Head of Secondary
Mr Steve Lobsey | Head of Secondary
"Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labour:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Some draft horses can pull loads of 3,000kg. For weights bigger than that, two horses need to be yoked together. So how much could two horses together pull? The answer should be 6,000kg, right? In fact, together they can pull 9,000kg or more – three times as much as one horse could pull.
This is a great lesson in teamwork, where two working together can achieve more than two working alone. In the education of students, it is important for teachers and parents to be working together. This way, more can be achieved than teachers and parents working in isolation. Although differences sometimes arise, the aim of both groups is the same – parents want the best for their children and teachers want the best for their students.
Having study and homework routines at home is important for student success, so that work done at school is being revised, practised and studied at home. This needs to begin in Years 7 and 8 so that good study habits are developed. In the coming weeks, as part of this partnership, we will have Parent Teacher Interviews for Years 7-10 and I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to find more specific information on what should be done at home for each subject.
I’m thankful to all of our parents for their continued support.
Years 7-10 Parent Student Teacher Interviews
Interviews for Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 students with their parent/carers are being held Tuesday 4 April from 4:00pm until 8:30pm. Students are encouraged to attend these interviews with parents.
Bookings will open online (in Parent Lounge) on Tuesday 28 March 2023 at 9:00am and will close on Monday 3 April at 4:00pm.
You may 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 Booking Parent Teacher Interviews in Parent Lounge video once you have accessed your account. (Found 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.
Secondary LIFE
Years 7-9 were in the MPC and enjoyed a Junior Chapel, featuring a band of Years 7-9 students. Year 9 students, Micah R and Bella T did a fantastic job as MCs, interviewing ex- School Captain, Jordan Leonard who graduated in 2018. Jordan talked about some of his high school struggles and shared about his job as a Youth Pastor at Impact Church, Erina.
Mrs Gavin then shared on the topic of ‘It is ok to say no.’ Students were encouraged to consider that they will need to say no to things in life that may be harmful to them. She encouraged them to be like the wise man who built his house on the rock and not like the foolish man who built on sand. Students were shown the dangers of vaping and will receive a flyer from NSW Health on vaping next week in their Year Meetings.
Years 10-12 Boys
The issue of consent is an important one and it is something we need the boys at GPCC to be aware of. Our Director of Teacher Development, Mrs Fiona Fordyce, worked as a criminal defence lawyer before becoming a teacher and we were blessed to be able to draw on her extensive knowledge in the area. She was able to inform the boys of situations where consent is and is not present, as well as some of the punishments for people involved in non-consensual activities. The boys also learned that attempts at inappropriate actions are treated by the law the same way as actual actions; and facilitating or encouraging someone to engage in a non-consensual activity leads to the same punishment as the perpetrators, which is often time in jail. Our heart in this talk was to inform the boys of the seriousness of this issue and assist them in decision making. Mr Steve Lobsey
By Eden W (Year 12)
School Musical
The School Musical is coming. Vocal auditions will be held in Weeks 8 and 9, with dance/character auditions to follow. We are currently awaiting notice of approval from the license holder, but we can tell you, it will be the last week in Term 2: June 28-30. And it should be a bit of fun. Students can see the CAPA noticeboard for further details.
Year 9 Geography Fieldwork
On Friday of Week 6, students in Year 9 Geography put on their walking shoes and engaged in fieldwork, exploring urban places and spaces in central Sydney.
Beginning with a walk across the Harbour Bridge in the Sydney sunshine, staff then led students on a tour of Barangaroo where they learned about the characteristics, liveability and sustainability of urban places.
A big thanks to Mr Hook, Mrs Tuanga, Mr Hall and Mrs Erasmus for leading this valuable learning opportunity.
Chess Club
Chess Club is on Friday lunchtimes in B1. Come along for a game. Beginners to experienced players welcomed. Mr Wright
NSW School Vaccination Program - Reminder
If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 this year, you can now provide online consent for their routine school vaccinations.
In Year 7, students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV). In Year 10, students are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
If parents are having difficulties they now have a direct number (0487357245) for them to call and receive assistance.
Green Point Christian College Vaccination Clinic Dates:
Friday 24 March 2023- Year 7
Monday 19 June 2023 - Year 10 and catch-up appointments
Wednesday 23 August 2023 - Catch-up appointments
Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received.
For more information and to learn how to provide consent online please download the document below or scan the QR code below.
