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This week we explore the concept of being socially engaged, the last of our graduate profile elements. Some explanation is required to prevent students from thinking this is about having lot of parties and time with friends!
Our core purpose calls us to develop students who are engaged in redemptive action in the world. This means they will have a desire to engage socially and for the good of others. We are not designed to be selfishly individualistic, only looking out for our own interests and not for others. In fact, the balanced view of the Scriptures is that while we need to care for ourselves, we must also look out for others. If there is a clash of needs, Scripture would lean towards putting others ahead of ourselves (Philippians 2:1-11). Jesus’ example is the one we are called to follow. He expended himself on serving the demanding crowds of his day and did so, not looking for reward from them, but simply living out of his own character. Ultimately, He gave his life for his enemy.
If each of us takes the view that we need to be doing things to help others, then all will be helped. We want a generation of students who see opportunities to use their abilities, their gifts and their education to be a blessing to others. We would all agree that it is more blessed to give that to receive but we mostly prefer the receiving.
Our materialistic and individualistic culture calls us to do only those things that benefit us. It teaches us not to get involved with others unless we see a direct benefit for ourselves. Yet, humanity is full of examples of selflessness; how powerful and life-changing it is when someone chooses to do something for others even at their own risk and expense.
The challenge is to deal with our inherently selfish nature and become other-centred. Only a life transformation can accomplish this, but this is what we want for our students. As they discover the value of a living relationship with God through Jesus, they will begin to desire to engage in society in redemptive ways and to bring healing and wholeness where there is brokenness. This is what can transform a society: when a group of people engage in the issues of the day with a view to bringing wholeness and restoration to each situation.
Recent studies have shown the drop off in volunteerism in our society. We want our students to be willing volunteers in doing good for others. At Secondary assembly recently, we honoured Cooper, a student who volunteers weekly and in the school holidays at a soup kitchen in Woy Woy. This is what we want our graduates to be known for: selflessly serving others in a range of ways that brings them blessing and benefit and helps to restore hurt and brokenness.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Year 3 Fibre Arts Incursion
Year 3 had a fantastic time with Clare, (the wool lady) during our Fibre Arts Shed incursion. We learnt about the production of wool from the sheep to yarn. We got our hands dirty washing the lanolin and dirt off raw wool, we looked at the small metal brush used for carding, helped to spin the roving into yarn and even got to use a loom to do some weaving.
Mrs Kylie Bourke
Students in Years 4, 5 and 6 who have registered for Wakakirri will be allocated their section of the routine in the next week. Students will then only be required to attend the rehearsals as per the schedule and their allocated parts.
Rehearsals are each Thursday morning at 7:45am in the CAPA Theatre. Please ensure your child is on time each week as they learn the new parts of our amazing routine.
Choir Incursion – Tuesday 28 March
Our Primary School Choir is invited to attend a Choral Workshop run by the Australian School of Performing Arts and held at our school. This is an opportunity to work with some of Australia’s most experienced and dynamic choral conductors. The workshop is tailored to our specific setting and is designed to enhance skills and to assist in motivating students to achieve exciting results.
Sustainability Week
Next week our year six student leaders are leading 'Sustainability Week' this is a student led initiative where students are focusing on limiting the soft plastics that we use at school and eventually end up in land fill. To participate in this program all you have to do is consider - “Does it need a wrapper?” Pack food for your children that does not require a plastic wrapper. Some ways to do this include using reusable containers, wax wraps, paper wraps that are compostable or bring fruit and vegetables. Have a discussion with your family about how you can limit your sort plastics and switch to 'Nood Food'.
On Friday 31 March students can wear a coloured t-shirt to school, the same colour as their favourite fruit or vegetable.
Sienna A; KDL, Richie R; KK,Benjamin M; KS, Caden T; 1C,Harrison T; 1G, Artley S; 2G,Javier G; 2J, James S; 2PS,Fletcher T; 3B, Kitt N; 3D,Maeve H; 4D, Lisa J; 4M,Lachlan H; 4RM, Liam O; 5L,Jacob R; 5P, Sophie C; 6B,Noah W; 6SH, Lani G; 6S.
Vegetable Week and The Big Vegie Crunch
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.
Mother's Day Breakfast
Mr Steve Lobsey | Head of Secondary
This weekend we have an election. There is a Premier who is in power and someone else who would like to take his position away from him.
In all four Gospels we hear Pontius Pilate ask Jesus “Are you the King of the Jews?”
It was not likely that Pilate was asking Jesus if he was the promised Messiah. He would have been more concerned if a leader was rising up amongst the Jewish people who could lead a revolution against the Romans.
