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It has been encouraging to see in recent months the acknowledgement of the deep value, purpose and place of Christian education from the wider community.
St Andrews Christian College has received high praise and acknowledgement in a number of positive pieces recently in the media. Recent articles in the Herald Sun and other publications highlight St Andrews Christian College being one of the highest performing independent schools in the state and nation, whilst remaining an affordable option for an independent education. However more importantly, St Andrews Christian College has highlighted the positive impact of Christian community and its place within education. We are blessed with teachers and support staff who are outstanding practitioners, students who have a keen desire to learn and parents who are immensely supportive of the College and their child’s education. However, we believe that what has attracted the attention and interest of our wider community is far more than these things in isolation, rather it is the light that is shining from Christian education. Matthew 5:14-16 reminds us of the opportunity we as Christians have to be a community of believers whose faith shines brightly and is not suppressed.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This scripture also reminds us that the glory is not ours, rather it is His that the glory belongs to, which is reflective of our College motto of Glory to God.
Like many Christian schools, St Andrews Christian College is experiencing growing demand from prospective families for a St Andrews education. With this in mind, the College embarked on a new chapter in our journey in 2025 with an additional class of students in our Year 7 intake. This has been a positive step forward in providing more families with an opportunity to have a St Andrews Christian College education, and as a result will lead to incremental growth over the next 6 years in student enrolments in the Secondary school. As a part of our strategic planning and our anticipation of the impact of growth on our facilities, we are due to commence a new building project to extend our Secondary school, commencing toward the end of the year. This building project will facilitate the construction of eight additional classrooms as well as communal spaces, locker bays and offices. We anticipate that this construction program will conclude and be ready for students by the commencement of the 2028 academic year.
As we approach the halfway mark of the 2026 academic year, I wish to thank our community for their continued engagement and support in the spiritual formation and learning of our students at the College. We are indeed blessed to be a part of a Christ-centred community as we seek to bring Glory to God through Christian education.
One of the greatest joys of my role is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships. Connecting with families and engaging in our wider community is truly at the heart of what I do.
Supporting College events is a particular blessing, as it allows me to witness the gifts and talents of our students and staff in so many ways.
This term has been especially rich in these experiences. I was privileged to support our VEX Robotics team as they prepared for and travelled to the World Championships in St Louis, Missouri USA. I also had the joy of attending the Generations in Jazz Festival in Mount Gambier, SA alongside our talented Performing Arts team. Behind the scenes, I have been involved in preparations for our upcoming College Musical, Midnight: The Musical, as well as engaging in many conversations around excursions, incursions, music concerts and new opportunities that enrich learning beyond the classroom.
It is my ongoing aim and prayer to lead with purpose, compassion, and faith, trusting that God will guide each decision and interaction. My hope is that, through this role, I can contribute in a small way to making a lasting and positive impact within our wonderful St Andrews community.
On a practical note, I would like to remind families that students should not be dropped off before 8:20am. Staff are rostered to provide duty of care in designated areas—including the Domed area, car park drop-off zone, and Prep playground—from this time onward, but not before.
For the safety of all members of our community, we kindly ask that families do not use the staff car park for this purpose and instead utilise the MPH drop-off area only.
For families requiring care outside these hours, our OHSC provider, 3CKidz, is available for both before and after school care. Registrations can be completed via the College website.
Thank you for your cooperation and for partnering with us in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students.
At St Andrews Christian College, our teachers use a research-backed approach to learning called the Gradual Release of Responsibility model. This model provides a structured framework that gradually shifts the responsibility for learning from the teacher to the student, moving through four key stages: Focussed Instruction, Guided Instruction, Collaborative Learning, and Independent Learning
The diagram below shows the four stages of the Gradual Release of Responsibility model:
In the Term 1 Newsletter, we looked at the first stage of the Gradual Release of Responsibility model: Focussed Instruction – “I Do It” where the teacher takes the lead in introducing new knowledge and skills. We explored the elements of: Starting with Clear Goals, Keeping it Focussed, Learning by Watching an Expert Think and Setting the Stage for What Comes Next. This term I want to look at the second stage of the model: Guided Instruction – “We Do It.”
Once students have been introduced to new content through Focussed Instruction, they are ready to move into Guided Instruction. This is the stage where the teacher begins to step back a little, and invites students to start practising new skills with carefully targeted support. Rather than simply watching and listening, students now begin to have a go, while the teacher remains close by to guide, prompt, and redirect as needed.
Guided Instruction is not about students working independently; that comes later. Instead, it is a supported rehearsal stage; the bridge between the teacher demonstrating a skill and students applying it on their own. Research by educational psychologist Barak Rosenshine confirms that new learning is fragile and can be quickly forgotten without sufficient practice. Effective teachers understand this, and deliberately spend more time in this guided phase, working through problems with students together, co-constructing understanding, and prompting students to explain their thinking.
This is not passive learning. Students might be asked to explain a step to a partner, solve a problem, or identify where a worked example has gone wrong. Each of these activities deepens understanding and helps learning move from short-term working memory into long-term memory.
