Filter Content
Each year at GPCC we develop a School Improvement Plan to give some direction and impetus to what we are focused on achieving. These are generally available on the website and you will find here, our Plan from last year and a review summary of how far we got in completing the Plan.
I have just sent out the 2022 Plan to staff for comment and then it will be posted as well. Feel free at any time to make comment about these Plans. The Executive Team and I work to stay in touch with the whole school community to ensure we are focusing on the things that matter to people. While doing that we are still looking ahead to move the school forward in ways perhaps others might not think about.
Schools are and can be places of very set routine. Each year is very similar to the last and we are bound by many requirements in relation to Government regulation and curriculum requirements that can limit the scope of what we might like to do. Being creative within that space is the trick to keeping the school fresh and moving ahead. Each Plan does not contain detailed information about what will be done, we do that outside of the Plan as we work on each project, so don’t think that the focus areas are limited or lacking in scope.
In the fast-changing environment we live in, I believe it is important not to lock ourselves in too much to certain goals, but to remain responsive to opportunities and uncontrollable changes that are bound to come our way. The 2022 Plan may well change as we move on through the year.
We are now a few weeks into our ban on mobile devices during break times for Years 7 – 10. I want to say thank you to the many parents who took time to contact me with support for this move. It has been very successful so far with very few confiscations taking place each week. If a student has a device out during break times, they are required to hand it in to the Office and collect it at the end of the day. Two confiscations in a term means handing it in at the start of the day and collecting it at the end for five school days.
Some of you are still phoning your child during school time and this is not very helpful. You can certainly SMS them and they will see that at the end of the day when they can check their phones again. Often this relates to pick up arrangements, but your child can check their messages at 3:15pm so they know how to get home.
It has been great to see some sunny days recently and our field is again open for PE classes to use. We are waiting to see if it holds up before making it available for break time play. I have enjoyed seeing a lot more relational interaction between students who are not fixed on their devices during break times. While this has been a challenge for some, it is proving to be a blessing to many.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Mother's Day Celebrations
It was so wonderful to be together and celebrate the mothers and carers of our GPCC students. Coffee, pastries and balloons filled the morning as students served their mothers. Our helpers then moved to selling Mother's Day gifts as students began shopping for their special presents. A big thank you to Mrs Munro and the Well-being team for organising this special event for our mums.
To view our photos from the Mother's Day Photo Booth, click link.
NAPLAN
NAPLAN begins for our student in Years 3 and 5 on Tuesday 10 May. These national tests will be held over the following two weeks. Whilst I am sure our students will do their very best, it is important to remember that these tests are merely a snapshot of what students can demonstrate at the time of testing.
These assessments do not tell us everything there is to know about a student. They do not indicate that a student has improved on something that they found difficult or that they demonstrate perseverance and grit when completing a difficult task. They do not indicate a student’s social and emotional capabilities, that they are caring, reliable, courageous or organised, thoughtful and dependable.
They do not capture the fact that amongst our student body we have singers, public speakers, students who excel in sport, debating, IT and art, because they are only testing certain attributes of each of our students.
Our students like all other students across our nation, are created by God as unique and complex individuals made in HIS image. Their attributes cannot be captured by an assessment such as NAPLAN. I am proud of the way our students will apply themselves this week to the rigor of this testing, but I am even more proud to see them shine and excel in all the other areas of their learning and development.
Winter Uniform
Monday 9 May will be the start of our winter uniform period. This year we have introduced a black soft-shell jacket that can be purchased from the Uniform Shop and worn as an outer garment with the formal uniform. This high quality jacket has zip up pockets and is water and wind resistant, as well as being fleece lined.
Please note that this year long trousers are no longer compulsory for the winter uniform and boys have been given the choice to wear shorts if the weather is suitable. Finally, winter is also the time when we relax the hat policy and remind students that whilst hats are recommended, they are not compulsory.
Head of School Award
Congratulations to the following students for getting their Head of School Award in Week 1:
Harry T, KDL; Brooklyn M, KG; Moses P, 1C; Archer H, 1G; Artley S, 1S; James C, 2D; Maise B, 2G; Josie R, 3B; Alex T, 3D; Amarah F, 3PH; Louis A, 4B; Orlando G, 4BK; Matilda A, 5L; Phoebe N, 5P; Perrin L, 5PC; Erin R, 6MR; Jason P, 6S; Xavier B, 6T.
