CalCC Connections 2026 Issue 7
Term 3 / Week 2
24 July 2026
From the Principal’s Desk
On Friday I had the opportunity to speak to our Junior Primary students and then our Upper Primary students at their new format Junction (chapel).
With our younger students, we explored the idea that we can trust God even when we cannot see Him. Using the example of the wind, we considered how we cannot see it with our eyes, but we can see and feel its effects. In the same way, while we cannot see God, we can know His presence through His creation, His Word, His work in our lives and, most clearly, through Jesus. As 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” Our students responded with the simple reminder: “Even when I can’t see God, I can still trust God.”
With our Upper Primary students, we looked at Noah and the way he trusted God before there was any rain. Noah could not see what was coming, but he chose to obey.
His trust in God was not simply something he said; it was shown through what he did. He kept building, even when the instruction may have seemed unusual and even when others did not understand what he was doing and why he was doing it.
Genesis 6:22 simply records, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”
Our very first Foundation of Life at CalCC is “Faith – We seek God with all our heart.” We seek to learn about Him. We seek to follow Him, and we seek to trust Him. It does not mean that we will always understand what He is doing or see the outcome straight away. It means believing that God is good and that He sees what we cannot see. For our students, this may look like choosing honesty when it is difficult, showing kindness when it is not returned, including someone who feels left out or continuing to pray when an answer has not yet come.
One of the important things we want our students to learn is that faith is not only something we speak about; it shapes the way we live. Faith is demonstrated in the choices we make and the values and beliefs we hold when the outcome is uncertain, and in our willingness to follow God even when we do not yet understand what He is doing.
We wish to let families know that Mark Maritz, our Year 9 and 10 Year Level Coordinator, has shared with us that he will be concluding his time at CalCC on 14 August, after nearly 10 years of ministry at our College community.
During his time at CalCC, Mark has made a valued contribution across both our Primary and Secondary learning communities. Many families will know him from his years teaching in Primary before he recently moved into our Secondary Learning Community, where he continued to support and encourage students.
Blessings
Vince Wakefield
From the Head of Primary
Connections Matter
One wonderful thing about school is that learning is never confined to the four walls of a classroom. While literacy, numeracy and our rich units of learning remain at the heart of each day, some of the most significant moments happen when people come together to share experiences, build relationships and create memories that last long after lessons end.
As we settle into Term 3, I continue to look forward to the many opportunities our students and families have to connect.
It was wonderful to welcome so many parents to our Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews and begin our new Friday morning cuppas before Primary Junction. Both have already provided valuable opportunities to celebrate learning, share conversations and strengthen the partnership between school and home.
There is still much to enjoy in the weeks ahead. Book Week will spark imaginations and a love of reading; our Primary Disco will give students the chance to laugh, dance, and simply enjoy being together; and our camps will take students beyond the classroom into experiences that build resilience and independence, foster compassion, and deepen friendships.
While each event looks different, they all have something in common. They remind us that schools are about people. They provide opportunities for children to encourage one another, solve problems together, include those around them and discover new strengths in themselves and others. We often see compassion most clearly away from desks and books through a helping hand, an encouraging word, a shared laugh, or the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you belong.
As a Christian community, we believe these moments matter. This term, our Foundations for Life and Learning are Compassion: We rise by lifting others, and Communicate: We seek to understand, then be understood. They are qualities that cannot simply be taught. They must be lived. Every conversation, every shared experience, and every opportunity to serve another person help shape the character of our students and strengthen the culture of our College.
Thank you for continuing to partner with us as we nurture children who grow not only in knowledge but also in wisdom, character and faith. We look forward to another term of learning, laughter, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences as we continue to build a community where every child is known, valued, and given the tools to flourish. Our prayer is that they leave CalCC equipped to make a positive difference wherever God leads them.
Blessings
Julie March
LIBRARY NEWS
A Symphony of Stories
The term has begun with a wonderful atmosphere across the school. Lunchtimes have been full of energy and connection as students gather in the library to play chess, board games, card games, and browse for their next great read. It’s been lovely to see students from all year levels settling into positive routines and choosing books that will carry them through the term.
Book Week
This term we celebrate Book Week, and excitement is already building as students begin planning their costumes for our annual Book Week Parade. This year’s theme, “A Symphony of Stories”, will be celebrated from August 24–28, and the library has a selection of shortlisted books on display for students to explore. Book Week competitions will be announced next week, including our colouring competition and the art and design competition. We encourage all students to get involved and share their creativity.
Lunchtime Clubs
Our lunchtime clubs continue to offer fun and engaging opportunities for students:
- Chess Club: open to Year 5–12 students every Wednesday and Thursday in the library. Students can play friendly matches, practise strategy, and record their results each week.
- Lego Club: held on Tuesdays, offering creative Lego challenges for students who enjoy building and design. We’ve started the term with a Lego name challenge, and students have already produced some fantastic creations.