One of the most powerful tools a teacher uses during Guided Instruction is purposeful questioning. Rather than simply asking “Does everyone understand?”, a question that rarely reveals much, skilled teachers ask targeted questions that make every student’s thinking visible: “What do you notice here?” “What would happen if we tried it this way?” “Can you explain why you took that step?” The emphasis is on guiding students toward deeper understanding rather than simply giving them the answer.
These checks for understanding are diagnostic tools. They help the teacher see in real time who has grasped the concept, who is nearly there, and who needs a little more support before moving on. Rosenshine’s research shows that the most effective teachers check for understanding frequently and consistently throughout this phase, rather than waiting until the end of a lesson to find out what students have or haven’t learned.
At St Andrews Christian College, this often involves teachers working with small groups while other students engage in collaborative or independent tasks. If a check for understanding reveals that most students are ready to move forward, the teacher can do so with confidence. If common errors or misconceptions emerge, the teacher can pause and reteach before those misunderstandings become habits.
There is an important reason this stage sits at the heart of the Gradual Release model. When students attempt a task with the right level of support they begin to build both competence and confidence. They experience the satisfaction of working through a challenge and succeeding, which in turn motivates them to keep trying. Over time, this guided practice develops the skills and self-belief students need to eventually work independently.
Guided Instruction is a reminder that learning is not a solo pursuit; it flourishes in the space between teacher expertise and student effort.
Next term, I look forward to sharing more about the third stage of the model: Collaborative Learning – “You Do It Together”.
Our Robotics teams returned from an incredible experience earlier this term competing at the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championships in St Louis, USA, where they represented Australia against the world's best teams. After several days of preparation and practice with local schools, our students entered the competition ready to test themselves on the international stage, while also building valuable friendships with teams from around the world.
Our High School team (3477C) demonstrated outstanding perseverance, continually refining their robot and autonomous programming throughout the competition. As they adapted to the exceptionally high standard of international competition, they finished the qualifying rounds with a strong record that ranked among the best-performing Australian teams at the event. The Middle School team (3477B) also impressed with consistent autonomous performances, exceptional driver skill and determined defence, competing strongly in a highly competitive field and narrowly missing victory in several close matches.
Beyond the competition results, the World Championships provided an invaluable learning opportunity. Through countless hours of practice, collaboration with teams from across the globe, and the generous hospitality of local schools in St Louis, our students developed not only their technical skills but also resilience, teamwork and sportsmanship. We congratulate all four students on representing the College with excellence and look forward to seeing how this experience strengthens our Robotics program in the years ahead.
On Tuesday 12 May, St. Andrews Christian College hosted the Secondary CSEN Public Speaking Championships for the second year running. The schools who attended were full of praise for the friendly and inviting atmosphere at St Andrews. Both the Senior Secondary and Junior Secondary team worked hard in the weeks leading up to the competition, meeting during Lunch on Tuesdays to practice both prepared and impromptu speeches. The hard work paid off, as the Junior Secondary team, consisting of Adlyn Tan, Chloe Law, Raquel Thor, Megan Lien, Maia Yarlett and Isla McMahon claimed victory. Well done to all our brave speakers!
On Wednesday 13 May, St Andrews hosted the CSEN Public Speaking Competition, where a team of five Year 6 students proudly represented the school.
Aaron Chen, Jamie Cho, Maylis Mestry, Sarah Ng and Joyce Xu each participated in both a prepared speech and an impromptu speech, demonstrating confidence, strong communication skills and the ability to think on their feet.
We praise God for their talents and the wonderful way they represented the school.
What a term we have enjoyed together! It has been jam-packed full of learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Students have explored what it means to be fearfully and wonderfully made and there have certainly been some stand out moments.
Our theme scripture from Psalm 139:14 has been a constant source of inspiration to the Primary team.
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
As students have focussed on who has created them and their uniqueness, we have celebrated student’s personal strengths through the Visible Wellbeing program. God has gifted each student uniquely and for the purpose of bringing Him glory. Part of this is sharing our gifts and talents with others. Our two music events early in the term, Jazz Night and Autumn Concert, were a beautiful expression of gifts and sharing. We were wowed with what can be achieved when musicians come to play together in unison! As we concludes the term together, Year 6 shared their talents with the younger students through the Market Day. Year 6s have done a marvellous job in working in teams to create a business. They had products that they knew the younger students would love whilst reflecting the strengths of the group.
In highlighting gifts this term, we also celebrated the Year 4-6 Chess Team who took out third place. The Year 5 and 6s took home Premiers in Soccer and Runners-up in Netball and T-Ball in the first round of the winter sports games. Most recently several individuals across Year 3-6 shone in the CSEN Cross Country. Well done to all the students who have contributed so well.
Other highlights this term have included classes coming together to enjoy hands-on maths lessons. Years 1 measured, Year 2s cooked and Year 3 problem-solved all whilst learning that maths is EVERYWHERE and maths is FUN! As a Primary we enjoyed the National Simultaneous Reading event joining in with thousands of other students across the state online to read the same picture story book, Luna Roo, and celebrate a love of reading. Another highlight has been the Primary Swimming Program at Aquanation. All students furthered their water safety and developed confidence with various strokes. We are thankful for these enriching learning experiences.
