We turn to the origins of humanity for a reason to develop creative and critical thinking abilities in students. Being made in God’s image, we expect that there lies in each of us a creative urge and a desire to make, to re-arrange, to construct; that there will be an aesthetic element to all we do. Theologians tell us that we actually co-create with God because He continues to be intricately involved in the operation of the universe and sustains it by His ongoing word of power (Hebrews 1:3).

Living in the 21^st century, we are being told of the vital importance of graduating students who can think critically and creatively. This stems from the increasing complexity and diversity of our society and is seen as essential to solving the many problems and issues that modern society has generated and highlighted – pollution, social injustice, inequality, pandemics etc. It also stems from the fact that we now live in a "global village", with travel and communication opening up and creating opportunities for people from all over the world to live, work and interact together in ways unimagined in previous centuries.

We all stand amazed at what humans can do, and this has often led people to the worship and exaltation of humanity rather than a recognition that our abilities stem from our connection to the Great Creator. The Cultural Mandate of Genesis 1 calls us to use the resources of the world to develop it and sustain it and to use them for humankind’s benefit. This will involve fixing the problems created by humanity’s misuse of resources, whilst also finding new and more effective ways to utilise the earth’s resources for the good of humanity.

We are also thinking beings who can imagine and reflect and make connections intellectually in ways that far exceed that of the animal kingdom. Our thinking is (of course) affected by the Fall, so we do not always think well or constructively. Nevertheless, we are designed for thinking and so need to hone this ability well.

Thinking critically means developing the ability to assess a situation or problem from various perspectives, to work out the implications of various solutions, proposals or ideas and to do so objectively, recognising our own biases and being able to identify those of others. It means coming to an appropriate solution and involves us thinking about our own thinking processes to ensure we are reaching a suitable solution or perspective.

Critical thinking is not about attacking the ideas of others or tearing others down. Instead, it is working to get to the truth of a thing, to establish our views or perspectives on reasonable grounds, and being open to our minds being changed and our thinking re-shaped as we discover new material and consider other perspectives. It also requires the skills to communicate logically, rationally and reasonably, avoiding defensiveness and pride whilst maintaining integrity and surety.

We want our students to be creative in all they do, being willing not only to try new things but to ensure that all they do is aesthetically pleasing. We want them to be quality thinkers who live wisely. Creative thinking allows students to bring new perspectives and unique ideas to complex problems; to confidently explore alternate solutions and to think laterally and innovatively.

Phillip Nash

Principal

Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary

This is a really strange time and I want to encourage our Secondary School parents that you are doing a great job. The start to Home Learning has been good, but it does raise questions about what it will look like in the long term. The reality of what is happening will change and develop in the weeks ahead and we are constantly reviewing and developing what we are doing at all levels of the Secondary School. For the time being things will remain as consistent as possible with what happens in a normal school day.

For our Year 12 students, the HSC is still going ahead.  They need to be focused and working towards that end goal. NESA has not said much more than that, but we will keep you informed as more details come in.

Thank you for your continued support.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need our help in anyway.

If you are wanting to apply for University study next year, some helpful information from UAC is included in this week’s Careers Newsletter. Note that applications open on 1 April … they are open for many months, but it is a good to apply before application fees rise after 30 September.  

For more details, please see the Careers Newsletter for Years 10 – 12 students and their parents or visit the “Student Careers” section under the News menu on the College website.

Mr David David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)

Counselling News ...

from Mr Jarel Kilgour | Counselling Co-ordinator

A few years ago, the suburb I lived in had a significant power outage that shut down the school I worked at for five days and my home was also without power.  There were challenging aspects to this; the very brief cold showers, the inability to keep food frozen and the inability to charge our phones.  

However, despite the challenges, we spent a lot of time being creative and connecting.  There were many hours of board games. There were many conversations sitting around in the dark at night with a candle on.  I played my guitar a lot, sitting in the dark of the house.  We made toasted sandwiches using a fry pan on the gas stove (that was still working).  Those times ended up being precious memories and we still speak about them and feel nostalgic.

This current situation with COVID-19 is confronting and challenging. There is uncertainty, fear and anxiety. During this time, wellbeing is the highest priority.  It is important to foster relationships and feelings of safety.  There is an opportunity to invest this time in a way that is meaningful, memorable and impactful.

