to the stage, demonstrating the power of ensemble playing and the importance of live performance in building musical confidence, collaboration, and expression. The joy and pride on stage was matched by the enthusiastic response from the audience, making it a night to remember for all involved.

Flinders Music has a strong focus on cultivate technical and artistic skills that provide students with a meaningful outlet for self-expression and connection. Events like the Secondary Music Showcase remind us how essential it is to keep the arts thriving in our schools.

A special thank you goes to our Music Captains, Brynner C and James O, who did a fantastic job as MCs for the evening. Their confident and engaging presence helped keep the night running smoothly and added a personal touch that reflected the spirit and camaraderie of the Flinders Music community.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our dedicated music staff, David Bell, Gary Bosdorf, Tonino Berghella, Greta Kerrigan, Kate Makrikostas, Liam Green, Brooke Miller, Julia Johnson, Chelsea Van Der Wyngaard, Anna Dewar, Annette Yates, and Margaret Simpson, for their exceptional work in preparing the performances and ensuring the event ran smoothly.

We are also incredibly grateful to the Parents and Friends, along with Sally Bently, Heather Rodehueser, Sarah and Hannah Pludra, Emma Grubb, Jackie Daniels, and Zoe Coaker, for providing sensational catering that added to the evening’s festive atmosphere.

Special thanks to the Maintenance team for their support in transforming D Block into a dynamic performance space, and to Rowan Weber for his outstanding work in running sound, setup, and sound checks, your behind-the-scenes efforts made all the difference.

Congratulations to all performers, staff, and volunteers for making the 2025 Secondary Music Showcase a shining success. It was a powerful reminder of the creativity, community, and excellence that music brings to our school.

Adam Carson
Head of Performing Arts

We are delighted to congratulate all our VCE Music Vocal and Woodwind students on the successful completion of their VCE Music Repertoire Performance Exam over the weekend.

A special shoutout to Caleb W, Annie S, James O, Yvie W, and Maisy S, who each performed a 20-minute program of contrasting repertoire, showcasing impressive technical, stylistic, and musical expression skills. Their dedication and artistry were truly commendable.

We also extend our deep thanks to the following music students who generously supported the performances by playing alongside their peers: Bodhi R, Jackson S, Ella M, Oliver U, Marc F, Oliver K, and Brynner C.

A huge thank you goes to our sensational music staff, Julia Johnson, Annette Yates, Kate Makrikostas, and Brooke Miller, whose guidance and encouragement have been invaluable to our students throughout this journey.

As we celebrate this achievement, we now look forward with excitement to the upcoming final Music Performance exams for our piano, guitar, and drum students.

Best of luck to all!

Adam Carson
Head of Performing Arts

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Year 7 Concert Band Program students! Over the past semester, these young musicians have demonstrated remarkable dedication, skill, and passion for music!

Their commitment to learning and mastering their concert band instruments from soaring flutes and vibrant clarinets to powerful trumpets and jazzy saxophones has been truly inspiring.

Each rehearsal and performance has showcased their growing confidence and teamwork, culminating in some truly memorable musical moments.

A special congratulations to or Muso of the Week; Joseph V and Alex C.

We applaud their hard work and enthusiasm, which have contributed greatly to the vibrant sound and spirit of the Flinders Year 7 Concert Band Program. Keep up the fantastic effort, your musical journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see (and hear!) what comes next.

Bravo!

Congratulations to our talented Grade 3 Strings Program students who have recently achieved an exciting milestone in their musical journey the successful completion of the Third Finger Test!

Each student has been working hard to develop their technique, focus, and confidence on their string instrument. The Third Finger Test marks an important step in their learning, as they demonstrate accuracy, strength, and control in finger placement, a key foundation for more advanced playing.

We are incredibly proud of their progress and dedication, and were delighted to present each student with a certificate of achievement to celebrate this accomplishment. These moments not only mark growth in musical skill but also help build resilience, discipline, and a sense of pride in their learning.

Well done, Grade 3 Strings! Keep up the fantastic work as you continue your musical journey!

Students are learning either guitar or keyboard in class. Each lesson has explicit teaching of chords, technique and performance practice, all in preparation for small ensemble class assessments.
Classic repertoire including Eye of the Tiger, Le Freak, Dreams are favourites.
We look forward to their performances in Week 4/5.
Keep up the enthusiasm Year 8!

Mrs Annette Yates
Yr 8 Music

Our JCA class has had a fantastic start to Term 4, diving back into their specialist classes with enthusiasm! Students have enjoyed sessions in Agriculture, PE, and Library, settling back into their routines and reconnecting with their teachers.

During their library visit, Mrs. D read How to Move a Zoo, which sparked great discussion and tied in beautifully with their Agriculture studies. It was wonderful to see students making connections between stories and real-world learning.

They also had their first swimming lesson of the term, showing growing confidence and excitement in the water. We’re proud of their efforts and can’t wait to see their progress over the coming weeks!

Our JCB class has had a colourful start to Term 4! In Art, students got creative painting bugs, exploring textures, colours, and patterns. Their artwork is bright and full of their own unique personality.

We’ve also kicked off our swimming lessons where the students showed great enthusiasm and confidence in the water. We’re looking forward to seeing their skills grow over the term.

Our JC senior students recently returned from an unforgettable camp at CYC The Island, Phillip Island! Over the three days, students and staff immersed themselves in a range of exciting activities including the giant swing, flying fox, pinnacle rock climb, pedal car races, initiatives, low ropes, and damper making. One of the highlights was enjoying afternoon tea by the beach, where we took in the beautiful coastal scenery and shared plenty of laughter and connection. Throughout the camp, our students showed incredible flexibility, courage, and resilience. They embraced every challenge that came their way. They not only tried new activities and new foods, but also stepped bravely outside their comfort zones time and time again. They proved what we already knew to be true which that they are capable of truly amazing things. We are so proud of the way they faced moments of uncertainty, supported one another, and celebrated their successes together. This experience has reminded us just how strong, kind, and capable our JC seniors are.

