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I read an article recently that suggested that it is not possible to teach students how to think critically. We have critical and creative thinking as part of our Graduate Profile so are we being misguided in including critical thinking in the Profile? I think not.
The history of good thinking in Western civilization contains many examples of thinkers who believed that being able to think critically is an important part of how we live life well. It may be something that a few people have as a natural gifting but it is a skill everyone can learn. It has certainly been identified as one of the essential skills for the twenty-first century. While educators have often talked of education helping students to think critically, sadly, in many Western nations, education in the past 100 years or so has been reduced to knowledge transmission and regurgitation. In the NSW curriculum for example, teachers are required to ensure students have such a significant amount of curriculum content that it leaves little time to explore that and ask questions of it – to critique it.
Critical and creative thinking is grounded in the ability to ask good questions and to see things differently. By using the imagination we can investigate the underlying beliefs and assumptions that any piece of knowledge contains. An artist for example looking at a landscape may consider it from many different perspectives and look beyond the photographic details to what a landscape may tell us of the people, its history and even an imagined future for the scene. A creative artist explores the landscape through various media – watercolour, oil, pastels etc, all of which may help to bring different ideas through the work of art.
All ideas are grounded in a world view that is shaped by a person’s beliefs, experiences, culture and so on. A critical thinker can explore these background elements and assess them from different angles. They ask questions of the ideas and assumptions and challenge their common understanding. These are activities that can be taught and explored by students, even very young ones.
The danger is that critical thinking is now used to question everything negatively rather than seek to discover the truth or falsehood of something. Much of this thinking is used to push us towards a single understanding rather than allow room for various understandings. At GPCC, we want our students to learn to think critically and creatively as they explore the world and themselves and to reach valid conclusions based on reasonable evidence and processes.
Within the confines of the NSW curriculum, we are finding ways to help our students explore ideas in a way that challenges assumptions and opens up fresh understandings while seeking to ground all this in the idea that God, who created the world, is the source of all truth and ultimately the search will lead us back to Him.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Health and Hygiene
Over the past few weeks there have been several reports of significant but easily managed sicknesses in our school community. These include colds, tummy bugs and headlice.
Please take time to discuss with your children the importance of personal hygiene practices including: handwashing with soap, not sharing food or drink bottles and keeping hair tied up.
If we all continue to put these practices in place we will manage these germs in a more effective way.
Bus behaviour
There have been several reports from our bus companies of inappropriate behaviour from Primary students on the buses in the afternoons.
Primary students are reminded to remain seated on the bus and travel in a manner that is safe. All students deserve the right to travel to and from school feeling safe. Students who choose to act in a manner on the bus, that is unsafe, may have the privilege of catching the bus removed. If you have concerns about behaviour on the bus, please contact myself or Mr Cantor directly.
Wakakirri
This year GPCC students in Years 5 and 6 will have the exciting opportunity to be a part of a Wakakirri – a National Performing Arts, Story Dance Festival. Our students will tell a story through movement and dance and will perform this at the Riverside Theatre in Paramatta in Term 3. Places are available for 80 students from Years 5 and 6 to join the Wakakirri team. Please see the email sent out and details on how to register your child for this exciting event.
The Cultural Connections through Music concert – Years 3 and 4
Our Years 3 and 4 students had a wonderful day visiting Sydney to experience the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Students had the opportunity to engage with members of the orchestra in call and response patterns, body percussion and singing. Students experienced music from all over the world - Spain, Hungary, Mexico, United States of America and Australia. Of special mention by students was the large golden orchestral harp which most students have never seen or heard played live.
Advancedlife Photography
Tuesday 7 March - Sibling Photos - in CAPA5
1:00pm - Students with surnames A – G
1:30pm - Students with surnames H – N
2:00pm – Students with surnames O – Z
Friday 17 March - absentees portrait photos and absentee sibling photos
We have booked a date for absentee students and absentee sibling photos on Friday 17 March from 1:00pm-2:30pm in the church building. Please email jcollins@gpcc.nsw.edu.au if you need your student to be included in this absentee afternoon.
Please note: Friday 17 March is also our Primary National Day Against Bullying. Please make sure that your child will be appropriately dressed for their school photo in the afternoon.
Please download the following document for instructions on how to order your photos, or you may pick up a photo envelope from reception.
Parent Assistance
We are seeking some assistance from some parents to contact Primary readers. Please email Michelle Molkentin at michelle.molkentin@gpcc.nsw.edu.au if you are able to assist.
Choir – Tuesdays 8:00am
Please note: Primary Choir is meeting at 8.00am - 8.30 in our Staff Common Room on Tuesday 7 March due to our photography days.
