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I am writing this from Brewarrina Christian School, 750 kilometres from GPCC in north-west NSW. I am here for the official opening of Brewarrina Christian School which commenced operation on 7 February. This has been an initiative of GPCC working with the Melos Foundation, our umbrella group, to serve the needs of families in the Brewarrina Shire.
The school commenced with 14 students from Years 3 – 8 on the 1200 acre site of a school that closed in 2018. With another property under renovation in town to serve Kindy to Year 2, the school will grow over the coming years and eventually open boarding facilities as well.
This story is one common to the foundation of most Christian schools in Australia and around the world. GPCC began with 17 students in the Sunday School rooms of Green Point Baptist Church and now hosts 1140 students in its own purpose-built facilities. Christian parents, desiring a different approach to education than that being offered in the public system, opted to place their children in these small and untested institutions. Today there are hundreds of such schools throughout Australia and it is the fastest growing part of the independent school sector.
But the journey for these schools has not always been easy and once again we face a growing threat to what we do. We were founded on the idea of Christian teachers and staff working in a Christian educational community to deliver an education that guides students to understand what a Biblical Christian worldview is like. This meant being able to select only those employees who held faith beliefs in line with the schools and to remove them if they decided to abandon that faith. In the social and political climates of decades ago, this was accepted and understood. Diversity and tolerance held different meanings. We could agree to disagree and do it with respect and grace.
Today, there is growing antagonism to those who will not accept certain views. Intolerance of those who hold differing beliefs is growing and Christian schools are under the spotlight with lobbyists demanding we lose the ability to employee only those who hold and practice our beliefs. Not being able to do this removes the very foundation upon which our schools operate. We are pushing back against this and lobbying governments at state and federal level to allow us to continue to be who we are.
You can support this, if you desire your school to continue to be what it is – a Christian school. Our national association – Christian Schools Australia, has set up a website that contains information on this issue and links to help you express your views on the matter. I encourage you to explore https://mychristianschool.au and do your part to protect what we have worked at GPCC for 40 years to build.
In all this we are not seeking something we don’t want of others – the right to practise our religion and express that in all of life, including in education - a right we used to take for granted in a liberal democracy.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Kiss and Drop 3
Our aim is to provide drop off and pick up arrangements for all students and families that are convenient and safe. When using these areas it is important that parents not exit their car as this holds up the flow of traffic. Remember to have the childrens bags in the car with you and ensure that all students enter and exit the vehicle curb side.
Please note the information links on our website around using the kiss and drop areas safely. Traffic Management Plan and Visitor Parking Video
Student Representative CouncilSRC 2023 have made a great start to the year. Classes from 1-6 have conducted a class meeting and put forward ideas to improve our school. Our capable Councillors have created an agenda and we are holding our first Representative meeting Wednesday week 7 to vote for the best idea to take to Mrs Smith to petition for action. We look forward to working as a team to make a positive impact on our school.
Mrs Pearson and Mrs Peterson
2023 SRC Class representatives
|
Class |
Rep |
Rep |
|
1C |
Ivy H |
Havana Y-B |
|
1G |
Cleo M |
Jasper V |
|
2PS |
Vivienne H |
Aston P |
|
2G |
Lucia E |
Archer H |
|
2J |
Tara J |
Jacob H |
|
3D |
Bodhi P |
Piper J |
|
3B |
Meisha Y |
Vaaris M |
|
4RM |
Cruz H |
Siena E |
|
4M |
Bella L |
Eli H |
|
4D |
Henry H |
Poppy A |
|
5L |
Piper L |
Orlando G |
|
5P |
Cooper C |
Ruben D |
|
6MS |
Ayva C |
Luke L |
|
6B |
Emlyn C-D |
Jiya M |
|
6S |
Isla J |
Irene N |
|
Councillors
|
Bella H Madeline A Allegra N |
Esme B Ellie M Archimedes D Zeke H (Chair) |
National Young Leaders Day - Darling Harbour
On Tuesday 7 March, the Year 6 student leaders along with Mrs de Lore and Mr Cantor joined 5000 other students from across NSW in attending the National Young Leaders Day held at the International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour.
The day was jam packed full of exciting experiences for our student leaders. Each session included one or two speakers, question times, short videos, learning exercises, student involvement, music and student interaction. The speakers on the day included, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (RETD), Caitlin Bassett – Ex Australian Diamonds Captain, Hazzeem Hussain – Comedian and Chris Green – Sydney Thunder Captain, and Dr Jordan Nyugen – Bio Medical Engineer.
