One of the great strengths of a school community is that no two people are exactly the same. We see students with different gifts, personalities, learning styles, interests, and challenges. Some students thrive academically, some creatively, some socially, and some quietly through perseverance and resilience. This diversity is not accidental, it reflects the creativity and the omnificence of God Himself.

Psalm 139:14 reminds us, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” These words speak to the inherent value and dignity of every person. Our worth is not determined by achievement, popularity, confidence, or how easily we navigate life. Rather, it is grounded in the truth that each of us has been intentionally created by God with purpose and value.

As our understanding of neurodiversity continues to grow, we are reminded that people experience and engage with the world in different ways. Some students may think, learn, communicate, or regulate emotions differently from their peers. Yet these differences are not something to be feared or diminished. We are instead invited toward greater patience, compassion, understanding, and acceptance.

Our 2026 College theme of “Committed to Growth” reminds us that healthy growth looks different for every person. Just as a tree first develops deep roots before extending its branches, students grow in different ways and at different paces. Some growth is visible through achievement or leadership, while other growth happens quietly beneath the surface through courage, kindness, resilience, self-awareness, or learning to navigate challenge.

Scripture gives us a beautiful picture of this in 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul describes the body as being made up of many parts, each with its own purpose. “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’” In God’s design, every person matters and every person contributes something valuable to the community.

This week at the Joshua Centre Secondary Camp at Phillip Island, we have been blessed by witnessing the God-given gifts within both our students and staff. Across the week, we have seen courage, humour, leadership, kindness, perseverance, creativity, and deep care for one another displayed in so many different ways. Camp has reminded us that growth often happens outside of comfort zones, through shared experiences, new challenges, supportive relationships, and moments of encouragement. It has been wonderful to see students and staff alike grow in confidence, connection, resilience, and understanding of one another, while continuing to reflect the unique strengths God has placed within each person.

May we continue to be a community committed to both growth and acceptance. Where every person is seen, valued, and encouraged to grow into who God created them to be.

Christy McLindon
Director of the Joshua Centre

Earlier this term, our College community gathered to celebrate the dedication of our new Prep – Grade 2 building at the Tyabb Campus. The building was officially named the DA Flack Centre in honour of former Board Chair, Mr David Flack, recognising his commitment to the mission of bringing Christian education to young people.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for this special occasion, including Mr Paul Mercurio, Smith+Tracey Architects, South East Building Services, Board Members, staff past and present, families, our Prep – Grade 2 students and staff, and especially David, Judy and the Flack family as we celebrated this exciting milestone together.

Our Grade 6 students recently had the opportunity to attend Camp Howqua, participating in a range of outdoor education experiences designed to challenge, encourage and grow them as individuals and as a community.

Throughout the camp, students took part in activities including hiking, team challenges and environmental exploration, all intentionally designed to support the development of personal and social capabilities. These experiences provided opportunities for students to step outside of their comfort zones, challenge themselves, and discover strengths they may not have known they had.

Beyond the activities themselves, camp provided valuable opportunities for students to develop resilience, independence and leadership skills while learning to work collaboratively with their peers. Students were encouraged to problem solve, support one another, navigate challenges together and strengthen respectful relationships within their community.

Camp Howqua continues to provide a meaningful environment where learning extends beyond the classroom, allowing students to grow in confidence, character and capability as they prepare for their transition into secondary years. We are incredibly proud of the way our Grade 6 students embraced each opportunity, supported one another and represented our community throughout the experience.

Congratulations to all of our students who recently attended and competed at the South Australian Sheep Expo. This event provides students with valuable opportunities to develop and showcase skills in sheep handling, judging, leadership and agricultural knowledge.

We are incredibly proud of the way our students represented our community, with many achieving outstanding results across a range of competitions and age groups. Their commitment, preparation and willingness to challenge themselves reflects the passion and dedication within our Agriculture program.

A special congratulations also goes to alumni Nerissa James, whose continued success at Sheep Expo is wonderful to see and serves as encouragement for current students pursuing their own agricultural journeys.

Well done to all students, staff and families involved in another successful year at Sheep Expo!

