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What is … Love?
There have been innumerable words written and spoken about love. Exploring even a dictionary definition of love uncovers many ideas and concepts that span a deep affection for someone, a romantic connection, or even a strong positive feeling for an object. It is obvious even as we scratch the surface, that there are multiple types of love.
As we look deeper, we can recognise that love, for most people, in most places across time and space consider love to be the supreme ethic. The words written about love point to this reality, yet what is the true substance of love?
In our current culture the kind of love that is dominant in our cultural and creative discourse is a love of desire, and affection. Love is something that we feel. It happens to us. In our culture we can fall in, and out, of love. The endless conveyer of Hollywood romantic comedies and Netflix Bridgerton series reinforces this affection element. This view of love has some darker elements as affection moves to desire and love becomes something to consume and take, shifting quickly to lust and selfishness.
Here at Green Point Christian College, we believe that the Bible characterises love very differently than our current culture. The love we read about in the Bible is not about affection or desire, but about something very different.
In what is likely the most famous passage on love ever penned, the apostle Paul writes that;
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
In all these statements about love we can see that none of them are about how an individual feels. There is no reference to affection or desire. This characterisation of love is about actions we make toward another. Love is about the other person that is the object of love and actions that move out towards them, not the source. It is about how we make another person feel so much more than how they might make me feel.
If it is possible, Jesus goes even further when He speaks about love, He talks about sacrifice. In John He says;
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Jesus’ love for us took Him to the Cross. His desire for us to have a relationship with Him meant He was willing to sacrifice Himself.
The image of love we have from the Bible is radically action oriented and others focused. It is much more about a willingness to give up our individual desires and to put the needs of others first. This willingness to serve others and to love them is a harder path. However, it leads to connection, community, belonging and feelings that are far stronger and more resilient than the superficial feelings
Joel van Bentum
Principal
Mrs Amanda Rutlidge | Acting Head of Primary
from Mr James Cantor on behalf of Mrs Rutlidge
This week, most of our Year 4 students attended their first GPCC camp at the Cru campsite on beautiful Lake Macquarie. It was not long before the tears of parents waving goodbye became a distant memory and the students began two days of fun, excitement, and adventure.
I had the privilege of attending the camp and watching the students sailing, fishing, SUPing, rock climbing, and participating in archery. It was a joy to see the students taking risks and pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones. The camp dance party on Monday night was full of laughter, with the students enjoying each other’s company, all without a mobile phone or iPad in sight.
On the second day, the Cru leaders ran a Christian Discovery session which involved singing praise songs, a Bible talk, and small group discussions. The topic was ‘What is a Christian?’ One of the Cru leaders shared how people can be good at singing Christian songs, reading the Bible, or even praying, but doing all those things still does not make someone a Christian. He shared that the Bible says, ‘If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved’ (Romans 10:9). He continued to share that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and was raised to life again. He said a Christian is someone who believes this; and in response asks God to forgive them and begins to live in God’s way.
Having the gospel message explained to our students was a tremendous opportunity for them to reflect and discuss what being a Christian means from a Biblical perspective. It also reinforced that having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith.
National Science Week
National Science Week was held and celebrated at GPCC on Thursday 15 August with an inclusion of Primary Science Day K-6. The theme of ‘Species Survival, more than just Sustainability’ was adopted and the environment of ‘Oceans’ was adapted as our theme.
Students participated in a variety of Science activities from Seaweed adaptations, Sensory Ocean play, Recycled Marine animals, Coral Reefs, Oil and water investigations, Stingrays, environmental issues, Why do Sharks float?, Sea Stars, The Great Garbage Patch, lego builds, Ocean Quizzes and What lives in the Sea? Just to name a few.
Reports are that students had a great day of investigative learning, exploring and concluding that our oceans are precious, that sea life is incredible and we, as stewards of this earth, need to maintain and look after this amazing environment.
Many thanks to YVCS Staff and students who joined in the activities, amazing Primary school teachers and Enrichment staff who enabled the day to be a great success.
