We begin a new year at Flinders! A new school year invites us to step back into the season and rhythm of the term, and to take stock of what is forming beneath the surface: what God may be growing in us.

Our theme for the year, “Committed to Growth,” reminds us that healthy growth comes with patience, over time. A strong tree cannot stretch upward without first growing deep, and withstanding a few storms. Its roots must reach down into good soil, drawing strength, nourishment and stability before its branches extend toward the sky.

The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 4:15:

“Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

This verse speaks of growth that is both grounded and directed in love and truth, and aims itself up toward Christ. At Flinders, we long to be a community where roots grow deep: in faith, character, and in relationships. From those roots, we hope to see lives that stretch outward with confidence, hope, and purpose.

Across our campus, we see signs of growth taking shape. Our Kinder nurtures tender green shoots. Our new Primary P–2 building invests in strong foundations, where young learners can be nurtured and supported. Newly landscaped play areas offer room for connection, creativity, and joy. Renewed Art, Design & Technology classrooms are environments where students can explore, create and imagine as our students branch out into new possibilities. Our Joshua Centre continues to grow and thrive in its fifth year!

The most important growth will not always be immediately visible. It will be found in the quiet strengthening of character and resilience developed through challenge, in kindness shown when no one is watching, and in faith that deepens over time. These are the unseen seeds underground that will ultimately bear good fruit in its season.

As we step into the year ahead, may we remain patient with the process of growth, faithful in tending, pruning and nourishing, always hopeful for the fruit yet to come. Together, we move forward into 2026 Committed to Growth, and confident in the Good Gardener that is at work among us.

Luke Swain

Head of Campus

Over the summer break, exciting progress has been made across our campus as we prepare for another year of growth.

In Primary, the Prep–Year 2 new building is now complete and ready for learning, with final external works still underway, including the basketball court, playground and landscaping, which will be completed shortly.

In Secondary, A Block has been upgraded, with refreshed Art, Design and Technology spaces designed to support hands-on learning and the continued growth of our Secondary school.

These works reflect our ongoing investment in our students, staff, and the future of our campus, and we look forward to seeing these spaces filled with learning and creativity in the year ahead.

We’ve had an amazing start to the year here at the Joshua Centre, with our children settling beautifully into their classrooms and already beginning to form new friendships. It has been wonderful to see them building on the growth they achieved last year. As we expand into our fifth class, things are certainly busier, but we’re soaking up every moment. Whether students have remained in their previous class or transitioned into a new one, each child has shown resilience, enthusiasm, and a lovely sense of belonging. We are incredibly proud of how they’ve embraced this new chapter.

What a wonderful start to the year it has been! It has been a joy to see how quickly students have settled in and grown confident exploring our new play spaces.
It was lovely to connect with so many families at our recent morning teas. Thank you to Sally Bentley, along with our Parents & Friends, for their efforts in organising these opportunities for community connection—it is greatly appreciated. We are pleased to share that the rubber safety flooring on the P–2 play equipment was started on Friday, and we look forward to opening the basketball court very soon. Landscaping works will now begin, which will further enhance the appearance and welcoming feel of our school grounds.

Our Primary Merit reward system has kicked off with a fantastic start, as wonderful students across the school have been earning tokens for their House. Students are rewarded for consistently demonstrating positive behaviour, striving for achievement, and showing kindness and respect towards others. It has been lovely to see students proudly contributing to their House through their efforts, big and small, and celebrating the positive choices that help make our school such a supportive and encouraging community.

We had a wonderful day at our Combined Campus House Swimming Carnival on Tuesday. The weather was beautiful, and it was fantastic to see so many students participating, supporting their Houses, and embracing the day.

A special congratulations to our Combined Campus Age Group Champions:

Under 13 Female: Adalita D-H

Under 14 Female: Darcie J

Students who were absent from the House Swimming Carnival but would like to be considered for selection in our representative swim squads (SIS Swim Relay and SIS Division A Swimming Carnival) are asked to please email Ms Chatfield.

We were deeply moved by Michael Paynter, our 2025 Alumni Award recipient, and his powerful performance of Amazing Grace at the 2025 Carols by Candlelight.

This heartfelt tribute honoured the lives lost recently in Bondi and gave our community a moment of reflection, unity, and hope. Thank you, Michael, for sharing your extraordinary gift with such sincerity and heart, and for continuing to inspire us all.

https://youtu.be/2wrs1yWLlv4?s...

Welcome back to another year at Flinders Farm! Summer certainly made itself known, with some very hot days and a slow start to the growing season — but thanks to the incredible support of our community, the farm has come through beautifully.

