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This current pandemic has had a huge impact on education. As a result, it has caused educators, and others, around the world to go back to asking the question, "What exactly is education for?"
Cultural critic and educational commentator, Neil Postman in his book, "The End of Education" suggested that, “At its best, schooling can be about how to make a life, which is quite different from how to make a living.” (2011, page 10). Like Postman, I do not believe education through K-12 schooling is about preparing children for a job.
I am sorry if you have your child at GPCC because you think we will help them to get a good job. I believe that we educate at K-12 level in order to equip children to be able to make the most of the training they require to do a job or profession well. In other words, we set them up to be trained to get a job.
This means we focus on knowledge and skills, a deep understanding of those, how to acquire and use them and we teach them to apply that knowledge in wise ways. We cannot do this without also touching on their character and challenging them to think about how they are going to use their newfound knowledge and skills in useful and productive ways.
Traditionally, going back as far as the Greeks even, education was thought to be about shaping a person for living well, not about teaching them how to make a living (as per Postman above). So, you may be surprised sometimes when teachers seem more interested in a student’s character, their behaviour and their social skills than in their grades.
It is not that we are not interested in grades – we are. But grades are simply a means to an end, they are not an end in themselves. In fact, grades cannot tell us about someone’s character such that even a very bad person can get good grades. A person with good character however, will strive for good grades simply because they desire to always do their best.
Generally, in our society, we have lost this idea about the real end or purpose of education. At GPCC we are working on recovering something of that and believe that the final result of a shift in focus will be a community of students that work hard at their studies because that is what good character leads to. That means we are going to see an increase in grades across the board.
Having a worthwhile goal is much more satisfying than striving for something that in the end is short-lived and misguided. Telling students to work hard at school in order to get a good job holds much less appeal than working hard to develop a good character in order to live a satisfying and flourishing life.
As you set expectations for your child, make sure the top of the list is not a particular job, but a good character that will help them achieve much more in life that you can imagine and be much more satisfying for them. Keep the purpose of education clear – to equip them to be a person who is ready and able to be trained for a useful role in society.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Mrs Nicole Smith | Head of Primary
God is our ROCK
In Psalm 18:2 it says “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge.”
This week I have encouraged the students in Primary to reflect on the way God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Even though many things may change in the world around us, we have a God who remains unchanging.
For many students they have managed the change into home learning and now they need to manage the change back to learning at school. This may be overwhelming for some and may need to happen in increments. Some of our students may be anxious about their friendships, workload and even interacting with their teachers. This is all normal and expected.
Please keep your teachers in the loop about this so that we can support your child's transition back. If your child is having particular difficulty, please contact Mrs Munro, Student Well-Being Co-ordinator K-6 or your class teacher.
Attendance
Students are required to be online each morning and attendance will be taken by teachers. If your child is not online, we will be marking them as absent and you will be required to provide a reason for their absence.
Students who are sick need to remain at home and either participate in online learning at home, or contact the absentee line and register as unwell.
Unwell Students Need to Stay Home
The advice from the National Cabinet endorsed National Principles for School Education and the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), continues to state that schools are a safe environment and continue to provide guidance on reducing the risk of infection in schools.
In order to reduce the risk of infection, students who are unwell need to remain at home until their symptoms subside. If symptoms such as temperatures, cough, sore throat etc. are present COVID-19 testing is encouraged. Students who present as unwell at school will be sent home.
Student Drop off and Pick up
To assist us in observing social distancing rules for adults, we ask that parents do not walk their student(s) up the hill and into the College.
Car park "kiss and drop", pick up bays and buses are in operation, and we ask that you ensure the safety of your child by not allowing them to walk through the main car park without your assistance.
Students should not be entering the College through the car parks next to the Administration building.
Extend OOSH Service
Extend have notified the College that they are ready and willing to re-open the Before and after School Care service for students in Primary School.
At this stage there have been no requests from parents for this service to re-open and operate, and as such they will remain closed until this occurs.
If you are wanting to make use of Extend OOSH service in the near future, please contact Extend on 1300 366 437 or email: support@extend.com.au
Canteen and Uniform Shop
The Uniform Shop is open each day except Wednesdays and hours are listed on the website.
The Munchery (Canteen) will re-open on Wednesday this week, 13 May 2020.
