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Mr Joel van Bentum | Principal
Wonder
Last week I spoke about wonder being a gateway into truth, beauty and goodness. The bible is full of passages that point to the source of wonder, our Creator God. In Psalm 8, David the author expresses His wonder toward God.
As he rejoices at the beauty and majesty of creation he also wonders and asks, what is humanity that you are mindful of them? This is a question that many people have asked across history and one that I think all of us ask at one time or another. In the vast expanse of the universe, how do humans fit in?
The answer David gives is profound and beautiful. He says that God has made us a little lower than angels and crowned us with Glory and honour. In other words, we are made in God’s image and are His image bearers, we are stewards and carers of His creation.
Here at GPCC we seek to help our students live into this reality, so they might live lives of redemptive action and understand what it means to be image bearers. It is a profound opportunity and responsibility. Please enjoy David's Psalm.
Psalm 8
"Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
in the heavens.
Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
You have made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honour.
You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their feet:
all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth"
The Wizard of Oz Production
Our school musical production of The Wizard of Oz is coming together beautifully, and excitement is building fast. This year’s show is shaping up to be a bumper sell-out, with tickets already selling quickly, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic.
- Tuesday, 17 June – 7:00pm
- Wednesday, 18 June – 7:00pm
- Thursday, 19 June – 12:00pm Matinee & 7:00pm
Press the link below or the Poster to be directed to the bookings page.
Supporting a Learning Culture at Home
At this week’s Parent Partnership Event, I shared some thoughts on establishing study habits to boost student success. One key focus was the importance of building a positive learning culture within the home environment.
Research consistently highlights the powerful role of the home in a child’s learning journey. For example, the EPPSE study (UK) found that what parents do at home, such as reading together, encouraging curiosity, and setting routines, had a greater impact on learning than almost any other factor measured.
In practical terms, this means that anything you do to talk about learning, show its value, and support your child’s educational efforts at home will make a difference. Here are some specific strategies you can try:
- Be intentional in conversations
Talk regularly about school, learning, and current events. Let your children hear that you value education by how you speak about school and teachers. - Model learning
Let your children see you learning new things. Whether it’s reading, solving problems, or pursuing a new skill, explain how and why you learn, it shows that learning is a lifelong habit. - Establish routines for study and sleep
Consistent routines help create the structure students need to thrive academically and maintain wellbeing. - Set boundaries for technology
Keep study and sleep times free from phone use. Include gaming, social media, and screen time in your household routines with clear limits. - Reflect on growth, not just results
Help your child see setbacks or low marks as opportunities to grow. When assessments come back, shift the conversation from grades to what can be learned and improved.
Of course, a balanced life is key. Time outdoors, rest, exercise, and recreation, including TV and movies, are all part of a healthy routine. But within that balance, any steps you can take to build a strong learning culture at home can make a lasting impact on your child’s educational progress.
Cherry tomato containers needed for Science lessons
Mrs Reynolds would be most grateful if you could donate some empty cherry tomato containers/packaging for her K-2 Science lessons. Please send them along with your child to drop off at her classroom. Thank you.
Online activity
Increasingly we are finding that many of our students are allowed to watch content that is unsupervised and well above their age range. This is extremely dangerous and impactful. Parents and carers play a crucial role in guiding children as they navigate the online world, learning through exploration, play, and social interaction. One of the most common questions we receive from parents is: “How can I make sure my child only plays games with age-appropriate content?” The E-Safety Commission offers excellent guidance and resources to help families manage this important aspect of digital safety.
The following sites/links below are highly recommended and can help you make informed decisions about your family’s entertainment choices.
- Check age ratings and consumer advice for apps and games on devices your children use: via the App Store or Google Play, and for movies and games, the Australian Classification Board’s online database.
- Commonsense Media offers a database of apps, games and websites searchable by age and is an excellent resource.
- The Australian Council on the Children and the Media provides reviews of movies, apps and games, including gambling content advice, searchable by age and platform.
- Raising Children Network has advice about choosing video games, online games and apps.
