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Some years ago, we had some friends around for dinner one night. I had been reading a book on leadership and had left it in the lounge. One of our friends saw it and asked me why I was reading it. I replied,” Because I need to learn as much as possible about leadership if I am to be a quality leader.” She was quite astonished because I was then Principal of a large K- 12 school on a multi educational activity campus over which I was also the General Manager. “But you have already succeeded as a leader so what else is there to learn?” she asked.
This is not an uncommon assumption people make. You have achieved what is regarded as the height of success so you must know it all. This is of course completely untrue. We often only really learn how to do something once we are in that role. The other mistake people make is that once you have learnt enough to get to a certain position, that learning is now sufficient for the future.
We know that our world is rapidly changing and leadership styles and strategies of the past, may no longer be adequate for the uncertain and volatile future we face. I write this from Cairns where I am attending the National Leadership Summit for Christian Schools Australia school leaders. The focus has been on leading in uncertain and changing times and one of the presenters is Dr Matthew Kutz from the USA who has published a book called ‘Contextual Intelligence’ (Palgrave, Macmillan, 2017). Matt is a university professor and presents to Fortune 500 companies and one thing he spoke about really took my attention.
He was talking about the difference between complex situations/problems and complicated situations/problems. Both involve many different parts, but a complex situation is one in which it is difficult to separate out the components of the issue and resolve it by simply dealing with that single component. Complicated situations can be resolved by singling out the issue that needs addressing and fixing or resolving it. He used the analogy of a ball of different coloured play dough in which all the colours have been rolled and mixed together. Once that is done, you cannot extract one single colour. Or, a cake which is made of many different ingredients but once mixed together you cannot get one of them back. A complicated situation is like a lego structure. Many different parts and colours but any one of them, if broken or malfunctioning or in the wrong place, can be isolated and taken out and replaced.
We now live in a world that is complex so new approaches are needed to resolve problems. Schools are caught up in this too so keeping up with new thinking in leadership enables us to lead our school forward into this uncertain and challenging world. This is why our foci are on life-long learning and critical thinking. We want to equip our students to thrive in a complex world and to do so, we as leaders and teachers need to know how to do that.
We need not be afraid of the challenges ahead as God promises us that He is always with us and if we lack wisdom about what to do, He will provide us with that wisdom. We need to exercise this wisdom and grow in it but we do so with His help.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Mrs Nicole Smith | Head of Primary
Blokes BBQ Breakfast
The weather held and 175 important men – our very own superheros gathered to celebrate fathers and the importance of male role models. Bacon and egg rolls washed down with OJ and hugs and smiles for our photo booth were the order of the day. Thank you Mrs Karen Munro and Mrs Brooke Milsom for your efforts in organising this great morning.
Wishing our dad's a very special Father's Day. Click here to view our photo carosels on our website.
Father's Day Stall
Thank you once again to all of the Grade parents and helpers who assisted on the Father's Day stall, both serving on Friday and wrapping on Thursday. Events like this are so important to our students and could not happen without your support, we appreciate you.
Summer Uniform and HATS from Monday 5 September
From Monday 5 September, students are able to wear their summer uniform to school. This does not become compulsory until next term. Please note that HATS MUST BE WORN whenever students are outside from Monday 5 September. Please ensure all hats have your child’s name on them.
Costume Notes
Costume notes have been emailed to all families. Please take time to read them and ensure you know what students need to wear on what days.
Jungle Book Tickets
Our tickets are on sale through Trybooking at this link.
All tickets are $5. There is no reserved or set seating. Students attending GPCC Primary school do not need to purchase a ticket but all other people attending including Secondary students will need a ticket.
For families with students in lead roles please note that the Devine Vines cast will perform in their leads in the Friday Matinee at 1:30pm and Creative Creatures cast will perform in their leads on Saturday twilight show at 6:30pm.
All students are expected to perform at both shows. Parents and families are welcome to attend more than one show.
