Caloundra Christian College eNewsletter

REFLECTING ON RECENT WEEKS

Like many people, over recent weeks I have been reflecting on some of the significant events that have happened around the world.

One of the Bible verses I was drawn to during this time of reflection is one we have in a frame on my son’s bedroom wall. It is 1 Corinthians 16:13-14:
‘Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love’.

My son and I recite this together before going to bed as a reminder for us to stand firm in what we believe in and not be what Paul described to the Church in Ephesus as ‘tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching’ (Ephesians 4:14).

I have also reflected on our Foundations of Life and Learning and considered how these values and skills may help our children navigate unsettled times like we have seen in recent weeks.

Our first Foundation at CalCC is FAITH — We seek God with all our heart. The icon for this foundation is an open book symbolising God’s Word and a cross symbolising the sacrifice Jesus Christ took upon Himself so that we may have eternal life. The Christian faith is underpinned by the Scriptures, which reveal who God is, His purposes for humanity and the hope we have in Christ. It calls us to build our lives on a firm foundation — not on shifting opinions or passing trends — but on the eternal promises of God.

Another Foundation I’ve been reflecting on recently is Communication — We seek to understand, then to be understood. This principle, drawn from Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, reminds us that genuine communication begins with listening. When we listen deeply and with the intent to truly understand others, we build trust and clarity. In turn, this creates the kind of space where our own thoughts and ideas can be shared and received with openness and respect.

It is not easy in a world that feels more and more polarised to be able to stand firm in our faith and do it in love, but that is what we are called to do.

As a College, my prayer is that our students are able to grow into courageous men and women of faith who stand firm on God’s Word and the saving grace of Jesus Christ as they act in love in all circumstances.

ATTENDANCE

As part of a continuing initiative to increase our overall student attendance rate, at the start of next term, all families will receive a computer-generated letter that shares their childrens' attendance rate for the previous term. We believe that knowledge empowers people and our goal is to simply allow our parents to have up-to-date information on this data.

HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAY

It has been a fantastic term with so many highlights. If you haven’t seen the highlights videos on social media, I encourage you to have a look. Thank you to every student, staff member and family member for making it happen.

Praying that your family has a restful and safe school holiday. I look forward to seeing you all back next term so we can finish the last leg of the school year.

God bless you

Vince Wakefield

CELEBRATING TERM 3!

What a term it has been! As we wrap up Term 3, I want to recognise and celebrate the many ways our community has grown together in learning, compassion and authentic connection. It has been such a joy to witness the energy and commitment of our students, the dedication of our staff and the wholehearted support of families. The strengthening of bonds across our community has been tangible - students showing real care and respect for one another and our community. The atmosphere of genuine support has been both inspirational and uplifting.

Our Foundation focus this term has been on Compassion and Communicate and I have seen these values shine in classrooms, on the sporting field, in creative pursuits and through acts of service. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12:25–27 remind us that we are one body and this term has been a living example of what it means to support and uplift one another.

Highlights from Term 3

This has been a term full of colour, creativity and care. Together, we have:

Strengthened primary partnerships through Bullying No Way Week and Foundation Day.
Splashed through our Colour Run fundraiser with joy and laughter.
Stepped into compassion through the Rosie’s Sleepout, Food Drive and PJ Day, raising awareness and support for the homeless.
Dived into imagination with our Book Week Parade.
Experimented, designed and discovered during Science Week.

These moments remind us that learning isn’t only about knowledge - it’s about building relationships, showing kindness and celebrating the gifts God has given us individually and as a community.

Celebrating Achievement

We are thrilled to congratulate Natashya (Year 12) on receiving the prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. This is a tremendous accomplishment that reflects resilience, service and leadership. She is a true inspiration to our College community!

Congratulations also to:

Ayla Y (Year 7) for representing CalCC at a regional level in Track and Field Events, achieving 3rd in 800m and 4th in 200m events!
Azalea S (Year 7) for her first competition for her Certificate I in Dance, with her group placing in the top three across all genres.
Phoebe D (Year 9) for representing CalCC at the UniSC Languages Speech Contest.
Sophia K (Year 7), Sabelle H (Year 7) and Tristan H (Year 9)for singing beautifully in the Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod!

