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What is… Justice?
“That is just not fair”. This is a statement that sometimes is spoken, sometimes shouts and rings across lounge rooms, kitchens and bedrooms in houses all over the world. It was a common phrase used by my children as they were growing up and it was a phrase used by me to my parents. Of course, it is not just a phrase used within our homes, but it is our cry whenever we see things we believe that are wrong, unfair and unjust. It is the cry of the protestor; it is the statement of those who judge, and it is the groan of the oppressed. The sense of justice and fairness is core consideration of our humanity.
Justice relates to fair behaviour or treatment. At its core it is about what we believe people deserve. It is here that the challenges arise, because we can all have a slightly different view or standard of what is fair. This is becoming more and more evident as we now live in a dominant western culture that emphasises self-actualisation and expressive individualism. The expression and articulation of justice is more and more through the lens of individual understandings and beliefs, rather than communal ones. Justice becomes about what ‘I’ think it is. Justice becomes disconnected from truth and what it right. The calls for justice then become as we see in culture, angrier and angrier. The Prophet Amos describes this reality in chapter 5 verse 7 where he says, "There are those who turn justice into bitterness and cast righteousness to the ground."
Real justice requires a standard outside of what is right and just. In our culture that is often the rule of law. Though we know through history there have been plenty of unjust laws; so, we need something even bigger. Here at Green Point Christian College the bigger thing is the Sovereign God and Creator of the universe. In Amos chapter 7, Amos describes the Sovereign Lord standing by a wall with a plumb line, then the Lord said "Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel." This passage is making the statement that God is the external standard, God is righteous and therefore can arbitrate true justice.
God’s righteousness was most fully displayed in His son Jesus. Jesus expressed this righteousness most fully when He went to the cross to take the consequence we deserved, on Himself. Through this most costly gift of grace and mercy, Jesus meets the plumb line of God’s justice on our behalf. He also opens the way for us to participate in His righteousness and justice.
One of the things we learn about all this from Jesus, is that righteousness is relational, it is ‘right with goodness.’ It is about moving beyond what is fair, or right, to what can heal and what can restore. Justice is about the heart’s cry for restoration. Jesus lived this way and calls those that follow Him to also live that way.
Here at Green Point Christian College we will seek to give our students a picture of justice that goes beyond what is fair. Rather, I hope we will encourage them to push past toward restoration, healing and wholeness that is found in the grace and mercy of God. That is where real Justice is found.
Joel van Bentum
Principal
Mrs Amanda Rutlidge | Acting Head of Primary
Mobile phones / Smart Watches
Mobile Phones and Smart watches can be a valuable safety tool for travel arrangements for students and can allow the communication between parents and students during the afternoon bus trips, however these devices can also be a distraction to learning and provide students with an added perceived need to remain connected at all times.
GPCC bans the use of mobile phones and smart watches (or similar devices such as ear buds) during school operating hours (8:45am – 3:15pm). Phones must be kept in bags and not seen or used throughout the school day. Students who choose to wear a smart watch must have the connectivity of the watch disabled – eg they must not be able to use any function except tell the time. They should not be receiving or sending messages to parents throughout the day or accessing any areas of the internet via their device. We also ask that you not communicate with your child on their device during school hours as they are not permitted to use/check or interact with their devices. If devices, including watches are being used during school time (recess, lunch or class time) they will be removed from the student and given to Acting Head of Primary to be collected at the end of the day.
Finding Nemo Jr - Primary Musical
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 rhythmical skills throughout this term with a goal to perform an item for the musical.
This week was a reminder to me of how outstanding our College is.
On Monday 5 August, NBN and ABC News came to our weekly assembly to film our students’ reaction to Alumni GPCC student, Nicola Olyslagers’ silver medal at the Paris Olympics in the High Jump. They interviewed Mr McGillivray who spoke about Nicola as a student, an athlete and most importantly, as a person. If you have been following Nicola in the media you will know about her journalling between jumps, leading worship in the Olympic Village and having “Revival” written on her shoes to remind her of the change God had made in her life. She is consistently referred to as “a person of faith” and a “committed Christian.” Nicola has a strong sense of living out God’s purpose for her life.
At our Foundation Day Assembly on Wednesday 7 August, we witnessed the extraordinary musical talents of Adam L from our Primary School and Sam F from our Secondary School. It was a wonderful occasion where we could see how far we have come as a school and think about the direction in which we are headed.
