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We have settled into routine at school already which is great. Students seem settled and happy and very keen to get to play under our new outdoor courts shade structure which is almost finished. Year 7 are all at camp and having a marvellous time doing lots of physical activities and stretching themselves while also forming new friendships.
It is our desire that GPCC be a place of love and care for every student. We want it to be a place of personal growth as well as academic progress. Our Graduate Profile has at the top of the diagram - Godly in Character. No matter how clever or successful someone is, unless they have good character, it means little. The great challenge for all human beings is to deal with themselves before they can deal well with others.
The Hebrew and Christian Scriptures give us an account of why we struggle with ourselves and others. Our first ancestors chose to go out on their own and disregard the vital attachment to their Creator that would have kept them (and us) in a good place. Instead, all human beings struggle to live moral and upright lives because of an inherent tendency to selfishness and wilfulness.
GPCC is grounded in this worldview but also believes there is hope because of God’s plan to restore human brokenness through his Son, Jesus Christ. Restoration of our world can only happen through restoration of ourselves. Your child will regularly hear from us in many ways, the message of the Gospel, the good news that through the work of Jesus, we can be reconciled to God and so with ourselves and others.
This is the basis of good character. When we can start again as renewed people, we can begin to develop the character God always intended. A character most clearly expressed for us in the example of Jesus who came to earth and demonstrated what it looks like to live in right relationship with God, ourselves and others. No amount of effort can really tame the disobedient and wilful creature that lurks in all of us, but in relationship with God through faith in Jesus, we can start over and begin, with His help, to re-make and restore that which has been lost.
Accepting this account of humankind and seeking to act on it does not immediately make us perfect but sets us on a journey of improvement that will take the rest of our earthly lives. So, we work with our students to train them and help them to recognise their need to develop their character in positive ways. We accept that they and us are not perfect and will make mistakes, so repentance and forgiveness are part of the journey toward betterment.
There is an old saying that goes: Christians are not perfect just forgiven. It is true even though some Christians at times think that they have already obtained perfection. Humility to recognise that we are all on a change path is important in the development of good character. Be patient with us when we fail in working with your children. We will make mistakes but as we also seek to grow in Godly character, we can model to students what the real human life looks like.
Every parent wants their child to be a good person. Together and with God’s help we can achieve that for the children and young people at GPCC.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Never give up doing good for others
I spoke with the students this week at our very first Chapel for 2023 about our GPCC Graduate Profile and looking for areas each of us can grow and improve in this year. We heard the touching story of Derek Redmond who in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic 400m semi-final, tore his hamstring. Despite the pain and with the help of his dad he did not give up but hobbled to finish the race crossing the finish line with his dads arms around him.
The Bible also encourages us to not give up doing good for others. Perhaps as a family or as a school community we should focus this year on the ways we can support those in our nation, in our neighbourhood, in need.
Swimming
A group of 30 plus students headed up to Newcastle on Thursday to compete in the THACCSA zone swimming carnival. Thank you to Mr Mc Swan, Mr Lambert, and Mr Cantor for accompanying our team and ensuring a great day was had by all.
New afternoon parking space K-2
To alleviate the pressure on Avoca Drive, each afternoon the college has allocated several free carpark spaces on the 7-Eleven side of P3. These spaces are for parents to wait until the Kiss & Drop line starts moving, or to park and collect your children if this is your preference.
Please also remember that Gate 2 is for Little Coasties drop-off and pick-up only, and for Church staff/visitors and should not be used by GPCC families during this busy time.
Chess Club - Thursdays 8:00 am
If you are interested in learning to play chess or in gaining some game practice, meet Mr Gibbins in the Library on Thursday mornings at 8:00 am.
Competitions will begin later in the year.
