Welcome to Term 2. This is the term with the most public holidays and the most College community events, both of which we can look forward to. 

Cultivating Christian Character: Rain or Shine

Last week’s weather for our Cross Country Carnival provided more than just puddles — it gave us a practical example of how Christian character is cultivated. On Thursday, the forecast was for rain and it delivered. Our Cross Country Carnival could easily have been postponed, but instead, we made a decision to carry on. Why? Because one of our guiding principles is that we build perseverance through intentional challenges. Supporting students to give their best, even when conditions were not ideal, allowed them to develop resilience.

That same attitude was on display again the next morning. Over 50 students and their families turned up, with CalCC umbrellas in hand, to represent the College in the Caloundra ANZAC Day March. I was so proud of our community and our students’ conduct as they stood tall and walked proudly, honouring those who served our country in war. There were no complaints, just quiet respect and a willingness to show up — not because it was easy, but because it mattered.

This is the heart of our fourth guardrail: We Cultivate Christian Character. At CalCC, we believe that Christian character develops through a growing relationship with Christ and aligning our daily actions with His teachings. Integrity, compassion and courage are foundational traits that equip students to navigate life’s challenges with purpose and hope. Cultivating Christian character is a lived experience where students grow through reflection, practice and the intentional guidance of biblical principles.

Romans 5:3-5 (NLT): 'We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.'

Thank you for continuing to partner with us. The character our students are forming today is shaping the people they will become tomorrow — and it is a privilege to be part of that journey with you.

Question Time

Each week, I am keen to share one or two of the questions that I have heard along the way or that have been sent to me via email, so I can provide some clarity for all parents.

QUESTION: Why can’t parents walk their children to their Primary classrooms and park and pick them up anymore?

ANSWER: CalCC is, first and foremost, a ministry — one that partners with parents to support our students. At the same time, we operate as a not-for-profit organisation, which means we must also meet workplace regulations and uphold fair working conditions for staff.

Under the previous arrangement, Primary teachers supervised students in their classrooms from 8:15 am — 15 minutes before the official start of the school day. While our teachers regularly go above and beyond in their hours and commitment, this arrangement meant they were working beyond the award hours outlined in our Enterprise Agreement. It also placed pressure on their ability to complete final preparations, collaborate with colleagues and begin the day well. The revised structure gives staff that small but important window back — something we believe is vital for both staff wellbeing and the quality of teaching.

That said, we have not closed the door to parents. Families are still very welcome to walk their children to class between 8:25 am and 8:35 am, when classroom doors open and staff are present. In the afternoon, parents can access the Primary areas from 2:55 pm for pick-up. These adjustments are designed to balance safety, staff capacity and parent engagement.

We have also noticed a flow-on benefit. Students starting the day on the basketball courts are getting more physical activity before class and many are arriving more settled, focused and ready to learn. It is a small change that has already had a surprisingly positive impact.

We are also working hard to free up more on-site parking. Once plans are finalised, we will share those details with families.

Vince Wakefield

Principal

Grit, Grace and Going the Distance

What a sight it was—muddy shoes, soaked shirts and determined faces! Our recent Cross Country Carnival turned out to be one of the wettest on record but also one of the most inspiring. Despite puddles and pouring rain, our students showed remarkable resilience. They didn’t just run—they persevered. They encouraged one another, pushed through discomfort and crossed the finish line with smiles - and splashes!

This kind of grit doesn’t just appear on race day. It’s something we grow in through challenges, both big and small. This is not an accident but an intentional strategy. Children experiencing safe challenge is where growth happens. As we design curriculum, experiences, camps and events, we make decisions in the hope that challenges will be embraced, thereby strengthening our students' capabilities, skills and character. 

As a Christian school, we recognise that our most outstanding example of perseverance is found in Jesus. As we recently celebrated Easter, we remembered how Christ endured the cross, not because it was easy, but because of His love for us. His resurrection gives us hope, strength and purpose.

When things get tough, whether in sport, study or life, we can draw on that same hope. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' We’re proud of every student who showed courage, cheered others on and gave their best.

Let’s keep running life’s race with faith, resilience and joy—rain, hail or shine!

