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This week around the world, Christians will be remembering the death and celebrating the resurrection of Christ. It is the most significant of the Christian festivals. At GPCC we hold a whole school assembly to remember and celebrate this event. Sadly, given our current numbers, we cannot invite you as parents to attend as we cannot fit any more people in our MPC.
For most people in Australia, Easter is now the post summer break before the cold of autumn and winter sets in and is holiday and easter egg time. Many people will attend church on Good Friday or Easter Sunday but increasingly it is simply a welcome break from the routine of work.
As Australia moves further away from its Christian cultural foundations and becomes increasingly secular, Easter seems a strange thing to celebrate. The whole notion of someone dying and rising again seems scientifically impossible and increasingly irrelevant. While many would still acknowledge Jesus Christ as a good person or a moral teacher, few understand his status as the Son of God.
For Christians, we accept the Biblical account of the creation of the world, the fall of humankind into disobedience to God and the subsequent damage done to human nature and indeed the whole of creation. The story of the Bible is the account of God at work restoring humanity and pointing us back to what he intended us to be.
A holy and perfect God will not tolerate unholiness, which is what sin (disobedience) is. Judgement must occur for those who disobey especially given that they have disobeyed the very one who brought them into being. The story however is not so much of a God of judgement but a God who wants to restore relationship with his creation and to make a way for judgement to be satisfied but grace and mercy to be extended. God himself comes to earth, lives a life that demonstrates what being truly human looks like and then goes to the cross to take the punishment for all the sins of humankind. He satisfies the need for judgement. But it does not stop there.
Being God, he can overcome death and does so by rising from the dead, appearing to over 500 eye-witnesses, and announces that new life and a restored relationship with God is now possible through his actions. What we must do is admit our guilt, accept Jesus’ sacrifice for us and invite God’s spirit into our lives to transform us.
This is what Christians celebrate at Easter. I trust you too will take time this Easter break to reflect with your family on what God has done for us.
Phillip Nash
Principal
This week our students focused their thinking on the food that they put into their bodies. We know that the more fresh fruit and vegetables we eat, the more nutrients we are placing in our bodies that benefit our brains and our growing bodies.
Our students in K-2 were challenged to 'Eat the Rainbow', try something new was the aim. We are proud of their courage and enthusiasm in this space.
Sustainability Week
This wonderful initiative was brought about by the enthusiasm of our school Captain Xavier W and prefect Monty C. Both of these students expressed a heart to increase the awareness of sustainability practices across the student body. They wrote and performed a ‘mini musical’ at Chapel, created a week of focus on reducing our soft plastics across the Primary school and encouraged us all to think about ways we can be better stewards of the world that we have been given. Thank you boys and Primary student leaders – outstanding work.
Year 2 Excursion
The Year 2 students experienced a step back in time on their excursion to Henry Kendall Cottage and Historical Museum. The teachers, parents and students got into the spirit of the times by dressing up in old fashioned clothes. We enjoyed some old-time games, explored the museum full of fascinating artefacts, learnt about the different kinds of work done in the old slab shed and visited the amazing old cottage where Henry Kendall, a famous Australian Poet, once lived. We were very grateful for beautiful weather, spacious grounds to play and the opportunity to learn about life in the past.
Primary Choir Choral Workshop
This week the Primary School Choir developed their choral singing skills with the wonderful leader from the Australian Performing Arts School. The choir sang, buzzed, hummed and moved to further enhance students listening and performing skills.
CRU Fit Training Day
CRU FIT is a training day for Year 5 and 6 CRU Leaders. It provides an amazing opportunity for our young leaders to grow in their knowledge of Jesus whilst learning practical skills of following and serving Him. On Monday 27 March we took 19 students to Newcastle. They were involved in playing games, Prayer, and learning how to go about reading Gods Word, the Bible . Students met others from Maitland Christian College and St. Philips Christian College, Waratah. It was a really fun morning that I’m sure the students enjoyed and will use some of the helpful tips back at school.
Mrs Corinna Reynolds
CRU News
Our special visitor, Jason Todd, from CRU came to visit this week. We heard what Easter is really about – Jesus’ death on the cross to give us LIFE with Him forever. The great news is that Jesus rose from the grave, conquered death and is now Lord of all.
Lots of fun with many students then completing an Easter Hunt, answering questions from our term about the story of Jonah. The first correct winner was Elise C who received a large Easter Egg as her prize. Congratulations!
