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As we continue our exploration of the GPCC graduate profile, we look this week at what it means to be a life-long learner.
Given the complexity of the Creation and of human beings, it is not surprising that there is an almost infinite amount of knowledge to be gained from their study. In Western culture, we have somehow fallen into the false thinking that, because of our formalised approach to learning and the granting of qualifications, we can almost stop learning once we have achieved a qualification.
We serve a God who is infinite in complexity, and He has created a world of incredible variety, filled with details to be discovered and understood. A lifetime of study still only gives us a small measure of understanding of any aspect of creation. Our lives should be a journey of discovery as we explore the material creation and seek to understand humankind itself, including ourselves.
This can be a daunting prospect at times, but we need to help students see it also as an exciting and rewarding challenge. We must model to them the importance of continuous learning as the means to a flourishing life, as it opens more opportunities for us to try different things and use our gifts and abilities more effectively.
The Apostle Paul writing to the Colossians said, “… live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work or growing in the knowledge of God.” This is an instruction with no time limit on it. We are expected to grow in knowledge throughout our life. Knowledge of God is gained as much through general revelation (the study of creation and humankind) as it is through the study of the Scriptures.
At GPCC we hope that our students gain knowledge in two key areas to equip them for life. Firstly, we hope they gain an understanding of God – who He is, what he has done and why we need to be in relationship with him. This area focuses on the spiritual aspect of our lives but also impacts how we might approach the physical, relational, and intellectual aspects. We gain knowledge of God through the Scriptures but also through our study of the creation. Saint Paul wrote: “…what may be known about God is plain to them, (all people) because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made…” (Romans 1:18 – 20).
Education involves the study of the world around us, the people in the world, including ourselves, as well as of God and his purposes for humankind. This is important if we are to produce graduates who are well set up to live the life God intended for them. This is a life-long enterprise. It has little to do with a formal qualification, although those are useful but it is about their proper formation as human beings.
At school, we want students not just to learn facts, i.e, knowledge about the world or God or ourselves but to be able to really understand and appreciate that knowledge and then apply it for good purposes. This is how we live the wise life which God calls us to. I trust that what GPCC graduates walk away with from their time with us is an appreciation of what it means to be a quality learner, able to live life well.
Phillip Nash
Principal
“Do to Others”
“Do to others as you want them to do to you”. This was a phrase my mother often used when settling spats between my brother and I. However I believe this is also a positive phrase. Each week this term at Chapel, we have been learning about the different parts of the graduate profile and this week we focused on how can we be more socially engaged. Pastor Louise from Green Point Baptist Church encouraged our students to look for ways to SERVE one another. This can be as simple as letting another person have a turn before you, doing a task before being asked, offering to assist with a job that isn’t yours, and a simple act of kindness for another. As a family this week take time to acknowledge or prompt your child’s servant heart as we teach our children how to be more socially engaged.
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
NAPLAN
NAPLAN continues for our student in Years 3, and 5 this week.
These assessments do not tell us everything there is to know about a student. They do not indicate that a student has improved on something that they found difficult or that they demonstrate perseverance and grit when completing a difficult task. They don’t indicate a student’s social and emotional capabilities, that they are caring, reliable, courageous or organized, thoughtful and dependable. They do not capture the fact that amongst our student body we have singers, public speakers, students who excel in sport, debating, IT and art because they are only testing certain attributes of each of our students.
Our students like all other students across our nation are created by God as unique, and complex individuals made in His image. Their attributes can not be captured by an assessment such as NAPLAN. I am proud of the way our students apply themselves this past week to the rigor of this testing but I am even more proud to see them shine and excel in all the other areas of their learning and development.
Wakakirri - Rehearsals have begun
Students in Years 4, 5 and 6 who have registered have now begun the journey of rehearsals each Thursday morning @ 7:45 am in the CAPA Theatre. Please ensure your child is on time each week as they learn the new parts of our amazing routine.
Student of the Week Awards
Congratulations to the following students:
Armani P; KDL, Tahrima M; KK,Aria V; KS, Clara M; 1C,Liam C; 1G, ; ,Myla M; 2G, Tara J; 2J,Jacob H; 2PS, Anthony A; 3B,Mahli Y; 3D, Lucy G; 4D,Micah H; 4M, Avalon R; 4RM,Olivia B; 5L, Bonnie W; 5P,Xavier W; 6B, Emily M; 6SH,Isla L; 6S.
Vegetable Week and The Big Vegie Crunch
Only a few more weeks left for Vegetable Week and The Big Vegie Crunch! The Big Vegie Crunch will be held at 10:00am on Thursday 30 March.
