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This is the final Messenger article I will write to you, from next year Mr Joel van Bentum will take over this task. Thank you to those faithful parents who have read my ramblings each week and often responded with encouragement, challenge and questions. It is difficult to communicate personally to over 700 families and this is one way we try to do that.
I have every confidence that Joel will do an excellent job of leading the school and he will succeed in that with your encouragement and support. I remain the Executive Principal, which means I work to support Joel and help to ensure the school continues to improve. The Principal Advisory Group met last week and spoke for nearly an hour with Joel by zoom. He enjoyed his experience and is looking forward to joining the GPCC community.
As I complete my brief tenure as Principal, I wanted to reinforce some of the things I have spoken with you about over the past years. We often talk about the legacy we leave behind when we move from one role to another, and I guess what I want my legacy to be is that GPCC has embarked on a path to improvement and with a renewed focus on its purpose. We have a long way to go to be a truly great school, but I have tried to establish some foundations that Joel can build on that will see us become that in the near future.
The first is to establish and stay focused on our purpose as a school: to equip students for a life of redemptive action through a holistic education grounded in a Biblical perspective. This Is not just a statement we put on our wall but a force that shapes all we set out to do. If your child is to be successful here, you too must embrace this purpose for them and us and throw your support behind it.
Secondly, I have often spoken and written about the importance of partnership between school and home. This is working for most of our families, but we still get people who come rushing in making demands and accusations with only partial facts and assuming we are in the wrong when we may or may not be. It is a current cultural problem that we try to resolve disagreements by fighting and accusing each other of things (on social media especially), rather than getting together to work things out.
For our school to be truly great, we need healthy and supportive partnerships infused with humility and openness to listen to and respect each other. The Christian faith teaches us about this and that is the basis upon which we seek to operate even if imperfectly. We need to role model to our children how mature adults resolve disagreements in a positive and respectful manner.
Thank you for your support of me and my endeavours over the past four and a half years.
I continue to hold Green Point Christian College dear and will work to ensure it continues to move forward to serve you and your children well.
Principal
Thank you GPCC – A very special place
The Bible states that for everything there is a season. This speaks to Gods plan for every living thing and every person. My season at GPCC has concluded and as I head off to another school I will be taking with me the memories, friendships and strong sense of community that is here at Green Point. I have said this many times – this community is special and as such has a very special place in my heart. I am so grateful for the privilege I have had to lead an outstanding calibre of educators in bringing the best practice to teaching our students.
This coming week, we celebrate our student’s achievements in our Thanksgiving and Graduation services. I am thankful and so incredibly proud of the resilience, grit, determination, and tenacity demonstrated from both our staff and students across this year. My prayer is that you can rest over the break and reflect on God’s provision for you during this time. May you have a happy and safe Christmas.
Introduction of STEAM
To enhance the critical and creative thinking in our school, all students in K-6 will embark on a new subject STEAM in 2024. This subject will bring together, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths, (STEAM). Students will work across two periods a week with specialist teachers, developing their skills, and designing projects to answer specific questions about Gods world and how we live in it. Mr Baker will be leading Years 3-6 in this space and K-2 led by Mrs Reynolds. This redeployment of teachers will mean there is no French in Years 5 and 6 next year.
We believe that this integration of Technology – through robotics, code, and AI along side the creative disciplines of Art, Science and Mathematics will further engage our students and develop their critical and creative thinking further equipping them for life.
Yearbooks
Our 2023 College Yearbooks have been delivered to one student from each family. Please take time to read and reflect with your child on all they have achieved, in what has been a truly wonderful year.
2024 Award notifications
As we have grown so too has the administration demands of the College. Next year all awards including Student of the Week Awards will be logged as compliments on Parent lounge and parents will be notified in this manner rather than via email. We will only be notifying via email, parents whose children are receiving a Pennant. More information will come about this next year.
Primary Choir at Erina Fair
The Junior School Choir consisting of 60 students sung Christmas Carols in the Hive on Thursday 30 November at Erina Fair. Adorned with tinsel, baubles, and Christmassy bows they brought the festive season to life singing about our saviour’s birth. Congratulations Junior School Students.
Year 6 Bushwalk - Pearl Beach to Patonga
New Fee Payment System - Please review your contact details
We are in the process of changing over to new fee payment system. In order to set parents up correctly in the new system, we need to ensure that all contact details are up to date and correct.
Action required:
Prior to the end of Term 4, please log into Parent Lounge to review your contact details and make any updates/corrections where necessary.
