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Well, we have reached the last week of Term 2. It seems to have flown by and although we wanted a calm and normal term we have again been plagued by student and staff absences due to illness. Covid is still around but of course all the usual colds and flu viruses have struck. I had a bad case of bronchitis for 10 days so managed to keep a lot of others company.
The winter break is a longer one for students. Staff return for a week of training and preparation and attend a state-wide conference day up at Charlton Christian College in Toronto. You will be aware that one politician wants the school day changed and lengthened to support working parents. As a Principal, I don’t disagree that the length of the day makes it a real challenge when two parents are working especially if you work far from home and school.
However, children and teenagers don’t have the same capacity that adults have for a longer work day. We could certainly fill the later afternoon with alternative activities which would be a little like all students going to after-school care but staffing that and funding that is a significant issue for all schools. Teachers have marking and preparation and meetings to attend after school so it is simplistic to think that they will provide the supervision. I remain open to ideas about what we can do to support working parents so feel free to send in your suggestions to: (principal@gpcc.nsw.edu.au)
This week we have students performing in our school production of 'Camp Rock - the Musical'. I hope you have bought a ticket, and a lot of Primary students practising for the Wakakirri Festival. If you are unfamiliar with this storytelling through dance, follow this link: https://wakakirri.com. Thanks to Mrs McKeown in particular for leading this initiative.
I trust that in spite of your work commitments, you may be able to find time to spend with your children this term break. Family time is vital in helping to grow strong adults. The team at GPCC and I look forward to working with you again in Term 3.
Principal
Halfway There
This last week marked the halfway point of the school year. Halfway points are significant in that they not only point to how much we have achieved but also to what is still to come. Our students have achieved a huge amount already this year. Their knowledge has grown, they have expanded their confidence in many areas and some have reached higher, faster and deeper than they have before. It is my hope that as we head into the holidays we are able to not only take time to rest but also to reflect and consolidate the learning we have all been involved in. Thank you to our wonderful teachers and SLSO’s who have worked so hard this term. Let's look to the second half of the year with excitement about how much further we can go.
Bread Bags
We have 1 more box to fill and 1 week to do it.
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 otherewise 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 - use a bread bag to collect other bags in, any bread bags can go in, then pop the bags into the large PINK boxes. One box will be located outside the Primary staffroom, near Kindy and the other outside L1 on the way to the Canteen. When they are full, we take them to Australia Post for Recycling. We collect points that then turn into Sports Equipment for our Primary School.
Cool CRU Fun
This week at CRU we were treated to a visit by Jason Todd from CRU. Our Year 6 CRU leaders engaged students with games before a talk from Philippians 3:8-9 - 'It’s not being good that saves us, but Jesus'.
CRU meets every Tuesday at lunchtime, so bring your lunch , bring a friend and we’ll see you there!
Student of the Week Awards
Ruby A; KDL, Isla R; KK,Hugo O; KS, Judah N; 1C,Griffith T; 1G, Jackson R; 2G,Amelie P; 2J, Ava S; 2PS,Matthew L; 3B, James C; 3D,Grace G; 4D, Harlow G; 4M,Daylia H; 4RM, Scarlett J; 5L,Riley D; 5P, Chelsea S; 6B,Hannah T; 6SH, Mya A; 6S.
Esteeming our Junior Band Students
We had our Welcome Band perform for their very first time, together with Junior Band in Chapel on Wednesday.
These young students did a brilliant job, and I was very proud of their efforts.They have been playing their instruments for barely four months.
Mr Cantor also presented the badge to Charlotte A-B, who is our Junior Band Captain for 2023 and is really stepping up into her leadership responsibilities.
Mr Brendan Berlach - Band Director
Parking
GPCC shares our site and parking facilities with three other entities – Little Coasties Kindergarten, Green Point Baptist Church and Yattalunga Valley Christian School. As a result it is important that when attending events, assemblies and visit the college that vehicles are parked so as not to block the access way for others and to allow for the smooth movement of traffic around the site. Please ensure you only park in the designated parking bays at all times as these are the safest places to alight and collect students.
School Arrival
At GPCC duty of care is very important. Teachers are on duty from 8:15am 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.
Secondary Musical - Camp Rock
The Secondary musical is on this coming week. Please see 'Community' section of this newsletter for dates and how to book tickets.
Lost Property
The College has been experiencing a large increase in unnamed GPCC clothing, especially jackets.
Over the holidays we would ask that parents go through uniforms and clearly mark them with their child’s name.
