Head of Primary
Introducing Mr James Cantor
For parents and students in our Primary School, you may have noticed we have a few new teachers this year. Over the next few weeks I will be interviewing them so that we can get to know them better and welcome them to GPCC.
Mr Cantor is the new Assistant Head of Primary at GPCC and also one of the teachers on Year 5 this year.
Tell us a little about yourself. Do you have any hobbies, hidden talents, or play any sports or musical instruments?
I was born in Wollongong and moved to the Central Coast with my wife (Heidi) in 2009. We have 3 children (Zac, Elise and Annabella). I enjoy going to the beach, paddling on my kayak and riding my mountain bike (like an old man). My favourite sports are golf, followed closely by Football. I cheer for the St George/Illawarra Dragons in the NRL. My hidden talents are reversing my 18-foot caravan down my steep driveway without hitting my house and also cooking meals from my Bill Grainger cookbooks.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
I enjoy building relationships with my students to see them flourish and be equipped as life-long learners, discovering that God loves them and has made it possible for them to have an eternal relationship with Him through the gift of Jesus.
In my first year of teaching, I taught a boy in Year 1. When he was in Year 3, he and his family were moving to England, so I gave him a Bible as a parting gift. Only recently, he wrote to me and told me that he had just turned 18! We set up a video call and I was able to catch up and hear about his life. He shared that he still had the Bible I gave him all those years ago. It was an example of how teachers can have a positive influence in the lives of future generations.
What is your favourite part or verse in the Bible and why?
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
The reason I like these verses is because joy, prayer and Jesus are a gift from God our Heavenly Father, and He wants us to be thankful for the life He has given us each day.
At GPCC we have a Graduate Profile – which section of the Graduate Profile interests you most?
I am most interested in ‘Godly in Character’ because the more I focus on who God is, the more my actions and life reflect Jesus. My prayer is that this will cause the students to want to follow, love and serve God throughout their lives. It is treasure that will last for all eternity.
What do you want our students and parent body to know about you?
The main thing I’d like our school community to know about me is that I am a follower of Jesus and long for others to understand and know the invitation which God offers the world. I am excited to share this message at GPCC.
The other thing that I’d like people to know is that I love chocolate.
Parent, Teacher Partnership Evenings – Wednesday 16 February 2022
Parent, Teacher Partnership interviews on Wednesday 16 February are a wonderful time for you to meet and speak about your child with their class teacher. All bookings will be made through the Parent Lounge and information on how to access these bookings will be sent early next week. Parent bookings will open at 6:00am on Tuesday 8 February and will close at 3:00pm on Tuesday 15 February. Please note that whilst students are welcome to attend the meeting or to sit quietly outside the room, there will be no supervision of students and they will not be allowed to play on the playground or play equipment. If you have any concerns regarding accessing Parent Lounge, please contact the College office.
How to book an Interview on Parent Lounge
You may access your account with your family number previously supplied. The easiest way to learn how to book your appointment(s) is to watch the short video once you have accessed your account, under 'School Links' tab, and select 'Help Guide' to access the video on 'How to Book Parent Teacher Interview'. Please take a few minutes to watch this video as it will make the process much easier for you.
Primary Choir for Years 3-6 Commences for 2022
Mrs Munro and Mrs Burton are excited to commence Primary Choir for 2022. Due to separating cohorts, we will commence with children from Years 3-6 only. All students are encouraged to wear masks whilst singing.
Primary choir rehearsals will be held each Tuesday morning (from 15 February) at 8:00am – 8:30am in the CAPA 5 Theatre, located behind the MPC. All children from Years 3-6 are welcome and no audition is required to participate. We will be practicing a diverse repertoire of worship, musical theatre, classical and contemporary songs.
Please contact either kmunro@gpcc.nsw.edu.au or laura.burton@gpcc.nsw.edu.au for further information.
Head of School Award
Congratulations to the following students for receiving the Head of School Award for Week 3:
Caden T, KDL; Noah F, KG; Violette P, 1G; Eliana v, 1S; Lucia E, 1C; Saoirse C, 2G; Isabella H, 2D; Kade O, 3D; Max L, 3PH; James T, 3B; Olivia B, 4BK; Cooper C, 4B; Chloe M, 5L; Chelsea S, 5PC; Sophie F, 5P; Chloe H, 6MR; Aimee J, 6S; Enzo N, 6T.
Safer Internet Day 2022
Mr McSwan is teaching eSafety lessons to Stage 2 and Stage 3 over the next couple of weeks.
Safety First
To keep our students safe it is very important that we observe a few guidelines. When using Kiss and Drop zones:
- Drivers should remain in their vehicles at all times in the Drop-off and Pick-up zone.
- Make sure children use the Safety Door (the rear footpath side door) to get in and out of the car.
- Make sure the handbrake is applied when the vehicle is stationary.
- Where possible, school bags should be placed in the car so students do not move between parked cars.
Assistance Required for Book Covering
Parents, are you able to assist by covering new books for our Primary School? Please contact Mrs Molkentin at michelle.molkentin@gpcc.nsw.edu.au to arrange a take home pack of books and contact.