This was followed by our The World's Greatest Shave event, organised by Year 11 student, Clinton F. He was able to act purposely to raise awareness and a lot of money, around $9,000 in remembrance of his dad, raising funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. Other students joined in on the day. The highlight for me was the crowd of students showing their support. I could see that more than having his hair cut, Clinton was able to build an event that brought our community together.
Congratulations to all the students and staff that participated in this fundraiser.
I am thankful for all of the memories of school created this week and look forward to this continuing throughout the year.
Year 9 Boys AIM Mission Trip
Please be in prayer for our Year 9 Boys Mission Trip to Far NW NSW to serve at Brewarrina and the local communities from Friday 9 August - 16 August.
Team: Lukas B, Zayne B, Noah F, Hamish M, Sebastian M, Michael O-K, Jacob S, Mitchell T, Finlay V, Mr Andrew McGillivrary and Mr Richard Hall.
Year 12 HSC Trial Exams
Please join us in prayer for our Year 12 students sitting their HSC Trial exams from Monday 5 August - Tuesday 20 August.
Years 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.
Progressive Reporting
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 Zone squad that competed at our HCZS Athletics Carnival in Glendale on Tuesday.
We had some outstanding results throughout the day across both track and field events. The team can be very proud of their effort and finished 2nd overall with many students now qualifying for the CSSA State Carnival on Friday 23 August (squad TBC).
I’d like to thank Mrs Stubbs-Mills, Mrs Ware and Mr Lambert for accompanying the team to Zone and expertly fulfilling their duties to help make the day run smoothly and to the parents that transported children to and from the event.
The State team will be finalised over the coming weeks with information sent home to parents shortly after.
Notable results:
- Cooper B - 8yrs Boys 2nd place
- Chloe B - Girls Multiclass place getter
- Nash P - 11yrs Boys Age Champion
- Olivia B - 12yrs Girls 3rd place
- Ulrich E - 12yrs Boys 2nd place
Primary Soccer Team-CSSA
GPCC Junior Soccer Team
On Thursday 8 August the Junior soccer team travelled to Kellyville to compete in the CSSA State Soccer finals after qualifying being runners up the Zone Gala Day last term.
We knew competition would be tough, but we managed to win our first game 4-2 against Cedars CC. In our second game we were able to have somewhat of a grand final replay from 2023 with a tricky match up against last year’s champions Mamre. From the outset we managed to successfully mark one of their star players and limit his opportunities. Winning a free kick just before the halfway line, we knew that we had to make the most of this opportunity and so our free kick specialist, James C stepped up and absolutely nailed a pin point, looping a shot over the keeper to give us a very handy win. A great team effort all round!
In Game 3 we had some chances and ultimately lost 2-1 to St George CS, but due to our two previous wins, finished top of our pool and were given the chance to play Wyong in the first semi-final.
Unfortunately, we could not match the intensity of Wyong who scored some quick-fire goals and claimed victory.
I could not be prouder of our team and the way they played and behaved throughout the day. A super effort to finish top of the pool with the extra bonus of beating our traditional State rival Mamre.
Thank you to the parents for your support, Bram N for being chief supporter number 1 and Mr Sneyd for his team analysis expertise.
Well done team!
Congratulations: James C (capt), Saoirse CD, Finn H, James N, Jake B, Jamie K, Javier G, Vaaris M, Cooper B, Max T, Joseph D
Mr McSwan
GPCC Rugby Friendly vs The Coast Christian School
Last Friday 2 August, the Primary Rugby Team played a friendly match of Rugby 7s against The Coast Christian School. The boys played so well as a team having been restricted to limited training due to poor weather. Some improved defence and attack saw the team claw back from 3 tries down in the first half to eventually lose by only 6 tries to 5. Jagger B led the team well as Captain with all the team defending solidly and attacking with silky skills.
Team: Jagger B, Louis A, Toby M, John H, James H, Andries dK, Ryan Y, Oscar J, Ulrich E, Michael HY
Well done to coach Mr Sneyd and the team.
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
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
GPCC Secondary Athletics Carnival
Our annual Athletics Carnival took place in Term 1 at Mingara Regional Athletics track. It was another hot day, and we were unable to finish some events which were completed this term at school. Congratulations to the Taloa Warriors, the winners of the GPCC Athletics Carnival for 2024.
