Filter Content
Thank you very much to all those parents who completed the survey from Christian Schools Australia on Christian schooling. We have had a great response, and this is helpful because we want politicians and those running pressure groups to understand that there are a lot of people who actually do want their children in a Christian school with committed Christian staff.
Living in a democracy used to mean that we could hold differing beliefs and views on issues and still agree to get along together. That attitude is changing, and the result is not a better society but a more divided and angrier one. I have often had to tell people in recent years that just because I disagree with you or hold a different belief, I do not hate you. We can disagree and remain friends or at least show respect for each other. That is what democratic freedom used to be about. I trust that our graduates go out into the rest of life with a healthy attitude towards those who are different.
This past week I received a resignation from Mrs Nicole Smith, our Head of Primary. Nicole has served us at GPCC for the past 5 years and has done a wonderful job of getting Primary back on its feet and moving it forward. She has worked on the culture of the school, on the academics, particularly literacy and numeracy, on creating more opportunities for student participation in activities and who can forget the amazing Wakakirri performance!
We will miss Nicole a lot, as she has been a strong member of our College Executive Team, challenging us to raise standards and get things right. We certainly wish her all the very best as she takes up a new role in a Christian school in Sydney. She began her teaching career here at Green Point Christian College as a graduate teacher, returning after many years of both overseas and local experience to guide our Primary into a new future. Pray with us for a really good replacement for her to carry on the good work she has initiated.
We are filling staff positions for 2024 quite well but still have some vacancies. The teacher shortage is real, especially in some subjects. The Melos Group is embarking on a program to assist teacher trainees to study for a teaching degree while being connected weekly to a host school. The Melos Teaching School will support aspiring teachers to become excellent practitioners and be familiar with school practices long before they enter their own classrooms for the first time. This new model of teacher training is producing good results across NSW and we are looking forward to hosting our first trainee at GPCC in 2024.
Remember that we still have 5 weeks of school to go and we need students here every day and focused on learning. Let’s together make this a strong finish for everyone.
Please click on this link to view an introduction video of our new Principal, Mr Joel van Bentum commencing in 2024.
Principal
Many of you will have heard that I am finishing up my role as Head of Primary at the end of 2023. I am so grateful for the time I have been able to spend sowing into the lives of families here on the Central Coast and to be a part of the beautiful community that we have here at GPCC. I know that God has amazing plans for the future of GPCC and whilst I am excited about new beginnings, I will miss all that GPCC is.
We still have a jam-packed Term 4 with lots of fun and engaging events for our students to finish off the year. Please continue to encourage our students to bring their best each day in their learning, their presentation (uniform) and their relationships.
As I write shoe boxes are still making their way through the College gates to Mrs Davis room and the number of boxes is increasing. There is still time as our truck comes on Monday (6 November), so please remember to bring them in.Thank you to all the families who have created a box.
K - 2 Grandparents Day
What a joy it was to have our K-2 grandparents visit our classrooms and spend some time with our students at school on Wednesday 1 November. We saw proud students showing off their classrooms, and proud grandparents excited to see what their grandchildren get up to at school. A massive thank you to Mrs de Lore and Mrs Milsom for creating such a beautiful event. Thank you to Mrs Barnes and her her Year 10 Food Technology students along with Mrs Mohr w ho prepared and served the morning tea for the grandparents.
Thank you to all our beautiful grandparents who joined us for our special K-2 Grandparents Day Assembly. Our K-2 students had big smiles on their faces as they sang songs and shared what they loved about their grandparents. We were also blessed to view one last Wakakirri performance and hear from our Primary Choir. A massive thank you to everyone who was involved in pulling this wonderful event together.
Student of the Week Awards
Congratulations to the following students:
Cooper B; KDL, Josie M; KK, Harriet H; KS, Ivy H; 1C,Finn B; 1G, Cooper B; 2G,Joseph D; 2J, Julian M; 2PS,Alison H; 3B, Harrison L; 3B,Fraser M; 3D, Hannah K; 3D,Charlotte E; 4D, Eli H; 4M,Sophie S; 4M, Lucy O; 4RM,Grace V; 5L, Evie N; 5P,Ruben D; 5P, Emlyn C; 6B,Aurora H; 6B, Charlee C; 6SH
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.
