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Today, as I write this, we welcomed back our Academic in Residence, Dr Martin Dowson who has been riding his bicycle with a group from Compassion on a fundraiser from Perth to Newcastle. They arrived in Newcastle on Wednesday to officially end the event, but Martin rode into school today to a great welcome from our students. He has ridden 4,800 kilometres in 34 days sleeping in Church halls, in tents and with only a couple of motel nights.
On my way back from Brewarrina this week with our school Business Manager, we came across the group at the little village of Sandy Hollow (see photo below) and it was great to see Martin and the rest of the team as they took a rest break. This is an astonishing achievement particularly coming from someone who is a lifelong academic and researcher with two PhD’s. We do not often associate academics with sporting achievements, but it is more common than we think. Many leading sports women and sports men are highly educated, and, in some ways, this almost adds to their competitive spirit. They love a challenge whether it is an intellectual one or a physical one.
When I was Principal of Bethlehem College in New Zealand, I was also the Teacher-in-Charge of Rowing. It always amazed me that despite the many hours of training required of rowers, our team always did very well academically. The discipline of training helped them to be disciplined in their approach to their studies and kept them very fit.
Sometimes we think students, as they move up through the years, need to do less sport and interest activities, because they need to focus solely on their schoolwork. Almost the opposite is true. Complementing academic study with physical and recreational activities and interests, brings balance and keeps students refreshed. We want our students to do well academically but we also want them to develop holistically. This means paying attention to their physical, spiritual, and social/emotional health as much as to their intellectual.
Sometimes we can go too far and wear them out with after-school activities. There is a balance in this. I encourage you to ensure your child, whatever their age, is engaged in a range of activities that give them a broad view of life and so of themselves. You need to set an example in this too.
Martin is a great example to our students, and they can learn a lot from him. He adds a lot to our goal to help students understand a holistic approach to education and to life.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Over the past week I have been made increasingly aware of the engagement of many or our Primary students with accounts on Apps such as Snap Chat and Ticktok. In speaking with many parents, they are aware of their child using the app and also admit they have no way of monitoring or checking this use. This is very concerning and often results in situations where children make poor choices about their online interactions or are exposed to content that is inappropriate.
Snapchat started out life as an app developed allow college boys to get and share nude selfies. The app is promoted as a safe way to share embarrassing pictures, private or groups chats which will 'disappear' after a period of time. As we all know once information, pictures, messages are on social media they are easily captured, recorded, and stored. Digital footprints last forever.
The age limit for Snapchat and Tick Toc use is 13+. Parents who are allowing their children to access these apps are deliberately going against the advice of the regulatory authorities and the rules of the app. Children under 13years using the app are lying about their age. Is this what we want our children to be doing?
From the snapchat website – parent guide:
https://support.snapchat.com/en-US/a/parent-guide
"Is there an age requirement to create an account?
Yes. No one under 13 years of age is allowed to create an account or use Snapchat, and we don’t direct our services to anyone under the age of 13. If you have a child under the age of 13 who is using Snapchat, please contact us with your child’s username and verification of your relationship.”
I would like to encourage all parents to actively monitor what your children are using. Be informed and active in your parenting and recognise it is ok to say no to our children. Primary students do not need to be using these apps to communicate. Primary students do not have the maturity to understand that any mistakes on these platforms are not temporary and will have consequences, some that can not be undone.
Shoes and Hats
As we hit the summer months it is vital that all students have a hat at school each day. Please also begin to apply sunscreen to your children’s skin before they come to school, especially if they have sport that day.
Many of our children are not wearing the correct footware to school. Please be aware that our uniform policy states children must wear black leather school shoes with the formal uniform (not sneakers). Children dressed in sports uniform may wear predominantly white or black sneakers. Students should only wear sports uniform on the days they have sport.
