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Welcome to Term 4. I want to begin this term by enclosing a note from our Academic in Residence, Dr Martin Dowson who is doing a charity ride for Compassion from Perth to Newcastle (and onto GPCC). Commitments like this are what we want our graduates to have as they seek to serve the community they live and work in and also the wider needs of the world.
"Dear Green Point Christian College Community (students, teachers, support staff, parents, carers, and other supporters), I am now almost two-thirds of the way across the country to our destination in Newcastle (and then Green Point for me). Today is a rest day in Berri, South Australia – before crossing into NSW tomorrow. Two States down, one to go! So far, the ride has been manageable but challenging in many ways – some of which I was not expecting (like being attacked by March Flies on the Nullarbor that bit through my cycling shorts and gave me welts on my posterior!).
We have been blessed to have had only a little rain – with most rain falling overnight and clearing up by the morning. However, we have had strong, and sometimes cold, head and crosswinds. One day we rode all day (180kms) into a strong, cold headwind. I only weigh about 54 kilograms, so I get slowed and moved around a lot by the wind which makes cycling difficult physically and emotionally. Not every cyclist has finished every day on the bike – but we always look out for people who may be struggling and have the options for them to ride in the support bus if needed. I have completed every day so far – but every day has its challenges and any of us (me included) could need the bus at some point.
On the bright side, we have a wonderful group of cyclists that care for each other as well as working hard to support children in poverty. About each second night we have a meeting with local churches along the way. At these meetings, our Team Leader Rodney tells the churches about the many ways Compassion is helping children in need. Compassion feeds children who have little or no food; provides clean drinking water for those who only have dirty wells (or rainfall run-off from dirty and rusty rooftops) to obtain water; clothes children whose parents cannot afford even one respectable shirt or skirt for their child; and houses whole families whose mud-huts are literally falling around them. The needs of many of the world’s poorest children are desperate.
Once a child’s needs for food, water, clothing, and shelter are met – the next most urgent need is education. As a teacher and lecturer, I know that education can and does change lives. Compassion supports children in many countries to complete Primary and Secondary school, and even go on to university. This education not only helps the child but helps their children and their children’s children. A child that learns to read and write can teach their own children to read and write, and so on. I hope to visit (and maybe even help at) some of Compassion’s schooling/education projects in the not too distant future.
In the meantime, I will keep pedalling my bike for children living in poverty. Many people from the Green Point College Community have already supported me as I ride for others far less well off than any of us. If you would like to help financially, please go to https://rideforcompassion.raisely.com/martin-dowson and make a donation (or sponsor a child as I have!!). We are so well off in the Western world – time to even up the tables (at least a bit) if we can.
I am so much looking forward to coming ‘home’ to my College community and sharing many stories with you about the ride and about Compassion’s life-changing work."
Dr Martin Dowson
I commend Martin’s appeal for funds to you.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Mr James Cantor | Assistant Head of Primary
Welcome to a new term. A very warm welcome also to our new families joining us this term, we are so glad you are with us and pray you have a wonderful start to your time at GPCC.
This week I have the privilege of writing to you as Mrs Smith is on leave until Week 2.
We trust your break was restful and relaxing and that you were able to have quality time with your families. Our family likes to play board and card games together on holidays. One game we like to play is Uno Flip. If you haven’t heard or played the game before, it is a modern take on the traditional Uno, but the designers have added a few changes to the game. Uno Flip contains a ‘Flip’ card which gives a player the power to flip the pack and play the cards on the reverse side. The reverse side has a different kind of Uno card with fresh and exciting ideas to spice up the game. The reverse side includes cards. such as ‘Skip’, which skips all players back to yourself and ‘Take 5’ (the one my kids love to put down for me).
The ‘Flip’ card can be a wonderful change in the game if you have a bad hand, or it can be terrible if you have a great hand and are on a roll. As I reflect on the game, I am reminded that sometimes in life we can face challenges, such as, rising costs of living, higher interest rates, health concerns, missing out on a promotion at work or even more devastating, losing a loved one. Our lives which seem to be going well, can immediately be flipped into chaos and strife.