Our school will be joining hundreds of schools across NSW to break the record for the most students crunching vegetables simultaneously.
But we need your help to make it a success!
On Thursday 30 March, please pack your child a container of vegetables (not fruit this time) for them to crunch on.
For more information on Vegetable week and The Big Vegie Crunch click on this link.
Mothers' Day Breakfast
Mr Steve Lobsey | Head of Secondary
"Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labour:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Some draft horses can pull loads of 3,000kg. For weights bigger than that, two horses need to be yoked together. So how much could two horses together pull? The answer should be 6,000kg, right? In fact, together they can pull 9,000kg or more – three times as much as one horse could pull.
This is a great lesson in teamwork, where two working together can achieve more than two working alone. In the education of students, it is important for teachers and parents to be working together. This way, more can be achieved than teachers and parents working in isolation. Although differences sometimes arise, the aim of both groups is the same – parents want the best for their children and teachers want the best for their students.
Having study and homework routines at home is important for student success, so that work done at school is being revised, practised and studied at home. This needs to begin in Years 7 and 8 so that good study habits are developed. In the coming weeks, as part of this partnership, we will have Parent Teacher Interviews for Years 7-10 and I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to find more specific information on what should be done at home for each subject.
I’m thankful to all of our parents for their continued support.
Years 7-10 Parent Student Teacher Interviews
Interviews for Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 students with their parent/carers are being held Tuesday 4 April from 4:00pm until 8:30pm. Students are encouraged to attend these interviews with parents.
Bookings will open online (in Parent Lounge) on Tuesday 28 March 2023 at 9:00am and will close on Monday 3 April at 4:00pm.
You may 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 Booking Parent Teacher Interviews in Parent Lounge video once you have accessed your account. (Found 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.
Secondary LIFE
Years 7-9 were in the MPC and enjoyed a Junior Chapel, featuring a band of Years 7-9 students. Year 9 students, Micah R and Bella T did a fantastic job as MCs, interviewing ex- School Captain, Jordan Leonard who graduated in 2018. Jordan talked about some of his high school struggles and shared about his job as a Youth Pastor at Impact Church, Erina.
Mrs Gavin then shared on the topic of ‘It is ok to say no.’ Students were encouraged to consider that they will need to say no to things in life that may be harmful to them. She encouraged them to be like the wise man who built his house on the rock and not like the foolish man who built on sand. Students were shown the dangers of vaping and will receive a flyer from NSW Health on vaping next week in their Year Meetings.
Years 10-12 Boys
The issue of consent is an important one and it is something we need the boys at GPCC to be aware of. Our Director of Teacher Development, Mrs Fiona Fordyce, worked as a criminal defence lawyer before becoming a teacher and we were blessed to be able to draw on her extensive knowledge in the area. She was able to inform the boys of situations where consent is and is not present, as well as some of the punishments for people involved in non-consensual activities. The boys also learned that attempts at inappropriate actions are treated by the law the same way as actual actions; and facilitating or encouraging someone to engage in a non-consensual activity leads to the same punishment as the perpetrators, which is often time in jail. Our heart in this talk was to inform the boys of the seriousness of this issue and assist them in decision making. Mr Steve Lobsey
By Eden W (Year 12)
School Musical
The School Musical is coming. Vocal auditions will be held in Weeks 8 and 9, with dance/character auditions to follow. We are currently awaiting notice of approval from the license holder, but we can tell you, it will be the last week in Term 2: June 28-30. And it should be a bit of fun. Students can see the CAPA noticeboard for further details.
Year 9 Geography Fieldwork
On Friday of Week 6, students in Year 9 Geography put on their walking shoes and engaged in fieldwork, exploring urban places and spaces in central Sydney.
Beginning with a walk across the Harbour Bridge in the Sydney sunshine, staff then led students on a tour of Barangaroo where they learned about the characteristics, liveability and sustainability of urban places.
A big thanks to Mr Hook, Mrs Tuanga, Mr Hall and Mrs Erasmus for leading this valuable learning opportunity.
Chess Club
Chess Club is on Friday lunchtimes in B1. Come along for a game. Beginners to experienced players welcomed. Mr Wright
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.
If parents are having difficulties they now have a direct number (0487357245) for them to call and receive assistance.
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 resources from the National Careers Institute such as the School Leavers Information Kit and the Parents and guardians guide, webinars with University of Newcastle, CSU Medicine Information Night, Nursing and Nursing scholarships, interactive ICT Career wheel, and QANTAS opportunities.