- Monday 13 November – Year 3 Surf day
- Tuesday 14 November – Year 4 Surf day
- Thursday 16 November – Year 5 Surf day
- Friday 17 November – Year 6 Surf day
- Monday 4 December – Year 6 Graduation and Year 6 Graduation Dinner at Terrigal SLCS
- Tuesday 5 December – Primary Thanksgiving Service
- Wednesday 6 December – Last day of Term 4
Mrs Jane McLarty | Acting Head of Secondary
By now you will have heard that Mr Steve Lobsey (Head of Secondary School) had heart surgery on Wednesday following medical testing last week. He will need the remainder of Term 4 to recover. Please uphold Steve, his wife Bronwyn, and their two children in your prayers at this time. Steve is very positive and is looking forward to 2024. As a result, I will be stepping into the role of Head of Secondary, with the support of others in the Executive Team.
As this Messenger goes to print, our Year 12 students, the graduates of 2023, will have completed all their HSC examinations. Next week they will be planning, preparing, preening, and polishing in readiness for the Year 12 Formal. This evening is a wonderful time for staff, students, and parents to celebrate 13 years of schooling and is the final school event. We pray God’s blessing over each of the students, for the evening and for the paths, known or unknown, that each one will take. We pray that the seeds that have been planted bear fruit and that the students will cherish their time at GPCC.
Clean 4 Shore Excursion
Year 11 Geography undertook Clean 4 Shore on Thursday 2 November. While cleaning up the Brisbane Water they learnt valuable lessons about salt marshes and mangroves from Central Coast Council’s Senior Estuary Officer Ben Cuerel. Local State MP Adam Crouch even popped in for a visit. Mr Crouch praised the students on their efforts and spoke of measures to control the entry of litter into the waterways.
Students removed 200 metres of oyster pipe, plus large roll of oyster shade cloth. They collected 9 bags of litter and many bulk items weighing 580 kilos.
Much Ado about Nothing - Year 10 Drama
Year 10 Drama students (and some Year 11's) have been working on a student-led production of Shakespeare's fun play, 'Much Ado about Nothing'.
Please note: Students (other than those involved) may not attend the 12pm performances, this is only be for parents/adult friends/grandparents. Students are welcome and encouraged to attend the 5pm performance.
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about becoming a teacher, TAFE opportunities, apprenticeship in cabinetmaking, summer jobs at Crowne Plaza, mechanic and electrical apprenticeships.
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
Surf Safety Days
In Week 6, each Year from Grades 3-6 will attend Terrigal Beach for a Surf Safety Day run by the lifeguards at Terrigal Beach. On this these days students will have the opportunity to participate in some sand activities, talk about safety at the beach and splash around on the shoreline with some paddling and fun play.
We are looking forward to a great week and hopefully some lovely weather.
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
Upcoming important events
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 9am-12pm
2024 Australian Mountain Bike Interschools Competition
Please see details in the Secondary Sports section below.
Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
2023 Sports Awards Assembly
On Monday 6 November we will be having our 2023 Sports Awards Assembly in the MPC at 10:00am.
This is a time to acknowledge students and their achievements in 2023 in Swimming, Athletes and Cross Country.
Trophies and medals will be presented to first, second and third in each age group from our carnivals and the winning house for 2023 will be announced. Parents and carers of recipients are invited to attend. We look forward to an encouraging time to congratulate our students.
Surf Life Saving Central Coast
Congratulations to Alexandra H, Olivia E, Ciara W who have been selected in the 2023 Surf Life Saving Central Coast Team to compete on 1-2nd December at Fingal Bay for the Surf Lifesaving NSW Interbranch Championships. Well done girls.
CSSA Tennis Gala Day
Congratulations to Bailey V (Year 7) who competed in the CSSA State Secondary Tennis Gala Day in the Opens Division on Wednesday in Blacktown. He was playing against boys many years older and at a very high level. It was a great experience for Bailey as he continues to hone his skills in this demanding sport.
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
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#/
GPCC Term 4 Sport Calendar
GPCC Sports Awards Assembly: Monday 6 November
THACCCSA Super 8’s Cricket Gala Day: Wednesday 22 November Maitland Park
CC Secondary Basketball Gala Day: Wednesday 22 November Terrigal Basketball Stadium
CIS Secondary Open Girls Cricket Trials: Tuesday-Wednesday 21-22 November
CIS Secondary Open Boys Cricket Trials: Wednesday-Thursday 22-23 November
CC Secondary Wombats Cup Waterpolo Gala Day: Thursday 30 November Peninsula Leisure Centre
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 4, download below.
Library Books
Please have a look at home for any library books to return before the end of the year. Primary borrowing finishes on Friday 24 November. All books should be returned by Friday 1 December. Reminders will be going home this week and in Week 7.