- NetAware (UK) offers a guide to popular social media apps, sites and games, including risks, age recommendations and safety tips.
- The Australian Council on the Children and the Media provides reviews of movies, apps and games, including gambling content advice, searchable by age and platform.
Wakakirri helpers
We are at the stage now where costuming and props are being made for our Wakakirri performance. If you are handy with arts and crafts and are able to help, please let Mrs McKeown know via her email rebecca.mckeown@gpcc.nsw.edu.au The production is really coming along and we are excited for our performance date coming up next term.
Story Writing Competition Winner
The Words on the Waves Writers Festival is an annual celebration held on the Central Coast. This year, Sophie S from 6B entered the festival’s Story Writing Competition, which runs alongside the event.
Last weekend, Sophie was announced as the winner in the Year 4–6 category. She received a generous prize pack, including an exciting author visit to GPCC, scheduled for later this year.
The competition’s theme, “Into the Woods,” inspired Sophie’s moving story about a girl’s escape from a war zone to find refuge in the woods.
Congratulations Sophie.
Students of the Week
Sophie H; KR, Kaia M; KS,Callum D; 1G, Olivia C; 1PN,Beau T; 1S, Zoe D; 2G,Theo R; 2J, Luke B; 2K,Nash M; 3M, Ivy H; 3BM,Jackson H; 4H, Madison K; 4KM,Myla M; 4P, Lilah E; 5B,Kitt N; 5L, Scarlett M; 5T,Nathalie S; 6A, Zoey N; 6B,Alice M; 6SM
Mr Stuart McSwan | K - 6 Sport Co-ordinator
CSSA Cross Country- Primary
Last Friday GPCC were represented by close to 33 amazing cross-country runners at the Primary CSSA Carnival in Sydney.
The conditions were ideal for the athletes to compete in their races. After a bit of hustling and bustling at the start line, all of our athletes were able to find some open space and complete either the 2km or 3km course.
We had several top 10 finishes in races that included well over 100 competitors. In addition, we had some teams finish within the top 5 placings overall which is a huge achievement. As a result six Primary students from GPCC have qualified for the CIS Carnival next week.
Well done to all the runners and a huge thankyou to Mr Gibbins for managing the team on the day and to the parents for making the trip.
Top 10 Individual Results (CIS Qualificaiton)
| Chloe B | Primary Girls Multi 8-12 yrs | 1st |
| Ivy H | Primary Girls 8-9 yrs | 5th |
| Harry T | Primary Boys 8-9 yrs | 7th |
| Alex K | Primary Boys 10 yrs | 3rd |
| Amelie W | Primary Girls 11 yrs | 9th |
| Lucy G | Primary Girls 12 yrs | 6th |
CIS Primary Girls Netball Trials
Last Thursday we had four amazing netball players Emily C, Anabella V, Grace G and Lucy G play at the CIS Netball trials as part of a CSSA team. Given the CSSA team had not had one training session, they all came together so well as a team. They only lost one game all day and came away second overall.
Congratulations to all the girls and especially to Emily C and Grace G for being selected to play for the CIS team in Coffs Harbour in the middle of Term 3. A huge effort.
Dates for your Calendar
School Carnivals
| Date | Event | Location |
| TERM 3 | ||
| Friday - 19 September | GPCC K-2 Athletics Carnival | GPCC Grounds |
| TERM 4 | ||
| Friday - 24 October | GPCC K-2 Swimming Carnival | Peninsula Leisure Centre |
Carnival/Sporting levels:
GPCC: Green Point Christian College
HCZS: Hunter Christian Zone Sports (Zone)
CSSA: Christian Schools Sports Association (State)
CIS: Combined Independent Schools
PSSA: Primary School Sports Association
.Representative Carnivals
| Date | Event | Location |
| TERM 2 | ||
| Thursday - 12 June | CIS Primary and Secondary Cross Country | TBA |
| Friday - 22 July | NSW PSSA All Schools X-Country Championships | TBA |
| TERM 3 | ||
| Tuesday - 5 August | HCZS Zone Primary Athletics Carnival | Glendale |
| Friday - 22 August | CSSA Primary State Athletics Carnival | Blacktown |
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Friday - 5 September |
CIS Primary Athletics Carnival | TBA |
| TERM 4 | ||
| Wednesday - 22 October | NSW PSSA All Schools Athletics Carnival Day One | TBA |
| Thursday - 23 October | NSW PSSA All Schools Athletics Carnival Day Two | TBA |
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GPCC Sport Teams
We are looking forward to sending our teams to a number of Gala Days and competitions in Primary again this year.
