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Learner Profile – Creative and Critical Thinkers
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of sharing at the Primary chapel on the topic of creativity and creative thinking. It was so much fun for me to be able to speak with all our Primary students.
I shared with them about the breadth of creativity.
As God’s image bearers we are all capable of creativity. It is one of the ways we can contribute good to the world. Unfortunately, we often narrow our view of creativity to the area of the arts. When asking a young person if they are creative, their knee jerk response is often that they can or cannot draw well.
Yet the breadth of creativity that God has placed in His creation is innumerable.
To see the beauty of an athlete as they thread a pass no one else can see, or the creative beauty of architecture and our built environment. The creative beauty in engineering a reusable rocket or developing a process to recycle batteries. The creativity of being a good friend in the playground or being a peacemaker. Our ability to be creative and the areas of life in which we can be creative are limited only by our imagination.
It was lovely to share this truth with our Primary school.
The other error we can often slip into is that creative and critical thinking is an either/or proposition. That is, I am either a critical thinker, or a creative on, not both. Here at Green Point we recognise this to be false and that creative and critical thinking is a both/and proposition. As God’s image bearers we are can be both critical and creative thinkers. We are called to build both ways of thinking to be complete and mature co-workers in His kingdom.
Creative and critical thinking are a complementary pair and cultivating both allows students to be good problem solvers. Here at Green Point we seek to build both sets of skills in our students so that they might feel confident to tackle the problems they will inevitably face.
Building thinking skills is hard and requires ongoing persistence, determination and courage, so I will finish today with a quote from the philosopher Winnie the Pooh.
“Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?”
Have a blessed week in preparation for Easter.
Human Rights, religious discrimination and Christian Schools
Many of you may be aware of the ongoing dialogue that has been going on in our community around the issue of human rights, religious discrimination and Christian schools and other religious organisations. It has been underway for the last few years and is leading to several legal changes occurring across the country.
Yesterday the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) handed the Government their recommendations for changes in Commonwealth law in this space, it was called Maximising the Realisation of Human Rights: Religious Educational Institutions and Anti-Discrimination Laws
The recommendations that have made by the commission are quite significant, particularly for Christian schools. The recommendations do not maximise the realisation of human rights and they shift the balance of those rights very significantly. Most notably the report recommends that the laws that allow Christian schools like Green Point Christian College to preference Christian staff in employment will be removed.
The broader shifts will have a significant impact on the plural and multicultural nature of our country as it will make it more difficult for various cultures to practice their religious and cultural beliefs if they cut across the dominant narrative of the time.
If this is an issue that concerns you can I ask that you consider responding in one of a few ways.
- You can sign up to this website. https://mychristianschool.au
- At this website you can also send an email to your local member using the form they have provided
- You can share a positive story that Green Point or another Christian school has had in your life or the life of your children.
- Finally, can I encourage us all to pray that God will guide the decision of our government and that a good balance will be struck. We can also pray for ongoing protection, no matter what the outcome.
Joel van Bentum
Principal
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Mother's Day Breakfast Invite
Primary Choir in Term 2
From Term 2 our Primary Choir rehearsals are moving to Tuesday Lunch time commencing on 30 April.
Students are invited to come to CAPA 5 with their food straight away at the beginning of lunch for choir rehearsals.
They will be dismissed at 1:35pm to head back to class.
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.
Big Vegie Crunch Highlights
2G made fruit and veg portraits.4M made banana smoothies using ripe bananas and blended them with milk and honey in the thermomix to make a delicious drink. There was a dairy free option to try as well. The kids LOVED this!
3M had a whole lot of fun with Mr McGregor dressing up as a bunch of Asparagus!
Students of the Week
Congratulations to the following students:
Edward P; KDL, Alaska G; KK,Cora H; KS, River W; 1C,Benjamin M; 1G, Elias J; 1PS,Brooklyn M; 2J, Nash M; 2G,Jamie K; 3B, Ruby P; 3D,Ella R; 3M, Alison H; 4H,Tene H; 4M, Luke P; 5B,Zachary G; 5L, Matthew D; 5P,Caitlin H; 6B, Liam O; 6SH,Olivia B; 6S
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 are now open 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.
Peer Support Program at GPCC
Our School-Based Peer Support Program has been a source of enjoyment for both our Year 7 and Year 11 students. At GPCC, Year 11 students take a leadership role as they welcome and share their high school experiences with our incoming Year 7 students.
Peer Support occurs every Tuesday morning with an emphasis on building a strong school community. Key concepts such as building connections, instilling a sense of possibility, and developing resilience are integral components aimed at equipping our students well to navigate the day-to-day challenges of high school life effectively.
