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So far, I am pleased to report good cooperation from students. We have confiscated some phones and laptops, but we trust this sends a message to students that we are serious, and they must comply. There are always other means of communicating and messages from parents can be checked at 3:15pm.
How can you help? You can see if it is feasible for them to leave their phone at home. You can make sure you do not message them during school hours unless it is urgent. You can discuss with your teenager what alternative activities they might engage in if they can’t use their laptop at break times. You can discuss with them how to better manage their screen time outside of school, so the problem does not just shift to home time.
We are conscious that for a few students, they hide behind their screens because of social and relational challenges, and we are monitoring them and working with them to help them learn to manage their anxiety in other ways. If you become concerned for your child, please let us know so that we can support them.
We have not imposed the ban on Years 11 and 12 students as we want them to learn to better manage themselves as they prepare to move on from the controlled environment of school. I am encouraged that the majority are learning this and trying to set a good example to the younger students. I have also asked the staff to do the same and be aware of their own public use of phones during break times.
I think the biggest challenge may be us as adults and parents. Do you seek to model this to your child? We know they learn as much, if not more from modelling as they do from instructions. Setting some device free times at home and introducing other activities you all do together may be a great way to enhance family relationships as well as deal with over-use of a device.
You should monitor what is happening on their devices and do not feel bad about putting monitoring software on them. It is so easy to access pornography and other violent and dangerous material via the internet. It is your responsibility as a parent to keep your child safe and take whatever measures you need to do that.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this move. I have appreciated the almost 40 emails of support that have come in from parents. We want to work together on issues like this as we seek to equip our children for a positive life.
Principal
Increasingly, we are finding that many of our students are allowed to watch content that is unsupervised and well above their age range. This is extremely dangerous and impactful. Parents and carers play a key role in guiding their children as they navigate the online world and begin to learn through exploration, play and social interaction. The E-safety commission provides excellent resources and tools for families with young children as they navigate this space.
How do I choose age-appropriate content?
Good-quality media can support your child’s learning, especially if it ties in with their interests or sparks their imagination. The following sites are highly recommended and can help you make informed decisions about your family’s entertainment choices.
- Check age ratings and consumer advice for apps and games on devices your children use: via the App Store or Google Play, and for movies and games, the Australian Classification Board’s online database.
- Commonsense Media offers a database of apps, games and websites searchable by age and is an excellent resource.
- The Australian Council on the Children and the Media provides reviews of movies, apps and games, including gambling content advice, searchable by age and platform.
- Raising Children Network has advice about choosing video games, online games and apps.
- NetAware (UK) offers a guide to popular social media apps, sites and games, including risks, age recommendations and safety tips.
- The Australian Council on the Children and the Media provides reviews of movies, apps and games, including gambling content advice, searchable by age and platform.
Primary Choir
The Primary Choir will perform a song at our Primary Chapel this coming week, Wednesday 30 March. The performance will be held in the MPC at 2:30pm. Parents are welcome to attend. Choir will commence in Term 2 with students from Years 1-6. Mrs Munro and Mrs Burton look forward to welcoming our new members in the CAPA Theatre each Tuesday morning, from 8:00am – 8:30am.
Vegie Week and The Big Vegie Crunch Thursday 31 March
Next week we are celebrating the wonderful power of vegetables, with Vegetable Week at our Crunch ‘n ‘Sip ‘n Move breaks each morning. Healthy Kids Association is encouraging NSW children to eat more vegetables as part of Vegetable Week & The Big Vegie Crunch. Statistics show that only one in 20 Primary School aged children are eating the recommended five daily serves of vegetables.
The Big Vegie Crunch 2022 is on track to exceed over 100,000 children from 400 Primary Schools across NSW taking part in the event, all eating vegetables at the same time and aiming to break the Crunch record.
This week of eating vegetables is a wonderful opportunity for your child to try some new varieties. Class teachers may have some fun activities throughout the week to promote vegetables and all classes will participate on Thursday at 10:00am for ‘The Big Vegie Crunch’.
Vegetable Week 2022 will run from Monday 28 March to Friday 1 April, with The Big Vegie Crunch to be held at 10:00am on Thursday 31 March.