As we reflect on the term, teachers have been busy releasing feedback pieces and finalising student reports. The hope is that by the end of term, parents will have received several feedback pieces informing them of their child’s progress and fostering learning conversations at home.
I am thankful for God’s sustaining grace and provision for each student, family and staff member. Please join me in praying for a restful break.
Blessings,
The Prep classes have really enjoyed learning about how different people help in our community. We have been blessed to have several parents and another visitor come to share with us.
We have learnt about Pastors, Engineers, Language School Teachers, Dentists, Physiotherapists, Pharmacists, Soccer coaches, Music Teachers and more. We liked learning about the different places people work as well as seeing their uniforms and some of the special tools they use. It was fun asking lots of questions too!
As part of our learning about Community Helpers, the Preps and Year 1s had special visits from Fire fighters Matt, Justin, Jamie and Station Officer Matt, who taught us all about Fire Safety. We learned about good and bad fires, calling 000 in an emergency, safe meeting places and how to “Crawl down low and go, go, go”. We also learned about Safe Family Meeting places, smoke detectors and to “stop, drop, cover and roll” if we have fire on us. We loved exploring the “pumper” Fire Engine! We walked through the vehicle and even had a turn spraying the fire hose. Lots of 5-year-olds wanted to be fire fighters and agreed it was the “best day ever”!
Our Zoo excursion earlier this term was a truly special and memorable day, beautifully blessed by God in so many ways. The weather was perfect as we explored the zoo, encountering fascinating animals such as lemurs, tigers and hippos. The highlight of the day was venturing through the magical butterfly house, as well as learning about the incredible lifespan of tortoises. Students also had the opportunity to become young wildlife scientists in the outdoor learning area, where they engaged in hands-on discovery.
Throughout the excursion, students learnt so much about the unique features of animals and how they are specially adapted to thrive in their environments. As our Year 1 students now conclude their 'Homely Habitats' unit, it has been wonderful to see them applying their learning from the Zoo excursion to the presentations they are currently working on.
And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
The Year 3s spent the day at McClelland Sculpture Park exploring art in God's creation. During the bus journey, students used their booklets to spot the various sculptures dotted along the freeway, and they became very excited about this activity!
Once we arrived, the students participated in a guided tour with an artist, learning about art processes and meaning. The students showed kindness and respect to the gallery staff. There was also a tour with me, where we explored God's perspective on various artworks. During our discussion time, the students shared insightful and profound thoughts.
The second part of the day included playing inside the sculptures and completing observational drawing activities. I am very grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to share art with the students, especially in such good weather. I am also thankful to the Year 3 teachers who supported this big day.
Our primary students have been discovering that Maths is everywhere through hands-on learning experiences that combine fun, real-world connections, and problem-solving. Year 3 students explored measurement through P.E. as we measured, recorded and compared distance, time and mass. Our Year 2 students had fun measuring and making jelly then discovering how to share the jelly equally using arrays. Our Year 1 students became Problem Solving Detectives as they learnt to look for the clues and important information within worded questions. They explored different strategies to solve problems and cleverly used their skills to discover who stole the lollies. It has been wonderful to see our students actively engaged, working together, and discovering the joy of learning Maths through hands-on experiences.
On 15 May, the Year 4 students had the wonderful opportunity to watch the opera The Magic Pudding at The Round. For many students, it was their first experience of live theatrical opera, making it a memorable cultural experience.
We also had a History Box Incursion on 6th May and had an enjoyable and educational time learning about the First Fleet with Barry and Cynda from History Box. Some students dressed up as a governor, marine, Aboriginal man, or convict while we listened to Barry and Cynda's engaging presentation. We then participated in some fun, hands-on activities—decorating love tokens, writing with a quill, grinding herbs, and playing a traditional Aboriginal game called Ngaka Ngaka.
We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievement of 4C student June Yang at the Oceanic Australian Artistic Swimming Championship held in Sydney last month. June won a gold medal in the U10 Mixed Duet event and also achieved an impressive fourth-place finish in the U12 Team event. These results reflect her dedication, perseverance, and talent in the sport. Congratulations, June, on this wonderful accomplishment—we are proud of all that you have achieved and wish you continued success in your artistic swimming journey.
On 10 June, as part of the study of Humanities, Year 5 students visited the Melbourne Immigration Museum where the students attended a museum led educational workshop studying Australian Immigration. The students also had a chance to explore the Immigration Museum. After the museum, students visited the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne where they had the opportunity to draw sketches of some unique and interesting plants. Finally, in recognition of Chinese workers who came to Victoria during the Goldrush, the students were rewarded with Yum Cha (Dim Sum) for lunch.
On Tuesday 23 June, our Year 6 students hosted their much-anticipated Market Day, a highlight of their Business unit. Throughout the term, students explored key financial and economic concepts such as profit and loss, budgeting, production processes, marketing, ethical decision-making, and understanding consumer needs and wants.
The day was a fantastic success, showcasing the creativity, teamwork and entrepreneurial spirit of our students. Visitors were treated to an impressive range of products and food items, including 3D fidgets, jewellery, boba tea, spicy noodles, crocheted creations, fairy floss, candy kebabs, lolly bags and many other handmade crafts and treats.
