Remember that the use of Rapid Antigen Tests is recommended but voluntary and attendance at school is not dependent on use of these. We suggest you do use them as a means of ensuring your child is COVID free, and to support those families and some of our staff who feel particularly nervous about their child or themselves contracting the virus. Sometimes we do something for the sake of others rather than because we feel the need to do it for ourselves.

A special welcome to the many new families who are joining us this year. Our enrolments are at an all-time high and it is great to see so many new faces. If you are new to GPCC, please don’t hesitate to ask questions of us, join the GPCC Facebook page and class pages and read this Messenger each week as a key means of knowing what is happening at school. We see ourselves as partnering with you in the education of your child and we look for positive partnerships of respect and kindness. We may not always agree but we can always be respectful and polite in our interactions.

The Messenger is a key way in which I try to share the philosophy of the school and keep you informed of new initiatives and activities. The Heads of School relay important practical information each week which it is vital you keep up to date with. You are welcome to email teachers directly but remember that their priority is the classroom, so while they will endeavour to get back to you within 24 hours, it is not going to be an instant messaging service.

We are excited to see the opening of Yattalunga Valley Christian School, a new school we have initiated to offer a Christian education to children on the autism spectrum.  The school is located in the top building in Primary while we plan for a permanent home for them. They will join some GPCC activities so don’t be surprised to see children in a different uniform at some events. YVCS only operates Kindergarten to Year 2 classes this year with 10 students, but we are looking to expand all the way to Year 12 in the future.

I trust your child, whether a returning student or new to GPCC, enjoys their first week of the year and makes new friends. We desire to see children thrive in a safe and supportive environment which honours God as Creator and Sustainer of all life. The world is a challenging place to grow up in today but as school, home, and Church work together, we can help our children be equipped to flourish no matter the circumstances.