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We enter the final week of Term 3 and the last week of school for our Year 12 students. In spite of the sudden announcement of the public holiday this Thursday to mourn the passing of our Queen, we have been able to shift the graduation to Friday. This is a special week for Year 12 with a number of final activities as they celebrate the end of 13 years of schooling and prepare for their final examinations. We wish them every success with those and our teachers stand by to help with last minute preparation.
As we look to improve the academics of our school, I want to refer back to something I wrote a few weeks ago in this newsletter. I suggested that students (and parents) should think of schooling, especially at the Secondary level, as a student’s employment. They should treat coming to school just as they would going to work. Turn up on time, work hard, take instruction, and follow orders, make a positive contribution and the reward is the satisfaction of a job well done and doors of opportunity opening for the future.
We plan to work with our Years 11 and 12 students going forward on using their study periods more productively. We provide a lovely space in our library for them to work and this year we have offered group coaching in exam preparation and study and individual tutoring sessions. Sadly, the uptake was not great! We plan to work on that with the incoming Year 12's and the 2023 Year 11’s.
Academic success requires two key factors – quality teaching and an engaged student. We are working with our teachers on growing their abilities, but as we know, you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink. This is where we can partner together. When you are aware there is an opportunity for additional support for your child, you can ensure you encourage them to take it up. An employee who refuses to accept upskilling offered by an employer, has a limited career path and closes off future options. We want success for our students and will do more to help them achieve it. What we want from them is a willingness to take up the help and put in the effort needed.
This of course starts at the beginning of schooling. Ensuring we are working with our Kindy child to read to them. Listening to them read and helping them learn their words and numbers, is all part of encouraging in them a work/study ethic that will serve them well in the future. This needs to be sustained right through the years and especially as they enter high school. It is a well-known fact that academic performance often drops off in Years 7 – 9 as puberty takes over and socialisation becomes more important than learning.
It is as we work together to keep our young teenagers focused on what they are learning at school that will make the difference. Limiting screen time at home and school is all part of that. Talking with them about what they are learning and why, taking an interest in their projects and working with the teachers on behaviour issues all helps.
I had the joy recently of talking with a student in Junior Secondary who has been finding school and life very hard lately. But she is now discovering the joy of success and was very excited to tell me how well she did in a recent Science exam when she had studied for it for the first time! That is now spilling over into other assessment tasks in other subjects. I know her dad is very proud of her too!
It is as we work together that we can help our students (your children) experience success in academics.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Mrs Nicole Smith | Head of Primary
The Jungle Book - Kids
As the Messengerr goes to air, all students will be participating in our Primary school musical – 'The Jungle Book - Kids'. I am beyond proud of our students, each one performing their best on stage, listening to cues and learning lines and actions. They are truly incredible. We are working on a recording that will be available down the track for those unable to attend on the day.
Thank you to all our wonderful parents and volunteers who glued, sewed, screen printed and assembled costumes. It would not have been possible without your help.
Photos will be available on our website mid Week 10 of all students dressed in their musical costumes.
Dinner Available Before Jungle Book - Kids on Saturday 17 September
Gold Award Winner - 2022 WriteOn Competition
Last Monday I attended the WriteOn award ceremony in the Mitchel Library in Sydney to watch Ellen B (6MR) receive a Gold Award for her WriteOn piece. Ellen wrote a poem titled 'Memories'.
Ellen was presented with her Gold Award by NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning, the Hon. Sarah Mitchell at a presentation ceremony on Monday 12 September. Congratulations Ellen we are very proud of you.
Summer Uniform and Hats
Students are now 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. Please ensure all hats have your child’s name on them.
Fruit & Veg Month
2022 theme is all about Building Fruit & Veg Communities!
Fruit & Veg Month 2022 runs from Monday 5 September to Friday 30 September.
Family Challenge for Fruit & Veg Month.
Week 9 Winners
Congratulations to our Week 9, each class received a fruit and veg platter to share at Crunch n sip time.
Stage 1: 2G
Stage 2: 4BK
Stage 3: 6S
Head of School Award
Zahli F; KDL, Sam C; KG, Bailey A; 1C, Emily H; 1G,Eden W; 1S, Josh T; 2D,Flynn M; 2G, Adam T; 3B,Nathan Y; 3D, Henry L; 3PH,Lexi A; 4B, Lanayah H; 4BK,Grace R; 5L, Dom E; 5P,Melia S; 5PC, Jaymin T; 6MR,Taylor F; 6S, Michela R; 6T.
- 22 September - Public Holiday. National Day of Mourning
- 23 September Last Day Term 3
- Tuesday 11 October First Day Term 4
Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organisation. This project is a hands-on way for you to bless children in need across the world by filling shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies and fun gifts.
GPCC have been partnering with Samaritan's Purse through Operation Christmas Child for many years.
Shoeboxes will shortly be distributed to Primary students, one per family (oldest child in the family). You will also receive a brochure, 'How to Pack a Shoebox'.
There is a donation fee (for postage) of $10 per box. See brochure 'How to Pack a Shoebox' for options of payment.