Jesus, of course, was not that type of leader. He did not come to seize power on earth. He came with a much greater purpose. As the Prince of Peace, He came to make peace between man and God by removing the barrier created by our sin. The cost of this was very great – Jesus had to pay with His life and so the model of leadership was nothing like Pilate had seen. Jesus came to serve us and we pray our leaders will have the same approach in their roles.
We have been looking at Jesus as King in Life this term and each week our students have been hearing from different guest speakers on 'Why Jesus is their King'.
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
Worship was beautifully led by some of our Secondary teachers this week. Thanks to Ms Lauren Pal, Mr Jon Oppel, Mrs Kerrie Rochford, Mr James Leonard, Mr Colin Muir, Mr Michael Samild, Mr Graham Crawford and Mr Daniel Witanowski.
Charlotte Jorgenson GPBC Ministry Apprentice (GPCC Graduate 2016) and GPBC Pastor Will Richards spoke about why 'Jesus is their King'.
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.
Chess Club
Chess Club is on Friday lunchtimes in B1. Come along for a game. Beginners to experienced players welcomed. Mr Wright
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about the 2022 Australian Jobs Report, the UTS Co-op Bachelor of Accounting program, (click here to view powerpoint presentation), a resource for UCAT preparation, Job Jump summary of University early entry programs (download below), UAC Year 12 Conference webinar, two Computing Science events at UTS, a reminder for CSU Medicine Information Night, opportunity for a 1 unit Visual Arts course with the National Art School, Police recruitment Information session, Professional Cadetship information (for Year 12 students), Free Online HSC Lectures, and commonly asked interview questions.
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
CIS Swimming Carnival
On Wednesday 22 March, we had 10 swimmers from GPCC represent CSSA at the CIS Swimming Carnival at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. What a wonderful opportunity our swimmers had to again compete at such a wonderful venue against other Independent schools.
We had some excellent results with both relay teams swimming well and many students making finals in their event. To even make CIS is a wonderful accomplishment.
CIS Team: Grace B, Sophie C, Lucy E, Madelyn G, Hamish L, Penny L, Reef M, Moses P, Levi S and Andrew S.
Congratulations to all the boys and girls on a competitive day of swimming and to Reef M for making the CIS team to compete at PSSA for the 50m Backstroke. What an amazing achievement from Reef who swam two personal bests in the heat and then the final to qualify.
Important Date Change
Please be aware that the K-2 Athletics Carnival will now be held on Wednesday 30 August.
Australian MTB Interschools 2023 Comp
Please read the Secondary sport report below to read about Erik N (Year 6) in the Australian Mountain Bike Interschool competition at Thredbo. Congratulations Erik.
Parent Helpers - Carnivals
We are looking forward to our upcoming sporting events for our Primary students.
Can you Help?
We would love some volunteer helpers to assist with the following events:
Cross Country 5 April 2023 - Held onsite at GPCC. (Still need 4-5 helpers)
Primary Athletics - 28 April 2023 Mingara Athletics.
Any parents/carers who are assisting on the day must have a valid Working With Children Check (WWC). A volunteer WWC is suitable.
Please provide your name, date of birth, WWC number to Mr McSwan smcswan@gpcc.nsw.edu.au , along with which event you are available to help with.
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.
Mountain Biking Opportunities
Please see below a link for some Mountain Biking events coming up. All the relevant info can be found on this website 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/
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:
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
GPCC Secondary Athletics Carnival
Last Thursday 16 March the Secondary School travelled to Mingara Regional Athletics track for our annual Athletics Carnival.
There was great anticipation and a large number for students ready for a great day of competition.
But, quite quickly we realised that this would be the hottest athletics carnival day in living memory!
Students were fantastic in the way they participated, cheered their friends and their House.
There were many student helpers for Mrs Lumby and her team delivering food and water around the track to teachers and students to keep them hydrated.
At the end of the day, after all scores were tallied,the scoreboard read:
Ha’apai Hurricanes - 922
Taloa Warriors - 997
Eua Eagles - 1057
Vava’u Breakers - 1091
Congratulations to Mr Yule and all the Vava’u Breakers!