Choir – Tuesdays 8:00 am CAPA theatre
Primary Choir is meeting at 8.00am - 8.30 am each Tuesday morning in CAPA 5, in the Creative Arts auditorium. Students from Years 1-6 are welcome to join. It is a wonderful way to begin the day. Students should walk down the pedestrian path next to the MPC for their safety, as staff drive along the sealed road. Mrs Munro and Mrs McKeown look forward to an exciting range of performances throughout 2023.
Raising Kids in a Digital World 2023 Webinar
Date: Thursday 23 February
Time: 7.30pm (90min)
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 min course on Thursday 23 February. By registering you will also unlock the ability to replay the webinar at a later date.
Congratulations Primary Leaders
This week at Chapel we announced our Primary Leaders for 2023. Congratulations to the following students:
Captains: Xavier W and Ruth G
Vice Captains: Jacob G and Sibella M
Student of the Week Awards (previously Head of School Award)
Mr Steve Lobsey | Head of Secondary
“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” 1 Corinthians 13:11
Adolescence is an exciting, troubling, opportune, and confusing time. Having all of those experiences rolled into one is a good picture of what life can be like for our secondary students as they work out who they are and where they belong.
The movement from childhood into to adulthood is an unfolding one, seen in the maturing of our young people in physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual ways. When I reflect on how I have seen this maturing in myself and others, the characteristics that stand out to me include:
- Taking responsibility for myself and my actions
- Admitting when I make mistakes
- Admitting when I need help (I’m still working on this one!)
- Thinking of others more and of myself less
- Doing what is right even if it is unseen or unpopular
- Being strong in my own identity and being less affected by the opinions of others
Watching students progress in these areas is a delight as we celebrate them becoming adults. While all of the points above tend to develop over time, what characterises them collectively is that they are all decisions. I can choose whether to admit I made a mistake or to make an excuse. I can choose whether to inconvenience myself to help someone. In each decision we make, we choose whether to be more like an adult or more like a child.
At Green Point, we want to be God-centred, people-oriented, independent yet collaborative, mature young men and women in the world. So although the road to maturity carries great complexity – the staff are committed to walking alongside the students as they navigate the path from childhood to adulthood.
Years 11-12 Parent Teacher Interviews
Interviews for Years 11 and 12 students are being held Tuesday 21 February from 4:00pm until 8:00pm in the MPC. Students are encouraged to attend these interviews with parents.
Bookings close on Monday 20 February at 4:00pm.
To make a booking: Access your Parent Lounge with your username (previously supplied) and password.
The easiest way to learn how to book your appointment is to watch the short video once you have accessed your account, under 'School Links' tab and select 'Help Videos'.
Please note - David Russell will be available on the evening for parents and students wishing to see the Careers Advisor. Please phone reception 4369 1266 to make these bookings with Mr Russell.
Parents of Years 7 - 10 students
Parents of Year 7 students will have an opportunity to meet the Year 7 teachers on Tuesday 7 March 2023 and the Years 7-10 Parent Teacher Interview evening will be held on Tuesday 4 April 2023. Bookings will open 28 March 2023.
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 has been emailed directly to families from the College.
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about a new early entry program for University of Newcastle, an upcoming talk for Year 12 students from UAC, Apprenticeships with Central Coast Council, an access link to past HSC exam papers, a Police Recruitment information session and careers related to Science, Maths and Sport.
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
Primary Zone Swimming Carnival
On Thursday of this week, the Primary Zone Swimming Carnival was held at the Newcastle University pool. Stay tuned for a report in next week’s newsletter.
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
These trials are not for GPCC school teams that we trial here at school to play at certain gala days throughout the year (as mentioned above). The CSSA or CIS trials are usually held in Sydney and students will be trialling against students from either other Christian Schools (CSSA) or other Independent Schools (CIS) and are usually recommended for those students that compete at a representative level.
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:
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 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
Dates for your Calendar
School Carnivals
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)
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
Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
GPCC Secondary Swimming Carnival 2023
Our GPCC Secondary Swimming Carnival is coming up at Mingara. A reminder that this is a compulsory school event.