Dates for your Diary
31 March – College Open Day (4:00pm)
6 April – K-12 Easter Service (no Primary Chapel)
7 April – Primary Cross Country
28 March – Big Vege Crunch week
8 April – Last day Term 1
27 April – First Day Term 2
29 April – K-6 Athletics Carnival (Mingara)
NAPLAN Practice Tests Week 10 - Years 3,5,7 and 9
The College will be running NAPLAN Practice Tests in Week 10, for Year 3 and Year 5 and Week 11 for Year 7 and Year 9. Tests comprise of an OMNIBUS Test (reading, conventions of language and numeracy), and/or a writing test. The aim of the practice tests is for students to become familiar with the types of questions they will experience in NAPLAN in May and for staff to familiarise themselves with the functions of the online platform. It is timed, but is not marked. We do not receive any feedback or results from this test. Please find attached schedule. All students must have their own bring earphones/headphones for the test.
Kindergarten 2023
We will be starting our enrolments for Kindergarten 2023 shortly. If you or someone you know has a child ready to start school, why not bring them along to our Kindergarten Information Session. Details are on our website.
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 communicated with your child on their device during school hours as they 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 the Head of School to be collected at the end of the day. An email will be sent to the parents to advise that students are not to have their devices out at the bus bay as this can be a distraction resulting in students 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.
AbsenteesWith the recent spike in COVID positive cases, many families are finding they are now in isolation. Please refer back to Mr Nash’s communication around isolation periods and ensure the College is aware of the reasons for any absences in this regard. With winter nearly upon us it is a good time to reinforce good hygiene habits of washing hands and sanitising as well as mask wearing if desired.
Khloe M (5P) - DanceOn Saturday 19 March there was a dance competition held in Hurstville called
HHI (Hip Hop International). This competition brings the best of the best hip hop crews NSW has to offer.
There were different divisions 7-11yo (Junior Division); 12-17yo (Varsity Division); 17+ (Adult Division); Mega Crew 30+ dancers.
Khloe M entered the competition in three different crews, the Junior, the Varsity, and the Mega Crew. The competition was very tight; Khloe has qualified for Nationals to be held in Brisbane on 7 and 8 May in all three crews. Wolfpack who placed 1st in the Mega Crew Division also took out the highest score of the night. Khloe is the youngest member of the Wolfpack crew with ages ranging from 10-30 years old. Khloe trains 10-14 hours each week to compete at this level. Congratulations Khloe.
Head of School AwardBailey P, KDL; Manaia D, KG; Everly K, 1C; Ophelia E, 1G; Ted R, 1S; James N, 2D; Skye B, 2G; Amelie C, 3B; Lucy O, 3D; Cruz H, 3PH; Asher B, 4B; Andrew S, 4BK; Emlyn C, 5L; Ethan D, 5PC; Khloe M, 5P; Jonathan G, 6MR; Alana F, 6S; Tamar H, 6T
Please contact Mr Gibbins via joel.gibbins@gpcc.nsw.edu.au for more information.
Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary
The ban on any phone use at the College from 8:45am to 3:15pm came into effect this week. This ban includes all device use at recess and lunchtime. So far, students have been helpful overall by following the rule and only a few devices have been confiscated.
It is very important that parents help us by not contacting their students during the school day. Unfortunately, there have been some parents who have contacted their child, and this has caused an issue at school. This is not helpful or supportive and we would appreciate that if you need to contact your child that you do it through the Admin office.
It has been great to see the improvement in the way our uniform is being worn and I want to congratulate students on their willingness to come on board. I need to highlight that if a student receives a Uniform Detention, they need to go to it on Wednesday or Friday lunchtime in A2. If they do not attend, they will receive a Friday Afternoon Detention.
Students are notified about their detentions through the student portal. If they are not in the habit of regularly looking at the Student Café, it is a habit they need to get into. It is the site where a lot of information is posted for their information, including Daily Notices and detentions.
Youth Mental Health
Hopefully, you all came along to listen to Collett Smart. She was excellent in her presentation to the Secondary students during Period 3 on Thursday, and to College parents at the Parent Seminar in the evening. I hope it will start a lot of useful conversations in your home.
Reminder GPCC Secondary Athletics Carnival on Monday is POSTPONED
Regrettably, due to more unfavourable weather conditions for field events the GPCC Athletics Carnival has been postponed. A new date is yet to be confirmed.
Normal classes for all Years 7-12 students will apply for Monday 28 March 2022.
NAPLAN Practice Tests in Week 10 for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9
The College will be running NAPLAN Practice Tests in Week 10, for Year 3 and Year 5 and Week 11 for Year 7 and Year 9. Tests comprise of an OMNIBUS Test (reading, conventions of language and numeracy), and/or a writing test. The aim of the practice tests is for students to become familiar with the types of questions they will experience in NAPLAN in May and for staff to familiarise themselves with the functions of the online platform. It is timed, but is not marked. We do not receive any feedback or results from this test. Please find attached schedule. All students must have their own bring earphones/ headphones for the test.
