Filter Content
Lifelong learning is now a very common term in our society. As a phrase, it rolls off the tongue as something inherently good and worthy. However, as we scratch the surface of the meaning of lifelong learning, we can see that it can mean different things for different people and as a term it is often misunderstood.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) defines 4 pillars of Lifelong learning. They are; learning to know, learning to do, learning to be and learning to live together. They are lifelong in that it is encouraged that we seek to develop these pillars across our whole life. The clear gap in this these 4 pillars is that it does not indicate the what we are knowing or the why we are knowing it. The definition lacks direction or a goal (telos).
Here at GPCC our telos, our big goal is to be a College that is ‘educating for wisdom’. As our own Doctor Dowson articulates, our distinctive is that, in Christ and through the Holy Spirit Christians have special access to all the treasures of wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Hence, Christian Education – at GPCC - is in a privileged position with respect to the getting of wisdom.
The getting of wisdom is very much a lifelong endeavour, so in our learner profile we define lifelong learning as; We are designed for on-going discovery of ourselves, others, the world and the Creator.
The aim of lifelong learning is clearly a great one, the next question is around the how of lifelong learning. How does one become a lifelong learner and what are the skills that are required? There is huge list of what people believe is required and a growing abundance of documents and definition.
Here at GPCC we are beginning a journey of shaping lifelong learning around several factors. They are around our environment to act, our will to act and our power to act.
The environment to act refers to the College and it being a place of rich learning challenges and opportunities.
The will to act refers to a student mindset and disposition toward learning. Broadly it is about whether students embrace opportunities to act and have a growth mindset, or if they tend to avoid opportunities to act and have self-limiting or fixed mindsets.
Finally, there is the power to act. This refers to the skills students need to meet the learning challenges before them. This is not simply the ability to show grit or determination. Rather it refers to a set of skills such as thinking about thinking (metacognition), thinking flexibly, responding with wonderment and awe, applying past knowledge to new situations and managing impulsivity, to name a few. These skills can be taught and improved over time and will lead to the lifelong virtues of humility, persistence and wisdom.
Joel van Bentum
Principal
Primary student Pickup in the Afternoons
Due to traffic issues and safety, it is important that you wait for your child at the end of the day down at the MPC area. Many parents are waiting at the bottom of the hill on the road and in the carpark of Little Coasties. This is creating congestion for the Little Coasties parents and staff who utilise the carpark prior to when our students are walked down at the end of the day. Please assist us with making our site safe for all who use it.
Volunteers for Book CoveringPrimary still have 240 books to cover with contact. Please email Michelle Molkentin you are able to assist.
Our Primary choir will be performing an Easter song at Primary Chapel in Week 8 on Wednesday 20 March at 2.30pm. Parents are invited to attend.
Prayer at the Post Invitation
On Friday 22 March, our Year 12 Prefects will be hosting a ‘Prayer at the Post’ event. Parents, students, teachers and members of the GPCC community are invited to join us on our outdoor Sports Court, located on the oval from 8:00 am to 8:30am to pray together for our community and our nation.
This is a wonderful opportunity to gather and praise our God and to spread love to our community through prayer. Hope to see you there!
Sunday Moore, on behalf of Green Point Christian College Prefects
NAPLAN
NAPLAN 2024 commenced on Wednesday 13 March and runs through until Friday 22 March (see schedule link).
Please make sure students have HEADPHONES or EAR BUDS for each test.
NAPLAN Schedule can be downloaded below.
CRUFit Training
On Monday 11 March, Primary Students travelled to Newcastle to attend a CRUFIT Training Day. GPCC students joined others from Belmont and Hunter Christian Schools. They began a journey on Peter’s Quest , solving problems and working together to be ready for CRU Leading , so that they can be CRU Leaders who know and show Jesus.
Students of the Week
Congratulations to the following students:
Oliver B; KDL, Chelsea M; KK,Jacob M; KS, Kingston W; 1C,Imogen G; 1G, Ezekiel F; 1PS,Hayley W; 2J, Paige C; 2G,Samuel A; 3B, Jacob H; 3D,Everly K; 3M, Maisie B; 4H,Layne R; 4M, Cruz H; 5B,Rose M; 5L, Asher L; 5P,Cooper C; 6B, Jacob R; 6SH,Caleb M; 6S.
