As 2022 draws to a close I have reflected on another busy year. After the turmoil of the last two years, it has been lovely to get back to doing all the 'normal' school activities. With restrictions lifted, we were able to celebrate with our resilient, patient, kind, caring and Godly young men and women as they graduated from GPCC. The Year 12 Formal went ahead, and 13 years of schooling ended. A long-awaited celebration!

Our Year 10 students trained as Peer Support Leaders for the incoming Year 7 2023 cohort, the students served our community and bonded at Cru Camp Lake Macquarie. The Dinner Dance is on tonight, and today we give thanks for 2022 and celebrate the achievements of many students at the first Thanksgiving Service we have had for two years.

Throughout the past two years, I have been reminded often that the only thing that remained constant, dependable, and unchanging was our Heavenly Father. He was the same yesterday; He is the same today and He will remain the same tomorrow. When everything around us has been uncertain, I am so thankful that this one thing remains. I pray God’s richest blessings over everyone in our school community as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and may the hope that He brings sustain us all in 2023.

Thanksgiving and Academic Service 

Congratulations to all our students that received awards for Academic Excellence and awards for Sustained Effort and Application at our Secondary Thanksgiving and Academic Assembly.

Thanks to our students in the Secondary Band for your wonderful performance of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and 'Harlem Nocturrne', and a solo guitar item performed by Edan L of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'. 

Congratulations to the following students for receiving awards for:

Vetamorphus Certificates of Achievement: Oliver C, James D, Oscar M, Rosalie S and Eloise S

Mission Aviation Fellowship Leadership Award: Grace H

2022 Vice Chancellor's Award for Academic Excellence: Eloise S (Industrial Technology), Brydie C (Textiles and Design), Angelique A (Food Technology), Katelyn H (Software and Design).  

Sportsman: Wade B

Sportswoman: Megan L

Sportsmanship: Clinton F

Sportswomanship:Tahlia H

Principal's Cup: Aisha K-W 

For more photos and awardees information on our Thankskgiving and Academic Assembly please visit our website and click on this link. 

Year 10 Camp

Years 9 and 12 Drama Excursion

On Monday 28 November, some of our Drama students travelled to Riverside Theatre for a 3 hour group movement workshop. It was an incredibly valuable experience, with a Lecoq specialist leading the activities. All students were a credit to the College, with impeccable manners and a determination to give their best.

Stage 5 Extension English Excursion

On Friday 25 November students from our Year 9 and 10 English Extension classes attended a day at Newcastle University, Ourimbah campus. Students had the opportunity to participate in different workshops with experts in their field, focusing on writing, podcasting, digital storytelling, poetry, and Shakespearean drama fighting. It was a great day of collaboration with other schools and encouraged students to develop skills in a range of different areas.

Year  11 Textiles and Design Excursion

The students had a very profitable day on their Textiles and Design excursion to Whitehouse institute of Design in Sydney. They experimented with rendering techniques and sketching models. These processes will be very helpful as they start their Folios for their Major Work in 2023.

Aboriginal Studies Major Projects Spotlight

I hope you have enjoyed reading about what Year 12 Aboriginal Studies students have been working on this year. If you missed the last three spotlight articles on their Major Projects, please look back at Term 3: Weeks 3, 4 and 7 Messenger publications – they are worth it.

The importance of Cultural Facilities for Aboriginal Women by Astrid R.

Through extensive consultation in the local Central Coast community Astrid explored the importance of connecting to and through culture in a women’s context. The report defined Culture in an Aboriginal context and explained the benefits of facilitating Culture through several topics. Areas included Women’s Law, Dadirri, Revitalising Kinship Systems, Granny’s Law, Birthing on Country Movement and the Social and Psychological Benefits of Cultural-Based Facilities.

Aboriginal women’s voices are valued within culturally based facilities, allowing agency for communities to address underlying issues they are facing. This is due to the organisations being 'governed by the wants and needs of the Aboriginal women”.  Astrid found that “culture and overall wellbeing are inextricably linked”… and “without cultural awareness or competency miscommunications are more likely to occur.”

Astrid was very appreciative of the Aunties from Mingaletta who helped to direct her in her studies. This topic aligned with the Social Justice and Human Rights topic in Year 12.

Why Study Aboriginal Studies? by Sofia W.

Sofia created a video which explores the value of learning Aboriginal Studies as a subject at school. She focused on the value to the students, school, and wider community. Sofia was encouraged by Aboriginal community members towards this topic because of its promotional potential. 

Sofia conducted extensive research including community consultations, surveys, and interviews. The video is styled as a series of interviews, which include some key findings:

• Aboriginal Studies allows students to explore content not taught in any other subject. Many students are completing their schooling without competent knowledge and understanding in this area.
• Its study provides incentive for valuing Australia’s ancient and continuous cultures, as a source of national pride. 
• It increases the empathy for Aboriginal social justice
• It dispels stereotyping and addresses the history of racial discriminating policies

Sofia’s passion for the study has continued as she leaves school this year. She has been accepted into a Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies at Newcastle University. Congratulations Sofia.

If you like to view the video please email the Aboriginal Studies teacher Amber Erasmus: aerasmus@gpcc.nsw.edu.au

Central Coast Chess Championships at GPCC 

The Central Coast Chess Championships were held at GPCC on Thursday 1 December. This is the first time our school has hosted the event after Wyong High had hosted the event for 25 years. Over 220 students participated in what was probably the most participants at a chess event ever held on the Central Coast. Each student played 7 games of chess in what was an action packed and fun filled day. Congratulations to Gosford and Central Coast Grammar for winning the Primary and Secondary competitions respectively. 

Congratulations to our own players on a great day’s chess. A special mention to Ashley P (Secondary) and Jacob L (Primary) who each won 5 games out of 7.

Secondary participants were: Luke J, Clinton F, Luke P, Ryon F, Ashley P, James W, Ramiro W