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Welcome to Term 4. Higher School Certificate examinations have begun well, and the term has started in a settled way. This term is a dangerous one because many students (and some parents) think it is the tailing off term. Work is done and as we approach Christmas, we do nothing and so student absences rise dramatically.
This of course is a false view of schooling and learning. We never stop learning and there is always something new to learn. Year 11 students are now in Year 12, so they have to really get on with learning. Year 10 are finishing up the pre-HSC program and need to think about how well prepared they are for the challenges of the HSC program. You don’t come into that program under-prepared because you make life very hard for yourself as learning expectations really move upwards.
This last week Mr Lobsey, our Head of Secondary ran a study skills day for Year 12 helped by Mrs van Wyk our Senior Librarian. While we had some students away on a curriculum excursion, we also had a significant number of absences for no apparent reason. This sends a strong message about the value these students place on learning, and I can only assume they had the permission of their parents to be absent. Those away legitimately will be catered for with follow up work but starting out on the senior year of school with a failure to take advantage of this opportunity does not send a good message about your approach to life or learning and does not sit well with the culture of GPCC.
All other years still have significant areas of curriculum to cover. Just because assessment tasks may end halfway through the term does not mean learning has ended. Assessment is not the goal of learning – personal growth and equipping for the future is the goal. So, make sure you do not listen to your child when they say things like, "But we have finished the program,” or “But we just watch videos,” because that is incorrect and the wrong attitude. Partnership with us means you are sending them to school right up until the final day.
In fact, all year levels have exciting programs of learning planned for the latter part of the term that are free of traditional assessment and help students to focus on learning for its own sake. No-one should miss out on that opportunity.
In the process to find a replacement for me for 2024 onwards, we have begun a second round of interviews with two candidates. We hosted the first last Monday and host the second this Monday. Both candidates are experienced and intelligent people who are well read and know what school is meant to be about. We are confident one of them will be the right person.
Remember that if you are planning on moving your child to another school next year, we need early notice of that. We have waitlists of people wanting a place and it is not fair to keep them waiting unnecessarily. Please notify me or our registrar of you are planning on moving your child on.
Principal
Junior Band Performance
In Week 8, Term 3 our Junior Band gave their most triumphant performance at Chapel. They played a sneaky piece called Skeleton Dance (in a bone rattling minor key!), then a piece called Colors of the Wind. We heard about the lyrics of this piece, from the Disney film Pocahontas, which encourages us to listen to the wisdom of Indigenous peoples. A theme apt to the upcoming referendum, and the question we are all asking: what is the best way we can listen? The concert ended with some dazzling high trumpet notes, a thundering drum roll, and call and response between the sections of the band with Echo Blues. The concert was a big success, and a feather in the cap of our band and the teachers who supported us.
Mr Brendan Berlach
Last term, all students in Year 3-6 Extension Mathematics classes competed in Round 2 of the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge.
The Bebras Challenge engages students' computational thinking and problem-solving skills in a fun, interactive environment.
Special congratulations go to Siena E (Year 4) and Nathan Y (Year 4), who both scored 100% and achieved Honour Roll status.
Year 3
Merit: Mahli Y-B, Scarlett M, Matthew L
Credit: Piper J
Distinction: Jake B, Bram N
High Distinction: Anthony A, Ryder G, Alison H
Year 4
Credit: Tahsina M
Distinction: Elsie H, Lisa J, Nash P, Luca Y
High Distinction: Asher L, Henry H
Year 5
Merit: Finlay W, Kerryn W, Jacob R, Liam O, Mitchell M, Tatum C, Dylan B
Distinction: Cooper C
High Distinction: Louis A, Conor M
Year 6
Participation: Xavier W
Merit: Tommy T, Tobias S, Adam S, Jacob G, Hamish G, Lachlan B
Credit: Jiya M, Grace R
Distinction: Zachary L, Ayva C, Ethan S
High Distinction: Alleah M
Well done to all students.
