Flipping Expectations — A Different Kind of Rabbi

This week, we welcomed our new Chaplain, Chappy James, who will work alongside Chappy Linda and the Wellbeing Team. He will also coordinate our Secondary Creative Team. It was great to hear him share a little about his testimony and how Jesus flipped the way people viewed God. He compared the rabbis of the Old Testament with Jesus.

The Old Testament had a strong emphasis on following the rules and proving you were good enough. In fact, the rabbis of Jesus’ day continued that tradition. If a family wanted their son to follow a rabbi, the boy would have to prove himself through adhering to strict religious training and scriptural memorisation. Only the best of the best were chosen. The rest were told to return to their family trade like fishing, carpentry or farming. 

But Jesus wasn’t the usual rabbi.

Jesus turned this whole system on its head. Rather than waiting for the spiritually qualified to come to Him, Jesus went out and called the unqualified. He walked along the shores of Galilee and called fishermen, ordinary, overlooked men, and simply said, 'Come, follow me' (Matthew 4:19). No entrance exam. No pedigree required. Just a heart willing to follow.

Jesus flipped the script. He didn’t demand perfection. He extended grace. He didn’t wait for people to clean themselves up. He stepped into their mess and walked with them. And in doing so, He revealed a radical truth: that God’s love is not something we earn, but something we receive.

The Apostle Paul puts it this way in Ephesians 2:8–10:
'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.'

Jesus doesn’t just forgive us, he restores us. He takes us as we are and shapes us into who we were always meant to be. At CalCC, this is the message we want every student to encounter. Not a call to be religious, but an invitation to be known, loved and transformed by the living God.

I love that our amazing staff, like Chappy Linda and Chappy James, support our students to know that they don’t need to be 'good enough' for Jesus to call them. He already has. And when we walk with Him, He does more in us than we could ever do on our own.

Vince Wakefield

Principal

CalCC and the Expansion of AI

I must be getting old because I recently reflected on 'the good old days' of my first computer—a Commodore 64. I remember loading programs and games using cassettes and typing simple commands to create patterns, all on a green monochrome monitor. 

With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) over the last decade, it has rapidly transformed from a niche interest into a mainstream societal tool. Today’s AI-powered platforms can personalise learning pathways by analysing each student’s strengths and gaps, recommend targeted practice exercises and even generate real-time feedback on writing and problem-solving tasks. Education is bombarded with 'intelligent tutors' that support emerging readers by narrating stories and prompting comprehension questions. In other domains, adaptive maths programs adjust the difficulty of questions on the fly to keep every child challenged and encouraged. Much of this sounds great, but it sounds more like a factory designed to maximise profits than an education. There is a dehumanising in all of this. 

Perspectives on AI in education vary widely:

• Optimistic View: Advocates argue that AI can free teachers from routine tasks and personalise elements of the learning process.
• Cautious Voice: Critics warn of potential biases baked into algorithms, especially if training data lacks diversity - and emphasise the need for strong safeguards around privacy, equity of access and transparent decision-making.
• Ethical Lens: Some education researchers highlight the risk of over-reliance on screens, noting that excessive tech use can undermine social skills, attention spans and deep, reflective learning.
  
  At CalCC, we view technology (including AI as part of the broader technology landscape) as a tool to be wisely utilised and mastered, not something that masters us. Our goal is to harness innovation without sacrificing the heart of education: face-to-face mentorship, hands‑on discovery and the joy of God‑given creativity.

Scripture reminds us that true wisdom comes from the Lord:

'For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.'
Proverbs 2:6

As we explore AI’s possibilities, we commit to seeking God’s guidance in using and teaching these tools. We are:

1. Praying for Discernment. Invite God’s wisdom as we evaluate new technologies.
   
   
   
2. Teach Digital Stewardship. Helping students develop healthy screen‑time habits, self control and a balanced life.
   
   
   
3. Foster Community. Seeking to ensure that AI enriches, rather than replaces collaboration, deep learning, projects, friendship and service opportunities.
   
