As a school we have set ourselves three mission goals. These three areas capture the heart of our core purpose; beginning with the students, working with the staff and supporting you, the parents.  I will deal with the students over the coming weeks so today we look at staff and parents.

The success of our school is very dependent on the quality of the teachers and support staff we employ. We already set expectations for the educational qualifications of our teachers, but having a teaching degree is just the beginning.  As many of you will know, most industries and professions are changing rapidly, and we need to keep learning if we are to stay current and relevant. This is true in education where a major paradigm shift is taking place about what schooling will look like in the future and needs to look like now.

GPCC is still operating a more conservative approach to schooling and although there are pockets of innovation, we have a way to go. But that is what our mission goal is about. We have re-focused Mr Matthew Cohen’s role to be the Director of Teacher Development and he works with me and the Heads of School to help teachers to grow more skilled in their practice.

We have begun to visit classrooms regularly and to focus on what and how students are learning as we look at what we need to do to help our teachers to raise levels of student engagement and progress. We have begun work on drafting a GPCC teacher profile to identify the type of teacher we need to help us fulfil our core purpose. We have re-designed our regular weekly staff meetings to focus on teacher training and will be launching a new approach to teacher appraisal next term.  

Our third mission goal though is focused on you as parents. We believe that God created the family as the best environment for children to grow up in. A strong family unit goes a long way to producing a strong adult. We recognise that relationships and families are under new and increased stresses in today’s world and so we want to support all families in the challenging task of raising children.

It is through helping you to be a quality parent that we actually help ourselves. Children being brought up by committed and skilled parents are well adjusted and can focus on and thrive at their schoolwork. That makes our job a lot easier!

In addition to creating a structure to enable you as parents to connect as education partners with us, we also want to offer support and help to you in your parenting. We are looking to run workshops and support groups, invite guest speakers and offer a mentoring program to help you be the best parent you can be.

In this way we can work together, recognising we all need to grow in our abilities, so that we can offer the best to our children and help them to be equipped for life.

Clean up Australia Day – Last Friday

What was started 30 years ago, by an "average Australian bloke" who had a simple idea to make a difference in his own backyard, has now become the nation's largest community-based environmental event.

Over the past 30 years 17.7 million Australians have volunteered 35 million hours to clean up 365,000+ ute loads of rubbish. Our focus this year under the direction of Mr Turner, is not just to clean up our rubbish, but to also look a proactive way we can stop pollution and reduce our carbon footprint.  Thank you Mr Turner and Primary students for the care and stewardship you demonstrate.

Halogen National Young Leaders' Day

Mrs Munro and I are privileged today to accompany 11 student leaders from Year 6 to the Sydney Primary National Young Leaders' Day being held at International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour. Each year Halogen gathers together prominent leaders from all walks of life to be part of this unique intergenerational opportunity. Our students will hear practical advice about leadership from speakers including: John Coutis, Channel 9’s Erin Moulan, Rove McManus, and Netballer – Bianca Chatfield. It has been encouraging to see our GPCC students mixing with several thousand other student leaders from across the State, as together they have been inspired and encouraged in their journey and equipped for the role that lies ahead of them.

Head of School Award

Congratulations to the following students who achieved a Head of School Award for Week 5: Jack B, KDL; Bodhi P, KP; Jad A, 1G; Alex T, 1PH; Lucas B, 2G; Grace V, 2J; Lani G, 3B; Isla J, 3K; Jonathan G, 4B; Joshua F, 4M; Chase P, 5D; Aaron T, 5H; Noah D, 5P; Thomas G, 6D; Olivia H, 6M and Lachlan M, 6T.

Playground Markings

Have you seen our new playground games? Last year I spoke with our students and asked them to draw some games they would like to see in our playground. After many weeks of waiting, last week our playground received a much-needed refresh. It has been so wonderful to see the responses to a student led initiative.

Photo Day

Tuesday 3 March is Primary photo day. Please ensure that your child is in correct formal school uniform. Hair is to be compliant with our Uniform Policy – tied back for girls using black red or white ribbons. Boys in Years 3-6 will not be wearing ties in their class photos.

Reading Information Night - Tuesday 17 March at 6:30pm in the Staff Common Room.

