As the school year draws to a close, we feel that familiar rhythm of assignments finishing, lockers emptying, and classrooms echoing with a subdued joy. Endings can be bittersweet, but they also mark the space where growth has taken place. This year, our community embraced the theme of flourishing, and what a year of fruit it has been.

We have witnessed students grow in courage, friendships deepen in kindness, creative gifts expand and learning experiences spark with curiosity and confidence.

We’ve seen staff serve with devotion and our community partner with prayer, encouragement, and generosity. We have seen new buildings take shape and old ones restored.

These moments are reminders that flourishing is not something we chase but something God nurtures within and around us when we stay connected in Him.

As we look ahead to the summer break, we pray it becomes a season of restoration, laughter, rest, and renewed delight in good things the warmer weather brings. May the sun be warm, may the sleep be long and peaceful, and may the days be filled with simple, soul-restoring joys.

And as the year pauses, Christmas draws our hearts back to the ultimate picture of flourishing. In the humble wonder of the Nativity, Jesus enters our world not in power, but in the promise of the mustard seed: God planted with us. Hope made small, in a manger. Love made human, born lowly.

So, we give thanks for every good gift of 2025, for God’s faithfulness, and for the Saviour who sacrifices to make all things new again.

We hope to celebrate all the year’s good things with you at our year’s final celebration events: The Joshua Centre Family Picnic and Primary and Secondary Presentation Night next week.

Luke Swain

Head of Campus

Congratulations to Jensen H in year 8, who was just recently named the Mac Holdsworth Rookie of the year at Frankston Blues for his services in refereeing. Jensen completed the ref course in the Basketball Academy course in Term 2 and has come along in leaps and bounds as a promising young junior ref. We are so proud Jensen. Keep up the great work!

Congratulations to Evie and Ella from Grade 4!

We are so proud of these two incredible students who competed with their Outlaws Junior Ops team at the AASCF Cheerleading National Championships last night at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Their team placed 1st in the Youth Novice division, competing against 10 teams from across Australia — an amazing achievement!

Well done, Evie and Ella! Your hard work, dedication and team spirit shine brightly.

Last Sunday, Amity in grade 5 and her cheerleading team competed in the Senior All-Girls Level 3 division at Nationals and proudly achieved 1st place.

This is an incredible accomplishment. Their dedication, hard work and perseverance have truly paid off.

Congratulations to Amity and her team on this outstanding achievement. We’re so pleased to celebrate this success with our school community.

It is with great excitement that I can announce that Hamish B (2025 Yr 12 graduate) has just recently been selected into the Under 19s Victoria Country Cricket team. He will be travelling to Perth on Sunday for the national U19 cricket championships. Hamish has worked so hard this year juggling school work and travelling to and from Melbourne for matches & training. We are so proud and can’t wait to follow these championships over the next week (1st - 8th Dec)

Our combined campus carnivals are a time for students from both Carrum Downs and Tyabb campuses to come together to engage in healthy competition and work hard to earn points for their house! Please be reminded that the Combined Campus Secondary House Carnivals (Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country) are important and compulsory College events that all students are expected to attend. We thank you for supporting your child's attendance at these annual days which provide opportunities for all students to demonstrate their gifts and talents, and to support their peers, in a positive and healthy environment.

Please see below for our 2026 combined campus carnival dates.

Swimming Carnival

Tuesday, 3rd February 2026 @ Pines Forest Aquatic Centre (Forest Drive, Frankston North, 3199) - Completed

Athletics Carnival

Monday, 2nd March 2026 @ Casey Fields Athletics Track (160 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne East, 3977)

Cross Country - Tyabb

Thursday, 30th April 2026 @ Flinders Tyabb (155 Mornington – Tyabb Rd, Tyabb, 3913)

After our combined campus carnivals we are able to select our Interschool teams to represent the College at the Southern Independent School Division A carnivals for swimming, cross country and athletics. Students are selected based on their cross campus carnival results.

