Filter Content
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the establishing of a Principal’s Advisory Group (PAG) for GPCC. Following this newsletter, you will receive an email with the terms of reference and an expression of interest form. The PAG will not only consist of parents but may also include some community members such as someone from our founding Church etc. If you are already a class parent representative, you cannot sit on both groups so may need to decide which role you would prefer to be in.
The CPR’s play a vital role in utilising the class Facebook page and helping generate community for the class/year level. We need volunteers there as well to keep an eye out for that opportunity in future too. The PAG role is a much broader one with a different emphasis as you will see from the terms of reference. Research shows that when parents have a voice into the school, the school is stronger and that is what we are looking for.
Our participation in the Fathering Project is also a way for you as a father or father figure to connect with the College as well as engaging in activities with other fathers and learning how to be a better father. Our Fathers’ Day Breakfast coming up on 1 September, is virtually fully subscribed and that is fantastic!
Seeking a position on the PAG is a great way to add value to your child’s education as we seek to listen to each other and work together to improve the quality of education all students experience here. We do not always know how what we are doing is impacting your child or your family so this is one way we can hear from parent representatives to ensure we are hitting the mark.
As you know, I am looking to move out of the Principal’s role and move full time into my other role as Executive Principal of the Melos Foundation. We have already advertised the Principal’s role and are delighted with the number of enquiries we have had. Pray with us as we go through a selection process to ensure we get just the right person to continue the work we have started in the past four years.
Our Primary students have done a wonderful job performing as part of the Wakakirri story/dance competition and have been selected to perform at a State level in early September. We are mighty thankful for the staff and the students who have worked hard to tell a story of hope which has resonated with the judges. Opportunities like this are a great way of exposing children to new experiences that help them grow in confidence and discover something more about themselves.
Principal
What a wonderful week we have had, celebrating the enrichment that literature brings to our lives. Literacy Day involved all students being placed in groups across K-6 to listen and respond to 5 different story books from the https://cbca.org.au/winners-2023 We then heard from Mr Nash about his favourite books and the importance of Gods word in the Bible.
On Thursday we were delighted to spend time with our Secondary students in Buddy reading time and of course our colourful Book Parade day filled the College with characters from literature across time. A huge thank you to Mrs van Wyk, Mrs Hurst and all the Library staff for a wonderful week of celebrating literature.
Wakakirri State Finalists
I am excited to announce that our 2023 Wakakirri performance 'The Tree of Hope' has been selected to perform in the State level of the Wakakirri Festival on Thursday 7 September 2023 at NIDA in Sydney. Congratulations to the all the students and staff involved and to Mrs Mc Keown and Miss Gemma for their work in getting us stage ready. We wish them all the best in the State Final.
CRU Tuesdays
Primary CRU meet every Tuesday Lunchtime. This week we combined our Year 1 – 6 students and enjoyed games outside.
This term we are reading Colossians and learning that ‘Jesus is the King’ and putting our trust in Jesus and living each day the way He wants us to. We had fun playing ‘Bulrush’ – keeping safe, and flying planes.
Mini CRU (Years 1&2) CRU (Years 3&4) Maxi CRU (Years 5&6 ) look forward to seeing many students next week.
Year 1 Science
This week Year 1 have been ‘Looking Up!’ into the Night sky. They are learning about phases of the Moon, and Constellations .
They know that a Constellation is a group of stars that make a picture. We have many in the Southern Hemisphere. Year 1 created their own this week in 3D models , photographed them, then went on to research different ones in our sky.
Smart Watches
Mobile phones / Smart Watches
Mobile Phones and Smart watches can be a valuable safety tool for travel arrangements for students and can allow the communication between parents and students during the afternoon bus trips, However these devices can also be a distraction to learning and provide students with an added perceived need to remain connected at all times.
GPCC bans the use of mobile phones and smart watches (or similar devices such as ear buds) during school operating hours (8:45am – 3:15pm). Phones are to be in bags, and not seen or used throughout the school day. Students who choose to wear a smart watch must have the connectivity of the watch disabled – eg they must not be able to use any function except tell the time. They should not be receiving or sending messages to parents throughout the day or accessing any areas of the internet via their device. We also ask that you not communicate with your child on their device during school hours as they are not permitted to use/check or interact with their devices. If devices – including watches are being used during school time (recess, lunch or class time) they will be removed from the student and given to Head of School to be collected at the end of the day.
Father’s Day Stall Friday 1 September 2023
If you can assist at the Father's Day stall on Friday 1 September please contact Jane Lievesley directly on 0413 327 035.
