In our community, inspiration is not simply a theological concept; it is a source of energy and purpose that shapes the way we live each day. The word inspiration has its roots in the idea of being ‘breathed into’ or filled with life. This connects deeply with Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit, which continues to guide, encourage and challenge us.

When we are inspired by Scripture, it can transform the way we see one another and the world around us. Faith becomes more than something we learn about or practise in isolation; it is expressed through our relationships and our actions. We create a culture of mutual support when members of our community care practically for those who are unwell, offer encouragement to those who are struggling, and actively welcome those who may feel isolated.

This understanding is reflected in Paul’s words in Romans 12:9–21, where he calls Christians to let love be genuine and to demonstrate this through kindness, generosity and care for others. Similarly, Galatians 6:2 encourages us to “carry each other’s burdens.” These passages present a powerful vision of a Christian community: one in which faith is not only professed, but lived.

Worship also plays an important role in fostering inspiration. When worship moves beyond a passive ritual and becomes an active and heartfelt encounter, we can experience inspiration through music, prayer, Scripture and reflection. These moments invite us to pause, to consider what matters most and to reconnect with God, ourselves and one another. We seek to be the salt and light for one another. Encouragement can be found not only in significant moments, but also in the everyday choices we make: showing compassion, listening carefully, and treating others with dignity and respect.

Within a Christian community, this is particularly meaningful for our young people. As students grow, they are learning not only about their own identity and beliefs, but also how to live alongside others whose experiences may be different from their own. A community grounded in love, respect and service provides us with opportunities to develop empathy, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility. Our students are encouraged to consider how the values of love, service, compassion and respect might be lived out in practical ways.

The impact of an inspired community extends well beyond the school years. The habits and values that students develop through their relationships, learning and experiences can become foundations that they carry with them into the wider world. As they grow into adulthood, they will encounter new communities, challenges and opportunities. Our hope is that they will continue to draw upon the values they have explored here: to act with compassion, to carry the burdens of others, to recognise the dignity of every person and to contribute positively wherever life takes them.

In this way, inspiration is not simply something we experience in a single moment. It is something that can flourish within us and be expressed through the way we live.

Karen Bryant

Deputy Head of Secondary, Teaching and Learning

This year’s Melbourne Royal Show was a fantastic experience for our school’s sheep showing team. It gave students the opportunity to learn new skills, compete, meet people from across the sheep industry and represent our school to the wider community.

We started on Tuesday with a preparation day, working together to get our sheep ready for the show. There were plenty of jobs to be done, and students helped wherever they were needed.

Wednesday was focused on learning, with sessions covering everything from polishing boots and shearing presentation to how different breeds should be presented in the show ring and what judges look for when judging sheep. These sessions gave students a better understanding of the skills and knowledge involved in sheep showing.

Thursday brought the excitement of the actual showing, along with plenty of laughs. One memorable moment involved Soldier, who decided he absolutely did **not** want to walk! After plenty of convincing, Captain Taylor and Miss Bold had to help get him moving towards the ring. Once he finally got there, he suddenly decided walking wasn't so bad after all!

Throughout the show, students also had opportunities to help other studs and meet people involved in different parts of the sheep industry. Some students were able to speak on the microphone, talk with members of the general public and showcase what our school’s sheep showing program is all about.

Friday was junior handling and junior judging, giving students the chance to demonstrate their knowledge, presentation and handling skills. Everyone put in a huge amount of effort, and while not everyone received a ribbon, every student should be proud of what they achieved.

One of the best parts of Melbourne Royal was the sense of community. Between the bus rides, preparing sheep, helping each other and sharing plenty of laughs, the team became even closer. It really felt like being part of a family.

Melbourne Royal was about much more than winning. It was an opportunity for students to develop confidence, learn about the sheep industry, represent our school and build friendships and connections that will continue beyond the show.

It was a busy, competitive and incredibly fun week, and one that our sheep showing team will definitely remember.

By Sophie I Year 9

Reflecting on Term 3, another wonderful term of hands-on learning, new experiences and exciting developments on the Flinders Farm.