Events this Term
- Friday 1 December - Semester 2 Reports released to Parent Lounge
- Sunday 3 December - Green Point Community Carols
- Monday 4 December – Year 6 Graduation MPC 9:00am
- Monday 4 December - Students meet next year's teachers and classes
- Monday 4 December - 5:30pm Year 6 Graduation Dinner at Terrigal SLCS
- Tuesday 5 December – Primary Thanksgiving Service - MPC 9:00am
- Wednesday 6 December – Last day of Term 4
K-2 Water fun day 8:45 – 12:00 Students meet at oval
Years 3-6 Beach Day at Umina Beach 9:00 am – 12:00 pmOpportunity for
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Wednesday 6 December - Parent teacher meeting if required (please phone the office).
Mrs Jane McLarty | Acting Head of Secondary
This week our Year 10 students participated in the Cru City Adventure Camp, a 'challenge by choice' event that had students facing challenges, managing budgets, surfing, collaborating, cheering each other on, volunteering and having heaps of fun! Their week ended with the Year 10 Dinner Dance at Mingara. The students had a blast; dancing, laughing, and enjoying this special time together. Special thanks to Mr Lewis and Mrs Melck who were pivotal in the success of these events.
On Friday 1 December, we gave thanks to God for His abundant provisions at the Secondary Thanksgiving Service. We gave thanks for the accomplishments of our students, the incredible staff who challenge them, the parents and families who partner with us, our facilities and of course the God that we honour as we serve.
For those students and staff who are leaving us at the end of 2023, I pray that God protects you and walks before you in your next chapter. May you remember fondly your time at GPCC. A special mention to one of our founding staff, Mrs Kerrie Rochford, who is retiring to spend time with her family. May God continue to bless you Kerrie, what an amazing person you are and what an incredible legacy you leave. You will be greatly missed! For those returning in 2024, I am thankful that we can continue to sow into each other’s lives.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. For everyone in our School community as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, may the hope that He brings sustain us all in 2024.
Secondary Thanksgiving and Academic Assembly
Congratulations to all the students that received awards at our Secondary School Thanksgiving and Academic Assembly on Friday 1 December.
For more information on our awardees and to view a photo gallery please visit our website.
Year 10 City Chase Camp
I’m excited to give you a recap of our recent Year 10 City Chase Camp that unfolded over three action-packed days. The energy, enthusiasm, and solidarity were palpable as students and teachers embarked on a memorable journey of challenges and adventures.
From navigating the urban maze to decoding clues, our Year 10 participants showcased their resilience and problem-solving skills. The challenges not only tested their mental acuity but also fostered a strong sense of teamwork.
The thrill of surfing brought smiles and laughter, as students conquered the waves together. It was a perfect blend of adrenaline and seaside bonding that will be remembered for years to come.
Friendly competition took centre stage as students engaged in spirited rounds of bowling and laser tag. Laughter echoed through the lanes, and strategic alliances formed in the laser tag arena, enhancing the sense of unity among the year group.
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect was witnessing the unwavering support students offered each other. In the face of physically and mentally demanding challenges, their encouragement showcased the true spirit of teamwork and solidarity.
As a testament to the success of the camp, we want to express our admiration for the students' resilience and the teachers' dedication in making this experience unforgettable. The Year 10 City Chase Camp was not just an adventure; it was a bonding experience that will leave a lasting impact on our students.
Here's to the memories made and the friendships strengthened during these three extraordinary days.
Mr Chris Lewis
Year 10 Dinner Dance
Following the high spirits of the Year 10 City Chase Camp, our energized and united students came together for an unforgettable night of dancing, laughter, and pure joy at the Year 10 Dinner Dance. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the rhythm of music, occasional tears of joy, and smiles that lit up the venue. Students and teachers revelled in the festivities, creating lasting memories. A special thanks to Mrs Melck for her tireless dedication in organizing this remarkable evening, ensuring it was a celebration that will be cherished by all. Goodluck and God bless to all our students, particularly those leaving the College to pursue further study or work, you will be very missed.
Ordering your 2024 Year 11 Student Textbooks and Stationery resources with Campion Education
AND
Ordering your 2024 Years 7 – 10 Student Stationery resources with Campion Education
We are pleased to announce our engagement with Campion Education for the provision of purchasing your 2024 Year 11 student Textbooks and Stationery items.
You can also purchase your 2024 Years 7 - 10 Stationery resources with Campion Education as well. If you wish to do all your school Textbook and stationery shopping in the one place online and have it delivered to your home in January ready for Term 1, this will be very convenient for you. Please note this is only an option for your convenience and not a requirement.