Grandparents Day – Monday 30 October
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 (9:15am – 11:30am). This event will take place in Week 4 of Term 4.
GPCC has not had a Grandparent’s Day for the past 5 years. In that time our Primary department has grown considerably as has our College. For this reason, some events that we once did K-6 are now much more feasible scaled back. Grandparents’ Day is one of those events. As I am sure parents will understand not all grandparents are mobile and spritely and an event like this requires much planning and consideration around areas such as mobility, parking, access to classrooms etc. For this reason, we are keeping the Grandparents day to a K-2 event.
Pleaser RSVP by Friday 20 October via Parent Lounge.
We are looking forward to a wonderful time with the senior members of our community and showcasing our beautiful school.
Get Set Go!
It is hard to believe but our Kindergarten 2024 students will be arriving for their first Get Set Go orientation program next Thursday. Our youngest students will visit the College four more times during the remainder of this term to meet their buddies, learn about being at school and make some new friends. Please pray for them and their families as we welcome them to GPCC.
Events this Term
Term 4 is always a busy term and planning is essential. Here are some dates to assist you with forward planning for the weeks ahead.
- Wednesday 18 October K-2 Possum Magic Excursion
- Friday 20 October K-2 Swimming Carnival
- Monday 30 October – K-2 Grandparents Day
- Wednesday 1 November – last day for OCC Christmas Boxes to arrive
- Monday 13 November – Year 3 Surf day
- Tuesday 14 November – Year 4 Surf day
- Thursday 15 November – Year 5 Surf day
- Friday 16 November – Year 5 Surf day
- Monday 4 December – Year 6 Graduation and Dinner dance
- Tuesday 5 December – Primary Thanksgiving Service
- Wednesday 6 December – Last day of term 4
Student of the Week Awards
Congratulations to the following students:
Yuna Y; KDL, Lucas B; KK,Carla R; KS, Henley B; 1C,Harry T; 1G, Lucia E; 2G,Ella K; 2J, Michaela H; 2PS,Finn H; 3B, Maisie B; 3D,Avery G; 4D, Bella L; 4M,Alessia S; 4RM, Lanayah H; 5L,Breanna S; 5P, Ruth G; 6B,Isaac S; 6SH, Samuel C; 6S.
Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes
OCC Shoeboxes are due back at the College by Wednesday 1 November.
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 assembly this week, we spoke about the importance of finishing well.
Bad starts are not ideal, but if you mess up the start to a race, a music performance or a year at school, you have time to turn things around. A poor start can be overcome. A poor finish, however, is more problematic. A person who tires at the end of a race and is run down has no chance to redeem themselves. The wrong final note of a musical piece leaves a lasting impression on the listeners.
Students who have had a great 2023 can start to move into cruise mode and not finish strong. This could be seen in areas such as their academics or behaviour. If a student hasn’t done their best this year, everything can be turned around in the following weeks. What is required is the student’s best effort, all of the way until the end of term.
In his letter the Philippians, Paul writes about finishing well. Despite his great achievements, he knew that for as long as he was alive, he needed to continue striving for the prize set before him:
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14
I encourage you to speak to your children about finishing this term well and to reflect on how you could be pressing on to take hold of what Jesus has for you.
Brewarrina Community Fundraiser
Morgan D and her mum, Lisa were instrumental and did the majority of the organisation.
Bella T, Imogen H, Alice H and Nina S.
The girls aimed to raise $500, but they ended up raising $1,111.45, such a wonderful result. The majority of these girls are going on the mission trip to Brewarrina this term.
Well done girls on this great initiative.
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about Apprenticeships and Traineeships, a WiseTech scholarship, University of Newcastle Nursing, Midwifery and Law Information Evenings, North Construction Internship opportunity, and a Microsoft IT Traineeship (see General News section).
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
CIS Athletics Championships
We had two amazing athletes represent GPCC and CSSA at the CIS Primary Athletics Carnival which was held ay Sydney Olympic Park Homebush in September. Lily D from Year 6 competed in the 12-13yr girls Discus throw and threw a competition PB of 20.79m which is an amazing effort, having only recently worked on a ‘spin’ throwing technique. Well done Lily!
