Photo Day - Tuesday 10 March 2020

A quick reminder that Photo Day for Secondary School is tomorrow, Tuesday 10 March. Please make sure your child is in formal uniform and that they adhere to the Uniform Policy. Please note that for those advanced young men that have a hairy growth, they must be clean shaven to have their photo taken. This includes the upper lip.

Year 7 Meet the Teacher and Faculty Evening

Thank you to all those who attended this event last week. It was great getting to speak to so many parents. I hope that it was a useful time for all those who attended to get a handle on all that is happening across Faculties in the Secondary School. Thank you to all the staff who came out for the evening and your wonderful input into the lives of our Year 7.

Student Welfare

The welfare of our students in Secondary School is of highest priority to us at Green Point Christian College. In a world with so many pressures and tensions on our young people, it is vital for us to look after our students in such a way that limits or reduces the stress on them while still meeting the requirements of the NESA.

Our school counsellors, Tiffany, Stephen and Jarel, are of course vital for this. If your student is in need, they are always available.

Similarly, our Year Advisors are here for the welfare of your child. If a child is experiencing difficulties and needs help, the Year Advisors are here for the students in their Year groups to help them sort through any problems.

Year 12

Pressure is building, so listed below are some reprinted tips:

Year 12 need to have their study plans in place, but for those who are struggling here are some tips to keep on track. These are also great for our Year 11 sudents to practise.

8 tips of getting an effective schedule: 

• Place the calendar or printed schedule in a visible location so that it is easy to see and follow.
• When writing dates on a physical calendar, use a pencil so that it is easy to make changes if needed.
• Don't create a schedule that is overly rigid or that isn't flexible enough to accommodate emergencies or conflicts that may arise.
• Schedules should be created so that the study times are consistent each day, which will help create positive study habits.
• Don't forsake well-balanced meals for study time. Poor eating habits can lead to fatigue, an inability to concentrate, and consequently less effective study time.
• Schedule study time in a location that has minimal distractions or interruptions.
• Study one course at a time for no more than two hours.
• Colour coded schedules are often easier to see and follow.

4 quick tips to gain better focus:

• For every fifty to sixty minutes of study time, plan a 10 to 15 minute break.
• When taking a break, get a snack for an energy boost, be active and take a short walk, or listen to a few favourite songs.
• Rewards for sticking to a schedule can be given at the end of a study day or at the end of the semester. The reward for adhering to a schedule for a semester should be greater than the reward that one gives him or herself for sticking to it on a daily basis.
• Study time should be scheduled for a time when the student is the most focused and alert. For example, people who are more alert at night should schedule their study time in the evenings.

Year 8 Future Proof Study

If you have not already done so, this is a reminder to submit your decision about your child’s involvement in the “Future Proofing Study” which starts at the beginning of Term 2.

Please visit this website to learn more about the study and submit your permission form: https://www.fpstudy.org.au/tYzkR

The research team at Black Dog have parent webinars coming up.

Please click here if you would like to register for the webinar where you can hear more and ask questions.

You may also be interested to read this article about the study in “Education Review”.

We hope you consider your child’s participation in this important study.

Invitation for Student Contributions to The Messenger

Now that the College has moved to Schoolzine for the weekly newsletter, this platform gives us much more flexibility in what we can include and allows for contributions of articles and stories from students alongside the regular sections. We would love to invite students to be the reporter of the week (or month/term).

Students are invited to write a story or article of approximately 350 words and can include images or video.

Topics could include :

- an area of interest from within the school, such as a subject or project you are working on and what you are learning;

- an area of interest from beyond the school, like something you have done through Church or sport or on a holiday;

- a story or poem;

- or another suggestion that we can approve once requested.

The categories could focus on the 5 areas of the Graduate Profile.

Student contributions can be sent to Mrs McLarty at jmclarty@gpcc.nsw.edu.au for inclusion in The Messenger.

2020 GPCC Secondary Athletics Carnival

Central Coast Region Athletics Centre, Mingara.

Thursday 19 March, 2020

Start: 8.45am

Finish: 2.30pm

Please note: There will be three buses for students that cannot make their own way there. Students are to leave their names with Mrs Roberts at the student window.

Parents: If you are able to assist at the carnival with officiating, please contact Mr McGillivray on 4363 1266 or email AMcGillivray@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.

Bus Bay Safety - Central Coast Council Traffic Order

Please be aware that it is illegal to stop and/or park in the College bus bay on Avoca Drive between the hours of 8:00am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4:00pm on school days between the Bus Zone signs.

For the safety of our students and to allow for traffic to flow easily through the bus bay, please do not stop and drop off or pick up your children during these times.