With Gratitude

To every student, staff member and family - thank you for making Term 3 so full of life and heart. We pray for a safe, refreshing and joy-filled holiday for you all. We can’t wait to see you back in Term 4, ready for the next chapter of learning and adventure together!

God bless,

Amber-Lee Donahoo

Head of Secondary Learning Community

With Glad and Sincere Hearts

Stepping into my role as Acting Head of Primary has been such a privilege, and as I look back over the term, I can’t help but smile at the growth and beauty I’ve witnessed in Primary. It hasn’t just been about the big events — though the Colour Run, year level camps and Foundations Day certainly filled each participant with joy — it has been about the daily choices our children are making, the small, self-directed changes that reveal significant shifts in heart and character.

Our focus verse for this term has been Acts 2:46:'They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.' This picture of the early church has been a wonderful way to teach our students what it means to love, care for and serve one another. Again and again, I’ve seen this verse come to life in the way our children are building community here at CalCC.

I have noticed so many Primary students taking more pride in themselves. Boys arriving with fresh haircuts, girls changing their earrings and hair accessories to reflect our uniform expectations and stray wisps of hair being neatly tied back with clips, pins or a spritz of hairspray. These may seem like minor details, but to me they represent something deeper — children understanding that the way we present ourselves is a reflection of respect, care and pride in who we are as part of our CalCC community.

That same pride is flowing into classrooms and playgrounds. I’ve seen tidier desks, neater bookwork and cleaner learning spaces. Across Primary, students are working hard to care for our grounds and take responsibility for the places we share. One of my highlights has been watching several Year 2 children begin a buddy club, spreading picnic blankets on the grass for those who might otherwise feel left out. With books, teddies, Connect-4 and colouring, they have created a safe space of welcome — a beautiful example of children seeing a need and doing something about it.

Even more inspiring has been the way this simple initiative has sparked new ideas. Some students are taking steps to start a prayer group, while others are organising a Bible study club to share memory verses and unpack God’s Word with younger friends. I love that our shared green spaces are becoming places of ministry and mission, where children are learning to lead with love and invite others in.

As an inevitable part of life, conflicts have also become an opportunity for growth. I’ve been honoured to facilitate conversations with students, helping them utilise their PeaceWise strategies at lunchtime to work through current and long-term disagreements — admitting their part, offering forgiveness and moving forward together. On the courts, I’ve overheard students choosing encouragement instead of criticism, uplifting one another instead of putting each other down. These are the moments that remind me why I love what I do.

Of course, there’s still more to work on. As we head into the next term, this term's priorities will continue, along with taking greater care of our bathrooms, using them properly, and showing respect for others. Each goal we concentrate on is part of a larger picture: taking pride in ourselves, our College, and the community God is shaping here at CalCC.

I want to acknowledge the dedication of our Primary staff, who have faithfully supported me — not only as I step into this new role, but also in carrying forward this term’s focus on pride that begins with self and extends to our whole College community. Their encouragement, consistency and care have been vital in helping our children grow, and I count it a profound blessing to serve alongside such a united, faithful, steadfast and committed team.

I am also deeply grateful for the support of our families. Your partnership has strengthened all that we have sought to achieve this term, and the way you encourage your children at home makes a real and lasting difference. Thank you for walking with us in this journey of growth, belonging and community.

For me, Term 3 has been a beautiful season of growth, friendship and love. I have seen our children discover that little adjustments can make a big difference, and that when we practise our Compassion and Communicate Foundations well, we are living out Acts 2:46 — learning to gather and grow together with glad and sincere hearts.

What a joy it has been to serve CalCC during this season, to see God at work in the lives of our children and to walk alongside such a wonderful community. Together, we are learning to be the people God calls us to be — people who love, serve and encourage one another in every space we share.

Best wishes,

Julie March

Acting Head of Primary

The P&F has had a huge term. It’s wonderful to see our playground fundraiser tally looking so healthy!

A massive thank you to our students for embracing the Colour Run with such enthusiasm and to the families and friends who so generously donated. It was a fantastic event that truly brought our College community together.

We’d also like to give a special shout-out to Cherie Wotherspoon for organising the Father’s Day Stall, along with her amazing team of helpers. Your creativity and hard work made the stall such a success — we are so grateful.

Enjoy the holidays! We can’t wait to see the new playground take shape.

Our Kids need Smart Parents, not Smart Phones!

Does your child have a smartphone? Have you ever asked yourself the question, why?

