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Welcome to the 2023 school year. I trust you all had a restful Christmas break and can look forward to a happy new year. It has been great to welcome our students back and to have so many new families join us. I trust the first few days have gone well and that new students are making friends and settling into new routines.
We ended the year on a high note as our HSC students did so well despite three years of pandemic disruption. We had 37 Distinguished Achievers (this is students who attained a Band 6 in a subject) out of 81 candidates which is more than double what we have had in the past few years. Our top ATAR was 99.05 from Fiona who had worked really hard to get this amazing result. Again, we saw most of our students attaining Bands 4 and 5 so weighted toward the top end of the six bands. We were ranked 202 out of just over 800 secondary schools in the state (an improvement of 115 places over last year).
The work we have been doing with teachers and students over the past three years is now bearing fruit and we see no reason not to see similar results going forward. We have set the tone at opening assemblies with students and will not be tolerating anyone who seeks to disrupt others from working hard to learn.
We welcomed 22 new staff to the school, both teachers and support staff including Mr Steve Lobsey as our Head of Secondary. He will introduce himself in this newsletter but he is an excellent academic and teacher who is involved in setting trial HSC exams for the Catholic sector (many of which we use for our students) and has achieved the highest level of teacher accreditation possible in NSW. Please take time to welcome him to our school and work with him to see your son/daughter succeed.
Over the holiday break I led a team of 18 staff and their families and other volunteers out to Brewarrina where we spent three days in 38 degree plus heat helping clean and prepare our new school for its opening on Tuesday 7 February. Brewarrina Christian School opens with 11 children from Kindy to Year 8 and three teachers. Please pray for them as they get going – starting a new school is hard work. The school is part of the Melos Foundation network of which GPCC is a part but is independent from GPCC itself.
Over the coming weeks I will again go over the important statements of our school from the Purpose statement to our graduate profile as an introduction for new families, but also as a reminder to us all of what we are here to do. In any aspect of life, it is important to keep before us the reason we are doing things. At GPCC we want to be purposeful about what we do and that helps to give meaning to all the little tasks that make up any role in which we are involved.
Remember to come to us early if you have an issue or a problem. We may not always provide you with the solution you hope for, but we will do our best to serve you and your child with their interest and that of our whole community at heart.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Welcome
It is so wonderful to have a playground full of students, excited and joining together with their new and returning friends for another year of learning. I hope your holiday break was refreshing as you spent time with friends and family.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome and introduce our new staff and which area everyone is teaching:
Kindergarten: Mrs DeLore, Mrs Kastelen, Mrs Sirone
Year 1: Mrs Graham, Miss Cooper
Year 2: Mrs Groenemboom, Mr Gibbins, Mrs Pearson/ Mrs Stretton
Year 3: Mrs Davis and Mrs Bourke
Year 4: Mrs Rutlidge, Mr McGregor, Mrs Donaldson/ Mrs McCormick
Year 5: Mr Lambert and Mrs Peterson
Year 6: Mr Sneyd, Mr Brown, Mrs Stubbs-Mills/ Mrs Munro
PDHPE/ Sport: Mr McSwan, IT: Mr Baker, K-2 Science and French: Mrs Reynolds,
Music: Mrs McKeown
Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to hold our Primary Swimming carnival on Friday 3 February. So that our competitors can still be registered for the Zone Swimming Carnival on 16 February we have created the opportunity for a Swimming Twilight Time Trial event on Wednesday 8 February at Mingara Aquatic Centre. This is an event for competitors who can confidently swim 50m only. The carnival will begin at 3:00pm and competitors can register for a bus, or be collected by a parent to attend the event. Please refer to the note for permissions and to register for the bus.
Kiss and Drop 3 (K-2 and Siblings)
Due to the increase in kindy numbers we are encouraging our students in K-2 to utilise the Kiss and Drop 3 bay in the afternoon. Older siblings are still welcome to join the youngers students.
For all Kiss and Drop bays please place the surname card in the passenger side window as you approach the pick up area. Please follow the guidelines below to keep everyone safe.