Dinner Available Before Jungle Book - Kids on Saturday 17 September
Head of School Award
Caden T; KDL, Finn B; KG,Pretty L; 1C, Indy B; 1G,Michaela H; 1S, Amelia H; 2D,Lucas D; 2G, Anabella V; 3B,Enzo R; 3D, Max L; 3PH,Jacob R; 4B, Alice H; 4BK,Charlie S; 5L, Zoe D; 5P,Jaxon H; 5PC, Ethan W; 6MR, Ayla G; 6S, Ava D; 6T.
Dates for Term 3
This term is a busy one with lots of events coming up. Please note the following dates in your diary:
- 6 September CSSA Primary Mixed Oz Tag- McEvoy Oval Umina Beach
- 8 September Stage 1 and Stage 2 Oz tag Gala Day.
- 16 September - Primary School Musical 'The Jungle Book – Kids' Matinee Performance
- 17 September – Primary School Musical 'The Jungle Book – Kids' Twilight performance (food trucks available from 5:00pm).
- 23 September Last Day Term 3
- Tuesday 11 October First Day Term 4
As I process what I have learnt this week, I know that only one thing is constant and reliable; Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). This gives me great hope, I hope it gives you hope too. May His peace wash over you and give you peace.
Year 11 Music Excursion to Grove Studios
Our Year 11 Music students had an inspiring excursion to Grove Studies at Somersby. They had a great day learning the art of recording and the skills required in the recording studio. The Grove Studios is the local renowned creative home to many leading artists and producers.
On Wednesday our Years 9 and 10 Visual Arts students and teachers took a trip to Sydney visiting the Museum of Contemporary Arts, New South Wales Art Gallery as well as the Royal Botanic Gardens. It was a beautiful sunny Sydney day and an excellent opportunity to be inspired by other artists and take photographs to work with back at school.
Year 11 Business Studies Entrepreneur Exhibition
Business Studies students ran a Young People in Business Exhibition showcasing their Business Plan assessments. The students have been researching and preparing a business plan for their new business ideas. The students pitched their ideas at a Business Exhibition in their classrooms. The start of a successful career as a entrepreneur may have begun today at GPCC.
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Newsletter has information about University of Newcastle’s Uni and Me program, the Macquarie University Leaders and Achievers Program, UTS STEM holiday opportunities for girls, study webinars for Year 12 offered by the State Library, special offer opportunity from Avondale University, Paramedicine Open Day opportunity, and Carpentry apprenticeship information.
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
CSSA Primary State Biathlon Splash and Dash
On Thursday 20 October, CSSA will be running a Primary Biathlon Teams Event at the International Regatta Centre Penrith. Participants are to either swim for 150m (Years 3 and 4), 200m (Years 5 and 6) or run 2km (Year 3-6). It is recommended that students are either very strong swimmers or runners to be able to participate. The swim will be held in open water which is different to swimming in a pool. Please consider this before putting your child’s name forward.
Mr McSwan will be putting the final teams/pairs together (a swimmer and a runner) and will let the students know once this is finalised.
If you would like to be considered for one of the teams then please contact Mr McSwan via email smcswan@gpcc.nsw.edu.au places are limited.
Thanks Coaches
I’d like to thank the teachers who have volunteered to select and coach teams so far this year. We couldn’t send teams to gala days without you and appreciate all you have done.
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
Monday 12 September CIS Primary Boys Cricket Trials (Nominations close 5 September)
Dates for your Calendar
School Carnivals
Friday 21 October (Term 4) - GPCC K-2 Swimming Carnival (Peninsula Leisure Centre)
Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
CSSA State Soccer Gala Day
A glorious sunny winter's day on a synthetic pitch. We started as the underdogs losing our first game, we drew our second game and won out third game. That made us second in our pool and put us against Pacific Hills in the semi-final. We won that game and went straight into the grand final against Northern Beaches. It was a nil all game until half time and GPCC scored the first goal in under a minute at the beginning of the second half. However slowly but surely Northern Beaches began scoring until the game ended 3-1 against GPCC.
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.
Author Kirrily Lowe talked to students on Thursday 25 August. Her books on the Fruits of the Spirit were enjoyed by students. She also shared her book journey and inspiration starters. The lucky door prize winner of a set of Kirrily’s books was Cameron H-Y.