We are thrilled to share that Market Day raised an amazing profit of over $4,100 for the St Andrews Missions Fund. This outstanding result is a testament to the hard work, planning and perseverance demonstrated by our students throughout the project. A special congratulations goes to Abigail, Grace and Kayla, whose stall selling fairy floss, candy kebabs and lolly bags was the most profitable on the day. With an initial investment of $67.36, they made a profit of $583.14, representing an impressive return of 866%.
We would like to thank all the students and staff who visited the stalls and supported the event through their purchases. We are also incredibly grateful to the many parent helpers who generously gave their time to assist on the day. Most importantly, we thank God for providing this opportunity for our students to develop their gifts, serve others and contribute towards the work of the St Andrews Missions Fund.
Term 2 has been a rich and rewarding season in the life of our Secondary School, with students embracing a wide range of opportunities that reflect both excellence and community spirit.
At St Andrews, we are committed to nurturing the whole student—academically, physically, creatively, and spiritually—and this term has provided countless examples of students stepping forward with enthusiasm and purpose.
A highlight of the term was our House Cross Country, where students demonstrated perseverance, resilience, and encouragement of one another. Despite the challenging weather, it was especially pleasing to see students pushing themselves to achieve their personal best while also cheering for their peers.
On the global stage, we celebrate the remarkable achievement of our VEX Robotics Program; taking two teams to represent St Andrews at the World Competition in the United States. This opportunity is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and problem-solving skills of our students, as well as the support of our staff. Competing internationally not only highlights our students’ capabilities but also broadens their horizons, encouraging them to think critically and collaborate with peers from around the world.
Closer to home, our students once again impressed at the Generations in Jazz Competition, showcasing their musical talents with confidence and professionalism. Participation in such a renowned event allows our students to perform at a high level while building camaraderie and a love for the arts. We are proud of the way they represented the College with both skill and humility.
For our Year 10 cohort, the Careers Expo provided a valuable opportunity to explore future pathways. Engaging with industry representatives and tertiary providers, students were encouraged to reflect on their God-given gifts and consider how they might use these to serve others in their future careers. This important experience supports informed decision-making as students look ahead to their senior years and beyond.
Finally, the Public Speaking Competition showcased the power of student voice. Participants spoke with clarity, conviction, and courage, addressing a range of meaningful topics. It was inspiring to witness students confidently express their ideas while developing essential communication skills that will serve them well in all areas of life.
As we give thanks for all that has been accomplished this term, we are reminded of the importance of providing diverse opportunities for our students to grow and flourish in addition to the regular rhythms of the Secondary School. We are grateful for the dedication of our staff and the support of our families in partnering with us in this journey.
We look forward to what Term 3 will bring as we continue to encourage our students to pursue excellence and live out our shared values in all they do.
Stepping into the position of College Captain this year has been such so much fun and a great learning experience for me. Being in this role has given me both the platform to share my love of Christ and joy that I have found in His salvation to the rest of the school community.
I have always wanted to give back to the school that has raised me, including the students, teachers and staff who have played a role in my life. This role has given me the opportunity to give back the community that has given me so much and to show my gratitude to them.
During VCE camp in Term 1, the student leadership team had an amazing opportunity to organise a game for the rest of the cohort. We worked hard as a team to pull together an “escape room in a box” for multiple groups to race for a prize! It brought me joy to see the teams, including teachers, to work at the puzzles we spent so long designing and refining!
Throughout semester one, we had the chance to run “Students vs Teachers”, a long standing tradition at St Andrews, where a group of predominantly Year 12 students play against the teachers in a sports game. However, this year, we switched it up to allow Years 9 to 12 to play in house teams against the teachers! It was loads of fun and a lot of the school community came to support both side.
I’m incredibly grateful for the experience that God has given me and taking a step out of my comfort zone into a place of leadership. We pray that God will continue to grow and nurture our love for Him and to use us to make a lasting impact our school community.
Being one of the College Captains this year has been a great experience so far! The role has taught me a lot about organisation, time management, and the importance of continuing to serve the College even through the ups, downs and busy periods of Year 12.
I’ve loved working with the leadership team – such an amazing, passionate group of people who turn up to our weekly meetings ready to chat about upcoming events and what we can do to serve as College leaders!
Something that we’ve enjoyed has been starting a new assembly segment called ‘Gather’. This is inspired by Hebrews 10:24-25a and is all about giving students (and staff!) the opportunity to encourage one another in their faith through testimony and messages on their heart! So far, it’s been really impactful to inspire students through struggles and voice how God is working within our College!
Sam and I were also privileged to record an advertisement for the College’s Open Day at Light FM in Term 1. Honestly, I had so much fun in the recording booth and loved this opportunity to represent St Andrews off campus.
Through other events such as Swimming Carnival, Cross Country, VCE Camp and exam season, we’ve had a lot of fun making banners, designing games, writing cards and connecting with the younger year levels. Being a College Captain is a huge experience for which I’m very grateful. We pray that God will continue to use us as we look forward to our final semester of high school!
Our Secondary EXPO on 14 May was a wonderful evening showcasing all that our Secondary School has to offer and highlighting the many opportunities available for our students to learn, grow, and thrive. A big thank you to our parents, students, and staff whose support and involvement helped make the night such a great success.