Years 7-10 Parent/Teacher Interviews – Tuesday 5 April 2022
Parent/Teacher Interviews for Years 7 to 10 students will be held on Tuesday 5 April 2022 in the MPC from 4.00pm to 8.30pm.
Interview times are 7 minutes with each subject teacher, and it is preferable for students to attend with their parent/s.
Bookings for these interviews will open on Tuesday 29 March 2022 at 7:00am.
Parents of students in Years 7-10 can book these interviews via the Parent Lounge.
You can access the Parent Lounge by logging in with your Parent Code previously supplied.
Bookings for these interviews will close on Monday 4 April 2022 at 4:00pm.
If you are new to the College and have not used this facility before, please contact the Office to obtain your Parent Code. If you have not already done so, you will need to set yourself a password by following the instructions.
The easiest way to learn how to book your appointments is to watch the short video once you have accessed your account, under 'School Links' tab, and select 'Help Videos'. Please take a few minutes to watch this video, as it will make the process much easier for you.
As with all our interview processes, if you have difficulties or do not have access to the internet, please call the Office and we will assist you.
If you are feeling unwell or displaying any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay at home.
If you are unable to attend or prefer not to if you are vulnerable to COVID-19, you can email your child's teacher to request feedback on their progress.
Year 7 History
Mrs Erasmus' Year 7 Hisotry class got all wrapped up while learning about Ancient Egyptian burials, rituals and beliefs about death.
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about Macquarie University (including a separate PDF flyer below with links). UAC opening date for 2023 admissions, Skillsroad careers website, a Childcare webinar, Nursing careers, a resource for Year 12, computer traineeship programs, and lots of UTS information sessions.
For more details, please see this week's Careers News or visit the Student Careers section under the "Education & Learning" menu on the GPCC website.
Mr Stuart McSwan | K - 6 Sport Co-ordinator
GPCC Sport Teams
Trials began this week for Years 3/4 Boys Soccer Futsal, Years 5/6 Girls Futsal team and Years 5/6 Girls Netball team. Teachers will hold 2-3 trials as required and choose a squad. Children that attend trials are congratulated for ‘giving it a go’, but all understand that not everyone can be chosen.
Mr Lambert and Mrs Burton will begin their trials for Years 5/6 Boys Soccer/Futsal and the Years 3/4 Girls Netball teams respectively when they return to school.
CSSA and CIS Nominations
Some of the individual CSSA and CIS Sport nominations due soon are:
Please email Mr McSwan before these dates if your child (Years 5 and 6 only) would like to be considered. They need to be currently playing in the sport and have several years experience (preferably at a Representative level):
Primary
CSSA Primary Years 5/6 Girls Netball Trials on 27 April - Nominations close Friday 8 April
CIS Primary Years 5/6 Girls Hockey Trials on 9 May - Nominations close Monday 2 May
Dates for your Calendar
Primary
School Carnivals
Thursday 7 April - GPCC Primary Cross Country Carnival (Hylton Moore)
Friday 29 April - GPCC Infants and Primary Athletics Carnival (Mingara)
TBC (Term 3) - GPCC K-2 Swimming Carnival (Peninsula Leisure Centre)
Cross Country Training
For those students who love to train and compete in Cross Country, it would be ideal for students to go on some short and long distance runs over the next couple of weeks in preparation for the Cross Country Carnival on Thursday 7 April.
Distances run:
- 8/9 years Girls and Boys - 2km
- 10 years Girls and Boys - 2km
- 11 years Girls and Boys - 3km
- 12/13 years Girls and Boys - 3km
Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
Postponement of our GPCC Secondary Athletics Carnival
Our GPCC Secondary Athletics Carnival on Monday 28 March has been postponed. A new date will be advised soon.
NSWCIS Water Polo
Congratulations to Mia H for being selected into the NSWCIS Under 17 Water Polo Team. This is a remarkable achievement and we congratulate Mia for her fine effort.
Secondary Yearly Sport Overview Dates for 2022
Please click on link below to view dates.
Book Club
Issue 2 orders are now closed, books will be sent out before the end of term.
Easter Reading Prizes
Secondary students who have borrowed seven or more books this term will go into the draw to win a carton of Easter Eggs! There are five prizes to hand out to lucky students on Wednesday 6 April.