If you wish to pack more than 1 box, you can pack an ordinary shoebox and include the postage.
Details: 1 shoebox per Primary family
Donation: $10 per shoebox
Due date: Monday 24 October 2022
Another option is to pack a shoebox online: samaritanspurse.org.au/occ-packonline
Mrs Jane McLarty | Acting Head of Secondary
The Barbara May Foundation Fundraiser
This week the Year 12 Prefects ran a fundraiser for the Barbara May Foundation, including a mufti day and a sausage sizzle and raised $825.65. Well done.
The Barbara May Foundation (BMF) was established in 2009 by the Browning family, who are now based on the Central Coast. The BMF builds and runs hospitals in remote and regional sub-Saharan Africa, trains staff and runs programmes that provide free maternal healthcare for the world’s most disadvantaged women by:
- Advocating for women’s health and well-being regardless of race, religion or financial standing.
- Providing education and information on modern women’s healthcare while remaining sensitive and respectful of local traditions and culture.
- Implementing systems to train local maternal health providers in sound clinical skills and competency.
- Driving the improvement of available medical facilities, and, where required, the provision of additional infrastructure.
It coordinates improved access to, and coordination of fistula treatment. Often the girls or young women are hidden in communities because of their shame. The BMF goes into local churches, mosques and other community gathering to advertise that a fistula can be repaired. Transport may need to be funded and coordinated.
What will a donation by GPCC provide:
- $50 – will pay for the transport of a teenage girl/woman to hospital.
- $100 – will pay for 50 delivery kits for village birth attendants.
- $200 – will pay for a safe delivery in hospital including a caesarean section if required plus all pre and post-natal check-ups.
- $400 – will pay for an obstetric fistula repair operation.
Written by Eliana B, College Vice-Captain
Year 10 PASS Ski Trip
On Wednesday 7 September, Year 10 embarked on their journey to the Perisher ski fields on board a comfortable double-decker bus. The journey took a long eight hours, stopping along the way for lunch and snacks. The next day, the students were up bright and early, ready for their ski lessons at Smiggins. For some students, it was their first time seeing snow. As the afternoon went on, many grew in confidence, gliding down the slopes with speed. By evening, we were all exhausted.
Friday brought on the rain and the possibility of snowfall. Students jumped on the bus to Perisher and straight onto the ski chairs, that were shaking against the wind. By the time we reached the top of the mountain we were drenched. We looked out to the valley below and the snow fell before our eyes, adrenaline filled our veins. Back to Smiggins we skied but not before getting the train to Blue Cow and fitting in a couple more runs at Perisher. The warmth of the afternoon drive home was welcomed, and many were asleep before dinner time.
Ms Lauren Pal
Year 12 vs Staff Sporting Events
As part of our GPCC tradition for our end of Year 12 celebrations, our staff and Year 12 students took part in lunchtime games of Oztag, basketball and soccer.
Oztag: Students won 5-4
Basketball: Staff won 33 - 30
Soccer: 1-1 draw
Year 7 Science
In Year 7 Science students do a unit of work called Science in Media where they combine observation and measurement with creativity and expression. A physical short story and an audiobook provide the stimulus for explorations that include building models of dragon boats to the testing and flying of drones.
Students comments:
"In class we have been learning about drones, my class and I have had the chance to fly a drone. We have also mesured the lift force of an electric motor rig and learnt about the design and engineering of drones."
"In class we have been learning about drones and how they work and how we can use them for the better. We flew the drones through a hoop and learnt how to control it. We have been listening to an audio book called 'Tom Swift Drone Pursuit', which is an action and adventure audio book. It is fun and enjoyable to listen to and kept us on the edge of our seats, and we just wanted to keep listening. We learnt about how drones are designed and engineered."
Upcoming Events
Year 11 Preliminary Exams 12- 20 September
Public Holiday - National Day of Mourning Thursday 22 September
Year 12 Graduation now Friday 23 September - due to National Day of Mourning
Year 12 Formal 11 November
Year 10 Dinner Dance 2 December
Secondary School Thanksgiving Service 1 December, time to be confirmed
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Newsletter has information has information about study opportunities for Year 12 at UTS, Avondale opportunities, Information about careers with animals, motor mechanic opportunity, and local job opportunities.
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
CIS Cricket Trials
On Monday we had 3 representatives from the College Jason P, Xavier R and Joel M head down to the Kings School for a day of trialling for the CIS Primary Cricket team. The boys participated in net sessions for batting and bowling as well as fielding.
Out of 104 boys, only 24 were asked to return the following day. All three boys had a great day, performed well, and enjoyed the experience of what is a very competitive and quality day of competition.
Congratulations to the boys for doing yourselves and the College proud.
Rugby Country Championships
Last weekend Jacob L and Isaac J from Year 6 travelled to Coffs Harbour for the Rugby Country Championships.
They played 5 matches in total over two days winning 2 and losing 2 (one after the whistle due to a successful conversion) and then they lost in the playoffs finishing 6th overall.
Well done Jacob and Isaac on such a wonderful achievement representing the Central Coast.