Kindergarten Talent
This year STEM students would like to design, create, test and build from PVC Pipes. If you have leftover PVC piping from building or plumbing jobs, GPCC Primary would love to collect these and use to build engineering challenges. Pipes need to be clean . Lengths can be cut down. We also need any connectors Y,T,I, or L shapes to join the lengths of pipes.
Families can bring to school and leave in the STEM room - L11 (the old L1 room) or students may bring to school and leave in the plastic tubs located outside L11.
We would really appreciate the chance to recycle these offcuts. Please email Mrs Reynolds with any inquiries CReynolds@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Future Enrolments at GPCC
We are currently experiencing very high demand for enrolment at GPCC. To assist with our planning, we recommend families apply two years prior to intended start date. If you have a child due to commence Kindergarten or Year 7 in 2026 would you kindly complete an enrolment application via the following link; Enrolment Application | Green Point Christian College (gpcc.nsw.edu.au)
Please note: If your child is currently enrolled in Year 6 at GPCC you are not required to apply for Secondary School. As noted in our Enrolment Policy, if your child will not be continuing at the College in 2025, you are required to give ten weeks’ notice. Kindly advise our Registrar in writing - registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
Years 8, 9 and 10 Student Learning Interviews
Interviews for Years 8, 9 and 10 students are being held Tuesday 26 March 2024 from 4:00pm until 8:30pm in the MPC. These appointments are an opportunity for Students and Parents to meet with their teachers.
Bookings open at 9am Tuesday 19 March 2024 via Parent Lounge.
Bookings close on Monday 25 March at 4:00pm.
Access your Parent Lounge with your username (previously supplied) and password.
The easiest way to learn how to book your appointment is to watch the short video Booking Parent Teacher Interviews in Parent Lounge | Tassweb (vids.io) once you have accessed your account, found under 'School Links' tab and select 'Help Videos'.
Careers Advisor: David Russell
Please note - David Russell will be available during the evening for parents and students wishing to see the Careers Advisor. Please phone reception 4369 1266 to manually make these appointments with Mr Russell, or pop by to see him when he is free on the night.
Discovery/Christian Ministry Team
Mrs Rebecca Gavin and Mr Jordan Leonard will be available during the afternoon. They would like to encourage parents and/or students to come to chat with them if they have questions about the subject Discovery, Mission/Service Trips or other Christian Ministry. There is no need to book an appointment.
Prayer at the Post Invitation
On Friday 22 March, the Year 12 Prefects will be hosting a ‘Prayer at the Post’ event. Parents, students, teachers and members of the GPCC community are all invited to join us on our outdoor Sports Court, located on the oval from 8:00 am to 8:30am to pray together for our community and our nation.
This is a wonderful opportunity to gather and praise our God and to spread love to our community through prayer. Hope to see you there!
Sunday Moore, on behalf of Green Point Christian College Prefects
NAPLAN
NAPLAN 2024 commenced on Wednesday 13 March and through until Friday 22 March (see schedule link).
Some reminders for NAPLAN:-
- Ensure MacBook is fully charged each day
- Make sure students have HEADPHONES or EAR BUDS for each test. If they do not have them, they can purchase a set for $2 from the office
Future Enrolments at GPCC
We are currently experiencing very high demand for enrolment at GPCC. To assist with our planning, we recommend families apply two years prior to intended start date. If you have a child due to commence Kindergarten or Year 7 in 2026 would you kindly complete an enrolment application via the following link; Enrolment Application | Green Point Christian College (gpcc.nsw.edu.au)
Please note: If your child is currently enrolled in Year 6 at GPCC you are not required to apply for Secondary School. As noted in our Enrolment Policy, if your child will not be continuing at the College in 2025, you are required to give ten weeks’ notice. Kindly advise our Registrar in writing - registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
Mr Stuart McSwan | K - 6 Sport Co-ordinator
CSSA/CIS Girls Basketball trials
Last Friday Willow H From 6B went to the CIS girls Basketball trials as part of the CSSA contingent. Willow had an enjoyable time and did such an amazing job and gained valuable experience from attending the trial. Well done Willow.