Buddy Reading
On Thursday 25 August, students from K-11 participated in Buddy Reading. Secondary students were paired with Primary grades to share books and build community. This is the first time we have had Buddy Reading since 2019.
Book Parade
Primary students dressed up on Friday 26 August for Book Parade in the MPC. We had so much fun, thank you to library staff, our teachers and parents who made it such a great day. A particular thank you to Mrs Bourke for writing our teacher play. The students really enjoyed watching their teachers being silly on stage. Fair activities- jumping castle, face painting, nail polish, hairspray, tattoos, soccer shoot out, bocce, basketball machine, just dance, pick a stick, cookie decorating, lolly guess, craft, lego, chalk drawing, hoopla and the Mad Hatter Café were also great fun. We used Try booking to minimise cash payments, any feedback on Book Week ordering and experiences can go to nvanwyk@gpccnsw.edu.au to make it even bigger and better next year.
Book Club
Issue 7 orders due online LOGIN (scholastic.com.au) by Wednesday 7 September.
Preschool Story Time
Parents and preschool aged children are welcome to join us on Monday mornings @ 9:00am in the Primary library for books, craft, and fun.
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.
Information Session for 2023 and Beyond
Limited places are still available to enrol for Years K to 4 starting in Term 1 2023.
You are welcome to attend our upcoming Information Session where you will have opportunity to meet the YVCS Principal & Educators
This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the school and visit the facilities.
Please register your attendance below and we look forward to meeting you on the day at www.yvcs.nsw.edu.au/visit.
Compassion Coast to Coast Fundraiser Martin rode 1170kms in 8 days, including one ‘rest’ day at the Gongolgon site where the Principal, Mr Nash and Business Manager Michael Lowbridge were working to prepare for the prospective school opening next year.
The ride to Brewarrina was in preparation for Martin’s upcoming ride in September/October across Australia (Perth to Newcastle and then to Green Point) to raise funds for Compassion’s Vulnerable Children’s Fund. If you would like to support Martin’s efforts, please visit
GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church
Our motto is “Equipped for Life”
HEAD OF SECONDARY
Permanent Full Time – to commence Term 1 2023
As a co-educational Christian College of approximately 1100 students K-12, Green Point Christian College is looking for a high quality candidate with senior leadership experience to oversee the Secondary Department of 700 students. A strong understanding of Christian schooling, a commitment to the Christian faith lived out through their work and an up to date appreciation of current educational trends is essential. Reporting directly to the Principal, the Head of Secondary will be part of the Executive team.
The Head of Secondary must possess the following experience, knowledge and attributes:
- Able to instil trust, confidence and cohesion within a staff team.
- Effective organisational skills to ensure the efficient day-to-day running of the Secondary School and the supervision of its leaders.
- Current working knowledge of NESA Registration and Accreditation requirements, plus a clear understanding of the Registration and Accreditation of Non-Government Schools (RANGS), to implement RANGS into the day-to-day running of the school.
- Current working knowledge of Child Protection, including investigation and reporting practices, and a commitment to implement and maintain a child-safe culture, in consultation with the Deputy Principal.
- Current working knowledge of HSC completion requirements.
- Current working knowledge of ICT as it relates to educational programs.
- Understanding of HR management practices including employment and performance processes, Awards, grievance handling and staff wellbeing support.
- Ability to meet deadlines and to set and maintain achievably high standards.
- Commitment to ongoing professional learning and to making contributions to the broader Christian Education community, including willingness to undertake post-graduate studies as appropriate.
Applicants will need to be committed, practising Christians with exemplary teaching skills; be prepared to work under the ethos of the College; a highly developed knowledge of curriculum; administrative expertise; an organised disposition; proven management and human relations qualities and a commitment to the philosophy of Christian education; demonstrated expertise working with groups to develop initiatives.
An Information Pack for the position is available here.
Enquiries may be addressed to Sue Parkinson via employment@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Applications close on Friday 16 September 2022 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
SCIENCE TEACHER
Permanent Full Time – to commence Term 1 2023
Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons able to teach Science for Years 7-12, specialising in HSC Chemistry, to commence Term 1 2023.
The successful applicant for the above position must be a committed Christian and be prepared to work under the ethos of our College.