- Drivers should remain in their vehicles at all times in the Drop-off and Pick-up zone.
- Make sure children use the Safety Door (the rear footpath side door) to get in and out of the car.
- Make sure the handbrake is applied when the vehicle is stationary.
- Students should put the bags in the car with them not access the boot or hatch at the back of the car.
Many have noticed the new Skort (skirt with shorts) that is being worn by some of our girls across the Primary School. This wonderful addition to our uniform can be worn year-round (with stockings in winter) and provides girls with more options when climbing, and playing on the playground. For the cooler months our soft shell jacket is very popular and will be phased in as our formal outerwear garment – leaving the sports jacket for wearing with the sports uniform.
Parent Partnership Evening Wednesday 15 February
Parent, Teacher Partnership interviews on Wednesday 15 February are a wonderful time for you to meet and speak about each child with their class teacher. All bookings will be made through the Parent Lounge and information on how to access these bookings will be sent via email early next week. Parent bookings will open at 6:00am on Tuesday 7 February and will close at 3:00pm on Tuesday 14 February. Please note that whilst students are welcome to attend the meeting or to sit quietly outside the room – there will be no supervision of students and they will not be allowed to play on the playground or play equipment. If you have any concerns regarding accessing Parent Lounge, please contact the College office.
How to book an Interview on Parent Lounge
You may access your account with your family number previously supplied. The easiest way to learn how to book your appointments is to watch the short video once you have accessed your account, under "School Links" tab, and select "Help Guide" to access the video on 'How to Book Parent Teacher Interview'. Please take a few minutes to watch this video as it will make the process much easier for you.
Parent Digital Safety Webinar
As a College we see the need to not only equip our students but also our parents as they raise the next generation. To that effect we have invested in an opportunity for all our parents to participate in a webinar focused on 'Raising Kids in a Digital World'. I strongly encourage all parents to register for this 90 minute course on Thursday 23 February. By registering you will also unlock the ability to replay the webinar at a later date. More information about the webinar and how to register will be emailed directly to families from the College.
Mr Steve Lobsey | Head of Secondary
My name is Steve Lobsey and I am the new Head of Secondary at Green Point Christian College. I began teaching in 1997 in Blacktown, in the Western Suburbs of Sydney and have most recently been teaching at Oxford Falls Grammar. I live in Berowra with my wife Bron, our two children Harper (7) and Zeke (5), a dog named Pretzel and some chickens, who do have names as well but I won’t list them all here.
I begin this year as I am sure our students do – even though there is some nervousness about the unknown of 2023, there is excitement about the opportunities which lay ahead and I am ready to work hard to take advantage of those opportunities. The parable of the talents reminds us that we each have gifts and we have a responsibility to use them.
For our students, this starts with doing the little things well. I have spoken at assembly this week about our high standards. We cannot all be first in the class, the best athlete in the year group or be the most creative person in the school - we do not place those expectations on students. Instead, our standards are high but not difficult to achieve. They include:
- Wearing the uniform well
- Being to class on time
- Following the teacher’s directions
- Doing their best work in class
- Showing respect to the students, staff and property of the school.
Each student is able to meet these expectations and doing these little things well will provide a school environment where all members of GPCC can flourish, use their gifts and continue growing into the person who God made them to be. I look forward to working in partnership with the staff and parents in helping students move along this journey.
Parent Digital Safety Webinar
As a College we see the need to not only equip our students but also our parents as they raise the next generation. To that effect we have invested in an opportunity for all out parents to participate in a webinar focused on 'Raising Kids in a Digital World'. I strongly encourage all parents to register for this 90 minute course on Thursday 23 February. By registering you will also unlock the ability to replay the webinar at a later date. More information about the webinar and how to register will be emailed directly to families from the College.
GPCC Alumni Student to Perform at The Opera House
GPCC is pleased to announce that Year 12 2022 graduate, Scotia Emmett has been selected to perform at the 2023 Encore Showcase at the Sydney Opera House. Scotia will be performing ‘I Know You Know’ By Esperanza Spalding.