AMAZING RESULTS FROM OUR STUDENTS HERE

Exciting things have been happing done here at the farm! We have been happy to welcome 5 new lambs (so for) With one Mum yet to lamb! So far, we have had 2 sets of twins and 1 single with them all being ewes (girls) and both mums and lambs are doing well! It’s been a great learning opportunity for all students to learn and understand about animal care and responsibility and the importance of maintaining a healthy farm! Meanwhile The rest of our sheep have been doing well! Overall, everyone has been doing a great job of making the sheep feel comfortable and safe!!

Biscuit: Twin Girls
Arizona: Single Girl
Goldie: Twin Girls

We are still waiting on Scarlett to have her babies. She’s not showing any signs yet!

By Baylee B

Our Joshua Centre Secondary students attended CYC The Island at Phillip Island for an exciting and memorable camp experience. Students challenged themselves to step outside their comfort zones and demonstrated incredible courage, resilience, and encouragement toward one another. Activities included the big swing, flying fox, rock climbing wall, and other adventure-based challenges that supported students to build confidence and independence.

Students also enjoyed visiting Amaze N Things, where many students and staff bravely took on the giant drop slide, as well as ten pin bowling and a tour through the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. Beyond the activities themselves, camp provided valuable opportunities for students to strengthen friendships, develop independence, and experience success in new environments. We are incredibly proud of the way our students supported one another and embraced the many experiences across the week.

Some of our Primary students had the opportunity to attend the Athletics Day and participate in a range of events alongside the broader school community. Despite the challenging weather conditions, students approached the day with great enthusiasm, resilience, and excitement. Events included soccer, the 100m and 200m sprints, shot put, discus, and triple jump. It was wonderful to see students encouraging one another, trying new experiences, and representing the Joshua Centre so positively throughout the day. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and look forward to celebrating their achievements with them.

JCC recently enjoyed an excursion to We Rock the Spectrum, a gym designed to support neuro-affirming play and movement experiences. Students had a wonderful time exploring the space and engaging with activities including trampolines, soft play equipment, giant games, and air hockey. The excursion provided a valuable opportunity for students to build confidence, regulate through movement, strengthen social connections, and experience success in a fun and supportive environment. It was fantastic to see the class so engaged throughout the day.

JCA students continue to enjoy Show and Tell and have it be a highlight of the week. Students bringing in special items from home to share with their classmates is always something to look forward to. It’s a great opportunity for them to build communication skills, stay active, and learn in different environments. Students have also been thoroughly enjoying their specialist classes, including Performing Arts, PE and Ag studies at the farm. These sessions give them lots of opportunities to explore new skills and learn transitions well. Particularly in Performing Arts JCA had a wonderful time dressing up in a range of fun costumes. It was great to see their creativity and confidence shine through.

KINDNESS

Like most people say “Kindness is free” which it is,

but it’s also heavier than it seems.

Carrying the power to touch hearts,

And to leave marks that last beyond the moment.

Kindness paints smiles across the faces of others,

Fills people’s hearts making them feel cozy.

And bright inside.

It’s a hidden superpower we all carry, ready to be used at any moment.

Kindness shows up in little things like telling someone their outfit looks great,

Helping mum with the dishes,

Or guiding an old lady safely across the street.

It costs nothing, weightless.

But its impact is enormous, even if most don’t notice it.

Kindness is what keeps our world from falling apart.

There may be more darkness than light,

Yet it’s enough to know that many,

Or even a few still recognise its presence.

by Addison R

This Is Me

The music began before I was ready. It always did. From the wings, I watched with bated breath as the sea of lights cast shadows down onto the polished stage floor.

In my anticipation, I began stretching my ankles and toes, curling and uncurling in one long, continuous movement. ‘Flexion’, my dance instructor called it. The act of testing how far the muscles can bend before they finally break.

“Two minutes”, the stage director cried, her voice muffled from her concealment behind the stage curtains.

My phone buzzed on the table beside me. I didn’t even have to glance at it to know who was contacting me. “Don’t forget to study tonight. You know you have that important exam tomorrow”. As I read the words that flashed across the screen, my heart sank.