It is unbelievable that our Year Seven students have now begun Semester Two in their first year of Secondary School at St Andrews Christian College. It has been exciting to watch their progress from their very first day to the end-of- Semester One. They have grown in confidence and are coping well with the responsibilities and challenges of Year Seven. As we continue to unpack Psalm 139:14, through homeroom devotions, Visible Wellbeing and the Learning Attributes, it becomes clearer that we are indeed ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ by a loving, faithful and caring God.
In Term Two, our students have continued to lead their own assemblies and worship, and we have been blessed to have more students join the team, which is a wonderful leadership opportunity for them. Students have presented devotions to the cohort, and it is remarkable to see their heart and passion for God. Our Principal, Mr Haines also visited our assembly and the students were very excited to ask him lots of questions as they wanted to get to know him better. Recently they also interviewed their three Homeroom teachers, Mrs Wheelton, Mr Yong and Mr Finger about their faith journey and how they found God.
The Colour Run at the end of last term and the Swimming Carnival were fun events that the Year Sevens thoroughly enjoyed. Their enthusiasm and joy is contagious and their joy in participating is really encouraging.
Our Games Club every Thursday, run by Mr Yong and Mr McPherson have also been a safe and welcoming space for students to unwind, build connection and challenge each other to a game or two. Noodle Club Mondays has also been popular with many students sitting down to have lunch together in their classrooms and they are to be commended on helping to organise and clean up the space too. Our Year Seven students are also completing their Mental Health First Aid Course for Teens this week and next, as we recognise how precious they are and strive to equip them with tools to look after not just themselves but each other.
As we near the end of this term, and the term break coming up, I, along with our wonderful Homeroom teachers, Mrs Wheelton, Mr Yong and Mr Finger take this opportunity to wish all our students a safe and happy break and wish you all peace, joy and togetherness.
May God continue to richly bless you,
Our Year 8 Camp at Weekaway Recreation Camp was a wonderful week of friendship, growth and shared experiences. From the moment students arrived, there was a strong sense of enthusiasm as they settled into camp life, participated in team-building activities, and began preparing their Superbook performances. Each day also provided meaningful opportunities for worship, devotion and reflection, as students journeyed through Philippians 4 together.
Throughout the week, students embraced a wide variety of activities, including Bush Day experiences such as fire-making, damper cooking, hut building and environmental bushwalking. Even when wet weather brought some changes to the program, students showed great positivity and flexibility, making the most of time together through indoor games, movies, board games and shared moments around the fire.
A highlight of the camp was the Superbook performances, where students presented creative interpretations of Bible stories with enthusiasm and insight. It was especially encouraging to see the faith, character and sense of community among our Year 8 students throughout the week as they worshipped together, encouraged one another and created many special memories.
At St Andrews, we believe that character is built in the ordinary moments of each day. The Student Success Stories (S³) Program is a meaningful initiative designed to recognise students in Years 9 and 10 who make positive contributions to our school community. Whilst academic achievement is always valued, S³ places particular emphasis on qualities that reflect our Christ-centred vision — Godly character, servant leadership, personal initiative, and the encouragement of peers.
S³ is deeply aligned with our school's core frameworks. It reflects our Pedagogical Framework's commitment to nurturing students who walk with God and serve others, as well as our Graduate Profile, which envisions young people who give glory to God through their actions and lead by example. The programme also supports our Visible Wellbeing Framework by acknowledging students who demonstrate strengths such as kindness, creativity, courage, and teamwork.
Recognised students receive an S³ Certificate, presented during Year Level Assemblies — a wonderful opportunity for our broader community to celebrate these moments together. Any staff member is welcome to submit a nomination at any time.
We encourage everyone to remain attentive to those quiet acts of faithfulness that so often go unnoticed — because at St Andrews, every positive contribution matters.
On Thursday, 30 April, Year 10 students attended the VCE and Careers Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Students explored diverse future paths, engaging with Victorian and interstate tertiary providers, private institutions (like NIDA and JMC Academy), employers, and emergency services (including Victoria Police). This valuable excursion provided firsthand insights into subject selection, training pathways, and career opportunities.
Key Highlights of the Day:
This experience provided students with a clear look into post-secondary options, assisting in the development of their future career goals.
Learning to drive is one of the biggest milestones of a teenager's life. To help our Year 10 students prepare, we are organising two road safety and driver education programs: 'Road to Zero' Experience and METEC Driver Training Experience.
On Tuesday 16 June, students visited the award-winning 'Road to Zero' complex at the Melbourne Museum. Developed by the TAC and facilitated by knowledgeable educators, the interactive exhibits and virtual reality activities allowed students to explore vehicle safety and road physics, linking real-world science to trauma prevention.
On Friday 23 October, students will participate in practical and theory sessions at the METEC Driver Training Centre in Bayswater North. Practical sessions will feature dual-control cars driven on 5 km of closed, sealed roads, featuring realistic intersections, traffic lights, roundabouts, and rail crossings.
Both excursions equip our students with critical, life-saving skills and a deep understanding of responsible driving.