Mr Steve Lobsey | Head of Secondary
Messy People
In Chapel this term, we have looked at the topic of 'Messy People'. We have been able to hear some powerful stories of people relying on Jesus to help them in their mess. Each time, we heard that Jesus does not remove the mess from our lives, but having His help allows us to better manage the mess we face.
Mr Nihill spoke about Hebrews 6:19, which says “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure”. An anchor does not make waves disappear, but it helps the boat stay secure amidst the waves. Our faith does the same, giving us peace, strength and hope in times of trouble.
This week I was fortunate to be part of a panel where we answered student questions about how being a Christian affects our lives, particularly in relation to the challenges we face.
Camp Rock School Musical - Don't Miss out - Book Your Tickets now!
Tickets are now on sale for our Secondary school production, 'Camp Rock – The Musical'.
Evening Performances:
Wednesday 28 June - 7:00pm
Thursday 29 June - 7:00pm
Friday 30 June - 7:00pm
Tickets:
Adult - $30
Student/Concession - $25pp
Matinee Performances:
Thursday 29 June – 12:00pm
Friday 30 June – 12:30pm
All matinee tickets - $5pp
Please note: Secondary students are welcome to attend the Matinee performance on Friday 30 June only, however there are some conditions: Students must have pre-purchased a ticket via Trybookings and parent permission must be received by 29 June 2023 via Parent Lounge. Student’s schoolwork and assessment tasks must be completed as usual, and students must attend any scheduled in class assessment tasks as a priority.
There will be a canteen at the Evening performances and it will be
CASH ONLY
Click here to buy your tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/CIZTR
Years 7-12 Student Parent Teacher Interviews
Student-Parent-Teacher-Interviews for students in Years 7 to 12 with their parents/carers are being held as follows:
- Online meetings - Thursday 27 July 2023 from 4:00pm until 8:30pm.
- In the College MPC - Tuesday 1 August 2023 from 4:00pm until 8:30pm.
Our preference would be for students to attend these meetings with their parents.
Bookings will open one week prior and will close at 4:00pm the day before appointments. Further information regarding booking appointments and joining online meetings, will be communicated via email closer to the date.
Year 8 Living History Medieval Day
Hear ye, hear ye! Our Year 8 students enjoyed a visit from Living History today and had a great time learning all about the medieval world – Vikings, knights, samurai and more. Students had the opportunity to try on traditional clothing and armour, wield traditional swords and examine everyday objects like Viking jewellery. A big thanks to Mr Hall, Mrs Taunga, Mrs Erasmus, Miss Peterson and Ms Walls for making this happen.
Year 11 Geography Excursion
On Friday 16 June our Year 11 Geography class visited Somersby Sands. Paul Slough, Manager at the Hanson Sand Quarry took our class on a guided tour where we visited the pit, processing, tailings dam and rehabilitation site.
Students experienced firsthand their learning from the Natural Resource Unit of Global Challenges. We focused on:
- Significant characteristics of the sand that make it valuable as a resource.
- Importance of location.
- Sand use in industry.
- Practices used to mitigate pollution.
- Rehabilitation processes.
- Geography careers in mining.
Mrs Erasmus (HSIE teacher)
Year 10 Courage to Care Seminar
Today Year 10 had the immense privilege of hearing the testimony of a Holocaust survivor. Judi was just 5 months old when her father was taken by the Nazis. She and her mother survived only because people were willing to be upstanders; someone who chooses to support a person who is being abused or harmed. We are grateful to Judi for sharing her story and to the team at Courage to Care who made it happen.
Mrs Walls
Year 8 - Mountain Bike Club
We couldn't wait to tell you all about the incredible mountain biking adventure our students had on Kincumber Mountain. They laughed, they felt the adrenaline rush, and they had an absolute blast exploring the trails on the mountain. We had a mix of experienced riders and intermediate and everyone had a great time. And here's the best part—no injuries! Well, except for a couple of flat tires, which was a bit disappointing for the teacher and student who experienced them. But fear not, we'll be back up there in no time, ready for more exciting rides
Mr Heard
Lost Property
The College has been experiencing a large increase in unnamed GPCC clothing, especially jackets.
Over the holidays we would ask that parents go through uniforms and clearly mark them with their child’s name.
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about the Western Sydney Careers Expo held at Sydney Olympic Park, the Year 10 Information Night about senior subjects, Avondale University scholarships, a School based traineeship in Nursing, NIDA applications, Macquarie University Leaders and Achievers Program, UNSW Workshops, Mechanic Apprenticeship, UCAT information, Chef apprenticeship information, Building apprenticeship information, computer courses information, scholarships, and Government financial support for tertiary students.
