21 August 2026

From the Principal’s Desk

Like many families, we recently completed the National Census. I found the process interesting. Through 66 questions, the Census sought to build an image of who we are.

Recently, during our weekly staff devotions, we have been reflecting on our College Statement of Faith. One of our statements draws from Genesis 1:27:

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

The Census may try to capture a picture of our identity, but Genesis tells us something far more fundamental: we are created by God and we bear His image.

We want every student at CalCC to increasingly understand:

God created you. — Psalm 100:3

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. — Psalm 139:13–14

Your life has purpose. — Ephesians 2:10

The way you are created is not a mistake and you bear God’s image. — Genesis 1:27

You are deeply loved. — Romans 8:38–39

From the Head of Primary

Connections Matter

For our Year 6 students, it looked like navigating Canberra together on their final Primary camp. Year 4 students spent three days and two nights away, while our Year 1 students took another step towards independence through their Day Camp experience. For some children, camp is pure excitement; for others, getting on the bus is an achievement in itself. We have watched students encourage nervous friends, attempt things they weren’t sure they could do and experience that wonderful moment when “I don’t think I can” becomes “I did it!”

Elsewhere, students have challenged themselves through Maths and writing competitions and represented CalCC at District sport. Science Week has brought curiosity and discovery to the fore, while buddy activities with our Secondary students have reminded us of the richness of belonging to a P–12 community. Our Primary Disco brought a different kind of joy altogether—an evening of music, laughter, friendship and CalCC kids and parents simply having a wonderful time together.

Blessings
Julie March

Our students have also been getting creative through our Symphony of Stories competitions. Prep–Year 4 students were invited to take part in the colouring competition, while students from Prep–Year 9 could put their design skills to work creating a working musical instrument from recycled materials. Winners will be announced at the Book Week Parade.

For our budding authors, the Book Links Short Story Writing Competition is also open to students in Years 4–6. Students are invited to create an original fictional story of 500–1000 words, with a $100 prize and publication on the Book Links website awaiting the winning entry. Entries close 18 September.

Our students also represented CalCC brilliantly at the recent Gardiner Chess Competition.

Congratulations to Isaiah Brisbane, Zach Van Wijk, Ben Arens, Liam Yeats, Oliver Grice, Seth Woods, Jacob Wehba, Evan Kim, River Boniface, D. Kumaranathunga and Hezekiah Brisbane.

Among 61 students in their division, Isaiah Brisbane, Evan Kim, River Boniface and Jacob Wehba were our highest-placing individual competitors, while our CalCC teams achieved an outstanding 2nd, 7th and 9th place out of 20 teams overall.

Well done to all our chess players on a fantastic effort and wonderful representation of CalCC.

God bless
Sarah Porter

Counselling & Life Skills at CalCC

Every student has their own story. There are times when our young people are flourishing and times when they may need a little extra support to navigate what is happening in their lives. As College Counsellor, it is a privilege to come alongside students during those times, providing a safe space where they can talk, explore what they are feeling and develop practical strategies to support their wellbeing.

As College Counsellor, it is a privilege to come alongside students during those times, providing a safe space where they can talk, explore what they are feeling and develop practical strategies to support their wellbeing.

No two students are the same, so counselling at CalCC is tailored to the individual child or young person. Sessions are creative and interactive and, depending on the student’s needs, might involve talking, creative activities, games or role play.

My approach combines biblical wisdom with a range of therapeutic strategies drawn from cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, play therapy, mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). The aim is to help students better understand themselves and their emotions while developing practical skills they can draw on in everyday life.

An important part of counselling at CalCC is our Foundations for Life and Learning. Because the Foundations are embedded throughout College life, we can also explore them within the counselling space, helping students connect what they are learning across the College with the challenges they may be experiencing personally. This can provide a practical framework for navigating relationships, emotions, choices and difficult situations.

Sometimes a student may benefit from support beyond what can be provided within the College. When this is the case, I can also assist families with referrals to appropriate external support agencies, counsellors or psychologists.

Parents are an important part of supporting the wellbeing of our students. If you have concerns about your child or believe they may benefit from some additional support, please feel welcome to get in touch.

Fi Cran
College Counsellor

Term 3 is flying by and our College has already welcomed almost 40 Japanese students for short-term study experiences. Our campus has been buzzing with new friendships, plenty of laughter and lots of opportunities to share Australian life and culture.

Our visiting students have enjoyed English lessons, painting boomerangs, exploring Australia Zoo and, of course, spending time with their wonderful CalCC buddies. A huge thank you to our students who have so warmly welcomed their international friends and helped make their time here so special.

Our final study tour for the term is currently with us. Meitoku High School from Japan has been a partner of CalCC for almost 10 years. It is always a pleasure to welcome them back and see this special friendship continue to grow.

Our Japanese and German term and semester students have also settled in beautifully. They are making friends, exploring the Sunshine Coast and becoming a wonderful part of our College life.

Behind every international student is a host family and our homestay community continues to grow. College families, staff, retirees, church members and members of our wider community—everyone is welcome and greatly appreciated. If you would like to know more about opening your home to an international student, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at homestay@calcc.qld.edu.au.

Thank you to our incredible students, families and staff for making our international program what it is. It truly takes a community and we are so grateful for ours.

The International Team
Mark, Mel & Maddie

Thank You for Sharing CalCC

Many of our new families come to us through the recommendation of current parents, and we are so grateful for the way our community shares the College with others.

As a thank you, families receive:
• $250 off fees for every successful referral
• $500 off fees for Prep or Year 7 enrolments

If you know a family considering CalCC, we warmly encourage you to invite them to connect with Shelley for a personal tour of the College.

If you refer a family to CalCC, please let us know so we can thank you with the appropriate referral reward if they go on to enrol.