Is it because:

You can track your child?
Stay in contact with them to organise lifts and give them reminders?
You feel safer knowing your child can ring you if they need support or help?
Because all their friends have one?

But have you considered this:

You have given them a device that allows negative social media algorithms access to their self-esteem.
You have given online bullies 24/7 access to your child.
You have given strangers and potential predators 24/7 access to your child.
You have given them access to hardcore pornography.
You have allowed other people to guide their thoughts on topics like self-harm, self-esteem, alcohol, drugs and confused gender ideology.
You have allowed them a device that creates mental health challenges.
You have given them a tool that is addictive.
You have given them a tool that reduces healthy social interactions.
You have given them a tool that reduces their desire to go outside, play and interact with you.
You have given them access to violent games.
Most children are accessing apps they are legally too young for.

I see first-hand and respond to many instances where phones and social media are used inappropriately — to view harmful sites, to cause harm through hurtful comments or sadly to harm themselves by sending inappropriate pictures of themselves to others. Friendship fallouts occur daily due to online conversations where children say things they would never say in person or where misunderstandings create division in friend groups.

So what can you do? What boundaries should you have in place? Every family is different, yet I want to share some helpful thoughts that can help you navigate this area:

If you haven’t yet given your child a phone, don’t! Or at least don’t until they have a job so they can take the responsibility of paying for it and their plan.
Remember that whilst teens have the technical ability to navigate smart phones, the internet and social media platforms, they do not have the emotional maturity to filter what they should or shouldn’t engage in, or know how to helpfully navigate interactions.
Once a teen looks up a topic, the algorithm will ensure they see more and more of that topic, creating an unrealistic bias. One innocent search can see young people go down rabbit holes on gender issues, self-harm ideas or vile pornography.
If you need to know where your children are, then give them a brick phone (now termed dumbphones), not a smartphone. Yes, they still exist! Or simply make plans before they go somewhere (remember what we did before we had mobiles?).
Remove social media apps from the phone and encourage face-to-face space with their friends instead.
Never, ever allow any tech in bedrooms — you are giving them freedoms they cannot handle.
Put time limits on screen time at home.

Will this be hard? Yes! Your young person will not thank you (yet) for removing their device or restricting use on it. However, being a parent means making hard decisions in order to protect your children. Our kids need smart parents, not smartphones! Imagine how much easier it would be if many parents created a culture where phones are less of a feature. Will you join the revolution of smart parents?

God bless

Fi Cran
College Counsellor

What's better than a Chaplain? Two Chaplains! Meet James Nikkerud, who serves at CalCC every Wednesday and Friday.

Can you tell us about your role here at CalCC?

I’m one of two Chaplains here at the College. My role is all about providing non-academic support for our students, with a special focus on their wellbeing. I’m here to listen, encourage and walk alongside them as they navigate the challenges and joys of school life.

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

I was born and raised in Adelaide, then moved to Brisbane in 2017 to take on a role as a youth pastor. In 2024, I moved to the Sunshine Coast to serve in ministry at Epic Church, Caloundra.

When the opportunity came up to be a Chaplain at CalCC, I was immediately drawn to it. Supporting teenagers to thrive in every area of life has been my heart in church ministry for the past 14 years and chaplaincy felt like a natural extension of that calling - just beyond the four walls of the church.

What did you do before CalCC?

I’ve spent the past 14 years in full-time church ministry in a variety of roles. That continues to be a big part of my life today, alongside my chaplaincy role here at CalCC.

Which of the foundations for life and learning resonates with you the most and why?

Faith. I’ve seen God do incredible things in my own life and in the lives of others. I truly believe nothing is impossible for Him, and faith is the key that unlocks His power at work in us.

What are you passionate about?

I’m a big sports fan. I follow the Adelaide Crows, Liverpool F.C. and the Minnesota Vikings. Beyond that, my real passion is seeing people live up to their God-given potential and step into the fullness of who they were created to be.

What is on your bucket list?

I’d love to do more international travel.

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

'All things are possible to those who believe.' Mark 9:23.

Believe for more in God!

What is your favourite sport/hobby? And why?

To watch, definitely AFL. I grew up with it and still think it’s the greatest sport in the world. To play, I enjoy golf because it’s both social and challenging.

Funny fact about you?

I can speak backwards - it’s a bit of a quirky party trick!