A huge thank you to Nerissa, our sheep show students, and all their wonderful families who helped care for our sheep and chickens over the long, hot break. Our animals truly thrived under your care, and we are so grateful for the time, effort, and love you gave while school was closed.

We are also delighted to welcome our new Farm Technician, Ms Bold, who will be working with the agricultural team to care for our farm and support the sheep show program. We are excited to have her join our community and look forward to the skills and energy she brings.

Despite the heat, our vineyard and orchard are growing steadily, and we’ve been enjoying a bumper crop of apricots — shared happily between students and parrots alike! The poppies have flowered, and students have loved shaking out seeds from their little pods, ready for future planting.

Back at school, chicken cuddles have been high on the agenda. We think our animals may have missed their school friends too, eagerly gathering at the fences for pats — and, if we’re honest, hoping for a tasty treat or two!

We also welcomed Charlotte, one of our ewes who had been retired to a Flinders family, back to the farm while she recuperates after an unfortunate encounter with the pointy end of a cow. Students showed beautiful empathy and kindness, carefully keeping noise levels low around the barn so she could rest. Our secondary students, especially the sheep show team, have been learning valuable nursing skills as they help care for Charlotte during her recovery and support the rest of the flock.

Across the farm, students have been thrilled to be back watering, harvesting, planting, and spending time in this calm, nurturing space. It’s been wonderful to see so many smiling faces reconnecting with nature, animals, and each other.

With Gratitude

We are deeply grateful to our students for their curiosity and enthusiasm, to our staff for their care and dedication, and to our families for their ongoing support. Together we continue to grow not only plants and animals, but confidence, compassion, and responsibility.

A Verse for the Season

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

We look forward to another year of learning, laughter, and growth together on the farm.

Siobhan Morris
on behalf of the Agricultural Team

The Flinders Swim Squad is back for Term 1!

Sessions will be led by elite swim coaches and provide a fantastic opportunity for students to refine their technique, build confidence, and prepare for upcoming swimming carnivals and competitions.

This program is optional and designed for competent swimmers. It is not a learn-to-swim program. Swimmers will train in a 50m pool and complete up to 1km per session.

Program Details:

Dates: 13 Feb, 20 Feb, 27 Feb, 6 Mar, 13 Mar, 20 Mar

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

Year Levels: Years 5–12

Location: Pines Forest & Aquatic Centre, Forest Drive, Frankston North

Transport: Parent drop-off at The Pines, with College transport back to campus

Cost: $70

Please register via the link below: https://forms.office.com/r/uv0EAMmweG

Registrations close Monday, 9 February.

Our After School Netball Program will commence in Term 2, running across Terms 2 and 3 as part of the Spring season. An EOI will be sent out shortly to families with further details.

The Winter Domestic Basketball season is fast approaching! An Expression of Interest (EOI) form will be sent out to families shortly, so please keep an eye out and be mindful of the EOI deadline.

School Transitions

Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means your children are growing up!
However, transitioning is an ongoing process. It can continue long after students have entered their new environment and may encounter difficulties at a number of different stages. These stressors may appear as anxiety and frustration and result in negative or disruptive behaviours. Such behaviours can become problematic making the transitioning process even more difficult for children and parents.
In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Here is the link to your Edition https://flinders.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions

Dear Flinders Families
As we approach the start of term, we write to remind families of the importance of keeping our children safe in car parking areas, particularly during pick up and drop off times. Please take care to follow the directional signage and ensure that vehicles are not parked in ‘No Parking’ bays. Please refer to our map below. Adhering to these guidelines helps maintain a smooth traffic flow and ensures the safety of our students and families during the morning and afternoons. Thank you for your ongoing cooperation, support, and commitment to our community.

Volunteers are an essential part of our Flinders Christian Community College community, helping to enrich events, support programs, and strengthen connections across campus life. Volunteering can be a great way to meet others, share your gifts, and contribute to the vibrant life of our school.

Whether you’ve helped before or are just thinking about getting involved this year, we’d love to hear from you! Head to our website for more information on volunteering opportunities, expectations and how to get started:

Flinders Volunteers – https://www.flinders.vic.edu.au/tyabb/parents-ty/volunteers

Thank you for being part of the heart and hands of our community!

Dear Flinders families

Applications are now open for 2028 and beyond.

We encourage families to submit their applications as early as possible, as waiting lists currently apply across many year levels. While siblings are given priority consideration, placement cannot be guaranteed.

To lodge an application, please visit 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!