Head of Secondary
Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary
Sometimes when we find things difficult in work or we are struggling in relationships, the easiest approach is to blame others.
The most difficult approach is looking at ourselves and seeing how our attitude and actions could change to improve the situation.
Taking responsibility for ourselves and what we do is tough, because it then actually requires us to take action to change and to have ownership of our approach and decisions.
Often it is only ourselves we can change no matter how much we want to change someone or something else.
Lateness to School
There are a lot of students arriving late to school. It is so important to arrive to school in time for Period 1 and begin the day with a positive start so that rolls can be marked.
Please help students set those alarms early so they do not miss out on any education.
Students need to get to school on time and stay at school all day. Please ensure that your child is here at 8.45am. If they are late, they need to sign in at the Student Window.
Year 12 "Together" Event from Mr Masters
On Wednesday Mrs McKay, Mrs Gavin and myself ran the Year 12 "Together" event for Year 12 students offsite at a private residence in Matcham.
Mr and Mrs Wind (GPCC parents) very kindly hosted the night and not only catered for those who came, but set up an amazing garden party complete with fire bins, hay bales and fairy lights. It was a night designed to get students offsite, in a different setting to hear the Gospel, encourage one another and see themselves as part of a bigger story – God’s story.
It was great that God had been preparing hearts prior to the event.
Sophie S and Riley M prepared some songs with song-sheets for some communal worship around the fire and students participated.
Mr Masters delivered a Bible talk on the narratives we privilege in our lives and the desire for freedom – true freedom offered by and found in God the Father from Luke 15 (the story of the lost son).
Praise God and please pray for His continued working in hearts and minds. Pray for many students’ renewed vision of Jesus and conviction to turn to Him. Mr Greg Masters
Commendation Assembly - Monday 3 May
Our first Commendation Assembly for the year will be held on Monday 3 May and this will be for students only. We will be recognising students who in Term 1 were worthy of a Commendation Award or acknowledged for their excellent effort or community service in other areas of College life.
You will be notified by email if your child is receiving an award, and they need to be in full school uniform on the day.
Although restrictions have eased, regrettably we are still unable to host parents at this Commendation Assembly.
Secondary Cross Country Carnival - Tuesday 4 May
The GPCC Secondary Cross Country Carnival for Years 7 - 12 students is fast approaching, being held next Tuesday 4 May at Hylton Moore Oval.
Please note that only students who have registered on the forms in the MPC will be able to compete. This event is not compulsory for Secondary students and is for those keen to participate. It is a fantastic event and one that we encourage as many students as possible to be involved.
Year 10 Meningococcal Vaccinations - Wednesday 5 May 2021
Year 10 will have their Meningococcal vaccinations on Wednesday 5 May 2021 and information packs were sent home last week.
Please return your child's consent form to the Administration Office prior to the day.
Immunisation is the simplest and most effective means of protecting people against vaccine preventable disease.
NSW Health and the Central Coast Local Health District will be providing the opportunity for Year 10 students to receive the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
NAPLAN 2021 11-14 May Test Week (Week 4)
The NAPLAN tests are designed to help us ensure students are on track with their literacy and numeracy development. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in NAPLAN tests for reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
All tests will be online except for Writing in Year 3.
To see the types of questions and interactive features of NAPLAN Online, visit the NAPLAN public demonstration site.
Please refer to
Naplan_online_information_brochure_for_parents_and_carers
for more information.
If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online, or your child’s involvement in testing, please contact your child’s teacher or Mrs Jane McLarty
| Year |
Tuesday 11 May |
Wednesday 12 May |
Thursday 13 May |
Friday 14 May |
|
7 |
No testing |
Writing Period 2 (42 minutes)
|
Reading Period 1 (65 minutes) |
Conventions of Language Period 2 (45 minutes) Numeracy Period 3 (65 minutes) |
|
9 |
No Testing |
Writing Period 2 (42 minutes)
|
Reading Period 1 (65 minutes) |
Conventions of Language Period 3 (45 minutes) Numeracy Period 4 (65 minutes) |
Clean4Shore Service Activity - Years 9 and 10
We met near the Gosford Sailing Club on a beautiful autumn morning with bright sun and no wind. We hopped on to the Clean4Shore barge and headed across Brisbane Water to Fagan’s Bay.
Our first task was the Western side of the rail line, with the students in three groups wading and walking in the tight mangroves. We collected six very full bags of litter, mainly floating items, rubber, plastic bottles and polystyrene. We then moved on, the high tide allowed access into the mangroves behind “Bunnings” adjacent to the walkway to Point Clare. We were on our hands and knees retrieving small litter items floating on the tidal water amongst the mangroves. We collected seven very full bags from this site with plenty more present for future clean up.
Narara Creek foreshore adjacent to the Evergreen Village was the next task, with much easier access than the previous site. We collected over 100 balls throughout the day which indicates storm debris from the streets.
The students had a great time and developed an understanding of the importance of handling litter correctly and the impact it has on our waterways when it’s not disposed of properly. It’s probably the most adventurous and fun way to study Geography, so next time we go, ensure you put your name down for Clean4Shore.
Well done to Owen B, Aiden D, Keira F, Samuel F, Katelyn H, Lucas H, Charlotte H, Clayton L, Madeline N and Jett W.
Mr Richard Hall
Year 12 Equip Team with Mrs McKay
We started a "Life After Year 12" series with my Equip team. Our first lesson was "How to survive Uni on Spaghetti Bolognese". Later in the term we will also learn about changing a tyre on your car, planning a budget, having difficult conversations and growing flowers.
Mrs Jillian McKay