Primary Choir
Choir begins for Years 1 - 6 each Tuesday morning at 8:00am in the CAPA5 Theatre. Children need to walk down the path next to the MPC, rather than walking down the road, which staff cars use at this time. Mrs Munro and Mrs Burton look forward to a wonderful time of creativity and fun together. Auditions are not required – all are welcome to join.
Secondary School Tour and Welcome for Current Year 6 Parents/Carers
Parents and carers of current Year 6 families are invited to attend a tour of Green Point Christian College Secondary School.
When: Tuesday 21 June 9:00am - 10:15am commencing in the Staff Common Room (near the canteen).
This will provide an opportunity for parents/carers to view the outstanding facilities and have a brief overview of Secondary School from the Executive Leadership Team. To book a place on this Tour and Welcome morning, please email office@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
This event is for parents/carers only, our Year 6 students will have a tour of Secondary School as part of their Year 7 Orientation.
Please note, if your child is currently enrolled in Year 6 at GPCC you are not required to apply for Secondary School. However, if your child WILL NOT be continuing at the College in 2023, would you kindly advise the College by email at your earliest convenience - registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
Chess Club - Thursday mornings
Please contact Mr Gibbins via joel.gibbins@gpcc.nsw.edu.au for more information.
Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary
We are introducing a new program into the Secondary School, known as the Living in Fullness Everyday Recognition Program or for short, the LIFE Recognition Program. The goal of the program is to encourage our students to be reflectors of the Graduate Profile; core to this is to help them learn how to do life well while here at school.
It is a scheme that is designed to acknowledge students across all aspects of the Graduate Profile and student life.
The scheme incorporates academic, sport, mission, creative arts, public speaking, debating, service, community service, clubs, competitions, leadership, subject based recognition, and studentship compliments.
It will be introduced in a step-by-step approach with major recognition levels being handed out at our annual Thanksgiving and Academic Service.
Points are accumulated through all aspects of College life and students progress through different levels of recognition through their time in Secondary School. Each level must be achieved before points can be attributed to a new level. The levels are listed below, as is a preliminary points recognition table. These can be modified and adjusted over time. The whole program will be up on the GPCC website in the near future.
Recognition Levels
LIFE – Bronze Recognition – 100 points with a minimum of 80 points in the year of award
LIFE – Silver Recognition – 120 points with a minimum of 80 points in the year of award
LIFE – Gold Recognition – 130 points with a minimum of 100 points in the year of award
LIFE – Platinum Recognition – 140 points with a minimum of 100 points in the year of award
LIFE – Diamond Recognition– 150 points with a minimum of 100 points in the year of award
LIFE – Head of Secondary Achievement – 160 points with a minimum of 100 points in the year of award
LIFE – Principal Accomplishment – 170 points with a minimum of 100 points in the year of award
LIFE – GPCC All Round Life Graduate – 180 points with a minimum of 100 points in the year of award
To view how points are accumulated please see document attached.
2022 School Vaccination Program - Year 10 Meningococcal ACWY
As part of the 2022 School Vaccination Program, on Wednesday 11 May 2022 nurses from Central Coast Local Health District will be offering the Meningococcal vaccinations to all Year 10 students at the College.
Information packs were sent home this week. If you would like your child to be take part in this program, please sign and return the consent form included in the information pack to the office by Monday 9 May 2022.
The consent form is a legal document and therefore must be completed and signed in BLUE or BLACK pen.
No vaccine will be given unless there is a signed consent by the parent/guardian.
Could you please speak to your child about these upcoming vaccinations.
On the day of the vaccination Mr Haines, Year 10 Advisor and class teachers will give further instructions.
Consent forms will also be accepted on the day of the vaccination, provided it is not a copy and completed correctly.
NAPLAN 2022
Please see the Community section of this week's Messenger for information relating to NAPLAN 2022 testing for Years 7 and 9.
Year 12 Advanced English Excursion
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about University Open Days and how to apply for University, UNSW’s Law Admission Test (LAT), and a link to a webinar about University of Newcastle admissions.
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 Primary Athletics Carnival
Last Friday we were blessed with beautiful sunny weather and as a result were able to hold our Primary Athletics Carnival at Mingara, albeit minus shot put and discus which will be held at school at some point later this term.
