Filter Content
How should you respond when something goes wrong at school? Your child comes home upset at something a teacher has done or said, or at a poor result on an assessment or to tell you they have a detention from some misdemeanour which of course is greatly unfair.
In our culture, I see many people jumping to conclusions without first checking the facts. Rather than responding to a situation they react to it, usually with emotionally charged anger and frustration. They immediately accept the only evidence they have and make assumptions about the motive and behaviour of the other person or organisation without first checking the situation out.
Increasingly, at school we receive calls or emails from parents who are obviously upset at something that has happened. Sadly, they often accuse us of incompetence, injustice, an uncaring attitude, unfairness and so on without checking the facts first. A wise child psychologist (Dr James Dobson) once said that when a child comes home from school with a story, accept it and assure them that you will contact the school and find out what is going on. Don’t react to it until you have spoken with the school and heard their side of the story. Then, you may have cause to feel aggrieved but generally you will find that the situation can be readily resolved without anyone needing to get upset.
We all have a personal perspective on a situation and a child presents to you the facts filtered by their viewpoint and experience. We at school will obviously do the same and the truth of a matter usually lies in amongst the various perspectives. When you do raise a concern with us, we first try to ascertain the facts from all the parties – student, teacher, parents and so on. The Year Advisor or Head of School who is doing the investigation seeks to be as neutral as they can to get the most accurate picture possible of what has happened.
The result may be a story that you (and your child) may not particularly like or it may be one that we in school leadership do not particularly like. However, it is important to keep in mind that resolving the matter is the important thing, not finding someone to blame and accuse. While there may be a case for having a scapegoat, sometimes it is better to just work out a solution and move forward, rather than seek revenge in some form or other.
As a school, I expect my staff to apologise if they have made a mistake or done something they should not have done, and they are pretty good at doing that. If we are to have a strong partnership together focused on the growth and development of the child, then you as parents also need to sometimes admit you got it wrong. Our children need to learn to do the same.
The Christian ethic requires us to be humble enough to admit our wrong, seek forgiveness and find a way to restore what has been broken. If you are willing to do that as well, we have a powerful force for good in our community and it will set our children up to live lives of good character.
Phillip Nash
Principal
NAPLAN
NAPLAN continues for our students in Years 3 and 5 this week. I am proud of the way our students applied themselves this week to the rigour 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
We have commenced 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 trousers are no longer compulsory for 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.
Sickness and School Attendance
As Winter approaches so does the increase in coughs and colds for our students. It is still very important for the health and safety of all our community that students with coughs and colds are tested using the Rapid Antigen Tests, and remain at home whilst demonstrating symptoms that could be contagious. If your child is absent, please notify the Office or register their absence via the Parent Lounge. It is a legal requirement that we record the reasons for absentees for all our students.
Year 6 French
Year 6 French students have been creating songs to teach the Kindergarten students how to count to 10 in French. They choose instrumental versions of favourite, well known tunes like ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ , ‘Baby Shark’ , ‘Hot Potato’ , ‘Twinkle Twinkle’, and so on. It was a delight to watch our Senior Primary students engage with sharing these songs to Kindergarten friends. All children had lots of fun and really enjoyed this worthwhile experience.
Mrs Corinna Reynolds
Cross Country
On Wednesday our competitive runners in Years 2-6 will compete in our Cross Country Carnival. Due to increasingly wet weather we have decided to hold this event at school. The children will complete a 2 or 3 km circuit around the College grounds on hard surfaces. Thank you to Mr McSwan for his organisation of this event. For this event to be successful we would love some parent volunteers to man the course. If you are available for a few hours on Wednesday morning, please let Mr McSwan know. Pleae refer to the email sent regarding our re-scheduled Cross Country Carnival.
Head of School Award
Congratulations to the following students for getting their Head of School Award in Week 3:
Ella F, KDL; Finn B, KG; Samantha D, 1C; Will S, 1G; Jackson H, 1S; Remy B, 2D; Josiah R, 2G; Liam C, 3B; Eli H, 3D; Nash P, 3PH; Jagger B, 4B; Kalani D, 4BK; Nathan H, 5L; Isla L, 5P; Samuel L, 5PC; Bodhi L, 6MR; Maria A, 6S; Sam M, 6T.
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.
Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary
With the continued challenges of children being online, Green Point Christian College is running a webinar for parents. The webinar will provide helpful advice and direction for parents to help them navigate how to best care and protect their children’s online activities. I encourage you to sign up for this highly useful webinar if you are struggling with your student's online activities.