All who participated enjoyed a small egg for their effort.
Cru runs every Tuesday lunchtime for Years 3 – 6.
Wakakirri - Rehersals
Students have now been allocated their section of the routine and are only be required to attend the rehearsals as per the schedule and their allocated parts. Schedules and roles have been emailed out to parents. Some students do have dual roles so please keep an eye on the schedule. If you have questions about the rehearsal schedule please email Mrs McKeown RMcKeown@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
When dropping students up at the CAPA Theatre please do no drive up the road beside the MPC and encourage students to walk on the path as there are staff arriving in the mornings. Rehearsals are each Thursday morning at 7:45am in the CAPA Theatre.
Wondersoft Bread Recycling Rewards Program
This year GPCC Primary are keen to save soft plastics from ending up in landfill. One way we can do this as a school is to embark on the Wonder Recycling Rewards Project. This is a fun and easy program for Aussie Schools to recycle bread and wrap bags that might otherwise go to landfill. In return,schools earn rewards to redeem on new Sports equipment for their efforts.
How can we help? It’s very simple –over the next term families can fill a bread bag with other bread bags, and then bring it into school. Bags can then be dropped into the large PINK boxes outside Mrs Reynolds room (L1) and another Box, near the Kindergarten rooms. The full boxes are , then taken to Australia Post for Recycling. We collect points that then turn into Sports Equipment for our Primary School. This initiative will run all next term. More information about the program can be found here: https://wonder.com.au/wonder-recycling-rewards
So, let’s start collecting.
Year 6 Science Incursion
On Friday 24 March, Scientist Jacob Strickling visited our school to give the students an amazing hands-on science experience. Year 6 students spent a day looking at what’s in a chemistry set, exploring heat and friction, observing the solubility of salt and sugar, , exploring the nine forms of energy and investigated how heat affects objects through a volcanic eruption.
It was a memorable day and we all learnt so much. Thank you Mr Strickling for visiting our school.
Kingston W; KDL, Kalla K; KK,Isla B; KS, Havana Y; 1C,Gabriella V; 1G, Madison K; 2G,Dominic Z; 2J, Eric H; 2PS,Bram N; 3B, Cliff R; 3D,Adam T; 4D, Zachary G; 4M,Harper H; 4RM, Piper L; 5L,Willow H; 5P, Esme B; 6B,Chloe M; 6SH, Tobias S; 6S.
Mother's Day Breakfast
Mr Steve Lobsey | Head of Secondary
As I come to the end of my first term at GPCC, I have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve in this new role and for the warm welcome I have received from staff, students and parents. I cannot name all of the individuals but I am especially thankful to Gretchen Taylor, my PA, who has helped me to be organised and to keep my head above water through this very busy time where I have had to learn a great deal.
As we head into the holidays, it is important to remember why these holidays exist, which is also why this school exists. As we celebrate Easter, we remember the most significant time in history - the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. This is what I am most thankful for and so the coming holidays will be a time I use to reflect on what Jesus did for me on the cross.
Prior to becoming a Christian, I had heard the story of Jesus. In Mark 15, people say to Him “come down from the cross and save yourself!” and “Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” I always wondered, if Jesus was who He said He was, why didn’t He just come down from the cross and prove it to them? It wasn’t until becoming a Christian that I understood that Jesus could have done that but He chose not to. He chose to die instead because that was the only way to save us. He is our saviour because He died in our place, sacrificing His life for ours, so that we can have eternal life. Coming down from the cross would have done a great deal for Jesus’ reputation but He was willing to give that up, as well as His life, to serve us instead.
I pray that you could spend some time in reflection on the significance of this as you have a break over Easter.
Updating Bus Details on Parent Lounge
It is very helpful for the college to know which bus your child catches to and/or from school. This information can assist staff know where students are and is especially helpful in an emergency.
The one-minute video below shows you how to add or update bus details.
Please log into Parent Lounge, go to the Student Details menu, then click on Transport – Busways/Red Bus, then Update icon and select bus numbers from the drop-down menu and Submit Changes.
Camp Rock the Musical is coming
Term 2 Week 10, GPCC will be presenting 'Camp Rock the Musical'. We are currently auditioning dancers and actor/singers, and there may be some ensemble who are yet to come and have a sing. Due to the late reply with a license, we are on a tight schedule, so will be informing cast next week (hopefully) about rehearsals etc. Tuesday and Thursday afternoons will be rehearsal times, probably 3.30pm-5:00pm. Band and ensemble will rehearse Thursday afternoons, and dance will be Tuesdays and one other lunchtime a week. We still need more fellas to audition, please. Watch for an email coming before the end of term.