Choir is usually held 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.
Student of the Week Awards
Congratulations to the following students:
Hugh H; KDL, Macie A; KK,Elias J; KS, Ivy H; 1C,Rita D; 1G, ; ,Archer H; 2G, Joah I; 2J,Joel Y; 2PS, Jack B; 3B,Elle M; 3D, Nathan Y; 4D,Tahsina M; 4M, Juliana L; 4RM,Caitlin H; 5L, Charlotte H; 5P,Reef M; 6B, Tilly A; 6MS,Erik N; 6S.
Mr Steve Lobsey | Head of Secondary
The Shopping Trolley is a Test of Character
There is no reason why you can’t put it back in the right place, but there is no reward for doing it. Also, there is no punishment for not doing it. Most of us put it back, just because it is the right thing to do.
At Green Point, there are lots of opportunities to do the something just because it is the right thing to do. Many of our students do this with their uniform and with their litter. Some are still on the journey and think that unless a teacher is nearby, there is no need to follow the jewellery rules or put their rubbish in the bin. The collection of good decisions in these areas is what builds the character of our students and we want to help them to be people of good character.
It was brought to my attention that one of our students, Cooper L, has been regularly assisting in a soup kitchen in Woy Woy. He has not been doing it for any reward. He contributes in such a positive way that when a staff member there met a Green Point staff member, she wanted to tell us all about him.
Cooper is an example of a person of outstanding character. While it is easier for us to identify and celebrate students in academic, creative and sporting endeavours, the type of thing Cooper is doing is, by nature, more likely to go unnoticed. Cooper does not do what he does for recognition but I was pleased to award him with a certificate for his demonstration of outstanding character at assembly this week. I’d like to congratulate Cooper and all of our students who are doing good things, big and small, just because it is the right thing to do.
Year 7 Introduction to High School Evening - Tuesday 7 March 7:00pm - 8:00pm
On Tuesday 7 March we are hosting the Year 7 Introduction to High School evening in the MPC, where parents/carers with students in Year 7 are invited to join us and will have the opportunity to meet Faculty Co-ordinators and teachers of your child. The aim is to help you understand the expectations and communication processes of the College for students in the classroom and their assessment tasks.
This is an information evening, however there will be an opportunity for parents to meet with teachers at the Parent Teacher Interview evening Tuesday 4 April 2023. Parents can make an appointment with individual teachers via Parent Lounge once bookings open 9:00am on 28 March 2023.
Tuesday 7 March - Secondary Photos and Sibling Photo Schedule
1:00pm - Students with surnames A – G
1:30pm - Students with surnames H – N
2:00pm – Students with surnames O – Z
Friday 17 March - Absentees Portrait Photos and Absentee Sibling Photos
We have booked a date for absentee students and absentee sibling photos on Friday 17 March from 1:00pm-2:30pm in the church building. Please email jcollins@gpcc.nsw.edu.au if you need your student to be included in this absentee afternoon.
Please download the document below for instructions on how to order your photos, or you may pick up a photo envelope from reception.
Encore Excursion - Years 11 and 12 Music
On Monday 27 February students in Years 11 and 12 Music had the opportunity to view ENCORE, the showcase concert of exceptional HSC Music works from the 2022 cohort.
"Scotia Emmett from last years' Year 12 Music Class had the wonderful distinction of being picked as one of 24 HSC students from all of NSW to perform at the Opera House last Monday in the annual Encore concert. Her amazing vocals were a highlight on the night and Green Point should be very proud of her achievement. Well Done Scotia!"
Mr Colin Muir
NSW School Vaccination Program
If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 this year, you can now provide online consent for their routine school vaccinations.
In Year 7, students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV). In Year 10, students are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
Green Point Christian College Vaccination Clinic Dates:
Friday 24 March 2023- Year 7
Monday 19 June 2023 - Year 10 and catch-up appointments
Wednesday 23 August 2023 - Catch-up appointments
Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received.
For more information and to learn how to provide consent online please download the document below or scan the QR code below.
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about TAFE opportunities for short courses (YES program), UCAT registrations for students interested in Medicine and Dentistry, Apprenticeship and Traineeship Expo at Mingara, CSU Medicine Information Night, QANTAS Pilot Academy, NSW Police Force, becoming a Chartered Accountant, Maths careers, and Business cadetships.
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
GPCC Primary Swimming Time Trial Awards
Next week (Week 6), we will be presenting awards to Age Champions and 2nd and 3rd place getters from our Primary Swimming Time Trial during Chapel on Wednesday afternoon. Parents of recipients have been sent an email regarding this.