To ensure you receive your stationery in time for the start of Term 1, please place your order by Monday 4 December 2023. For orders placed after the due date, the availability of items for Back to School delivery cannot be guaranteed.
Please refer to email sent on Thursday 3 November by Juli Groves with link and details of how to order.
Year 12 2024 students have already ordered via Box of Books.
New Fee Payment System - Please review your contact details
We are in the process of changing over to new fee payment system. In order to set parents up correctly in the new system, we need to ensure that all contact details are up to date and correct.
Action required:
Prior to the end of Term 4, please log into Parent Lounge to review your contact details and make any updates/corrections where necessary.
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about Charless Sturt University Medicine opportunities, careers in Fashion, careers in Banking, resources for apprenticeships, and holiday opportunities with NIDA.
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
Ninja Warrior National Competition
On the weekend of the 18-19 November Aurora H (6B), Mitchell E (5P), Micah H (4M), Marcus E (2G) and Ivy H (1G) spent the weekend in Boggabri competing in the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association (UNAA) national championship. They had to qualify through local competitions and the NSW state championship to earn their spot in the national finals competing against the best of the best from around Australia. It was an extremely hot weekend and all the kids did an incredible job representing NSW. The top 5 in each age group qualify for the World Championship held in California USA in July next year.
7U - Ivy 1st place earning the title of Australian Champion
9U - Marcus E 9th
11U - Mitchell E 11th
11U - Micah H 12th
13U - Aurora H 6th
They took on some challenging obstacles and should be proud of their efforts.
On the 3-4 October, they also travelled to Melbourne to compete in the Ninja Challenge League (NCL) national finals. They were up against the top Athletes from around the country and had to compete in local qualifiers to earn their place at the national finals.
Both Marcus and Ivy competed in the kids division (45 athletes) and had flawless runs on stage 1, both progressing to stage 2. Stage 2 was much tougher and both put in an incredible effort with Marcus finishing in 7th overall and 6th male. Ivy finished in 9th overall and 2nd female. Micah competed in mature kids (70 athletes) and had a clear run until getting to the warped wall. It was a challenge to get up the massive wall which ultimately finished Micah in 8th place overall and 5th male.
Aurora and Mitchell competed in pre-teens (63 athletes) and both displayed their skills and efforts on a tough course. Mitchell had a clear run all the way to the wall where he timed out. Aurora also had a clear run until the second last obstacle where she also timed out. Mitchell finished in equal 19th and 16th male. Aurora finished 42nd overall and 13th female.
A big year of competition and fantastic results
Return of Uniforms
If you happen to have any of the following clothing items in your possession at home, could you please return them to Mr McSwan ASAP.
- GPCC Athletics/Cross Country singlet
- GPCC Soccer/Futsal/Oztag t-shirt
- GPCC Basketball singlet
- GPCC Netball uniform
- GPCC Swimming Cap
2024 Australian Mountain Bike Interschools Competition
Please see details in the Secondary Sports section below.
Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
Senior Boys Basketball
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
Top Borrowing Classes
Nine classes in Primary borrowed more than 1000 books. Congratulations to 3D who is our top borrowing class for 2024. This year is another record-breaking year for borrowing across the school. Students K-12 and YVCS have borrowed more books than 27 500 books.
|
|
1C |
2G |
2J |
2PS |
3B |
3D |
4M |
5P |
6B |
|
TOTAL |
1098 |
1426 |
1125 |
1372 |
1326 |
1460 |
1108 |
1279 |
1158 |
Student Borrowing Prizes
Students are rewarded for great reading throughout the year. Students in the 100 Club have borrowed over 100 books over the year. Students in the 200 Club have borrowed over 200 books for the year.
Our top borrower for the year is Sam C from Year 1. All our club members receive a book prize and certificate.
100 Club
|
Name |
Class |
Tally |
|
Monte C |
6B |
102 |
|
Lachlan B |
6B |
105 |
|
Jiya M |
6B |
119 |
|
Josiah R |
3D |
125 |
|
Zeke H |
6S |
135 |
|
Nathalie S |
4M |
137 |
|
Hamish G |
6S |
163 |
200 Club
|
Name |
Class |
Tally |
|
Sam C |
1C |
284 |
Library Monitors
A big thank you to all our Years 5 and 6 Library monitors for your service this year. These students return books, shelve, help with craft or iPads, tidy at the end of breaks and are a great help to library staff. Each student received a little gift from library staff.
Central Coast Libraries
Over the holidays students may like to visit their public library to borrow books or magazines.
This would be a perfect way to get a head start for the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Students in Years 3-9 in 2024 would simply have to keep a list of the titles and authors of the books they are reading. The online records cannot be accessed until the end of February next year.