Mitchell R (Year 7) also attended the same carnival as a rep for the U13 team, they were also runners up in their age group. Well done Mitchell.
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
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.
Premier’s Reading Challenge 2023
Years 3-6 - Get a head start!
Books read from 1 September this year can be counted towards the PRC for 2023. Please note that 15 books need to be from the official PRC Booklists but there are 5 personal choice books that can also be added.
Paper reading records are available and kept in the Library and can be filled in each week during Library classes/borrowing sessions to record reading progress. These can then be added to a digital version when the Challenge officially begins in March 2023.
Library staff are available each day to assist students with PRC selections.
Preschool Story Time
Parents and preschool aged children are welcome to join us on Monday mornings @ 9am next term, 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.
Compassion Coast to Coast Fundraiser Dr Martin Dowson's Compassion Coast to Coast ride (Perth to Newcastle) commences this Saturday 17 September. We wish Martin all the very best for a safe and successful ride.
Many thanks to ALL the Green Point staff and families who have sponsored Martin for the ride. If you would like to sponsor Martin please go to:
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 Monday 10 October 2022 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
BREWARRINA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Our motto is: “Equipped for Life”
PRINCIPAL
Permanent Full Time – to commence Term 1 2023
Brewarrina Christian School is a new school planning to open for Kindergarten to Year 8 in February 2023 and growing through to Year 12.
We are looking for an experienced small school Principal with a sense of adventure and a mission heart to take up the challenge of getting our school started. Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait people is an advantage, as is K-12 experience.
The school is supported by Green Point Christian College, a K- 12 school of 1100 students on the NSW Central Coast.
The Principal 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.
Applicants will need to be committed, practising Christians with exemplary teaching skills; be prepared to work under the ethos of the School; 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 Phillip Nash via employment@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Applications close on Friday 30 September 2022 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
This week’s recipient was Mrs Philippa Oakden- Patch, a member of the Student Enrichment Team.
Philippa was presented with the award in Staff Devotions on Wednesday morning. She was nominated for going above and beyond in her role as a Student Enrichment Officer. Philippa has spent many break times training dancers for the Primary Musical, using her gifting in dance. We are so thankful for Philippa’s cheerful nature and her servant heart and for the wonderful example she is to us all.
2nd Hand Uniform Donations
The College is taking donations of current 2nd hand uniforms. Please drop them at 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
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 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
Pulse HSC Study Camp
The best way to get ready for your HSC - || PULSE || (uca.org.au)
Rock Studios Central Coast Dance Camp in School Holidays
Decoys Softball Club - Teeball and Softball Season Information
SU Gents Camp
GENTS CAMP Father and Sons (8–13-year-olds) is a great opportunity to get away & enjoy some riverside camping on private property near Wisemans Ferry with a group of others. You will enjoy great fun activities together including Archery Tag, Fishing, Sports & sitting around the camp fire sharing stories. The camp is specifically designed for dads & sons to have a great time together, which will include tools & key habits for building healthy relationships and enduring character, back in the real world. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Kieren Turner via the rego page - GENTS – Father & Son Camp 2022 – SU Camps
Introduction from Mr Kieren Turner. https://youtu.be/y3GvCKH2kfg
Go4Fun Healthy Wellbeing Program - Term 4
Kincumber Nighbourhood Centre - Live Music Event
Make Way Music Event on Friday 7 October at KNC Youth Space Kincumber
Tickets $10, including a feed. Book your tickets.
School Holiday Chess Events
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 our Messenger Editor, 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 19 September
Year 11 Exam period - Weeks 9 and 10
Tuesday 20 September
GPCC Band Program Concert - Showcase Band Program for all band program members
Primary and Secondary CIS Athletics Championships
CSSA Secondary Triathlon
Year 8 Medieval Day Incursion
Wednesday 21 September
Junior and Welcome Band Performance - Green Point Baptist Church
(Years 5 & 6 and band parents will attend the performance as audience)
Year 12 Chapel - 10:25am - 11:40am
Year 12 Treetops - 11:15am - 4:00pm
Thursday 22 September
Queen's Memorial National Holiday (school closed)
Friday 23 September
Year 12 Graduation - 9:30am
Year 3 Excursion to Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, Calga
Last Day of Term 3
Dates for the Calendar
Monday 10 October
Staff PD Day
Tuesday 11 October
Students commence Term 4
Cyber Safety Incursion Stages 2 and 3
Wyong Netball and Soccer Gala Day - Years 3 - 6 Wyong Christian School
Wednesday 12 October
HSC Exams commence (12 October - 7 November)
CSSA Secondary U15's Knock Out Cricket
Thursday 13 October
Duke of Ed Qualifying Hike - Year 9
Friday 14 October
Duke of Ed Qualifying Hike - Year 9
Year 11 Veta Morphus Retreat
Kindergarten Swimming lessons
TERM DATES 2022
Term 3, 2022
Thursday, 21 July to Friday, 23 September
Term 4, 2022
Tuesday, 11 October to Wednesday, 7 December
_______________________________________
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