Nash P from Year 4 competed in the 8-10 year boys Long Jump. In stifling conditions, Nash jumped like he had springs in his feet and can be very proud of his effort. Top work Nash!
CSSA Primary State Tennis Gala Day
This is to be held on Tuesday 31 October at Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope. If your child is an experienced tennis player and you would be free to take them down for the day and supervise (there will be no school bus or teacher present) then please let Mr McSwan know by Tuesday 17 October at the latest as entries close by this date.
2024 Australian Mountain Bike Interschools Competition
Please see details in the Secondary Sports section below.
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 and other important events
Friday 20 October GPCC K-2 Swimming Carnival (Peninsula Leisure Centre)
Monday 13 November Year 3 Surf Safety Day (Terrigal Beach)
Tuesday 14 November Year 4 Surf Safety Day (Terrigal Beach)
Thursday 16 November Year 5 Surf Safety Day (Terrigal Beach)
Friday 17 November Year 6 Surf Safety Day (Terrigal Beach)
Wednesday 6 December Year 3-6 Last Day at Umina Beach
Wednesday 6 December K-2 Fun Day on School Oval with Motiv8 Sports
Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
All School Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to Wade B who was thrilled to receive his first podium result at an All Schools Athletics carnival, in his final time wearing the GPCC singlet in the holidays! He collected the Bronze medal in the 17yrs 3000m run, and just missed out on sub-9mins 3km(9:01). A fantastic run by a great ambassador of our school. Well done Wade.
Congratulations also to Quinn L and Taylor F who competed in the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships over the break. Quinn completed in the 13 Girls 800m and 1500m and had a best position of 19th which is a great result. Taylor completed in the 12 Girls 100m and was able to get through the preliminary races and ended up coming 7th in the final with a time of 13.76sec. Well done to these athletes to be competing at the highest level of athletics in NSW.
NSW Country Cricket Championships
Congratulations to Scarlett S who was part of the U19 Central Coast cricket team that won the NSW Country Championship during the holidays. It was their first ever state title and her best bowling figures during the carnival were 3/8 off three overs.
CIS Athletics Carnival
Six students from GPCC travelled to Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre to compete in the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Athletics Carnival on an extremely hot day on Tuesday 19 September. Congratulations to the following students on their efforts and personal bests on the day.
12 Years:
Taylor F - 2nd 100m (13.56), 5th 200m (28.60)
Alex H - 7th 800m (2:50.45)
Xavier B M – 5th 100m (13.26), 3rd 200m (27.31), 5th High Jump (1.40m), 5th Shot Put (9.58m), 6th Discus (19.64m)
13 Years:
Quinn L – 11th 800m (2:35.29)
Xavier R – 8th Discus (22.63m)
16 Years:
Alyssa M – 5th High Jump (1.50m), 5th Long Jump (4.95m)
Basketball State Gala Day
On Monday 18 September the GPCC Junior boys basketball team travelled to Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre at Cambridge Park to play in the State Gala day. This was a competition against all the other teams that had won their CSSA regional gala days around the state. Our first game was against Coffs Harbour CS and it was only 2 late three pointers from Coffs that created a 19-19 draw! In our second game we played much better however, some calls did not go our way and we lost to Northern Beaches CS 19-14. Our third game ALSO ended in a 24-24 draw with a late foul call on a three point shot where Ceders CS managed to score two of the free throws to draw the game. These 2 draws and a loss put us outside the semi finals so it was a frustrating day of what could have been. Well done to all the boys that played at such a high level.
2024 Australian Mountain Bike Interschools Competition
Save the Date
The Australian MTB Interschools returns to Thredbo in 2024 (4-8 March) for another week of action packed riding, racing and good times with all your school mates from far and wide. Compete as an individual or as a team and pick which events you’d like to compete in. Registrations will sell out so be sure to rally your mates up and descend on Thredbo for the best week of the school year!