Our Primary students have enjoyed meeting Summer and Duncan, our visiting cows, who have certainly been a highlight of the term! Students have also been exploring the water cycle, discovering the importance of pollination and caring for our growing lambs. Our Grade 3 students have been busy planting seedlings grown from cuttings and seeds in the Boes Road car park, contributing to the ongoing development of our College grounds.

In Secondary, our Year 7 students have been creating delicious pizzas as part of their Paddock to Plate assessment, while Year 8 students have been designing sustainable farms using best management practices. Students have also explored soil health, pasture management, animal nutrition and biosecurity, gaining valuable insights into the responsibilities of caring for animals and the environment.

With spring arriving, our vineyard is beginning to bud. A special thank you to Year 12 student Jamie B, who has dedicated his time and skills to rewiring the vineyard, leaving a wonderful legacy as he prepares for his next chapter. We also extend our sincere thanks to Clyde Compost for their generous donation of 50 bags of compost, which students have enjoyed spreading throughout our garden beds.

Our sheep have also kept students busy, with their wool being put to good use through spinning, felting and fertiliser production. Our dedicated Sheep Team has been preparing our Flinders Corriedales for the Geelong and Royal Melbourne Shows, providing students with valuable opportunities to develop their confidence, independence and agricultural skills.

Agriculture at Flinders continues to provide meaningful opportunities for students to learn through practical experiences, develop responsibility and appreciate the importance of caring for God's creation.

Thank you to our students, families and wider Flinders community for their ongoing support of our Agriculture program throughout the term.

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

The SIS Teen Chef program provided an outstanding opportunity for students to showcase their culinary skills, creativity and passion for food. This year, our Year 12 students, Oliver U and Amy T, achieved remarkable success by progressing to the National Finals and winning the competition against students from schools across Australia with their outstanding butter chicken main dish.

Competing at a national level, they demonstrated exceptional talent, professionalism and composure under pressure. Their achievement reflects not only their impressive cooking abilities but also the hard work, dedication and commitment they demonstrated throughout the competition. Aligned with the standards of excellence promoted by the Australian Culinary Federation, Oli and Amy have been outstanding ambassadors for our school. Congratulations to both students on this incredible accomplishment and well-deserved national title.

We are excited to invite our Flinders families and wider community to our upcoming Art, Design & Technology Show, celebrating the incredible creativity, talent and achievements of our Primary, Secondary and Joshua Centre students.

Throughout the year, students have been working hard to develop their skills, explore their creativity and bring their ideas to life. The exhibition will showcase a wonderful variety of student work, including paintings, drawings, ceramics, textiles, food, woodwork and much more.

We warmly invite families, friends and members of our wider community to join us for Opening Night on Wednesday 28 October, where you can enjoy afternoon tea and live music while exploring the impressive work of our students.

Event Details

Opening Night: Wednesday 28 October, 3.00pm–5.30pm (afternoon tea and live music)
Additional Viewing: Thursday 29 October, 3.00pm–5.30pm
Location: A Block – Visual Arts Hub, corner of Boes Road and Mornington-Tyabb Road, Tyabb

This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students' creativity, dedication and achievements across the Arts, Design and Technology.

We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating the talents of our Flinders students!

Perfect

In the supermarket lights,
everything is arranged like it’s trying to be chosen.

Apples lined up in perfect rows,
all the same shine,
all pretending they didn’t bump into each other to get here.

I pick one up,
turn it in my hand
like I’m deciding what “good” looks like.

The labels matter more than they should.
Organic. Perfect. Extra sweet.
As if fruit can pass or fail at being fruit.

Bananas are judged for their curves
before anyone even tastes them.

I hear someone say,
“Don’t pick that one, it’s bruised,”
like damage is contagious.

The grapes are packaged too tightly,
like they’re not allowed to spread out
or take up too much space.

I notice how fast people decide
what’s worth putting in their basket.

The strawberries are all the same size
like they went through a test
none of them agreed to.

I start thinking about timing.
Too green = not ready.
Too soft = too late.
There’s only a narrow moment
where something is considered “right.”

And I stand there
wondering when I started feeling like fruit
on a shelf.

Something people glance at
before choosing something better.

