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What is…
Over the recent break I had to privilege of attending an International Transforming Education Conference in Perth with over 1000 other Christian educators. It was a fantastic time of learning and wondering. One of the keynote speakers got us thinking about how we can be salt and light in the marketplace of ideas/ideals. This marketplace tends to focus on several transcendental questions. What is truth, justice, love, success and freedom? We are all seeking answers to these questions, we have been seeking answers to these questions for thousands of years. The cultural tug of war over these ideas can at times feel like a battle. Our era of 24-hour news cycle and social media has certainly added heat to some of these areas of debate. Here at GPCC we have some answers to these questions and as staff we work to share these with our students. Over the next few weeks, I will share some thoughts on each of these areas and how we, at GPCC seek to answer them.
Truth
What is truth? At first blush this seems like such a simple question, yet we currently live in a world where there is ‘fake news’, ‘alternative facts’ and claims we live in a ‘post truth world’, it is quickly evident that things may not be as clear as we might like.
Our understanding of truth will naturally be grounded in the worldview or story of reality that we consciously and unconsciously hold onto.
To the modern mind, truth does exist. It corresponds to reality, and we can follow evidence to where it leads and find truth. For the modern mind it is the contest of truth where the battle is.
The post-modern mind is deeply suspicious of overarching stories and often rejects them. Truth in this context is often considered a power grab and a device used by those in power to perpetuate their position and perspective.
For some this has evolved into a post truth position where ‘truth’ doesn’t matter, only my individual feelings about truth matter. Our culture tends to swing - at times wildly - between these broad poles.
Here at GPCC we believe that truth is revealed. It is revealed by the Triune God who created the universe and who reveals himself through His creation, through His Word in the Bible and most fully, through Jesus. We therefore see truth as part of a grand story, and we believe that truth can be known and shared. Through Creation we can see truth in the laws that govern the universe, in fractal geometry and in the intricacy of the human mind.
In John 14:6 Jesus says, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life". Jesus in claiming that He is the truth, creating a relational element to truth. Truth is entirely static and objective, it also has a component of relationality and perspective to it. In this way God takes some of the modern ideas about truth and some of the post-modern ideas and holds them together in a beautiful tension that is greater than the sum of the parts.
I hope that here at GPCC we continue to deepen our understanding of truth, as revealed to us by the person of Jesus and that as a community we can share this with our students and our broader community.
Writing a short article on a topic that has had as many words written about it over the millennia as truth is challenging. I do hope it might bring a topic that generally operates subconsciously in all our lives, a little closer to the surface. I will finish with one of my favourite quotes by CS Lewis.
"If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair."
Joel van Bentum
Principal
Mrs Amanda Rutlidge | Acting Head of Primary
It has been an exciting first week back in our Primary School and it was wonderful to see our students back at school after what I hope was a restful break for them. Our musical rehearsals for Finding Nemo Jr have been in full swing this week along with another costume making working bee. Thank you to the wonderful parents who donated their time and skills for this.
On Wednesday, we began our GPCC Olympic Games with an Opening Ceremony which was a spectacular event. Thank you to Mrs Davis for organising this fun event for our Primary students.
We finished off the week with a 100 Days of School celebration for our kindergarten students who enjoyed dressing up as senior citizens for the day.
Finding Nemo Costume Making Working Bee
Calling all volunteers, we need a big community effort to get the costumes finished for our Primary musical.
Week 2 – Wednesday 7/8/24 and Thursday 8/8/24 – 9am- 12pm
Location: Staff Common Room
A Note from Mrs McKeown
Dear Parents,
We have a term that is full of wonderful opportunities for your children to engage in the performing arts at Green Point Christian College. Our hope is that through these events students will be inspired, challenged and enjoy this aspect of education.
Foundation Assembly
Wednesday Week 2 - The Primary School choir will be performing two items Mr Gecko and Make Me Wise. This will be a fun performance opportunity where students will have sections of music to play on Kazoo’s. So fun!
Chapel Performance
Wednesday Week 3 - The choir will be performing Mr Gecko and Make Me Wise for parents to come and enjoy.