Premier’s Reading Challenge
Students are also encouraged to keep recording the books they read for the Premier’s Reading Challenge. The closing date for the PRC is August 28, and we love seeing students set reading goals and discover new stories.
Term 3 is shaping up to be a vibrant celebration of reading, creativity, and community. Thank you for supporting our library programs and encouraging your children to participate in the opportunities available.
God bless
Sarah Porter
WELLBEING MATTERS
A drift car parked on campus made for an exciting sight today, but it was the message behind it that left the greatest impression.
Students from Years 7–12 were inspired by Taylor Forward, pastor, professional drifter and founder of Dare2Drift. Using his passion for motorsport as a platform, Taylor encouraged students to think about purpose, identity and what it means to place their faith in Jesus.
Drawing on stories from his own life and career, Taylor reminded students that faith isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about trusting God, stepping out in courage and embracing the life He created us to live. Reflecting on Jesus’ words in John 10:10, he spoke about the invitation to experience “life to the full” and encouraged students to find their identity in God’s truth rather than the fleeting values of the world.
Students were highly engaged throughout the presentation, responding enthusiastically to Taylor’s authentic and relatable message. The drift car may have captured their attention, but it was the challenge to live with courage, purpose and faith that will stay with many long after the day.
We are grateful to Taylor and the Dare2Drift team for investing in our students and reminding them that they are deeply loved by God and created for a life of purpose.
With love and blessings
Chappy Linda
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
What an exciting start to Term 3!
This term, we are delighted to welcome a wonderful group of international students who have travelled all the way from Europe, Japan and Thailand to become part of the Caloundra Christian College community.
Five students from Germany and three students from Japan will be studying at CalCC for periods ranging from one term to a full semester. We are also hosting several short-term students from Japan, as well as welcoming a student from Thailand who will be studying with us for the next few years.
One of our German students studied with us for a term last year. He loved his experience, found a real sense of belonging at CalCC, and has now returned with the hope of completing his schooling here in Australia. Stories like his are a wonderful reminder of the lasting impact our College community can have.
But that’s not all! Today, a group of primary students from Japan began their study tour experience at CalCC, and we are excited to welcome another three study tour groups throughout Term 3.
These international connections provide incredible opportunities for learning, friendship and cultural exchange. We encourage everyone to extend a warm CalCC welcome to our visiting students and help them feel at home in our beautiful College community.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to our amazing Host Families. Your generosity, care and hospitality make these life-changing experiences possible, and we are so grateful for your support.
Stay tuned for more stories and highlights from our international visitors throughout the term!
Your International Team,
Mark, Mel & Maddie
staff profile
Meet Chantal Heazlewood
Role at CalCC
Tell us about your role and what you’re most looking forward to this year.
I am a Primary Teacher Aide and am looking forward to getting to know the students and teachers as I support learning in the classroom.
Your story
Where are you from, and what attracted you to CalCC and the Caloundra community?
I grew up mostly in the Northern Territory, particularly in Alice Springs. I really enjoyed my interview and appreciated the professionalism and warmth of the staff I met. It felt like a place where I would love to work and be part of the community.
Before CalCC
What were you doing before joining the College?
Before joining CalCC, I was studying at a Bible college in Brisbane and teaching swimming at the Caloundra Aquatic Centre.
Faith & Values
Which of our Foundations for Life and Learning resonates with you most, and why?
Integrity resonates with me the most. It is something I deeply value in others and continue to strive for in my own life.
Passions
What are you passionate about—in or outside of work?
I have always loved the water. (There is probably more water in and around Alice Springs than you might expect!) Since moving to the coast, I have started learning to surf and absolutely love it. I also enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors under the big Australian sky. I especially miss the incredible stars of Central Australia.
Favourite Bible Verse
What is your favourite Bible verse and why?
At the moment, I have been reflecting on John 5:39–40:
“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”
It reminds me that the purpose of reading the Bible and praying is ultimately to know Jesus and experience the life that is found in Him.
Just for fun
- Favourite hobby or sport? I probably watch more NRL than anything else—mostly because of my husband!
- Something on your bucket list? I’d love to go diving on the Western Australian coast, especially at Ningaloo Reef.
- A fun or surprising fact about you? I had a very varied start to school—I attended kindergarten in France, Prep in the Central African Republic, and Year 1 on the Sunshine Coast at what was then known as Glasshouse Country Christian College.
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.
TERM DATES
Coming Up!
SS_T3__PST – Library Book Parade
SS_T3__PST – Skateboarding
SS_T3__PST – Library Chess-25
SS_T3__PST – Canberra
Community Notices
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POLICIES
CONTACTS & OPENING HOURS
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/
Flourish Early Learning Community
Open: 7:15 am-6:00 pm
Phone: 07 5436 6777
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
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
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