On the evening of 12 June, our VCE students gathered at the beautiful Cargo Hall for a memorable and joy-filled Formal. Set against the stunning backdrop of Melbourne’s waterfront, the venue provided the perfect setting for students to celebrate this special season of their lives together.
Students arrived dressed elegantly and looked fantastic as they enjoyed an evening of friendship, laughter, and celebration. The Formal offered a valuable opportunity for students to step away from the demands of study and assessment, and simply enjoy spending time together as a cohort. Throughout the night, there was a wonderful sense of community as students shared conversations, took photos, enjoyed the atmosphere, and created memories that will no doubt be remembered for years to come.
The dance floor was full for much of the evening, with great music keeping the energy high and providing plenty of opportunities for students to celebrate together. It was encouraging to see students from across the year level connecting, supporting one another, and enjoying the occasion in such a positive and respectful manner.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the evening was the way the night concluded. As the Formal came to an end, students gathered together to sing songs of praise to Jesus. In the midst of a night of celebration and fun, it was a beautiful reminder of the faith that unites our school community and the importance of giving thanks to God for His goodness and faithfulness.
The VCE Formal was a wonderful occasion that celebrated the friendships, character, and community that have been built throughout their years at the College. We extend our thanks to the staff and organisers who helped make the evening such a memorable success, and we look forward to continuing to support our students as they journey through the remainder of the year.
Thank you to the parents who attended our recent parent information session 'Discipling Your Child'. We discussed the difference between discipline and discipleship and how these two words may be interpreted in line with scripture. As Nick Haines said, we are a community working together to raise young people who know the Lord and as parents we all need help to do this! I believe the key take away would be; "Children behave best when they feel: safe, secure, and connected." In this session, our Counsellors Melissa and Chloe taught us that the goal of a parent is not to punish children into compliance but to guide them, teach them, walk alongside them to raise people of character and faith. Taking the time to reflect helps parents understand how their behaviour, boundaries, and communication influence a child’s emotional wellbeing, confidence, and development.
The Parent Wellbeing Resources page on the Hub contains a link to session handouts for both 'Emotional Regulation' and 'Discipling Your Child'. This Hub page also contains links to resources such as Focus on the Family, Visible Wellbeing, Cyber Safety Webinars, and Solid Rock Psychology, one of our preferred Christian providers of psychological services for families.
As a College we seek to serve your family. Please reach out and connect if you have any questions at mheading@standrews.vic.edu.au.
This term our Years 7 and 9 students are participating in Teen Mental Health First Aid, an internationally accredited course that helps young people recognise the signs and symptoms of an emerging mental health problem or crisis in their friend. They learn the MHFA Action Plan (Look, Ask, Listen, Help, Your Friend) and work through fictitious scenarios to help them embed their learning in age-appropriate and practical ways. We are privileged to have fully accredited Mental Health First Aiders on staff who provide a Christ-centred approach to teaching about mental health. As parents, please join in the mental health conversation with your child, helping to de-stigmatise mental health and promote life, healing and connecting with support. As many of the students have already recognised, being a Christian, and part of a faith community, serves to be a protective factor for those struggling with their mental health. What a privilege to be part of St Andrews Christian College
Our College was delighted to present Kara Ong from 4C, winner of the 2026 College Theme Poster Competition, with a framed copy of her winning artwork during our Pentecost Assembly earlier this term.
We would like to sincerely thank every student who participated in the College Theme Poster Competition, submitting a wonderful range of creative and inspiring designs. We were encouraged by the effort, imagination and thoughtfulness evident in each entry, making the judging process no easy task.
Every submission reflected the unique gifts and creativity of our students. We are also pleased to recognise several highly commended entries that particularly impressed the judges with their artistic excellence and thoughtful interpretation of this year's College theme.
Congratulations to Kara and to all of our participants for their outstanding efforts!
The Year 3s spent the day at McClelland Sculpture Park exploring art in God's creation. During the bus journey, students used their booklets to spot the various sculptures dotted along the freeway, and they became very excited about this activity!
Once we arrived, the students participated in a guided tour with an artist, learning about art processes and meaning. The students showed kindness and respect to the gallery staff. There was also a tour with me, where we explored God's perspective on various artworks. During our discussion time, the students shared insightful and profound thoughts.
The second part of the day included playing inside the sculptures and completing observational drawing activities. I am very grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to share art with the students, especially in such good weather. I am also thankful to the Year 3 teachers who supported this big day.
Our Year 10–12 students have been out and about in Melbourne, exploring galleries and visiting Top Arts, which showcases standout artworks from last year’s VCE students.
The Art Captain, Hannah, also ran an engaging lunchtime activity for Years 7 and 8, where students created mini magnets inspired by pop art.
Be sure to take a look at the new exhibition in the gallery space near the Digital Tech rooms.
"Midnight: The Cinderella Musical" is a contemporary Australian reimagining of the Cinderella story in which Ella, a strong and independent young woman, tries to challenge tradition and use her voice to bring positive change to her kingdom.
The St Andrews Christian College Musical production for 2026 is “Midnight: The Cinderella Musical”! We have been working hard all year to get the production ready, and can’t wait to show it to the college community in August. The musical involves a cast of 75 students from year 5 to year 12, a student crew and a large team of staff.