When: Friday 24th February 2023
(please note Zone Carnival is the next Wednesday 1st March)
Venue: Mingara Leisure Centre
Time: Carnival will begin at 9:00am and conclude at 2:30pm
What to wear/bring: House colours, sports uniform, recess and lunch
Transport: All students are required to make their own way to and from the carnival.
If students require transport on the College bus, the first bus will depart GPCC at 8:30am (last bus will be departing at 8:50am) and return by 3:00pm.
Parent Spectators: Parents will be able to spectate at this carnival, however they must spectate on either side of the pool or from the grass area (parents are not permitted in the grandstand).
Carnival Assistance: If parents are able to assist on the day, please email Chris Harris at charris@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
Please indicate on Parent Lounge (not at the Office) by Friday 17 February 2023 if your child requires bus transport.
If your child requires bus transport you will need to log into your Parent Lounge and in 'Events and Payments' locate the events named:
- TRANSPORT TO 2023 GPCC SECONDARY SWIMMING CARNIVAL and/or;
- TRANSPORT FROM 2023 GPCC SECONDARY SWIMMING CARNIVAL
and tick the bus transport options.
Individual Sport Trials for Secondary CSSA and CIS Teams
Please email Mr Harris at least a week before these dates if your child would like to be considered for these teams.
Most are becoming open ages and are only considering Year 11 and 12 Students.
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.
CIS State Events:
Friday 10th March
16&U Boys Football Trials for CIS
Friday 17th March
Open Girls Football Trials for CIS
View the CSSA Sporting calendar
GPCC Sport Teams 2023
We are looking forward to sending our teams to a number of Gala Days and competitions in Secondary School this year. The first is:
Touch Football Gala Day – Monday 13th March 2023 at Wallsend Touch Ovals
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 announcements on the Daily Notices or Monday Morning Assembly for when trials will be held.
The protocol for team selection is as follows:
-
- Teams have at least 2 trials before final selection.
- Once teams have been chosen, they will aim to have at least one training session each week before a competition.
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
Preschool Storytime 2023
Please join us on Mondays 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.
Scholastic Book Club
Issue 1 magazines have gone home for Scholastic book club. Parents can order online LOGIN (scholastic.com.au) until Friday 17 February. Vouchers earned through parent book purchases go towards buying popular reading books for the Primary library.
Library Lovers Week
This week we celebrated Library Lovers’ Day to honour libraries, librarians, book lovers, and lovers of libraries. We also celebrated the enduring relationship between our community and their libraries. Throughout Week 3 the library gave out bookmarks, had displays, and some secondary students joined speed book dating during English classes.
ENRICHMENT TEACHER (PRIMARY) - FTE 0.6
Temporary Part Time (2023 – 2024)
Applications are invited for a suitably qualified and experienced Primary teacher with a focus on Extension to work within our Enrichment department.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Support class teachers by providing advice and assistance in differentiating the curriculum and making suitable program modifications and adjustments to enable students to access a more complex, accelerated or broader curriculum opportunities;
- Teach and provide extension programs for students either in class, or via withdrawal in small groups or 1-1 mode;
- Seek to resource, plan and organise external opportunities and competitions (Debating, da Vinci, public speaking, writing competitions etc.
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/enrichment-teacher
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 22 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 1 March 2023 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
NAPLAN Online 2023
Wednesday 15 March - Monday 27 March
The National Assessment Program Literacy And Numeracy assesses students’ current competency in skills learnt through engagement in their regular school curriculum.
Each student in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will complete Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy assessments during the testing window. Student who miss a test will be required to make it up upon their return to school.
Our school will participate in NAPLAN Online. All tests will be completed via this online platform except for Writing in Year 3. Students will require headphones for the tests. Please ensure they come to school prepared with functioning headphones each day.
