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Today as I write this, our secondary students are running the cross-country on a new course set up on our site. It has been great to see a good number of students entered but I always find it disappointing that the percentage of those who enter such events is always so low.
Being part of a community means entering community events, even the ones we don’t shine at or particularly like, for the sake of engaging and belonging. I hope that as we continue to work with our students at GPCC we will see increased participation in such events.
On the other hand, the turnout for our Mothers’ Day breakfast event was wonderful. Thank you to all those who took time to turn up and join in. A great example to the children. We have another Fathering Project event coming up on 30 May and I encourage dads to make the time to come along and learn more about good fathering so that you can better fulfill your responsibility.
As a school we are looking at the area of wellbeing and engagement in classwork and have developed an approach to this that we will launch this term. The research shows that wellbeing and engagement work together. If someone is in a good space, they will be more open to engaging and when a person engages in an activity, it tends to help their sense of wellbeing. We have increasing numbers of students who suffer from anxiety and depression, and this often leads to school refusal and therefore lack of academic progress.
The reasons for young people feeling this way are complex and not readily resolved but at GPCC we are determined to do what we can to help. Being of school age should be a period of optimism and excitement. Too often now it is filled with anxiety, fear and sadness for many children. I encourage you as parents to look at what you are doing that might inadvertently be fuelling this. Do you encourage times without social media use, do you have regular family dinners together to just talk and offer support, do you allow your child to take some risks to develop risk awareness and discernment, do you spend time doing things with your child and simply encouraging them when they fail at something. There are many small things we can do to help our children grow up with a positive sense of themselves.
We all know that there are many aspects of modern society that are leading to the lack of wellbeing amongst young people but as parents and teachers, we have opportunity to counteract those and set a different example. This is a great area to partner in so that at both home and school, children feel supported and encouraged. Church is another place where children and young people can feel a sense of belonging and of being loved by older people. Sunday schools and youth groups are great environments to help young people socialise and learn together in a safe and caring environment.
Remember that if you are struggling with parenting or are unsure what to do with a child or teenage who is not coping well, we are happy to walk alongside you and to offer our support and help.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Friendship
Over the next few weeks we are focusing our chapel services on the theme of friendship. This week Mr Cantor reminded students of what a good friend is and does and how we can model the attributes of being a good friend by following the example of Jesus. Friendships at school are dynamic and fluid. They can have conflict and often need compromise. One thing that remains consistent is that being a friend is always valuable. It says to another – ‘I see you, I believe in you and I appreciate you’ Everyone can be a friend to someone.
School arrival 8:15 am
At GPCC duty of care is very important. Teachers are on duty from 8:15 am each morning and as a result no students should be in the playground before this time. If you need to drop your child at school before 8:15 am please register them for Before school care with CAMP AUSTRALIA.
Mother’s Day Breakfast
This morning over 300 women gathered as we celebrated and honoured them for the love they have shared and the impact they have had on our lives. Pastries, fruit, coffee and scones were consumed and families gathered around our balloon installation to capture the happy memories.
Later in the day students shopped for special gifts to spoil their mums and grandmothers at the mothers day stall put on by our amazing grade parents. Thank you to Mrs Milsom, and all of our grade parents for the amazing work you have done in pulling this celebration together.
Unfortunately we can't put a photo of every amazing mother figure that turned up today, but here's a snapshot of our beautiful families, our team of helpers, and our celebration this morning.
Year 6 off to Canberra
Early on Tuesday our Year 6 students will head off on a 4 day education tour of the national capital. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
Athletics Carnival
Last Friday our Primary students were blessed with a stunning day in which they took to the track to demonstrate their athletic prowess. Many student pushed themselves, achieving personal bests and trying events they had not experienced before. The day was a wonderful success and great thanks goes to Mr Mc Swan and the army of parent helpers who timed races, gave out ribbons and raked sand pits.
See the Sports section for some photos from the day.
Winter Uniform
Students may begin to wear the winter uniform from Monday 15 May. This is the first Monday after Mother’s Day. During the winter months, trousers are no longer compulsory for winter uniform and boys have been given the choice to wear shorts if the weather is suitable. During terms 2 and 3, our hat policy in Primary is relaxed and students are not required to wear their hats our into the playground as the UV level is below 3. Girls may continue to wear the Skort throughout winter and can wear black stocking/tights underneath for warmth.
A reminder that the soft-shell jacket is for sale in the uniform shop and is an excellent source for warmth as an outer garment. If students are cold, they can wear the red jumper under the soft-shell jacket. Students are not permitted to wear hoodies or jumpers other that what is described in the policy.