Encore is a showcase of outstanding performances and compositions from HSC Music 1 and 2 students, and Scotia is 1 out of 20 students selected from all NSW schools.
GPCC are extremely excited to be part of this amazing program, and we look forward to seeing her perform this incredible piece in such an iconic venue.
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about the Job Jump software program. The College has a subscription that provides free access to students and parents to the Job Jump careers software resource. The newsletter has information about how to have your own Job Jump account.
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
Welcome back to our students for 2023. We are looking forward to a great year of sport at GPCC beginning next Wednesday afternoon/evening at our Primary Swimming Time Trial event (competitors only).
Dates for our GPCC Sporting Carnivals are listed below. All other dates for Representative Carnivals, Gala Days, Team Gala Days and Individual Sporting Trials are listed on the document below that can be downloaded. Please aware that these are subject to change.
Mountain Biking Opportunities
Please see below two links for some Mountain Biking events coming up. All the relevant info can be found on these websites as well as directions on how to register. If interested, parents are required to register and transport students to these events.
https://hunterschoolsmtb.com/glenrock-race-information-overview/
https://www.thredbo.com.au/mtbinterschools/
Lucinda Shelley is our parent contact for the Mountain biking event and can be contacted by email: lucindashelley@icloud.com
Dates for your Calendar
PRIMARY
School Carnivals
Wednesday 8 February GPCC Yrs 2-6 Swimming Time Trials- Competitors ONLY (Mingara- 3pm-6.15pm)
Wednesday 5 April GPCC Primary Cross Country Carnival (GPCC grounds)
Friday 28 April GPCC Primary Athletics Carnival (Mingara)
Wednesday 23 August GPCC K-2 Athletics Carnival (GPCC grounds)
Friday 20 October GPCC K-2 Swimming Carnival (Peninsula Leisure Centre)
GPCC Sport Teams
We are looking forward to sending our teams to a number of Gala Days and competitions in Primary this year.
Students will have a chance to trial for certain school teams over the coming terms and will need to keep a close eye on the notices and listen out for Assembly announcements for when trials will be held.
The protocol for team selection is as follows:
- Teams have at least 2-3 trials before final selection.
- Once teams have been chosen, they will aim to have at least one training session each week before a competition.
Individual Sport Trials for Primary CSSA and CIS Teams
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): Parents are required to transport students to and from these trials.
CSSA Sport dates:
Monday 27 February - CSSA/CIS Primary Boys and Girls Tennis Trials- Nominations close Monday 13 February
Friday 3 March - CSSA Primary Soccer Trials- Nominations close 17 February
Friday 10 March - CSSA/CIS Primary Boys and Girls Basketball Trials- Nominations close Friday 24 February
Monday 3 April - CSSA Primary Girls Netball Trials- Nominations close 20 March
CIS Sport dates:
Monday 13 February - CIS Primary Boys Cricket Trials (select students)- IF INTERESTED, PLEASE EMAIL MR MCSWAN BY MONDAY 6 FEBRUARY 12PM AS NOMINATIONS CLOSE ON THIS DAY.
Monday 13 March - CIS Primary Girls Soccer Trials (select students)- Nominations close 6 March
Monday 3 April - CIS Primary Boys AFL Trials (select students)- Nominations close 27 March
Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
Welcome to 2023! My name is Chris Harris and you may know me as a teacher of Mathematics and this year I also have the role of Secondary Sport Co-ordinator for Secondary School Years 7 – 12. I am passionate about sport and creating community in our school and giving students the opportunity to further their talents in sport. I have taken over the role from Andrew McGillivray who I thank for his help so far and I may be calling on him for help this year. This year as Sport Co-ordinator I will be managing the creation of Junior and Senior teams for the sports we have gala days for, entering individuals into trials for CSSA, CIS representative teams, running our swimming, athletics and cross country carnivals, and organising teams to attend higher levels of these carnivals.