Students will have a chance to trial for certain school teams over the coming terms and will need to keep a close eye on the notices, teacher announcements in class and listen out for Assembly announcements for when trials will be held.
The protocol for team selection link: GPCC_PRIMARY_REPRESENTATIVE_SPORT_TEAM_SELECTION_PROCESS.pdf
- Teams have at least 2-3 trials before final selection.
- Unfortunately, it is simply not possible for all children who trial to be included in final teams. It is not uncommon for 40 students to trial for a team that only has 10 spots available.
- Once teams have been chose, they will aim to have at least one training session each week before a competition.
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Individual Sport Trials for Primary CSSA and CIS Teams (NOT GPCC teams)
These trials are not for GPCC school teams that we trial for here at school (as mentioned above). The CSSA or CIS trials are usually held in Sydney and students will be trialling against students from either other Christian Schools (CSSA) or other Independent Schools (CIS) and are usually recommended for those students that compete at a representative level.
Please email Mr McSwan before these Nomination dates if your child (YEARS 5 AND 6 ONLY) would like to be considered. Students need to be currently playing in the sport at a very high level and have several years' experience (preferably at a Representative level): Parents are required to transports students to and from these trials.
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CSSA and CIS Sport trial dates: Please note these are not for GPCC school teams.
| Date | Event |
| Term 2 | |
| Monday - 16 June | CIS Primary Boys and Girls Golf trials - Nominations clsoe Tuesday 10 June |
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* Students must be a member of a registered Golf Club (AGU, WGA), Jack Newton Golf Foundaiton, any Junior Development Program and their handicap at the time of nomination does not exceed 32 in the case of boys and 44 in the case of girls. If the field is too large, players may be balloted based on handicap.
Parents will be required to enter the following extra information on your nomination form:
- Golf Club
- GOLF Link Number
- Handicap.
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| Wednesday - 18 June | CSSA Primary State Gymnastics Levels Only (select students). Year 6 in Canberra |
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*All competitors are required to have an accredited gymnastics coach from their club attend on the day- Nominations close WEDNESDAY 4 JUNE Note: All competitors must be insured and registered with a Gymnastics NSW affiliated club. The CSSA State Gymnastics Competition is run following the NSW Gymnastics rules and guidelines. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate students competing under different gymnastic affiliations ie. Recreational Gymnastics Australia (RGA). |
| Wednesday - 18 June |
CIS Primary Rugby Union Trials #1 (select students). Nominations close Wednesday 11 June. Year 6 in Canberra |
CSSA have recommended that all adults (teachers, volunteers, and parents) complete the following module on Child Protection before attending any CSSA event (trials, gala days or carnivals). Thank you.
https://old.cssa.net.au/child_protection/index.html#/
Below is a link for the Risk Warning that accompanies all CSSA run events
https://cssa.nsw.edu.au/risk-warning/
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Mr Chris Harris | Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
Senior and Junior Girls' Netball Teams
Well done to our senior and junior girls’ netball teams who represented us at the HCSZS Gala Day in Charlestown on Thursday, 29th May. Both teams performed exceptionally well, showcasing their impressive athleticism and teamwork throughout the day.
The junior girls advanced to the finals and triumphed over a team they had previously lost to, an outstanding comeback and a testament to their resilience.
Our senior girls also reached the finals, facing the same team they had drawn with in Round 1. After a hard-fought match that ended in another draw at the final buzzer, the outcome was sadly decided by just two points. Despite the narrow loss, the team played with determination and grit, even in challenging weather conditions.