Choir
Just a reminder that choir is back on Tuesday mornings before school in the CAPA building from 8:00am. All welcome.
Percussion Group
Each Tuesday at recess there will be an opportunity for students to participate in a bucket drumming group. Developing rhythmically skills throughout this term with a goal to perform an item for the musical.
Finding Nemo Primary Musical
Week 6 - Our K-6 performance has two concerts Friday 6 September at 1:30pm in our MPC and Saturday 7 September at 6:30pm.
Tickets are to go on sale on Monday 12 August, Week 3. Allocated seating means no lining up at the door so that you can enjoy dinner and festivities before the show starts.
There will be a variety of food trucks to purchase a meal from; Fork n Knife, Sirone's Pizza and Coast Shelter Coffee Van before the Saturday show only.
Musica Viva in Schools Concert
Week 9 - Students will be engaging in musical activities during class that will prepare them for a concert performed by the band, Mara! The program studies songs from many different cultures including Turkish, Kurdish and Welsh and fits in perfectly with the timing of the Olympics. The concert explores the idea that music is a common language which is fun and helps us understand and connect with others. Mara! has won two ARIA awards for best Australian world music release (1996 & 2001) and has twice been a final nominee in the same category (1997 & 2006).
Students of the Week
Congratulations to the following students:
However, what the research shows is that the person whose mental health benefits most from this is the person who is acting in a kind way. If you google 'the effects of kindness' you will see the majority of websites will talk about the positive effects on the giver, not the receiver, of the kind act.
We should all be encouraged, therefore, to go out of our way to be kind to others. This goes beyond just being friendly to intentionally doing something to make someone’s day. Over the course of this term, I will be encouraging students to think about ways they can do this, and act on it.
Please join us in prayer for our Year 12 students sitting their HSC Trial exams from Monday 5 August - Tuesday 20 August.
Year 7-12 Student Learning Interviews
Thank you to families (Years 8, 10, 12) who came along to the Student Learning Interviews (aka Parent Teacher Interviews) on Tuesday evening in the Library. We received a lot of positive feedback about the change of venue not just for temperature, but for noise, comfort, and atmosphere. These evenings are a good opportunity for students and parents to meet with their teachers to have conversations about our partnership in the education of your children.
Year 7, 9, 11 Student Learning Interviews are on Tuesday 13 August 2024 - 4pm to 8pm in the Library.
BOOKINGS OPEN at 9am Tuesday 6 August 2024 and CLOSE on Monday 12 August 2024 at 4pm.
The easiest way to learn how to book your appointments is to watch the short video Booking Parent Teacher Interviews in Parent Lounge once you have accessed your account.
Please use this link for Directions to Library.
Please note - Mr David Russell our Careers Advisor will be available on the night. To make an appointment with Mr Russell please phone Reception on 43631266.
Mrs Gavin and Mr Leonard will be available on the evening if you have questions about Discovery, Mission and other Christian Ministry.
Students Leaving School Early – Parent Permission
Just a reminder to give the office as much notice as possible if you wish to collect your child early from school. The best way to give permission is to send a handwritten note with your child. They can use this note to show their teacher they have permission to leave class early and then take it to the student window staff when they sign out. We understand on occasion parents may need to book last minute medical appointments and therefore can’t write a note in time, in this case please phone the College to give permission.
Just a reminder, and to let new families know about our Student Report process.
Throughout the year our teachers have been regularly reporting back to you on your child's progress via the parent portal. This process is known at Green Point Christian College as Progressive Reporting. The rationale for Progressive Reporting can be found in the attached document ‘Parent Portal Progressive Reporting Rationale.pdf’. In short, educational research has concluded that students achieve better academic outcomes when they receive meaningful, regular feedback on their learning.
Step-by-step instructions on how to print the progressive report can be found in the attached document ‘Parent Portal Printing a Progressive Report.pdf’.
For a summary of your child’s achievements, we provide an End of Year Transcript. The transcript, based on a university style transcript, provides a basic overview of your child’s achievement in each of their subjects. This document is ideal for a student to use in their resume.