To see the types of questions and interactive features of NAPLAN Online, visit the NAPLAN public demonstration site https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site
Students with a disability have access to provisions to assist in overcoming difficulties that may create a disadvantage. Such provisions include additional time, small group testing format and rest breaks. These provisions are reflective of what is required in the general classroom and as such allocation of provisions is determined by classroom teachers. Parents will be notified in coming weeks if their child is eligible.
If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online or disability provisions, please contact Mrs Sarah Brown at the College – on 02 4363 1266 or at sbrown@gpcc.nsw.edu.au, or read the attached NAPLAN pamphlet by clicking the link below.
Address Collections (for Department of Education)
Have you moved house recently?
Under the Australian Education Regulation 2013, the College is required to provide the department with certain information about each student, including their residential address.
What do you need to do?
You are not required to do anything. Your school is responsible for providing the department with the requested details; however, if you have moved house and not notified us, please update your family’s details as soon as possible by calling 02 4363 1226 or via Parent Lounge.
Please click on the PDF brochure below for further information.
Staff Member of the Week
Staff Member of the Week was presented to Mrs Nadia Gouws.
Nadia works in our Enrichment Team and has gone above and beyond for the past 3 years making book covers for the new Kindergarten students in her own time over the Christmas holidays.
This year she made 240 amazing bright beautiful covers. Kindergarten teacher, Mrs De Lore, commented that they look so lovely when their books come in covered and contacted, and the kids love them too!
Sibling Enrolment
Have you completed an Application to Enrol for any siblings coming to GPCC?
Siblings of current GPCC students are among those who are given preference for enrolment; however, it is still important to submit an application in sufficient time to ensure they don't miss out.
Enrolment Interviews for Kindergarten 2024 commence at the end of March this year, so if you are intending to send any younger siblings to GPCC in the next 2-3 years, and haven’t yet enrolled them, we encourage you to do that as soon as possible.
For more information please visit our website to ENROL A SIBLING
If you have any questions relating to enrolment at GPCC, please do not hesitate to contact our registrar at registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au or on 02 4363 1266.
GPCC PARENTS/CARERS WEBINAR
Please see the email sent to all parents regarding this webinar to register for this event.
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.
GPCC OSHC Provider - Camp Australia
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.
Medical Announcement
Please note that the Department of Education does not permit the College to supply Panadol to students.
If you feel your child is in need of Panadol at different times, Secondary students are allowed to carry Panadol in their bags.
Should you not be comfortable with your child carrying Panadol, you can label a box and drop it into sickbay for use when your child need to access it.
For any questions, please contact the office on 02 4363 1266.
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
Lemon Grove Netball Day
Terrigal Wamberal Sharks - Registrations
Contact: registrar.twjrl@gmail.com
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
Tuesday 21 February
Years 11 and 12 Parent/Teacher interviews in MPC - 4:00pm-8:00pm
Thursday 23 February
GPCC Open Day - 4:00pm
Digital Safety and Wellbeing Parent session - Live Streamed
Friday 24 February
GPCC Secondary Swimming Carnival - Mingara
Year 3 Australian Wildlife Walkabout Park excursion
Central Coast Rugby Gala Day - Years 5 and 6
Monday 27 February
Years 11 and 12 Music students to Encore Excurison
CIS Primary Girls/Boys Tennis trials
Tuesday 28 February
Primary Professional student photos K - Year 6 in MPC
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 27 February
Primary CSSA Tennis Trials (Girls/Boys) for CIS - Years 3 - 6
Tuesday 28 February
Primary (K - 6) Professional Student Photos
Wednesday 1 March
Secondary THACCCSA Zone Swimming Carnival
Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy
Secondary CSSA (Girls/Boys) Tennis Trials for CIS
Thursday 2 March
Years 3 & 4 - Sydney Symphony Excursion - Riverside Theatre, Parramatta
Friday 3 March
Year 12 - Compass Student Leadership Conference Camp - Canberra
Primary CSSA Boys AFL Trials for CIS - Valentine Park
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