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Mr Joel van Bentum | Principal
Where would we be without wonder?
I would suggest that without wonder, our world would be a much poorer and dimmer place. Wonder is the feeling of amazement and admiration we get when we see something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar. Wonder is also the desire to know something, the feeling of curiosity. Wonder is an incredible gift that our creator God has given us all.
We see wonder so clearly in the eyes of a small child: when they see fireworks for the first time, look out the window of a plane, or pick a wildflower to give to someone they love. As adults, our sense of wonder can diminish over time if we’re not careful. Repetition, cynicism, or busyness can dull our awareness, causing us to miss the moments of wonder all around us. When that happens, our world becomes smaller, and our desire to learn and grow fades. Without wonder, learning becomes dull and utilitarian, rather than the joyful and life-giving pursuit it was meant to be
Wonder is one of the great engines of learning, and it can be nurtured. It is our gateway to the transcendent, the doorway into the truth, beauty, and goodness that God, the Creator of all things, has woven into His creation for us to discover, unfold, and explore.
At GPCC, we hope to share the wonder of this world with all our students. We seek to cultivate wonder in all we do, helping students become alert to the incredible truth, stunning beauty, and created goodness present in every corner of our world. Our hope is that wonder will become the driving force behind their learning, leading them ever closer to the true source and Creator of all truth, beauty, and goodness throughout their lives.
In the spirit of wonder, we invite you to experience the magic and imagination of The Wizard of Oz, brought to life by our talented students and staff. Join us for one of the following performances:
- Tuesday, 17 June – 7:00pm
- Wednesday, 18 June – 7:00pm
- Thursday, 19 June – 12:00pm Matinee & 7:00pm
Tickets are now available, don’t miss this extraordinary production that celebrates courage, friendship, and, of course, wonder. Press the link below or the Poster to be directed to the bookings page.
Understanding the Dangers of AI-Generated Deepfakes: A Call for Awareness and Action
There is a troubling trend impacting schools, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by students to create and distribute "deepfake" images of their peers. This can take the form of bullying or teasing of a student and can move into extreme cases of students producing explicit images of their peers.
While many students may understand this behaviour is morally wrong, they may not realise it is criminal. What some consider a "prank" is, under Australian law, a serious offence known as image-based abuse. As defined by the eSafety Commissioner, image-based abuse occurs “when someone shares, or threatens to share, an intimate image or video of a person.”
Importantly, the law treats fake (AI-generated) images the same as real ones. Distributing these images, or even forwarding them to others is an offence.
The victims of this abuse suffer serious psychological harm. The emotional trauma, feelings of shame, and fear of exposure can be overwhelming. Tragically, the consequences of such abuse have already proven devastating, as seen in the case of 15-year-old Matilda Rosewarne, who took her own life after becoming the target of this kind of harassment.
New laws introduced under the Criminal Code Amendment (Deepfake Sexual Material) Bill 2024 apply to anyone aged 10 and over. While there are safeguards and case-by-case discretion when minors are involved, the law still recognises this behaviour as criminal, even if carried out by a child or teen.
At GPCC, we are committed to creating a safe and respectful learning environment. In light of this issue, we encourage all families to:
- Talk openly with your children about the ethics and dangers of digital technology.
- Monitor online activity, especially on social media apps such as Snapchat and Instagram.
- Promote empathy, respect, and responsible online behaviour.
- Report any concerns immediately through the eSafety Commissioner’s platform.
Supporting young people to navigate the digital world safely and carefully is a shared responsibility. By working together at school and home, we can better protect our students and assist them in their decision making. If students are affected by this, getting help is important, whether through counselling at school or some external help, such as the eSafety Commission website (safety.gov.au). The site offers information on a range of topics and also provides links to support services such as Beyond Blue, Kids Helpline and Headspace.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our school community safe and informed.
Partners in Education
We warmly invite parents and carers to our upcoming Partners in Education Evening where I will share practical insights to help families support students in their learning and wellbeing.
- Thursday, 5 June 2025, 7:30pm
- CAPA Theatre, Green Point Christian College, 382 Avoca Drive
- Bookings are essential via the website.
Reconciliation Chapel Service
This week was National Reconciliation Week and our Primary Chapel was focused on this year’s theme of "Bridging Now to Next". The Primary Service team organised and led the service, helping all our students gain understanding into what reconciliation between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples means. The students also spent time in their classes thinking about how we as Christians are called to love one another and they also spent time praying for our nation.
Pathway alongside MPC for pedestrian access
This reminder was mentioned here recently but we still have students who are arriving at school early for before school activities walking along Canteen Road to access the CAPA theatre or other rooms. Although this road is blocked off during the school day so that pedestrians can use it safely, during the morning it is the main thoroughfare for staff driving into the College. Please speak to your children about the safety issues of walking along this road in the morning and remind them to use the pathway alongside the MPC instead.