It was quite a sight seeing the students run and jump during events as well as hearing cheering from the crowd to encourage each competitor. Congratulations to all the students for doing their best and we now look forward to taking a strong team to Zone in early August.
Stay tuned for Age Champions, Zone squad and winning House results which will be published at a later date once shot put and discus events have been held.
Thank you to the amazing teachers, parents, House Captains and student helpers for your assistance in making the day a great success.
NNSW Central Coast Regional Futsal
Congratulations to all the boys and girls who competed at the NNSW Central Coast Futsal tournament last Monday. It was wonderful to be able to compete at this event and see the children give every game their ‘all’.
Please see attachment below for full report on all our teams.
CSSA Netball Trials
Congratulations to Sibella M and Lily D for trialling to represent the CSSA Netball team at the CIS Netball Championships. The competition at these days is always a high standard and the girls did an amazing job. Thank you to the parents for travelling down for the day. What valuable experience.
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):
CIS Primary Years 5/6 Boys Rugby Union Trials on 25 May - Nominations close on Wednesday 18 May.
Dates for your Calendar
School Carnivals
Monday 9 May (postponed again) - GPCC Primary Cross Country Carnival (Hylton Moore) - will hopefully be held at school in the next few weeks.
TBC (Term 3) - GPCC K-2 Swimming Carnival (Peninsula Leisure Centre)
Cross Country Training
A reminder below of the distance run by each age group.
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
CIS Secondary Swimming Championships
On Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd May the Secondary High School Swimming Team travelled to CIS at SOPAC in Sydney. This event is always a challenge being up against elite swimmers but our swimmers swam well and represented Green Point proudly.
On the first day we had 7 relay teams competing. All the swimmers gave 100% effort. Two teams placed in the top 10 which is a great achievement.
Girls 12-14 4x50m Medley - 6th
Girls 12-14 4x50m Freestyle - 14th
Girls 15-16 4x50m Medley - 11th
Girls 15-16 4x50m Freestyle - 9th
Boys 12-14 4x50m Freestyle - 16th
Boys 12-14 4x50m Medley - 15th
Boys 15-16 4x50m Medley - 14th
On Day 2, we had 9 swimmers return to take part in Individual events. Our swimmers were fantastic and we had several top 10 finishes, which is a great achievement at this level. The results were as follows:
Angelique A:
17&0yrs 200m Freestyle - 11th
17-19yrs 50m Breastroke - 15th
Eliana B:
17&0yrs 100m Backstroke - 2nd
17-19yrs 50m Backstroke - 2nd
Olivia E: 15yrs 50m Freestyle - 12th
Megan L:
14yrs 50m Breastroke - 8th
14yrs 100m Breastroke - 11th
14yrs 200m Breastroke - 7th
Sienna P: 16yrs 50m Freestyle - 12th
Felicity R:
14yrs 50m Freestyle - 10th
14yrs 50m Butterfly - 7th
14yrs 100m Butterfly - 7th
Fidel S: 14yrs 200m Backstroke - 16th
Zachary S:
16yrs 100m Butterfly - 15th
16yrs 200m Butterfly - 8th
Tyson S: 14yrs 200m Breastroke - 15th
A special congratulations to Eliana B for qualifying for NSW All Schools in the 17&0 100m Backstroke and congratulations to all our swimmers for their amazing performances.
CSSA Secondary Open Girls Basketball Representative
Congratulations to Sophie V (Year 8) who has been selected to represent CSSA in the Open Girls Basketball Team. This is an amazing achievement for such a young student to be selected in an Open team. As a member of this team, Sophie will be competing in the CIS Basketball Championships on Thursday 5 May. We wish you all the very best Sophie.
Central Coast Academy of Sport
There is an opportunity for some of our elite athletes to get involved in the Central Coast Academy of Sport winter sports programs in the following four sports:
Swimming: https://thinksport.com.au/programs/swimming/
Touch Football: https://thinksport.com.au/programs/touch-football/
Athletics: https://thinksport.com.au/programs/athletics/
Indoor Volleyball: https://thinksport.com.au/programs/volleyball/
Please click on any of the links if you would like to apply for any of these opportunities.
Library Open Before School
Primary students will be able to access the Library from 8:20am each morning, except for Thursday when Chess Club use the space. Parents are welcome to bring their children to borrow or return, and parent borrowing is also encouraged. Senior students have access to the Library from 8:00am.