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
Red Bus Safety Talks
This week we had Gumnuts from Red Bus come and talk to the students in Primary School about how to be safe on and around buses. Gumnuts was able to talk about expected behaviour while waiting for, travelling on and leaving the bus. He was also able to answer some questions about Opal cards and was very engaging and informative.
CSSA Basketball Trials
Last Friday we had six talented girls from Year 6, Lily D, Mia V, Jessica W, Jiya M, Danni H and Mia D attend the CSSA trials for the CIS Senior Girls Basketball team in Castle Hill. The girls were put through their paces with some court drill sessions and matches and then some were selected for the Possibles vs Probables team. All the girls did such an amazing job and gained valuable experience from attending the trial. A huge special mention goes to Mia D who was selected for the CIS team. What a wonderful achievement!
CSSA State Swimming Carnival
Last Thursday 9 March GPCC was well represented at the CSSA State Swimming Carnival by 16 strong swimmers at the Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre. This venue holds a lot of swimming memories for our nation and provided each or our swimmers with unforgettable memories of their own. All swimmers performed very well and can be proud of their effort.
Due to our strong performances GPCC has one of the largest contingents from CSSA attending the CIS carnival next week.
A special mention for Reef M who won the Under 12 Boys Age Champion at the carnival.Well done Reef!
Congratulations boys and girls on a wonderful evening of competitive swimming.
Important Date Change
Please be aware that the K-2 Athletics Carnival will now be held on Wednesday 30 August.
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
Wednesday 26 April - CIS Primary (Year 5 and 6) Boys and Girls Touch Football Trials (select students)- Nominations close 6 April
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 30 August (NEW DATE) GPCC K-2 Athletics Carnival (GPCC grounds)
Friday 20 October - GPCC K-2 Swimming Carnival (Peninsula Leisure Centre)
Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
Netball Tryouts
Junior and Senior girls’ netball tryouts Monday Week 8 in the MPC at lunch. See Ms Raeside in Maths for more details.
U16 Football Trials
Well done to the 5 boys (Kaden L, Gabriel I, Ryan B, Zachary J, and Harry I) from GPCC that tried out for the CSSA U16 Football team.
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.
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.
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
Scholastic Book Club
Issue 2 magazines have gone home for Scholastic book club. Parents can order online LOGIN until Wednesday 22 March. Vouchers earned through parent book purchases go towards buying popular reading books for the Primary library.
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.
Secondary Easter borrowing Competition
Secondary students who have borrowed seven or more books this term will go into the draw to win one of five Easter bunnies. Students have until Wednesday 4 April to add books to their count to go into the draw.
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
- 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 Nathan Lambert, Year 5 teacher.
Nathan has been a pivotal member of staff around THACCCSA carnivals. Last week, he was the chief timekeeper at the Primary Zone swimming carnival. Keeping time, standing for the duration of the carnival, denying offers of coffee/drinks or even a break from his role.
Nathan is an outstanding example of the staff profile to both the GPCC and THACCCSA 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
Parent Lounge
Reminder to all parents to regularly view the Parent Lounge portal for:
- Progressive Reporting feedback from teachers (Secondary)
- Upcoming assessment tasks due dates and details (Secondary)
- Homework
- Pastoral Care
- Extra Curricular
- Curricular Activities Due
- Events and Payments
- Absences
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
Erina Junior Rugby League Football Club
River Convention
Please contact Mr Andrew McGillivray at amcgillivray@gpcc.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions.
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 March
UTS Talk to Year 12 students
Wednesday 22 March
CIS Primary Swimming - Homebush
Year 3 Incursion - Woolen mill and fibre Incursion
Thursday 23 March
Secondary Individual Triathlon
Friday 24 March
Secondary Teams Triathalon
Year 7 Vaccination Clinc and catch-ups
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 27 March
Secondary CIS Open Cricket Trials
Incursion Year 10 Elevate Education - Year 10
Tuesday 28 March
Secondary CSSA Swimming
Secondary CIS Open Cricket Trials
Primary Choir Workshop
Primary CRU - Jason Todd visiting CRU at lunchtime
Wednesday 29 March
Year 12 Macquarie Uni Speaker
Thursday 30 March
Years 9 - 11 (selected students) Clean4shore Excursion
CIS Primary Boys Foottball Championships
Year 2 Excursion Henry Kendall Cottage - West Gosford
Friday 31 March
CSSA Secondary State Touch Football Trials
Year 7 Incursion - Brainstorm Productions
CIS Primary Boys Soccer Championships
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