CSSA State Swimming Carnival
Last Thursday 7 March GPCC was well represented at the CSSA State Swimming Carnival by 16 strong swimmers at the Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre. This is such a special venue having hosted the swimming events for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Perhaps some of these swimmers that attended the carnival will be future Olympians and can be very proud of their efforts.
Due to our strong performances GPCC has one of the largest contingents from CSSA attending the CIS carnival in two weeks.
Our Hunter Zone THACCCSA finished in first place.
Congratulations boys and girls on a wonderful evening of competitive swimming.
Notable results:
- Junior Boys Relay Team of Archer H, Kyle M, Jake B, Moses P finished 4th
- Junior Girls Relay Team of Cleo M, Bella L, Emily R, Taya K finished 4th
- Lachlan P finished 4th in both the 12yr boys 50m Freestyle and Backstroke
GPCC Primary Cross Country
On Thursday morning before the real heat heat, many brave students ran either 2 or 3km during our GPCC Primary Cross Country Carnival. The boys and girls pushed themselves and although exhausted, can be very proud of the effort they put in. There were some super close finishes and great results on the day.
I’d like to thank the students that gave it their all and even those that didn’t race for cheering, parents for helping throughout the morning and teachers for performing their role with enthusiasm.
Age Champions and place getters will be announced during an upcoming Chapel and the State CSSA Carnival will be held in Term 2 on Friday 31 May with the top 4 runners from each age group making it through. Stay tuned for details.
NSW Schools Mountain Bike Championship
For parents interested in registering and travelling with your child to the NSW School Mountain Bike Championship in Glenrock on Thursday 21 March, please follow the link below for more information and instructions on how to register: https://my.raceresult.com/274265/
Dates for your Calendar
School Carnivals
TERM 2
Friday 3 May - GPCC Yrs 2-6 Athletics Carnival (Mingara)
TERM 3
Wednesday 21 August - GPCC Yrs K-2 Athletics Carnival (GPCC grounds)
TERM 4
Friday 25 October - GPCC Yrs K-2 Swimming Carnival (Peninsula Leisure Centre)
Representative Carnivals
TERM 1
Wednesday 27 March - CIS Primary Swimming Championships (Homebush)
TERM 2
Friday 31 May - CSSA Primary and Secondary State Cross Country Carnival (Sydney Equestrian Centre)
Thursday 6 June - CIS Primary and Secondary Cross Country
TERM 3
Tuesday 6 August - THACCCSA Zone Primary Athletics Carnival (Glendale)
Friday 23 August - CSSA Primary State Athletics Carnival (Blacktown)
Friday 6 September - CIS Primary Athletics Carnival
GPCC Sport Teams
We are looking forward to sending our teams to a number of Gala Days and competitions in Primary this year.
Students will have a chance to trial for certain school teams over the coming terms and will need to keep a close eye on the notices and listen out for Assembly announcements for when trials will be held.
The protocol for team selection is as follows:
- Teams have at least 2-3 trials before final selection.
- Unfortunately, it is simply not possible for all children who trial to be included in final teams. It is not uncommon for 60 students to trial for a team that only has 10 spots available.
- Once teams have been chosen, they will aim to have at least one training session each week before a competition.
Individual Sport Trials for Primary CSSA and CIS Teams (NOT GPCC teams)
These trials are not for GPCC school teams that we trial for here at school to play at certain gala days throughout the year (as mentioned above). The CSSA or CIS trials are usually held in Sydney and students will be trialling against students from either other Christian Schools (CSSA) or other Independent Schools (CIS) and are usually recommended for those students that compete at a representative level.
Please email Mr McSwan before these Nomination dates if your child (YEARS 5 AND 6 ONLY) would like to be considered. They need to be currently playing in the sport and have several years’ experience (preferably at a Representative level): Parents are required to transport students to and from these trials.
