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You will notice that our purpose statement at GPCC does not specifically refer to academics and sometimes I get asked if academics is not important to us. Our statement reads: The Purpose of GPCC is to equip students for a life of redemptive action through a holistic education grounded in a Biblical perspective. Clearly, to be well equipped for life in all its fullness must involve a good level of academic skill especially in the increasingly complex world in which we now live.
At GPCC we take a holistic view of what it means to be human. We are not just working with brains on sticks but dealing with children and young people who are physical, emotional/social and spiritual as well as intellectual. Educators throughout the ages have often stressed the importance of a balanced life when it comes to intellectual growth i.e., the physical wellbeing of a person, their social emotional wellbeing and their spiritual wellbeing all contribute to their ability to learn well across a range of domains.
We have been working on all these areas at GPCC over the past few years and although much of the academic activity may not be apparent to you, be assured that we are focused on ensuring that our students have every opportunity to excel academically. It begins in Primary and over the past two years we have run training for teachers on enhancing their teaching of literacy and numeracy, the building blocks of so much of our learning. In Kindergarten we have introduced a play-based approach because research shows that children learn well when they can connect play with the more formal learning they are doing in class. Visiting Kindy now often leads to the offer of a coffee, or a pizza and the children delight in talking about the money and the process of making these things for you – pretend of course!
In Primary and Secondary we have instituted a professional learning framework for our teachers who are all engaged in a group focused on enhancing and improving their skills and the work they do with students in class. Every week, all teachers are engaged in learning activities to help them grow professionally as better teachers leads to better academic outcomes for students. Our Academic in Residence, Dr Martin Dowson, is working with teachers and senior classes on research skills and better approaches to study and revision to help students develop the skills and habits they need to be successful. We are developing better approaches to analysing data coming from external testing such as NAPLAN and HSC to help teachers focus in on areas that students are finding difficult or that need a different approach from a teaching perspective.
Not forgetting that some students are not looking so much at a post-school academic pathway, we are investigating offering more vocational preparation courses for students that will lead to post school qualifications in trades and other vocational areas. We plan to offer some of these in 2024 and encourage students to remain at school while they undertake programs that will lead them into post-school work or further study rather than leave school early.
We want all our students to be excellent learners, using the gifts and abilities God has implanted in them and to find their pathway in life confident that they can be successful in whatever they attempt.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Reconciliation Week – From Little things Big things Grow
Reconciliation week is a time for all Australians, to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. ON Wednesday our Student Representative Council will conduct and assembly focused on this important issue.
Wakakirri – Helpers needed:
As the term ticks by and our dancers reherse we are once again in need of parent helpers to assist in the making of props and costumes.
We will be having a Wakakirri working bee in the week starting 5 June. If you are able to splash a paint brush or weild a hot glue gun please contact Mrs McKeown via email RMcKeown@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Jobs Include:
- Gluing material onto bamboo – Blossom Fans
- Cutting core flute with Stanley knife – Tree Props
- Cutting material for full skirts – Water Costume
- Making sewing packs up
Primary Girls Winter Uniform
- Tunics are to be worn with a long or short sleeve white blouse with round collar and either white ankle socks or black opaque tights.
- Skort is to be worn with either the short or long sleeve blouse with either white ankle socks or black opaque tights.
The phase in of the new uniform will happen gradually over this year and next year with the expectation that all students are in the new tunic /skort in winter 2025. This means that the current year 5 and 6 students do not need to purchase the new uniform as they will be in Secondary when the transition period ceases.
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
SMS Notifications for Student Absences
When a student is absent and the college has not been notified, one of the student’s parents will receive a sms notification. If you would prefer for two parents be notified, you can request this in the Parent Lounge. Please watch this one minute video for assistance in updating your contact details: https://vimeo.com/827462668
There is a number of ways to notify the college that your student will be absent. Please notify the college before 8:45am.
- Enter via Parent Lounge
- Email absentees@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
- Phone the absentee line 4363 1266, dial 4 and leave a message.
Mr Steve Lobsey | Head of Secondary
As we move into colder weather, we have made an adjustment to the uniform, allowing students to wear plain long sleeve white shirts under their school shirts. This to me was a sensible solution to a problem and I am very keen on continuing to use common sense in how we approach issues which arise at school.
Our issue in making changes is often the implementation of the changes by students. Adolescence is a tricky time. As students begin trying to establish their own identity, they begin pushing at boundaries and at the same time, they are heavily influenced by their peers. So when we made the change to allow for plain long sleeve white shirts, some students arrived with black ones. Some wore jumpers or hoodies. It is these types of behaviours that make it difficult for us to implement changes, even if they do seem sensible.