This year we will be creating an event in Parent Lounge enabling Parents who would like the option to pre-pay for 1 x $10 Father’s Day Gift online per student. This may assist with students forgetting money on the day, however if your child forgets his/her money, they will be added to the IOU list and we will contact you for payment, we are hoping this will reduce the need to follow up so many outstanding IOU’s.
Online payments for $10 Father’s Day Gifts will close at 10pm Wednesday 30 August 2023.
We will have a square available, for students who wish to tap with a spriggy/card for payment, or students are still welcome to bring cash for payment of gifts, and their name will be marked off.
Students will be able to purchase 1 X $10 Father Gift per student, and Grandfather gifts will be $5, if your child wishes to buy an additional Father’s Day Gift they can do so after 3pm after all classes have purchased.
Student of the Week Awards
Congratulations to the following students:
Cooper B; KDL, Judy R; KK,Mackenzie H; KS, Oscar G; 1C,Cleo M; 1G, Clara M; 2G,Jackson H; 2J, Bourne R; 2PS,Skye B; 3B, Isla C; 3D,Madelyn G; 4D, Isabella J; 4M,Alex T; 4RM, Jansen V; 5L,Tahlia M; 5P, Miané D; 6B,Samuel L; 6SH, Khloe M; 6S.
Mr Steve Lobsey | Head of Secondary
“I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.” Revelation 2:9
In this Bible verse, there is the idea of over time, our actions becoming greater than they were in the past. I feel encouragement that God might look at my life from today forward and recognise if I have shown improvement; and this can help inspire me to do better each day.
As Year 12 enter their final weeks with us, the way they finish academically has a significant impact on their final results. If their level of effort is more now than it was at first, they will be rewarded for it.
The same can be said for all of our students. We are expecting them to all grow and mature over the coming years and so there must be a recognition that where they are at now is not where we want them to end – improvement needs to come.
An open mind towards improvement is helpful in learning. A student practising consistently between Year 7 and Year 10 will become significantly better at playing a guitar or shooting a basketball. The same is true for writing an essay, interpreting data or memorising quotes. Students who practice consistently will improve their academic outcomes.
We also want to make small, steady improvements as a school. There are improvements to be made in many things, such as how students wear their uniform, turning up to class on time and keeping the school clean. Our staff are also committed to improving their practice and are engaging consistently in professional development. All of us working together will lead to better outcomes for our school.
Finally, in the Bible verse, the writer was not speaking about exam results but about love, faith, service and perseverance. These are all things we can grow in and will be able to do so with a greater focus on Jesus and being connected to Him through reading His Word, speaking to him in prayer and surrendering to Him.
Veta Retreat
Our Year 11 Theology and Ministry Certificate 3 students went on a retreat to Blue Gum Lodge. This enlightening journey proved to be a valuable experience for our students as they considered the issue of identity and its connection to the teachings of the Bible. Through insightful discussions and engaging activities, our students explored the profound insights that the Bible offers about who we are. The excursion was not only an opportunity for growth but also a time of fostering strong bonds with fellow believers from other schools. Our students returned from the excursion with strengthened faith, a deeper understanding of their identities, and newfound encouragement to continue their spiritual journey.
Mr Heard
Mobile Muster
Do you have any old or broken mobile phones lying around at home and you’re not sure what do with them? Mobile Muster is a stewardship program that is reducing waste from the phone industry by recycling old mobile phones, chargers and accessories. To be part of this program students can bring old mobile phones to school, and put it in the collection box, which is in the HSIE staffroom. We will be collecting for the rest of this term. Remember to remove your phone data. For more details visit the website: https://www.mobilemuster.com.au
Year 9 Boys Mission Trip - by Ryan B
The trip began early on Friday morning. Ten long hours west we had left the hills and trees behind, and finally arrived at the small outback town of Brewarrina nestled in the red dirt. We drove a couple of minutes out of town to the charming 4-Mile Campground, set up our tents and settled in. But connecting with the locals called and so we journeyed to the small church and youth hall in the centre of Brewarrina.
There we met some of the local children from around Brewarrina and they were positively overjoyed at the sight of new people from out of town. After the initial ruckus had died down, we introduced ourselves. Then some among us shared our testimonies on how we came to be Christians. Micah’s was the most positively received since he incorporated a game into his testimony for the smaller people among the congregation. After that we listened to a sermon from one of the younger pastors of the church about the classic story of the king and the blazing furnace as a moral about idols and phones. It was quite enlightening. And that was just the start to our amazing adventure.
Next day we met two elders, Josie, and Vera, an hour away in the tiny hamlet of Weilmoringle. It was nice to listen to their many stories.