Book Club
Issue 3 orders are due online LOGIN (scholastic.com.au) by Friday 13 May.
National Simultaneous Storytime
Kindergarten - Year 2 students will come together on Wednesday 25 May to read Family Tree by Josh Pyke. Over a million students throughout Australia and New Zealand will participate in this event. Students will also complete activities and have lots of fun. I wonder what Mrs Smith will come dressed as this year?
NAPLAN Online 2022 - Testing Window, Tuesday 10 May - Friday 20 May
NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy - important skills that each child needs to succeed in school and life. The NAPLAN tests are designed to help us ensure students are on track with their literacy and numeracy development. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in NAPLAN tests for reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
In May, our school will participate in NAPLAN Online. Students do not need to be computer experts to take the NAPLAN test online. Making sure students have computer skills is part of our school curriculum, and our teachers will ensure your child is familiar with the online format. All tests will be online except for Writing in Year 3.
To see the types of questions and interactive features of NAPLAN Online, visit the NAPLAN public demonstration site.
Please refer to NAPLAN Online Information for Parents and Carers (attached) for more information.
All students in Years 3, 5 7 and 9 must ensure:
- Device is updated
- All running programs are closed
- Device has been turned off and restarted
- Device is fully charged
- All students must have headphones/ earbuds
If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online, please contact your child’s teacher or Mrs Jane McLarty
PDHPE TEACHING POSITION
Temporary Full Time for 6 months
(maternity leave replacement) - immediate start
We are currently seeking to appoint a teacher to the PDHPE Department on a temporary full time basis (maternity leave replacement) for the remainder of 2022.
To be successful you will need to possess and demonstrate:
- Sound knowledge of the new Australian Curriculum;
- A high standard of competency, proficiency and innovation as a classroom teacher;
- The ability to integrate ICT into the curriculum;
- A capacity to cater for different learning needs;
- Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and collegiality;
- Good administrative skills, with a high level of flexibility and adaptability;
- An ability to prioritise and work collegially.
The successful applicant for the above position must be committed Christians and be prepared to work under the ethos of our school and in regular fellowship and involvement at an Evangelical Church. For more information visit: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/pdhpe-teaching-position
Enquiries may be addressed to Sue Parkinson via employment@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Applications close on Wednesday 18 May 2022 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
__________________________________
PDHPE TEACHING POSITION
Permanent Full Time + Sport Co-ordinator (Years 7 – 12)
To commence Term 3 2022
We are currently seeking to appoint an experienced teacher to the PDHPE Department on a permanent full time basis, who has the passion to take on the leadership of sport in the Secondary School.
To be successful you will need to possess and demonstrate:
Sound knowledge of the new Australian Curriculum;
- A high standard of competency, proficiency and innovation as a classroom teacher;
- The ability to integrate ICT into the curriculum;
- A capacity to cater for different learning needs;
- Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and collegiality;
- Good administrative skills, with a high level of flexibility and adaptability;
- An ability to prioritise and work collegially.
The successful applicant for the above positions must be committed Christians and be prepared to work under the ethos of our school and in regular fellowship and involvement at an Evangelical Church. For more information visit: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/pdhpe-teaching-position-pft
Enquiries may be addressed to Sue Parkinson via employment@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Applications close on Wednesday 18 May 2022 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
Youth in Performing Arts - Laycock Street Theatre
We have three GPCC groups in Youth In Performing Arts at Laycock this year.
Year 10 Music performing ‘Africa’ by Toto – Thursday 19 May
Year 11 Music performing ‘Southern Sun’ by Boy and Bear - Friday 20 May
Year 12 Music performing ‘Pyro’ by Kings of Leon - Saturday 21 May
There are also soloists performing on various nights:
Elise Leonard (past student)
Scotia E
Samuel F
Evie P
Dance
Monique C (Year 9) has been selected in dance and will be performing on Friday 20 May in a trio dance performance and a group dance performance.
We wish all our students the best of luck in each of their performances.
Violin tuition at GPCC – Violins now available for hire!
GPCC now has Violins of various sizes available for hire. This is a perfect opportunity for any students that want to give lessons a try without the cost of purchasing an instrument.
We are also excited to welcome our new Violin Tutor, Marina Hopcroft, who will be teaching violin lessons at the school on Tuesdays throughout the term.