Parent/Carers Online Cyber Safety Webinar
Speaker: Parent Coach: Leonie Smith (The Cyber Safety Lady) https://thecybersafetylady.com.au/
Date: Tuesday 24 May 2022
Venue: Online via Zoom
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Topic: Parent and Carer Webinar "Happy and Safe Online" Leonie Smith “Ditching the Drama on Digital Devices" with Mediator Fred Bretthauer
Register in advance for this webinar at the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d4GedgbrQs2e1X0eP94xLw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Uniform
Uniform has not been up to standard for some students. The length of many of the girls’ shorts and skirts are too short. If they no longer fit, the expectation is that new items will need to be purchased.
Only GPCC school jackets should be worn to school and a number of students are consistently turning up with other styles of clothing. It is important as the colder weather is coming, so please make sure that your student has a school jacket or blazer.
Uniform should also be neat and tidy and worn correctly, (not dishevelled).
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 Aboriginal Studies Field Trip to Brewarrina
The Year 12 Aboriginal Studies class travelled out to Brewarrina on the 30 April to connect with community, experience culture and have a better understanding of the Social Justice and Human Rights HSC topic. In every interaction we felt welcomed by the community and our students made some very special connections, from our visit to the Church to reconnecting with Urayne over a Chinese feast.
Going out to the Brewarrina mission with Pastor Isaac and Brad Gordon was a highlight. We listened to the old stories of the mission and a very excited teacher (Mrs Erasmus) visited the grave of Jimmie Barker on site. Some bush foods instruction and tips on keeping skin clear of blemishes was welcomed by all. Pastor Isaac sent us home with wood and instructions to make clap sticks for our team.
Bradley at the Cultural Museum lectured us on the history of the area and the stories around the Ngunnhu (Brewarrina fish traps). A language specialist gave us a lesson on the nuances of translation and meaning. Question time allowed for insights into the experience of protection, segregation, and assimilation policies. We sought out the site of the Hospital Creek Massacre to give context and take a moment to remember those who were lost.
Josie (Aunty Jo) at Weilmoringle organised a special treat for us to visit the Primary School where our students played with the junior students. Josie welcomed us into her home and our students shared their Major Projects with her over lunch. Josie shared her love of Country with us through stories and memories.
Currawah provided the perfect place to rest at the end of each busy day, where the students cooked delicious meals and relaxed, as well as doing some star gazing (so many shooting stars!) and a roaring bonfire.
A special thanks to an amazing group of students and the team from school who made this all possible.
Year 10 Boys Service Trip to Brewarrina
This past week a group of Year 10 students travelled to the Brewarrina School Campus to do some much needed maintenance and partner with the groundsman on the property. The boys did some painting of the dormitory, gardening around the dormitory and tidying up the orchard. They also had some cultural experiences with the local Aboriginal people. They partnered in this work with some of the students from Brewarrina Central School who were accompanied by Doug Gordon (Youth Pastor).
Congratulations to Travis G, Lucas H, Isaac L, Caleb R, Zachard S and Hamish W for serving at Brewarrina.
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about an upcoming careers workshop for Year 10 to be held at school on 17 May, a resource for Year 10 about subject selections for Year 11, information about the Year 12 UAC talk, University of Newcastle Open Days, HSC study opportunities and Medicine webinar, UNSW Co-op scholarships, careers in the Fitness Industry and a Hairdressing apprenticeship opportunity. Included with the Careers Newsletter email is the PowerPoint presented by UAC for Year 12 on 11 May.
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
Primary Cross Country Carnival
Please refer to the email sent earlier this week for information regarding our re-scheduled Cross Country Carnival due to be held on school grounds on Wednesday 18 May.
I look forward to seeing keen competitors ONLY run around our revised track. Students in Years 2-6 have either walked the new track or have been talked through it in preparation. There will be plenty of clearly marked signs, arrows and checkpoint helpers assisting competitors. A reminder that no spectators can be accommodated during the races due to limited space.
A reminder below of the distance run by each age group:
Distances run:
- 8/9 years Girls and Boys - 2km (2 laps of the 1km loop)
- 10 years Girls and Boys - 2km (2 laps of the 1km loop)
- 11 years Girls and Boys - 3km (2 laps of the 1.5km loop)
- 12/13 years Girls and Boys - 3km (2 laps of the 1.5km loop)
NNSW Netball Central Coast Gala Day
On Thursday last week the Years 5/6 girls netball team travelled to Gosford to compete in an All-Schools Gala Day. Even with tricky training conditions due to the weather in the lead up to the Gala Day, the girls trained hard. This showed as they played extremely well against some very strong competition. The girls played wonderfully as a team and had a great time representing our school. The girls were very competitive in the five games that they played throughout the day, showcasing their netball abilities. It was a fun day for all, and we look forward to the Metro Cup at the end of this month.