Winter Uniform
The first day for Winter uniform is today, Monday 11 May. Please refer to the Student / Parent Handbook for correct elements of the College uniform.
Kindergarten Enrolments
Do you have a pre-school child or know someone who is considering enrolling at GPCC for 2021? Enrolments are now open and places are filling fast. Please contact the Registrar if you have not begun the process of enrolment for 2021 to secure your place.
Book Club
Book Club is online only this term. If you are interested in looking at the discount books available, just click on this link.
Orders for Issue 3 close on Monday 18 May 2020.
Primary Japanese Class
Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary
Year 12 students have continued their studies during a very difficult time. I am really proud of their attitude and their effort to continue on in this situation. Many of them have had unclear direction about how the HSC will operate. In such times, it is really easy to drop our bundle and give up, but hang in there and do the best that you can.
The Bible speaks a lot about perseverance in the face of trials. It also continually focuses us back on the truth that our strength needs to come from the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. So at this time I remind our Year 12 students to stand strong in the Lord and He will be the source of their strength.
Earbuds/Headphones
Students need to have working headphones here at school, as this cuts down on interference when online in class.
Onsite Roll Marking
Students need to "tap in" with their student ID cards outside the MPC each morning before Period 1 so that we have an account of who is onsite.
Attendance
Students learning at home or at school are required to be online at the start of Period 1 and the roll will be marked by teachers. If your child is not online, teachers will be marking them as absent and you will be required to provide a reason for their absence.
Students who are sick need to remain at home and either participate in online learning at home or contact the Absentee line and advise a reason for the absence.
Please note that roll marking occurs daily at the start of each Period, including Devotions.
Canteen
The Munchery (Canteen) have advised that from this week on Wednesday 13 May, the Canteen will recommence their operation on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and will open full time from next week, Week 4.
Uniform Shop
The Uniform Shop is now open for normal trading hours.
Parent/Teacher Interviews – Years 9 and 10
A reminder to please keep your Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 students home on Thursday 14 May.
If you are unable to keep your child at home (ie essential workers, high risk families etc) you may send them to school and they will be supervised during the day in a central location (ie Library) where they will undertake their assigned work.
a) Teachers will be setting work to do from home on the day for Years 7 to 10 students who are not attending school. This will be in the form of research, projects, revision work, comprehension questions etc.
b) If you are unable to have an interview with your child’s teacher on the interview day, please contact your teacher via email or through the College and your teacher will be in contact with feedback.
c) Bookings for Years 9 and 10 interviews opened on Wednesday 6 May 2020 and will close tomorrow, Tuesday 12 May at 4:00pm.
Please note that we are unable to accept any interview bookings for Years 9 and 10 after 4:00pm on 12 May 2020.
For Year 10 students intending to go on to Year 11 next year, UAC has produced a helpful resource to assist with subject selection.
Information about the UAC booklet entitled “Steps to Uni for Year 10 Students” is provided in the Term 2, Week 3 Careers Newsletter.
For more details and other items of interest please see the Careers Newsletter visit the “Student Careers” section under the News menu on the College website.
Mr David David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
Nathan Lambert | K-12 Sport Co-ordinator
CROSSFIT GAMES
The Crossfit Games ... a competition held every year for the fittest athletes on the planet.
It began in 2007 on a small ranch in California for anyone who wanted to attend. Initially, only a small group competed, but over the years as the sport grew and became more well known, the list of competitors also rose. The qualification system was adjusted to accommodate the numbers to include an online Open event and Sanctionals.
When the athletes reach the Games compete in a number of challenging workouts over 4 - 5 days which consist of aerobic, gymnastics and weightlifting movements, as well as other elements that push the athletes to the limit.
Watching these Games is amazing. To see a competitor train solidly for a competition and produce their best results is exciting to watch. Also seeing how they adapt to the unknown and use their phenomenal fitness levels to face each challenge, is a testament of their ability.
When you have a competitor who can run a steep elevated 7km trail run in 34 minutes, and then straight after deadlift 230kgs, really goes to show just how fit and impressive they are in all elements of fitness (this was Mat Fraser’s result at the 2016 Crossfit Games Event 1 + 2. He is the current and 4 x Crossfit Games Champion).