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. Please make sure your child's bus details are up to date on Parent Lounge.
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.
Wondersoft Bread Recycling Rewards Program
Please remember to fill your empty bread bags with other bread bags and bring them into school. Bags can then be dropped into the large PINK boxes outside Mrs Reynolds room (L1) or near the Kindergarten rooms. More bags means more sports equipment for our school!
More information: https://wonder.com.au/wonder-recycling-rewards
Mr Steve Lobsey | Head of Secondary
Life Long Learners
One of the 5 elements of our Graduate Profile is that we would like to help students to be life-long learners. Sometimes, students feel that ‘learning’ is a thing they will do at school and then it will end. As adults, we know the importance of and the need for continuous learning throughout our lives.
As teachers, we would like to model this to our students. In order to maintain their ability to teach in NSW schools, all of our teachers need to do 100 hours of Professional Development every 5 years. As a part of this, our Director of Teacher Development, Mrs Fordyce, sets up a professional learning plan with each staff member to help ensure their hours are not only met, but are useful in helping in areas where both the staff member and the school would benefit.
Another part of us demonstrating that we are life-long learners will begin this term as we start doing learning walks. This is when a group of 2-3 teachers will visit some classrooms to observe the learning that is happening and then reflect on what they saw. This will allow teachers to learn from each other and reflect on their own teaching – ultimately it will help us to continue improving our practise in a way which benefits the learning of the students at GPCC.
TAS International Cooking Incursion
This week Year 8 and Year 11 TAS students had the opportunity to be part of an International Cooking Incursion.
Updating Bus Details
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. Please make sure your child's bus details are up to date on Parent Lounge.
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.
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 some of last year’s Year 12 students, University of Newcastle webinars, being a Christian in your chosen profession seminar, Year 10 Career profiling quiz, occupation videos, Avondale University early admission program, AVCAT Scholarships, NESA minimum standards tests, activating your NESA Students Online account, careers in Government, upcoming Careers Expos (see General News section).
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
Primary Athletics Carnival
Last Friday we held our Primary Athletics Carnival at Mingara Athletics Centre. We had beautiful weather and were able to get through all of the required track and field events.
In my 17 years at GPCC I don’t think I have ever seen so many students attend and compete in activities throughout the day. We had many students from Year 2 join us as well as some from YVCS. It really was encouraging to see so many children participate.
An event like this could not happen without the parent and student helpers, House Captains, teachers and other staff members that all go above and beyond to complete their jobs before and during the carnival.
It was wonderful to see the students run and jump during events as well as hearing cheering from the crowd to encourage each competitor. Congratulations to all the students for doing their best and we now look forward to taking a strong team to Zone in early August.
Stay tuned for Age Champions, Zone squad and winning House results which will be published in a few weeks’ time.
Thank you to the amazing teachers, parents, House Captains and student helpers for your assistance in making the day a great success.
Best Chant: BREAKERS
Cleanest House area: EAGLES
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.
CSSA and CIS Sport trial dates TERM 2:
Tuesday 30 May
CIS Girls Rugby 7's Trials (Year 5 and 6 only)
Nominations close 23 May
Thursday 1 June
CSSA State Gymnastics (Year 5 and 6 only)
Competitors must be levelled and are required to have an accredited gymnastics coach from their club attend for the day
Nominations close 18 May
Wednesday 14 June
CIS Boys Rugby Union Trials (Year 5 and 6 only)
Nominations close 7 June
Dates for your Calendar
School Carnivals
Wednesday 30 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
CIS Swimming Championships
On Monday 1st May and Tuesday 2nd May, 14 GPCC students travelled down to Sydney to take part in the CIS swimming championships. All the students swam with determination against some very tough competition, and we had several top 10 finishes which is fantastic at this level.
A special congratulations to Alex H in Year 7 who competed in 4 individual events and placed 4th in three of them and 6th in the remaining event. An amazing effort at her first Secondary CIS.
