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I am writing this from Hobart where I am attending the annual Christian Schools Australia (CSA) National Leaders Summit. Our school is a member of CSA and this annual gathering is an important time for leaders in member schools to come together for networking, fellowship and to hear from stimulating speakers. We always come away inspired and refreshed for the work back at school.
One of our speakers (Dr Jon Eckert) recently published a book on teaching that focused on three important aspects: wellbeing, engagement, and feedback. He is speaking on these three this week. At GPCC we are focusing on these as well because we recognise that wellbeing is vital for students if they are to engage in their learning and feedback is important for their progress in learning.
We have developed a wellbeing framework that sets out how we will approach student wellbeing and how it connects to engagement in learning. Wellbeing is a hot topic in education as schools recognise the post-covid condition of some students and the growing pressures of our current social setting. While covid is largely under control, the effect on our society of the three years of lockdowns and restrictions, changes to work habits, temporary school closures and the debate over vaccination have all impacted on our children more than we imagined. I believe that some of this relates to how we as adults dealt with the pandemic. Our fears and uncertainty were picked up on by our children and as they did not have the maturity to navigate that well, are left with the after-effects.
While we at school can work to help children find a better place to be, it is also vital that you do your part to help your children find that place. Helping them navigate the current social climate is important and there is nothing more helpful than an adult who has worked that out and can be a role model for their children. Staying calm, not rushing to adopt a position on something because everyone else on social media is doing so, talking things through with children and helping them to process their thoughts and fears all help to assist them to find a good place to be.
As Christians we also believe that having a strong faith in God helps in times like this. We believe God is in overall control and is working out all things for His good purpose, so even though things at times seem difficult or even disastrous, we put our hope in a God who will ultimately bring peace and restore all things to what he intended them to be. In the meantime, He gives us freedom to have a go ourselves but sadly, that usually ends in disaster. Helping children to develop a faith and a hope is a positive way to help them live well in troubled times.
Principal
Social and Emotional Literacy
At GPCC our students are learning about the 5 different areas of Social and Emotional Literacy. Our students are taught to listen to their bodies and tune into their feelings so they know which tools they need to use to assist them if they are feeling sad, angry, hurt, or frustrated this is called Self awareness.
Making good choices once students are aware of how they are feeling is called Self-management. Teachers spend time with their students discussing good choices that are available to all students to assist them in navigating their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For example, being able to stop and calm down when you are is upset (self-management), requires skills like recognizing and labelling the emotions and considering how they might be affecting one’s behaviour choices (self-awareness).
You can help your child by acknowledging the feelings they are having and helping them to put words around those big feelings, such as frustrated, scared, anxious, excited, expectant, nervous, surprised. Every child is unique and the tools that assist each child in feeling calm differ. Take time to talk with your child about what assists them when they experience big feelings.
Choir Announcement
National Day against Bullying and Violence - Friday 18 August
The National Day against Bullying and Violence (NDA) is Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative for schools, encouraging whole-school communities to work together to implement evidence-informed positive and proactive solutions to prevent and address bullying.
In 2022, 68% of Australian schools joined together to say Bullying. No Way!The NDA is an opportunity to create a shared understanding of what is bullying, outline your bullying prevention policies and show support to students who may be experiencing bullying.
The NDA theme for 2023 is 'growing connections'. This theme supports research findings that strong school community connections and social skills are protective factors in the prevention of bullying and help enable positive, help-seeking behaviours in students.
In an effort to raise awareness of NDA, Students in Primary will be allowed to wear clothes with an ‘orange’ colour’ theme for the day on Friday 18 August. N.B. They will not be required to contribute a donation.
Students will also participate in an in-class activity after lunch which focuses on ‘growing connections’ as students are participating in the Science Day activities until 1:00pm.
The students participating in the rugby game verses Coast Christian School will unfortunately miss out on some of the activity but are still welcome to wear mufti clothes for the day.
Student of the Week Awards
Congratulations to the following students:
Harrison F; KDL, Theo C; KK,Lily A; KS, Brooklyn M; 1C,Willow E; 1G, Ted R; 2G,Laura T; 2J, Heidi L; 2PS,Annie B; 3B, Charlotte M; 3D,Madelyn G; 4D, Isabella J; 4M,Alex T; 4RM, Israela O; 5L,Nate R; 5P, Levi S; 6B,Zoe D; 6SH, Nylla P; 6S.
National Science Week 2023
The school theme for National Science Week in 2023 is Innovation: Powering Future Industries. The theme incorporates the advancement in technology in all industries, especially using artificial intelligence (AI).
This year the Primary school will celebrate National Science week in a variety of ways – A Science show , lunchtime activities and culminate in a Science Fair Fun Friday which will see all K-6 students involved in hands on activities. We have chosen the invention of Flight as our theme , and students will participate in a variety of Innovation activities based on this.