Come along to our Parent Workshop run by Literacy Consultant, Renea Watkins from the Association of Independent Schools (AIS). This informative night will walk you through the research behind the explicit method of reading instruction being used in the College and the importance of decoding. There will be first-hand information about the Big 5 components to reading, along with helpful information about how to assist your child in their reading journey. This is not a night to be missed.  Parents of all grades are welcome.

Mobile Phones /  Smart Watches

A number of our Primary students are bringing and using mobile phones and devices of a similar nature to school. Whilst these devices can be a valuable safety tool for travel arrangements, they can also be a distraction to learning. For this reason we ask that you not communicate with your child on their device during school hours, as students are not permitted to use/check or have their phones or smart watches out whilst on school grounds.

If devices are being used during school time (recess, lunch or class time) they will be removed from the student and given to Head of School to be collected at the end of the day.

Also, students are not to have their devices out at the bus bay as this can be a distraction resulting in them missing the bus. Students will be given a warning and if the device is seen again, it will be handed in to the Head of School.

Banking – Helpers Needed

The Commonwealth Bank conducts the school banking program at GPCC. This program encourages students to save a little money each week into their Youthsaver account, helping them learn about the value of money and develop a good saving habit.

Students can bring in their money and deposit books each Friday and these can be dropped to the College Office Student Admin window.

We would love some helpers to count the money on a Friday morning for about an hour. You would only be rostered on once or twice a term. Please contact the office if you are able to assist.

Vegetable Week

Only 5% of NSW children eat enough vegetables. To improve this, we are increasing children’s knowledge, exposure and positive attitudes towards vegetables.

Vegetable Week, featuring the fun event “The Big Vegie Crunch”, is an easy school-based event for NSW Primary Schools, funded by NSW Health. As well as hearing about the benefits of vegetables, we will be holding the "The Big Vegie Crunch" on Thursday at 10:00am. This is an attempt by NSW Primary School students to break the record for the highest number of children eating vegetables simultaneously – and to get kids excited about vegetables.

Please send vegetables for your students to crunch on during Crunch'n Sip this Thursday.

Premiers’ Reading Challenge

This year’s challenge starts today Monday 2 March and finishes on Friday 28 August. All Primary students will enter the challenge. Last year 60% of students completed it, which is an amazing result. A letter will be sent home with more information and your child’s username and password. Happy reading.

Product Design Challenge 

Secondhand Uniform Stall

The first secondhand uniform stall for the term will be on Wednesday 4 March 2020 from 2:30pm - 3:15pm. 

Helpers are needed as at present we only have one person running the stall.

All items are $2, $5 and $10 for newer style uniforms.  Good quality donations are gratefully appreciated and can be handed in to the College office or bring them to the stall.  Mrs Glenda Carter

Uniform Shop Update

• Tuesday 3 March – Primary School
• Tuesday 10 March – Secondary School
• Thursday 12 March – Sibling/family photos and absentees (8:30am – 12:00pm)

SCHOOL PHOTO ORDER CODE: 519 XYK 496

SCHOOL PHOTO ORDER LINK: https://www.advancedimage.com.au/keycode/keycodefinder.aspx?keycode=519XYK496

School photography days are coming up very soon. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link above or by using the envelope provided.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• School photos purchased online DO NOT require envelopes returned to school;
• Do not forget to order your sibling photos now*;
• Late fees/additional charges will be applied for purchases after photo day;
• Photos will be returned to school for distribution approximately six weeks after photos are taken;
• Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups available at school’s advancedorder site (follow the link above) and your child’s advancedyou photo site.

*Sibling photographs must be ordered either online or by order envelope prior to the day of photography. A photograph will not be taken without an order. Sibling photographs can only be taken of children enrolled at the College.  

advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to Green Point Christian College for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money back guarantee on our products, for your peace of mind, and are also here to resolve any issues you may experience to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience, please contact us at: enquiries@advancedlife.com.au

Uniform Requirements for Secondary School Photo Day

Tuesday 10 March 2020

Secondary School Years 7 to 10

GIRLS

Skirt  Taupe skirt with logo and adjustable waist (length to be modest in length, set to no more than 2cm above the knee when kneeling).

Blouse White short sleeve blouse with red piping and logo.

Socks  Short white anklet socks to be worn above the ankle.

Shoes  Black low profile polishable leather shoes, fully enclosed and protecting the foot.