Miss Prater and Mrs Sheppard were incredibly proud of all the girls for their positive attitudes, sportswomanship, and skill on the court. Congratulations to both teams on a fantastic effort.
Oztag Gala Days
On Tuesday, 3rd June, our Year 7 and 8 boys’ and girls’ Oztag teams competed at the Central Coast Schools Gala Day at Tuggerah Regional Sporting Complex. The boys had a strong run, winning all pool games before a narrow quarter-final loss to Wadalba High. The girls won their opening match but faced tough competition in later games.
On Thursday, 5th June, four more teams took part in the Central Coast Oztag Gala Day. While the 9/10 boys, 11/12 boys, and 11/12 girls teams showed great spirit and determination, they didn’t make the finals.
The highlight was our 9/10 girls’ team, who went undefeated in pool play and fought through the finals to win a thrilling grand final against Terrigal High after extra time. They will now represent GPCC at the Champion of Champions event in August, competing against top teams from across the region.
Congratulations to all our students for their sportsmanship, teamwork, and fantastic effort across both events
Dates for your Calendar
| Date | Event | Location |
| Tuesday - 10 June | Central Coast Premiership City Cup U15s | Rogers Park Woy Woy |
| Wednesday - 11 June | Isabelle Kelly Premiership City Cup Competition Girls U14 U16 U18 | Erina Oval |
| Thursday - 12 June | CIS Secondary Cross Country | TBA |
| Friday - 13 June | HCSZS Boys Futsal Gala Day | Federation Centre Maitland |
| Friday - 13 June | HCSZS Girls Basketball Gala Day | Broadmeadow Basketball Stadium |
Carnival/Sporting levels:
GPCC: Green Point Christian College
HCZS: Hunter Christian Zone Sports (Zone)
CSSA: Christian Schools Sports Association (State)
CIS: Combined Independent Schools
NSWAS: NSW All Schools
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Individual Sport Trials for CSSA and CIS Teams (NOT GPCC teams)
These trials are not for GPCC school teams that we trial for here at school. The CSSA or CIS trials are usually held in Sydney and students will be trialling against students from either other Christian Schools (CSSA) or other Independent Schools (CIS) and are usually recommended for those students that compete at a representative level.
Please email Mr Harris before these Nomination dates if your child would like to be considered. They need to be currently playing in the sport at a very high level and have several years' experience (preferably at a Representative level): Parents are required to transports students to and from these trials.
Any questions about college sporting teams, coaches, gala days, carnivals and trials can be directed to my email charris@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Follow the yellow brick road and join us for GPCC’s spectacular production of The Wizard of Oz.
Tickets are available via the website and by pressing on the images below, don’t miss your chance to see our talented students shine on stage in this much-loved classic.
Seats are limited, so grab yours today before they sell out.
Choir
We encourage our students to practise the repertoire we are learning in Choir at home. Students took home a lyric sheet and can access the audio tracks on School Box using their QR code. Please contact Fiona Fordyce if the QR code isn’t working.
Our Next Performance is week 10 for the K-12 NAIDOC Service.
Please note Choir practise for the next two weeks will be held in Staff Common Room as the CAPA theatre is being used for the Wizard of Oz production. The SCR is right near the canteen if you are new and unsure of its location.
Mrs Nicole van Wyk and Mrs Judi Hurst | Teacher Librarians
Maker Space - Machines in Motion
Students created some interesting machines this week 4-6 June. They turned, lifted, bulldozed, smashed, pivoted, towered, and drove. Students did a great job creating both unique and accurate creations.
Sami Bayly is coming soon to GPCC
It is almost time for our Author visit 2025. We are privileged this year to have Sami Bayly, an award-winning author and natural history illustrator, coming to our school on Thursday 12 June to inspire our Primary school children. Through her amazing illustrations and descriptions, our students will be in awe of her understanding of nature and will learn about all kinds of weird and wonderful animals.
