Mrs Amanda Rutlidge | Acting Head of Primary

from Mr James Cantor on behalf of Mrs Rutlidge

This week, most of our Year 4 students attended their first GPCC camp at the Cru campsite on beautiful Lake Macquarie. It was not long before the tears of parents waving goodbye became a distant memory and the students began two days of fun, excitement, and adventure.

I had the privilege of attending the camp and watching the students sailing, fishing, SUPing, rock climbing, and participating in archery. It was a joy to see the students taking risks and pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones. The camp dance party on Monday night was full of laughter, with the students enjoying each other’s company, all without a mobile phone or iPad in sight.

On the second day, the Cru leaders ran a Christian Discovery session which involved singing praise songs, a Bible talk, and small group discussions. The topic was ‘What is a Christian?’ One of the Cru leaders shared how people can be good at singing Christian songs, reading the Bible, or even praying, but doing all those things still does not make someone a Christian. He shared that the Bible says, ‘If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved’ (Romans 10:9). He continued to share that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and was raised to life again. He said a Christian is someone who believes this; and in response asks God to forgive them and begins to live in God’s way.

Having the gospel message explained to our students was a tremendous opportunity for them to reflect and discuss what being a Christian means from a Biblical perspective. It also reinforced that having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith.

National Science Week

National Science Week was held and celebrated at GPCC on Thursday 15 August with an inclusion of Primary Science Day K-6. The theme of ‘Species Survival, more than just Sustainability’ was adopted and the environment of ‘Oceans’ was adapted as our theme.

Students participated in a variety of Science activities from Seaweed adaptations, Sensory Ocean play, Recycled Marine animals, Coral Reefs, Oil and water investigations, Stingrays, environmental issues, Why do Sharks float?, Sea Stars, The Great Garbage Patch, lego builds, Ocean Quizzes and What lives in the Sea? Just to name a few.

Reports are that students had a great day of investigative learning, exploring and concluding that our oceans are precious, that sea life is incredible and we, as stewards of this earth, need to maintain and look after this amazing environment.

Many thanks to YVCS Staff and students who joined in the activities, amazing Primary school teachers and Enrichment staff who enabled the day to be a great success.

Father's Day Stall Helpers 

We are looking for lots of helpers for our Primary Father's Day Stall.

• Helpers needed on Thursday 29 August to assist in setting up the Father's Day stall. 
• Helpers needed on Friday 30 August to assist at our Father's Day Stall. 

If you can spare an hour, half a day or a full day we would love your help. If you can assist please text your full name and availabliliy to Rachel on 0422 665 662.

Finding Nemo Jr - Primary Musical