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Here at Green Point Christian College, we believe that healthy families are the cornerstone of a flourishing society. However, we all know that parenting can be challenging at times, and we need as many tools in our toolbox as we can get. Over the next few weeks, I will share some different resources and ideas that might support the parenting process. This week I wanted to share a principle called F.A.C.E, derived from the field of interpersonal neurobiology (IPNB). This principle focuses on fostering healthy, resilient relationships and emotional regulation in children by understanding and applying four key components: Flexible, Adaptive, Coherent, and Energised.
Flexible: Flexibility in parenting means being open to change and responsive to your child's needs as they evolve. It involves adjusting your parenting style as your child grows, recognising that what works for a toddler might not be suitable for a teenager. Flexibility also encompasses the ability to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations, which models effective emotional regulation for your child.
Adaptive: Adaptability is crucial in helping your child cope with life's inevitable changes and stresses. By demonstrating adaptive behaviour, parents show their children how to adjust to new circumstances healthily. This might mean altering routines to better fit your child’s emotional and developmental needs or being open to new strategies when old ones no longer work. An adaptive parent is one who listens and responds empathetically, fostering a secure and supportive environment.
Coherent: Coherence in parenting refers to maintaining a consistent and clear approach to rules, expectations, and communication. When parents provide a coherent environment, children feel more secure and understand what is expected of them. This stability helps children develop a sense of predictability and trust, essential for emotional and psychological well-being. Coherence also involves parents being authentic and genuine, allowing children to see and understand true emotions and behaviours.
Energised: An energised parent is one who is engaged, enthusiastic, and positive in their interactions with their child. This doesn’t mean being relentlessly cheerful but rather showing a genuine interest and involvement in your child's life. Energised parenting can significantly impact a child's motivation and passion for learning and exploring the world around them. It also means taking care of your own well-being to ensure you have the energy to support and nurture your child effectively.
By considering the F.A.C.E principles, parents can reflect on ways to create a nurturing environment that promotes emotional health and resilience. Flexibility, adaptability, coherence, and energy in parenting not only help in dealing with day-to-day challenges but also contribute to the long-term psychological development and well-being of children.
Joel van Bentum
Principal
Mrs Amanda Rutlidge | Head of Primary
It has been wonderful to have the opportunity to interview many families over the past few months who are choosing GPCC as the school that they want to send their children to. So many people mention that they have heard about our school’s caring, friendly community and it brings us so much joy to hear this! However, we know that there is more to it than that. As Christian educators, we put Jesus at the centre of all we do here at GPCC and it is because of Him that we stand out to people in our community. In Matthew 5: 14 – 16 Jesus says “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” It is our prayer that as we continue to partner with you and the families who join our College that we can be a light that reveals Jesus to the people of the Central Coast.
Morning Drop Off
From Term 2 our Primary Choir rehearsals has moved to Tuesday Lunchtime.
Students are to meet staff and will be escorted down 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.
Students of the Week
Congratulations to the following students:
Mason B; KDL, Archer G; KK,Gigi G; KS, Graciela R; 1C,Sienna A; 1G, Isaiah O; 1PS,Cass G; 2J, Noah F; 2G,Madison K; 3B, Marcus E; 3D,Phebe A; 3M, Sam B; 4H,Judah L; 4M, Lachie Z; 5B,Eli H; 5L, Madelyn G; 5P,Ruben D; 6B, Scarlett J; 6SH,Amelia S; 6S.
Student Health
As we approach the change in season, its often a time when we notice more illness like coughs and colds and there are cases of Whooping Cough, Covid and Gastroenteritis on the Central Coast which is not unusual however we would like to take this opportunity to remind parents to keep sick children resting at home until they no longer have symptoms.
You can find out helpful information on the NSW Health website or use these links:
In Mark 10, we can see five examples of Jesus being counter cultural:
- The culture at the time allowed men to divorce their wives with a certificate and send them away, showing little value given to women. However, Jesus said that in marriage, God makes two (a man and a woman) into one, giving equal worth to women.
- The culture devalued children. Jesus rebuked his disciples for thinking that way and invited the children to come to him.
- The culture thought wealth was the sign of God’s blessing; Jesus said it is hard for the wealthy to enter God’s kingdom.
- The culture valued power and authority over others. “Not so with you,” Jesus said. He valued humble service as the sign of real greatness.
