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Last week I was away in Canberra at the National Christian Schools Policy Forum. This is an annual gathering of the sector to consider issues of public policy and the current challenges facing independent Christian schools. It is always a time of re-uniting with colleagues, networking and being encouraged to think about our work as a school in the context of broader society.
Unfortunately, I also contracted a viral flu, had to come home a day early and miss the rest of the week at school. We continue to have high absences of staff and students due to on-going COVID cases, but now also the usual winter colds and flu. We have some staff off with broken legs, emergency operations and other health issues and are struggling to get enough casual staff to cover these absences. In talking with my colleagues, every school is facing the same challenges and we must simply weather the storm and trust that it soon passes.
Filling in for absent colleagues gives me an opportunity to see how our students are doing in the class setting. I have written before about the need for greater student engagement with their learning and we are looking to launch a project to investigate strategies to encourage a higher level of focus and engagement with learning amongst all our students. Learning anything utilises a range of skills that we all need to learn to become competent learners.
We often assume that schools naturally teach these things but that is not always the case. Making the skills of learning explicit to students is one way of helping them understand that what the teacher is asking of them is essential for them to progress in their learning. You can help in this by engaging with your son/daughter on what they did at school and how they see themselves taking more responsibility for their own learning. A discussion about how they learn different subjects would be interesting, as different approaches are required for different learning areas.
Talking with our children about their learning is a good way to help them to know we are interested not just in the outcome – the results of an assessment for example, but the process they go through to get a result. Encouraging them to talk with their teacher about the learning process is another good strategy to help them become more capable learners.
In my conversations with our teachers, they often tell me they inform students they are available to give extra help but very few seem to take advantage of that. Teachers are very willing to give additional help, so encourage your child to take up these offers. Our senior students are also running a tutoring program for other students at lunchtimes each week and that is another good way for a student to strengthen their learning.
Learning is ultimately a co-operative activity between teacher and student. Both parties must be willing to co-operate in the process for success to be achieved. Our role as parents is to help our children know this and take advantage of the partnership offered to improve their capacity as learners.
Phillip Nash
Principal
We are beyond excited to be announcing the launch of the 2022 Primary School musical – Disney’s 'The Jungle Book - Kids' production. This will be performed in late Term 3 and plans are already underway for an amazing production involving all students in the Primary School. There are several key drama and vocal roles that we will be looking to fill over the next few weeks.
Mrs McKeown will be conducting some drama and characterisation workshops (during Primary Sport time) over the coming weeks in preparation for auditions for some of our lead roles. If your child is in Years 5 or 6 and would like to be considered for one of these roles, please encourage them meet Mrs McKeown on Friday after lunch at the red line.
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.
Bathurst Trip – Year 5
As I write, our Year 5 students are embarking on their trip to the Bathurst Goldfields. This amazing opportunity assists students to gain firsthand experience of what life was like for those who sort to strike it rich during the Gold Rush.
Da Vinci Decathalon
Eight eager Year 6 academic athletes competed in the DaVinci Decathlon on Thursday. They completed ten extremely challenging tasks, including Engineering, Cartography, English, Mathematics and Code Breaking. Well done Alyssa C, Ellen B, Jack E, Jaymin T, Aimee J, Ben H, Jason P and Max J. They are to be commended for their team work, deep thinking and problem solving.
CRU Fit Training
Last Wednesday, 17 of our Year 6 children attended the CRU Followers in Training seminar in Roseville. They bonded with student CRU leaders from other schools, shared experiences and learnt new games. The theme of the day was the ‘Holympics’ with all the events including holes of some kind. Students participated in workshops to discuss how we can grow in holiness and how to use memory verses effectively in our lives. They are all eager to share their new skills in our CRU groups for Years 3-4 and Years 5-6 on Fridays.
Sorry Day
Year 1 Science Drawings
After being out in the field to discover - 'Are Plants Living Things?', back in the classroom Year 1 drew from Direct Observation. They were able to correctly label their scientific drawings. Excellent work Year 1.