Please note the following dates for those students who are selected to represent the college at the Southern Independent School Division A carnivals:

Division A Swim Relay Carnival

Monday, 23rd March 2026 @ Pines Forest Aquatic Centre (Forest Drive, Frankston North, 3199)

Please note: students are able to register to compete at this following the School Swimming Carnival

Division A Swimming Carnival

Monday, 27th April 2026 @ Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (30 Aughtie Dr, Albert Park, 3206)

Division A Cross Country

Tuesday, 26th May 2026 @ Casey Fields (160 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne, 3977)

Division A Athletics Carnival

Tuesday, 1st September 2026 @ Casey Fields (160 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne, 3977)

After an incredible 2025 season, we’re thrilled to announce the return of our Sport Aerobics program for 2026! This dynamic sport is open to both primary students (Years 3–6) and secondary students (Years 7–12).

Sport Aerobics combines the energy of dance, the precision of gymnastics, and the excitement of cheerleading to create upbeat, high-energy routines. Students will also have the chance to showcase their skills at state-level competitions throughout the year.

Training Schedule

- Primary (Years 3–6): Weekly timetabled sport sessions

- Secondary (Years 7–12): Before-school or lunchtime sessions

A detailed training schedule will be emailed to families early in 2026.

If you have any further questions about the program, please email Coach Emily at Emily.Fellows@Flinders.vic.edu.au

Sessions are coached by elite swimmers to help students refine their technique, build confidence, and prepare for upcoming swimming carnivals and competitions. This optional program is designed for competent swimmers and is not a learn-to-swim program.

Program Details:

When: Every Friday morning, from 13th February to 20th March
Time: Drop-off at 7:20am; session runs 7:30am – 8:30am
Location: The Pines (parents drop off); College transport provided back to campus
Cost: Approx. $70 (subsidised by the College)

Register via the link below

Flinders Swim Squad – Term 1 Registrations – Fill in form

We’re excited to announce that SIS Weekly Sport is back for 2026! This program gives students the chance to represent Flinders and compete against other schools in the Southern Independent Schools network. It’s a fantastic way to build teamwork, develop skills, and enjoy some friendly competition.

When do games happen?

Junior (Years 7 & 8):
Tuesdays
Intermediate (Years 9 & 10):
Fridays
Senior (Years 11 & 12):
Thursdays

2026 Sports Program – Tyabb Campus

Term 1

Senior: Girls Soccer, Girls Basketball, Boys Indoor Cricket
Intermediate: Girls Volleyball, Boys Outdoor Cricket

Term 2

Senior: Girls Volleyball, Boys Volleyball
Junior: Girls Netball (Thunderbirds & Firebirds), Boys Soccer
Intermediate: Boys Volleyball, Girls AFL

Term 3

Senior: Girls Netball, Boys Basketball
Junior: Boys Football (AFL), Girls Football (AFL)
Intermediate: Boys Soccer, Girls Netball

Term 4

Junior: Girls Basketball, Girls Volleyball, Boys Basketball (A & B)
Intermediate: Girls Basketball (A), Boys Basketball (A)

Students are encouraged to keep an eye on their emails for information about when tryout sessions will run for each term’s sport.

The Flinders Basketball Club and NINCH Hoops (Flinders Alumni and Frankston Blues NBL1 player Blake Jackson) are running FREE “Have a Go” Clinics over the holidays. Register your interest using the links below - links close on Monday 8th December.

Families can choose to sign up for one clinic or both - whatever suits you best!

"Have a Go" - Mini Hoops
Register - Mini Hoops
Perfect for children who are new to basketball and have not yet played in a domestic team. Aimed at current (2025) Flinders Kinder and Prep students
(all campuses).

"Have a Go" - Next Level
Register - Next Level
For NON-REP Primary School Flinders Basketball Club members who are registered for the 2025/26 summer season competition. Designed to help players build confidence, sharpen skills, and prepare for higher‑level competition.

Earlier this month, we were delighted to welcome back graduates from our 2024, 2020 and 2015 cohorts for our annual Alumni Reunion. This special evening was filled with joy, laughter and meaningful reconnection as former students returned to the Tyabb Campus to share stories, reflect on their journeys and reconnect with the people and places that shaped their school years.

Throughout the night, our staff loved hearing where life has taken each of our alumni—stories of further study, new careers, personal milestones and faith journeys. Many paused to visit old classrooms, chat with past teachers, and tour some of the new learning spaces that have continued to transform our campus since they graduated.

A key highlight of the evening was the announcement of our developing Flinders Alumni Program. As shared on the night, we are excited to build stronger, ongoing connections with our graduates—connections that celebrate their achievements, support their next steps, and create opportunities for them to inspire current students.