In all of these things, the focus is not on uniform but on character. We are less focussed on correct shoes, skirt lengths and jewellery than students may think. We are more focused on areas such as students doing the small things well, following directions and respecting rules – things that adults need to do in their workplaces. In the end, it is a reflection on a student if they are making decision to roll up their skirt or wear black Nike shoes and we don’t want our students to reflect poorly.
Mufti Day - Thursday 25th May
GPCC is supporting the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea initiative this year.
Year 7-12 students can wear blue or yellow mufti clothes to school on Thursday 25 May and bring in a gold coin donation to support this worthy cause. (Mufti clothes must be modest and enclosed shoes must be worn)
Teachers will be raising money with a Biggest Morning Tea at recess.
Every dollar raised makes an incredible difference to those impacted by cancer.
Thank you for your support.
Zara and Summer (Year 11 students)
Model United Nations Assembly
Three of our senior students represented the College at the Model United Nations Assembly. They negotiated and argued on three UN Resolutions - global food insecurity, nuclear weapons and pandemic prevention - on behalf of New Zealand.
Our students were awarded First Place in both prestigious awards - the Nobel Peace Price for advocating for world peace and were the United Nations Assembly overall winners. They will represent the Central Coast Region at the National Competiton in Canberra in August.
SMS Notifications for Student Absences
When a student is absent and the college has not been notified, one of the student’s parents will receive a sms notification. If you would prefer for two parents be notified, you can request this in the Parent Lounge. Please watch this one minute video for assistance in updating your contact details: https://vimeo.com/827462668
There is a number of ways to notify the college that your student will be absent. Please notify the college before 8:45am.
- Enter via Parent Lounge
- Email absentees@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
- Phone the absentee line 4363 1266, dial 4 and leave a message.
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about careers that relate to your interests from the University of Newcastle Undergraduate Guide booklet, the National Careers Institute talk to Year 10, the Educational Access Scheme (EAS), Careers with STEM magazine, Government financial help for tertiary students, the UCAT (for Medicine entry), chef, building and joinery apprenticeships and scholarships information.
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
Paul Kelly Cup AFL Gala Day
We had two teams represent the college at the Paul Kelly Cup South Division at Woy Woy on Tuesday. Congratulations to both teams for excellent performances throughout the day. Thank you to Mrs Stubbs-Mills and Mr McGregor for coaching the teams.
The girls AFL team had a great day playing increasingly better as the day went on. They played five games in total with the final game a nail biter; battling it out against Central Coast Adventist School for second place. They dominated the game and beat them by quite a margin. It was a great day and a first experience playing AFL for most of the team.
Mrs Stubbs-Mills
The boys AFL team had a great day on the field, winning 2 out of 4 matches. They played increasingly better as the day went on, standing tall against other challenging teams. It was a first experience playing AFL for most of the team, yet they pulled together and did well to represent Green Point and Christ.
It was a pleasure to see the boys and girls cheer each other on. All the boys and girls should be commended for their hard work and camaraderie.
Thank you for all the parents who supported the kids and assisted with coaching.
Mr McGregor
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
Well done to these students who participated in the CIS league tryouts this week.
Reid R, Samuel M, Zade M, Kaden M, Marshall M, Finn D.
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.
Maker Space- Marble Run
On Wednesday-Friday in Week 6 (31 May- 2 June), Primary students are invited to create a Marble Run game. We will use card, tape, tubes, coloured paper, markers and a tray to make a marble game with rules. Colours, numbers, time restraints and obstacles can be added to increase difficulty. Students will work in teams of 4-6 people to finish their creations. Teams, please sign up in the library next week.
Recess: Year 3-6 students
Lunch: Year K-2 students
GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church
Our motto is “Equipped for Life”
Please see below for current employment opportunities at GPCC.
Counselling Co-ordinator (Full-time) - Green Point Christian College GPCC | Counselling Co-ordinator
ICT Junior Systems Engineer (Part-time) - Green Point Christian College GPCC | ICT Junior Systems Engineer
English Teacher (Casual) - Green Point Christian College GPCC | ENGLISH TEACHER
Finance Officer (Full Time) - Green Point Christian College GPCC | Finance Officer
Our Staff Member of the Week award was presented to Gretchen Taylor.
She is a behind the scenes worker who faithfully serves our school. She is always available to support people which she does cheerfully.
Gretchen collates assessment appeals, contacts parents of students on after school detention, returns confiscated mobile phones and jewellery, collects assembly notices, coordinates parent teacher interviews (including the dinner), assists at photo days and searches for missing students around the school.