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.
CSSA (Christian Schools Sports Association) Child Protection training
CSSA have recommended that all adults (teachers, volunteers, parents) complete the following module on Child Protection before attending any CSSA event (trials, gala days or carnivals). Thank you
https://www.cssa.net.au/child_protection/index.html#/
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.
CIS Sport trial dates Term 1:
Monday 13 March - CIS Primary (Year 5 and 6) Girls Soccer Trials (select students)- Nominations close 6 March.
Monday 3 April - CIS Primary (Year 5 and 6) Boys AFL Trials (select students)- Nominations close 27 March.
Dates for your Calendar
PRIMARY
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)
Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
The role of Senior House Captain was created years ago to give Year 12 students another leadership opportunity in the school.
These students need excellent organisation skills, a love of sport and our school community to be awarded the position.
This year Otto, Lacey, Millie and Wade are fulfilling the role with distinction.
The have attended the Sport Leadership Summit, helped me with the winning house BBQ, ran sporting events at lunchtime and most recently attended and help run our Secondary Swimming Carnival. I look forward to all the other things we have planned for the rest of the year to continue to build community in the school.
GPCC Secondary Athletics Carnival
When: Thursday 16 March
Time: 8:30am-2:00pm
Venue: Mingara Athletics Centre, Tumbi Umbi
What to wear: Students are to wear house colours
Volunteering: Parents are invited to volunteer as an official for the carnival.
Please contact Mr Andrew McGillivray if you can help – amcgillivray@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
GPCC Secondary Swimming Carnival
Congratulations to all our students that participated in our Secondary Swimming Carnival on Friday 24 February.
|
GPCC AGE CHAMPIONS |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
|
12 Years Girls |
Kauai C |
Gia N |
Ayla G |
|
12 Years Boys |
Macauley D |
Luca W |
Charles R |
|
13 Years Girls |
Amy W |
Anna-Lucia R |
Alyssa C |
|
13 Years Boys |
Jason P |
Zac S |
Alex S |
|
14 Years Girls |
Ava P |
Ariella N |
Emily B |
|
14 Years Boys |
Benjamin T |
Baylin C |
Mitchell R |
|
15 Years Girls |
Felicity R |
Rebecca H |
Matilda L |
|
15 Years Boys |
Tyson S |
Caleb S |
Thomas G |
|
16 Years Girls |
Olivia E |
Olivia P |
Savannah D |
|
16 Years Boys |
Caleb N |
Joshua R |
William R |
|
17 Years Girls |
Zara L |
Sienna P |
Jessica H |
|
17 Years Boys |
Zachary S |
Wade B |
Owen P |
|
18-21 Years Girls |
Angelique A |
Claire H |
Kanela D |
|
18-21 Years Boys |
Adam A |
Logan L |
Justin K |
Alex H (Year 7) - Surf State Championships
Congratulations to Alex H (Year 7) who was top 10 in the State in all her events in the Surf State Championships over a 3 day competition.
Day 1 Friday: 2nd Board Rescue.
Day 2 Saturday: 3rd Board Relay.
Day 3 Sunday: Finals day. Alex got through to the finals in all her individual events so end results were as follows:
Surf Race - finishing 6th out of 109 starters
Board Race - finishing 9th out of 111 starters
Ironperson - finishing 9th out of 44 starters
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 13 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
Premier’s Reading Challenge
The PRC is open. All students K-7 should have their login details and information. Students who are new to Green Point will get new login details and then we will merge their previous account to keep their PRC tally. Please note there are a few rule changes including.
- Students can now read 10 personal choice books
- Up to 5 books from the same PRC approved series can be included
This makes it easier than ever to complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Any questions can be directed to librarystaff@gpcc.nsw.edu.au and one of our wonderful library staff will get back to you with logins or ‘how to’ advice.
Students in K-2 will complete the PRC during library lessons in the first two terms. Our Teacher Librarians will go into other classes and they are available in the library at any time to help. Happy reading everyone!
Makerspace- Term 1
On Tuesday 7 March and Thursday 9 March we will be exploring electricity in the library. Students are welcome to come along and build basic circuits with library staff. Equipment will be out at recess for 3-6 students and lunchtime for K-2 students. This will be a fun STEM learning activity for Primary students.
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.
GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church
Our motto is “Equipped for Life”
- Property Manager (full time) commencing mid Term 2 2023 https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/property-manager
- Human Resources Coordinator - Permanent 4-5 days per week https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/human-resources-coordinator
- Finance Officer - Permanent Full Time https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/finance-officer
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.