   

Our staff are currently piloting and trialling AI-assisted tools to support (not replace) administrative tasks, streamline assessment processes and enhance some classroom teaching activities. Our heart is to ensure each innovation serves our mission: to provide quality Christ-centred education to our community, developing strong foundations for life and learning.

There is no doubt that AI is a powerful tool to be utilised and is already embedded in so many elements of our lives, both visible and invisible. Therefore, as we move forward, caution, patience and wisdom from CalCC staff are needed. 

Please continue to pray for our staff as we step forward in faith into a dynamic and changing future.

 Focusing on Strength in Our Wellbeing 

In Term 2, our Secondary students have thrived in demonstrating their strengths. Whether physically in our Relay for Life or mentally throughout our assessment period, our students shine in their individual gifts and talents. It is wonderful to witness our Junction team each week thrive during worship and our student leaders launching us into each week in Launch and creating fun through our Junction games.

Philippians 4:13 is a motivational and uplifting verse: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. However, it’s important to read this verse in context of the previous lines, where Paul teaches that there is strength to be found in finding contentment in every situation. Whether in times of trouble or times of abundance, we hope that our wellbeing lessons can speak into the lives of our students that strength, safety and protection can be found in the Lord. 

Philippians 4:11-13: 'Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.'

Promoting Strong Pathways

It was fantastic to see our students exploring future pathways options and opportunities at our Pathways Expo. This set the groundwork for our Junior and Senior Education and Training (JET and SET) plan conferences. These conferences facilitate collaboration between students, parents/carers and teachers in making plans for 2026 subject selections with a future focus on how to support our students to succeed in their chosen paths. Mrs Vieiro, Mr Green, Mrs McDonald and I really appreciated and enjoyed the opportunity to talk with our students and their families this week.

Every Step, For Someone We Love: Relay for Life 2025

There are moments that remind you why you belong to a community like CalCC. For
me, our recent Relay for Life was one of those moments.

This event began as a small seed in my heart, something deeply personal. I lost my
beautiful mum to cancer; a loss never truly goes away. But I know I’m not alone. So
many in our College community have been touched by cancer in some way - a
parent, a friend, a grandparent, a colleague. That’s why we walked. For every story.
For every person. For hope.

When our Year 12s took the baton and ran with this idea (literally), I could not have
been prouder. They led with energy, compassion and drive, creating something
bigger than any of us imagined. Somehow, for 24 continuous hours, our College kept
moving. Staff, students and families all came together to ensure that at every hour -
yes, even the cold, dark ones - we had someone out on the track, walking in faith
and solidarity.

Even our tiniest students, the Pre-Kindy crew, got in on the action, adding their little
legs to our big goal. We travelled 3,300.5 kilometres in total. On foot! That’s the
equivalent of driving from Caloundra to Perlubie, South Australia, a 34-hour road trip,
achieved by our legs, our hearts and our relentless community spirit.
Alongside the distance, we raised almost $4,000 for cancer research. That number
represents generosity, compassion and a deep desire to see a world without cancer.
Every gold coin, every doughnut-fuelled lap, every cheer from the sidelines mattered.
I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who made this
happen:

To those who walked, even when their feet were sore.
To those who set up and packed down in the early and late hours.
To our staff who kept the relay chain going through the night.
To those who donated, shared our cause and spread the word.
To students who counted laps, wore purple and yellow, and made it fun.
And most importantly, to our God, who gave us perfect weather, unity and a powerful
reminder of what love in action looks like.

As I watched our College gather on the oval - young and old, running, walking,
cheering, I was overwhelmed. Not just by the physical effort, but by the spirit of this
place. CalCC isn’t just a school. It’s a family.

Thank you for walking this journey with me. For every step, every prayer, every hug
along the way. This Relay wasn’t just about fundraising, it was about remembering,
honouring and believing in a brighter future.

Let’s keep walking, together.