On Monday and Tuesday this past week, our Year 4 students had the wonderful opportunity to attend an overnight CRU Camp at Lake Macquarie. CRU Camp is a division of ‘Crusaders’ - a non-profit, Christian youth organisation. The students were accompanied by Mr Cantor, Mrs Rutlidge, Mr McGregor, Mr Oldfield, Mrs Harris and Mrs Henning. Our days were full of fun and exciting activities such as sailing, raft building, archery and rock climbing. On Monday night, the amazing CRU leaders had organised a ‘Big Night of Fun’ for the students which involved lots of fun games and laughter. On Tuesday morning, we had the opportunity to spend time in small groups reflecting on some of the parables that Jesus taught in the Bible and praying for each other. All in all, our Year 4 students had a fantastic time away!
Mrs Rutlidge
Plastic Lid Recycling
Primary are collecting Plastic lids for a large mural display as part of Science Week . Please continue to collect , wash and send to school. Plastic lids may be placed in buckets in the eating area or outside KS. We welcome all colours and sizes. Get collecting!
Circus Rio
Cirus Rio have generously donated one child's ticket per Primary student for the Circus Rio Carnival being held at Mingara from 8 September - 17 September.
One Yellow ticket per child will be given to each child to take home at the end of Week 3. To use the free Yellow Child ticket you will need to purchase a minimum of one adult ticket.
Mr Steve Lobsey | Head of Secondary
We have been having some issues with commitment lately.
We took a girl’s junior and senior Futsal team to a tournament. We had staff willing to give their time to go, we went through the expense of booking buses. We had permission from parents for both teams. However, on the day of the tournament, the senior girl’s team did not show up. It was not a couple of members, but the whole team. They had committed to go but did not carry through their commitment. A positive from this was that the junior team played their matches and the senior girl’s matches so that their opposition were able to play.
Similarly, we had a Bible Society Master Class excursion which was limited to 30 students. It filled so quickly that Mrs Gavin asked for extra spaces and so we were given more. We had 47 students signed up ready to go, which was amazing. Again, we needed to take extra staff and hire a bigger bus. However, on the morning of the excursion, only 17 students turned up.
These are just two examples of a number of incidents this year. I would like to take the opportunity to ask parents when you sign up students for an activity (or accept it on the portal) that you check your son or daughter is aware of this and that they attend.
However, I am not writing to highlight these two incidents but rather, to talk about commitment. We all know what it is like when someone does not follow through with something they said they would do for us. No one would like to think of themselves as someone who lets other people down. Yet, the actions of students are demonstrating these characteristics. Staff and other students have been let down. Staff do not have to provide these opportunities to be involved in extra-curricular activities but they may lose their excitement to do so if students are not showing the same commitment.
Australian Indigenous Ministries (AIM) Mission
Please join us as we pray for the Year 9 boys and staff heading off on their mission trip to Brewarrina and Gulargambone from 11 - 18 August.
Mission Team: Joshua B, Gabe B, Asher C, Jack F, Thomas G, Jonathon L, Micah R, Fidel S, Sam T, Daniel v B, Ethan W, Mr Chris Lewis and Mr Andrew McGillivray.
Prefect Camp
Our new selected 2024 Prefects have attended a 3 day leadership camp with Mrs Gavin, Mr Heard and Mrs McKay. They are spending time digging into the Biblical story and what this means for leadership, building stronger connections with each other and developing a vision for their new roles as student leaders in our school community.
NSW School Vaccination Program
Catch-up Clinic for Year 7 and Year 10 Absentees
If your child was absent on the day of the Vaccination clinic, there will be a Catch-up Clinic on Wednesday 23 August 2023.
Vaccination will only be provided at school if parent consent has been received. Please use QR code (below) or follow these guidelines to provide consent:
How to provide consent:
- To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit: https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school
- Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you don’t have a ServiceNSW account, refer to ServiceNSW to create one.
- Update or confirm your personal details in ServiceNSW as required.
- Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:
- a) Enter your child’s personal details
b) Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
c) Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement
d) Provide consent
If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper-based consent form directly from College reception.
The benefits of providing consent online:
- easily update your child’s details
- receive SMS and/or email notifications when vaccinations are given.
- faster upload of vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
Please note: All parents who have already given online consent will receive an SMS message to advise that the clinic will be at the school on 23 August 2023. There is no need to give consent again.
For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit
www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination.
If you require information in your language, please visit:
www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/school_vaccination_language.aspx
Please feel free to contact the College if you have any questions.
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information from UAC, a help session about University of Newcastle Ma and Morley scholarship, tips for the Macquarie University Leaders and Achievers Program, Automotive and Early Childhood opportunities, TAFE YES program, Construction industry videos, electrical and automotive apprenticeship information and Police recruitment information (see General News section)
For more details, please use the link to access the Careers Newsletter or visit the “Student Careers” section under the “Education & Learning” menu on the College website.