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
World Ninja Athlete Games
Three of our amazing students from GPCC competed in a Ninja Warrior event held in South Australia recently. Congratulations on such great results! See report below:
Ivy H (Year 2), Micha H (Year 5) and Aurora H (Year 7) recently competed in a Ninja competition called World Ninja Athlete Games (same course set up across the world in different gyms, so the whole world is competing against each other in a sense). If you win at your gym, you qualify for an event in America or if you finish in the top 15 in the world.
Ivy came second
Micah won
Aurora came 3rd
However, Ivy came 10th in the world so she also qualifies for this event.
So for the USA world's event the kids will be competing as follows:
Ivy: UNAA world series finals, FINA, WNAG, 100m world cup and 3km OCR
Micah: UNAA world series finals, FINA, WNAG, 100m world cup and 3km OCR
Aurora: UNAA world series finals, FINA, 100m world cup and 3km OCR
Primary Cross Country Awards
These awards will be handed out to the top 4 place getters at a Wednesday afternoon assembly early next term. Parents of awardees will be notified when this will happen. Stay tuned!
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 up to 60 students to trial for a team that only has 10 spots available. Due to these limited spots, it is highly likely that students will miss out on making the team. We acknowledge that we have a number of skilled athletes who trial for these representative teams and we strive to give opportunity during trials for students to demonstrate their skills.
- 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 are now closed
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
CSSA (Christian Schools Sports Association) Child Protection training and Risk Warning
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#/
Below is a link for the Risk Warning that accompanies all CSSA run events
https://cssa.net.au/risk-warning.html
GPCC Athletics Carnival
Last Thursday 14 March, 439 students attended the annual Secondary Athletics Carnival at Mingara Regional Athletics Track. Again, it was a very hot day and credit goes to all the staff and competitors for their energy and participation on the day. There were many student helpers for Mrs Lumby and her team delivering food and water around the track to teachers and students to keep them hydrated. Many records were broken and excellent results were calculated. Unfortunately, we were not able to complete all events to cover all age groups so I am unable to award age champions and a winning house at this stage. But, it was an enjoyable day for all involved.
Photo credits to: Sanjay S, Millie P, Olivia W, Olivia F, Olivia P.
NSW Karate State Team
GPCC would like to acknowledge Grace R (Year 11) for her recent selection in the NSW Karate State Team last weekend.
Grace competed in two categories; (1) KATA - A single person event, representing a pattern of dynamic and disciplined movements, (2) KUMITE - discplined elements of KATA using instinctive movements to control and apply point-scoring strikes against an opponent. Grace recieved Bronze in KATA and Gold in KUMITE, securing her selection in the NSW State Karate Team for 2024 competition. Well done Grace!
Surf Lifesaving Championships
Congratulations to Rebecca H (Year 10) on her results at the Surf Lifesaving Championships over the weekend in some very challenging surf! Her best result came in the U17 Ski Relay event where she came 4th with her teammates . Also, Olivia E (Year 11) also had some fantastic results, making the final in the U17 and Open Surf Race, 2nd in the U17 Board Race and 3rd in the U17 Surf Teams! These girls will now focus on the National Championships next month on the Sunshine Coast.
GPCC Sport Calendar 2024
Term One
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
Secondary Easter Borrowing 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.
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 Teachers Primary
https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/casual-teacher_secondary
This week our staff member of the week was awarded to Mrs Michelle Molkentin.
Michelle Molkentin has worked tirelessly to order, organise, deliver and sort the entire stationery and text needs throughout Primary to commence the Term. She has served and helped the staff relentlessly since returning this year. Her model of supporting teachers to fulfil their role has been a wonderful contribution to GPCC and getting the school year off on a solid foundation.
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
Tjudibaring AECG Meeting
The next AECG meeting is on Wednesday 27 March, at 4.30pm, East Gosford Primary school. All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families are encouraged to attend. Please see the invitation for more information.
Prayer at the Post
Thank you to all the students, staff, parents and GPCC community members that attended our 'Prayer at the Post' morning run by our Year 12 Prefects.
We joined together to pray for our Primary students, Secondary students, staff, parents and our wider community. This event will be held each term.
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
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 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)
Dates for Your Calendar
Tuesday 2 April
Years 11 & 12 Senior Visual Arts & Photography - ArtExpress
Primary - World Autism Day
Wednesday 3 April
Year 12 Geography Barangaroo Fieldwork Excursion
Year 11 Veta Morphis Excursion
Thursday 4 April
Year 12 Prefects Anzac - RSL & Commemoration Service
Year 10 RYDA Road Safety Excursion
Year 7 Egypt Exhibit Aust Museum Excursion
Year 12 Macquarie University Seminar
CSSA Primary and Secondary State Duathlon & Triathlon
Friday 5 April
CSSA Secondary State Touch Football Gala Day
Primary K - 6 Mufti Day
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