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 upcoming Year 10 Careers Expo excursion, UAC opens for University applications on 5 April, Careers website called ‘myfuture’, news from various Universities, Army Open Day, information about the Educational Access Scheme, Equity scholarships and the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) – see the General News section, videos about a variety of apprenticeships, and careers in sports.
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
House Sport Competition
We have managed to hold 3 weeks of House Sport which involves students in Years 3-6 competing for their House in either Ultimate Frisbee/International Handball, Indoor Soccer, Basketball or Continuous Cricket during Friday Sport time. Next term students will change the sport they will be competing in. It has been wonderful to see the improvement in skill and participation over this period.
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.
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 and 2:
Wednesday 26 April - CIS Primary (Year 5 and 6) Boys and Girls Touch Football Trials (select students)- Nominations close 6 April
Monday 8 May - CIS Primary (Year 5 and 6) Boys and Girls Hockey Trials (select students)- Nominations close 1 May
Monday 8 May - CIS Primary (Year 5 and 6) Boys Rugby League Trials (select students)- Nominations close 1 May
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
CSSA Secondary Swimming Championships
On Tuesday 28th March, 26 Secondary students travelled to Sydney to take part in the CSSA swimming championships.
All our swimmers represented the school proudly and swam hard against some tough competition.
A very special congratulations to Alex H in Year 7. Alex was named as the 12yr. Girl Age Champion and broke two long standing CSSA records for 50m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly. A fantastic achievement.
Congratulations also to the following students and relays that placed in the top three to progress to CIS swimming championships in Sydney:
Angelique A. 17&0 Girls
100m Freestyle - 2nd
50m Freestyle - 2nd
200m IM - 2nd
Alex H. 12 Girls
50m Freestyle - 1st
50m Butterfly - 1st
50m Backstroke - 2nd
50m Breastroke - 3rd
100m Freestyle - 1st
Felicity R. 15 Girls
50m Butterfly - 2nd
50m Backstroke - 2nd
Isabelle R. 13 Girls
50m Breastroke - 1st
Jason P. 13 Boys
50m Breastroke - 2nd
Boys 12-19 6x 50 Super Relay 3rd
Boys 15-16 4 x 50 Medley Relay 3rd
Finally, a big thank you to all the parents who travelled down to Sydney to support our students.
NSW Junior State Swimming Championships
Congratulations to Alex H (Year 7) who swan in the NSW Junior State Championships last weekend. Alex had 7 individual swims plus 2 relays.
Her results for her individual swims were: 6 top 10 placings, 3 PB times recorded.
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. Our winners are announced on Wednesday 5 April.
Holiday Reading
Students have access to our digital library resources at home over the holidays. Wheelers, World book & Story box library are our main book options. Access is from school devices or on your home device signing into the student portal using the student’s school username and password. If you are interested in accessing these options over the holidays, please have a try this week so we can problem solve any access issues before the end of term on Thursday. An image of the library homepage is below and more information about Wheelers.
Wheelers eBooks
Students in Years 5-12 have access to thousands of eBooks 24/7 with Wheelers. Students can access books from the library homepage or download the app onto their device- phone, tablet, iPad, laptop. Internet connection is needed to download the book onto the device but not to read the book once downloaded. Students can change the size of font and background colour to make reading easier. There is now a new read to me option for all books on this platform.
Demonstrating Godly character (Philippians 5:22)- Cornel always has an upbeat and motivated outlook. She serves the students and staff in reception and the back window both pleasantly and joyfully.
Faithfulness (Matthew 25:21) – Cornel shines for Jesus on a daily basis.
Selflessness (Philippians 2:1-4) – Cornel completes any task required and even works back until she is finished.
Seeking excellence (1 Corinthians 10:31) – Cornel is highly driven and seeks perfection in all she puts her hand to. She is an outstanding member of the admin team and always provides a marvellous first impression for guests to the school.
The Fathering Project Father & Son Sports Evening
This last week The Fathering Project were able to host this terms event on the newly completed Sports Courts.
A big thank you to Mr Hedges, Mr McGillivray and Mr Partridge from our PDHPE Department who kindly gave up their time to come and run some games for us.