God bless

Luke Bracks

Head of Primary

Foundations of Life, Learning and Wellbeing

Across Term 2, Secondary will be exploring the Foundations of Integrity and Create and our Wellbeing foci of strength, including the elements of self-care, environment and make. Students will learn strategies for how to look after their physical well being (e.g. looking after their sleep, exercise and dietary needs) and also how their connection to God’s creation of the physical world can help fill their wellbeing bucket, giving them strength for the ups and downs that life brings. 

Phillipians 4:13: 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'

Relay for Life

It is through our strength that we are able to advocate for and serve others. In Term 2 we have an exciting opportunity, driven by our amazing Year 12 students, for our community to come together and make a united effort in the fight against cancer. 

The Relay for Life will be a 24 hour relay at CalCC, raising funds for the Cancer Council and bringing our community together. Our Primary students will be participating during school hours, and we invite our Secondary students and their families, as well as community members, to participate in this event outside of school hours! Alternatively, we have an online team page that you can access if you would like to make a donation towards this amazing cause. I would love to hear from you if you would like to get involved and be apart of our event! Please follow the links in the flyer (above).   

May the Lord bless you and keep you and your families this term! 

Sincerely

Dr Amber-Lee Donahoo

Head of Secondary Learning Community

At Caloundra Christian College, we see every student as uniquely gifted by God, called to grow and flourish in their learning. Part of this growth involves receiving feedback with a humble heart and striving to do all things with excellence. As we step into Term 2, we encourage students in Secondary  to prayerfully reflect on the feedback given during Parent-Teacher Conferences and in Semester 1 Reports and to use it as a guide for setting new goals.

Assessment task sheets will begin appearing this week in each subject’s Google Classroom. Assessment dates are available for parents to view through the TASS calendar and all checkpoints, drafts and key information are clearly outlined in each subject’s scope and sequence. Staying organised and working steadily will help students honour God with their best efforts.

We encourage students to set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound—grounded in a heart that seeks to glorify God through quality and perseverance. Students will also have the opportunity to explore career pathways and deepen their understanding of subject options at our upcoming Careers Expo this month so they can target their future learning to align with career pathways. As Colossians 3:23 reminds us, 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.'

May this term be a season of growth, diligence and joyful learning.

Mrs Bianca Vieiro 

Director of Teaching and Learning

Welcome to Term 2! It's shaping up to be a busy and exciting time in the Library as we dive into a season filled with stories, special events and opportunities to foster a love of reading across our College.

ANZAC Day

This term, our Library proudly featured a special ANZAC Day display, commemorating the brave men and women who served and continue to serve in the Australian and New Zealand armed forces. ANZAC Day is a time for reflection, remembrance and gratitude. We were honoured to highlight its significance by sharing stories and primary sources, helping students deepen their understanding of why ANZAC Day holds an important place in our culture.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Natashya Lown and her mum, Toni, for sourcing the incredible artefacts that brought this display to life. Special thanks also to Corbin Easton, who generously contributed items for the display from the Caloundra Air Museum. Your support helped create a meaningful and educational experience for our students. Thank you!

Grandparents’ Day – Book Stall

This term, we’re happy to be part of the Grandparents’ Day celebrations with a Library Book Stall. Grandparents and grandfriends will have the opportunity to purchase a book for our College library and dedicate it to their grandchildren. Each book will include a special bookplate to mark the donation – a lasting memory for years to come. We can’t wait to share in this heartwarming event!

National Simultaneous Storytime – 21 May

On Tuesday 21 May, our students in lower Primary will join thousands of others across Australia for National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS). Organised annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), this fun and colourful event celebrates the joy of reading by having a picture book read aloud simultaneously in schools, libraries and homes across the country.

Now in its 25th year, NSS promotes literacy and a shared reading culture. This year’s chosen book is Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel, a delightful Australian picture book.

To help celebrate, we invite students with a pet cat to send in a photo of themselves with their feline friend. These photos will be featured during our school NSS event. If your child would like to take part, please email a photo to s.porter@calcc.qld.edu.au

Premier’s Reading Challenge – Join In!

This year CalCC invites students to join in the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Students are encouraged 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

Students are encouraged to select a range of fiction and non-fiction books suited to their reading ability.

The Library will have books from the suggested reading list on display, but students can also use any books, ebooks, graphic novels, audio and braille books, newspapers, magazines, recipe books and books in additional languages (other than English). Students have until 22 August to complete the challenge and submit their reading record to the Library. Students who successfully complete the challenge will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the Premier. Reading records are available from classroom teachers or directly from the Library.

