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Mr Joel van Bentum | Principal
Fun and Playfulness
Last year the college participated in a student flourishing survey. We surveyed all our students from year 7 to 12 and this was part of a larger survey that covered over 22,000 students across Australia. This survey was conducted in partnership with the Harvard University Human flourishing project, Research Schools International and Christian Schools Australia. The overall study is a contribution to the much larger and longitudinal human flourishing project.
One of the key things that was measured was around the practices that support and impact flourishing. The top three things that have a positive impact on flourishing when engaged in at least once a month were;
- Laughing with others (22% increase)
- A sense of playfulness (17% increase)
- Activities that strengthen social relationships (11%)
This research affirms the need for families, communities and schools to consider ways we can build these kinds of practices into our days and weeks to support the flourish and growth of our children and students.
Our lives are so busy and there is such pressure to schedule time and provide opportunities for our children that it can seem like we have no time to pause and play.
I think the research provides an opportunity to reflect on our family practices and consider ways that we can build laughter, play and social interaction into our family structures.
Every family is different so this will look different in all our contexts, but it could include,
- Playing some board games together
- Going on a bushwalk
- Sunday lunch as a family
- Cooking together
- Dancing
- Going to the park as a family
Social cohesion and belonging begin in the family so making space for laughter, play and social time is a high value investment and could make a bigger difference in our children’s lives than scheduling another activity that we a rushing to get to.
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Shoeboxes Are Rolling In – Thank You
Thank you so much to all the families who have already returned their Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, we’re thrilled to see your generosity in action. If you still have a box at home, it’s not too late to take part in this meaningful project. Please send it in as soon as possible so we can help spread joy to children around the world. Every single box makes a big difference, let’s keep them coming.
Primary CRU
This week in CRU, Jason Todd came to speak with us. We had an ‘ALL in’ event with students from Yrs 1 -6 participating . This term we have been looking at Proverbs and we considered what good friends are; people that help us live for God. We read Proverbs 13:20 ‘Wise friends make you wise, but you hurt yourself by going around with fools’
Creating playdough ‘friends’ was lots of fun . Primary CRU meets every Tuesday lunchtime and all students are warmly welcomed.
Teddy Bears Picnic
Today Kindergarten enjoyed their Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Students arrived with their special teddy friends and spent the day sharing stories and playing together. They read bear books together, played a bean bag “throw into the bear belly” game, built bears with pegs, made playdough bears, and posed at the bear photo station. A surprise visit from a very big bear made the picnic even more exciting. Most importantly, our Kindergarten students were reminded that just like their teddies, each one of them is special and deeply loved by God.
Uniform Reminder
Primary students currently have the option to wear winter or summer uniform until the end of term. Students will be required to wear summer uniform from the commencement of Term 4.
CAMP AUSTRALIA REGISTRATIONS CLOSE: 20 SEPTEMBER
Book via the parent portal or visit CAMP AUSTRALIA ROCKETEERS REGISTRATION
Students of the Week
Archie G; KR, Angus L; KS,Oliver C; 1G, Hinata V; 1PN,Oscar F; 1S, Anna N; 2G,Zyren L; 2J, Arlo U; 2K,Clara M; 3M, Manaia D; 3BM,Violette P; 4H, Opi E; 4KM,William S; 4P, Hannah K; 5B,Charlotte H; 5B, Kabir L5L, Josh T; 5T,Chloe H; 6A, Max L; 6B,Jasmine S; 6SM
R U OK Day
This week we participated in RUOK Day, a national day of action that reminds us of the importance of checking in with those around us. More than just a conversation starter, RUOK Day encourages us to be present, compassionate, and supportive, especially when someone might be going through a difficult time. Our student leaders did a wonderful job of making this a memorable day.
This term, our LIFE theme is “Love Thy Neighbour”, taken from Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:39: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” RUOK Day gives us a practical opportunity to live out this command in our daily lives.
Loving our neighbour doesn’t always mean grand gestures, it means being intentional about noticing when someone might be struggling, taking the time to listen, and reminding them they are not alone. In a world that often moves fast and focuses on achievement, RUOK Day calls us to slow down, look outward, and show the love of Christ through care and connection.