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
Athletics Training
Congratulations to our GPCC Primary Athletics Zone squad that will compete at the THACCCSA Zone carnival early next term. Remember to try and get some training done in the holidays. Some suggestions include:
- Going for a run
- Going down to the local oval and practicing your starts
- Going to the beach and doing some jumps in the sand
There’s always lots of things you can do to maintain your fitness and be ‘ready’ for the carnival.
Enjoy your holidays and we look forward to seeing you compete next term.
Coaches
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing teachers that have stepped up to coach a school sport team during Terms 1 and 2. Without teachers giving up recesses to trial and train students, then these teams would not happen.
Miss Cooper- Netball and Futsal
Mrs Sirone- Netball
Mr Moody- Soccer and Futsal
Mr Cantor- Soccer
Mrs Stubbs-Mills- AFL
Mr McGregor- AFL
Mr Sneyd- Futsal
Mr Brown- AFL
CSSA (Christian Schools Sports Association) Child Protection trainingCSSA 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 3:
Wednesday 2 August - CIS Boys and Girls Softball Trials (Year 5 and 6) Nominations close 26 July
Dates for your Calendar
PRIMARY
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
THACCCSA Zone Girls Basketball
Senior Girls Basketball Team
On Wednesday 14 June the Senior Girls Basketball team travelled to Broadmeadow Basketball Stadium to compete in the THACCCSA Gala Day. The girls have been training for this event all term and the hard work paid off as they made it to the grand final in the Division 1 playoff. Unfortunately we didn’t bring home the shield, but the girls composed themselves with grace and heart. I could not be more proud of each and every one do them.
Thank you to the parents who made the trip to Broadmeadow and the sacrifice to get these girls to training each week. Thank you to Coach Darren who has given up his free time to help guide these young women. Girls - you have forever made an imprint on my heart.
We have one game left to play on Friday of week 10 on the outside basketball courts at lunch time. We will play against the St Phillips basketball team. I look forward to our hoorah together. Thank you for this season.
Mrs Beaman
Central Coast Oztag Regional Tournament
On Tuesday and Thursday this past week, seven boys and girls teams from Years 7 to 12 participated in the Central Coast Oztag Secondary Schools Regional Tournament at the Central Coast Regional Sporting Complex at Tuggerah. Each team gave each game their best and were very competitive. A couple of the teams made the quarter final stage, however, we were unable to progress to the next stage. Thank you to all the players for their behaviour and sportsmanship and the coaches Mr Heard, Mrs Kirk, Mrs Low, Mr Lewis and Mr Harris for their time and guidance.
Years 7 and 8 Oztag
Years 9 - 12 Oztag
Author in Residence – Dr Cameron Stelzer, The Story Doctor
This past week we welcomed Dr Cameron Stelzer to our Primary school for three days to present writing and drawing workshops to all students K-6.
Cameron has a Doctorate of Visual Arts as well as teaching qualifications and has written and illustrated over 32 books for children, winning 18 international awards for his work.
His interest in writing began in his primary school years during which he contributed many short stories for the local newspaper. He also discovered his passion for art during his school days.
After University he worked in London at the Natural History Museum and later wrote stories inspired by the animal exhibits.
His sessions were inspirational, holding the attention of all as they gained confidence in expressing their creative ideas to begin and develop a story and to draw characters step by step.
Cameron varied each presentation to ensure the content suited each audience.
All the students were enthralled by his presentations and he was very generous with his time at recess and lunchtimes answering any additional questions from the students and looking at some of their own creative work.
Thank you to parents who supported the event by purchasing merchandise and books as this was very encouraging for the author. These orders will be sent to classrooms from Thursday in Week 10 ready to enjoy in the holidays.
We are sure that we can now expect creative writing with flair and imaginative illustration from many students in the years to come as they remember his sessions and advice.
Here are some photos from our workshops this week. Thank you Dr Cameron for a great visit!
Preschool Storytime 2023 - Term 3
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.
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.
We are very excited to announce that GPCC will soon be launching an App to help improve our communication with you.
It will become your go-to place for notices, most Parent Lounge activities, viewing the Messenger Newsletter, and much more.
Further information will be sent out early Term 3.
Camp Rock Musical
Tickets are now on sale for our Secondary school production, 'Camp Rock – The Musical'.