My Mother. The Dictator. The Perfectionist. The woman who supposedly held my future with her oppressive right hand. According to her, my life’s trajectory was already set in stone. Graduation. Medical School. Doctor. It was clear where her priorities lay.

“10 seconds!”

My instructor was growing impatient now. With one last flex of my leather-clad ankle, I took to the stage.

My training had evidently paid off, as I mastered every step with ease. But as I arched my leg into an arabesque, I was plagued by a lone thought. What if ….like muscles, relationships could be flexed too? What if, instead of flexibility, relationships were about knowing how far someone could bend before they finally snap? I had been bending myself into someone else for so long that I’d forgotten how to stand straight.

“You’re late”

My mother’s shrill voice cut through the silence like a knife. The concert ran late again. You’d know if you were there”, I mumbled, unable to lift my gaze to hers. My mother huffed “This is not how doctors are suppose to behave, young lady. Medical schools have NO time for impulsive creatures like you.”

Her right fist slammed down hard on the table, sending past papers and textbook questions flying. I felt the anger inside of me. Not impulsive, not untamed but slow and controlled, like red hot embers being purposefully stoked into a bigger body of fire. Wordlessly, I flung my gym bag to the floor and trudged up the stairs to my room.

The next week, I once again found myself nestled behind the blood-red curtain of the stage, waiting anxiously for my moment in the spotlight. As I glided to my place on stage, the familiar sense of anger bubbling in my veins filled me, and I commenced my routine. I danced with passion, leaping across the stage like I had fire in my blood. My muscles tensed and contracted with every well-orchestrated step. It was the greatest dance of my life. However, although my every step radiated passion and fury, inside I felt numb, like a hopeless soldier fighting a fruitless battle.

A few weeks later, on the biggest night of my life, I cowered nervously in the wings of the polished stage, waiting in anticipation for the act that could change the direction of my life. ACT ONE would commence in one minute, my instructor told me nervously, high on coffee and adrenaline.

One last time, I lifted my gaze to my phone. Nothing. With a smile plastered across my face, I took to the stage, appearing joyful while I crumbled inside. I poured everything I had into that dance. I left nothing on the table. The passion and anger coursed through my veins and I danced. With vision blurred by unshed tears, I utilised a pause in the routine to rake my eyes over the audience sitting before me. NO. It couldn’t be. My mother nestled in the front row, a dampened tissue pressed to her teary eyes.

The music stopped, and the curtain dropped, marking the beginning of interval. Despite my pointe shoes coming up to my ankles, I took off running backstage where she was waiting for me with arms outstretched. I folded into her embrace.

By Amy A

Louie and Jayla have made a fantastic start to their roles as the 2026 Primary Music Captains. Over the course of Term 1, both students have worked hard to create the term 1 edition of the Music Notes Magazine, showcasing the many exciting events and activities that have taken place across the Music Department.

The magazine features highlights from Term 1 music events, interviews with the Secondary Music Captains, and an overview of Music and its many benefits. Louie and Jaylas dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm for music have been evident throughout the project.

We congratulate Louie and Jayla on their outstanding work and look forward to seeing what they create for the Term 2 edition of the Music Notes Magazine.

Please find the term 1 edition of the Music Notes Magazine attached!

On May 1st - 3rd, the Flinders Music Jazz Band students attended the Generations in Jazz Festival in South Australia, one of Australia’s premier school jazz events that brings together over 5000 young musicians from across Australia and New Zealand for performances, workshops, and competitions.

Flinders Music proudly performed in the Division 2 Jazz Combo section at the festival, demonstrating the continued growth and quality of the program. Students represented the school with professionalism, dedication, and strong musicianship throughout the event.

In addition, Flinders Music continued its valuable partnership with the Westernport Regional Band, who performed in the Division 4 Stage Band section. As part of this collaboration, Aston W, Michael D, and Bodhi R performed with the ensemble. This also included our 2025 graduate Bynner C whose been playing with Westernport Regional Band since 2025.

This partnership highlights the importance of community engagement and collaboration with local music organisations. Opportunities such as these allow students and graduates to connect with broader musical communities, strengthen performance pathways, and contribute to the development of regional music culture.