A very busy Term 3 saw visits to the CalCC campus from three Study Tour groups – Edogawa Primary School, Meitoku and Ichikawa High Schools. We have also been excited to welcome a handful of individual students: from Germany, Julius (Year 9), Henry (Year 11) and Amelie (Year 11) and, from Japan, Maya (Year 9).

Amelie remains with us, along with our two year-long Japanese students Rinka and Zen. German siblings Henri (Year 7) and Marie (Year 9) are arriving for Term 4.

What a fantastic group of ambassadors our buddies are – for CalCC, for Christian Schools and for the Australian culture of mateship! CalCC students always engage excitedly with our international guests, but this term the rate of laughter and games during tours, as well as the tears at farewell moments, surpassed that of any prior term or year. Not surprisingly, there are moves afoot to advocate for CalCC students to visit Japan in the near (2026 or 2027) future. What a wonderful idea!

Homestay families likewise were highly engaged and invested in the experience this season. As a result, our little international office is currently inundated with new and repeat enquiries for placements into 2026, 2027 and beyond.

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 completing the Expression of Interest form (below). You can also send an email directly to our lovely International Team here at CalCC homestay@calcc.qld.edu.au.

Express Your Interest

We look forward to hearing from you.

Mark, Maddie & Melinda

Celebrating a Term of Reading, Growth and Joy in the Library!

This term, in Primary, we have once again run the Scholastic Star Reader program. It has been fantastic to see the excitement and pride of our students as they receive their weekly Star Reader awards. Our Star Reader Wall of Fame is now filled with smiling faces of students who have shown real commitment to reading throughout Term 3. It’s been heartwarming to see so many students proudly displayed which is proof of the confidence that comes from reading for pleasure and growth.

At this week’s Primary Launch, we celebrated our overall Star Readers for Term 3, drawn from the pool of weekly nominees. Congratulations to Holly in Year 5 and Jeminah in Year 1, who were each awarded a special prize pack in recognition of their outstanding reading efforts. Well done to all students who were nominated, you’ve made our library team and all of your teachers incredibly proud!

The Library: A Hub for All Ages

Our library continues to be a vibrant and welcoming space for students from Prep to Year 12. Whether it’s curling up with a book, building with LEGO, playing games with friends, or diving into study, the library offers something for everyone. Senior students have been making excellent use of the space for exam preparation, and next term, the senior external exams will be held in the rooms above the resource centre. To support their focus and achievement, we’ll be maintaining a quiet study environment while still ensuring the library remains a fun and inclusive space for all students during lunch breaks.

Reading Over the Break: Why It Matters

As we head into the school holidays, we want to remind families of the importance of reading for pleasure, for learning and for exploring personal interests. Research shows that even 10–20 minutes of daily reading can help students maintain their reading ability and avoid the 'holiday slide', where progress can be lost over the break. Parents can encourage children to keep a regular reading habit by providing access to books that interest them, reading together as a family, or setting aside quiet reading time each day. Regular reading can help maintain vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking skills and also fosters imagination, empathy and emotional wellbeing.

eBooks and Audiobooks for Secondary Students

For our Secondary students, don’t forget that your College library isn’t just physical - it’s digital too! We offer a wide selection of eBooks and audiobooks that can be accessed anytime. Whether you prefer to read on your laptop or listen on the go, stories are still powerful tools for entertainment and learning. Students can log in with their College email via the ePlatform app or through their browser to explore the collection.

Wrapping Up Term 3

It’s been a busy but wonderful term filled with learning, laughter and literary adventures. Thank you to all students, staff and families for your continued support of our CalCC library. We look forward to another exciting term ahead.

God bless

Sarah Porter and the library team

Cleaners

We are currently seeking cleaner/s for before and/or after school cleaning shifts between 2-4 hours (for up to 7 hours per week), with the opportunity for extra hours from time to time. Please apply via our website or chat with Dawn if you have any questions - employment@calcc.qld.edu.au.

A simple gift-filled shoebox is making an eternal difference. Will you pack a shoebox this year and share the hope of Jesus with children all over the world?

KEY DATES

Friday 12 September - Boxes distributed to the youngest in the family (Prep-Year 12)
Wednesday 22 October - Return filled boxes to College Administration

A5_Bulletin_AUS_2025_V3.pdf

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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