At school this week, students and staff have been encouraged to:
- Check in with friends and classmates
- Be kind and inclusive in the playground and classroom
- Learn how to listen without judgment
- Pray for those who may be going through hard time
View the full photo gallery in the Collge News section of our website.
Uniform Policy Reminder: Piercings
Girls are limited to one set of either plain gold or plain silver studs or sleepers worn in the ear lobe. Boys and Girls who choose to have visible piercings other than these need to be able to remove any studs etc during school time or replace with clear studs. Please see our Uniform Policy for further details or student may see their Year Advisor if they have any questions.
If students are considering having piercing, can families please encourage them to wait until the school holidays to give time to heal so piercings can be removed for school.
Year 12 Graduation
We warmly invite all parents and grandparents to join us for this special occasion as we celebrate the journey of our Year 12 students and their years of learning at GPCC.
Date Thursday 25 September 2025
Time Service begins at 9:30am. Doors will open for parents from 9:10am.
For Students
Year 12 students will gather in the TAS quad from 8:30am before entering the MPC together. Students are to wear their full formal uniform, including blazers.
Seating
Ushers will direct parents and visitors to the allocated seating areas in the MPC (main hall near the main carpark). Year 12 students will be seated together in a reserved section.
Facilities & Courtesy
Visitor toilets are located just up the hill outside the Library. We kindly ask that all mobile phones be placed on silent during the service.
HSC Examinations
The HSC written exams will run from 16 October – 7 November 2025.
For your convenience, the written exam timetable is attached again.
Writer Volunteers needed for HSC Exams
If you are interest to be a Writer during Year 12 HSC Exams, please contact Glenda Fourie at glenda.fourie@gpcc.nsw.edu.au or 4363 1266. You would only be required for selected dates during Year 12 HSC Exam period between Thu 16 Oct to Fri 7 Nov 2025
Working with Children Check Number required.
Mr Stuart McSwan | K - 6 Sport Co-ordinator
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HCSZS Primary Oztag Gala Day
This week, our students enjoyed a fantastic day at the HCSZS Zone Primary OzTag Gala under beautiful blue skies. It was an action-packed day filled with skill, teamwork, and determination.
Our Senior Girls team came away as champions, while the Senior Boys team battled it out in a thrilling golden point match. The Stage 2 Mixed team also had a great run, making it all the way to the semi-finals.
A huge thank you to our dedicated coaches; Mrs Sirone, Mrs Venter, Mr Gibbins, and Mr Brown for their time, encouragement, and support in preparing our teams. Well done to all our players for representing our school with excellence.
Cross Country Nationals
A huge congratulations to Chloe B (Year 4) who travelled to QLD this week to compete at the Cross-Country School Sport Australia-National Championships having qualified after impressive performances at school, CSSA, CIS and PSSA carnivals this year.
Chloe participated in an opening and closing ceremony, individual race, time trial events and relays as well as a team excursion to Sea World on the Gold Coast.
Chloe finished an amazing 2nd in the 10yr Girls Multiclass event. What an awesome achievement by Chloe.
Dates for your Calendar
For upcoming Carnival, Sporting dates and further information, click on the link below:
Sports Page..
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Mr Chris Harris | Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
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HCSZS Open Mized OzTag
On Wednesday, September 10, our U15’s and Open Mixed Oztag teams travelled to Adcock Park, West Gosford, to compete in the HCSZS Oztag Gala Day. We entered four teams, with two participating in each Division 1 draw. Despite the grounds being declared open by council, conditions were challenging, with light rain falling for much of the day.
A special highlight was the strong family involvement, with five sets of siblings competing, many within the same team. All teams performed exceptionally well, progressing through to the final rounds of competition. Both of our Division 1 “A” teams reached their respective Grand Finals and emerged victorious: the U15 Green Point team defeated Belmont 6–2, while the Open Green Point team claimed a 6–3 victory over Belmont.
Congratulations to all players for their skill, determination, and the sportsmanship they displayed throughout the day.