Some of the key points that leaders shared with the students were, listen as leaders, be humble as leaders, work hard as leaders, serve others as leaders, and use your creativity as leaders.
As you can see from the photos, the students were thrilled to attend the day and learn what it means to be a leader. We look forward to seeing our students put the lessons they learnt on the day into practice within GPCC and their personal lives.
Many thanks to parents who dropped their children off at Gosford station by 6:30am and to Mrs de Lore for her willingness to attend the day and take photos for the students.
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 4, 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.
Advancedlife Photography
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.
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.
Student of the Week Awards
Congratulations to the following students:
Olivia M; KDL, Joshua K; KK,Lucas G; KS, Cass G; 1C,Jasper V; 1G, ; ,Tiago P; 2G, Leane E; 2J,Max T; 2PS, Lilah E; 3B,Flynn M; 3D, Poppy A; 4D,Luka M; 4M, Max F; 4RM,Andries D; 5L, Andrew S; 5P,Avery H; 6B, Hamish L; 6SH,Kaelah B; 6S.
Mr Steve Lobsey | Head of Secondary
We have just entered the second half of Term 1. In sport, half time is a time to reflect on how things have been going. What is working well and what needs to be improved? How can we address the challenges we are facing? What things need to be changed in the second half?
This is a good time for students to do the same. It is a good time to evaluate how they are going in areas such as classwork, homework, friendships, assessments and uniform. Students should be aware of their strengths in these areas and look to build on them. Areas in which they are finding things challenging may require a new approach, which might be a specific action (developing a study timetable) or a more general one (being more organised).
For our Year 12 students, a different half time is approaching. In 4 weeks, they will be completing their second term of Year 12 and will only have two more terms of classes. Addressing concerns in the areas of study, revision, time management and examination technique is becoming more urgent.
In all of these areas, the Equip teachers are a wonderful resource. Students also have access to Year Advisors and counsellors. Many issues can be addressed by the student themselves, but they are part of a community who is willing to help them reach their full potential.
Alumni Nicola Olyslagers (nee McDermott)
This week in High School Chapel, we were privileged to hear from Ex-Student Nicola Olyslagers (nee McDermott) who graduated in 2014. Nicola is an Olympian, having won silver in the High Jump event in Tokyo, clearing a height of 2.02m. Nicola is passionate about her faith in Jesus and runs Bible studies and prayer meetings for fellow athletes at international events. She encouraged our students to find their identity in Jesus and not in what they do, which will enable them to deal with the disappointments of life. Nicola is humble and a fine example of our graduate profile. Nicola is competing in the Sydney Track Classic this Saturday and is then travelling to Europe to begin her journey towards competing in the Paris Olympics in 2024. Nicola, we are so proud of you!
Compass Student Leadership Conference
Our School Captains and Vice Captains attended the four day Compass Student Leadership Conference in Canberra. 150 student leaders from Christian schools around Australia gathered to immerse themselves in the Biblical story, to deepen their theological knowledge, and to consider how this shapes their understanding of servant leadership. What a great opportunity for our school leaders to be encouraged and challenged in their own faith and in their leadership journey.
Year 9 Visual Arts Excursion
Year 9 Visual Arts students creatively explored ways to represent the landscape at beautiful Pearl Beach and the surrounding bushland today. Students used various materials and techniques and made a strong start to a new unit of work on the landscape. We look forward to travelling to Brewarrina next term as we explore the Australian outback landscape, which will differ greatly from the familiar coastal landscape.
Advancedlife Photography
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.
If your student/s missed out on Secondary photo day, please email jcollins@gpcc.nsw.edu.au if you wish for your student/s to be included in this absentee afternoon for either portrait photo, sibling photo or both.
NSW School Vaccination Program - Reminder
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 the upcoming Year 10 Careers Expo excursion, the UAC presentation to Year 12, a MedEntry workshop, an updated list of TAFE YES courses, Business and Tech cadetships, and information about studying Radiation Therapy at University of Newcastle.
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
Congratulations to the students below for an outstanding effort at our GPCC Swimming Time Trial.