Weekly Library Clubs – All Welcome!

Secondary Book Club: Mondays at morning tea – come and share what you're reading and discover new favourites!

Secondary Chess Club: Tuesdays at morning tea – challenge your mates and sharpen your strategy skills.
LEGO Legends: Tuesdays at morning tea and lunch – get creative with your LEGO build and display your work around the library for others to see.
Research Help: All students are always welcome to ask Library staff for assignment help or research tips.

We're looking forward to a term filled with curiosity, connection and a shared love of reading. See you in the Library!

The Library Team

Can you tell us about your role here at CalCC?

I am an Art, Film, Media, Drama and Quest (Christian Studies) teacher.

Tell us a bit about yourself such as where you are from, what attracted you to CalCC and Caloundra?

I am a wife and mum to three children as well as a pastor on team at a local church.

What did you do before CalCC?

I have taught for 19 years. I have also worked in social media marketing and have owned a small business.

Which of the foundations for life and learning resonates with you the most and why? (Faith, integrity, compassion, courage, question, create, communicate, improve)?

Faith. My faith is everything to me. It is who I am and everything I do encompasses it.

What are you passionate about?

Jesus, my family, seeing the next generation changed for the better and travel.

What is on your bucket list?

We have travelled a lot as a family over the last 15 years, seeing the world and making memories. As the children are getting older, we are starting to travel not just for fun but to take them on missions trips where we go into the communities and help the churches, families and children.

What is your favourite bible verse and what does it mean to you?

1 Tim 4:12: 'Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.'

This scripture has always been my focus, ever since I was a teenager. I want my life to always be an example to the people around me to show Jesus in everything I do and say.

What is your favourite sport/hobby? And why?

I love reading and being at the beach. Our entire family surfs, so to be at the beach with my family and relaxing with a book is what I love. It brings my family together and they are some of  my favourite memories.

Netball

Our Championship and Development Netball teams have shown outstanding commitment, even choosing to train on ANZAC Day afternoon. Their dedication and team spirit are a great reflection of their passion for the game—well done, girls!

The Sunshine Coast Netball Gala is on 4 June.

Futsal

Ultimate Athletics Little Athletics Queensland has a newly designed Fundamental Athletics Skills Training program, created specifically for Primary School aged children.

This motor skill development program utilises games and skill development activities to teach the basic, fundamental movement patterns experienced in Little Athletics competition.

These one-hour sessions are delivered over a 7-week period and focus on the core elements of Athletics (Run, Jump & Throw).

Start Date: Thursday 8 May (Week 3)
Duration: 7 weeks
Time: 3:10 pm - 4:10 pm
Venue: College oval
Cost: $85 per participant

Register for Ultimate Athletics today!

Mighty Bilyara!

In an epic display of YELLOW might, Bilyara powered through to claim both the House Spirit Award and the Overall Championship. Massive kudos to you.

2025 Age Champions

Congratulations to our Cross Country Age Champions for 2025! You gave it everything - pushing through the rough weather and puddles! Well done to all students who participated and gave it their best.

Primary

Age	Gender	Name	Team
9	Male	William Rutch	Bilyara
9	Female	Lilliana Hincksman	Bilyara
10	Male	Atticus-Jeremiah Curtis	Bilyara
10	Female	Sienna York	Bilyara
11	Male	Jonah Landreth	Matumba
11	Female	Sidnee Liddy	Pinyali
12	Male	Flynn Vella	Bilyara
12	Female	Ayla York	Bilyara

Secondary

Tuckshop Vollies

We are 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

Caloundra Music Academy:

We’re excited to introduce Karolina Jezoirska, an accomplished musician and educator, now available to teach Violin, Viola, Cello and Theory at Caloundra Music Academy.

Lesson Availability:

• During school hours (for CalCC students)
• After school for external students

If you would like to book a lesson with Karolina or learn more, please contact Caloundra Music Academy:

P: 5492 5952 | 0412 838 546
E: musicmancma@gmail.com
W: caloundramusicacademy.com

Blessings,
Kenneth Kelley

Grace Studios - Performance Class

Performance classes are now on every Tuesday from 3.30 pm at CityLife Baptist Church. For information or to book a spot, get in touch with Rebecca Bennett of Grace Studios via Facebook or email bygracestudios@outlook.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