Hair  Shoulder length hair must be fully tied back.  Hair must be of a neat and tidy appearance and should not draw attention to themselves in colour, cut or style.  Hair accessories should be simple such as hair elastics, bobby pins or ribbons and should only be red, black or white in colour.

Jewellery

Girls in Years 7-12 are limited to one set of either gold or silver studs or sleepers worn in the ear lobe and a watch.  Girls in Years 7-12 who choose to have other visible body piercings need to be able to remove any studs etc during school time. 

Girls in Years 7-12 may wear:

• A watch.
• One pair of either gold or silver studs or sleepers in the lobe.
• One fine chain (under blouse – not visible).
• One silver or gold ring.
• Discreet cosmetics (natural skin tones).
• No bracelets.

BOYS

Shirt  White short sleeved shirt – (no logo) to be worn tucked in, with tie.

Shorts or Pants  Taupe shorts or pants with logo and black leather belt.

Tie  Compulsory red tie with crest.

Belt  Dress belt, black leather or leather substitute - no logos.

Socks  Black socks should be worn with taupe shorts or long pants.

Shoes  Black low profile polishable leather shoes, fully enclosed and protecting the foot.

Hair Long hair must be tied back.  Hair must be of a neat and tidy appearance and should not draw attention to themselves in colour, cut or style. 

Jewellery

Boys in Years 7 – 12 who choose to have visible body piercings need to be able to remove any studs etc during school time.

Boys in Years 7-12 may wear:

• A watch.
• One fine chain (under shirt – not visible).
• One gold or silver ring.
• No earrings.
• No bracelets.

Senior Secondary School - Years 11 – 12

GIRLS

Skirt  Taupe skirt with logo and adjustable waist (to be modest in length, set to no more than 2cm above the knee when kneeling).

Blouse  White shirt with black piping and logo.

Socks or  Short white anklet socks to be worn above the ankle.

Stockings  Black opaque stockings (70+Denier). Stockings must be worn for formal occasions.

Shoes  Black low profile polishable lace up leather shoes, fully enclosed and protecting the foot (not ballet style shoes).

Hair Students are allowed to have their hair out, but it must be pulled back from the face.  Hair must be of a neat and tidy appearance and should not draw attention to themselves in colour, cut or style.  Hair accessories should be simple such as hair elastics, bobby pins or ribbons and should be red, black or white in colour.

Blazer: Students in Year 12 are required to wear a blazer for their photos.

Girls in Years 7-12 are limited to one set of either gold or silver studs or sleepers worn in the ear lobe and a watch.  Girls in Years 7-12 who choose to have other visible body piercings need to be able to remove any studs etc during school time. 

Girls in Years 7-12 may wear:

• A watch.
• One pair of either gold or silver studs or sleepers in the lobe.
• One fine chain (under blouse – not visible).
• One silver or gold ring.
• No bracelets.
• Girls who choose to have visible piercings need to be able to remove them during school time.
• Senior girls may wear discreet cosmetics (natural skin tones).

BOYS

Shirt   White short sleeve shirt (no logo) – to be worn tucked in.

Pants  Long pants – Taupe logo trousers (as supplied by Uniform Shop only) with leather belt.

Belt  Supplied with trousers.

Tie  Compulsory black tie with crest.

Socks  Short black socks.

Shoes  Black low profile polishable leather shoes, fully enclosed and protecting the foot.

Hair  Long hair must be tied back.  Hair must be of a neat and tidy appearance and  should not draw attention to themselves in colour, cut or style.  Boys must be clean-shaven during school terms.

Blazer: Students in Year 12 are required to wear a blazer for their photo.

Jewellery    

• A watch.
• One fine chain (under shirt – not visible).
• One gold or silver ring.
• No earrings.
• Boys who choose to have visible piercings need to be able to remove these during school time.
• No bracelets.

Please note:  If Secondary students know they will be absent on Tuesday 10 March, they will need to have their photo taken on Primary School photo day on Tuesday 3 March 2020.

Sibling photo day is Thursday 12 March from 8:30am-12:00pm in the Multi Purpose Centre. Sibling photo envelopes can be collected from reception.

Kindergarten 2021 Information Night Tuesday 24 March 2020 at 7:30pm

THRIVE 

THRIVE is for Years 5 and 6 on Fridays during the school term at 5.00pm - 6.30pm. For more information contact Pastor Louise Eccleston on 0425 239 414 or at louise@gpbc.net.au.

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