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
CSSA Primary State Netball
Junior Girls
On Thursday last week, the Junior Girls netball team travelled down to Penrith to play in the CSSA netball finals. Since coming away with the win in Tamworth, the girls have continued to train hard and have been rewarded by a fantastic win in our friendly matches against St Phillips Christian School. On a day that was far from winter weather, the girls once again displayed their talent as they played in 6 games against some tough competition.
During the pool games the girls were dominant coming away with wins against Toongabbie, Orange, Oxford Falls and Wycliff and only narrowly going down to Norwest. The Junior girls demonstrated amazing skills, enthusiasm, and unwavering sportsmanship in all of these games.
As the games were played back-to-back with a short lunch break before finals, the girls were exhausted but showed great perseverance and energy as we headed into finals. Unfortunately, in the quarter finals, our exhaustion got the best of us and though the game was hard fought, the girls were defeated by Belmont Christian School, the team we were victorious too in Tamworth. The girls should be incredibly proud of their performance and continue to hold their heads up high. I look forward to seeing each of the girls continue to grow in their skills and love of netball over the years to come.
It was a privilege to coach the girls this year. Their commitment to training, particularly during lunch and after school was admirable. Their kindness, respect and sportsmanship to each other, their opponents, the officials and myself in each game were truly remarkable. Thank you to all the parents who helped with travel and equipment, scoring, and who continued to cheer the girls on throughout the duration of the day. Our day couldn't be done without you.
Finally, I thank God for the wonderful weather, safety of the day and the talent He has blessed our Years 3 and4 students with. What a wonderful creator we have.
Congratulations to Lucy. G , Miranda. V, Grace. G , Chloe. L, Emily. C, Alice. M, Annabella. V, Josie. R, Sophie. S and Samara. W on a fantastic day.
Mrs Sirone
Senior Girls
Last Thursday the Senior Girls Netball team travelled to Penrith for the CSSA State Netball Gala Day. With the lingering memory of the 1 goal defeat in Tamworth, our girls were eager for the first game to begin so they could showcase their strength and tenacity as a team. We knew the competition would be tough, but during their back-to-back games, the girls treasured the ball and displayed remarkable agility, intercepting passes, and denying shooting opportunities. They gave 100% as a team each game and finished first in their Pool.
In a short turnaround of 20 minutes, the girls found themselves playing against the 2nd place team from Pool D – Mt Annan CC. It was a tight contest, but the girls took the lead in the first half and went on to win the game. They then met Charlton in the semi-finals and came away with the victory. This saw the Seniors come up against Oran Park in the Grand Final. The game was tense from the opening whistle but after a tight first half, our girls lifted the intensity and worked tirelessly to score off their centre passes and force turnovers, resulting in a win for GPCC. I am so proud of all the girls, they played hard and demonstrated great sportsmanship. Thank you to all the parents who came along to support and cheer the girls on
Congratulations: Isabelle A, Grace B, Lily D, Amelia D, Ruth G, Isla J, Penny L, Nylla P, Sibella M and Chelsea S.
Miss Cooper
Student Achievement
Reef M (6B) competed in 3 events at the 2023 Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre over the weekend.
Reef's results were:
3rd in the 100metre obstacles
6th in 25metre brick carry
7th in 50metre swim with fins
He was unlucky in the swim with fins as he lost one of his fins at the start of the race. He did amazing all the same to get 7th with one fin. Well done Reef!
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#/
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
Last Friday, a team of 60 students from the Secondary School ventured to Glendale to compete in the THACCCSA Zone Athletics carnival.
These students competed to the best of their ability in a large range of events. Fantastic performances by Xavier BM and Eloise H who received age champion on the day.
New records were created by Wade B, Xavier BM, Chase C, Taylor F, Quinn L, Johnathon L, Alyssa M, Laura R, Benjamin T. Congratulations to all students that competed with GPCC coming second overall on the day.
Book Week Parade- Friday 25 August, 11:45am
Food ordering and Activity Passes is now open for Book Week. Please follow this link
OR scan the QR code to order.
Please finalise orders by 3:00pm Wednesday 23 August.
- Drink $1.50
- BBQ $2.50
- Sushi $3.50
- Activity Wristband $5.00
An email is going home with all the details but here are the key times.
- Parade 11:45am
- Teachers’ Readers Theatre 12:45pm
- Lunch 1:00pm
- Fair Activities 1:30pm
Things you need to know:
- Little Coasties coffee window will be open before and after the Parade.
- Year 11 Hospitality are running a café for their assessment. Boxed meals are $5.00- only 24 serves of three different meals available, so get in quick.
- Cash and Tap facilities are both available at the BBQ area for any food purchases, including Hospitality meals.
