This week, the world celebrated International Women’s Day. While at my desk and preparing to write this short piece for our campus newsletter, I felt drawn to this topic. And then I stopped and wondered whether I, a man, should write about this event. Am I in a position to write about International Women’s Day?

This day is celebrated annually as a focal point in the women's rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. But then I reflected further and thought that as a father of a young woman (who is at university in a male dominated subject area!), as a teacher and leader at a coeducational Christian college and as a Christian man, it is incredibly important that I do take time to pause, reflect and write about this.

The headline on the International Women’s Day website states:

"Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity."

So why do I write about International Women’s Day? Because unfortunately we are still not there with the whole equality thing. And we do not live in a world free of bias and discrimination. And it is the responsibility of both women and men to call out inequality, bias and discrimination when we see it. And I want my daughter to move from university into a world that values her for who she is and what she contributes to society. Not a world that places limitations, restrictions or labels on her because of her gender.

As a father, a teacher & leader and Christian man, it is my responsibility to educate and raise young men and women who want a gender equal world and who strive for this to be our reality. It is imperative that I set an example and a standard. Young men and women should see me embracing and championing equity. Young men and women should see all adults in their life embracing and championing equity. For we were all created in the image of God and as such we should “outdo one another in showing honour”.

Romans 12:9-18 (ESV)
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with affection. Outdo one another in showing honour.
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Mark Hamilton
Head of Secondary

Don't forget to keep an eye on Flinders Connect for notices about events!

TERM 2

24th April: Uniform shops both open 9:00am - 11:00am

26th April: All Students Commence Term 2

11th May: Mother's Day Stall

12th May: Mother's Day Breakfast

31st May: Tyabb Campus Open Day

16th June: STUDENT FREE DAY

23rd June: Last Day of Term 2

TERM 3

12th July: All Students Commence Term 3

14th September: Last Day of Term 3

TERM 4

2nd October: All Students Commence Term 4

6th November: Mid Term Break

7th November: Cup Day Public Holiday

24th November: Student Free Day

6th December: Secondary Presentation Night

8th December: Primary Presentation Night

8th December: Last Day of Term 4

The students at the Joshua Centre have recently started participating in electives in Wood Therapy or Music Therapy. Thanks so much to Mrs Dewar, Ms Campbell and Mr Levey for making these great classes a reality! Thanks also to our amazing integration aides Mrs Parkin and Mrs Jeyathilak for their support. It’s wonderful for the students to have some time in new settings having new enjoyable experiences. Well done to all!

Parents and Friends have bags of Cadbury mini egg chocolates to sell or eat! 😊

Come and collect a box from P&F Centre on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday every week and take them home for some treats or take them to work to sell to your colleagues, until they are sold out.

Looking forward to seeing you all!

Also, a huge thank you to all parents who have been supporting P&F over the past few weeks with all our different events. Your time and good cheer are invaluable and greatly appreciated. What a great team and we could not do it all without you!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank You.

Sally Bentley
Parents and Friends

The Movie Night last weekend was a wonderful family event. The weather was kind and the children who attended had a lovely time. Thank you to all our families who came!

We are excited to announce our 2023 School Musical is “Grease”!

Auditions are coming up for students in Years 7-12. You can register via QR code or the link provided in the two audition flyers below.

Year 8 – Villain Unit
Our Year 8 students have been exploring Stereotype characters from fairy tales such as the Big Bad Wolf and The Ugly Stepsister. Students have created scenes that consider the ‘bad' guys' point of view and reveal that they have been given a bad wrap. Our students have had lots of fun as they explore the use of costumes and props to assist in their storytelling.


Year 11 – Exploring performance styles through the Court Room scene in the Crucible.
Our Year 11 Drama students bring to live the book they are reading in English – The Crucible as they explore different performance styles of realism and Brecht’s Epic Theatre.

Assist the characters of "Clue” work out who the murderer is in this hilarious who done it.

Tickets on Sale NOW!

Introducing Chelsea Van Der Wyngaard

Chelsea is our singing teacher and choir director. Chelsea completed a Bachelor of Contemporary Music Performance in 2015, and has been performing and teaching singing ever since. She is passionate about developing students' music skills, and own unique voice. Chelsea has worked with students of all ages and ability levels helping them to strengthen and grow their vocal technique and capabilities. She has prepared students for various performances, musicals, auditions, AMEB exams, as well as tutoring V.C.E music students.

Along with teaching, Chelsea performs as a singer/songwriter across Melbourne venues and passes on this song-writing and industry knowledge to her students who are also wanting to pursue a career in the music industry.

Chelsea is also heavily involved in her Churchʼs music team where she runs choir, facilitates vocal workshops, and leads worship of a Sunday morning.