- The culture considered a blind beggar unworthy of Jesus’ attention and hushed him; Jesus stopped and healed him.
Ever since, Christianity has continued to be in opposition to the culture. A 2021 Australian Community Survey showed that less than half of the people surveyed even believed Jesus was a real person. So it is hardly surprising that many people would not agree with us when we say things like the Bible is true and the Word of God, that the purpose of human existence is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, or that the only way to eternal life is through faith in Jesus.
At GPCC, we stand unashamed in our beliefs. We not only know that this will at times put us at odds with the wider culture but we know that we should expect that to be the case.
Youth in Performing Arts (YIPA)
The annual Youth in Performing Arts showcase is fast approaching. After a tough schedule of auditions, we are excited to have the following students selected to perform at Laycock Street Theatre next week.
GPCC students will perform on the following nights:
Saturday 25th May
Year 11 Music - Linger
Sam F - Guitar Medley
Friday 24th May
Year 12 Music Jazz Ensemble - Armandos Rhumba
Bailey P. - Your Song
Aiden D. - La Fiesta
Thursday 23rd May
Jessica H. - Particles
Christian N. - Prince Ali
Luke J. - You Feel Like Home
Year 11 Music - Murder on The Dance Floor
Wednesday 22nd May
Grace T. - The Ballad of Jane Doe
Tickets will sell out quickly - You can purchase tickets with the following link:
Year 9 Visual Arts Excursion
On Friday 10 May Year 9 Visual Arts students spent a day at Pearl Beach working on various fieldwork activities. They used a range of art mediums and creative techniques to explore the coastal landscape—beach and bush. The fieldwork supports their current unit of work on looking at the landscape in art.
Years 11 and 12 Visual Arts and Photography Excursion
Years 11 and 12 Visual Arts and PDVI (Photography) classes overnight excursion to Cockatoo Island and the Sydney Biennale.
We enjoyed a rare snippet of sunny weather for our overnight excursion, which was especially appreciated as we camped on Cockatoo Island. The students engaged in several artmaking opportunities over the two days. We visited the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) at Circular Quay to see the Sydney Biennale exhibitions and participated in an educator-led workshop. Students created a unique collaborative artwork at Circular Quay in the style of Imants Tillers. On the island, students had lots of laughs while working in groups to film a scary film. They were also fortunate to have a workshop visit by a professional artist, Bronte Leighton-Dore, who encouraged the students to express their ideas intuitively and expressively.
Morning Drop Off
Excursions, Incursions and Camps Parent Permissions – Year 7-12
How to give Parent Permission for your child to attend an excursion, camps and other events, please accept events in Parent Lounge. You may decline if you do not wish for your child to participate.
We have many opportunities for students to attend some wonderful incursions and excursions where their classroom learning can be enhanced, and there are other activities that help develop skills and grow good life skills and characteristics like sportsmanship/sportswomanship. A lot of planning goes into these events and the Parent Lounge Permission System is one process that can keep things running smoothly. When this doesn’t happen, it causes planning issues and may even lead to an event not going ahead due to low numbers.
Student Health
As we approach the change in season, its often a time when we notice more illness like coughs and colds and there are cases of Whooping Cough, Covid and Gastroenteritis on the Central Coast which is not unusual however we would like to take this opportunity to remind parents to keep sick children resting at home until they no longer have symptoms.
You can find out helpful information on the NSW Health website or use these links:
Identify, Protect, Prevent - Whooping cough (nsw.gov.au)
Viral gastroenteritis fact sheet - Fact sheets (nsw.gov.au)
Year 7: School Vaccination Program - 4 June 2024
If your child is in Year 7 this year, you can now provide online consent for their routine school vaccinations.
In Year 7, students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV).
In Year 10, students are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
This year our Year 7 Vaccination Clinic date at GPCC is:
Year 7 - HPV and dTpa - Tuesday 4 June 2024
Year 10 – Meningococcal ACWY were conducted in February. Students who missed their vaccination may do a catch-up on 4 June if parent consent has been given.
Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received.
How to provide consent:
- To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit: https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school
- Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you don’t have a ServiceNSW account, refer to ServiceNSW to create one.
- Update or confirm your personal details in ServiceNSW as required.
- Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:
- Enter your child’s personal details
- Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
- Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement
- Provide consent
If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper-based consent form directly from your child’s school.