Marina has a Bachelor of Music Degree with Honours from the University of Newcastle and has been tutoring professionally for over ten years. In addition to teaching private lessons, Marina has been involved in running various ensembles as an Orchestral Conductor, String Group Co-ordinator and Chamber Music Co-ordinator. She also performs professionally in concerts, weddings and community events as well as serving on the music team in her local Church.
Marina is experienced and available to teach students of any age and ability level. Beginners are welcome!
Please click on link below for more information: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/education-learning/co-curricular-activities/music-tuition
Online Cyber Safety Webinar
GPCC have organised an Zoom Online Cyber Safety Webinar
Speaker: Leonie Smith (The Cyber Safety Lady)
https://thecybersafetylady.com.au/
Date: Tuesday 24th May 2022
Venue: Online via Zoom
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Topic: Parent & Carer Webinar "Happy & Safe Online" Leonie Smith “Ditching the Drama on Digital Devices with Mediator FBretthauer
Description of webinar: Parent/Carer Digital Wellness eSafety Webinar “Happy and Safe Online” is Adults Only due to the sensitive nature of the content. Leonie Smith is “The Cyber Safety Lady” she has over 11 years experience as one of Australia’s leading Cyber Safety Educators and Parent Coaches. Her presentation is interactive and full of practical eSafety tips and insights about what children are experiencing online. Featuring Fred Bretthauer family mediator with Catholic Care. Tips to set boundaries and settle disputes for Digital Families.
- Parental controls
- TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat,
- Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft, Among Us
- Cyber bullying advice
- Sexting - Image Based Abuse Help
- Screen routines and Family Agreements
- Online “Friends” vs Strangers
- Safe options for messaging/Social Media/Games
- Filters for adult content
This parent night includes a 60 minute presentation (with up to 30 mins of Q&A) PLUS a recording of the presentation (available for 7 days) PLUS a free copy of the parent manual “Keeping Kids Safe Online” PDF eBook will be included for download (normally $15.00) to those parents who pre-register.
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d4GedgbrQs2e1X0eP94xLw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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.
Uniform Shop
Softshell Jackets
The Uniform Shop will now be offering softshell jackets for students from Kindergarten - Year 10.
Visit the Uniform Shop as soon as possible to purchase your new softshell Jacket (Kindergarten - Year 10).
Term 2 2022 Uniform Shop Trading 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
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 and After School Care, and Vacation Care.
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
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/
Year 7 Newspaper Articles
Nanian Newspaper by Hunter N and Noah D
Lunatic Loose in London by Mahli S, Clementine A, Charlee H
Royal Runaway Article by Anna O, Millie M, India P
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.
Coming Up this Week
Monday, 9 May
CIS Primary Boys and Girls Hockey Trials
Year 10 Boys (2021 Year 9) service trip to Brewarrina (9/5 - 13/5)
Tuesday, 10 May
AICES 16&U/Open Rugby Union Trials - NSWCIS State Event
Year 10 Macbeth Performance - Seymour Centre
Wednesday, 11 May
Year 10 Immunisations
Secondary 18&U Boys Rugby League Trials - NSW CIS State Event
Year 11 Duke of Ed Qualifying Hike 11 - 13 May
Swimming Lessons - Year 2
Year 12 PDHPE Incursion
Thursday, 12 May
Year 11 Duke of Ed Qualifying Hike 11 - 13 May
Central Coast Primary School 7s Rugby Union - Years 5 and 6
UAC Zoom Talk - Year 12
Friday, 13 May
Year 11 Duke of Ed Qualifying Hike 11 - 13 May
Year 7 King Tut Roadshow Incursion
CIS Primary Girls Netball Championships
Dates for the Calendar
Tuesday, 17 May
AdvancedLife Promotional Shoot - 8:30am - 12:00pm (selected students)
Wednesday, 18 May
Secondary 15&U Boys Rugby League Trials - NSWCIS State Event
CIS Primary Rugby League Trials
Year 2 Swimming Lessons
Thursday, 19 May
Bronze Duke of Ed Qualifying Hike - 19 - 20 May
Sydney Writer's Festival at Riverside Theatre, Parramatta (20 students from Years 3 - 6 attending)
Friday, 20 May
Bronze Duke of Ed Qualifying Hike - 19 - 20 May
Term Dates 2022
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