Age Champions Primary Swimming Time Trial
|
|
1st Place |
2nd Place |
3rd Place |
|
GIRLS |
|
|
|
|
8yrs Girls |
Emily H |
Cleo M |
Mila B |
|
9yrs Girls |
Chloe L |
Taya K |
Samara W |
|
10yrs Girls |
Emily C |
Madelyn G |
Lucy G |
|
11yrs Girls |
Sophie C |
Phoebe N Evie N |
|
|
12yrs Girls |
Grace B |
Penny L |
Lucy E |
|
BOYS |
|
|
|
|
8yrs Boys |
Moses P |
Jackson R |
Levi D |
|
9yrs Boys |
Kyle M |
Bram N |
Cruz H |
|
10yrs Boys |
Ryan Y |
|
|
|
11yrs Boys |
Andrew S |
Harrison D Orlando G |
|
|
12yrs Boys |
Reef M |
Levi S |
Hamish L |
Winning House: Ha’apai Hurricanes
CSSA Soccer Trials
Last Friday Adam S from Year 6 travelled to Sydney to trial for the CSSA Soccer team. Adam had a great day showing off some of his soccer skills and competing against many other skilled soccer players. Adam enjoyed the experience playing a sport he loves and gained valuable experience. Well done Adam!
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.
- It is not uncommon for 50 or more students to trial for a team where there are limited spots. It is simply not possible to select all students, but we welcome anyone to try out.
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 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
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.
Transport: Students are asked to make their own way to and from the carnival. If you cannot make own arrangements, there will be a bus available to transport students from GPCC to Mingara. To ensure there is adequate transport, please advise asap if you require a place on the bus by accepting appropriate travel option in parent lounge event.
If a student does require transport on the bus, the first bus will depart at 8:30am (last departing at 8:50am) and return by 3:00pm.
If your child DOES require the bus, you MUST book a place by accepting the bus option when accepting the event on parent lounge.
We cannot transport any child by bus without parent consent.
Zone Secondary Swimming Carnival
The GPCC Zone Swimming team ventured to Peninsula Leisure Centre for the THACCCSA carnival on Wednesday 1 March.
All swimmers competed admirably and did their best and we came away winning the overall points shield.
Well done to all the team and below are the Zone Age Champions.
|
|
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
|
12 Years Girls |
Alex H |
|
|
|
12 Years Boys |
Macauley D |
|
Luca W |
|
13 Years Girls |
Isabelle R |
|
Amy W |
|
13 Years Boys |
Jason P |
|
Zac S |
|
14 Years Girls |
|
|
Bronte M |
|
15 Years Girls |
Felicity R |
|
Rebecca H |
|
16 Years Girls |
Olivia E |
|
|
|
16 Years Boys |
Caleb N |
|
|
|
17 Years Girls |
|
Zara L |
|
|
17 Years Boys |
|
Zachary S |
Owen P |
|
18-19 Years Girls |
Angelique A |
|
|
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 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
Primary School Library Monitors
Our enthusiastic Library Monitors from Years 5 and 6 attended a training session and have launched into their roles with much excitement.
This role requires commitment to attending for their roster and assisting with a variety of tasks once a week.
Tasks include shelvIng and tidying, helping with craft activities, assisting with games and activities, storytelling and providing support for the Premier’s Reading Challenge and other events held by the Library during the year.
Makerspace- Term 1
On Tuesday 7 March and Thursday 9 March we explored electricity in the library. Students built basic circuits with library staff.
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.
This week our Staff Member of the Week was awarded to Mr Jeff Ogden, Head of TAS in our Secondary School.
We thank Jeff for all the extra effort that he went to in ensuring that Year 7 camp ran smoothly, particulary during the meal times.
Congratulations Jeff, you are a valued member of our GPCC community.
The Fathering Project – Father & Son Sports Evening
Our new Sports Court is opening this month so we are gathering our Fathers and Sons 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
Little Coasties Carpark - Damaged Paving Repair on 16 March
There will be work commencing on the Thursday 16 March of the damaged pavers in the Little Coasties Carpark (in front of the stairs leading up to the Jacaranda Room). This will be conducted between 9:00am – 2.30pm.
The contractor will need access to the Little Coasties Car Park in front of the staircase in order for him to complete his repair and he has the equipment to cordon off the area. There will be no changes to the GPBC egress road during drop off time.
Uniform Shop
New 2023 Uniform Shop Trading hours
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.
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
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 13 March
THACCCSA Zone Secondary Touch Football Gala Day
CIS Primary Girls Soccer Trials (Years 5 and 6)
CIS Primary Girls Football Trials (Years 3,4,5,6)
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
Postponed Primary National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence 2023 - now Friday 18 August
Absentee photo afternoon: 1:00pm - 2:30pm in Green Point Baptist Church
Dates for your Calendar
Tuesday 21 March
UTS Talk to Year 12 students
Wednesday 22 March
CIS Primary Swimming - Homebush
Thursday 23 March
Secondary Individual Triathlon
Friday 24 March
Year 7 Vaccination Clinc and catch-ups
Tuesday 28 March
Secondary CSSA State Swimming - Homebush
We
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