We met many other amazing people like these on the trip. One such person was Pastor Isaac. He helped us cut clapsticks, chatted with us, and most importantly preached the gospel one night around the campfire. His topic was about how it is harder than ever to be a Christian today and how to be motivated and courageous in today’s world. He also preached a sermon at church about how Jesus could be coming back at any time. He was a great speaker and stirred the hearts of the audience on both occasions.
We also met the curator of the Cultural Museum in Brewarrina. His name was Bradley, and he was a great tour guide, informing us about the very interesting history of the area, from Stone Age times right up to today.
One other pastor we met was Pastor Henry. He has a church in a tiny hamlet, and is a very dedicated, godly, and practical pastor. He is a very nice guy - very conversational with a great relationship with God.
In conclusion, it was a wild trip, and I can recommend it to anyone that is considering to go.
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about an upcoming Careers Expo in Sydney, a North Construction webinar, being a Graphic Designer, a Traineeship program in International Banking, a local Auto Electrician Apprenticeship and various scholarship opportunities in the 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 Biathlon Splash and Dash
On Thursday 26 October, CSSA will be running a Primary Biathlon Teams Event at the International Regatta Centre Penrith. Participants are to either swim for 150m (Years 3 and 4), 200m (Years 5 and 6) or run 2km (Year 3-6). Students in Years 5 and 6 may decide to compete in the individual event too.
It is recommended that students are either very strong swimmers and/or runners to be able to participate. The swim will be held in open water which is different to swimming in a pool. Please consider this before putting your child’s name forward.
Mr McSwan will be putting the final teams/pairs together (a swimmer and a runner) and will let the students know once this is finalised.
If you would like to be considered for one of the teams then please contact Mr McSwan via email smcswan@gpcc.nsw.edu.au places are limited.
Central Coast Oztag Gala Day Year 2-4
Infants Mixed Team
Great effort from the infants mixed Oztag team. After 3 games we were hoping to remain undefeated. In the last game however, we had our first loss. All payers put in a valiant effort and should be proud of how they represented the school. Thank you to the families who showed up and cheered on our GPCC infants mixed side.
Mr Gibbins
Years 3/4 Girls Team
We had a brilliant day at the Oztag gala day. The Year 3/4 girls showed great stamina and determination to play their absolute best. Throughout the day the girls grew in their ability to play as a team and improved out of sight as the day went on. Our second game resulted in our first and only win, however the girls played beautifully across all 4 games and represented our school with exceptional sportsmanship. Well done to Samara W, Alessia S, Josie R, Asher L, Chloe L, Poppy A, Grace G, Zoe N, Miranda V and Madelyn G and thank you to all of the parents who came along and supported us.
Mrs Stretton
Years 3/4 Boys Team
The Year 3/4 boys team had an amazing day. The skilled that they showed by dodging, weaving, sprinting, tagging and scoring was on display in all the games. The team were undefeated in their Pool games finishing on top and 6th over all out of 24 school teams. They played well in the semi-final but fell to a tough CCAS team. Thank you to all the parents for your support on the day and to Mrs Stretton and Mr Gibbins for coaching the other teams.
Well done to Jake B, Tommy B, Liam C, James C, Michael HY, Eli H Bohden L, Kyle M, Enzo RC and Ryan Y on an amazing effort.
Mr McSwan
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
CSSA Netball Challenge
Congratulations to Kate B, Emily B and Bronte M in being selected in the 15&U CSSA Netball Team for 2023.
They were selected during the CSSA State gala day and have had training in preparation for the CIS Netball Challenge day on Monday.
All the girls were excellent representatives of the school and they should be so proud of their efforts. From this day a NSWCIS 15&U Team will be selected to attend the NSW All Schools Tri-Series.
Secondary School Sport Calendar Term 3 - 2023
|
Term 3, 2023 |
|||
|
Event |
Date |
Venue |
Convenor |
|
Secondary 15 and Open Netball Challenge |
21/08/2023 |
Netball Central Sydney Olympic Park |
CIS |
|
CSSA |
24/08/2023 |
SOPAC Homebush |
CSSA |
|
Secondary State Athletics |
|
|
|
|
THACCCSA Oz Tag Gala Day |
04/09/2023 |
Frost Reserve Kincumber |
GPCC |
|
Hunter Region Independent schools Rugby League 9s Gala Day
|
06/09/2023 |
Morry Breen Reserve Wyong |
CCRL |
|
Secondary 15&U Boys Basketball Gala Day Finals |
18/09/2023
|
Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre |
CSSA |
|
CIS SECONDARY ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS |
19/09/2023 |
Sydney Olympic Park |
CIS |
Competition Winners
K-2 Colouring Competition
|
CLASS |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
|
KDL |
River W |
Yuna Y |
April R-D |
|
KK |
Zyren L |
Josie M |
|
|
KS |
Isla B |
Carla R |
Aria V |
|
1C |
Hayley W |
|
|
|
1G |
Jasper V |
Freddie Z |
Willow E |
|
2G |
Lucia E |
Archer H |
Lucas R |
|
2J |
Everly K |
Tara J |
Jackson H |
|
2PS |
Emily H |
Milla D |
Phebe A |
Years 3 -4 Diorama - create a scene from your favourite book.