Debating Gala Day
Head of School Award
Cleo M; KDL, Hayley W; KG,Isla A; 1C, Harrison G; 1G,Heidi L; 1S, James C; 2D,Jake B; 2G, Lachie Z; 3B,Emily T; 3D, Chloe L; 3PH,Esther W; 4B, Ruben D; 4BK,Evelyn D; 5L, Aurora H; 5P,Charlotte A; 5PC, Myah K; 6MR,Amelia P; 6S, Joel M; 6T.
Kindergarten Library Time
Last week KG and KDL children listened to the story of 'The Gingerbread Man', a theme they will follow for the remainder of the term. Today, Kindy classes enjoyed listening to 'The Gingerbread Girl' and then decorated their own Gingerbread man or girl. The gingerbread people had many adventures in the playground with their proud creations.
Over the next few weeks, they will be decorating a beautiful cardboard Gingerbread House/Cubby that will be displayed in the Library in the lead up to Christmas celebrations.
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 7 2023 Orientation
The College welcomed 140 fresh faces at the Year 7 Orientation Day on Wednesday. It was delightful to see so many of them with their families. The students had an overview of what to expect in Secondary School, participated in some taster lessons, met their new Year Advisors, played games and attended Chapel- LIFE. A big thank you to all who were involved in helping to make Year 7 Orientation Day for 2023 such a wonderful event! It was lovely reconnecting with our community after a two-year hiatus. The students left very happy, loved the mini lessons and are looking forward to joining us next year. It takes a tribe to raise a child and an awesome team to get these events happening.
We look forward to welcoming this group in 2023!
Year 7 Walkabout Park Excursion
![IMG_20221019_103643799[78]](https://gpcc.schoolzineplus.com/_image/media/4796/img_20221019_103643799_78_.jpg?ts=1666318182)
Upcoming Events
Year 12 Formal 11 November
Year 10 Dinner Dance 2 December
Secondary School Thanksgiving Service Friday 2 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 apprenticeships and traineeships, a mechanical career opportunity, and a number of job opportunities plus an extensive General News section
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
National Schools Futsal Championship
During the last holidays we had a representative from GPCC, Luca W (Year 6) attend the National Schools Futsal Championship on the Gold Coast. Luca was selected from a number of potential players to be part of the Central Coast NNSW 11 Boys squad.
Luca’s team went undefeated and were top of the table in the pool rounds with 4 wins and 1 draw, but unfortunately lost by 1 goal in the quarter finals. What a super effort by Luca and the boys.
Presentation night was held at Dreamworld where the park was booked out exclusively for the Futsal Tournament. The boys (and families) had heaps of fun.
Well done Luca!
Futsal Message
2023 Club Nationals Trials
Central Coast Strikers are seeking expressions of interest from players interested in Representing the Central Coast at the AFA National Championships to be held in Sydney in January
Juniors U8 - U15 - Saturday 14th to Tuesday 17th January
Seniors U16, Youth, Open - Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd January
Trials are scheduled for Sunday 30th October
All trialists need to register to trial, and will trial in their correct age group
Trials Details
Trial Venue: Central Coast Adventist School (Entry via Karalta Lane) Erina
Trial Date: Sunday 30th October 2022
Trial Times:
8.30am - 10am
U8, U9, U10, U11
10.15am - 11.45am
U12 Boys, U13 Boys, U12 Girls, U13 Girls
12pm - 1.30pm
U14 Boys, U15 Boys, U14 Girls, U15 Girls
1.45pm - 2.45pm
U16 Boys, U16 Girls, Youth Men (U17 - U20), Youth Women (U17 - U19)
3pm to 4pm
Men & Women
To register to trial please complete the below form
https://www.cognitoforms.com/CentralCoastStrikers/CentralCoastStrikersClubNationalsTrials2023
Cost: $550.00 incl GST
If you are unable to make the trials, and would still like to be considered for selection then please complete the form advising that you will not be able to attend and complete the section on Futsal experience
Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
Lyra - A new emerging sport
Congratulations to Brianna B in Year 7, who last weekend successfully competed for the first time, at Nationals for the Miss Lyra Australia competition in Melbourne – Little Lyras is open to young aerialists between the ages of 8 and 15. Lyra is a metal hoop that is suspended high above the ground where the lyrist perform tricks and moves that show off and highlight their talent and skills.