The peaches look perfect from far away,
but no one talks about how easily they bruise
when you’re not careful with them.

I put one apple back,
then pick it up again,
like I can’t decide if it deserves me
or I deserve it.

The checkout beep sounds final.
Like once you’re chosen,
that’s who you are.

And I realise
it was never really about fruit.

It was about being seen
and deciding
if that felt like enough.

The 2026 SIS Debating Competition came to a thrilling conclusion this week, with Flinders proudly hosting the Grand Final. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of students from across the competition and to showcase the impressive skills, preparation and confidence they have developed throughout the year.

We congratulate all students who participated in the 2026 SIS Debating Competition. Whether competing in the early rounds or making it through to the Grand Final, every student demonstrated courage, commitment and a willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging ideas. Their ability to listen respectfully, construct persuasive arguments and respond to different perspectives is a valuable skill that extends well beyond the debating room.

We are particularly proud of the way our students represented Flinders in the community, demonstrating respect, integrity and perseverance throughout the competition.

A special thank you to the staff who supported this year’s three major debating events and helped make the competition possible. Their time, encouragement and commitment to our students are greatly appreciated.

We give thanks to God for the opportunities our students have had to develop their gifts and abilities in this year’s competition, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth in the years ahead.

What a fantastic night it was at our Back to the 80’s Music Trivia Event! The evening was filled with laughter, music, 80's attire, trivia, performances and plenty of 80’s spirit, creating a wonderful celebration of everything that makes the Flinders Music Department such a special part of our College community.

More than simply a fundraiser, the evening was a wonderful reflection of the true spirit of the Flinders Music Department. Seeing students, families, staff and members of our wider Flinders community come together to enjoy live music and celebrate our students’ achievements highlighted the incredible sense of community that exists around our Music programs.

A special thank you goes to the wonderful students who performed throughout the evening. Our Secondary Choir, Camerata, Year 11 Rock Band and Modern Band each contributed fantastic performances that helped create the atmosphere and energy of the night. Their enthusiasm, musicianship and willingness to share their talents were a wonderful demonstration of the opportunities and enjoyment that music education provides.

A very special thank you goes to Sally Bentley for her ongoing encouragement and support of the Music Department. We would also like to sincerely thank our sensational Music staff Annette Yates, Brooke Miller, Tonino Berghella, Julia Johnson, Greta Kerrigan, Maurice Victor and Gary Bosdorf for their time, energy and support throughout the evening.

Most importantly, thank you to all of the Flinders Community members who attended and supported the event. Your enthusiasm, generosity and willingness to come together helped us raise valuable funds that will directly support Music Education for our Primary and Secondary students through our Instrumental and Ensemble Programs.

It was a truly memorable evening and a wonderful celebration of the role music plays within our College.

Adam Carson
Head of Performing Arts

Father's Night provided a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the partnership between families and the kindergarten community. Through shared activities, laughter and conversation, children and their fathers enjoyed meaningful time together, celebrating the importance of connection, belonging and relationships. These experiences reflect both the VEYLDF's emphasis on strong partnerships and The Flinders Way as we grow together as a connected and supportive community.

JCA
Aboriginal art: The JCA class explored Indigenous Australian art and storytelling by watching a video about traditional dot paintings and learning about their significance. Students then created their own artworks, using Indigenous symbols to tell a story, and thoroughly enjoyed expressing their ideas through this creative activity.

Science: The JCA class has been exploring forces in Science, investigating how gravity affects the movement of objects. Students made predictions and tested how far a toy car would travel down a ramp, discovering that as the ramp became steeper, the car travelled further due to the increased effect of gravity.

JCB

JCB are planting beans at Ag Studies. They love helping out at the farm. Grade three Primary students built the A-Frames and JCB planted the seeds at the base of these A-Frames with the hope of the seeds sprouting over the school holidays.

JCC

The JCC class recently enjoyed an exciting science incursion that brought the fascinating world of matter to life. Through a range of engaging demonstrations and hands-on activities, students explored solids, liquids and gases, learning how heat can cause substances to change state. Highlights included experimenting with dry ice, watching impressive dry ice effects, and creating a bubbling dry ice fountain where students were able to safely handle and pop the bubbles produced. The workshop was closely aligned with the Victorian Curriculum and encouraged students to develop their science inquiry skills through observation, prediction and discussion. It was wonderful to see our students so engaged, curious and enthusiastic as they explored science in a fun and interactive way.