The benefits of providing consent online:
- easily update your child’s details
- receive SMS and/or email notifications when vaccinations are given
- faster upload of vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination.
If you require information in your language, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/school_vaccination_language.aspx
Mr Stuart McSwan | K - 6 Sport Co-ordinator
Primary Athletics Carnival
We are looking forward to our rescheduled Primary Athletics Carnival on Tuesday 21 May. Please arrive early if your child is wanting to compete in the 800m races.
Please see below an important announcement from the Mingara Athletics Centre regarding use of debit cards at the canteen:
We have an important update around the use of Junior debit cards. Unfortunately, as we are linked to a licensed facility banks are declining these cards. We are working with Spriggy at the moment to see if we can get an exception however until then, these types of cards will decline.
Once we have an update, we will communicate the outcome and apologies for the inconvenience. This is currently out of our control, and we are working hard to try and rectify this issue.
Thank you for your understanding on this matter.
Cross Country Awards
Cross Country awards will be presented during a Chapel time at next week’s service. Parents of recipients have been emailed details.
Dates for your Calendar
School Carnivals
TERM 2
(NEW DATE)
Tuesday 21 May - GPCC Primary Yrs 2-6 Athletics Carnival (Mingara)
TERM 3
Wednesday 21 August - GPCC K-2 Athletics Carnival (GPCC grounds)
TERM 4
Friday 25 October - GPCC K-2 Swimming Carnival (Peninsula Leisure Centre)
Representative Carnivals
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 2
Tuesday 11 June - CSSA Primary State Gymnastics Levels 3+ Only (select students) All competitors are required to have an accredited gymnastics coach from their club attend on the day- Nominations close Tuesday 28 May
Wednesday 19 June - CIS Primary Rugby Union Trials #1 (select students) - Nominations close Wednesday 12 June
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
Well done to Finn D and Benjamin T (Year 9) who trialled for the CIS U16’s basketball team at Newington College on Monday. They both conducted themselves in exemplary fashion and played to best of their abilities. As lower aged boys (15), they were told how well they performed and to come back and try again next year as they tend to pick the top age. There were 74 boys trialling and both boys said they learnt many new skills and although disappointed, they should both be very proud of their efforts.
Jason van Blerk Football Academy at GPCC
The Jason Van Blerk Football Academy is returning in Term 2 starting on Friday 10 May after school from 3.15-4.45pm.
All Years 3 - 7 boys and girls are all welcome at $25 per session, $200 for the term.
For more info please contact Jason at Jasonvanblerkfootballacademy@gmail.com
Secondary Sport Calendar
GPCC Secondary Cross Country Carnival: Friday 17 May
CCJRL U14’s and U18’s Central Coast City Cup Gala Day: Wednesday 22 May Erina Oval
THACCCSA Soccer Gala Day: Friday 24 May Gipps St Playing Fields, Tamworth
CCAFL Senior Boys and Girls Gala Day: Friday 24 May Bateau Bay
NSWAS Secondary Swimming Championships: Thursday & Friday 30 & 31 May SOPAC
NSW Bill Turner Cup – U15 Boys Soccer State-wide Knock out – May 30 Gosford High
CSSA Secondary Cross Country: Friday 31 May Sydney International Equestrian Centre Staff:
CIS Secondary Cross Country: Thursday 6 June
CSSA Calendar
Download CSSA CALENDAR 2024
Mrs Nicole van Wyk and Mrs Judi Hurst | Teacher Librarian
National Simultaneous Storytime
Kindergarten- Year 2 and YVCS will participate in National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday 22 May at 10.15am.
We are reading ‘Bowerbird Blues’ in our CAPA Theatre and completing some fun activities. Over two million students in schools and communities across Australia and New Zealand will be participating in this event.
Kindergarten- Year 2 and YVCS students are invited to wear an item of blue with their school uniform on the day. A blue hairband, ribbon, badge, socks, wig. Can we please ask for no hair spray or face paint to be used. We are looking forward to a great morning together.
Storytime 2024
Preschool story time themes for Term 2 are below. Please register your interest with Nicole van Wyk: nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu. See the flier for more information.
Scholastic - Issue 3
Issue 3 Scholastic book club magazines will go out this week. Parents can order online at LOGIN (scholastic.com.au). Issue 3 orders close on Friday 17 May.