She does many things that aren’t seen and I’m sure there are many things I don’t know about, but 2 examples from last term are:
- On the very hot Athletics carnival, Gretchen gave her time to drive 2 gazebos to Mingara to provide shade for staff
- A year advisor asked Gretchen to order hot cross buns for their Year group. Gretchen extended an invitation to all Year Advisors and across a number of days, she ordered hundreds of hot cross buns. However, each day Coles sent only part of the order because they didn’t have enough, so each day Gretchen drove to Coles purchasing many more bags.
GPCC has launched a fundraising project today that will run until Sunday 4 June to help raise funds towards a truck for Pastor Isaac and the team that conduct the Rivers Convention each Easter.
You can learn more about this project at the special webpage set up for this fundraising effort - http://Qr.survival.net.au/gpcc
The fundraiser is in partnership with Survival First Aid Kits, with Green Point Christian College receiving a 25% cash return towards our project for every purchase made through our unique portal - http://Qr.survival.net.au/gpcc
As the purchaser you will also receive a 10% discount off the recommended retail price by using the code GPCC.
Please note that this fundraiser can also be shared with family and friends who may want to purchase a first kit at this time, but they will also need to use the GPCC portal (http://Qr.survival.net.au/gpcc) rather than purchase direct through the Survival website. You will see the posters up around the College and in our newsletter over the coming month.
Thank you for your support, and we are looking forward to reaching our goal together and supporting Pastor Isaac and the team as they share the good news throughout the Central West.
National Sorry Day
National Sorry Day (26 May) is about remembering and commemorating the Stolen Generations, and recognising how this history continues to affect so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
Students will talk about ‘Sorry Day’ in Primary Chapel and Secondary LIFE this week.
“The word ‘sorry’ is used to express sorrow at the loss of a loved one by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
It is important to understand that when using the word ‘sorry’ in the context of the Stolen Generations, the word represents the grief and loss experienced by the parents, families and communities of the children who were forcibly removed.”
NSDC Information
You're Invited - The Impact & Importance of Fatherhood
Tuesday 30 May from 7.15pm | Free Event
If you're a dad, grandad, uncle, or father figure to someone, then you're invited to this great event.
McCrindle Research presenter, Geoff Brailey will be speaking on the importance and impact of fatherhood in Australia. It will be encouraging, insightful, and informative.
Invite a friend, come as a group or on your own. We hope to see you there.
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
July Holiday Program
Camp Australia is running a July Holiday Program at St Philips Gosford.
Book here: Rocketeers | School Holiday Activities | Camp Australia
View Daily Program here: St_Philips_Holiday_Program_Schedule.pdf
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
CPSARA Connect - Multisport Social Day for People with a Disability
FREE EVENT
With the Central Coast Connect Day fast approaching, we are looking to start locking in numbers for catering and showbags. (If you would like to donate or advertise anything for the showbags for people with disabilities, please contact me! We would love to have you involved!)
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 and meet and greet with local Paralympians, Pararoos and Para Matildas.
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.
Bouddi Foundation for the Arts Grants Program
Do you have a passion and talent for an Arts Career - but lack resources?
- Grants of up to $5,000 available.
- Applicants aged 15 to 30.
- Applications close 11 June.
For details, visit: bouddiarts.org.au/awards
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.
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 29 May
Reconciliation Week `Be a voice for generations' K - 12
Year 2 swimming lessons
Tuesday 30 May
The Fathering Project Seminar - 5:30pm
Year 11 - 2024 Leadership Training Day
CIS Primary Girls Rugby 7's Trials
Wednesday 31 May
Years 9 - 10 Art Trip to Brewarrina
Year 7 Josie Mitchell Debating Competition
Year 10 - 11 Ethics Olympiad Incursion
Music Tutor Program Concert - CAPA 5 Theatre
Years 5 & 6 THACCCSA Open Girls Soccer Gala Day
Thursday 1 June
Year 12 Prefects - Sydney Prayer Breakfast
Year 12 study Day Excursion - Modern History, Ancient History, History Extension
CSSA Primary & Secondary Gymnastics Trials
Friday 2 June
Secondary THACCCSA Secondary Soccer Gala Day - Tamworth
Year 12 Business Studies HSC Study Day Incursion
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 5 June
Secondary CSSA Sec girls Netball Gala Day
Year 2 Swimming
Tuesday 6 June
THACCCSA Metro Cup Zone Netball/Soccer - Tamworth
Thursday 8 June
Year 9 Stand Tall Excursion
CIS Primary Cross Country
Year 5 Bathurst Excursion
Friday 9 June
Year 5 Bathurst Excursion
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