If your child is interested in vocal lessons or joining one of our sensational Primary or Secondary Choirs, please contact our Head of Performing Arts, Adam Carson, at adam.carson@flinders.vic.edu.au

The Music Department was buzzing with excitement during the annual Year 7 Music Evening on Thursday 23rd Feb. The evening introduced the Year 7 students and parents to the exciting variety of programs offered in the Secondary Music Department at Flinders.

The night began with an information session in the Chapel that included entertaining performances and demonstrations by the talented members of the Modern Band and String Quartet. The session was presented with grace by the sensational School Captain, Ben Parsons, and Performing Arts Captain, Selina Millard.

Following the information session, the night continued over at the Music Department with the Instrumental Staff and students running instrument trial sessions for the Year 7 students. During these sessions, the Year 7 students were provided the chance to watch and play any of instruments on offer at Flinders.

These instruments include drums, guitar, bass guitar, piano, alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, clarinet, flute, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, cornet, euphonium, tuba, violin, viola, cello, double bass, and vocals.

The Music Department is a vibrant and growing part of our school and we welcome all age groups to get involved in our extensive ensemble programs, and instrumental lessons.

Please feel free to contact the Head of Performing Arts, Adam Carson, for further details regarding the music programs offered and how we can support your child's education through the joys of music!

Adam Carson
Head of Performing Arts
adam.carson@flinders.vic.edu.au

This week students were able to watch the shearing of some of our sheep. A sheep's fleece needs to be removed regularly because it grows continuously. This process is timed meticulously in order to ensure our sheep are at just the right stage for the various sheep shows they are presented at.

Flinders Tyabb students have put in a huge effort across many different areas to enter their work into the Red Hill Show and to prepare a school stall for the show as well. We would love to see many Flinders families at the show to support our students! At the show you can find Flinders students or student work in the following areas:

- Sheep Pavilion: FCCC Sheep Show Team showing our Corriedale sheep

- Horticulture Oval: FCCC Farm stall selling seedlings, liquid gold fertiliser from our school worm farms and fleece from our sheep.

- Cooking & Craft Pavilion: FCCC woodwork student’s work

- Cooking & Craft Pavilion: FCCC food tech student’s work

We’d love to see you there!

Above: some of our Sheep Team students working together to prepare our processed wool to be sold at the show.

Below: some seedlings that were grown and cared for by Ag Studies students which will be for sale at the show.

Flinders Sheep Show Team

On Saturday the 4th of March, Flinders Sheep Show Team attended our 4th show of the year at Warragul showgrounds. We presented a large team of our Corriedale sheep and one of our ewe lambs ‘Kiara’ won Grand Champion Corriedale and Reserve Champion Ewe Lamb of Show!
Our Fleeces took out all of the top awards at the show, with “Tirian”, “Callisto” and “Anzac” taking out first place in each class and then our ewe’s fleece which was grown by “Callisto” won the Grand Champion Fleece of Show.

Flinders was well represented by a large number of students who all looked amazing in their show uniforms. There was also a sheep handling competition towards the end of the day which tests student's knowledge and ability to show off their sheep when they're in the show ring. The Senior handling was won by Max (Y9) and third place went to Bridgette (Y9). The Junior handling was won by Mathew (Y7) with Jamie (Y9) coming second and Baylen (Y6) in third. In addition to the students handling, there was also a fun parent and teacher handling competition which the students judged. This was won by Georgie B (Jamie, Flynn, Harvey and Oscar’s Mum), second went to Mathew’s Mum and third was won by Mrs Morris!

There also was a showmanship award to encourage youth who were seen to be helping others and having a strong involvement on the day. This award was won by Tiffany (Y10) and Harlow (Y8).

We thank all the parents and supporters for continuously helping out the team and we are looking forward to exhibiting at the Red Hill Show and Pakenham Show within the coming weeks.

-Max P (flinders sheep show team captain)

Above: Some of our Junior members who attended the Berwick Show with "Anzac" and "Tirian".

On Saturday the 25th of February our Flinders Sheep Show Team attended the Berwick Show. This show was the first of the year that our new members could attend, which was very exciting! The school competed against over 100 sheep which included many different breeds.

Overall, we were very proud of our team for doing so well in all of our classes. Our ewes placed 1st in the Corriedale pair of ewes, 1st, 2nd and 4th in the Corriedale ewe lamb class and 2nd and 3rd in the ewe over 2 years of age. The cherry on top for our successful ewe classes was our ewe lamb “Anzac” winning Champion Corriedale Ewe and then going on to win Reserve Champion Ewe Lamb of Show! A special mention should go to Anzac as her fleece also came 1st in the Corriedale lambs fleece class. We were also especially proud of our ram “Tirian” for placing 1st in his class and then going on to be the Reserve Champion Corriedale Ram. We are very pleased with how all our sheep did in their classes and can’t wait to see how they all do in the upcoming shows.