Joshua Centre Secondary

Our JC Seniors recently put their scientific skills to the test in an exciting “Solving a Crime Using Chemical Science” practical! Students became forensic scientists, investigating a mystery crime scene and using chemical reactions and scientific observations to analyse evidence and identify the culprit.

From testing unknown substances to recording observations and using evidence to draw conclusions, students practised their skills in hypothesising, conducting fair tests, analysing results and communicating scientific findings.

It was a hands-on and engaging way to explore how chemistry is used in the real world- and our budding forensic scientists certainly rose to the challenge!

Learning in the Community at Benton Rise Farm

JCD recently enjoyed a wonderful community visit to Benton Rise Farm, where students had the opportunity to put their community and life skills into practice in a real-world setting.

Students practised money exchange and purchasing skills, building confidence in handling transactions and communicating with others. They also took on the important responsibility of monitoring the chickens, working together to keep them safely away from the carpark and ensuring they remained in a secure area.

The visit provided valuable opportunities to develop independence, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and community safety skills in an authentic environment. It was fantastic to see our Seniors taking responsibility, supporting one another and engaging so positively with the farm and wider community.

A big thank you to Benton Rise Farm for welcoming our Seniors and providing such a meaningful hands-on learning experience!

Seniors Step Into the World of the Shoguns

Our Joshua Centre Seniors recently stepped beyond the classroom and into the world of feudal Japan, taking part in a hands-on martial arts experience at Community House, Mt Martha.

As part of our Humanities studies exploring Japan Under The Showguns, students have been learning about the social structure, traditions and way of life of feudal Japanese society. The martial arts session provided an exciting opportunity to bring this learning to life, giving students a practical connection to the discipline, movement and traditions associated with Japanese martial arts.

Students enthusiastically participated in a range of activities, developing their listening, coordination, resilience and teamwork skills along the way. Experiencing elements of martial arts in a supportive community setting helped students make meaningful connections between what they have been learning in the classroom and the cultural practices of historical Japan.

It was wonderful to see our Seniors embracing the experience, trying something new and demonstrating our Joshua Centre values of respect, perseverance and curiosity. A fantastic example of learning extending beyond the classroom!

Our Cross Campus Inter Girls and Junior Boys Netball teams competed at the State Finals Day of the Netball Victoria Schools Championships, with the girls competing Tuesday 8th
and the boys competing Thursday 3rd. The Finals Days are where the winners of each preliminary round come together to compete at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parkville.

Our teams played in a tournament-style competition, with super quick games consisting of 2 x 7 minute halves. Having Flinders teams competing at both of these championship days is an incredible achievement, and we would like to congratulate all the students involved for their commitment, effort and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Wednesday Twilight Program (Divisions 1 & 2): Hosted at Davey’s Bay Yacht Club, the program will run weekly from late October through November, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Students must be competent sailors, as this is a team’s racing 3v3 format. An expression of interest will be posted in the bulletin, where students can sign up. For more information, please contact MEnglish27@fccc.vic.edu.au or Natalie.Chatfield@flinders.vic.edu.au. We would also like to run one training session per week at Mornington Yacht Club.

On the 1st of September, our Cross Campus Athletics Squad headed to Casey Fields to compete in the SIS Athletics Carnival. On windy Tuesday, those who were available competed hard and true to the values of Flinders of integrity, humility, grace, love, perseverance representing our college with Pride. We were able to compete well and bring home the under 16 Boys athletics pennant.

We would like to highlight a few of our Tyabb Campus students - Ryder Gilbert, Marc Fares, Latika and Natalia Hick - have been selected to compete as part of the SIS Athletics team. Competing at the Secondary school association championships (SSAV) on Thursday the 15th of October at Lakeside, we wish our start athletes all the best as they continue to represent themselves and our college.