When Jesus lived on earth there was a time when His disciples were sailing, and a giant storm whipped up causing the waves to sweep over the boat (Matthew 8:23-27). His disciples, seasoned fishermen, were terribly afraid and frightened. Their peaceful day was flipped and suddenly they were in fear for their lives. But Jesus, the Son of God, the Creator of all, the Prince of Peace was asleep in their boat. The disciples woke Him up and said “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus did something that only He can do to His creation. He stood up and commanded the wind and the storm to stop. The storm obeyed and it was calm again. Amongst all the fear, worry, stress, anxiety, uncertainty and darkness, Jesus flipped the situation so He and His disciples could reach the other side of the shore safely. The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast all your cares on God, for He cares for you. Whatever you are facing and whatever you will face this term personally, professionally or as a family, I hope to encourage you to call out to Jesus and ask Him to help and save you. Cast all your cares on Him. Perhaps your circumstances will immediately change when you call out to Him. Perhaps they will not. Whatever the outcome, you can be sure that just as Jesus was with the disciples in the boat, He will be with you through your trials and challenges granting you His peace, comfort, and wisdom if you ask him for it. When life gets flipped on you, give Jesus the opportunity to flip it to reveal your need of Him and to allow you to receive His love and care. He will bring you to the other side safely if you call on Him. He promises that he cares for you and that he will be with you if you trust in him (1 Peter 5:7, Hebrews 13:5, 6).
A friendly reminder that hats are to be worn in the playground, please ensure your child/ren have a hat in their bag each morning. We have moved to Summer uniform this term. Please see the GPCC Website for uniform shop hours.
As mentioned earlier, Mrs Smith is on leave this week. It does not seem to be a coincidence that it was also her birthday this week
I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge not only the hard work and commitment which Mrs Smith provides for the GPCC Community on a daily basis, but also her Christian attitude and character. Mrs Smith is a tremendous leader and educator. She loves our students immensely and always has their best in mind.
Please join me in wishing Mrs Smith a very happy and blessed Birthday.
Years 1 and 2 Science
To finish our units of Science at the end of Term 3, Years 1 and 2 investigated the mixtures and materials that make up Bubbles. They experimented with size, shape and structure. It was jolly good fun!
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
There is also a colouring page for children to use when filing a box.
Another option is to pack a shoebox online: samaritanspurse.org.au/occ-packonline
Mrs Jane McLarty | Acting Head of Secondary
Year 12 Graduation and HSC
Please join us as we pray for our Year 12 students sitting their HSC exams from Wednesday 12 October to Friday 4 November.
Congratulations to our Year 12 students that graduated at the end of Term 3, it was a wonderful time that our College community could come together to celebrate our student's achievements and talents.
To view photo's from our Term 3 Year 12 Graduation please click on our website link: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/education-learning/secondary-7-12/year-12-graduation-2022
Preparation for Year 12 Study Day
On Tuesday 11 October all Year 11 students gathered to participate in a Study Day, in preparation for their Year 12 studies. The students were given some tips on 'how to do Year 12 well', from ex-student Luke Moody; a workshop on using Outlook to schedule assessment dates, study time, family time, leisure etc; goal setting, study planning, research, and study techniques. The morning wrapped up with a BBQ and the official opening of the Year 12 Common Space. Thank you to Mrs Van Wyk, Mrs Hurst and the Year 11 Equip Team for making this day such a valuable and informative event.
Year 7 2023
A reminder that the Year 7 2023 Orientation Day will be happening next Wednesday 19 October. The day will commence at 9am in the MPC. Parents are invited to attend from 9am to 10am to hear all about what to expect in Year 7. From 10am students will share morning tea together and then take part in College tours, mini lessons and Secondary Chapel. We look forward to welcoming you.
Year 12 Nominations for Music
Congratulations to our Year 12 students Scotia E, Olivia F, Jessica H and Summer H, who have been nominated for possible inclusion on HSC Showcase, Encore, a selection of performances and compositions from HSC Music students.
The nomination acknowledges the student's exceptional musical talent, nurtured and developed by their committed teachers over the years.