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
Geoff is always very helpful in helping solve IT issues, even if it is due to user error. He attends to Helpdesk requests promptly and interacts professionally with staff and students.
Geoff always looks for ways to make our devices work more efficiently. He is gracious when surprised with in-person pop-ins as well as digital requests.
Geoff has a servant heart and is always willing to help across the school with IT. Geoff’s favourite question to ask any new staff member is, “What church do you attend?”, demonstrating his desire to encourage new staff in their faith and the priority of gathering with God’s people.
Geoff uses his vast knowledge of IT and GPCC in a humble manner and for God’s glory.
University of Newcastle Vaping Prevention Study
Univerisity of Newcastle are currently recruiting parents and their adolescent (aged 12-15 years) to participate in a University of Newcastle study to prevent youth from vaping.
About the study:
The study is testing whether text-messages, sent to adolescents and their parent, are effective in preventing youth vaping. Participating parents and adolescents will receive a series of text messages (one per week for 12 weeks) that have been specifically developed to educate parents and youth on the harms of vaping, empower youth to say no to vaping through social support and teaching refusal skills, and facilitate healthy conversation amongst families. The text messages have been developed in collaboration with parents, adolescents, researchers and parenting experts.
Our study website containing more information about the study and a link to register can be found here: https://www.vapingpreventionstudy.com/. We will continue to recruit parents and adolescents to the study for the next six months.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Observances
Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC are important events that open a conversation through which all Australians can discuss our shared history and rich cultural experiences. Helping us to find a way forward towards a stronger more inclusive Australia. Information will go in the newsletter each week to inform the community about observances.
|
Date |
Observance |
Events |
|
Week 5 27 May-3 June |
Sorry Day & Reconciliation Week “Louder than Ever” |
K-6 Chapel by SRC, 29 May 2.30pm 7-12 LIFE, 29 May 12.00 noon |
|
Week 8 19 June |
GPCC Hosting AECG Meeting 4.30 Afternoon Tea 5pm Meeting |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and community discuss Aboriginal education. |
|
Week 10 Wednesday 3 June
|
NAIDOC “Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and Proud” |
K-12 community service 2.30pm and cultural events |
Music Tutoring
Our string tutors had fun playing 'Viva La Vida' by Coldplay at school this week. Click on vimeo link below to view this video. https://vimeo.com/946861306/d1eacf5e8e?share=copy
If you are interested in string lessons you can enquire at this link: Music Program Enquiry | Green Point Christian College (gpcc.nsw.edu.au)
Advancedlife Photography Orders
Primary photo orders have been delivered to our students this week.
Please note: There is a delay on the Secondary photo orders due to a supply issue of the plastic inserts that the photos are slotted into. We hope to receive the photos in a few weeks time. Advancedlife and GPCC apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
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
Words on the Waves Writers Festival
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
Tuesday 21 May
NSW Junior Chess League Excursion
Primary Athletics Carnival (Mingara)
Wednesday 22 May
CIS Secondary 15&U Boys Rugby League Trials
Secondary U14's Cochrane Cup Comp and City Cup 18s Rugby - Erina Oval
Primary National Simultaneous Storytime (K - Year 2)
Thursday 23 May
Years 9 & 10 Sydney Writers Festival Excursion
Years 7-12 Biggest Morning Tea Fundraiser
AFL Paul Kelly Cup - Woy Woy
Friday 24 May
Secondary THACCCSA Soccer Gala Day Tamworth
Years 10 - 12 Cntral Coast Senior Schools ALF
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 27 May
THACCCCSA Open Girls Soccer Gala Day (Taree)
K - 12 Piano Concert - Music Tutoring Program
Year 12 English HSC Study Day
Reconciliation Week
Wednesday 29 May
Reconciliation Week LIFE (Secondary Chapel) Cultural Awareness and Development
Primary Sorry Day and Reconciliation Assembly
Years 7 - 12 Interschool CRU after school event
Thursday 30 May
Secondary NSWAS Secondary Swimming Championships -
Senior Students Movie Night
Year 12 Ripples Writers Excursion to Ourimbah Campus
Friday 31 May
Secondary NSWAS Secondary Swimming Championships
CSSA Secondary and Primary Cross Country
Year 9 Child Studies Preschool visit
Veta Morphis Retreat 2
TERM 2 DATES
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