This is our final Messenger for 2024, and I would like to thank everyone that is part of our Green Point Christian College community for a wonderful year of learning and growth.

It is impossible to capture all of the great things that have occurred this year. Students have exceeded their own expectations in small and large ways. Staff have been faithfully committed to their craft of teaching and have been working to support our students in so many ways. It has also been wonderful to see the ongoing commitment of parents as they partner with us on the journey. Thank you for a really positive 2024.

As we head into our final days of Term 4, I want to wish all our families a safe and restful Christmas break. I pray that in the busyness of this time of year that you can reflect on the reality of Christmas. Christmas is the time where we remember that God became flesh and He dwelt among us. The Creator of the universe became a baby to be fully human. He did this so that we might know Him and be able to relate to Him.

Another part of this time of year is that it is the time where we farewell some staff. This year we have several long-term staff retiring and we pray God’s blessing on them as they enter a new season. They are:

• Justine Collins – 22½ years
• Caroline Freeman 13½ years
• Virginia Lumby – 33 years
• Steve Suranyi – 24½ years

We also have several other staff that are moving onto other opportunities: 

• Genevieve Nihill – PDHPE – has received a scholarship to undertake her doctoral studies
• Luke Moody – PDHPE – has completed his university degree and will begin a full time role with Covenant Christian College
• Phillip Heard – English – is moving into full time pastoral ministry
• Courtney Shanks – HSIE – is moving to pursue travel and new opportunities
• Jack Hansen - Science - is moving to pursue new opportunities
• Gemma Cooper – Primary - is moving to Sydney
• Karen Munro – Primary – has completed her Masters in Psychology and will be working as a psychologist from next year.

We pray God’s blessings on them as they continue to follow His call on their lives.

Have a blessed Christmas.

Joel van Bentum