Welcome to a new term. A very warm welcome also to our new families joining us this term, we are so glad you are with us and pray you have a wonderful start to your time at GPCC.

This week I have the privilege of writing to you as Mrs Smith is on leave until Week 2.

We trust your break was restful and relaxing and that you were able to have quality time with your families. Our family likes to play board and card games together on holidays. One game we like to play is Uno Flip. If you haven’t heard or played the game before, it is a modern take on the traditional Uno, but the designers have added a few changes to the game. Uno Flip contains a ‘Flip’ card which gives a player the power to flip the pack and play the cards on the reverse side.  The reverse side has a different kind of Uno card with fresh and exciting ideas to spice up the game. The reverse side includes cards. such as ‘Skip’, which skips all players back to yourself and ‘Take 5’ (the one my kids love to put down for me). 

The ‘Flip’ card can be a wonderful change in the game if you have a bad hand, or it can be terrible if you have a great hand and are on a roll. As I reflect on the game, I am reminded that sometimes in life we can face challenges, such as, rising costs of living, higher interest rates, health concerns, missing out on a promotion at work or even more devastating, losing a loved one. Our lives which seem to be going well, can immediately be flipped into chaos and strife.

When Jesus lived on earth there was a time when His disciples were sailing, and a giant storm whipped up causing the waves to sweep over the boat (Matthew 8:23-27). His disciples, seasoned fishermen, were terribly afraid and frightened. Their peaceful day was flipped and suddenly they were in fear for their lives. But Jesus, the Son of God, the Creator of all, the Prince of Peace was asleep in their boat. The disciples woke Him up and said “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus did something that only He can do to His creation. He stood up and commanded the wind and the storm to stop. The storm obeyed and it was calm again. Amongst all the fear, worry, stress, anxiety, uncertainty and darkness, Jesus flipped the situation so He and His disciples could reach the other side of the shore safely. The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast all your cares on God, for He cares for you. Whatever you are facing and whatever you will face this term personally, professionally or as a family, I hope to encourage you to call out to Jesus and ask Him to help and save you. Cast all your cares on Him. Perhaps your circumstances will immediately change when you call out to Him. Perhaps they will not. Whatever the outcome, you can be sure that just as Jesus was with the disciples in the boat, He will be with you through your trials and challenges granting you His peace, comfort, and wisdom if you ask him for it. When life gets flipped on you, give Jesus the opportunity to flip it to reveal your need of Him and to allow you to receive His love and care. He will bring you to the other side safely if you call on Him. He promises that he cares for you and that he will be with you if you trust in him (1 Peter 5:7, Hebrews 13:5, 6). 

A friendly reminder that hats are to be worn in the playground, please ensure your child/ren have a hat in their bag each morning. We have moved to Summer uniform this term. Please see the GPCC Website for uniform shop hours. 

As mentioned earlier, Mrs Smith is on leave this week. It does not seem to be a coincidence that it was also her birthday this week

I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge not only the hard work and commitment which Mrs Smith provides for the GPCC Community on a daily basis, but also her Christian attitude and character. Mrs Smith is a tremendous leader and educator. She loves our students immensely and always has their best in mind.

Please join me in wishing Mrs Smith a very happy and blessed Birthday.