We invite people of all ages to attend this production, at our 4 performances:
All performances will be held at Burrinja theatre in Upwey – a beautiful venue, and a great place to gain theatre experience for our students.
St Andrews musicals are award winning and highly regarded – you will enjoy an excellent performance, while supporting our hardworking student performers and crew.
We invite people of all ages to attend this production, at our 4 performances:
Where: Burrinja Cultural Centre, Upwey
A highlight of the Drama Department’s yearly performance calendar is the Unit 3 Theatre Studies class production, performed in April. This year’s play was Radium Girls by D. W. Gregory. Radium Girls tells the true story of a group of young factory workers in the 1920s who become seriously ill after being exposed to radium while painting watch dials. As they fight for justice against the company that endangered them, the play explores themes of courage, corporate responsibility, and the power of collective action.
The Unit 3 class worked tirelessly for a term to perform and create designs for this challenging production, and the Unit 1 class ably assisted as the crew members. The resulting production was a striking piece of theatre that balanced historical storytelling with strong emotional impact. I am proud of the work done by the students and grateful for the opportunity to guide them through the process of creating theatre together.
It was a milestone evening for our music programme as we celebrated our Jazz Night. For the very first time, we took this highly anticipated event offsite. The response from our school community was amazing, resulting in a completely sold out venue to farewell and support our talented students. The evening was a wonderful showcase of the hard work and dedication our musicians have poured into their rehearsals over the term. A special congratulations must go to all the ensembles featured on the night. The audience was treated to fantastic and energetic instrumental sets from the Jazz Band, Jazz combo, and Junior Jazz Band and vocal ensembles including Perfect 5th, Euphonix, and Harmonium. This concert served as a great send off for our students heading into Generations in Jazz. Thank you to everyone who secured a ticket and filled the venue with such wonderful energy. Your ongoing enthusiasm ensures a thriving environment for the performing arts at our college.
Earlier this month, 79 students and 9 staff members made the seven hour journey to Mount Gambier, South Australia, to participate in the prestigious Generations in Jazz Festival. This incredible event hosts over 5000 students from across Australia and New Zealand who gather to perform for experienced adjudicators, compete, and attend a spectacular Gala Concert featuring world renowned musicians.We sent six of our ensembles to compete across various divisions. Our representatives included the Jazz Band, Junior Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, our two large vocal ensembles (Harmonium and Euphonix), and our small vocal ensemble, Perfect 5th.
Reflecting on the growth of the St Andrews Christian College music department over the last few years is truly encouraging. We have evolved from a school that once took fewer than 8 students to this festival simply for the experience, to a highly successful competitor with over 70 students involved this year. We have earned a strong reputation for playing skilfully, pursuing excellence in competition, and most importantly, seeking to glorify Christ through our music.
We are thrilled to announce that St Andrews Christian College was the recipient of several fantastic awards this year. A massive congratulations to all our participating students.
These awards recognise a high-performing group of students for their teamwork and skill within their ensemble.
A Superband is a highly coveted 'all-star' list of the best instrumentalists from each division. This year's exceptional recipients are:
Congratulations again to our dedicated musicians, and a heartfelt thank you to the staff and families who support them in their pursuit of musical excellence.
On Monday 11th May, our students took to the stage for the highly anticipated St Andrews Christian College Autumn Concert. This year marked a significant milestone for our music programme, as it was our very first time hosting this major musical event offsite at the Burrinja Community Arts Centre.
Playing to an almost completely sold out theatre the evening was a stunning showcase of classical music, and our students certainly delivered. Taking our music programme into a professional external venue is a big step, and the students handled the transition with incredible maturity and skill, resulting in performances that truly celebrated their musical growth over the year.
The audience was treated to a wonderful variety of repertoire, highlighting the dedication and hard work of the following ensembles:
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the incredible St Andrews community, staff and ensemble directors.
Your unwavering support, from encouraging practice at home to purchasing tickets and filling the auditorium with such positive energy, is what makes these events possible. We are incredibly proud of what our students have achieved and look forward to sharing more music with you in the future.
Our Primary students have enjoyed an exciting and active term of sport. Students in Years 3–6 have had the privilege of participating in a Touch Football program during their PE classes, developing new skills and enjoying the opportunity to learn the game.
Our House Cross Country was a fantastic day, and despite the weather swirling around us, students were enthusiastically getting involved and giving their best effort. We have so many determined and fast runners rising up the ranks in the school. On Thursday 11th June, students who qualified for the next stage of Cross Country also competed against other Christian schools at the CSEN Cross Country Championships, where they represented the school with great effort and perseverance. A special congratulations goes to Jack Fletcher, who achieved an outstanding first-place finish in the 10 and Under Boys event, leading the Under 10 boys to come 2nd overall in the A Division. Our Under 9 girls team also finished 2nd in the A division. Well done to all our amazing runners in all our age group teams.
Our Year 5 and 6 students have been training hard all semester to represent the school at the SSV Winter Sport Days 1 and 2, displaying excellent sportsmanship and determination throughout the competition. Outstanding results included the Soccer Mixed A team being crowned premiers, while Netball Mixed A, Teeball Girls, and Volleystars Boys all finished as runners-up. Congratulations to the Soccer, Netball, and Teeball teams, who have progressed to the Knox Division Finals.