For full details and criteria regarding the position, plese refer to the Job Descritpion available on the College website, along with prospectus and applicaiton form at: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/science-teacher
Enquiries may be addressed to Sue Parkinson via employment@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Applications close on Friday 9 September 2022 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHING POSITIONS
Commencing Term 1 2023
Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons able to teach in the Primary School to apply for the following positions:
- 12 month maternity leave replacement – temporary full time
- 2 x two year temporary full time
For full details and criteria regarding the positions, 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-positions
The successful applicants 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 16 September 2022 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
STUDENT ENRICHMENT OFFICER
Permanent Full Time - commencing Term 3 2022
Applications are invited for a suitably qualified and experienced Teachers’ Aide to work in the Secondary School.
- Previous experience in an education setting would be an advantage.
- The capacity to make appropriate judgments to ensure student safety and welfare, whilst maintaining a sense of independence.
- ICT competencies conducive to supporting students with significant learning challenges.
- The ability to work unsupervised and maintain professionalism under pressure.
- Foster a supportive environment for students by looking after their emotional, physical, cultural, relational and spiritual needs.
- Knowledge of processes involved in literacy and numeracy skill development.
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/student-enrichment-officer
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 Wednesday 14 September 2022 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
GPCC Second Hand Uniform Store
The Second Hand Uniform Store will be running 2:00pm - 3:00pm on Wednesday 7 September in A1 (The first room in A Bloack, next to the Administration building).
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
New Price list below:
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
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
Decoys Softball Club - Teeball and Softball Season Information
Scripture Union Weekend and School Holiday Camps
Scripture Union NSW offer specialised camping experiences for upper Primary and Secondary age young people throughout the year.
There is up to 100% discount available for those in need. Please visit their website for more information about coming up and how to register.
https://sunsw.org.au/events/?type=camps
Killcare Surf Club Community Open Day
North Avoca Surf Life Saving Club
Oztag Under 6 Players needed
Under 6 Oztag players needed for Upcoming OzTag season. 4 - 6 players are needed.
Contact Jacqueline on 0410 556 952
Australian Childhood Anxiety Treatment Study - Griffith University
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.
Please register at the following link: https://www.gpbc.net.au/myzone/
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, 5 September
Sec Zone Oz Tag Gala Day - Adcock Park
Tuesday, 6 September
CSSA Primary Mixed Oz Tag Stage 3 - McEvoy Oval Umina Beach
Wednesday, 7 September
Year 10 PASS Ski Trip (7-9 September)
Thursday, 8 September
Stage 1 and 2 Oztag Gala Day - McEvoy Oval, Umina
Friday, 9 September
Secondary Boys/Girls Basketball Gala Day
Year 1 Swim lessons
Dates for the Calendar
Tuesday, 13 September
CIS Primary Boys Cricket Trials - Selected students
Wednesday, 14 September
Sec Open Boys/Girls Futsal Gala Day
Thursday, 15 September
Sec 15&U Boys/Girls Futsal Gala Day
Bronze Duke of Ed Qualifying Hike (Yr 9)
Friday, 16 September
Primary School Musical “The Jungle Book – Kids” Matinee Performance
Bronze Duke of Ed Qualifying Hike (Yr 9)
CSSA Primary Boys & Girls State Futsal
Year 1 Swimming Lesson
Saturday, 17 September
Primary School Musical “The Jungle Book – Kids” Twilight performance
TERM DATES 2022
Term 3, 2022
Thursday, 21 July to Friday, 23 September
Term 4, 2022
Tuesday, 11 October to Wednesday, 7 December
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TERM DATES 2023
Term 1, 2023
Wednesday, 1 February - Students commence Term 1 (Years 1 - 7, 11 and 12)
Thursday, 2 February - Years 8 - 10 commence Term 1
Thursday, 2 February - Kindergarten commence Term 1
Thursday, 6 April - Last Day Term 1
Term 2, 2023
Wednesday, 26 April to Friday, 30 June
Monday, 12 June - Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday
Term 3, 2023
Monday, 24 July to Friday, 22 September
Monday, 2 October - Labour Day Public Holiday
Term 4, 2023
Monday, 9 October - Friday, 8 December