Congratulations to our Staff Member of the Week, Mrs Amber Erasmus from our HSIE Department.
Amber was instrumental (along with Justine Collins) in leading the girls through devotions each morning, took the girls for walks, sorted out and averted any relationship issues, cooked for the masses, washed clothes, made sure they had sunscreen on and were suitably dressed, prepared all manner of things that were helpful for the trip and basically played mum to 15 girls over a week.
Amber also put in a significant amount of extra work setting up the Aboriginal Studies subject for Years 11/12, doing research reading widely, speaking with people and preparing the program.
She also initiated and organised the day program for GPCC Aboriginal students in 2022 which is also being planned for this year. She is a active member of our Reconciliation Committee.
Amber is a valued member of our Green Point Christian College community.
The Fathering Project – Father & Son Sports Evening
Our new Sports Court is opening this month so we are gathering our Father’s and Son’s for our first Fathering Project event for 2023.
We will do some fun games together on the new Sports Courts and Oval, share in a BBQ dinner, and hear a few words of encouragement on being good sports.
For catering purposes please book free tickets for any adults and children attending.
Date: Thursday 30 March 2023
Time: 6:00pm - 7:15pm
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/father-son-sports-evening-tickets-568895199857
GPCC OSHC Provider - Camp Australia
Uniform Shop
2023 Uniform Shop Trading hours
UNIFORM SHOP CHANGE IN TRADING HOURS
From Monday 6 March the Alinta Uniform Shop trading hours at GPCC are changing to now open from 8:00am on Monday, Thursday and Friday.
This is in response to requests from families for an earlier opening to allow purchases before school start time, and before parents need to start their workday.
Note that the closing time will be 10.30am on these days, and the shop is still operating one afternoon a week being Wednesday 1.30pm to 4.00pm.
Monday: 8:00am - 10:30am
Wednesday: 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 10:30am
Friday: 8:00am - 10:30am
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
River Convention
Please contact Mr Andrew McGillivray at amcgillivray@gpcc.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions.
Central Coast Sydney Swans Super AFL Clinic
Niagara Park Ourimbah Dockers Junior AFL Club
COME TRY AFL Pre-Season Training - Tuesday 7th & 14th March at Willari Ave Reserve, Narara (opp Narara Valley Precinct Playground) from 4pm.
Our SEASON LAUNCH (and COME TRY event) will be held from 10am - 2pm on Sunday 19th March at Lisarow Sporting Precinct (The Ridgeway, Lisarow). There will the opportunity to learn some AFL skills, compete in a COLOUR RUN and generally have lots of fun! There will also be a sausage sizzle running for purchase.
Further details can be found on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/niagaraparkdockers
Newcastle Esports Cup 2023
The Australian Esports League is hosting the Newcastle Esports Cup 2023 this 11-12th March at Central Leagues Club Charlestown.
The event will feature video game tournaments open to all ages and skill levels with popular games Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Rocket League and Mario Kart 8 running over Saturday. Plus for Sunday we will have a High School tournament for students to meet like-minded youth in the region, showcase their talent and participate in competition for the title of the Newcastle Esports champion of 2023.
Further details can be found at: https://www.ael.org.au/newcastle
Lemon Grove Netball Day
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 March
Year 12 - Compass Student Leadership Conference Camp - Canberra
Tuesday 7 March
Secondary Photo Day (8:45am - 1:00pm)
Sibling Photo afternoon (1:20pm - 3:00pm) in CAPA5
Year 12 - Compass Student Leadership Conference Camp - Canberra
Year 12 UAC Talk
Year 7 Meet the Teacher Evening
Primary - National Young Leaders Day
Wednesday 8 March
Year 11 - 12 Texstyle Exhibit Excursion
Thursday 9 March
CSSA Primary State Swimming Twilight event
Friday 10 March
CSSA 16&U Boys Football Trials for CIS
Year 9 Geography fieldwork excursion - Mr Hook
CIS Years 5 and 6 Boys/girls Basketball trials
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 13 March
THACCCSA Zone Secondary Touch Football Gala Day
ICS Primary Girls Soccer Trials (Years 5 and 6)
K - 6 Bus Safety Talks
Tuesday 14 March
Kindergarten Information Session (9.30am - 10.30am) Library
Wednesday 15 March
NAPLAN - Years 3, 5 7 and 9
Thursday 16 March
GPCC Secondary Athletics Carnival
Friday 17 March
CSSA Secondary Open Girls Football Trials for CIS
Primary Open Girls/Boys Football Trials for CIS
Primary National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence 2023
Tuesday 28 March
Secondary CSSA State Swimming - Homebush
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