GPCC Athletics Age Champions 2024
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1st Place |
2nd Place |
3rd Place |
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12 & U Boys |
Justin H |
Charlie R |
Huon B |
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13yrs Boys |
Owen L |
Xavier B M |
Levi S |
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14yrs Boys |
Jason P |
Will M |
Jasper P |
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15yrs Boys |
Hunter M |
Benjamin T Lachlan F |
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16yrs Boys |
Jesse M |
Jonathon L |
Samuel v d W |
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17yrs Boys |
Clinton F |
Henry C |
Caleb N |
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18-21yrs Boys |
Will T Noah T |
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MaCabe S |
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12 & U Girls |
Lara B Sophie C |
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Madeleine A |
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13yrs Girls |
Alex H |
Lily D |
Sibella M |
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14yrs Girls |
Bonnie H |
Quinn L |
Amy W |
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15yrs Girls |
Zoe H |
Bronte M |
Ariella N |
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16yrs Girls |
Estelle B |
Tuscany C |
Sienna H |
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17yrs Girls |
Alyssa M |
Savannah D |
Olivia P Millie P |
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18-21yrs Girls |
Gemma B |
Laura R |
Katinka W |
THACCCSA Zone Athletics Age Champions 2024
65 students travelled to the athletics track at Glendale to compete in the THACCCSA Zone Athletics Carnival. Our team was the same size as three other schools from our Zone, and so for the first time in many years we placed 3rd on the points tally. Our students all competed to the best of their ability and achieved some fantastic results. Special congratulations to Quinn L who achieved a Zone record in the 14 Girls 800m with a time of 2:35.10 seconds.
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1st Place |
2nd Place |
3rd Place |
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12 & U Boys |
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Justin H |
Charlie R |
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13yrs Boys |
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Owen L |
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14yrs Boys |
Jason P |
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16yrs Boys |
Jesse M |
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18-21yrs Boys |
Will T |
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MaCabe S |
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12 & U Girls |
Sophie C |
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14yrs Girls |
Bonnie H |
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17yrs Girls |
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Alyssa M |
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18-21yrs Girls |
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Laura R |
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 Quiz
On Wednesday 7 August, eight students from Years 5-8 participated in the THACCCSA Book Quiz at Belmont Christian College. We had a great day of fun and reading. Congratulations to everyone involved.
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
Fay also runs our Sponsor Children Program. She practices true discipleship, praying for other staff members, caring for them and supporting them with wisdom and humility.
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.
42nd Foundation Day
We enjoyed a number of exciting performances from our current students, as well as from a guest alumni band. These showcased the incredible talent of our students, past and present. We also took a trip down memory lane with Mrs Pearson who started her schooling career at GPCC in 1982, the year the school was founded.
I wish to thank the many teachers, students and alumni who helped make today the celebration it was. Happy birthday GPCC!
Mrs Jacqui Melck
Congratulations to Alumni, Nicola Olyslagers (nee McDermott) (2016) on her recent achievement of winning a Silver medal in the Women's High Jump at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Nicola has defended her title from winning Silver at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020.
Our Secondary students watched the replay at their assembly. Local news NBN and ABC were there to capture the moment.
Click on link to watch news story, including our Secondary students watching replay of Nicola winning Silver. Locals celebrate Nicola Olyslagers – NBN News
Andrew McGillivray (Secondary PDHPE Teacher) was interviewed on ABC Breakfast radio by Scott Levi to chat about Nicola. To listen to this interview click on this link: ABC Radio interview
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 12 August
Secondary Coast Mariners Trophy Tour (Incursion)
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
Years 7-10 NRL Independent 9s Gala Day - U14 & U16 boys
Thursday 15 August
Year 11 Prefect Training Retreat
CSSA Secondary Open Oztag Gala Day
Primary Science Day
Friday 16 August
Year 11 Prefect Training Retreat
CC Secondary Schools Netball Cup
Year 11 Business Studies - Young Entrepreneurs Exo
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 19 August
CIS Secondary 15 & Open Netball Challenge
Tuesday 20 August
Year 3 Parents Coffee Morning
Years 9-11 Connecting Cultural Pathways (10 students) -
Wednesday 21 August
Years 11 - 12 MADD Night
Primary Book Week Parade
Thursday 22 August
Buddy Reading: K - Year 11
Central Coast Oztag Primary Gala Day All Schools (Yrs 2 - 6)
Friday 23 August
Primary Literacy Day
Year 12 English Extension Incursion
Year 7 Blackflips Against Bullying Incursion
Year 11 Veta Retreat 3
Primary CSSA Primary State Athletics
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