Congratulations to the following swimmers who placed in the Top 10:
Alex H:
12yrs 50m Freestyle - 4th (29.85 seconds)
12yrs 50m Butterfly - 4th (31.79 seconds)
12yrs 50m Backstroke - 4th (35.52 seconds)
12yrs 100m Freestyle - 6th (1.06.10 seconds)
Rebecca H:
15/16yrs 200m Backstroke - 10th (2.44.03 seconds)
Felicity R:
15yrs 50m Butterfly - 7th (31.83 seconds)
15yrs 50m Backstroke - 7th (33.93 seconds)
Isabelle R:
13yrs 50m Breastroke - 7th (40.09 seconds)
Zac S:
17yrs+ 200m Butterfly - 10th. (2.46.23 seconds)
Our relay teams worked hard together to represent the school proudly and placed as follows:
Boys 15-16yrs 4 x 50m Medley relay - 15th
Boys 12-19 6 x 50m Freestyle relay - 12th
A big thank you to the parents who drove all the way to Sydney for their children to compete and to support the team.
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.
Scholastic Book Club
Issue 3 magazines have arrived for Scholastic book club with an updated format, and they are back to a booklet style brochure. Parents can order online LOGIN (scholastic.com.au) until Wednesday 10 May.
National Simultaneous Storytime
On Wednesday 24 May, students from Kindergarten- Year 2 and YVCS will meet in the CAPA theatre at 10am to enjoy National Simultaneous Storytime. Over a million students across Australia and New Zealand will be reading ‘The Speedy Sloth’ by Rebecca Young. We will be getting active with Spike the sloth and enjoying reading about his ‘can do’ attitude. We are looking forward to this great time together.
GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church
Our motto is “Equipped for Life”
Finance Officer (Full Time) - Green Point Christian College GPCC | Finance Officer
Casual Teacher (Primary) - Green Point Christian College GPCC | CASUAL TEACHERS (PRIMARY SCHOOL)
Casual Teacher (Secondary) - Green Point Christian College GPCC | CASUAL TEACHERS (SECONDARY…
Matt is always willing to assist with creating solutions for TASSweb and IT issues. He is patient in his approach, generous with his time, and goes above and beyond to create helpful step by step videos to refer back to. What a guy!
Special Event for Fathers - The Impact & Importance of Fatherhood
Tuesday 30 May from 7.15pm
Have you registered for this great event yet?
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
Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat is coming to Gosford
Wednesday 12 July - Laycock St Theatre, Gosford
Looking for something fun to do in the July School Holidays with the family? Get down to Laycock St Theatre for a fun-filled production of Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat.
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
RYSS One 3 One Youth Hub
RYSS One 3 One Youth Hub is dedicated to helping improve the lives of vulnerable young people and families by supporting their well-being, mental health, resilience, and employability for individuals living on the Central Coast. A place for community engagement while also allowing RYSS and partnering services to better connect with young people through early intervention strategies.
To find out more or see what services are available, please click here.
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.
CPSARA Connect - Multisport Social Day for People with a Disability
FREE EVENT
When: Sunday 23rd July 2023 - 12.00pm to 4.00pm
Where: Niagara Park Stadium, Niagara Park
Who: All ages, all abilities, all disabilities, all sporting and recreational levels of experience
On the Day:
- Try adaptive sports on offer on the Central Coast including Football (Soccer), Wheelchair Basketball, Boccia, Pickleball, Yoga and Circus!
- Meet and greet with local Paralympians, Pararoos and Para Matildas including:
Dual Summer and Winter Paralympian and Para Matilda, Rae Anderson PLY
Para Matilda Tahlia Blanshard
Pararoo Jeremy Boyce.
CPSARA will provide a light lunch to all attendees and carers on the day.
Want to help?
You can participate as an athlete and join in, although if you would like to help, we would love to have you as an on the day volunteer!
For more information, please email Rae Anderson PLY at secretary@cpsara.org.au
This event is proudly facilitated by CPSARA with the support of our valued community, Disability Sports Australia and Central Coast Council.
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
Services: 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, 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
Years 9 and 10 Art Trip to Brewarrina (8-10 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
Years 9 and 10 Art Trip to Brewarrina (8-10 May)
CSSA Volleyball Secondary GD 15&U Mixed 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
Dates for your Calendar
Tuesday 16 May
HACCCSA Zone Secondary Netball Gala
Year 10 Incursion - National Careers Institute (NCI) - Year 10 Workshop
Chess Tournament
Wednesday 17 May
Secondary 15&U Boys Rugby League Trials
Thursday 18 May
Years 7-9 - Junior Schools Cup AFL (Central Coast Regional Sporting Complex, Tuggerah)
Years 11 & 12 Excursion - Model United Nations Assembly
Friday 19 May
Primary (Years 3-6) - Soccer/Fytsal Game (St Phillips)
TERM DATES 2023
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 - Wednesday, 6 December
Click on: TERM DATES 2024