Years 5 and 6 French Classes Passing on their Skills
Mrs Reynold's Year 5 French classes have been busy creating counting songs to teach to our Year 1 students. Our Year 6 students have created counting songs to teach our Kindergarten students to count to 10 in French. They were 'Fantastique'. Bon travail!
Years 2 - 3 Lunchtime Craft Group with a Cause
Mrs Donaldson is running a craft group each Monday lunchtime for interested students in Years 2 and 3.
Students will be creating pom pom caterpillars to be placed in Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes later in the year.
Head of School Award
Congratulations to the following students for getting their Head of School Award in Week 5:
Connor L, KDL; Nash M, KG; Ruby P, 1C; Leane' E, 1G; Milla D, 1S; Bram N, 2D; Jude B, 2G; Luca Y, 3B; Sophie S, 3D; Isabella J, 3PH; Andries d, 4B; Liam O, 4BK; Oliver B, 5L; Lara B, 5P; Adam S, 5PC; Bailey V, 6MR; Fletcher J, 6S; Alexander K, 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
The Cyber Safety Webinar that was run through the College was very useful and informative, no matter the age of your child.
If you are interested in more information from Leonie Smith click on this link: https://thecybersafetylady.com.au
There were several key messages that struck a chord with me.
Firstly, it does not work to be a passive parent with the use of technology by students.
Secondly, many of the Apps that sound innocent can have a very dark side if they are not monitored.
Finally, you are the parent and setting boundaries, although this should be done in consultation with your child, it is ultimately your responsibility.
We are in this together and supporting each other is important for the wellbeing and safety of our children.
Sorry Day
Duke of Edinburgh Award Hikes
The Bronze Award Team completed a two-day hike following a similar route beginning at Berowra Station, camping at Cowan Ridge, and finishing at Cowan Station.
Both teams were tested to their limit, carrying all of their own food, water, and camping gear through some very difficult terrain while experiencing less than ideal weather conditions. All of the students are to be congratulated for their efforts.
Youth in Performing Arts (YIPA)
Last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, College Music students were heavily involved in Youth in Performing Arts (YIPA) held at the Laycock Theatre. Our Years 10, 11 and 12 Music classes all performed group items as well as several solo performances from present and past students. All up, a total of over 30 students represented the College in this very prestigious showcase - a testament to the wonderful creative ability of students at GPCC. True reflections of our Student Profile - collaborative, creative and socially engaged students!
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about software that searches for courses, careers and events, the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, and support through Life without Barriers. If you are a fan of Jobted videos, you may be interested in their career profile pages.
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 Athletic Event Update
We are slowly making our way through the discus and shot-put events that could not be run at the Athletics Carnival. This is again reliant on good weather.
I hope to have all of this completed by the end of the term and will then be able to work out Age Champions, winning House and the squad for Zone which is scheduled for 1 August (next term). Thank you for your patience.
CIS Rugby Union Trials
On Wednesday we had three boys from Year 6 attend the CIS Trials for Rugby Union. These days are popular amongst independent schools and provide plenty of competition.
Congratulations to Xavier B-Mc, Jacob L and Isaac J who travelled down to Sydney to compete for a spot on the team, gaining valuable experience. Well done boys!
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):
Friday 10 June CIS Primary Boys Softball Trials (Nominations close 3 June)
Dates for your Calendar
PRIMARY
School Carnivals
TBC (Term 3) - GPCC K-2 Swimming Carnival (Peninsula Leisure Centre)
TBC (Terms 3 or 4) - GPCC K-2 Infants Athletics Carnival (on-site at the College)
Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
THACCCSA Zone Metro Cup Soccer Gala Day
On Friday 20 May the U15 Boys/Girls and Open Boys/Girls Soccer teams travelled to Tamworth, departing at 5:00am to attend the THACCCSA Zone Soccer Gala Day in Tamworth.
Congratulations to the Junior boys who won their tournament, and to the the Senior boys who were runners up with a very close 2 points behind. The Junior girls gave 100% and placed 4th, and the Senior girls had the best day but without subs couldn't find momentum, so they drew in the last game. Congratulations to all our players.