Father's Day Stall Helpers
We are looking for lots of helpers for our Primary Father's Day Stall.
- Helpers needed on Thursday 29 August to assist in setting up the Father's Day stall.
- Helpers needed on Friday 30 August to assist at our Father's Day Stall.
If you can spare an hour, half a day or a full day we would love your help. If you can assist please text your full name and availabliliy to Rachel on 0422 665 662.
Finding Nemo Jr - Primary Musical
Our Year 12 students are currently doing their HSC Trial Exams. These exams are the same length and structure as their HSC Exams and so are an excellent preparation tool for our students.
Could you imagine having to do something significant and not having the chance to practice first? Imagine having to play a musical instrument for an audience, playing a sport against another person, driving a car, or attempting to run a marathon without any preparation.
Whatever stage our students are at, they are taking steps to prepare them for the HSC and beyond. In terms of the HSC, Year 12 students need to study, revise and practice for their final exams. Year 7 students need to start that journey now by developing good study habits. Year 8 and 9 students need to be building on this and starting to take on more responsibility for their own learning.
Year 10 and 11 students should not be beginning their practice journey. They should be refining the methods of study that work best for them, based on what worked well (or did not work well) in previous years.
I encourage families to talk about where students are in terms of their learning and especially their study and revision at home; and make plans for what improvements can be made this semester.
School Vaccination Program: Catch-up Clinic
If students missed attending the recent Vaccination Clinic (Year 7 and 10) a Catch-Up Clinic will be held at the College on Tuesday 3 September 2024 between 8.45am and 10.30am.
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.
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: https://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
Netball Gala Day
Years 3-4 Team
On Thursday 8 August the Junior netball team travelled to Penrith for the annual Gala day. These were our final games of netball for 2024 and the girls proved that their hard work and dedication to training has paid off. The girls played 6 fantastic games against some hard competition. We had a mixture of wins and draws across the day. The girls combined their collective skills to perform brilliantly in each area of the court - attack, midcourt and defence. It was some of the best netball the girls have played together. Thank you to the girls for committing to our team and showing sportsmanship in all games this year. The competitive matches and spirited atmosphere made for an enjoyable day for players, coaches, and spectators. Congratulations to all the girls for their impressive performances, and I look forward to another year of great netball in 2025!
Thank you to Mr McSwan and parents who made the gala day possible.
Mrs Sirone
Years 5-6 Team
The Senior girls team also played in Penrith last Thursday against other CSSA member schools where the competition is always tough. The team played convincingly and won all their Pool matches finishing top of their group with accurate passing and shooting on display throughout. This meant another tough match against Norwest in the quarter finals who went on to win by only 2 goals.
What a great effort by the team! A huge thanks to Miss Cooper for coaching the girls and also to Mia G in Year 9 for umpiring many games during the gala day.
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.
Mariners Trophy Tour Visit
Sporting Dates
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 open for Book Week, all entries are due to the library by Monday 19 August.
K-2: Colouring Competition (handed out in class)
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.
Casual Teachers Primary https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/casual-teacher-primary
Teaching Positions - Permanent Full time (2025)
https://www.yvcs.nsw.edu.au/employment/employment-opportunities/teacher
NAPLAN Results 2024
Nell is personable, open and friendly, and is a very good communicator. Nel works very hard to come to an arrangement with the parents to get the bill paid/setup so that it is timely, fair and does not disadvantage them. She listens with compassion to their concerns and is loving and kind. She is a valuable member of the Finance team, with a sunny personality and a godly heart. Nell is a real asset to GPCC.
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
Play Cricket Week
ANZAC Flag Bearer Recruitment
Barbara May Foundation Fundraiser
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 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
Dates for your Calendar
Wednesday 28 August
Year 9 CRU Camp (26-28 August)
Interschool CRU
Thursday 29 August
CSSA Secondary State Athletics
Friday 30 August
Primary Father's Day Breakfast
Father's Day Stall
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