Well done to all students for their enthusiasm, commitment, and excellent representation of the school throughout the term.
What a splash! This term we also had our curriculum driven two-week intensive swimming program for Prep–Year 6 and it was a massive success. From day one, students dived into water-safety skills, and stroke techniques with enthusiasm and determination. Pool instructors raved that we are “one of their favourite schools to teach every year”. Our students showed remarkable growth, grit, and confidence across the program, with many passing new levels in their swimming. A huge thanks goes to our parents for the extra washing, support, encouragement and patience of our physically tired students. Also a shout out to our teachers for balancing classroom lessons with the swimming timetable. Most of all—congratulations to our St Andrews swimmers for their spirit, perseverance, and joyful participation!
It has been a busy and successful term of sport, with students representing the school across a variety of events.
Students from Years 7–12 participated in the CSEN Basketball Academy, where they developed their basketball skills, teamwork, and leadership while connecting with students from across the CSEN network. At the CSEN Soccer Championships, our senior boys' team performed strongly, finishing first in their pool and placing fourth overall, while the junior boys' team finished second in their pool.
Our Year 11 and 12 students also enjoyed the VCE Rally Day, taking part in a range of sports and enjoying a well-earned break from their studies. There were outstanding individual achievements throughout, with our Division 1 Girls Badminton team winning first place, Pia Sharma placing 2nd in the Individual girls' golf competition, and Isaac and Uday taking out first place in the boys' team golf event.
House Cross Country was a fantastic day despite the wet and windy conditions, with great participation from students across all year levels, with Barton being the overall winning house! Well done to our house captains for all of their work towards making this such a fun and competitive day!
Following this the CSEN Cross Country Championships also saw excellent results, with Ryan N (year 7) and Zach G (year 10) placing first in their age groups, Derek Q (year 11) and Ben L (year 9) placing 3rd. St Andrews ended up coming an overall 4th out of 20 schools which is a fantastic effort!
Semester sport is coming to an end with Grand final wins to the 9/10 Girl's Soccer and Basketball teams and our Boy's Volleyball B team, as well as a 2nd place finish for our 9/10 boys Volleyball team.
Congratulations to all students who represented the school with enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and determination throughout the term.
Despite the cold, rain, and even hail, our students gave their all at Cross Country on 7 May! Whether they ran the whole way or walked alongside friends, it was a day full of determination, cheering, laughter, and House spirit. Well done to all students for showing such resilience and encouragement in less-than-ideal weather conditions—what a great display of perseverance and grit!
Throughout semester one, we had the chance to run “Students vs Teachers”, a long standing tradition at St Andrews, where a group of predominantly Year 12 students play against the teachers in a sports game. However, this year, we switched it up to allow Years 9 to 12 to play in house teams against the teachers! It was loads of fun and a lot of the school community came to support both side.
A massive thank you to our incredible school community for supporting the Year 10 Egg Waffle fundraiser!
We are thrilled to announce that our first launch was a resounding success, raising an amazing net profit of $343 toward our upcoming Nepal Mission Trip in January 2027. Every dollar raised goes directly toward purchasing shoes for children living in remote villages who currently own none. Whether you lined up for a warm treat, bought a waffle, or generously gave a separate donation—your support is going to make a life-changing difference.
Our first sale on 4th May was so popular that we quickly hit a bottleneck with our limited cooking equipment! To help us keep up with the overwhelming demand, Mrs Cloete and Mr Friend stepped in to partner with us and generously purchased two brand-new waffle machines. We are incredibly grateful for their swift support, which helped to solve our production problem!
With our new machines primed and ready to go, we were excited to keep the momentum going. Our next egg waffle sale was held on Monday, 15th June, where the students went on to raise a fantastic profit of $840. I especially want to recognise the leaders who gave extra support and thank the students for all their efforts in making our second fundraiser such a success.
Beyond the fantastic financial result, as the Year 10 Homeroom teachers, Mr Yuen and I (Mrs Wong) cannot stop praising our Lord Jesus for how beautifully our students worked together. It was incredibly rewarding to witness their outstanding team effort, leadership, and dedication. The students also witnessed firsthand that God’s provision is always perfect—seen so clearly in the timely blessing of our new equipment! By striving toward this common goal, they truly demonstrated the heart of our school community.
I would also like to express my massive thanks to everyone who purchased waffles or made a donation. Finally, I am deeply grateful to everyone who responded to my heartfelt call to raise funds for children in Nepal.
Thank you again to all the students and staff who backed this cause.
The major event this term was the National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS). This was held on Wednesday 27th May. The event, organised by Australian Library and Information Association, was open to all schools in Australia.
As many classes had swimming lessons during the live reading, some year levels were able to listen to a simultaneous reading as a year level, while others listened in their library classes. The selected book was Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller written by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd and illustrated by Jake Minton. The book was read by Elise Kellond Knight, a former Matilda’s star.
This story of a soccer match between two teams of Australian animals, was enjoyed by everyone. It is available for families to enjoy on Youtube at https://youtu.be/sVrhbOhtTx0?si=OkbbLAq098QHq-h3
There is also a demonstration on how to draw Luna Roo herself.
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