Here are some ideas:

• Food
  • Learn to make bread together as a family (https://pinchofyum.com/no-knead-bread)
  • Get everyone to find a new recipe
• Show and Tell
  • Swap favourite music with your children
  • Swap favourite movies with your children
• Watch
  • Get your kids to pick a documentary each day to watch together
  • Old family videos
• Board Games
• Garden
  • Plan a herb garden (https://www.homestolove.com.au/how-to-grow-herbs-8930)
  • Start growing trees from fruit/vegetables (https://brightside.me/creativity-home/8-fruit-trees-you-can-grow-from-the-seeds-and-pits-of-your-own-fruit-498010/)
• Family exercise:
  • Set up an exercise rotation in the back yard/garage/house (https://www.activekids.com/parenting-and-family/articles/quick-backyard-workout-for-the-whole-family)
• Create:
  • A family bucket list
  • Encourage everyone to start a project
• Start a puzzle together as family
• Write letters or emails to family or friends

How will you look back on this time as a family?

An important reminder that school counselling is still available for students at home via Microsoft Teams. Students can email counsellors@gpcc.nsw.edu.au to make an appointment.

Finally, a great resource:

https://blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/default-source/factsheets/black-dog-institute_tips-to-manage-anxiety-during-times-of-uncertainty.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Library Resources

Our students have access to many digital resources.  Please consider the list below as we move away from physical resource access.  Our Digital Library is located on the school portal (replacing the intranet).

World Book

Thousands of interactive, non-fiction texts, for all levels and other free ebook access.

Wheelers ebooks

Fiction titles accessible for Years 5 - 12 students.  These titles are for personal reading, although some class texts are also on this site.  Books are downloaded onto student devices; phone, tablet, computer.  Students can access from the intranet or using the ePlatform by Wheelers app.  Books are automatically returned after two weeks.

Premier Reading Challenge

Students can access PRC on the portal.  Usernames and passwords were sent home in Week 6 if students want to log books they have read.  The PRC site will show students books that are approved for each stage.  If you need your username and password again please email nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au

Renaissance - Accelerated Reader

Years 5 and 6 students can continue to quiz between 9:00am - 4:00pm, on books they have read.  If students forget log in details, please email Mrs van Wyk.

Central Coast Libraries

As well, our Central Coast Libraries have a considerable amount of digital resources; magazines, ebooks and audio books. Please follow this link to find out more and consider becoming a member if you are not already.

https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries/elibrary

State Library of NSW

Senior Secondary students will find the online journals and curated collections from the State Library helpful for their studies.  They have already been encouraged to join using the link below.

https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/research-and-collections/get-library-card

Library Access

Families choosing the Home Learning option for their students are invited come to the Library to return and borrow books between 9:00am - 11:00am each week day.

All visitors will be asked to sanitise on entering the Library. Books returned each day will also be sanitised and held for 48 hours before returning to circulation as an extra safety measure.

If you have questions about the Library, Premier's Reading Challenge or borrowing please email nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.

Parent Lounge Details

The College has a legal requirement to keep our records up to date. 

Please review your details on the Parent Lounge to ensure that all your information is correct. This includes medical information on your child/children (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.

Thank you.

Prayer

We pray that “… the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.”  Ephesians 3:17-19 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Uniform Shop 

Green Point Baptist Church

In light of the current COVID-19 crisis, Green Point Baptist Church has suspended all regular church activities and has encouraged any church member who is not in a high risk category to find ways to serve the vulnerable in their community.  If you are in need of assistance, please contact the Church office on 4369 1585 or office@gpbc.net.au

GPBC has moved their services online:

SERVICE TIMES

Sundays

9:30am

6:00pm    

Zoom Meeting ID 784 249 7650

Thrive 

Thrive is on hold for now, but kids can join via Zoom from home each week.

Join the “Thrive Green Point 2020” facebook group for information.

Due to COVID-19 Coast Shelter have had to suspend dinners and are not allowing volunteers to enter.

Canteen

Operating Times

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday during the School term:

8:30am - 11:00am

(Closed Wednesdays)

Afternoons by appointment only.

Contact (02) 4367 9954

gpcc@alinta.com.au

Green Point Trader

FOR SALE  ** Great First Car**      2002 Toyota Corolla Conquest

One Owner, garaged, full service history, mechanically sound and reliable

12 months Registration

$6,500 NEG

For more information please contact Tania on 0408 488 599

If you would like to place an advertisement in the Green Point Trader, please email details to Marie Hay at newsletter@gpcc.nsw.edu.au