Student Contributions in The Messenger
We encourage students to email contributions for the new section of our weekly newsletter, titled Student Voice. It may be a short story, a poem, service activity, an achievement or award (sporting, scouts, Duke of Ed etc). Please email to newsletter@gpcc.nsw.edu.au for consideration of inclusion in The Messenger.
Northern NSW Flood Relief in Partnership with Hinterland Christian College
What a great way to bring and share hope and love in what we all know is a challenging time.
GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church
Our motto is “Equipped for Life”
ICT SYSTEMS ENGINEER
Permanent Full Time
Located on the beautiful Central Coast of NSW, Green Point Christian College is a vibrant Christian, independent, co-ed school for students in Kindergarten to Year 12, with a mission to equip students for life.
A great opportunity is available for an enthusiastic, inquisitive ICT Systems Engineer to join our team and work with some of the latest technologies in the industry with a focus on the management and support of the following:
- School Information Systems
- Apple Device Deployment and Management
- Microsoft Device Development and Management
- Modern authentication systems
- Hyper Converged virtualisation infrastructure
- A range of cloud services
- Automation of Account provisioning and systems access
- Modern project management and documentation systems
We are looking for a collaborator who is keen to learn and grow in skills and knowledge relevant to the College IT systems and projects, take initiative and be a team player.
Please refer to the College website for a prospectus and application form at https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/work-with-us/employment-opportunities.
It is a requirement under the Public Health (COVID-19 Vaccination of Education and Care Workers) Order 2021 dated 23 September 2021 that all relevant workers are required to have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccination.
The successful applicant for the above position must be a committed Christian and be prepared to work under the ethos of our College.
Enquiries may be addressed to Sue Parkinson via employment@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Applications close on Friday 8 April 2022 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
Make Up Photo Day - with Advancedlife Photography
If your son/daughter missed the Primary or Secondary School photo date, we are offering another time for them to have their individual portrait photo taken in their formal school uniform.
Date: Friday 1 April 2022
Time: 10:00am
As this needs to be organised with Advancedlife Photography please email the office at office@gpcc.nsw.edu.au to advise if your son/daughter will be taking up this offer.
Kindergarten 2023
We have commenced enrolments for 2023 and already have keen interest for places in Kindergarten. If your child is due to commence Kindergarten in 2023 kindly apply now via our website. You are welcome to contact our Registrar if you have any questions about enrolment registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
Meet Catherine Lamey, our new Piano Tutor
Catherine has been teaching piano on the Central Coast and in various Sydney schools for over 20 years. She has taught students from early ages to adults and from beginners to the more advanced levels. She encourages students to play music just for fun, to simply enjoy learning an instrument or to set a goal through aiming for higher levels of proficiency through examinations up to AMusA level.
Music has always been a passion and an integral part of Catherine’s life, studying piano with renowned pianist Gerard Willems. Encouraged as a young child to learn piano, she realised the value of a musical education along with the power of music through developing her piano skills as a teacher, training in music as therapy and singing in various community choirs.
Catherine enjoys yoga, the many beautiful bushwalks along the Central Coast and living near the water.
Private Music Tuition and Bands are now up and running for 2022.
Please click on link below for more information: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/education-learning/co-curricular-activities/music-tuition
Student and Parenting Seminar by Collett Smart
We thank Collett Smart for her insight and practical tips in speeking to our Years 7 - 12 students on 'Adolescent Mental Health' and our evening parenting seminar on 'Parenting with Purpose - Raising Resilient Kids'.
GPCC will continue to work in partnership with our families in 'equipping our students for life'.
Click on link for Collett Smart resources: https://collettsmart.com/
Parent comments from the parent seminar below:
"Collett Smart’s seminar on Thursday night was a great opportunity to be reminded of the importance of resilience and overall wellbeing for our children. There were some really helpful strategies, a chance to chat about the realities and challenges of parenting in current circumstances, and reminders about how important the little things really are for our kids. As a parent of three school-aged children, I was really encouraged to ‘play the long game’ of parenting."
"I am the parent of two Primary School students. Collett provided my husband and I with many practical tools and ideas in raising them to be resilient, and giving them involvement and responsibility in our family unit. Thank you GPCC for hosting this event".
Uniform Shop Closed for School Holidays
Please be advised the Uniform Shop will not be opening in the upcoming school holidays. The shop is currently open four days per week, with online shopping and delivery also available through the Alinta website at www.alintaapparel.com.au
The Uniform Shop is fully stocked for winter with laybys welcome. Any new enrolments to GPCC can arrange a fitting via the Registrar if unable to attend during term opening hours.