GPCC Secondary Athletics Age Champions are listed below:
|
|
1st Place |
2nd Place |
3rd Place |
|
12 & U Boys |
Xavier B M |
Luca W |
Macauley D |
|
13yrs Boys |
Chase C |
Jason P |
Michael O-K Joseph W |
|
14yrs Boys |
Samuel M |
Benjamin T |
Zade M |
|
15yrs Boys |
Tyson S |
Jonathon L |
Kaden L |
|
16yrs Boys |
Clinton F |
Mason R |
Joshua v d W Damian S |
|
17yrs Boys |
MaCabe S |
Noah T |
Travis G |
|
18-21yrs Boys |
Logan L |
Jaydan W-B |
Elliott W |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12 & U Girls |
Alex H |
Indi-Rose H |
Jeanie W |
|
13yrs Girls |
Bonnie H |
Quinn L |
Amy W |
|
14yrs Girls |
Bronte M Ariella N |
|
Sienna F |
|
15yrs Girls |
Felicity R |
Scarlett S |
Siena D C |
|
16yrs Girls |
Alyssa M |
Annika L |
Tanika M Kaylah G |
|
17yrs Girls |
Ondine W |
Laura R |
Gemma B |
|
18-21yrs Girls |
Eloise H |
Eloise S |
Brydie C |
|
|
|
|
|
Schools Nationals Triathlon
Wade B (Year 12) competed in the School Nationals Triathlon in Tasmania recently.
He did very well and came 14th in the Senior Boys individual race and came 3rdplace in the All-Age Mixed relay as a part of a NSW team. Well done to Wade.
Australian MTB Interschools 2023 Comp
Four intrepid Secondary school boys and one Primary Year 6 boy (and their rather trepidatious parents), made the long journey into the mountains at Thredbo resort to attend the Australian Mountain Bike Interschool competition.
Not for the faint-hearted, the tracks near Mount Kosciuszko feature fast, rocky downhills. These tracks require determination, skill and most importantly - courage!
The boys braved treacherous riding conditions - it was cold, wet, slippery and windy in the mountains. This is after all the highest point of Australia!
The schedule of events was frequently changed to suit the changing weather conditions and this did not dampen their spirits.
Each individual did their absolute best and held nothing back. We were so proud of how committed they were to their craft of mountain biking and in awe of their total dedication to fitness and the honing of their riding technique.
It was pretty inspiring for us as parents to observe this next generation of young adults performing at their best.
Congratulations to these boys from Year 8: Ryder S, Blake L, Jai B, Grant W and Erik N (Year 6)
Douglas Wallace (GPCC parent)
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 a link for some Mountain Biking events coming up. All the relevant info can be found on this website 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/
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.
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: 5:30pm - 6:45pm
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/father-son-sports-evening-tickets-568895199857
Carolyn continually goes above and beyond for the students and their families, more than her standard role.
She represents a great community connection by ensuring she knows the students and families well and takes a genuine interest in their physical and emotional wellbeing. She is a great guide for stuents during challengng times. Whilst juggling a VERY busy sick bay, she continues to offer help and support to all staff being flexible and encouraging.
Carolyn is truly a great asset to the admin team.
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
GPCC Second Hand Uniform Stall
Our Second Hand Uniform stall will be open on Wednesday 29 March at 2:00pm - 3:00pm in A Block.
Rotary plant donation
A big thank you to Rotary who donated some Native plants to Green Point. The plants were purchased with a grant and presented to the Tjudibaring AECG for delivery to member schools. We are planning a bush garden and we will use these plants for this purpose. Our Agriculture student Noah T has planted them in the greenhouse for safekeeping.
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
GPCC OSHC Provider - Camp Australia
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
PCYC - Umina Beach School Holiday Activities
Holliday Chess Tournament
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
Monday 27 March
Secondary CIS Open Cricket Trials
Incursion Year 10 Elevate Education - Year 10
Primary CRU Fit Training Day
Vegetable Week and The Big Vegie Crunch (27-31 March)
Tuesday 28 March
Secondary CSSA Swimming Championships
Secondary CIS Open Cricket Trials
Primary Choir Workshop
Primary CRU - Jason Todd visiting CRU at lunchtime
Wednesday 29 March
Year 12 Macquarie Uni Speaker
Kariong Bulgandry Aboriginal Excursion
Years 9 & 10 Music Excursion
Thursday 30 March
Years 9 - 12 (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
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 3 April
CSSA Primary Girls Netball Trials
CIS Primary Boys AFL Trials
Tuesday 4 April
Year 11, 12 Texstyle Exhibition - Gallery 76
Year 10 Excursion - Careers Exhibition
Years 7 - 10 Parent/Teacher Interviews from 4:00pm
Wednesday 5 April
Yer 10 Geography Fieldwork Excursion to Wamberal and Terrigal Beach
Primary NSWPSSA Swimming Championships
Primary Cross Country
Chapel Easter Service (K - Year 12)
Thursday 6 April
Last Day of Term 1
Primary NSWPSSA Swimming Championships
Term 2, 2023
Wednesday, 26 April
Students return for start of Term 2
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
Click on: TERM DATES 2024