Year 12 Nominations for Technologies
Congratulations to three of our 2022 Year 12 students who have been nominated by NESA for their HSC works across two subjects.
Eliana B was nominated for Texstyle and Shape for her Textiles and Design Major Work.
Harry B and Deegan S have both been nominated for InTech and Shape for their Industrial Technology - Timber Major Projects.
Reminders for Term 4
At Secondary Assembly on Tuesday morning, I reminded students of a few things: -
- Term 4 is an important term and I want students to finish the year strong,
- Students must be prepared for learning for every lesson, bringing all the necessary stationary items, books and other equipment that is required. This also includes a book (or Kindle) to read for the start of every lesson during DEAR (drop everything and read) time.
- A new term gives all students the opportunity to reset. Term 3 is over, and Term 4 holds great promise. There are so many opportunities in and out of the classroom for students to serve others, experience new things, challenge themselves and grow in their personal faith. God has created each one of them and has great plans for them!
Barbara May Foundation Fundraiser
At the end of Term 3, the Year 12 Prefects held a fundraiser for the Barbara May Foundation. Dr Andrew Browning, the Medical Director of the foundation emailed his thanks.
“Please pass on my thanks. This will be enough to cover the medical costs for two fistula patients, including their three-week hospital stay, operation, all meals, medicines and education program. We can only help these women because of the assistance given to us by people like yourselves. Thanks again and God bless, Andrew”.
Upcoming Events
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 Careers Newsletter has information about a career in Big Data – see page 1 of the Careers Newsletter.
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
Friendly Rugby Match
On the last day of Term 3 the Senior Boys Rugby team were fortunate enough to be able to play a friendly Rugby 7s match against Coast Christian School at Ettalong Oval.
The team was extremely happy about playing as the rain had almost caused another cancellation.
Coast started the game strong scoring some early tries and did very well considering they were down on numbers. Our boys showed some great skill and teamwork to come back and eventually win the game 9 tries to 5. This would not have been possible had it not been for some solid defence and creativity in attack.
Well done to all the boys for playing a great game and to Mr Sneyd for wonderful coaching.
CSSA Primary State Tennis Gala Day
This is to be held on Monday 24 October at Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope. If your child is an experienced tennis player and you would be free to take them down for the day (there will be no school bus) then please let Mr McSwan know by Monday 17 October at the latest as entries close by this date.
Ninja Warrior
During the school holidays, Mitchell E, Marcus E, Aurora H and Micah H competed in the NCL National finals in Melbourne.
Kids who qualified from NSW, QLD, VIC, SA and WA came together to take on a 3 stage course with the objective of clearing each stage with no mistakes to move on to the next.
There were 4 age divisions with approximately 50 kids in each age group.
Mitchell, Marcus and Aurora managed to fly through the start of stage 1 only to come unstuck on the ring-to-ring lachè. A big effort by Mitchell who only broke his arm 8 weeks before. Unfortunately, this meant they did not proceed to stage 2.
Micah cleared stage 1 and moved on to stage 2. He unfortunately timed out on the 4th obstacle as he fought to make the wide reach between the hanging grip balls.
Both Micah and Marcus finished within the top 20 Ninjas in the country.
All students conducted themselves in such an encouraging and supportive manner as they cheered on their friends and competitors.
All four students along with Ivy H have also qualified and will be competing in the ANG Ninja Nationals in January.
Well done Ninjas!
Dates for your Calendar
PRIMARY
School Carnivals
Friday 21 October (Term 4) - GPCC K-2 Swimming Carnival (Peninsula Leisure Centre)
Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
NSW All Schools Athletics Championships
Congratulations to Wade B, Year 11 for his recent effort in the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships in the holidays. Wade is a very accomplished triathlete where he has had some wonderful success. He is also a very capable distance runner. Wade competed in the 16 years 3000m against some the best distance runners in the state from Public, Independent and Catholic Schools. In the final of the 3000m against almost 20 athletes, Wade finished in 7th place with a time of 9:25.95. This is a remarkable achievement and a result of the hard work that he puts into his sport. Well done, Wade.