- The students will be given a Book Week wristband for their activities, so that they can feel confident to participate in all activities.
- After 2:30pm, parents can take their children home, please sign out at the student window at the back of the office.
Competitions
Book Week Competitions started the first day of Term 3. Students are invited to submit their entries by Monday 21 August.
K- Year 2: Colouring Competition- sheets will be distributed to classrooms.
Years 3-4: Diorama- create a scene from your favourite book. The library has photocopy boxes if students need one for their entry.
Years 5-6: Book Trailer- iMovie makes this a fun and easy activity.
Premiers Reading Challenge
The PRC closes on Friday 18 August. All students in Primary should be finalising their entries. K-2 students are all finished. Primary students in Years 3-6 will register their books during library time in Week 2. Secondary students should see Mrs van Wyk, nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au , if you don’t have your login details.
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.
Preschool Story Schedule Term 3, download below.
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.
Casual ICT Assistant - Green Point Christian College GPCC | Casual ICT Assistant
Coast Shelter - Canned Food Drive (7 August - 18 August)
GPCC Phone App
On Thursday 27 July we sent out an email sharing the good news that our new GPCC Phone App is live and available to download.
We encourage you to download your App today if you haven’t already. Please refer to the email from Mr Nash regarding how to download and set up your App.
Click for Setup Instructions
Click for Explanation and FAQs
For further explanation and assistance with Subscriptions, including step-by-step instructions, please click here.
Father's Day Breakfast - Kinder to Year 12
The Fathering Project - Father's Day Breakfast Invitation for all Father's/Father Figures from Kinder - Year 12.
Fathers will receive a Bacon and Egg Roll and a coffee.
Students will receive a muffin and a popper juice.
Click here to register.
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
Munch Monitor Account Settings
To assist the staff at the Munchery Canteen in serving your child/ren, if you have a Munch Monitor account you may indicate your preferences for snack money, a daily or weekly limit, and if your child has any allergies.
Please note that The Munchery Staff are under strict instruction to follow these preferences. Please log in to your account and update these settings if required.
Please download document below for more information.
GPCC OSHC Provider - Camp Australia
Out of School Care is available at the College, offered by 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
Scripture Union Australia Inspire Art Camp September School Holidays
We will be exploring a diverse range of Visual Art forms on the camp, guided by experienced leaders, so if you are in years 7-11 at school and have an interest in visual art, this camp is for you. .
We will also be sharing stories around the campfire, having fun, opening the Bible, and learning about our creator while making beautiful visual art.
Places are limited to 20 campers so register here today we would love to see you there.
MacMasters Beach SLSC Registration and Information Day
Central Coast Walk to Cure Diabetes RF One Walk - Sunday 17 September
Barbara May Foundation - Dr Andrew Browning Fundraiser
Firewood for Sale
Contact Brian Shaw at the College on 0404 478 341.
Kincumber-Avoca Cricket Club Registrations
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.
MyZone - Primary and Year 7 Students
Coming up on August 20th Green Point Baptist Church have a 5 week Sunday morning program for any primary and year 7 students who might be interested.
This year children get the opportunity to choose a course...some are filling up, sign up ASAP to get your first choice....
We have Lego Masters , Dance, Cake Decorating and Art. It is going to be a wonderfully creative time! Invite your friends! Starts August 20th
All Primary school and Year 7s are welcome to participate.
Link for registration https://gpbc.elvanto.com.au/.../3eabcc42-cd77-47bb-8934...
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 14 August
Trial HSC Exams (Monday 31 July - Monday 14 August)
Year 9 Boys Mission Trip (Friday 11 August - 18 August)
Year 8 Enlighten Incursion
National Science Week - Primary
Wakakirri Performance - Riverside Theatre Sydney
Tuesday 15 August
Year 4 Science Show
Wednesday 16 August
Foundation Assembly- Secondary
CIS Primary Girls Cricket Trials
MADD Night (HSC Music, Drama, Design)
Thursday 17 August
Year 11 Business Studies - Business Expo Incursion
CSSA Primary State Mixed Oztag Gala Day
Friday 18 August
Year 7 Incursion - Back Flips Against Bullying
Primary National Day of Action Against Bullying
Science Fair Friday (K-6)
Primary Rugby GPCC vs TCCS
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 21 August
Secondary 15+ Open Netball challenge
Wednesday 23 August
Year 9 CRU Camp
Year 7 Vaccination Clinc and catch ups
Primary Literacy Day
Year 11 Ancient History Museum visit
Thursday 24 August
Year 9 CRU Camp
Secondary State Athletics
Buddy Reading (K - Year 11)
K - 4 Central Coast Oztag Day - Tuggerah Sport Complex
Friday 25 August
Year 9 CRU Camp
Book Week Parade and Fair
TERM DATES 2023
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