Filter Content
Thanks again to all those who have responded to the Principal Advisory Group invitation. We have now closed off applications and I will be in touch in a few days with you all. We are over-subscribed so don’t be disappointed if you missed out this time – we will keep your application on hand for the following year.
I was in a meeting of our Secondary teacher leaders this week and a discussion was held on the issue of uniform with students. The incorrect wearing of uniform is a perennial issue for schools. It is probably one of the biggest detractors from academics in every school. I don’t like my academic leaders spending time on uniform issues when they should be talking about academics.
However, it is an issue and although the wearing of uniform at GPCC has improved significantly- there is a hard core of students for whom it is an on-going issue. We can impose lunchtime and after-school detentions but ultimately, we struggle to have any significant consequences for a failure to wear uniform correctly. Some might ask why we bother. Well, we believe that if you have a rule it is worth keeping and enforcing otherwise you should remove it. We know that the majority of our parents want us to have a school uniform so it should be worn correctly and with pride.
Failure to wear the uniform correctly comes down to just a few things: it may be simple forgetfulness (boys and their shirts is a common example), it is often however an act of subtle or overt rebellion – I don’t like the uniform so I will not wear it correctly. It may relate to image, so girls for example will often roll their skirt bands up so the skirt is short- this is the image teenage girls in many schools project and so our girls don’t want to be seen as old-fashioned. Sometimes it is simply a general anti-authority gesture.
At school, we work to get students to wear the uniform correctly, but it is tiresome and for men nowadays potentially career-damaging. We men seldom speak to girls about uniform because we know we can get accused of sexual harassment for it – so the girls play on this.
This is where you as parents come in. Most days I am down outside the MPC and near the Kiss and Drop zone for Secondary students. I am amazed at how many times students get out of the car incorrectly or sloppily dressed. This should have been fixed before you got in the car at home. Now it is left to us to sort it out. That is not partnership. When we work together on this, students will end up complying but if there are loopholes, they will exploit them.
Godly character is about being willing to lay aside my desires, even my rights at times, to fit in with others, especially those in authority. Wearing the uniform correctly, addressing uniform issues when asked promptly and with grace speak of your character. Being rebellious, rude, disrespectful or discourteous, doesn’t speak of a good character.
Let’s work together to help our students become good people and show society what that looks like. Not by us forcing them, but by us helping them to understand the importance of keeping the rules to keep harmony in a community.
Principal
We are very excited to announce that after many years hiatus, we will be holding a K-2 Grandparents Day on the morning of Monday 30 October ( approx. (9:30 – 11:30 am ). This event will take place in Week 4 of term 4. More details and an official invitation will be issued at the beginning of Term 4.
Wakakirri
After an exciting and highly professional performance at NIDA on Thursday night our amazing Wakakirri troupe was one of two schools nominated for a National award. We are so very proud of our students and their effort, skill and energy they demonstrated amongst such a high level of competition. National awards are announced in October. HUGE thank you to the staff and parents for their support and in particular Mrs McKeown and Miss Gem.
Jewellery
A reminder that student in Primary school are not permitted to wear necklaces, chains, multiple or fancy earrings, rings or bracelets to school.
Girls are permitted to wear one pair of plain stud or sleeper earrings only and not nail polish or hair colour is to be applied for students in years K-6. Thank you for reinforcing to your children about the importance of adhering to the school uniform policy.
Write a Book in a Day
On Wednesday 6 September, a team of 10 very capable writers from Year 6 eagerly embraced the opportunity to 'Write a Book in a Day', in support of The Kids’ Cancer Project.
With parameters including an unlikely combination of characters, the students brainstormed, collaborated, drafted, edited, illustrated and published for 9 hours!
The students are to be congratulated on their excellent teamwork, creativity, IT skills and endurance. There were also a few laughs along the way, despite the tight timeframe.
Well done to all students and thank you to Mrs Smith for making a generous donation to the The Kids’ Cancer Project on our behalf.
To view the students' book, please click on the link below: https://issuu.com/gpcc09/docs/write_a_book_in_a_day_2023
Mrs Lines
Hat Compulsory Wearing
Following our uniform policy hats are back from Monday 4 September. This means all students MUST wear a hat when playing outside or participating in Sport or classes outside. Please ensure that your child has a hat at school each day and that their correct name is on their hat, (class not necessary).
As the UV climbs above 3, students will also be encouraged to wear sunscreen to school each day. The College does provide sunscreen for reapplication if required or students can bring a small container of their own in their bags.
Summer uniform for girls can be worn in the last two weeks of term, (from 11 September).
Student of the Week Awards
Congratulations to the following students:
Ezekiel A; KDL, Tahrima M; KK,Lucas G; KS, Cass G; 1C,Ashton F; 1G, Scarlett F; 2G,Hallie H; 2J, Aston P; 2PS,Imogen W; 3B, James N; 3D,Anabella V; 4D, Luca Y; 4M,Sebastian J; 4RM, Tatum C; 5L,Mitchell M; 5P, Grace B; 6B,Lucas M; 6SH, Ethan S; 6S.
Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes
Green Point Christian College have been supporting Operation Christmas Child for over 30 years. This term we will be handing out the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes in Primary school, one box per family.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse. It is a hands-on way for you to bless children in need across the world by filling shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and fun gifts. OCC collect the boxes and distribute them in the name of Jesus Christ to children living in vulnerable situations.
The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to provide God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
We encourage you to start shopping now. For directions on how to pack a shoebox and what to put in it, please click on the link below.
How To Pack A Shoebox - Operation Christmas Child
Mr Steve Lobsey | Head of Secondary
At church last week I was fortunate to hear a message from Mr Craig Tubman, who is the School Chaplain at St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
In speaking on Ephesians 6, which tells children to obey their parents, Craig revealed some very interesting truths about changing culture in relation to children. At the time Ephesians was written, under Roman law, fathers had the right to inflict punishments on their children – whether that be beating, starving or even killing them. A father could therefore do this without punishment.
Thankfully, our view of children has changed. Under a Christian worldview, we see every child as being made in God’s image. They are inherently valuable regardless of their personal characteristics or achievements. They are all loved by God so much, that He gave His Son so that they may have eternal life.
Non-Christians have also developed a view of the value of children. Although they are not seen as being made in the image of God, they are seen as valuable. It is important to know this is a Christian influence on the secular world and that such a high view of children (and women) comes from Christian thinking.
How does a non-Christian justify the value of children? One source we can look to is French Philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau, who developed an idea of the ‘state of nature’. His idea is simple: human beings can be their authentic selves when they don’t have to conform to external expectations. Only then can they be who they really are.
Dr Carl Truman says in his book 'The Rise of the Modern Self' that this state of nature approach has led to so much value being placed on individual freedom that there has been a flip in the role of children. He says “Whereas in a society based on, say, Confucian ideals, age is to be respected because age brings with it wisdom, the Western world of today generally credits youth with wisdom and sees old age as corrupt, myopic, or behind the times.”
We can see this in a small example - the development of the insult “OK Boomer”. It is a comment made by younger people that is clearly designed to discount the thoughts of anyone from an older generation.
Craig works in a school and gave another example from his experience. He finds it is not uncommon when speaking with parents for them to lament their teenager is staying up till 2 or 3am on their phones. When Craig suggests the parents take away the phone, they gasp and say ‘we couldn’t do that!!’.
There is a delicate balance here. We do want to value children and we do want them to become the full potential of who they were made to be. But we also need to be adults and recognise the wisdom of older generations in speaking into their lives. Proverbs 22:6 tells us to “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Teachers and parents are called to disciple children – to place boundaries over what they can and cannot do rather than giving them complete freedom to find the answers on their own.
Year 12 Ancient History
A wonderful conclusion to the HSC year for Ancient History, with a joint Macquarie University revision session with The Entrance High School. Students were presented an analysis of Xerxes through sources by a PHD candidate to see how his representations have evolved over time. In session 2 they partook in a simulated archaeological examination to draw conclusions on the life of a Roman soldier. In session 3 they were presented with an overview of the people, religions and women of Pompeii.
Mr Haines
Senior Band Perform at Tarragal Glen
On Thursday morning the Senior Band performed for the elderly residents at Tarragal Glen, accompanied by their conductor Mr Brendan Berlach and Mrs Naomi Menzies. The students represented the College wonderfully, not only by performing their pieces with spirit and commitment, but also by their interaction after the concert with the grateful residents. The residents were clearly moved by the warmth of our students, and one gentleman had tears in his eyes as he expressed his thanks for our visit. It was a wonderful opportunity for the formation of student’s serving and helping of others: the 'Socially Engaged' attribute of our graduate profile.
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
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about UAC, Grove Studios Open Day, Astronomy Night at Macquarie University, Apprenticeships and Traineeships, North Constructions Apprenticeship and Internship, traineeship in Dental Assisting, Work Experience at Sydney Opera House (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
Primary CSSA Athletics Carnival
On Friday 1 September we took a strong squad of Primary athletes down to Blacktown Athletics Centre to compete at the CSSA Carnival.
The team competed in either running, throwing or jumping events with all the students doing themselves proud.
Our Hunter (THACCCSA) Zone finished the carnival ranked number 1 which is a huge achievement. Congratulations to all the competing schools from our zone.
It was a great day, we look forward to sending those that qualified to CIS in a couple of weeks (squad TBC).
I’d also like to thank the parents that travelled down for the day.
1st, 2nd and 3rd Results
Lily D 2nd in 12-13 Girls Discus Throw
Nash P 3rd in 8-10 Boys Long Jump
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.
Parents will be required to organise transport for their child to and from the event.
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.
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
Friday 20 October - GPCC K-2 Swimming Carnival (Peninsula Leisure Centre)
Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
CSSA State Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to the students who competed in the CSSA Secondary State Athletics Carnival. The boys and girls represented the school with enthusiasm and great effort. Some of our students even did well enough to make it through to the NSW Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Championships on Tuesday 19 September.
There is also special congratulations to be given to Xavier B-M who achieved a number of great results and was named 12 Years Age Champion. Other students who excelled at the carnival were:
12 Years:
Xavier B-M: 1st High jump, 1st Discus, 1st 400m, 2nd 100m, 2nd 200m and 3rd Shot Put.