We have many students at our school who have excelled in their chosen sport. They have not only produced phenomenal results, but just astound me with their fitness levels and skills, and ability to focus on training to achieve their best. There are many sports where students have proudly represented our school at elite levels of competition. We are privileged to have athletes at our school who are not only wonderful athletes in their sport, but are also great ambassadors for our school and the younger students.
It is exciting that so many of our students not only love to compete, but also dedicate a large amount of their time to train hard in all required areas allowing them to compete at such high levels of competition.
At the moment competing in sport is not possible and this may be difficult for some. Students would have been training solidly to compete for a range of sports eg Cross Country, Athletics, Soccer, Netball.
One initiative beginning in the next week or so for Primary (Years 3 - 6) students to keep active is the opportunity to compete in a new competition at school called the “Fitness Championships”. This will be a competition where each week, one or two different workouts will be released and those wanting to compete can submit their scores (either in class or online) and will then be placed onto a Leaderboard (updated after every workout). Workouts will challenge students in the areas of strength, speed and endurance. Students receive points based on their placings. This will be a fun competition which not only promotes students to keep fit, but also is a chance to test their own fitness levels in a competitive way.
I just want to encourage everyone that there will be time when we are able to get back into doing sport at school. Meanwhile, keep your mind on a goal, continue to train as hard as you can, given the current circumstances. Exercise regularly, keep pushing yourselves in the areas you need to focus on, concentrate on building up your weaknesses, and when it comes time to get back into competition, you will feel ready to give your all.
Green Point Christian College Yearbook Cover Design Competition
We invite students from Kindergarten to Year 12 to enter in our Yearbook Art Competition.
The winning entries will be featured on the front and back cover of our 2020 Yearbook.
Guidelines:
- Your entry may be an artwork, drawing or digital design.
- In your design, emphasise either our school Motto “Equipped for Life” or any of the sections from our GPCC Graduate Profile: Godly in character, Collaborative, Life-Long Learner, Creative and Critical Thinker or Socially Engaged.
- Size A4 – Orientation Portrait
- Please label your entry with your name and class or Year group.
Please submit a high resolution design with original images, or post to the College office by Friday 15 May 2020 to Mrs Collins at community@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Good luck, have fun, be creative and we look forward to receiving your entry.
GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church
Our motto is “Equipped for Life”
RECEPTIONIST
Permanent Part Time - 3 days per week
(during school terms only)
We are currently seeking a vibrant Receptionist to join our Administration team. Representing Green Point Christian College as the first point of call for all parents, students and clients, this challenging and fast paced position will see you facilitating the creation of a highly professional customer service orientated culture at our front desk.
The successful applicant should possess the following:
- High levels of grooming and presentation
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Proven reception and/or customer service experience
- Excellent computer and typing skills
- A positive proactive attitude
- Current First Aid certificate (desirable)
- Experience working within an education setting would be highly desirable
If you are a compassionate, people oriented individual who thrives within a fast paced dynamic environment, then this is the role for you.
The successful applicant for the above position must be a committed Christian and be prepared to work under the ethos of our College. Prospectus and Application Forms are available on the College website at www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au. Applications must be received on the official Application Form.
Applications close on Wednesday 13 May 2020 and should be addressed to the Principal and emailed to employment@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Library News
Please be advised that Premier’s Reading Challenge is continuing this term. The rules have changed to allow 10 personal choice books instead of the usual five, due to the current lack of access to books. If you do not know your child’s log in details, please email nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Kindergarten - Year 4 students will receive an activity to help decorate our Library ready for Book Week. Please see the advertisement for more information.
Maker space is in Week 6 so please collect a few big boxes in readiness for this challenge. It will be a fun one.
Parent Lounge Details
The College has a legal requirement to keep our records up to date.
Please review your details on the Parent Lounge to ensure that all your information is correct. This includes medical information on your child/children (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.
Thank you.
Prayer
We pray that “… the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.” Ephesians 3:17-19 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Canteen
Canteen will re-open this week, Wednesday 13 May 2020
The Munchery (Canteen) have advised that on Wednesday 13 May, the Canteen will recommence their operation and then will resume full time operating hours from next week, Monday 18 May 2020.
Uniform Shop
Uniform Shop has recommenced normal trading hours.
The Uniform Shop continues to serve online customers and can now take appointments for fittings.
