Community News
Counselling News ...
from Mr Jarel Kilgour | Counselling Co-ordinator
A few years ago, the suburb I lived in had a significant power outage that shut down the school I worked at for five days and my home was also without power. There were challenging aspects to this; the very brief cold showers, the inability to keep food frozen and the inability to charge our phones.
However, despite the challenges, we spent a lot of time being creative and connecting. There were many hours of board games. There were many conversations sitting around in the dark at night with a candle on. I played my guitar a lot, sitting in the dark of the house. We made toasted sandwiches using a fry pan on the gas stove (that was still working). Those times ended up being precious memories and we still speak about them and feel nostalgic.
This current situation with COVID-19 is confronting and challenging. There is uncertainty, fear and anxiety. During this time, wellbeing is the highest priority. It is important to foster relationships and feelings of safety. There is an opportunity to invest this time in a way that is meaningful, memorable and impactful.
Here are some ideas:
- Food
- Learn to make bread together as a family (https://pinchofyum.com/no-knead-bread)
- Get everyone to find a new recipe
- Show and Tell
- Swap favourite music with your children
- Swap favourite movies with your children
- Watch
- Get your kids to pick a documentary each day to watch together
- Old family videos
- Board Games
- Garden
- Plan a herb garden (https://www.homestolove.com.au/how-to-grow-herbs-8930)
- Start growing trees from fruit/vegetables (https://brightside.me/creativity-home/8-fruit-trees-you-can-grow-from-the-seeds-and-pits-of-your-own-fruit-498010/)
- Family exercise:
- Set up an exercise rotation in the back yard/garage/house (https://www.activekids.com/parenting-and-family/articles/quick-backyard-workout-for-the-whole-family)
- Create:
- A family bucket list
- Encourage everyone to start a project
- Start a puzzle together as family
- Write letters or emails to family or friends
How will you look back on this time as a family?
An important reminder that school counselling is still available for students at home via Microsoft Teams. Students can email counsellors@gpcc.nsw.edu.au to make an appointment.
Finally, a great resource:
Library Resources
Our students have access to many digital resources. Please consider the list below as we move away from physical resource access. Our Digital Library is located on the school portal (replacing the intranet).
World Book
Thousands of interactive, non-fiction texts, for all levels and other free ebook access.
Wheelers ebooks
Fiction titles accessible for Years 5 - 12 students. These titles are for personal reading, although some class texts are also on this site. Books are downloaded onto student devices; phone, tablet, computer. Students can access from the intranet or using the ePlatform by Wheelers app. Books are automatically returned after two weeks.
Premier Reading Challenge
Students can access PRC on the portal. Usernames and passwords were sent home in Week 6 if students want to log books they have read. The PRC site will show students books that are approved for each stage. If you need your username and password again please email nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Renaissance - Accelerated Reader
Years 5 and 6 students can continue to quiz between 9:00am - 4:00pm, on books they have read. If students forget log in details, please email Mrs van Wyk.
Central Coast Libraries
As well, our Central Coast Libraries have a considerable amount of digital resources; magazines, ebooks and audio books. Please follow this link to find out more and consider becoming a member if you are not already.
https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries/elibrary
State Library of NSW
Senior Secondary students will find the online journals and curated collections from the State Library helpful for their studies. They have already been encouraged to join using the link below.
https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/research-and-collections/get-library-card
Library Access
Families choosing the Home Learning option for their students are invited come to the Library to return and borrow books between 9:00am - 11:00am each week day.
All visitors will be asked to sanitise on entering the Library. Books returned each day will also be sanitised and held for 48 hours before returning to circulation as an extra safety measure.
If you have questions about the Library, Premier's Reading Challenge or borrowing please email nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
Parent Lounge Details
The College has a legal requirement to keep our records up to date.
Please review your details on the Parent Lounge to ensure that all your information is correct. This includes medical information on your child/children (only complete the immunisation question if your child is not immunised).
Please note: Should you require both parents/carers to receive SMS notifications, please tick the appropriate boxes.
Thank you.
Prayer
We pray that “… the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.” Ephesians 3:17-19 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Uniform Shop
Green Point Baptist Church
In light of the current COVID-19 crisis, Green Point Baptist Church has suspended all regular church activities and has encouraged any church member who is not in a high risk category to find ways to serve the vulnerable in their community. If you are in need of assistance, please contact the Church office on 4369 1585 or office@gpbc.net.au
GPBC has moved their services online:
SERVICE TIMES
Sundays
9:30am
6:00pm
Zoom Meeting ID 784 249 7650
Thrive
Thrive is on hold for now, but kids can join via Zoom from home each week.
Join the “Thrive Green Point 2020” facebook group for information.
Coast Shelter Restaurant
Due to COVID-19 Coast Shelter have had to suspend dinners and are not allowing volunteers to enter.
Canteen
The canteen is currently not operating.
Uniform Shop
Operating Times
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday during the School term:
8:30am - 11:00am
(Closed Wednesdays)
Afternoons by appointment only.
Contact (02) 4367 9954
gpcc@alinta.com.au
Green Point Trader
FOR SALE ** Great First Car** 2002 Toyota Corolla Conquest
One Owner, garaged, full service history, mechanically sound and reliable
12 months Registration
$6,500 NEG
For more information please contact Tania on 0408 488 599
If you would like to place an advertisement in the Green Point Trader, please email details to Marie Hay at newsletter@gpcc.nsw.edu.au