Jersey Day – This Wednesday!

Show your State of Origin spirit by wearing your favourite jersey this Wednesday! Don’t forget to bring a gold coin to support our fundraising efforts for Relay for Life. Let’s team up for a great cause! 

With a grateful heart

Dr Amber-Lee Donahoo

Head of Secondary Learning Community

Please join us in welcoming our newest team members to the CalCC family! We are excited to have them on board and look forward to the passion, care and expertise they will bring to our College community.

Paul Green
Secondary Head of English, HASS, Business, Languages and HPE

We are delighted to welcome Paul as the new Head of Department for HEBLHPE—covering English, HASS, Business, Languages and HPE. With 22 years of teaching experience across the UK and Australia and 14 years as a Head of Department in various schools, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership. He has a strong interest in History and Citizenship and is excited to join our vibrant Christian community.

Kerryn Perry
OSHC Coordinator

With Lily Pugh joining our Primary teaching team this term, we’re delighted to share that Kerryn will be stepping into the role of OSHC Coordinator. Kerryn is a qualified teacher from Western Australia and brings over 20 years of experience in children’s ministry, having served as a kids' pastor and club leader.

Sharyn Cunningham
ILC Teacher Aide

We’re pleased to welcome Sharyn to our Independent Learning Centre team. With over 30 years of experience as both a teacher and teacher aide in NSW, Sharyn also brings a rich background in children’s and youth ministry. We're blessed to have her join our College community.

The College was delighted to host our annual Careers Expo and Parent Information Night on Tuesday 27 May. Students in Years 10 to 12 engaged with a wide range of pathway providers and enjoyed exclusive early access to the Expo before it officially opened to families from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The event featured representatives from tertiary institutions, trades and training organisations, alongside College staff showcasing subject offerings and course pathways planned for 2026. The evening also included tailored parent sessions for each year level, providing clarity around the subject selection process, as well as SET and JET planning for senior students.

We sincerely thank all staff and pathway providers for their generous time and expertise. A special thank you to our Year 11 and 12 Hospitality students and Mrs McDonald, who prepared and served a beautiful meal to our guests as part of their assessment task. Your efforts were greatly appreciated.

Next Steps

On Wednesday 28 May, students in Years 8, 9, and 10 received a Google Form to submit their subject preferences for 2026. Subject handbooks outlining elective and senior course options have been shared via the Secondary Newsletter and uploaded to Study Smart Google Classrooms.

Over the coming weeks, students will be supported through individual pathway meetings to help finalise their selections. The 2026 timetable build will commence in Weeks 9 and 10. We encourage students to reflect prayerfully and intentionally on their God-given gifts, talents and interests as they consider their future pathways.

'Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.' Proverbs 16:3

Further details regarding pathway meetings are available in the Secondary Newsletter. 

Grandparents’ Day – Book Stall

Thank you to all who were part of the Grandparents' and Grandfriends' Day celebrations recently. It was wonderful to chat with people who came along to enjoy the day. Thank you also to all those who donated a book from the library book stall. We will have 30 new books in our collection thanks to your generosity. Each book will include a special bookplate to mark the donation and children who had the book donated on their behalf, will have the first opportunity to borrow it. We love that kids are excited about borrowing these books and hope that they can share them with you at home.

National Simultaneous Storytime

On Tuesday 21 May, our students in Kindy to Year 4 joined over two million others across Australia for National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS). The 25th anniversary event allowed children to explore the heartwarming Australian picture book, The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel. The children discussed what home meant to them and explored the idea of belonging. The cat theme was complimented by the special photos sent in by the CalCC community showing their feline friends. Thank you so much for getting involved. Special thanks must also go to Mrs Tucker who made our wonderful NSS Library display and to Mrs Joyce for all her help with the presentation of the cat photos and for helping the event run smoothly on the day. We hope that your children enjoyed reading the story as much as we did.

Premier’s Reading Challenge – It’s not too late to join!