Our public libraries also run many fun activities for children.
See Central Coast Libraries website for local library branches.
https://libraries.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/
Green Point Library Digital Resources
Students from Years 5 to 12 may like to become more familiar with our Library digital resources such as Britannica School (Years 3-12), World Book eBooks, (K-12) Wheelers eBooks (Years 5-12). These can be accessed by students from their Student Portal and then our Library Portal.
Students would need to use their school login details.
English Teacher - full time or part time https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/english-teacher-2
Science Teacher - Permanent full time https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/science-teacher
HSIE Teacher - Permanent full time https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/hsie-teacher
French Teacher - Permanent part time https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/french-teaching-position
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
Juli always goes about her role in a positive can-do manner, she has been nominated for the outstanding effort and time she has given to researching and engaging Campion Education for the provision of an easy system for parents to purchase student stationery items and textbooks. Juli Groves noticed an opportunity to improve a system and spent time researching how the transition would work and then negotiated the most suitable plan for our College and families, all while keeping on top of ICT everyday tasks.
Green Point Community Carols
Click on link to view promotional video: Green Point Community Carols
A petting zoo, BBQ and Food Trucks will all be available for the Family Festival from 6:00pm, where we will enjoy our choirs and dance groups.
Carols by Candlelight Service starts from 7:30pm.
Kincumber Rotatary Christmas Tree Sale
Christmas trees are available for sale at Green Point Christian College carpark on:
Saturday 2 December and Sunday 3 December from 7:00am
Saturday 9 December and Sunday 10 December from 7:00am.
School Student Travel for 2024
School Opal cards
- All students catching the bus in 2024 will need a School Opal card.
- Under the School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS), eligible students can apply for free or subsided travel between home and school.
- For more information about the SSTS and how to apply for a School Opal Card, visit https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/#/ from a desktop computer, and click 'apply for a school travel pass'.
Bus timetables
Busways is the school bus operator that runs your schools’ bus services. To find your child’s school bus timetable visit the Busways website by using the following steps:
1. Go to busways.com.au/nsw
2. Click on ‘school services’ in the navigation bar and then proceed to ‘school timetables’
3. Enter the school’s name in the field that says ‘enter a school name’
4. Select the school’s name and the timetable should open on your device.
5. If you are unable to find or search for the school’s name, use the drop-down menus on the same web page to find the school.
6. Once the timetable is opened, you will be able to identify which school bus services are available in your area for your child to use.
2024 Welcome Band Early Bird Registrations and GPCC Band program finishing the year strong
Our bands are looking to a fabulous finish for a big year in 2023. The Senior band will feature at our Secondary Thanksgiving Service on friday 1 December, and the Junior Band and Welcome Bands will join on stage at the Community Carols event on Sunday 3 December. All our musicians are so excited about being on the big stage.
Welcome Band is our beginner program, open to Year 3 and above, with limited instrument hire available. Their amazing achievements will be on display at the carols event
Parents should contact the Band Director before 14 December to ensure their child can start on their first choice of instrument. Instruments choices are- flute, clarinet, sax, trumpet, trombone, bass guitar, keyboard percussion or drums.
Please email: band.director@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
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.
Camp Australia Vacation Care at Green Point Christian College
Camp Australia is inviting GPCC families to utilise the vacation care program 'Rocketeers' that is now located at Green Point Christian College.
Vacation Care program runs:
Thursday 7 December - Friday 22 December
and
Monday 8 January 2024 - Tuesday 30 January 2024
For more information on the program and how to book please click on: Camp Australia Holiday Program at Green Point Christian College
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
Apollo Netball Club East Gosford Registrations
Rockstudios CCDance Camp - 22-24 Janury 2024
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
Summer Holiday Chess
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
PCYC School Holidays Program
Davistown RSL Netball Club
Davistown RSL Netball club are seeing players. Please download flyer below for more details.
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
Sunday 3 December
Green Point Community Carols 6pm - 9pm
Monday 4 December
Year 6 Graduation Service
Year 6 Graduation Dinner at Terrigal Surf Club
Tuesday 5 December
Primary Thanksgiving Service
Wednesday 6 December
Last Day of Term 4
Thursday 7 December
Staff PD Day
Friday 8 December
Last day of term for staff
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
TERM 1 DATES 2024
Wednesday, 31 January - Students commence Term 1 (Years 1 - 7 and 12, plus Year 11 Peer Support students).
Thursday, 1 February - Years 8 - 11 commence Term 1
Thursday, 1 February - Kindergarten commence Term 1
Click on: TERM DATES 2024