Taylor F: 1st 100m, 1st 200m
Alex H: 3rd 800m, 3rd 1500m
13 Years:
Xavier R: 3rd Discus
Bonnie H: 3rd Javelin
Quinn L: 3rd 800m
14 Years:
Noah D: 2nd Shot Put
16 Years:
Alyssa M: 2nd Long Jump, 3rd High Jump
17 Years:
Laura R: 1st Javelin, 1st Discus, 1st Shot Put
18 Years:
Eloise H: 2nd 400m, 3rd 200m, 3rd Long Jump, 3rd 1500m
Congratulations to these students and we wish them all the very best at the NSWCIS Championships.
Secondary THACCCSA Zone Oztag Gala Day
On Monday September 4th four Mixed Oztag teams from Secondary School competed in the THACCCSA Gala Day at Frost Reserve Kincumber. The two senior and two junior teams were in the same pools and actually played against each other. The Junior teams came through their pool games and were 2nd and 4th overall and ended up winning their Semi-Finals so played each other in the Junior Division 1 Grand Final. The Seniors played well all day and one of their teams made it through to the Grand Final to be narrowly beaten by Belmont Christian College. Well done to all students for their efforts, behaviour and sportsmanship through the day. Thank you also to the coaches Mr Harris, Mrs Kirk, Mr McGillivray and Mr Read for their guidance on the day.
9's Rugby League
On Wednesday 6 September, two GPCC 9’s Rugby League teams had a very successful Pilot Gala Day at Wyong winning all of our games.
The scores from the U14’s team were – 53 – 6 against Lakes Grammar, 36 – 5 against Scone Grammar, 38 – 10 against Newcastle Grammar and 43 – 0 against St Philips Newcastle. The U16’s scores were 25 – 8 against Lakes Grammar, 58 – 0 against St Phillips Newcastle, 42 – 8 against Newcastle Grammar and 45 – 0 against St Phillips Port Stephens. Congratulations to all the boys that played and the sportsmanship they showed on the day.
Secondary School Sport Calendar Term 3 - 2023
|
Term 3, 2023 |
|||
|
Event |
Date |
Venue |
Convenor |
|
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 |
Secondary Literacy Day
We are excited to have Paul MacDonald speaking to Years 7-10 in LIFE on Wednesday 13 September. Students are welcome to wear indigenous colours on the day, we are raising funds for decodable readers for students at Brewarrina Christian School. Paul is a very engaging speaker who talks to many Secondary schools each week to promote reading. Year 9 are running a BBQ, students can purchase a sausage sandwich and a drink.
Preschool Storytime 2023 - Terms 3 and 4
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.
HSC Exam Volunteers
We have an urgent need for HSC volunteers. If you are interested to be a Reader or Writer during the HSC exams, please contact Glenda Fourie at: glenda.fourie@gpcc.nsw.edu.au or 4363 1266.
Dates: Wednesday 11 October to Friday 3 November
YVCS - Principal
https://www.yvcs.nsw.edu.au/employment/employment-opportunities/principal
YVCS - Teacher (full time)
https://www.yvcs.nsw.edu.au/employment/employment-opportunities/teacher
YVCS - Teacher (part time)
https://www.yvcs.nsw.edu.au/employment/employment-opportunities/teacher
YVCS - Teacher's Aide (part time)
https://www.yvcs.nsw.edu.au/employment/employment-opportunities/teacher-aide
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
Pricelist Update from 4 September 2023
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.
Avoca Beach Scout Group
Scouts Australia provides young people aged 5 to 25 with fun and challenging opportunities to grow through adventure. With around 70,000 members, Scouts Australia is one of the largest youth development organisations in Australia. What makes us unique is our diverse range of activities that develop skills in young people such as leadership, teamwork, problem solving and communication from the age of 5 years old. For more information download the document below.
CC Spring Holiday Junior Chess Tournament
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
Softball Trials for Decoys Softball Club
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.
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 11 September
Years 10 - 12 Coast Shelter Serving Opportunity (monthly)
Tuesday 12 September
CIS Primary Boys Cricket Trials
Wednesday 13 September
Secondary Open Futsal Gala Day
Year 12 Study camp - Winmalee Christian Conference Centre
Year 7-10 Literacy Day - Paul McDonald speaker in LIFE
Year 9 Fundraiser
Thursday 14 September
Year 12 Study Camp
Secondary 15&U Futsal Gala Day
Friday 15 September
Year 12 Study Camp
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 18 September
CSSA Secondary State 15&U Basketball Gala Day
Tuesday 19 September
CIS Athletics Championships - Primary and Secondary
Wednesday 20 September
Year 12 Last Chapel
Year 12 Treetops Excursion
year 10 Fieldwork Excursion
Thursday 21 September
Year 12 Breakfast
Year 12 Graduation
Friday 22 September
Primary Rugby GPCC vs The Coast Christian School
Last Day Term 3
Save the Date
Sunday 3 December
Green Point Community Carols - 7:30pm
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