Mrs Rachel Sirone
CIS Rugby League Trials
Congratulations to Reef M who travelled down to Sydney on Monday to trial for the CIS Primary Rugby League team. The competition for places at these days is always fierce and Reef did himself and the College proud. Well done Reef!
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):
Thursday 2 June CSSA Primary State Gymnastics Levels Only (Nominations close on 24 May)
Friday 10 June CIS Primary Boys Softball Trials (Nominations close 3 June)
Dates for your Calendar
School Carnivals
New Date Wednesday 18 May - GPCC Primary Cross Country Carnival (on site at the College)
TBC (Term 3) - GPCC K-2 Swimming Carnival (Peninsula Leisure Centre)
Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
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.
Book Club
Issue 3 orders are due online LOGIN (scholastic.com.au) by Friday 13 May.
National Simultaneous Storytime
On Wednesday 25 May K-2 students will read Family Tree by Josh Pyke for NSS.
We are inviting Primary families to send a digital family picture to nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au, images will be printed and added to our Primary school family tree, displayed in the Library.
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
NOTE: Years 3 and 5 Conventions of Language has been moved from Friday 13 May to Monday 16 May.
Positions Vacant
CASUAL TEACHERS - (Primary and Secondary)
We are currently seeking experienced teachers to work on a casual basis across all Year levels in Primary and subject areas in Secondary.
For full details and criteria, please refer to the full Job Description available on the College website, along with prospectus and application form at Secondary Casual Teachers and Primary Casual Teachers.
The successful applicants must be committed Christians 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 are to be submitted online via the application form.
______________________________________
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.
Parent/Carers Online Cyber Safety Webinar
GPCC have organised an online Cyber Safety Webinar
Speaker: Leonie Smith (The Cyber Safety Lady) https://thecybersafetylady.com.au/
Date: Tuesday 24 May 2022
Venue: Online via Zoom
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Topic: Parent and Carer Webinar "Happy and Safe Online" Leonie Smith “Ditching the Drama on Digital Devices" with Mediator Fred Bretthauer
Register in advance for this webinar at the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d4GedgbrQs2e1X0eP94xLw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
ATSI Observances
During the second half of Term 2 each year, there are three significant events for all Australians. Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC are not just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, they are observances for us all. These important events open a conversation where all Australians can discuss our shared history, rich cultural experiences and find a way forward towards a stronger more inclusive Australia. There will be information in the newsletter before each event.
|
Week |
Observance |
Date |
Primary School |
Secondary School |
|
5 |
Sorry Day |
Thursday 26 May |
Assembly run by Student Representative Council Wednesday 25 May. |
History of Sorry Day presentation during LIFE on Wednesday 25 May. |
|
6 and 7 |
Reconciliation Week |
27 May - 3 June |
Be Brave. Make Change |
|
|
Activities sent to teachers for Classroom use |
Activity and video links sent to Equip teachers. |
|||
|
9 and 10 |
NAIDOC Week (3-10 July)
We encourage all families to attend a local NAIDOC event |
GPCC observing 20 June -30 June |
Get up! Stand up! Show up!
|
|
Green Point Christian College is starting a RAP - Reconciliation action plan.
A RAP ‘outlines a whole-scale approach to driving reconciliation by building relationships, respect and opportunities in the classroom and around the school’. We are seeking students, parents and community members who are interested in becoming involved in this very important process. A community meal has been planned for Tuesday 28 June. If you are interested in promoting reconciliation, please save this date. More information will be provided closer to the date.
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.
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
Fire and Rescue - Open Day Saturday 14 May 10:00am - 2:00pm
Wesley Mission recruitment drive for Foster Carers
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/
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
Tuesday, 17 May
Year 10 The Purpose Project Seminar - Careers
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
Dates for the Calendar
Tuesday, 24 May
Online 'Keeping Kids Safe" parent/carers webinar 7:00pm.
Wednesday, 25 May
Primary CIS Rugby Union Trials
Swimming Lessons - Year 2
National Simultaneous Storytime K - Year 2
Thursday, 26 May
K - Year 12 Sorry Day
Year 5 Bathurst Excursion (26 - 27 May)
da Vinci Decathlon Primary Incursion
Friday, 27 May
K - Year 12 Reconciliation Week
CSSA Primary & Secondary State Cross Country Carnival
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