Her first book, "The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals", won the Children’s Indie Book of the Year Award and the Australian Book Design Award for Younger Readers and numerous prestigious awards have followed.
Her books have also been published overseas in numerous countries.
No books will be on sale from school but her books can be purchased or ordered from QBD Books in Erina Fair.
For more information about Sami, follow the link below.
Term 2 Storytime
Preschool story time themes for Term 2 are below. Please register your interest with Nicole van Wyk: nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.
Scholastic Book Club- Issue 4
Issue 4 orders can now be placed online at LOGIN (scholastic.com.au). Orders close on Wednesday 18 June.
Online Library Resources
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HSC Trial Exam Volunteers
First Nations Observances
During the second half of Term 2 each year there are three significant events for all Australians. Sorry Day, Reconciliation and NAIDOC. They are not just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; these days are observances for everyone.
First Nations events open a conversation where all Australians can discuss our shared history, rich cultural experiences and find a way forward for a strong, inclusive Australia.
| Tuesday 1 - Wednesday 3 July |
Breawrrina Visitors: Urayne W, Lacey B, Belinda B, Maddy H. |
K-12 |
Cultural activities Bush Foods, Art & Dance. |
| Term 2, Week 10. Wednesday 2 July |
NAIDOC Week "The next generation: Strngth, vision & legacy" |
K-12 |
2.2pm LIFBrewarrina Greetings. Presentation, Cultural Celebration, Community Engagement. 2.20pm |
Term 2
Tuesday 29 April - Students Commence Term 2
Monday 9 June - King's Birthday Public Holiday
Friday 4 July - Last day Term 2
Term 3
Monday 28 July - Students Commence Term 3
Friday 26 September - Last Day Term 3
Term 4
Monday 13 October - Students commence Term 4
Wednesday 10 December - Last Day Term 4 for students
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2026 TERM DATES
Please see link below for 2026 term dates
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This week, we proudly recognise Brooke Milsom as our Staff Member of the Week for her outstanding dedication and tireless work behind the scenes.
From managing the ever-changing school calendar to assisting with team selections and ensuring last-minute printing needs are met, Brooke handles it all with remarkable efficiency, care, and a constant smile.
Beyond her exceptional organisational skills, Brooke truly embodies our school’s learner profile by being a collaborative and socially engaged team member. She expertly juggles countless tasks while supporting and celebrating those around her. Brooke’s efforts keep our Primary School running smoothly, and she’s always the first to step up and lend a hand.
Thank you, Brooke, for your hard work, attention to detail, and the positive energy you bring to our team every day. We couldn’t do it without you.
Camp Australia
FREE Webinar: Navigating Screen Time and Digital Wellbeing
In today’s digital world, children are spending more time on screens, often on platforms not suited for their age. This free webinar with Dr. Coulson will cover:
- How screen time and algorithms affect mental health
- The importance of real-world experiences
- Practical tips for parents to set boundaries and build connections
- How to talk to kids about digital risks
The session includes a live Q&A, where parents can ask Dr. Coulson their questions directly. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical advice for supporting your child’s digital wellbeing.
Camp Australia Holiday Camp
Booking for the Camp Australia Rocketeers Winter School Holiday Program are open now.
Early bookings are highly recommended, with a minimum of 13 bookings each day required for the program to proceed. Confirmation of the program going ahead will be made on 20 June.
Book via the Parent Portal or visit https://www.campaustralia.com.au/rocketeers.
Fundraising BBQ
Dance Camp Holiday Program
Green Point Community Notices
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Firewood for Sale
Call Brian for further information: 0404 478 341
Green Point Baptist Church
Services: 9:30am Worship Service, 6:00pm Service
Services continue to be available online each week.
One of the hopes behind this initiative is that it will be a blessing to our school community, offering connection, encouragement, and support to GPCC parents and carers in the early years of parenting.
If you would like to place an community advertisement in the Green Point Community Notices, please email details to our Messenger Editor, Christina Hutchinson at newsletter@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
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