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Here at Green Point Christian College, we work to unfold all our teaching from a Christian perspective. But what does that mean in the context of the various subjects? To consider that question, I thought over the next few Messenger articles I would consider a Christian perspective on several different subject areas. I am beginning with History, as it is a favourite subject of mine.
“Until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter”
African Proverb
History is about stories; it is these stories that shape our present existence and future direction. The quote above is a great reminder that the stories of history are complex. Studying History helps us understand how the things that have happened in the past have helped shape our present, and how they may move us into the future. It also reminds us that history is multi-sided and that the predominant view of history is written by the dominant culture of the time in a way that supports their worldview and what they would like truth to be.
As Christian educators we bring a story to this study of history. The story that we bring is the idea that history is in truth God’s Story, or His Story. The Bible makes the clear claim that at the heart of all things - including history - is God.
Our God is not a distant and uninterested God. He created this world with His word and continues to uphold it. God also cares for His world so much that He stepped out of eternity and into history in the form of Jesus, to bring salvation to us all to demonstrate His love and His character. The Bible tells us this moment was not an aberration, but rather an extension of God’s involvement in His Story, as evidenced throughout the Bible.
So, what does this mean for the Christian History teacher?
Well not only do they endeavour to work to unfold the many and varied, dominant and non-dominant historical narratives that vie for our attention (such as Modernism, Democracy, Fundamentalism, Feminism), they also look to understand and unfold how, “His Story”, the story of the gospel, impacts history. This is a great challenge for teachers and students, yet it provides a depth of understanding that much of our current instant gratification dominant culture cannot do as they do not have the ability to step back and consider a different story or worldview. In working to do this at GPCC we can begin to understand history as the clash of worldviews and stories will afford our students a deeper understanding of our past, and in doing so give them a clearer picture of the future that our God continues to unfold according to His plan.
Joel van Bentum
Principal
Mrs Amanda Rutlidge | Head of Primary
Primary Musical - Finding Nemo Jr
Congratulations to our Primary students on the spectacular performances of 'Finding Nemo Jr'. Thank you to all the parent helpers for your assistance in creating the magnificent costumes.
Congratulations to Mrs Rebecca McKeown and her team and our Primary staff. We appreciate all the hard work and effort that went into this memorable production for our Primary students.
Primary Mufti Day Fundraiser for Sponsor Children
Enrolment in 2025
To assist with our planning would you kindly notify us if you have already decided that your child will NOT be continuing at the College in 2025. Please advise in writing via registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au only if your child’s enrolment will be changing for 2025.
Please note, as per Green Point Christian College's Enrolment Conditions, you must give 10 weeks’ term time notice in writing to the Registrar prior to withdrawal. Without this notice, 10 weeks’ fees + GST will be charged for each student enrolment being withdrawn. This amount is a genuine pre-estimate by the College of the loss that it would suffer due to insufficient notice.
Students of the Week
Congratulations to the following students:
Evie C; KDL, Ava B; KK,Hugo W; KS, Keo W; 1C,Judy R; 1G, Anna N; 1PS,Oscar G; 2J, Jasper V; 2G,Hallie H; 3B, Javier G; 3D,Ethan T; 3M, Lilah E; 4H,Amelia H; 4M, Isla L; 5B,Michael H; 5L, Rosalie L; 5P,Jagger B; 6B, Harvey M; 6SH,Jonah G; 6S.
RUOK Day was a great success this year. The atmosphere in the school was extremely positive and there was wonderful participation by staff and students. The theme of RUOK is “a conversation could change a life”, and this is something we as a community need to be mindful of all through the year. If you would like to know more about it, including resources for how to approach conversations on mental health, you can check their website at https://www.ruok.org.au/
Much of the planning and running of the day was done by our College Prefects – both our graduating 2024 group and our incoming 2025 Prefects. This included running an RUOK Assembly for the school, providing cupcakes for all of the students at lunchtime and speaking to students at their year group meetings.
I am hoping this will encourage more student led events at GPCC. This is their school and their voice is very important, particularly when it is used in such a positive way.
Historical Concrete
Year 12 Modern History was lucky enough to have class member Bailey P bring in a part of the Berlin Wall today. The class has been studying the Cold War and have been learning all about the former border fortification of the GDR which stood between 1961 and 1989 and separated the western part of Berlin from the eastern part. Thanks to Bailey’s mum, who was in Berlin just one month after the Wall fell, students were able to examine this historical artefact.
Enrolment in 2025
To assist with our planning would you kindly notify us if you have already decided that your child will NOT be continuing at the College in 2025. Please advise in writing via registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au only if your child’s enrolment will be changing for 2025.