Step by step instruction on how to access the End of Year transcript is found in the attached ‘Parent Portal End of Year Transcript.pdf’. For a detailed insight into your child’s progress please refer to the Progressive Report.
Mr Stuart McSwan | K - 6 Sport Co-ordinator
Zone HCZS (used to be THACCCSA) Primary Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to our GPCC Primary Athletics squad who will compete at the Zone carnival on Tuesday 6 August (Week 2).
Information has been emailed to parents of competing athletes. Please fill in the required information re travel arrangements.
If you have nominated your child to catch the bus then please be at school ready to depart no later than 6.30am.
Dates for your Calendar
School Carnivals
TERM 3
Wednesday 25 September - GPCC K-2 Athletics Carnival (GPCC grounds)
TERM 4
Friday 25 October - GPCC K-2 Swimming Carnival (Peninsula Leisure Centre)
Representative Carnivals
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.
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
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 3
Monday 9 September - CIS Primary Boys Cricket trials (select students. Max 3 per school can be nominated) - Nominations close Monday 2 September
U16's Rugby League Gala Day
U15's State Soccer
The boys had a good day. Recording two wins (2-0 against Illawarra CS, 1-0 against Coffs Harbour CS) and a 0-0 draw against Inaburra CS.
With the boys finishing second place within their pool. We continued to the semi-finals where we faced Mamre Anglican. With fatigue starting to loom over both teams, there were multiple chances and opportunities to take the lead. Mamre took their chances and sadly our boys went down 2-0 and bowed out of the competition.
Mr Read and Mr Partridge were both very proud of how everyone conducted themselves on the field throughout the day. Showcasing great determination and effort, whilst playing in a respectful manner that proudly represented our school. Congratulations once again to everyone involved in the team.
This team has played 12 games together this year. Throughout our Bill Turner Cup campaign, Tamworth gala day and now CSSA State. It has been a privilege to coach these boys and witness their growth firsthand and the comradery that has developed throughout the year. Whilst injuries have had a toll, the boys continuously stepped up and supported one another in each game. I look forward to next year’s team and going one step further!
Congratulations
Well done to Olivia E (Year 11) who was selected in the 2024 NSW Pool Rescue Interstate team to compete in the Australian Pool Rescue Championships in Queensland this week.
Congratulations to Grace R (Year 11) who has been selected in the Karate NSW team to compete in the 2024 Karate Australia National Championships this week in Victoria.
Secondary Sport Calendar
CC/Newcastle Independent Schools 9s Rugby League Carnival: Wednesday 14 August at Mount View Park, Cessnock
CC Schools Netball Cup - Gosford (Secondary Day) 2024 Friday 16 August
CSSA Secondary State Athletics: Thursday 29 August SOPAC Homebush
THACCCSA Secondary Boys Basketball Gala Day: Tuesday 3 September Broadmeadow Basketball Stadium
THACCCSA Secondary Girls Futsal Gala Day: Tuesday 3 September Federation Centre Maitland
THACCCSA Mixed Oztag Gala Day: Wednesday 11 September Adcock Park West Gosford
Book Week Competitions
Competition entries are now open for Book Week, all entries are due to the library by Monday 19 August.
K-2: Colouring Competition (handed out in class)
Years 3-6: Book-themed diorama (individual or small group)
If students have questions or need a box can they come to the library for assistance.
Book Week Payments- Wednesday 21 August
This year we have simplified the Book Week process due to limited site access. The cost is $5 per student. This includes a sausage sandwich (vegetarian and GF option available), a drink and all activities including jumping castle, face painting, hairspray, cookie decorating, photobooth, musical statues, and lawn games. Once everyone has eaten, seconds will be made available. Parent Portal permissions and payment due by Friday 16 August.
Parents can purchase a sausage sandwich and drink on the day with a card only. No cash payments will be accepted. If the weather permits, we will be on the outdoor courts and soccer field. Wet weather is in the Primary area.
Term 3 Storytime
Preschool story time themes for Term 3 are below. Please register your interest with Nicole van Wyk: nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu. See the flier for more information.