JCD

This week our JC Year 8 students joined their peers from the main campus for a hands-on science practical, dissecting a sheep’s heart and lungs. This engaging session tied in perfectly with our 2024 key learning focus on bodily systems and health, as students explored the vital functions of organs within the human body.

In preparation, our students researched the similarities and differences between sheep and human organs, allowing them to make meaningful connections between theory and practice. Having experienced a solo practical in the main campus lab last term, many students were already familiar with the setting which helped them feel confident and comfortable throughout the session.

The K4 classes enjoyed the visit of Professor Bubbles and Professor rainbow on the last day of term 3. We were entertained with the wonder of science and how things can change. They left us with the reminder that we are loved by God always, in every change that happens. Thank you to Professor Bubbles AKA Mr Van Tienen and Professor Rainbow AKA Mrs Priest.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Flinders riders who recently represented our College at the Australian Interschool Championships. Competing against talented riders from across the nation, our students displayed exceptional skill, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the event.

Stevie M. placed 3rd in Primary Combined Training
Jude M. achieved 3rd in Intermediate Novice
Thomas H. placed 4th in Senior Combined Training and was also awarded Reserve Champion in Senior Preliminary.

These remarkable results are a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and commitment each of these students has shown in their training and preparation. We commend them for representing Flinders with excellence and grace, both in competition and in character.

Well done to not only Stevie, Jude, and Thomas, but all our equestrian team for all their efforts this year — we are so proud of all your achievements and the way you continue to embody the Flinders spirit.

Congratulations to our U15 Girls Basketball team, who have been crowned State Champions for 2025 after an epic 59–56 victory over Rowville SC on Sunday 21 September at Nunawading Basketball Centre.

The girls played with incredible composure, teamwork and determination, showing class both on and off the court. It was a thrilling contest that came down to the final moments, with Flinders holding strong to secure the title.

A huge congratulations to Coach Tori and Assistant Coach Tim on leading the team to this outstanding achievement!

Sessions will be led by elite swim coaches, providing a great opportunity to refine your technique, build confidence, and prepare for upcoming swimming carnivals and competitions.

This program is optional and designed for competent swimmers – this is not a learn-to-swim program. Swimmers will be in a 50m pool completing up to 1km each session.

Program Details:

Dates: 7 Nov, 14 Nov, 28 Nov, 5 Dec

Time: Drop-off 7:20am, Session 7:30–8:30am

Age: Yr 5 - 11

Location: Pines Forest & Aquatic Centre, Forest Dr, Frankston North VIC 3199

Transport: Parents drop off at The Pines. College transport back to campus

Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/a58PN3sG9H

Dear families,

Welcome to Term 4, everyone! We hope you’ve all had a great break and are ready for what’s shaping up to be a truly golden end to the year. The P&F have been busy planning some fantastic events and we can’t wait to share them with you!

We’ll be sizzling sausages and flipping onions at our pop-up BBQs on 22/10, 29/10, and 12/11. A portion of the proceeds will support Christ Mission India, so come along, grab a snag, and feel good knowing your afternoon snack is making a difference.

It’s that time again to turn your pre-loved pages into someone else’s next chapter! The Parents & Friends are now collecting textbooks from the 2026 booklist for our Second Hand Book Sale.
Please double check the accepted 2026 titles before donating, we can only take books that are on that list. As much as we love the Hungry Caterpillar, it sadly didn’t make the cut this year.
To go with your donated books, please fill out a Second-Hand Book Form, which can be found here or collected directly from the P&F Centre.
All books must be placed in a sealed bag with the completed form and can be dropped off either at the P&F Centre or at Reception.

Mark your calendars for Grandparents’ and Special persons Day on the 31st October! The P&F will be helping to make the day extra special. We can’t wait to celebrate the wonderful grandparents or special persons who bring so much love and wisdom to our lives.

Hold onto your top hats and candy canes, because our next movie night is going to be scrumdiddlyumptious! We’re showing the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on Saturday November 29th. And we’re pulling out all the stops! There will be costumes, games and a whole lot of movie madness.
And here’s the sweetest part: there will be 5 Golden Tickets to be found in the lead up to the big night! The grand “Charlie” prize is already on display at Reception and trust us, it’s jam-packed with goodies, chocolates, lollies and Wonka surprises galore.
We’d love to end the year on a high note, surrounded by laughter, chocolate, and our amazing school community. So grab your tickets, pop on your purple top hat, and join us for a night of pure imagination! More details will be coming soon.

As always, a huge thank you to all the volunteers and families who help make these events possible. We couldn’t do it without your support.
Here’s to a fantastic Term 4 — let’s make it the sweetest one yet!

Thank you,

Sally and Parents and Friends

Safe Gaming for Kids: Building Boundaries for Positive Play

Did you know 81% of students have played online with strangers? *

Is your child spending too much time gaming and potentially encountering strangers online? Are you unsure how to set boundaries without conflict? Join this practical webinar for parents, where you’ll gain simple strategies to manage gaming habits, create healthy boundaries and help your child build a positive, balanced relationship with online games. Perfect for all parents—whether you’re tech-savvy or just starting out!

*Source: Cyber Safety Project, Teens and Screens 2025 Report

🗓️ Thursday 23 October 2025, 7.30pm AEDT

Register Now: https://cybersafetyproject.com/parents2025/