Library Resources
Head of Primary https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/head-of-primary
HSIE Teacher - Permanent full time https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/hsie-teacher
French Teacher - Permanet part time https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/french-teaching-position
Payroll/Finance Assistant - Permanent Full Time OR Part Time
https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/payroll-finance-assistant
Casual ICT Assistant https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/casual-ict-assistant
Casual Teachers Primary https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/casual-teacher-primary
Casual Teachers Secondary https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/casual-teacher_secondary
Colleen is an exceptional teacher. She forgoes RFF time to ensure that every student receives as much individualised attention as possible. She maintains a rigorous assessment and planning cycle to ensure her instruction is always directed to specific needs. Mrs D is fondly thought of by all in her care.
School Student Travel for 2024
Our 2nd Hand uniform stall will be open on:
Wednesday 8 November: 2pm - 3pm
Wednesday 22 November: 2pm - 3pm
It is located at the rear of the building where the new Reception and Students window are located.
Tjudibaring AECG Awards 2023
On Wednesday 15 November our school community are invited to the AECG Awards for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Kincumber High School. Please see the invitation for details.
Green Point Community Carols
Lots of options for a Family dinner: BBQ, Food Trucks, Coffee Van, Icecreams and more.
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
SU Australia Hawkesbury Fishing Camp
One of our staff members Mr Wood and his wife are co-directing the inaugural SU Hawkesbury Fishing Camp this November 24-26.
This is open to Boys & Girls in Years 7–12 who are still at school, with the camp based at 'The Missions' at Gundermann between Spencer and Wiseman's Ferry.
Why not grab a friend or two and sign up to 2 nights of camping and 2 days of fishing and campfire fun!
An Invitation to the Community
A CHRISTMAS GATHERING FOR THOSE IN THE COMMUNITY WHO HAVE LOST LOVED ONES.
The gathering will be a time of meeting together with others who are experiencing bereavement to honour loved ones who are no longer with us. We aim to provide an open door to the community so that all those who are grieving can know that there is a place where their pain will be acknowledged, validated and supported, especially during this Christmas season.
The event will take the form of an informal Christmas gathering and will include music, readings, poetry and a short message of hope. Morning tea is provided.
The gathering is an initiative of Mosaic, a group of people from diverse backgrounds who join together monthly to support one another through bereavement. It is an informal time of listening, learning and sharing our stories with others. All those who are experiencing bereavement are welcome to join the group.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
When: Saturday 2 December 2023
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Where: The Green House @ Coast Community Church, 39 Bundaleer Crescent, Bensville
Cost: This is a free event
More info: Contact Jen 0414 510 784
PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE FOR CATERING PURPOSES
Hammond Care volunteers needed
Hammond Care are in need of volunteers to visit their clients, either in their residential facilities or in the client's own homes all over the Central Coast community. Volunteers give social support to their vulnerable clients who are isolated or need extra social support. The volunteers do this by visiting clients weekly to chat with them, have a cuppa, go for a walk and just provide company that the clients otherwsie would not have. Please contact Claire McMurtrie from Hammond Care at claire.mcmutrie@hammond.com.au
Avoca Beach Auskick Progam
5 week Beach Auskick program at Avoca Bech on Friday afternoons 27 October - 24 November.
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 6 November
Secondary Sports Awards Assembly
Year 10 Drama - 'Much Ado about Nothing' 12pm.
Tuesday 7 November
Year 10 Drama - 'Much Ado about Nothing' 12pm and5pm.
Year 9 Australian Maritime Museum excursion
Year 7 - 8 Central Coast Grammar School Debating Day
Kindergarten Get Set Go Session 4 (Avoca Beach Playground)
Wednesday 8 November
Years 7 - 12 Interschool Cru Day
THACCCCSA Cricket - Years 3 & 4
Thursday 9 November
Years 9 & 11 Textiles Incursion
Year 10 Exams
Years 7 - 10 Band/Jazz Night
Friday 10 November
Year 10 Exams
Year 12 Formal - Crowne Plaza - 6pm
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 13 November
National Prayer Breakfast - Canberra
Coast Shelter serving opportunity (Years 10-12)
CSSA Years 5/6 State Basketball
Surf Safety Fun Day - Year 3 (Terrigal Beach)
Tuesday 14 November
Year 11 Extension History Seminar Incursion
Surf Safety Fun Day - Year 4 (Terrigal Beach)
Wednesday 14 November
Year 10 Respectfull Behaviour Seminar
Kindergarten Get Set Go Session 5 - Storytime in Library, tour and Chapel
Thursday 16 November
Year 5 Surf Safety Fun Day (Terrigal Beach)
Year 10 Commerce Excursion to Maitaland Gaol
Friday 17 November
Year 6 Surf Safety Fun Day (Terrigal Beach)
Orientation for Years 1 - 6
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