Evening Performances:
Wednesday 28 June - 7:00pm
Thursday 29 June - 7:00pm
Friday 30 June - 7:00pm
Tickets:
Adult - $30
Student/Concession - $25pp
Matinee Performances:
Thursday 29 June – 12:00pm
Friday 30 June – 12:30pm
All matinee tickets - $5pp
There will be a canteen at the Evening performances and it will be CASH ONLY
Click here to buy your tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/CIZTR
Exam Volunteers needed for HSC Trials
If you are interested to be a Supervisor, Reader or Writer during Year 12 HSC Trial Exams, please contact:
Glenda Fourie at glenda.fourie@gpcc.nsw.edu.au or 4363 1266
Year 12 HSC Trial Exam: Dates between Mon 31 Jul to Mon 14 Aug 2023
Working with Children Check Number needed.
Other exams:
Year 11 Final Exam: Dates between Mon 11 Sep to Wed 20 Sep
Year 12 HSC Exam: Dates between Wed 11 Oct to Fri 3 Nov 2023
NAIDOC
We will be celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture over the next week. Students will access Aborginal and Torres Strait Islander texts, honour elders past and present, and discuss what it means to be Australian. Our NAIDOC assemblies are on Wednesday 28 June.
GPCC Celebrating our Past, Building our Future - Alumni Events
Following the important milestone of 40 Years which we celebrated in 2022, Green Point Christian College are gathering again under the banner of ‘Celebrating our Past and Building our Future’. We are excited to announce that we have two exciting Alumni events planned for 2023, and we invite our past students to the following events:
GPCC Annual Foundation Day Assembly – Wednesday 16 August
This is a special gathering of past and present students to celebrate the foundation and exciting future ahead for Green Point Christian College. An optional morning tea and tour of the College are available on the day.
Please register for this event by 9 August at: GPCC Annual Foundation Day Assembly 2023 Tickets, Wed 16/08/2023 at 12:30 pm | Eventbrite
Annual Reunion Celebration – Thursday 17 August
Please join us for the Annual Reunion Celebration at The Springs, Peats Ridge. This is our annual gathering of Alumni from the past 40 years since GPCC was founded. This is the perfect occasion for us to celebrate together, hear about how the College is growing and building for the future, and have the opportunity to reconnect with other past students.
For those who are keen please join us for the optional shot gun golf before the evening begins.
Please purchase your tickets by 26 July at: GPCC Annual Reunion Celebration 2023 Tickets, The Springs, Peats Ridge | TryBooking Australia
We look foward to welcoming past students at these events and continuing to grow our GPCC Alumni community.
Uniform Shop
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
Out of School Care is available at the College, offered by 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
Rock Studios - Central Coast Dance Camp
Holiday Chess Tournament
Firewood for Sale
Contact Brian Shaw at the College on 0404 478 341.
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 3 programs will take place at:
Lake Haven Recreation Centre, Tuesdays 4pm–6pm (Aboriginal program for everyone run by Bungree)
Gosford Olympic Swimming Pool, Wednesdays 4pm–6pm
Bateau Bay Neighbourhood Centre, Thursdays 4pm–6pm
To register, visit go4fun.com.au or call 1800 780 900.
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 26 June
Year 2 Swimming lessons
Tuesday 27 June
Year 9 Excursion to Maritime Museum and Darling Harbour
Years 5-6 AFL Primary Paul Kelly Cup Finals - Bateau Bay
Wednesday 28 June
Secondary School Musical - Camp Rock
Year 11 Advamced English excursion - Sydney Jewish Museum
Year 9 Textiles Excursion - Quilt Fair
Secondary NAIDOC Life - 'For our Elders' guest speaker
Primary NAIDOC Chapel
Thursday 29 June
Secondary School Musical - Camp Rock
Friday 30 June
Secondary School Musical - Camp Rock
Year 10 Commerce Excursion - Gosford Local Court
Kindergarten Teddy Bear's Picnic
Secondary Basketball games vs St Phillips at GPCC
Last day of Term 2
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 24 July
Students commence Term 3
Year 10 Science and Engineering Challenge - St Edwards College
Tuesday 25 July
Secondary Girls 15&U Football Finals
Years 8 and Year 10 Subject Information Night
Primary Parent Partnership Meeting
Wednesday 26 July
Secondary Boys 15&U Football Finals
Thursday 27 July
THACCCSA Secondary Girls Futsal Gala Day - Maitland
Year 10 Univeristy of Newcaslte subject selection talk
CSSA Primary Boys State Football Finals
Friday 28 July
GPCC Netball Friendly Matches vs SPCC/CCS - Primary
100th Day of School - Kindergarten
TERM DATES 2023
Term 2, 2023
Wednesday, 26 April to Friday, 30 June
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