Congratulations to all of our students who participated in SIS sport this term! Special mentions to the below students who recieved the MVPs

Junior boys AFL – Levi B
Junior Girls AFL – Gracie G
Inter Girls Netball – Sahayla M
Inter Boys Soccer – Will C
Senior Boys Basketball – Mark F
Senior Girls Netball – Ella M

In Term 4 the below sports are availble for participations.

Junior Boys basketball A
Junior Boys basketball B
Junior Girls basketball
Junior Girls volleyball
Inter Girls basketball
Inter Boys basketball

We have continued with our Strength and Conditioning program with the Weights room being opened up for students use on Tuesday's at lunchtime and afterschool Our lunch program serves as an ‘open gym’ where, under our S&C staff’s supervision, students are able to uses various pieces of the equipment, try new movements or completed any rebab or prescribed return to play exercise. The after-school program changes lanes to a tailored Youth Athlete Development focus, where students work through individualised program, written in house by our Lead S&C Coach, to enhance their individual sport performance as well as reduce the risk of physical injury.

Extending on the openness to utilise the weights room, year 12 Students Max Penny, utilised his initiative to collaborate with staff in entering the Power Lifting Australia: Schools Strength competition. Max entered into the u17 Bench Press, completed a top set Bench Press for a One repetition Maximum of 120kg. At the time of writing, results have not yet been announced. We wish Max Penny all the best with his competing results.

The Cyber Safety Project is hosting its final parent webinar for 2026, focusing on Cyberbullying & Resilience.

This informative session will provide parents and carers with practical strategies to help young people navigate online challenges, build resilience and develop positive digital habits. The webinar will explore how to support children in bouncing back from online setbacks, turn technology challenges into valuable learning opportunities and promote their overall digital wellbeing.

Webinar Details

Date: Tuesday 27 October 2026

Time: 7.30pm (AEDT)

Audience: Parents and carers

Registration: cybersafetyproject.com/parents-2026

Parents and carers who register will receive a recording of the webinar and additional resources via email within 24 hours of the session.

We encourage our Flinders families to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to gain practical tools and insights to support their children in navigating the digital world safely and confidently.

Dear Tyabb Families,

As we enter the 2026–27 bushfire and grassfire season, we would like to remind families of the College's emergency preparedness arrangements and the measures in place to support the safety of our students, staff and wider College community.

Tyabb Campus – Fire Risk Classification
Our Tyabb Campus is classified as Category 4 for fire risk, which is separate from the Victorian Department of Education's Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR).

Although this represents a lower fire risk classification, the College maintains emergency preparedness arrangements in accordance with Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) requirements.

School Closures on Catastrophic Fire Danger Days
If a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating is forecast for the Central fire weather district, Tyabb Campus will close as a precautionary safety measure.

On these days:

- No students, staff, visitors, contractors or other community members are permitted on campus.

- All school bus services to and from the campus will be cancelled.

- Before- and after-school activities, sporting programs and community use of College facilities will not operate.

- Families will need to make alternative arrangements for their children's care and supervision.

The College will communicate any planned closure to families through our usual communication channels as early as possible. Please be aware that changes in weather conditions may occasionally result in short-notice decisions.

Emergency Preparedness and Student Activities
The College regularly reviews its Emergency Management Plans, undertakes emergency drills and maintains procedures for evacuation, shelter-in-place and other emergency responses.

We also monitor bushfire and grassfire risks associated with camps, excursions, student transport and other offsite activities. Activities may be modified, postponed or cancelled where conditions present an unacceptable risk, including where a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating is forecast for an affected location or travel route.

How Families Can Help
We encourage all families to:

- Ensure your emergency contact details are current with the College. Please update your information on Flinders Connect App - My Details tab.

- Consider alternative care arrangements in the event of a school closure.

- Monitor local conditions and emergency warnings through VicEmergency and official emergency services.

- Follow College communications and instructions during any school-related emergency.

Further Information
Families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the College’s Bushfire Preparedness Policy : College Policies | Flinders Christian Community College

If you have any questions regarding the College's emergency preparedness arrangements, please contact Luke, Head of Tyabb Campus.

Thank you for your continued cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and prepared College community.