Uniform Matters
Our students do a great job at wearing their uniform properly but there are a few noticeable non-uniform items starting to creep in. Just a reminder to please check that your child has the correct uniform items. Some things that have been noted lately are:
- White sports socks with branding – sports socks should be plain white and above the ankle.
- Joggers being worn with formal uniform – black, polishable leather school shoes must be worn with the formal uniform.
- Jewellery that is non-compliant – only a watch and one pair of plain gold/silver sleepers or studs. No necklaces, colourful earrings, anklets, rings etc. Save these for the weekend.
- Sports jacket with formal uniform – only the soft-shell jacket is to be worn with the formal uniform.
- Long sleeve t-shirts worn under shirts – if extra warmth is required, girls have the option of a long sleeve College blouse. Both boys and girls can wear the red wool jumper as an extra layer.
If there are times when your child is out of correct uniform for unexpected reasons, please let their teacher know via email or a handwritten note.
The Ultimate Dad Competition
We are inviting all Dads to be part of our "Ultimate Dad Competition", a fun and memorable event for Fathers and their K–6 Sons and Daughters. Join us as we celebrate the gift of Fatherhood through friendly challenges, laughs, and quality time together. It’s a great opportunity to create lasting memories, and show your kids what being an awesome Dad is all about.
Register HERE.
Students of the Week
Elijah G; KR, Clara F; KS,Weston T; KS, Aubrey T; 1G,Bryson R; 1PN, Connor E; 1S,Jiles H; 2G, Harry F; 2J,Olivia G; 2K, Griffith T; 3M,Liam C; 3BM, Ellanora M; 4H,Samuel A; 4KM, Indy B; 4P,Matthew C; 5B, Jocelyn M; 5L,Jude B; 5T, Nathan Y; 6A,Jack P; 6B, Elsie H; 6SM.
Mr Stuart McSwan | K - 6 Sport Co-ordinator
High Jump and House Relays
We are just waiting for fine weather and a dry oval combination to complete High Jump and House Relays. Hopefully this will be possible before the end of term.
I will notify students as soon as the events are scheduled. Once all events are completed, we will be able to calculate Age Champions and tally House Points.
Thank you for your patience.
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
Wet Weeks
Dates for your Calendar
| Date | Event | Location |
| Tuesday - 3 June | CC Oztag Junior 7 & 8 Boys and Girls Gala Day | Tuggerah |
| Thursday - 5 June | CC Oztag Junior 9 & 10 Boys and Girls Gala Day | Tuggerah |
| Friday - 6 June | Central Coast Premiership City Cup U13 | Carrington St Oval |
| 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 now 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.
Mrs Nicole van Wyk and Mrs Judi Hurst | Teacher Librarians
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.
Online Library Resources
Term 2 Storytime
Preschool story time themes for Term 2 are below. Please register your interest with Nicole van Wyk: nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.
Maker Space - Machines in Motion
In Week 6 (4-6 June), students are invited to use cog, and gear sets to make machines that move. Students can work in groups of two or three to create machines that move, lift, turn, etc. There will be a sign-up sheet in the library next week (Week 5).
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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 |
Transport NSW and Busways
Transport NSW and Busways will visit GPCC the afternoon of Tuesday 3 June. The purpose of this visit is to ascertain whether sufficient transport is provided and to plan for the future needs of our school. Please see letter below.
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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It is with great pleasure that we recognise Mr Ray Valle as our Staff Member of the Week.
Ray consistently embodies the heart and mission of Green Point Christian College through both his professional excellence and pastoral care. As an English teacher and Year 10 Year Advisor, Ray goes above and beyond to support students, not only academically, but also emotionally and spiritually. He regularly takes time to meet with students for their pastoral needs, offering a listening ear and wise counsel.
His commitment extends beyond the classroom. Recently, Ray gave up several lunch breaks to assist a Year 12 student with their early university entry application. At the beginning of the year, this student believed that university was out of reach, but through Ray’s encouragement and guidance, they grew in confidence and began to explore new possibilities for their future.
Ray is also deeply invested in the wider life of the College. He coaches senior sports teams and provides spiritual support to both students and staff. Known for his authenticity and humility, Ray frequently prays with and for others and is always willing to share his personal walk with God in ways that inspire and uplift those around him.
Ray's work powerfully reflects the attributes in our Graduate Profile, particularly Godly Character, Social Engagement, and the spirit of a Lifelong Learner. He brings joy, laughter, and a deep sense of purpose to everything he does, and it is a true privilege to serve alongside him in our College community.
National Reconciliation Week (27 May-3 June)
National Reconciliaiton Week represents an opportunity for all Australians to learn about this country’s shared histories, cultures, and achievements. And to explore how relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and other Australians can be strengthened, in order to build momentum for national reconciliation.
Throughout the week, the College has participated in a range of activities to recognise and honour this important time. You can find highlights of these moments shared on our social media platforms.
Camp Australia
Booking for the Camp Australia Rocketeers Winter School Holiday Program opened Monday 19th May.
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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