Brianne has been training very hard and is now competing at National level for Lyra, which Bend The Air is the next evolution of the modern circus industry. It presents an annual, multi-level specialty, aerial and acrobatics arts competition developed to showcase the talent of emerging young artists. Established in 2020, Bend The Air puts a modern spin on the traditional circus experience. The competition invites performers from all across Australia to compete and thrive within an environment of like-minded young artists with a diversity of backgrounds and skillsets. Brianna trains 4 days per week, in preparation for her competitions.
Well done Brianna – we look forward to following your continued achievements in this amazing new sport.
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.
GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church
Our motto is “Equipped for Life”
HEAD OF SECONDARY
To commence Term 1, 2023
Green Point Christian College is a co-educational K-12 school of approximately 1,100 students located on the scenic Central Coast of NSW. The College is seeking a high quality candidate with senior leadership experience to join the team 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
- Current working knowledge of NESA Registration and Accreditation requirements
- Current working knowledge of Child Protection, including investigation, reporting practices, and a commitment to the maintenance of a child-safe culture.
- Current working knowledge of HSC completion requirements.
- Current working knowledge of ICT as it relates to educational programs.
- Understanding of HR management practices
- Ability to meet deadlines and to set and maintain achievably high standards.
Applicants will need to be committed, practising Christians with exemplary teaching skills and be prepared to work under the ethos of the College.
An Information Pack for the position is available from:
Paul Campey, Partner, Resolve Consulting Group
paul@resolveconsulting.net
Applications close: 30 October 2022
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
Closing date is Friday 28 October 2022. Applications are to be submitted online via the application form.
This week Dr Martin Dowson finished his incredible 4,181 kilometre ride from Perth to Newcastle which he has undertaken with a group of riders over the last month.
Our Principal Phillip Nash and Business Manager Michael Lowbridge were fortunate enough to connect with Dr Dowson and the group in Sandy Hollow on their way home from Brewarrina.
Dr Dowson has raised over $11,000 just through his own fundraising page here - https://rideforcompassion.raisely.com/martin-dowson
Well done Dr Dowson and all the participants on this outstanding fundraising effort in support of highly vulnerable children living in poverty.
https://www.9now.com.au/today/2022/clip-cl9ewmzxj00280jooqia45rob
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 Mr Graham Crawford, a member of our Technology Faculty. Graham was presented with the award in Staff Devotions on Wednesday morning. He was nominated for the hours of love and labour he put into making a garden bench seat for the Brown family, to be placed in the family’s memorial garden at home where they can remember Mitchell, who passed away in 2021. The seat has 7 slats at the back that symbolise the amount of people’s lives that Mitchell saved through organ donation.
As a problem solver, Graham also made a sturdy frame for the Staff Member of the Week Award, to prevent it from breakage! We are so thankful for Graham’s thoughtful nature and his servant heart and for the wonderful example he is to us all.
Uniform Shop
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 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
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 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 Excursion
Kindergarten swimming lessons
Dates for the Calendar
Monday 31 October
HSC (12 October - 4 November 2022)
12 Hospitality Work Placement 31 October - 4November
Tuesday 1 November
CSSA Primary Cricket Knockout Comp
Year 12 Food Technlogy visit Sanitarium Foods - Cooranbong
To the Point Lecture - Dr Gordon Reid
Kindergarten Get Set, Go Program Session 3
Wednesday 2 November
Year 12 Society & Culture excursion to Wesley Conference Centre
Kindergarten Excursion: Amazement Farm and Fun Park
Friday 4 November
Year 9 Girls 2021 AIM Mission Trip (4 November - 11 November)
Years 9 and 10 Clean4Shore Excursion (tbc)
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