This year CalCC invites students to join in the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Although the challenge opened on the 6th May, students have until the 22nd August to read and log books to achieve the challenge goals:

Prep–Year 2: Read or experience 20 books

Years 3–4: Read 20 books

Years 5–9: Read 15 books

The library has books from the suggested reading list on display, but students can also add any books, ebooks, graphic novels, audio and braille books, newspapers, magazines, recipe books and books in additional languages (other than English) to their reading record. Reading records are available from classroom teachers or directly from the library.

End of term – time to study

As we enter the busy assessment weeks of the school term, Secondary students are encouraged to come and study in the library before school, after school and at lunch times. Library staff are able to assist students with research, study tips, printing and more.

We hope that everyone is having a fruitful Term 2 so far. There’s more to look forward to as the term marches on.

Blessings

Mrs Sarah Porter

Jump on board—our new playground is calling! Stage 1 is in sight with a target of $80,000, and thanks to your support, we’re rolling, paving and donuting our way closer. 

Paving the Way to Play

We’re excited to launch a special opportunity for families to be part of something lasting—our playground fundraiser!

By purchasing a personalised paver, your family name (or your child’s artwork!) will become part of a new path beside the playground. But it’s more than a paver—it’s a way to leave a legacy and help build a space where curiosity, creativity, and community can thrive for years to come.

Leave a legacy beneath students' feet.

• Family Name Paver – $40

• Hand-Drawn Picture Paver – $50

Let’s come together to create something special. Let’s pave the way to play.

Order your paver through MSA or chat with Katie York about corporate sponsorhips. You can email her at ea@calcc.qld.edu.au

Rollerdrome Fundraising Success

A huge thank you to our amazing P&F for organising such a successful skating fundraiser! We’re also grateful to all the skaters who laced up and joined us at the Rollerdrome for a fun-filled night. Thanks to your support, we raised $577.50 towards our new playground. Go team! Let’s keep the momentum rolling!

Donut Fundraiser – Don’t Miss Out!

Treat yourself and support our playground fundraiser at the same time!

Order 6 delicious Galactic Donuts for just $19.90 via MSA. $10 from every box goes straight to the College.

They're perfect as a gift, a sweet thank you, or a fun afternoon tea for the family. Eat your way to a new playground—one donut at a time!

*Order by lunch and pick up at Administration from 2:30 pm.

CalCC is known for its sense of community and the CalCC International Office strives to bring our passion for life and learning to the global community. Last term, we welcomed 12 Immersion students to the campus, of which Rinka and Zen will continue their studies with us till the end of 2025. Our local students sampled Japanese culture in the classroom and around the playground and lifelong friendships were formed. 

Next semester, we will see a vibrance across campus with the arrival of students from Europe and Japan. CalCC will welcome eight term-long Immersion students and five Study Tours, bringing both Primary and Secondary students to Caloundra. And we can't wait!

If global connection and cultural exchange are experiences you wish for your family, hosting an international student is a great place to start. Our Homestay Program pays hosts $65/night (for one student) and $120/night (for two students) and equips host families with 24/7 support, access to bilingual staff and connection to a network of experienced hosts.

If you would like more information about the program, please register your interest by clompleting the Expression of Interest form (below) and one of the team will be in touch.

Let’s give these students a warm CalCC welcome—right from our own homes.

Netball News

Congrats to Addison Westbrook (Year 12) who recently took part in an exciting high-performance weekend hosted by Queensland Representative School Sport.

This pilot program is a fantastic step forward in growing boys netball across the State, helping select the QRSS 16-19 Years Queensland Teams.

Well done, Addison - we are proud to see you representing and leading the way!

Senior Sport and Recreation: Real-Life Learning on the Water

As part of the Year 11 and 12 Sport & Recreation subject, students recently completed a hands-on boating assessment as part of their project task, linking classroom theory with real-world application.