Thanks also to Mr Nash, Mr Gibbons and Mr Ashley-Binge cooked up a great BBQ for the dads and students.
Mr Nash welcomed everyone to our first official out of school hours event on the new courts, after which Mr McGillivray shared a short talk on ‘being good sports’.
The Fathering Project has been adopted here at GPCC with the goal of improving student wellbeing by engaging fathers and father figures.
This is achieved through termly events to support fathers in their role, and the hosting of a dedicated GPCC dads portal.
Please see details below for our Term 2 event on Tuesday 30 May where Geoff Brailey from McCrindle Research will be presenting on The Impact and Importance of Fatherhood.
Note this is a father and father-figures only event.
The Impact & Importance of Fatherhood
Tuesday 30 May from 7.15pm
The Fathering Project at Green Point Christian College are excited to host Geoff Brailey from McCrindle Research who will provide us with insights and encouragement about the impact and importance of fatherhood in Australia.
Geoff’s presentation will be followed by a short Question & Answer session.
This event is for fathers and father figures of Green Point Christian College and Yattalunga Valley Christian School students. However, our College/School fathers are welcome to invite a friend.
For hosting purposes please register your ticket(s) to attend.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-impact-importance-of-fatherhood-tickets-570194225277
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
Go4Fun
Go4Fun is a FREE 10-week healthy wellbeing program for children aged 7 to 13 to enjoy along with their families. Please contact 1800 780 900.
Run by top trained health professionals, it’s a fun way for kids to build self-esteem and learn about eating well, staying active and living a healthy life.
Term 2 2023 programs will take place at:
Kincumber Indoor Sports Centre Tuesdays 4:00–6:00pm, starting 2nd May
Gosford Olympic Pool, Wednesdays 4–6pm, starting 26th April (Aboriginal Program for everyone run by Bungree)
? Lake Haven Recreation Centre, Thursdays 4–6pm, starting 27th April
To register, visit go4fun.com.au or call 1800 780 900.
PCYC - Umina Beach School Holiday Activities
Coast Shelter Youth Week Events - Open Mic Competition
As part of Youth Week 2023, Coast Shelter is hosting a free event for young people across the Central Coast.
The theme of Youth Week this year is to ‘Connect, Participate and Celebrate’, as such, we are hosting an Open Mic Competition, along with some other incredible stallholders & prizes that help celebrate the talent of young people on the Central Coast. Our local radio station, will be promoting and covering the event – and we are looking at a great turn out on the day!
Event Details: Thursday 20th April
The Hive @ Erina Fair - 3pm – 7pm
Enter the open mic competition: click here
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
Usual Services: 9:30am Worship Service, 6:00pm Service
Services continue to be available online each week.
Easter Services:
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 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
Year 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
Dates for your Calendar
Term 2, 2023
Wednesday, 26 April
Students return for start of Term 2
CIS Primary Girls/Boys Touch Trials
Thursday, 27 April
Year 10 Incursion - Central Coast Group Training Talk (Careers)
Friday, 28 April
Secondary CIS Boys and Girls 15 & U Open Touch Championships
GPCC Primary Athletics Carnival - Mingara
Monday, 1 May
Seconday CIS Swimming Championships
Tuesday, 2 May
Secondary CIS Swimming Championships
Thursday, 4 May
Secondary AICES 16&U/Open Rugby Union Trials
Secondary CIS Open Girls Basketball
Secondary CIS 15&U AFL Trials - girls and boys
Friday, 5 May
Years 8 and 11 French International Cooking Incursion
Primary Mother's Day Breakfast
Monday, 8 May
Secondary CIS Open Boys Basketball
Years 9 and 10 Art Trip to Brewarrina (8-10 May)
CIS Primary Rugby League Trials
CIS Primary Girls/Boys Hockey Trials
Tuesday, 9 May
Year 9 Excursion to Australian Maritime Museum
Year 12 Uni of Newcastle Talk
Year 6 Canberra Excursion (9 May - 12 May)
Wednesday, 10 May
CSSA Volleyball Secondary GD 15&U Mixes and Boys
Secondary 18&U Boys Rugby League Trials
Year 6 Canberra Excursion
Thursday, 11 May
CSSA Volleyball GD 15&U Mixed and Girls
Secondary U15 Girls Netball Trials
Year 6 Canberra Excursion
Friday, 12 May
Year 6 Canberra Excursion
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