In last week’s newsletter I spoke about GPCC having high expectations for our students, but not ones which are difficult to achieve. In assembly this week I applied this to wearing of the uniform. Wearing the unform well is something simple which every student can do.

Wearing a uniform is important for many reasons. At GPCC it is a symbol of us all belonging to one community and helps students identify with each other and their school. The wearing of a uniform each day shows our students growing in their self-discipline, which is an important part of their character. A uniform takes away the pressure students would feel to decide what to wear each day and removes the negative impacts of comparisons to their peers. Learning to do little things well, such as wearing the uniform, has a positive impact on student development that can carry into other parts of their academic, sporting, social and personal pursuits.

In assembly I compared the uniform rules to a 60km/h speed limit sign. It is not a recommendation or guide. It is not something we only follow when being watched. It is not something which we can ignore if other people are not doing the right thing. Students have a responsibility to follow the rules, which like the 60 sign, are there for a good reason.

As a new member of the community, I found myself going to the Uniform Policy to clarify some things I was not sure of. If you go to: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/enrolment/uniform and click the tab which says 'Uniform Policy', you can find the information there.

Some things which we are focussing on are listed below. It would be wonderful if you could be working with us to ensure your child is meeting these expectations:

• Boys having shirts tucked in
• Boys being clean shaven
• Girls having skirts the correct length (2cm above the knee)
• Girl’s jewellery, which allows girls to wear:
• A watch.
• One pair of either gold or silver studs or sleepers in the lobe.
• One fine chain (under blouse – not visible).
• One silver or gold ring.
• Discreet cosmetics (natural skin tones). This includes no false eyelashes and clear nail polish only.
• No bracelets.
• Both boys and girls wearing black low profile polishable lace up leather shoes, fully enclosed and protecting the foot. Note that this does not allow for black joggers, slip on shoes or any type of canvas shoes.

Some of these things, such as jewellery and tucked in shirts can be fixed immediately. Students were told they had until Monday 13 February to fix other issues, for example, if they needed to let down the hem of a skirt or purchase a new one; or buy the correct shoes. Just like going too fast past a speed camera, next week students who are not meeting these simple but high expectations will be receiving penalties.

Finally, just to reinforce my heart for this – while the majority of the words above relate to uniform, the focus of what I have written is actually not on uniform. My focus is on our students building in their character and maturity by learning to do the right thing, to meet expectations, to develop self-discipline, to show commitment to be part of our community and to demonstrate respect for the school, their teachers and themselves. These are all positive attributes which will help our students to succeed at school and beyond.

Years 11-12 Parent Teacher Interviews

Interviews for Years 11 and 12 students are being held Tuesday 21 February from 4:00pm until 8:00pm in the MPC. Students are encouraged to attend these interviews with parents.

Bookings will open online (in Parent Lounge) on Tuesday 14 February 2023 at 9:00am and will close on Monday 20 February at 4:00pm.

Access your Parent Lounge with your username (previously supplied) and password.

The easiest way to learn how to book your appointment is to watch the short video once you have accessed your account, under 'School Links' tab and select 'Help Videos'.

Please note - David Russell will be available on the evening for parents and students wishing to see the Careers Advisor. Please phone reception 4369 1266 to make these bookings with Mr Russell.

Parents of Years 7 - 10 students 

Parents of Year 7 students will have an opportunity to meet the Year 7 teachers on Tuesday 7 March 2023 and the Years 7-10 Parent Teacher Interview evening will be held on Tuesday 4 April 2023. Bookings will open 28 March 2023.

Assessment Handbooks for Years 7-12

Please note the Assessment Handbooks detailing each Assessment Task and the dates they are due are now accessible via the Student Café (Student Portal) and the Parent Lounge (Parent’s Portal) under School Links / Assessment Handbooks.

AIM Girls Mission Trip

From Friday 10 February to Friday 17 February a team of Years 10 and 11 girls and three staff member will head to Brewarrina on the AIM Mission trip. They will be visiting and interacting with the communities in Gongolgan, Brewarrina, Gulargambone and Gilgrandra. The team will also spend time with the students at the new Brewarrina Christian School.  

Parent Digital Safety Webinar

As a College we see the need to not only equip our students but also our parents as they raise the next generation. To that effect we have invested in an opportunity for all out parents to participate in a webinar focused on 'Raising Kids in a Digital World'. I strongly encourage all parents to register for this 90 minute course on Thursday 23 February. By registering you will also unlock the ability to replay the webinar at a later date. More information about the webinar and how to register has been emailed directly to families from the College.

Onstage 2023 - Seymour Centre

On Monday 6 February our senior Drama students had a wonderful day at the Seymour Centre in Sydney watching exemplary pieces of theatre performed by 2022 HSC students. Thanks Mrs Rochford for organising this day for our students. 

Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre 2022 Christmas Appeal 

Thank you to all the GPCC families that made donations for our 2022 Christmas Appeal.