Our core purpose calls us to develop students who are engaged in redemptive action in the world. This means they will have a desire to engage socially and for the good of others. We are not designed to be selfishly individualistic, only looking out for our own interests and not for others. In fact, the balanced view of the Scriptures is that while we need to care for ourselves, we must also look out for others. If there is a clash of needs, Scripture would lean towards putting others ahead of ourselves (Philippians 2:1-11). Jesus’ example is the one we are called to follow. He expended Himself on serving the demanding crowds of His day and did so, not looking for reward from them, but simply living out of His own character. Ultimately, He gave His life for His enemy.

If each of us takes the view that we need to be doing things to help others, then all will be helped. We want a generation of students who see opportunities to use their abilities, their gifts and their education to be a blessing to others.

Our materialistic and individualistic culture calls us to do only those things that benefit us. It often teaches us not to get involved with others unless we see a direct benefit for ourselves. Yet, humanity is full of examples of selflessness; how powerful and life changing it is when someone chooses to do something for others even at their own risk and expense.

The challenge is to deal with our inherently selfish nature and become other-centred. Only a life transformation can accomplish this, but this is what we want for our students. As they discover the value of a living relationship with God through Jesus, they will begin to desire to engage in society in redemptive ways and to bring healing and wholeness where there is brokenness. This is what can transform a society; when a group of people engage in the issues of the day with a view to bringing wholeness and restoration to each situation.

For Christians, we look again to the beginnings of the world to understand our purpose and role in Creation. Adam and Eve were created and placed in the Garden of Eden to serve God by working in His garden and extending it throughout the world. Their service was to be of benefit to the world and an act of worship to God.  Just as Jesus came to serve and not to be served, so we are called to acts of service in society that will benefit it. This may be through our regular work or through special acts of serving and giving.

At GPCC we want to graduate students who act on opportunities for social engagement and service through the abilities they have that are being developed through education.

Phillip Nash

Principal

Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary

This certainly has been an unusual first term at Green Point Christian College. Now as we enter into our term break, I wish all of you, parents, students and staff a very healthy, restful and peaceful holiday. I pray that it will be a time of refreshment for you all. I am so proud of all the members of our community and how each of you have met this challenge and the difficulties it has brought.I want to remind you that this is a really special time of the year when we remember the amazing love and sacrifice that Jesus Christ went through for each of us at Calvary.  Easter is about the greatest act in history that enables us to have relationship with our Creator.  It reminds me that every day, no matter what I face, I am loved and cared for by God.  It is through Him I can face each day.

Happy Easter everyone … God’s blessings these holidays.

From the English Co-ordinator ...

Have you ever wondered if English really matters in real life? God has given us language and the ability to communicate. This capacity is one important way that we can process change and uncertainty. It even equips us to support, encourage and uplift others.

1. Keep a journal, diary or scrapbook: Our current experience is likely to be a key historical event in your student’s life. Help your student to process this by keeping a written/drawn record of their feelings, experiences, challenges and joys each day. Younger children might draw pictures or stick in notes, flowers or other keepsakes.

2. Writing competitions: There are a number of writing competitions that students can enter independently. If your child enjoys writing (poetry, scripts, short stories), have them check out this poster of competitions and encourage them to share their writing with others.

3. Words are powerful: There are so many ways that we can use language to encourage, inspire, comfort and uplift ourselves and each other. You could write encouraging words or Bible verses on your driveway in chalk; post inspiring words to social media accounts; write letters or FaceTime with family who are far away; keep a family “Thankfulness” jar and write a note each day; and there are many other ideas.

We miss our students. We would love to hear how your family are using these God-given gifts to impact your family, your home and your community in positive ways.

Writing_Competitions_2020.pdf

Writing_Competitions_2020 _pdf 137.03 KB

TECHNOLOGY TEXTILE KITS

The TAS Department were kept busy last week putting together 100 resource kits for a Years 7 and 8 Technology Unit on Weaving.

Mr Ogden, Mr Crawford and Mrs Cohen used the Industrial Technology machines to cut all the wood for the looms, then Mrs McCourt, Mrs Gibbins and the Admin ladies spent a lot of time compiling the kits.