Please note, as per Green Point Christian College's Enrolment Conditions, you must give 10 weeks’ term time notice in writing to the Registrar prior to withdrawal. Without this notice, 10 weeks’ fees + GST will be charged for each student enrolment being withdrawn. This amount is a genuine pre-estimate by the College of the loss that it would suffer due to insufficient notice.
Mr Stuart McSwan | K - 6 Sport Co-ordinator
HCZS Oztag Gala Day
On Tuesday 10 September we had over 250 students from our Hunter Zone attend an Oztag Gala Day at Adcock Park. It was a great day with all teams playing lots of games and building community with other Christian Schools.
I’d like to thank our coaches Mrs Sirone, Mr Brown and Mr Gibbins for ensuring the girls and boys were well prepared and had a fun day.
Congratulations to all the players for doing their best and especially to the Stage 2 Mixed team for winning their division.
Year 5/6 Boys
The Year 5/6 boys showcased their skills at the Christian Schools Oztag Gala Day. They had an impressive start, winning each of their games by a significant margin and securing first place in their pool. The semi-final was a challenging match, where the team played their best game of the day, holding a 3-2 lead before narrowly losing by just one point. Each player demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and teamwork throughout the event. I am incredibly proud of their efforts and their gracious attitude.
Mr Brown
Year 5/6 Girls
The Senior girls Oztag team took part in the HCZS Otzag Gala Day. After a brilliant effort at the all-schools gala day and a strong commitment to training during this busy term, the girls had another chance to showcase their talent. We went through the round games undefeated, with some convincing scorelines. The girl’s defence was fantastic, conceding only 3 tries in the first 4 games and scoring 17. Superb teamwork was again on display as the girls defended and passed well, and supported each other when breaks were made. There were some fantastic displays of speed as a number of the girls scored length of the field tries.
Our day came to an end in the Semi Finals, after a very close game as Wyong scored some points late in the match. The girls played outstanding and demonstrated wonderful sportsmanship towards all teams and referees. I am extremely proud of the girls and the effort they put into the day.
Thank you to the parents who came to watch and to Mr McSwan for organising such a wonderful gala day.
Well done to Grace G, Asher, L, Josie R, Zara L, Lanayah H, Riley D, Willow H, Summer G, Amelia S, Eve H, Evie N and Willow H.
Mrs Sirone
Stage 2 Mixed
The Stage 2 Mixed Team from GPCC showcased remarkable prowess at the Oztag Gala Day on Tuesday, demonstrating their skill and finesse from the very first whistle. With a commanding presence on the field, they won each of their six games. Their cohesive teamwork and strategic play were evident throughout the day, culminating in an impressive display of talent and coordination.
To conclude the days matches, our team engaged in a nail-biting Grand Final finish. The opposition took a quick lead of 4-0 and we needed to dig deep to bring back the scores to level. As the full-time buzzer sounded, the scores sat level at 7-7. We had possession of the ball, affording us one last play. The ball was passed to James C who danced his way from within our own half all the way to the try line ending the game at 8 -7. From this amazing performance, James C was rightfully honoured as the Player of the Match.
The team’s blend of determination, skill, and teamwork not only led them to victory but also earned them well-deserved accolades, making their achievement a standout moment of the gala day.
Mr Gibbins
CIS Athletics
Last Friday 6 September we had three students represent our College and state Association (CSSA) at the Combined Independent School (CIS) Athletics Carnival at Homebush.
What an amazing opportunity for these students to showcase their athletic skills amongst such competitive and other, often well-trained athletes.
A great performance by
- Nash P who finished tied 8th out of 20 in the 11 yrs Boys 200m
- Max F who competed in the 11yrs Boys High Jump
- Chloe B for finishing
- 2nd in the 8-13 yrs Girls 100m Para athlete
- 1st in the 8-13 yrs Girls 200m Para athlete
- 1st in the 8-13 yrs Girls Shot Put Para athlete
- 3rd in the 8-13 yrs Girls Long Jump Para athlete
Chloe even got to meet ex-Olympian Melinda Gainsford Taylor who has invited Chloe to attend her training program in Sydney.
A huge congratulations to Nash, Max and Chloe for such a wonderful Athletic Carnival season.