Dates for your Calendar
For upcoming Carnival, Sporting dates and further information, click on the link below:
This week, our Choir delighted us with a moving performance at Assembly. Their dedication, teamwork, and passion for music shone through every note, creating a moment that lifted hearts and brought great joy to our school community. We are deeply grateful to our choir directors, Mrs Bourke and Mrs McKeown for guiding and encouraging the students, and to the students themselves for their commitment and enthusiasm in sharing their gifts with us all.
Upcoming Performances:
K - 2 Grandparents Day: Two special items to bless our visitors.
Carols in the Stadium: 20th December 2025. The choir has been invited to join a combined schools celebration. Parents, please save the date: more details to follow.
Rehearsals
The choir meets every Tuesday morning in the CAPA Theatre. All students are welcome, come along and add your voice.
Mrs Nicole van Wyk | Teacher Librarian
Premier’s Reading Challenge
PRC closes on Friday 19 September. If you need your login details, contact me this week. Most of our Primary students have completed their challenge, the library has been registering reading. Secondary students can come to the library if they need support with registering their reading.
Scholastic Book Club
Issue 6 orders will be back by the end of term. Orders have now closed for the term.
Term 4 Storytime
Preschool story time themes for Term 4 are below. Please register your interest with Nicole van Wyk: nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu. See the flier for more information.
Online Library Resources
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important Notice
A reminder that as per Green Point Christian College's Enrolment Conditions, you must give 10 weeks’ term time notice in writing to the Registrar prior to withdrawal of your child. Without this notice, 10 weeks’ fees + GST will be charged for each student enrolment being withdrawn. This amount is a genuine pre-estimate by the College of the loss that it would suffer due to insufficient notice.
Please advise in writing via registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au if your child will be leaving GPCC.
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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10 October 2025 - 12 October 2025 | Hunter & Central Coast | Year 9, Year 8, Year 7, Year 6, Year 5, Boys, Girls| AUD 195
Location : Catalina Lakefront Retreat 171 Dorrington Road
Rathmines, NSW 2283
A 3-day intensive Football masterclass, with quality coaching delivered by former Socceroos player Gerry Gomez!
Join us for a fun-filled camp experience including skill sessions, drills and games integrated with bible-based teaching aimed to equip and inspire you to live out a Christian faith in a modern-day world.
Organised night activities will provide opportunities to build friendships in a relaxed environment supported by caring and competent leaders.
We hope that this will be a unique experience to take your Football game to the next level, but also challenge you to consider why accepting Jesus would still be the most important success of your life.
On-site accommodation and meals are included. We would love to see you there.
Book via the website.
Tjudibaring AECG Awards: Wednesday 19 November
We have until the end of term to nominate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students for an AECG award. Students can be nominated in one category only.
- Cultural Participation Award
- Community and Citizenship Award
- Creative Arts Award
- Performing Arts Award
- Academic Achievement Award
- Leadership Award
- Sporting Achievement Award
- Project Participation Award/Community Project Award
- Dedication to Learning Award
- Pursuit of Personal Best Award
All nominations must be received by Monday 22 September 3pm, please email Nicole.vanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au if you would like to suggest a student nomination.
Free Fun Day with Parliament of NSW
Visit Australia’s oldest Parliament as it opens its doors for Family Fun Day, an open day packed with fun educational activities for families with children aged up to 12 years. This year’s highlights include:
- Visiting the heritage chambers
- Playing music and drawing with Blak Douglas
- Having your say in a committee role play
- Travelling through time with historical storytelling
- Making craft animals and objects
- Learning how to vote
- Enjoying live music and engaging with roving historical figures
Discover, learn and have fun at this free one-day-only event.
Parents/carers can learn more and get their free ticket by visiting our website: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/visit/events/Pages/Family-Fun-Day-2025.aspx
Or book directly with Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1329207227599?
If you have any questions, please email dps.education@parliament.nsw.gov.au.
T (02) 9230 2047
Green Point Baptist Church
Services: 9:30am Worship Service, 6:00pm Service
Services continue to be available online each week.
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