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 Resources
Overdue notices have been emailed to Secondary students this week. COVID lockdowns over the last two years have depleted our English text resources, some titles are missing a quarter of the books. Our policy is to charge for English texts as they will need to be replaced. Some students have 3 or 4 texts out over multiple years. Please check at home for Library and English texts to return this week. Charges will be added to school accounts before the end of term.
Makerspace
On Monday 30 May at Primary recess and lunch we are making Grassy Heads outside the Primary Library door. There will be no makerspace prizes this term, but each student can take home their creation on the day.
National Simultaneous Storytime
We had fun for NSS on Wednesday 25 May. K-2 students and YVCS read Family Tree by Josh Pyke. Students also had fun learning actions and singing along to 'Give me a home among the Gumtrees' and participating in a leaf blowing/whistling activity. There are some pictures below of our time. Classes also completed a craft activity or puzzle.
Click on video link to see the fun we had for National Simultaneous Storytime 2022.
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.
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.
Positions Vacant
GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church
Our mission is 'Equipped for Life'
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHING POSITION
Temporary Part Time – 5 days per fortnight (0.5 FTE)
Terms 3 and 4 2022
Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons able to teach in the Primary School.
For full details and criteria regarding the position, please refer to the full Job Description available on the College website, along with prospectus and application form at: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/primary-teaching-position
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 Monday 6 June 2022 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
_______________________________
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.
ATSI Observances
Upcoming Events – National Reconciliation Week 2022
National Reconciliation Week (27 May-3 June) represents an opportunity for all Australians to learn about our country’s shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and other Australians can be strengthened, in order to build momentum for national reconciliation.
The library has a book display of books for Reconciliation and celebrating First Nations Australian culture. Our Aboriginal Studies students are presenting their projects soon. You are invited to this exciting event, a first for Green Point. Details to follow soon.
|
Week |
Observance |
Date |
Primary School |
Secondary School |
|
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!
|
|
Tjudibaring A.E.C.G Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/130597042244921/
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.
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.
TAS Department Request
Our TAS Department are requesting newspapers and any clean food containers (takeaway containers, butter, icecream containers etc) for our Food Tech and Textile classes.
Please drop to the College reception.
Uniform Shop
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)
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 Mobile Blood Donor Centre
Wednesday 22 June – 2.00pm to 7.30pm
Thursday 23 June – 12.00pm to 5.30pm
Friday 24 June – 9.30am to 3.00pm
Rotary Park, 214 Terrigal Drive, TERRIGAL 2260 NSW
Don’t forget to pre-book your spot at Lifeblood.com.au, on our app or on 13 14 95.
Free Workshop for parents and supervisiors of Learner Driver
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, 30 May
Primary Musica viva concert
Tuesday, 31 May
Student Prayer Breakfast (Year 12 Prefects)
Josie Mitchell Debating Competition
Discover Engineering Activity Incursion (Secondary)
Wednesday, 1 June
Year 2 Swimming lessons
Thursday, 2 June
CSSA State Primary Gymnastics
Friday, 3 June
Secondary NSW All School Swimming Championships
Year 9 Boys AIM Mission Trip (3 - 10 June)
Police Liaison visit to Year 7
Dates for the Calendar
Monday, 6 June
Year 9 Boys AIM Mission Trip (3 - 10 June)
Tuesday, 7 June
Year 9 Boys AIM Mission Trip (3 - 10 June)
Year 7 The Hurting Game Incursion (Brainstorm Productions)
Wednesday, 8 June
Year 9 Boys AIM Mission Trip (3 - 10 June)
Year 9 Stand Tall Excursion, International Convention Centre - Darling Habour
Primary Inter-school chess challenge
Thursday, 9 June
Year 9 Boys AIM Mission Trip (3 - 10 June)
Newcastle Christian Student Talk to Year 12
CIS Cross Country Primary & Secondary
Friday, 10 June
Year 9 Boys AIM Mission Trip (3 - 10 June)
Year 7 King Tut Roadshow Incursion
CIS Primary Boys Softball Trials
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