During this show we worked with a mentor system to ensure that everyone got a chance to show one of our sheep, and so our new team members were supported and felt comfortable at their first ever show. Our year 8 students each mentored a new team member and did an exceptional job at supporting and teaching them during the day.

Our whole show team was lucky enough to have a fleece judging lesson from a well-respected wool judge who showed the team how to fleece judge properly. He answered all questions put to him by the team which helped with their learning experience. Our three senior team members even got the chance to have a practice at their fleece judging too and get feedback on how they judged the fleeces.

We had great success in the Junior handling competitions also, with Tiffany (Y10), Nerissa (Y12), Max (Y9), Steph (Y6) and Harvey (Y5) all being recognised in the top ribbon placings with the rest of our team receiving positive comments about their great skills and attitude.

Throughout the day, our team supported all the other breeders at the show by assisting in feeding, watering and show preparation which was a great opportunity for us to learn more about other sheep breeds and how they differ from our school Corriedales. Many positive comments were made about our professionalism and willingness to help during the day which is always a good thing to hear. Many breeders also gave our new team members the opportunity to practise crutching on their sheep with the help of their mentors.

Overall, we all had a great day at the Berwick Show and are so proud of the whole team for their dedication, teamwork, and willingness to try new things! Thank you to all of the parents and supporters for their help and assistance during the show.

-Harlow J (Flinders Sheep Show Team Member)

Above: Jordy and Josh (Year 7) showing our sheep at their first ever show, with their Year 8 mentors, Ruby and Naomi.

Teamwork makes the dream work! We all pitch in to help clean the trailers out after each show.

Tiff (year 10) having a 1 on 1 fleece judging lesson with Sandy, a renowned wool judge.

Ella (Yr 7), Nerissa (Yr 12) and Logan (Yr 7) showing our ewe lambs in their class. Judge Leigh Ellis is looking at each sheep's face and their front leg structure.

Some of our team competing in the Junior Handling competition.

On Thursday, Year 9 Geography students were out and about investigating traffic management on the Mornington Peninsula.

My role at Flinders Christian Community College is Head of House for Ten Boom and I teach as part of the Humanities and English departments.

I have been at Flinders since the start of 2021. The thing I love most about Flinders is the small size of the school as it allows deeper connections between students and teachers and staff.

When I was at school, the teacher that inspired me most was my maths teacher, Mr McClelland. Mr McClelland was also my running coach so we spent quite a bit of time together, he was a great mentor. Running was my favourite thing growing up and he used to threaten that if I didn’t complete my maths homework, that he wouldn’t let me attend training – so I always did my homework! Only recently has he retired, and he sent me a photo of a letter I wrote him (20+ years ago) during a time when he had some time off work due to injury. I sounded like I was very lost without him at school.

I was born in Mareeba, Far North Queensland. I left following high school and have since lived in every Australian State, except South Australia.

My favourite food is easy to choose, chocolate! My favourite book however is much tougher to decide. My list includes "Eat, Pray, Love", "Where the Crawdads Sing", “The Tea Rose”, “Time Traveller's Wife”, “Born to Run” … I could go all day. I could also watch "Adjustment Bureau", "Good Will Hunting" and "Pretty Woman" on repeat! The movie “Honey” has a special place in my heart also.

I am clearly fond of reading, also gardening, but my favourite thing of all is being outdoors with my 5 year old. Top of my bucket list would be to take my son to Disneyland, but without the queues! So I might just have to settle with Disney on Ice!

For families who have a Health Care Card, Veterans Affairs Card, Pensioner Concession Card or who are foster parents, you may be eligible for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) provides payments for eligible students to attend activities like school camps or trips, swimming and school-organised sport programs, outdoor education programs, excursions, and incursions.

If applying, application forms must be returned to the Finance Office before the 23rd of June to be submitted for 2023. For more information about the CSEF fund and the current application, please visit our website via this link.

If you have any queries on this fund, phone Cindy van Straaten in the Finance Office on 5973 2020.

Eligibility
To be eligible for the fund, on the first day of term one, the first day of term two or the first day of term three, a parent or legal guardian of a student must:

a) Be an eligible beneficiary of one of these cards: Veterans Affairs Gold Card, Centrelink Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, OR

b) They must be a temporary foster parent, AND

c) The parent or legal guardian must apply by the due date.

Parents who receive a carer allowance on behalf of a child, or any other benefit or allowance not income tested by Centrelink, are not eligible for the CSEF unless they also comply with the above.

Eligibility Date
For concession card holders CSEF eligibility will be subject to the parent/legal guardian’s concession card being successfully validated with Centrelink on the first day of either term one, term two or term three.


Finance Office
Our Finance Office is for all financial matters regarding the College and students. You can contact us via email or phone the Finance Office directly on (03) 5973 2020.