So, outside the usual sports that are offered at school, we are able to enter students and teams into other activities but you need to let me know in due time. I would also like to know of any success that your children have completed in the world of sport so we as a GPCC community can celebrate the successes of our students. Each week in our Monday morning assembly I hope to update the students on upcoming sport, carnivals, and gala days that they should be aware of. I would appreciate all contact via email at charris@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Please see the GPCC sport calendar and CSSA sport calendar for 2023 on the document below that can be downloaded.
Mountain Biking Opportunities
Please see below two links for some Mountain Biking events coming up. All the relevant info can be found on these websites as well as directions on how to register. If interested, parents are required to register and transport students to these events.
https://hunterschoolsmtb.com/glenrock-race-information-overview/ @ the Hunter
https://www.thredbo.com.au/mtbinterschools/ @Thredbo
Lucinda Shelley is our parent contact for the Mountain biking event and can be contacted by email: lucindashelley@icloud.com
Sporting Achievements in the school Holidays
I would like to acknowledge Wade B (Year 12) who became the National Champion in the U16 - 19 Australian Triathlon Super Sprint Championships in January in Canberra. See the NBN news article linked here.
https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2023/01/25/gold-medal-for-wade-barr-at-super-sprint-triathlon-final/
Felicity R (Year 9) competed at the NSW Swimming Championships at Homebush
and qualified for the 50 freestyle, 50 butterfly and U/14 IM relay team for the 2023 Australian Swimming Championships (Nationals) which will be held from the 17 to 20 April 2023 at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.
She also won bronze at the NSW championships in the U/14 4X50 IM as the freestyler.
Felicity also competed at the Central Coast Branch Surf Lifesaving Championships at Umina representing Avoca Beach. Her results were:
Gold -Team Swim / Silver - Individual Board / Gold – Board relay / Gold – Cameron / Gold – Board Rescue / Gold – Beach Sprint.
Her next major competition in surf will be the NSW Surf Lifesaving Championships at Manly on the 4th & 5Th of March followed by the Australian Surf Lifesaving Titles held at Perth on the 25th & 26th of March.
Oliva E (Year 10) competing at the NSW & Australian Surf Lifesaving titles. Olivia also represented the Trans-Tasman Surf Lifesaving Team which competed in the holidays at the Far North NSW beaches.
Isabelle R (Year 7 ), a new student competed at the NSW K1 Kayaking Championships at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in January, she had some pleasing results:
K2 500m bronze / K4 500m bronze / K4 1000m mixed team bronze / K4 200m bronze & K4 200m mixed team bronze
Congratulations to all these students on their wonderful sporting achievements.
Preschool Storytime 2023
We are excited for another year of Storytime to start soon. Please join us from Monday 13 February for craft, games, and stories in the library at 9am. Parents and carers can register their interest with Nicole van Wyk nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Download the Preschool Storytime schedule for Term 1 2023.
If you have found some Library or English books over the holidays, please return them to the Library this week. Student text resources need to be available for current student use. We appreciate your diligence in returning these valuable resources.
GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church
Our motto is “Equipped for Life”
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHING POSITION
Temporary Part Time – 3 days per week (0.6 FTE) 2023 / 2024
Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons able to teach Stage 3 in the Primary School.
For full details and criteria regarding the position, please refer to the full Job Description available on the College website, along with prospectus and application form at: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/primary-teaching-position
The successful applicant for the above position must be a committed Christian and be prepared to work under the ethos of our College.
Enquiries may be addressed to Sue Parkinson via employment@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Applications close on Friday 10 February 2023 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT (FINANCE)
Permanent Part Time – 3 days per week (FTE0.6)
We are currently seeking a Finance Officer to join our Business Services team.
The successful applicant should possess the following:
- Demonstrated proficiency and competence in a range of software products, including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Payroll systems;
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and a high level of interpersonal and communication skills;
- Well-developed attention to detail;
- Well-developed time management, organisational and problem-solving skills;
- Demonstrated capacity to work in a team environment.
Please refer to the College website for a prospectus and application form at https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/admin-assistant-finance
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 15 February 2023 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
CASUAL ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
(on call during school terms only)
The College employs casual staff to fill short term vacancies such as when staff are on leave or attending professional development courses. We are currently seeking an experienced Administration Assistant to work on a casual basis within our College office.