Scholastic Book Club - Issue 5
Issue 5 Scholastic book club magazines will go out this week. Parents can order online at LOGIN (scholastic.com.au). Issue 5 orders close on Friday 9 August.
Teaching Positions - Permanent Full time (2025)
https://www.yvcs.nsw.edu.au/employment/employment-opportunities/teacher
In Week 10 of Term 2 as well as his full teaching load, Michael performed in the Drama production of Hamlet and agreed to have wet sponges thrown at him for Year 9 Commerce Market Day (it was 17 degrees outside!). He has also had his Year 7 HSIE class making board games of the Silk Road to give them a hands-on learning experience.
Parent Coffee Mornings
Our College Executive team are looking forward to connecting with our GPCC community at upcoming coffee mornings.
These events will be held throughout the year in the Green Point Baptist courtyard where the Church team will be serving barista coffees/tea and hot chocolate’s after school drop off.
Invitations will be sent via email and grade Facebook groups for your child’s grade. We hope you can join us.
Invitation for GPCC Alumni to our Annual Foundation Assembly
At Green Point Christian College, we have the privilege of partnering with families through the school-age years of their children’s journey. When their journey continues from the classroom to the ‘real’ world, we value being able to stay in touch and follow the news of our past students from afar. Every past student’s story is unique, with the ability to inspire and instil hope for the future in our current students.
We warmly invite our Alumni/Past students to join us on Wednesday 7 August 2024 to celebrate our 43rd Foundation Day, this is the day we set aside each year to thank God for the founding of GPCC. It is an important occasion for us to recognise the efforts and shared success of all who have attended and worked to make this College the vibrant Christian school we enjoy today. Please register your interest by scanning the QR Code below on the Annual Foundation Assembly Invitation.
Please join us to cheer on Alumni, Nicola Olyslagers (nee McDermott), who graduated from GPCC in 2014. Nicola is competing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the Women's High Jump. Nicola won the silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Go Nicola, Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!
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
Please note: All bakery goods will now be supplied by Bakers Delight.
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
Kincumber Mobile Blood Donor Centre
Thursday 15 August – 12.30 pm to 6.45 pm
Friday 16 August – 8.00 am to 2.15 pm
Frost Reserve car park, 134 Avoca Drive, Kincumber 2251
Barbara May Foundation Fundraiser
Go4Fun - Registrations for Term 3, Go4Fun program are open.
Service NSW - Active and Creative Kids
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 5 August
Year 12 Trial Exams Begin (5 August - 20 August)
Years 3 - 6 Spelling Bee
Tuesday 6 August
Years 9 - 11 Bible Society Masterclass
Years 9 - 11 Connecting Cultural Pathways
Primary THACCCSA Zone Athletics Carnival (Glendale)
Wednesday 7 August
Foundation Day Assembly
Book Quiz (Years 5,6,7 & 8) Belmont Christian College
Thursday 8 August
Year 11 First Aid Course PDHPE students
CSSA State Soccer Primary Boys
CSSA Girls Primary State Netball Day
Friday 9 August
Year 9 Boys Mission Trip to Farm West NSW (9 August - 16 August)
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 12 August
Year 9 Boys Mission Trip to Farm West NSW (9 August - 16 August)
Year 4 CRU Camp
Year 12 Trial Exams (5 August - 20 August)
Tuesday 13 August
Student Learning Interviews Secondary - Years 7, 9 and 11
Year 4 CRU Camp
Wednesday 14 August
CSSA Secondary 15&U Oztag Gala Day
CIS Secondary 15&U Girls Rugby League Trials
Year 11 Prefect Training Retreat
Thursday 15 August
Year 11 Prefect Training Retreat
CSSA Secondary Open Oztag Gala Day
Friday 16 August (9 August - 16 August)
Year 11 Prefect Training Retreat
CC Secondary Schools Netball Cup
Year 11 Business Studies - Young Entrepreneurs Exo
Primary Science Day
2024 TERM 3 DATES
Friday 27 September - Last day of Term 3
2024 TERM 4 DATES
Monday 14 October - Students commence Term 4
Wednesday 11 December - Last day of Term 4