This begins with something simple: updating contact details so we can stay in touch. As our program grows, we look forward to inviting alumni to future events, sharing their stories with our community, and offering opportunities to mentor or connect with current students who are exploring similar pathways or industries.

Our alumni are an important part of the culture and story of Flinders. Their courage, resilience and purpose continue to reflect the heart of our College, and we are honoured to celebrate their journeys—both the big milestones and the quiet wins.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended. It was a privilege to welcome you home, and we look forward to continuing to walk alongside you in the years ahead.

Friday November 28
Our class of 2025 Grade 6 Graduation is a very special event starting with pre-assembly photos and coffee followed by an amazing Graduation Assembly and concluding the day with a special excursion to a water park. Our Graduation is made even more wonderful because this is our first ever students that began their Flinders journey starting in our Mount Martha kindergarten.

Saturday November 29
Its not to late to attend our family Movie night on our Primary School Oval. This event is organised by our Parents & Friends. The movie starts as soon as it gets dark. Chocolate and dress ups are most welcome on the night.

Monday December 1
Our Primary School Orientation (Up Day) is a special time where all our current and new Primary students meet their new teachers and class friends. Starting at 8:30am and concluding at the end of recess, this starts the beginning of the next stage of their learning journey.

Our final Assembly occurs on this afternoon. Unlike other assemblies, this one is focused on announcing our new Student Leaders for 2026. Our Character Awards and our Flinders way Cup have previously been announced and so this assembly is focussed on celebrating those who will be our key student leadership.

December 4
Students must take home all belongings on the Thursday afternoon. School Bags are not to be taken to school tomorrow, Friday Dec 2. All belongings including artwork, bookwork etc must be taken home on this day. School magazines will be given out to students at the end of school on this Thursday.

December 5
Students must dress in full school uniform. Maroon school jumpers must be taken to school.

Parents are asked to use a disposable plastic bag to pack 3 meals. 1) Morning recess snack 2) Lunch and 3) Snack for the afternoon before the Presentation Event.

Students will travel to the New Peninsula Church during the afternoon to do their on- stage rehearsal. Parents will collect their children at the end of the event

Presentation Event 3:30pm – 5:15pm

New Peninsula Church, Craigie Rd, Mount Martha.

The afternoon event begins with a some pre- event orchestra music starting at 3:25pm followed by our celebrations of student achievements. The evening will conclude as we announce our new School Captains and farewell a couple of staff.

On Monday, 24th November, our school community was treated to a wonderful evening of music at the Primary and Secondary Music Soirée. We extend our warmest congratulations to all the students who took to the stage, you performed with confidence, enthusiasm, and incredible musicality.

This year’s Primary Soirée was particularly special, with the largest number of Primary students performing in our Primary Soirees. It was a joy to witness so many young musicians sharing their growing talents. Their passion and dedication shine brightly, and we look forward to seeing these skills flourish throughout their years at the school.

We also celebrate every student who has performed in any of this year’s term-based Music Soirées. Your hard work, courage, and commitment enrich our school’s vibrant arts community, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Bravo to all our performers! Your music continues to inspire us.

Adam Carson
Head of Performing Arts

We’re delighted to announce that the Mornington Christmas Carols is coming up on Saturday 13 December 2025, and our very own Flinders Music secondary students will be part of the fun! This is the second year Flinders Music has been involved in this highly regarded community event. The carols run from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Mornington Park (Schnapper Point Drive, Mornington).

Performance Details
- Students from Flinders Music will perform on the main stage from 5:45 PM to 6:30 PM.
- The event features live music on two stages, plus plenty of festive extras including food trucks, face painting, balloon twisting, a visit from Santa, and more!
This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy live music, celebrate the festive season, and, most importantly, show support for our talented students. Their performance will be a highlight, and having a friendly, supportive crowd makes a big difference.

A Few Friendly Reminders
- The event is free (with a gold-coin donation supporting community services).
- Bring along family and friends, there’s something for everyone: music, food, festive activities, and holiday cheer.
- For full event details, you can visit the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s event page.
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Events-Activities/Mornington-Christmas-Carols

We hope to see many of you at Mornington Park on 13 December, let’s make it a night to remember and give our Flinders Music students a warm, enthusiastic audience!