CSSA and CIS Sport trial dates: Please note these are not for GPCC school teams.
Term 1
Monday 25 March - CIS Primary Girls Soccer Trials (select students)- Nominations close Monday 18 March
Monday 8 April - CSSA Primary Girls Netball trials (select students)- Nominations close Monday 25 March
Monday 8 April - CIS Primary Boys AFL Trials (select students)- Nominations close Monday 25 March
THACCCSA Zone Touch Football Gala Day
Under 15 Boys
Runners up – Green Point
Winner – Charlton
Under 15 Girls
Runners up – Wyong
Winner – Green Point
Open Girls
Runners up – Belmont
Winner – Maitland
Open Boys
Runners up – Charlton
Winner – Green Point
NSW Junior Athletics Championships
Congratulations to Jesse M (Year 10) who competed in the NSW Junior Athletics Championship at SOPAC last week. He made the finals in hurdles on Friday, finishing 8th and maintaining a national qualifying time. On Saturday he had triple jump which he went in with the goal being either a PB of over 12.8m or making the podium. His fourth and final jump was a PB of 13.09m finishing with a bronze medal. So now he continues preparations for nationals in Adelaide in April for both hurdles and triple jump.
Surf Life Saving NSW State Age Championships
Congratulations to our surf life savers at the SLSC NSW State Age Championships on the weekend.
Levi S (Year 7) was a finalist in the following races: Board Relay Team 8th, Board Rescue 4th, Swim Race 28th his Cameron Team took out Silver and
2 x 1km Run took out Bronze.
Alexandra H (Year 8) medalled in 5 out of her 6 events placing 2nd in Board Race, Board Relay, Ironperson and 3rd in Surf Race and Cameron.
The competition was fierce and gaining these results are huge achievements.
GPCC Sport Calendar 2024
Term One
NSW School Mountain Bike Championships Thursday – Friday 21 & 22 March
CSSA State Secondary Swimming Championships: Tuesday 26 March Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre
NSWAS Secondary U15&U Girls Netball Trials: Paper Nominations close: Thursday 28 March - Netball players to attend the All Schools Trials CIS Member Schools only
CSSA + HZSA Secondary Schools Triathlon: Thursday 4 April International Regatta Centre Penrith
CSSA Secondary State Touch Football Gala Day and Trials for CIS: Friday 5 April - Penrith Touch Fields
SASSA/CSSA Secondary 16&U Boys Rugby Union Trials: Wednesday 10 April
CSSA Calendar
Download CSSA CALENDAR 2024
Mrs Nicole van Wyk and Mrs Judi Hurst | Teacher Librarian
Scholastic Book Club
Issue 2 Scholastic book club magazines went home with Primary students. Parents can order online at LOGIN (scholastic.com.au). Issue 2 orders close on Wednesday 27 March.
Easter Reading Competition
Secondary students who have borrowed seven books by Wednesday 27 March will go into the draw to win one of ten Easter Bunnies. Happy reading everyone. Bunnies will be distributed to winning students on Thursday 28 March.
Storytime 2024
Preschool story time has started, please register your interest with Nicole van Wyk: nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu. See the flier for more information.
HSIE Teaching Position (Part time) https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/hsie-teacher
Casual Admin Assistant https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/casual-admin-assistant
Student Enrichment Officer - Part time or Full time (immediate start) https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/student-enrichment-officer-2
https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/casual-teacher-primary
https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/casual-teacher_secondary
This week our staff member of the week was awarded to Phil Heard.
Phil is in his second year of teaching the Veta Morphus course for Year 11 students. It requires a number of weekends away during the year as part of the course and Phil takes this time to invest in students’ lives. Being away from a young family over a weekend is a massive commitment for him. However, the time spent in mentoring and discipling our young Christian students is so invaluable.
This is a great example of how we can engage our students in a life of redemptive action, encouraging them in their faith and modelling Christian service and generosity.