The partnership with the Westernport Regional Band resulted in significant success, with the ensemble achieving 2nd place in the Division 4 Stage Band section. An exceptional accomplishment at a national-level festival.

Additionally, Flinders graduate Brynner received a prestigious Stage Band Award, recognised as one of the highest individual honours within the division. This achievement reflects Brynner’s outstanding musicianship and serves as a testament to the strength of the music education and development pathways fostered through both Flinders Music and community partnerships.

Congratulations to all the students involved in the GIJ Camp. Performing at high end competitions such as these takes dedication, hard work, team effort, and excellence! True attributes of each participant involved!

Flinders Music would like to share it's appreciation to it's Music staff members, Tonino Berghella, Gary Bosdorf, and Kate Makrikostas, who played a key role in assisting and teaching the Jazz Band students. We'd also like to share our appreciation to Clare Cairns for her support and supervision at the GIJ camp.

In 2027, we hope to participate again at GIJ within three sections. These include the Jazz Combo, Stage Band, and Choir sections. We also strive to continue our connection with the Westernport Regional Band and other music community organisations.

Adam Carson
Head of Performing Arts

Year 11 Business Management and Year 10 Food Studies classes stepped out of the classroom for a joint excursion to two of Melbourne's most iconic locations: the Queen Victoria Market and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The day was designed to give students a hands-on look at how different types of businesses operate in the real world. Starting at the Queen Victoria Market, students explored the bustling aisles to see small, independent businesses in action. It was a great opportunity for the Food Studies students to think about fresh produce and food sourcing, while Business Management students observed how micro-businesses run day-to-day.

The groups then headed to the MCG for a behind-the-scenes tour of a massive, large-scale enterprise. As you can see from the photos, the students had exclusive access to the stadium's corporate viewing areas, premium dining rooms, and even the press conference room! Here, they learned exactly what goes into the logistics of large-scale catering, event management, and the sustainability practices required to keep a world-class venue running smoothly.

It was a fantastic day of practical learning, giving everyone a deeper understanding of the business and food industries from the ground up!

Each year, the Parliament of Victoria asks students across the state, from Grade 5 to Year 12, to share what you would say to parliament if you were an MP. This is a chance to talk about the issues that are important to you and your community. Record your own 90-second Member’s Statement video and you could win prizes, for you and your school!

Submissions due 12 June, 5 pm!

More information here regarding how to register and prizes to be won https://www.parliament.vic.gov...

Our 4-year-old kindergarten children have had a busy and enriching month, deepening their connection to Country through hands-on, sustainable practices. Using recycled milk bottles from home, the children have been planting herbs, delighting in the opportunity to smell, taste, and care for their growing plants. Through these experiences, they are building an understanding of the earth, plant growth, and the importance of sustainability.

The introduction of our new worm farm has been a great success, with children eagerly participating in composting and learning about how food scraps can be transformed into nutrient-rich soil.

We have also extended our creative learning by exploring patterns and shapes through mosaics. The children first practised mosaicing techniques using paper tiles before confidently transferring their skills to real tiles and grout, creating beautiful and meaningful pieces of artwork.

Our LOTE German Day was held early this Term at lunchtime in the D-Block and was a great success. Students enjoyed delicious German pretzels from local bakery Bütterken and participated in a variety of fun cultural activities. Popular games included goal wall shooting (Torwandschiessen) and a lively German sing-along. Many students got involved, with prizes awarded throughout the event, making it an enjoyable and engaging celebration of German language and culture.

Our LOTE students recently enjoyed an enriching excursion to the German Film Festival, attending a screening at the ‘Kino’ of the Swiss film Mein Freund Barry.

This breathtaking live-action movie, based on a true story, captivated students with its powerful themes of friendship, courage, and survival. The film provided a meaningful opportunity to experience authentic German-language cinema in a real-world context.

Beyond the screen, students expanded their cultural understanding by exploring aspects of Swiss traditions, landscapes, and way of life. The excursion supported both language learning and intercultural awareness in an engaging and memorable way.

A fantastic experience for all involved! – Vielen Dank!

If you are thinking about Volunteering, please see further information HERE