Adam Carson
Head of Performing Arts

As we wrap up the school year, the farm is truly in full swing. Birds are hatching their young, bees are busy amongst the flowers, and students are happily working out at the farm, cherishing their time amongst the wildlife, animals, and flourishing gardens. Children have delighted in sampling sweet strawberries, beautiful banana passionfruit, and even nibbling on fresh parsley straight from the garden.

Many students have chosen seedlings to take home and grow in their own gardens, with plenty of excited conversations about watering, sunlight, and nurturing their plants over the holidays.

Out in the paddocks, the grass continues to thrive and the hay has arrived for the season. There was much excitement this week as the farm prepared for sheep shearing — relieving them of their woolly coats and getting them ready for summer. It was a busy and wonderful day for our Ag students and the sheep show team, assisting Rex our shearer, and a joy for students from primary to secondary who were able to pop by and watch the process.

In the classrooms, Kickstart is well underway, and our junior students have been exploring wool through weaving, finger-knitting, and felting — bringing their learning full circle from paddock to product.

As the year has gone by, we’ve also seen many students bravely overcoming their initial fears of the sheep and chickens. As they learn more and begin working with the animals more closely — and calmly — their confidence in themselves grows. They’ve also been trying new foods and new experiences, from tasting garden produce to tackling new skills on the farm. The overwhelming pride they show in these moments is truly uplifting.

Behind the scenes, farm staff and students have been working diligently to prepare the farm for the summer holidays — slashing long grasses, sowing seeds, tending the vines, and making sure everything is well cared for and set up before the break.

We would also like to extend our thanks to Tess, who has recently moved on from our farm team. We are grateful for her contributions during her time here, especially in her work with the sheep show team, and we wish her all the very best in her future endeavours. At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Nerissa — a former Flinders student, past sheep show team captain, and current agriculture student — who played a key role in supporting and leading the team during the COVID years. Nerissa has returned to assist us during this time, particularly over the busy summer season, while we appoint a new Farm Technician, and we are so blessed to have her experience, energy and passion back on the farm.

We are deeply grateful to our students for their curiosity and enthusiasm, to all our staff, for their care and dedication, and to our families for their ongoing support. Together we have cultivated not only plants and animals, but resilience, responsibility, and gratitude for God’s creation.

We wish you all a wonderful holiday break and look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

Siobhan Morris on behalf of the Agricultural Team

Kinder@Flinders proudly congratulates the following children who were part of our inaugural K4 cohort in 2018 and are now graduating as the Grade 6 class of 2025!

We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone and acknowledge the incredible journey of learning and growth these students have undertaken. At Kinder@Flinders, we remain committed to providing high-quality early childhood education that lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Last week the K4 classes from Mt Martha Campus, visited the Tyabb Campus for our class excursion. We went to the music room to visit Mrs Dewar and enjoyed a movement session with her and listened to the grand piano. The children enjoyed time in the Agricultural studies area, visiting the chickens, sheep and Pig. We extend a Thankyou to the Year six ambassadors who assisted us on the day along with the year five students who read stories to the Kinder children. Thank you to the Tyabb Primary school team who made us feel so welcome.

JCA

In Art this week, JCA had a blast creating festive Santa Claus characters, letting their creativity shine with lots of colour and personality! Over in Performing Arts, confidence was the theme as students strutted their stuff in style, complete with cool sunglasses for extra flair. JCA is also still loving their Show and Tell sessions, proudly sharing unique and interesting items with the class.

JCB

JCB has been having an amazing time in Art class, designing imaginative planets that reflect their unique personalities and creativity! They’ve also wrapped up their swimming lessons with great success which earned them certificates to celebrate their fantastic effort and growing swimming skills.

JCC

JCC enjoyed their final excursion of the year with a fun-filled picnic at Conifer Park, making the most of the sunshine while exploring the lovely surroundings. Back in the classroom, the festive spirit is in full swing! The students have been celebrating Christmas early by decorating their space and working on creative holiday projects together.

JCD

JCD headed back into the science lab this week to build their practical skills and learn about lab safety. Students worked with Bunsen burners, investigating how adjusting the air hole changes the flame from yellow to blue, less hot to extremely hot and dirty burn to clean burn. It was such a great hands-on activity that sparked curiosity and confidence in scientific techniques.