Music Tutoring and Band
The GPCC music tutoring and band program is back in full swing for Term 1 2024. If you are interested in learning an instrument or joining a band find more information at this link: Music Tuition | Green Point Christian College
Introducing New Music Tutors
GPCC is excited to introduce our new Cello tutor Monica Jamieson.
Monica Jamieson holds a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, with a primary focus on Cello. Her experience includes work as the principal Cellist of the SBS Radio and Television Orchestra, touring in Estonia, Finland, Russia and Spain. She has collaborated with artists such as James Morrison, Judy Bailey, Emma Pask, Simon Tedeschi, David Hobson and Roger Woodward. Since moving to the Central Coast, Monica has found joy in contributing her talents to the Central Coast Symphony Orchestra. Currently, Monica teaches Cello at Central Coast Grammar School, while continuing to seize every opportunity to immerse herself in Cello performance.
GPCC is excited to introduce our new Brass tutor Glen Kuiper
"Green Point Christian College would like to welcome our new Brass tutor Glen Kuiper to the school. Glen has a great deal of experience working with and playing in brass bands. He has played trombone with both the Penrith and Balmain symphony orchestras and is currently the music director of two Salvation Army brass bands on the Central Coast. Glen also regularly performs with the Dennis Walsh Big Band. We are excited to have Glen join our tutoring team."
Uniform Shop
2024 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 children, 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
Terrigal Mobile Blood Donor Centre
Wednesday 20 March 12.30 to 6.45 pm
Thursday 21 March 12.30 to 6.45 pm
Friday 22 March 8.00 am to 2.15 pm
Saturday 23 March 8.00 am to 2.15 pm
f you’re a donor, or any of your community are, don’t forget to book in beforehand online or on 13 14 95. Remember, get in early to get the best time.
Location: Rotary Park, 214 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal
Term 1 Peninsula Youth Services
Barnstoneworth United Football Club
We are looking for a few extra players for our new Women’s All Age team. We already have 25 registered female players, age range 18 – 58 with various levels of experience from complete beginners onwards. For more information contact: info@barnstoneworthcc.com
Firewood for Sale
Contact Brian Shaw at the College on 0404 478 341.
If you would like to place an community advertisement in the Green Point Community Notices, please email details to our Messenger Editor, Justine Collins at newsletter@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
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 18 March
NAPLAN (13 March - 25 March)
Tuesday 19 March
Year 9 Poetry in Action Incursion
Wednesday 20 March
Year 11 Veta Morphis Excursion
Thursday 21 March
NSW School Mountain Bike Championships
Primary - Big Vegie Crunch
Friday 22 March
Prayer at the Post (Sports Court) for GPCC Commuity - 8am
Year 9 Child Studies Preschool Visit
Dates for Your Calendar
Monday 25 March
Year 6 Canberra Excursion
Year 10 Elevate Study Day
Yrs 10/11 Coast Shelter Service opportunity
Tuesday 26 March
Year 6 Canberra Excursion
CSSA State Secondary Swimming Championships
Year 10 My Career Match
Year 12 Avondale Uni Talk
Years 8, 9 and 10 student Learning Interviews (4:00pm - 8:30pm)
Wednesday 27 March
Year 6 Canberra Excursion
K - Year 12 School Easter Chapel
CIS Primary Swimming Championships
Thursday 28 March
Year 6 Canberra Excursion
Year 11 Geography Excursion - Observatory Hill
Year 12 English Standard Rock Aborignal Drama Excursion
Friday 29 March
Good Friday (public holiday)
Monday 1 April
Easter Monday (public holiday)
TERM 1 DATES 2024
Friday, 29 March - Good Friday (public holiday)
Monday, 1 April - Easter Monday (public holiday)
Friday 12 April - Last Day of Term 1
TERM 2 DATES
Monday 29 April - Students commence Term 2
Monday 10 June - King's Birthday Public Holiday
Frday 5 July - Last day of Term 2
TERM 3 DATES
Monday 29 July - Students commence Term 3
Friday 27 September - Last day of Term 3
TERM 4 DATES
Monday 14 October - Students commence Term 4
Wednesday 11 December - Last day of Term 4