Registrations for this event will be going live in November. Details regarding schedule and formats dropping soon.
To stay up to date with all event & entertainment news, please follow us on socials and our newsletter. For more information click on this link.
Please contact Lucinda Shelley, as our school contact if you have any further questions on lucindashelley@icloud.com
GPCC Term 4 Sport Calendar
CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS SPORTS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT: Friday 20th October (CANCELLED)
CSSA Secondary State Triathlon: Thursday 26 October (CANCELLED)
CSSA Secondary Girls Super 8’s Cricket GD: Friday 3 November
THACCCSA Super 8’s Cricket Gala Day: Wednesday 22 November Maitland Park
Premier’s Reading Challenge 2024 Years 2-6
The official start to the PRC for 2024 will not be until the end of February next year. However, please encourage your children to record any books they have read since the beginning of September this year as these can be counted towards their participation in 2024.
Reading logs for 2024 will not be available online until March but the Library has paper copies if required. The Library can also access the borrowing history for any student if needed.
Booklists are available on the Premier’s Reading Challenge website.
Why is reading beneficial for children? Explore the following link.
Eight Benefits of Reading for Children - Learning Links
Scholastic Book Club- Issue 7
Booklets have gone out for Issue 7. Parents can order online LOGIN (scholastic.com.au) until Wednesday 25 October.
Preschool Storytime 2023 - Term 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.
Director of ICT - Full time https://www.enrichedhr.com/ict-gpcc
HSIE Teacher - Permanent full time https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/hsie-teacher
TAS Assistant (Kitchen) - Temporary Part Time (Maternity Leave replacement) https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/tas-kitchen-assistant
Michelle is a passionate teacher who has a heart for sharing her faith and supporting teachers around her. She has generously prepared resources, researched and led sessions for our Foundations of Christian Education program. All new teachers to the school attend this group every Tuesday morning and Michelle has served this group selflessly, being an excellent example of Christian discipleship at our College.
Save the Date
2024 School Photography Dates
Tuesday 27 February 2024 - Primary School
Tuesday 5 March 2024 - Secondary School
Friday 8 March 2024 - Sibling photos and Absentees
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
Central Coast Council - 'Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers' Workshops
Avoca Beach Auskick Progam
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.
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.
Coming Up this Week
Monday 16 October
HSC Exam Period (11 Oct - 3 November)
Tuesday 17 October
Year 7 Hunter Valley Zoo excursion
Year 7 2024 Orientation
Kindergarten swimming lessons
Wednesday 18 October
K - Year 2 Excursion - Possum Magic at the Art House Wyong
Thursday 19 October
CSSA Primary State Biathlon
Kindergarten 2024 Get Set Go Session 1
Friday 20 October
Year 9 Girls Mission Trip (20 October - 27 October)
K - Year 2 Swimming Carnival
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 23 October
HSC Exam period (11 October - 3 November)
Year 9 Girls Mission Trip (20 October - 27 October)
Years 3 - 6 CSSA Primary State Tennis Gala Day
Tuesday 24 October
Year 11 Hospitality Work Placement
Kindergarten Swimming
CSSA Cricket Comp (Years 5 & 6)
Wednesday 25 October
Year 7 2024 - online Testing
Years 2 - 6 PSSA Athletics
Thursday 26 October
CSSA Primary State Biathlon/Triathlon
Secondary State Triathlon
Kindergarten Get Set Go Session 2
Friday 27 October
Year 9 Girls Mission trip (20 October - 27 October)
Monday 30 October
K - 2 Grandparents Day
Monday 30 october - Friday 3 November
Year 12 Hospitality Workplacement
Wednesday 1 November
last day for OCC Christmas boxes
2024 School Photo Dates
Tuesday 27 February 2024 - Primary School
Tuesday 5 March 2024 - Secondary School
Friday 8 March 2024 - Sibling photos and Absentees
TERM DATES 2023
Monday, 9 October - Wednesday, 6 December
Click on: TERM DATES 2024