Monday: 8:30am - 11:00am
Wednesday: 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Thursday: 8:30am - 11:00am
Friday: 8:30am - 11:00am
For the price list and further information on ordering through Alinta please visit our website – https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/enrolment/uniform
The Munchery Canteen Operations and Updated Menu
The Munchery Menu - Term 1, 2022
All students are strongly encouraged to order online. However, over the counter sales will also available.
Please visit the GPCC website for the link to The Munchery portal: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/community/the-munchery-canteen
EXTEND (Before and After School Care)
NSW Government vouchers for Before & After School Care and Vacation Care.
Extend Squad School Holiday Program
Parent Lounge Details
The College has a legal requirement to keep our records up to date.
Please review your details on Parent Lounge to ensure that all your information is correct. This includes medical information on your child/ren (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.
Green Point Community Notices
Terrigal Football Club
Terrigal United Football Club is looking for YOUTH FOOTBALL SATURDAY Seeking players for U15 B and C grade. (A grade Goalkeeper upon application). Born 2007 or 2008. U16 A Grade Applicants welcome to contact us for a trial.
MENS 18 SUNDAY COMP M18B Players required for Sunday morning competition. Born 2004, 2005 or 2006 - the ideal candidates will have some experience on the football pitch.
WOMENS SUNDAY COMP Female players to join our W14 teams. Born 2008/09. All levels of experiences accepted. Limited places remain in our W12, W16 and W18 teams.
Contact them via this link: https://terrigalunitedfc.com/connect-with-us/
East Coast Soccer School
4 Day Soccer Development Camp - 19-22 April
For more information download the flyer below.
Terrigal Wamberal Junior Rugby League Club
They are looking for girls 12 - 13 yrs and 16 - 17yrs
Call 0414 551 252 for more information
Gosford Regional Gallery School Holiday Workshops
Central Coast Chess Holiday Tournament - Wednesday 20 April
for more information download the attachment below.
Australian Red Cross - Blood Donation
Terrigal Mobile Donor Centre
Wednesday 23 March 2.00pm to 7.30pm
Thursday 24 March 12.00pm to 5.30pm
Friday 25 March 9.30am to 3.00pm
Rotary Park
214 Terrigal Drive
Terrigal
Book online or on 13 14 95.
AFL - Saratoga Hawks Recruitment Drive
The Saratoga Hawks are currently looking for boys and girls aged between 5-17 and would love to see plenty of new faces enjoy everything that playing AFL has to offer. They are targeting new participants in the local region and appreciate support from their local schools.
Avoca Rugby Competition
For more information download flyer below.
School Holiday Program at Umina Beach Police Citizen Youth Club
PCYC Umina Beach are running a School Holiday Program in April.
More information can be found on our website - https://www.pcycnsw.org.au/umina-beach/school-holidays
If you would like to place an advertisement in the Green Point Community Notices, please email details to Justine Collins at
Green Point Baptist Church
9:30am Worship Service
6:00pm Service
Services continue to be available online each week.
We are updating our Facebook page regularly with what's happening, so check it out: https://www.facebook.com/greenpointbaps/
Coming Up this Week
Monday, 28 March
Secondary Athletics Carnival at Mingara
Secondary CIS Open Cricket Trials
Primary - The Big Vegie Crunch Week
Tuesday, 29 March
CSSA Secondary Swimming Championships
Thursday, 31 March
Open Day and Tour 4:00pm
Friday, 1 April
School Photography catchup morning : 10:00am - 11:00am
Year 8 Brainstorm Presentation
Secondary CIS Open Cricket Trials
Secondary State Touch Football Gala Day
Dates for the Diary
Monday, 4 April
NSW All Schools Swimming Championships
CIS Primary Boys Soccer Championships
Tuesday, 5 April
Year 10 Careers Expo
NSw All Schools Swimming Championships - Day 2
Years 7 - 10 Parent/Teacher interviews (4:00pm - 8:00pm)
Wednesday, 6 April
K - 12 Easter Service (No Primary Chapel)
Thursday, 7 April
Year 10 Your Choicez Student Seminar
Primary Cross Country - Hylton Moore Oval East Gosford (Yrs 2 - 6)
Friday, 8 April
Last Day of Term 1
Term Dates 2022
Term 1, 2022
Friday, 8 April - Last Day Term 1
Term 2, 2022
Wednesday, 27 April to Friday, 1 July
Monday, 13 June - Queen's Birthday Public Holiday
Term 3, 2022
Thursday, 21 July to Friday, 23 September
Term 4, 2022
Tuesday, 11 October to Wednesday, 7 December