Green Point Baptist Church
In light of the current COVID-19 crisis, Green Point Baptist Church has suspended all regular church activities and has encouraged any Church member who is not in a high risk category to find ways to serve the vulnerable in their community. If you are in need of assistance, please contact the Church office on 4369 1585 or office@gpbc.net.au
GPBC has moved their services online:
SERVICE TIMES
Sundays
9:30am
6:00pm
Sunday Service
Green Point Baptist Church invite you and your family to join the Sunday service LIVE on Facebook at 9:30am every Sunday
Thrive
Thrive is on hold for now, but kids can join via Zoom from home each week during the school term.
Join the “Thrive Green Point 2020” facebook group for information.
The One + 1 Food Aid Initiative is based on a simple principle … when you’re out shopping buy the one you need + one for someone doing it tough in our local community.
We are suggesting you intentionally buy some extra grocery items week by week, just like you do at Christmas so that when the opportunity comes, you have extra to pass on to someone in need. Most of us are doing this already, ever since buying simple things like toilet paper became so difficult.
Be intentional and focused. Work with what you know … start building a hamper for a single person, an older couple or a family, or someone who is gluten free. If you’re unsure, you may like to include some of the items from the lists below.
Non-perishable food items: Low sugar cereal like Weet-Bix or instant rolled oats, pasta and simmer sauce, muesli bars, soup sachets, tinned tuna, tea bags, instant coffee, long life milk, fruit juice, rice, jams and vegemite, biscuits and cookies, instant noodles, popping corn, chips, small olive oil, cake or brownie mix, soda water and cordial (not sugary soft drink).
Hygienic Items: toilet paper, tissues, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary pads, shampoo, germ killing soaps, wipes and surface sprays.
If you can’t get to the shops or you’re too busy, we would invite you to consider making a donation and we will use that money to purchase grocery items on your behalf.
Remember, when you have completed your hamper, let the Church office know via email office@gpbc.net.au or phone 4369 1585 or contact us for more information.
This is a great opportunity for us to being a blessing to our wider community, to be people of light and hope to those in distress. Please pray for our One + 1 Food Aid Initiative and consider how you might participate. It’s early days, but we are excited for what God might do with this project.
GPBC Team
Coast Shelter Restaurant
Due to COVID-19 Coast Shelter have had to suspend dinners and are not allowing volunteers to enter.
Green Point Trader
Amanda Lawer - Finance and Mortgage Broker: Home Loans, Car Loans (new and private sales), Personal Loans, Business and Investment Loans. As a Liberty Adviser I have a panel of 22 Lenders and can source a better deal or assist you with your new lending requirements. Contact me today on 0478 055 609 or www.liberty.com.au/amanda-lawer.
For Sale: 2 x Baby Bunting tasmaneco Siena - Mocha (dark brown - not light brown like in photo) cots (bought for $600 each) - still in boxes and unused.
2 x Baby Bunting innerspring deluxe mattresses (bought for $150 each) - still in plastic and unused. WILL SELL ALL FOR $700.
1 x Mocha wooden change table $50.
Contact Gabi: 0426 501 115
If you would like to place an advertisement in the Green Point Trader, please email details to Marie Hay at newsletter@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Coming up
Wednesday, 13 May, 2020
The Munchery (Canteen) resumes operation
Thursday, 14 May 2020
Parent/Teacher Interviews Years 9 and 10 (Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 students remain at home)
Uniform Shop
Operating Times
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday during the School Term:
8:30am - 11:00am
(Closed Wednesdays)
Afternoons by appointment only.
Contact (02) 4367 9954
gpcc@alinta.com.au
Canteen
The Munchery
Welcome back to Term 2.
Munch Monitor
New to Munch Monitor? Order your school lunches each morning before 8:30am via Munch Monitor from home, for a hassle free start to your mornings.
We have daily menu specials as well as popular items available every day of the week.
www.munchmonitor.com
Username: greenpoint
Password: munch2251
TERM DATES
Term 2, 2020
Wednesday, 29 April 2020 to Friday, 3 July 2020
Term 3, 2020
Monday, 27 July 2020 to Friday, 25 September 2020
Term 4, 2020
Tuesday, 13 October 2020 to Wednesday, 9 December 2020