The assessment task required students to investigate boating safety, plan how to achieve their Recreational Marine Driver Licence, perform key manoeuvres on the water and reflect on their practical experience.

This real-life learning opportunity saw students engaged as they developed vital skills and knowledge. The task not only built confidence and competence, but also gave students the tangible outcome of a nationally recognised boating licence.

District Cross Country

A number of our students recently represented CalCC at the District Cross Country Carnival, competing against the top runners from independent schools in our area.

Congratulations to all our team members who faced the demanding course head-on and kept pushing every step of the way. Cross country is a challenging test of endurance and mindset. Well done to everyone who took part and gave it their best.

Special recognition goes to Sienna York (Year 4), who came 2nd in her division and Lilliana Hincksman (Year 3), who placed 3rd while competing against students in the year above her. 

We are very proud of their achievements and excited to see their continued success in future events!

U14 Basketball Team on Fire! 

Our Under 14s Basketball team has been on an absolute roll — winning seven games in a row!

With skill, teamwork and determination, these boys have shown what it means to play with heart and give it their all every time they step on the court. 

A huge congratulations to the team — we’re proud of you! Keep it up, champs!

Surfing News

Surf’s up for Jonah! A big shoutout to CalCC student Jonah Hodges, who represented us at the Independent District Surfing event at Sunrise Beach! He did a fantastic job, powering through his first-round heat with skill and determination.
Well done, Jonah! 

Next week, some of our Year 6 students are participating in the Schools Ration Challenge — an initiative that gives students a powerful glimpse into the daily struggles of refugees. By living on a simple ration pack of rice, lentils, chickpeas, flour and oil for three days, our students are stepping into the shoes of those who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster.

Through this experience, they are not only learning about empathy and global justice but also raising funds to provide emergency food, medical care and support for displaced people.

You can support their efforts by donating HERE.

We know life is busy—but growing in faith as a family doesn’t have to be complicated.

The Families Following Jesus podcast by QB Kids & Families offers short, easy-to-listen episodes designed for life on the go—whether you’re heading to school, work, church or even cricket practice.

Tune in for inspiring testimonies, real-life faith stories and practical resources to encourage and equip your family, wherever you are

Tuckshop Vollies

We are still seeking the help of some volunteers for our tuckshop. If you have a few hours to spare on Fridays, we would love to hear from you.

Contact Dawn and let her know if this might be you! You can email here at employment@calcc.qld.edu.au

News from Caloundra Music Academy

It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the end of Term 2! A huge congratulations to all our students for their enthusiasm and growth this semester. Many are now exploring duets, playing in bands, preparing for the Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod in early Term 3 and even sitting music exams as soon as this Sunday.

Looking ahead to Term 3, we’ll be working around a special theme and preparing for an end-of-term concert—an event not to be missed!

In case you haven’t heard, we have lesson placements available in piano/keyboard, drums, guitar and bass (all styles), voice and three of the four string instruments: violin, viola and cello. To find out more, visit our website: caloundramusicacademy.com.

Complaints Handling Policy

College Administration

Open: 8:00 am-3:45 pm
Phone: 07 5436 6777
Email: general@calcc.qld.edu.au

Absentee Lines

Phone: 07 5436 6767
SMS: 0418 986 308
College App: Go to app store, search for Caloundra Christian College and download
Bus: https://cloud.itmprojects.com.au/studenttracking/

Uniform Shop

Open term time only.
Tuesday - 8:00 am-9:30 am and 2:00 pm-3:30 pm
Thursday - 8:00 am-9:30 am
Online ordering available through MSA

Outside School Hours Care

Before School Hours: 7:00 am-8:00 am (term time)
After School Hours: 3:00 pm-6:00 pm (term time)
Vacation Care: 7:00 am-6:00 pm (holidays)
Phone: 0422 843 760

Flourish Early Learning Community

Open: 7:15 am-6:00 pm
Phone: 07 5436 6777

International Program

Mark Spencer - Program Manager
overseas@calcc.qld.edu.au