The successful applicant should possess the following:
- High levels of grooming and presentation
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Proven reception and/or customer service experience
- Excellent computer and typing skills
- A positive proactive attitude
- Current First Aid certificate (desirable)
- Experience working within an education setting would be highly desirable
If you are a compassionate, people oriented individual who thrives within a fast paced dynamic environment, then this is the role for you.
Please refer to the College website for a prospectus and application form at https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/casual-admin-assistant
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 15 February 2023 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
MAINTENANCE OFFICER - GENERAL (full time)
We seek applications from a focused and energetic self-starter to fill a vacancy within our Green (maintenance and cleaning) Team.
Reporting to the Facilities Manager, your duties would include general site maintenance and other duties to assist in the daily operations of the College.
For full details and criteria regarding the position, please refer to the Job Description available on the College website, along with prospectus and application form at:
https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/maintenance-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 Sunday 12 February January 2023 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
GPCC PARENTS/CARERS WEBINAR
Please see the email sent to all parents regarding this webinar to register for this event.
GPCC OSHC Provider - Camp Australia
Advancedlife Photography Dates for 2023 for your diary
Tuesday 28 February - Primary
Tuesday 7 March - Secondary
Wednesday 15 March - Sibling photos and absentees (8:45am-12:00pm)
An email has been sent to all parents on how to order photos. An instruction flyer can be downloaded below.
Music Tuition in 2023
Now is a great time to sign up or renew for music tutoring and band in 2023!
New sign-ups can use this link to enquire about the music program:
Returning students can use this link to renew for 2023:
We are looking forward to a wonderful year of music tuition and band in 2023.
Staff Awards
During our staff PD week we congratulated the following staff for their faithful service to the College.
10 Years of Service:
- Sarah Brown
- Agatha O’Keeffe
- Jo Pearson
20 Years of Service:
- Justine Collins
- Cherylyn Gibbins
- Colin Muir
- Steve Wegener
30 Years of Service:
- Fay Davis
Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything inthe name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Uniform Shop
2023 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
Click on link to access: THE MUNCHERY 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
Davistown Netball Club - seeking players of all ages
Coastal Waters Netball Club - Registrations for 2023
Uniforms for Sale
1 x senior size 10 girls blazer - $125
2 x senior girls white blouses size 14 - $25 each
>
> 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 6 February
Years 10 - 12 Drama excursion to Seymour Centre
Tuesday 7 February
Digital Safety and Wellbeing Years 3 - 6
Wednesday 8 February
Primary Swimming Carnival at Mingara 3:00-6:00pm
Friday 10 February
Year 9 Girls from 2021 and 20221 (now Years 10 and 11) Mission Trip to Brewarrina (Friday 10 February - Friday 17 February)
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 13 February
Digital Safety and Wellbeing Years 3 - 6
CIS Primary Boys Cricket Trials Years 5/6
Tuesday 14 February
CSSA Secondary Boys Baseball Trials: CIS
CIS Primary Boys Cricket Trials Yers 5/6
Wednesday 15 Febrary
Year 7 Camp (15 - 17 February)
Thursday 16 February
THACCCCSA Zone Swimming Carnival Primary
Year 7 Camp
Friday 17 February
Year 7 Camp
CIS - Primary Girls/Boys Basketball trials
CSSA Secondary Girls Cricket Trials
Tuesday 21 February
Years 11 and 12 Parent/Teacher interviews in MPC - 4:00pm-8:00pm
Wednesday 22 February
Year 7 Vaccination Clinic (HPV1 and DTPa) and catchups.
Thursday 23 February
GPCC Open Day - 4:00pm
Digital Safety and Wellbeing Parent session - Live Streamed
Friday 24 February
Secondary Swimming Carnival
Year 3 Australian Wildlife Walkabout Park excursion
Central Coast Rugby Gala Day - Years 5 and 6
TERM DATES 2023
Term 1, 2023
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
Monday, 9 October - Friday, 8 December