Easter Reading Draw

Mr McLellan drew out our winners for the Easter bunny borrowing competition. The winners are:

• Amelia K
• Grace W
• Kate R
• Charlotte M
• Ruby J

Are you interested in looking at 2021 University Course Guides to know more about University study?  Check out the link in this week’s Careers Newsletter.

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)

Nathan Lambert  |  K-12 Sport Co-ordinator

HOME PE CHALLENGES

If you need some ways to keep your children active during the day, here are some ideas:

Counselling News ...

from Stephen van Tongeren  | Counsellor

Well, for many student and parents, you may have now experienced working from home for the first time. I am sure for many it presents a new kind of opportunity to show how our love is patient or is that just me … ?

Trying to present a PowerPoint on a Skype meeting with 35 work colleagues while my 2 year old daughter scream-cried that she wanted to watch Tarzan NOT Tangled (!!), certainly tested my brain's ability to remain online. This awoke a lot of empathy for other parents out there in a similar boat – albeit maybe a different interruption.

I was reminded that through this we are ALL experiencing changes in a different way. My 4 year old and 2 year old are not going to understand the specific demands of my job when they are so used to seeing Dad go out the front door to do his work. 

We also observe as our kids adjust to working from home, in which their school life has certainly changed in a massive way. Seeing our kids’ classroom in our home may have provided you a newfound appreciation (and maybe confusion for those subjects we struggled with as young people) for the learning they do and also those teachers that provide it.

While COVID-19 can be a positive chance to build family connection, it is also important to remember that the social aspect of school has undergone significant change. While "social distancing" may be the term used to ensure our safety right now, it can isolate and cause loneliness if we do not maintain social connections in a different way (this is important for the adults too).

Maintaining social connection is important for all children and the research suggests that it is especially important for adolescents as they gravitate toward peer relationships even more so at this developmental stage. This could mean setting up a Facetime/Skype/Zoom catch up or even a phone call for your child. Many young people connect via online gaming and social media, if these interactions have safe parameters in place, they can also be a way for children to connect.

I am sure you are seeing many great ways of adapting to change and I would encourage you to share with others what is working for you, as this can help inspire those that may be struggling. Also, to extend our gratitude to those that cannot currently work from home, we appreciate you.

On to my next PowerPoint now and pray for me that I have the Tarzan movie ready while I do the presentation … or hopefully I’ll find an even better activity than a movie!

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.

Green Point Christian College Yearbook Cover Design Competition

We invite students from Kindergarten to Year 12 to enter in our Yearbook Art Competition.

The winning entries will be featured on the front and back cover of our 2020 Yearbook.

Guidelines:

• Your entry may be an artwork, drawing or digital design.
• In your design, emphasise either our school Motto “Equipped for Life” or any of the sections from our GPCC Graduate Profile: Godly in character, Collaborative, Life-Long Learner, Creative and Critical Thinker or Socially Engaged.
• Size A4 – Orientation Portrait
• Please label your entry with your name and class or Year group.

Please submit a high resolution design with original images, or post to the College office by Friday 15 May 2020 to Mrs Collins at community@gpcc.nsw.edu.au

Good luck, have fun, be creative and we look forward to receiving your entry.

World Book Holiday Fun ideas

Learning ladders is an interactive book series on World Book, we have put together a list of activities to support families and keep students busy at home over the holidays. The learning ladders book title is in yellow, activities are hyperlinked Watch this video if you are unsure how to find World Book from a school device https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/0e165eb5-07aa-4603-b3a7-e9c0e03ca6c4 .

You can also search www.worldbookonline.com

World Book - Learning Ladders Series

Wheelers Ebooks

Ebooks are found on the portal for Years 5-12 students. A school username (first.lastname) and password allow them to borrow onto their device. Connection is needed to download the book, but not to read it. Books are on a two week loan.

Students can also download the Wheelers app on their phone, tablet, Ipad or other connected device. Choose Green Point Christian College and type in your school username and password to access books. You can borrow two books at a time.

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 hand 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    

Easter Sunday Service

Green Point Baptist Church invite you and your family to join the Easter Sunday service LIVE on Facebook at 9:30am this Sunday -

Thrive 

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

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

1 Peter 1:3-4

Praise to God for a Living Hope  

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.