|
SCENE |
PRIZE |
STUDENTS |
|
The Faraway Tree |
Most creative design |
Siena E, Lauren B, Lisa J |
|
The Wizard of Oz |
Most gravity defying |
Emily C |
|
Pie Rats |
Best home-made construction |
Sienna M, Amelie C, Elsie H, Livinia S |
|
The Nativity |
Best story ever! |
Nathalie S, Isabella J |
|
Beauty & the Beast |
Best special effects |
Chloe H |
|
Alice in Wonderland |
True to story |
Juliana L |
|
Pirates of the Caribbean |
Adventure movie released as a book |
Adam T |
|
Harry Potter |
Best lego creation |
Evie M |
Literacy Day- Wednesday 23 August
On Wednesday students were split into K-6 Family groups to enjoy some stories and activities for Literacy Day. The students had a great time listening to some of the short-listed books and other favourites. Each group rotated to hear five stories; all teachers chose a different book to share. A big thank you to our teachers for creating such a special day for the students.
Buddy Reading- Thursday 24 August
All students Kindergarten - Year 11 participated in shared reading on Thursday morning. Primary students brought a book to read with their Secondary buddies. The students listened to each other read and asked questions in this amazing cross-school reading activity. Some students were able to connect with their original Kindy buddies on the day.
Book Week Parade- Friday 25 August
The theme for the Book Parade this year was ‘100 Years of Disney’. Teachers came dressed as a Disney character and performed a Reader Theatre, written by Mrs Kylie Bourke, it was amazing! Students paraded their costumes then joined in lunch with families and friends. Year 6 students added some extra fair activities and lots of enthusiasm, they raised $500 for the Cancer Council. We all had a great day. Thank you to the library staff for organising this week’s events.
Premiers Reading Challenge
The PRC closed on Friday 18 August. To date we have over 370 students that have completed the challenge. We will announce the final results in a few weeks once all accounts have been checked. This is the highest number of students that have completed the challenge, in any year, since we started participating as a college. A great result.
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.
Kindergarten 2025
We are currently experiencing very high demand for enrolment at GPCC. If your child is due to commence Kindergarten in 2025 or Year 7 in 2026, please apply now using our electronic application which is available on our website.
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.
Operation Christmas Child Fundraiser
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.
Camp Australia Spring Holiday Adventure
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
Terrigal Mobile Blood Donor Centre: 20 - 23 September
Pre-book your spot at Lifeblood.com.au or phone 13 14 95.
Code Camp - School Holidays
Kincumber Avoca Cricket Club Registrations
MacMasters Beach SLSC Registration and Information Day
North Avoca SLSC Registration Day
Lake Macquarie Kokoda Challenge - Saturday 14 October
Firewood for Sale
Contact Brian Shaw at the College on 0404 478 341.
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 28 August
Primary CSSA Esports Tournament
Primary ICAS Mathematics
Tuesday 29 August
Year 10 Snow Trip
Year 5 and 6 Oztag Gala Day
Wednesday 30 August
Year 10 Snow Trip
K-2 Athletics Carnival at GPCC
Thursday 31 August
Year 10 Snow Trip
Friday 1 September
K - Year 12 Fathers Day Breakfast
Year 10 Snow Trip
CSSA Primary State Athletics Carnival
Year 9 Geography Fieldwork excursion
Year 1 Swim lessons
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 4 September
THACCCSA Zone Secondary Oztag Gala Day
Wednesday 6 September
Year 10 -12 Faith in Professional Life (optional) at Wyong Christian School
Year 6 Incursion Write a Book in a Day
Thursday 7 September
Kariong Bulgandry Excursion
Year 12 Ancient History - Macquarie Study Session
Primary THACCCSA Oztag Tournament Mixed
Friday 8 September
Secondary Basketball Gala Day Finals
Year 1 Swim Lessons
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