National Futsal Tournament
Hunter M, Year 7 was contacted and selected by the Central Coast coordinator to compete as the goalkeeper at the Nationals Schools Futsal tournament in Brisbane during the holidays. His team, the Central Coast 13 years boys, came away with the national title and Hunter was awarded MVP. Congratulations Hunter.
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.
Preschool Story Time
Parents and preschool aged children are welcome to join us on Monday mornings @ 9am in the Primary library for books, craft, and fun.
Book Club
Issue 7 orders online orders close on Wednesday 26 October, Book Club Home | Scholastic Australia. Magazines went home this week.
Returning resources
Library will be conducting a stocktake at the end of the year. Please look at home for any overdue library books or English texts to return. Borrowing for the year will finish on Friday 25 November.
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.
GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church
Our motto is “Equipped for Life”
Current job vacancies:
- Assistant Accountant (FT)
- Science Teacher (FT)
- Mathematics Teacher (FT)
- Technologies Teacher – Textiles/Food (FT)
- Technologies Assistant (PT)
- French Teacher (PT)
- PDHPE Teacher (FT)
- PDHPE Teacher/Coordinator (FT)
- Casual Teachers (Primary and Secondary)
Click here to find out more about each role or to apply.
Please forward these opportunities to anyone you think may be interested.
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 are to be submitted online via the application form.
To the Point Lecture Series with Dr Gordon Reid
Dr Gordon Reid, the new federal member for Robertson, will be talking about what it is like working in parliament after his first 6 months.
To reserve your ticket please click on the following link:
Staff Member of the Week
This week’s recipient was Ms Lauren Pal, Secondary School English teacher.
Lauren was awarded for her Her work with the Year 10 Year Advisor in organising relationship and year group culture building activities for the year group last term. Her willingness to take on Year 7/8 classes when sometimes others don’t want them and her commitment to help out wherever needed or asked.
We also want to acknowledge our Staff Member of the Week for Week 10, Term 3 2022.
Congratulations to Mrs Rebecca McKeown.
Rebecca’s passion for the creative arts is infectious. Her vision for a whole school musical for Primary involved ensuring all students were involved. She designed and made costumes, trained lead actors and even created a show choir to open the show.
It was musical that drew the community back together. Well done Bec.
2nd Hand Uniform Donations
The College is taking donations of current 2nd hand uniforms. Please drop them at the College reception.
2023 School Travel Applications are now open
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
Uniforms for Sale
1 x senior size 10 girls blazer - $125
Years 7-10 boys shorts - 1 x size 11 - hemmed shorter
3 x size 13 - hemmed shorter, 2 x size 14 - 1 pair hemmed shorter, 1 pair original length
$20 each
Years 7-10 boys winter pants - 1 x size 11 - hemmed shorter - inner leg seam 64cm
1 x size 13 - hemmed shorter - inner leg seam 64cm
$25 each
3 x size 14 s sleeved white boys shirts - $10 each
All uniform in great condition
Enquiries - Sonia 0429131073
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.
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 17 October
HSC Exams (12 October - 4 November 2022)
CSSA Secondary Opens Knock Out Cricket - Singleton
Wednesday 19 October
Year 7 Science to Walkabout Park
Year 7 Orientation
Primary NSW All Schools Athletics Carnival Day 1.
Thursday 20 October
CSSA Secondary Triathlon
Kindergarten Get Set, Go Program - Session 1
Primary NSW All School Athletics Carnival Day 2.
Primary CSSA Biathlon - Penrith
Friday 21 October
Infants (Years K- 2) Swimming Carnival at Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy
Dates for the Calendar
Monday 24 October
HSC (12 October - 4 November 2022)
Police Liason Visit (Years 7 - 11) Anti-Violence workshop
CSSA Primary State Tennis Championships (selected students)
Tuesday 25 October
Year 11 History and Ancient History Excursion to Sydney University Museum (tbc)
Thursday 27 October
THACCCSA Zone Primary Basketball
Kindergarten Get Set, Go Program - Session 2
Friday 28 October
Year 4 Hyde Park Barracks & Sydney Museum
Kindergarten swimming lessons
TERM DATES 2022
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