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)
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
Central Coast Oztag
On Wednesday 11 September Mr Harris and Central Coast Oztag, hosted an exhilarating day of Oztag for THASCCAA schools at Adcock Park. The day was filled with competitive spirit, teamwork, and standout performances from all involved. Teams from various year groups, including Mr Moody’s and Mr McGillivray’s 15s, as well as Mrs Kirk’s and Mr Harris’ Opens teams, demonstrated great skill, determination, and admirable sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Mr Moody’s 15s team faced a tough challenge with several injuries, but their resilience shone through, particularly thanks to Sibella M and Xavier R, who stepped in to the team graciously. Meanwhile, Mrs Kirk’s Opens team showed continuous improvement with each game and came incredibly close to making the grand final, losing by just one try to Belmont in the semi-final. Mrs Kirk expressed immense pride in her team for their hard work and growth over the day.
The grand finals provided thrilling moments for both Mr Harris’ and Mr McGillivray’s teams. Mr Harris’ Opens team rose to the occasion, overcoming the previously undefeated Belmont team in a tense match. The team’s determination paid off, with Charlie M earning the Player of the Final award for his exceptional performance. In the 15s grand final, Mr McGillivray’s team also faced Belmont and, despite falling behind 3-0 early on, made a dramatic comeback when Phoenix from Brewarrina intercepted a pass and sprinted the length of the field to score. This pivotal moment shifted the momentum, allowing the team to secure a 4-3 victory. Special recognition goes to Bonnie, Mia, Ruby, and Kuai, who played every game without a substitute, with Bonnie H receiving the Player of the Final award for her outstanding efforts.
Congratulations to all the teams for their remarkable achievements, and a heartfelt thank you to the coaches, staff, and players for making the day a resounding success.
Mrs Ange Kirk
Sporting Dates
CIS Secondary Athletics Championships: Tuesday 24th September
Secondary Indigenous Literacy Day
Students were invited to wear indigenous colours (black, red, yellow) or book character costumes on Wednesday 11 September for Secondary Indigenous Literacy Day. We raised $300 for sporting equipment for Brewarrina Christian School. Our teachers and Clinton put on a fun readers theatre, we had heaps of fun and lots of laughs. Everyone looked great.
Scholastic Book Club- Issue 6
Issue 6 Scholastic book club orders will be out in the next week.
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
Music Tutor Program at GPCC
GPCC has recently purchased two new Yamaha Trombones that are available in Term 4, 2024. We would love to have some more Trombone players in the school, and so as a special incentive these two trombones are free to hire for Term 4 if you sign up for private trombone lessons. Enquire at this link: Music Tuition | Green Point Christian College
Staff Member of the Week
This week our staff member of the week was awarded to Mr Scott Linton.
Scott's work behind the scene is incredible. Keeping our network secure, whilst also juggling concerns we are not directly aware of, rectifying certificate changes with only 24 hours notice to enact changes so they don't affect users of our GPCC system.
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.
Rocketeers - Spring School Holiday Bookings Now Open.
At Green Point Christian College (Monday 30 September - Friday 11 October). - Camp Australia OSHC | Green Point Christian College (gpcc.nsw.edu.au)
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
SU Australia Hawkesbury Fishing Camp 8-10 November 2024
This is open to boys and girls in Years 7–12 who are still at or just finishing school.
The camp is based at 'The Missions' at Gundermann between Spencer and Wiseman's Ferry, right on the banks of the Hawkesbury River.
Join other students for a great weekend of camping, fishing and campfire fun!
Visit the SU Australia website for further details and to register online - https://su.org.au/events/su-hawkesbury-fishing-camp-2024/
Girls Social Cricket
Girls’ Social Cricket is coming to the Central Coast in Term 4! This program is designed for girls aged 9–14 who’d like to play a short, fun, social game with no helmet or pads. Ideal for those who have done a Blast program or are new to cricket as well as seasoned players, they’ll play in teams of six with their friends. This program lasts only 60 minutes and more details/rego info can be found here: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/register/3e537b
Free Family Fun at the Parliament of New South Wales
Friday 11 October 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Visit us at Australia’s oldest Parliament as it opens its doors for Family Fun Day, an open day packed with fun educational activities for families with children aged from 4 to 12 years. This year’s highlights include:
- Visiting our heritage chambers
- Giving a speech for an election campaign
- Participating in a committee role play
- Enjoying live music
- Making craft animals and objects
- Learning how to vote
Entry is free and the event will be held at NSW Parliament, 6 Macquarie Street Sydney. Please use this link to search for directions and public transport options to Parliament House.
Bookings Essential
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/visit/events/Pages/Family-Fun-Day-2022.aspx
P: (02) 9230 2047
E: dps.education@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Terrigal Mobile Blood Donor Cente
Got a bit of time next week? Time to give blood and change lives? 1 in 3 people in Terrigal will need blood, and they need people like you to give it. We’re rolling into town on 18 to 21 September. Don’t forget to pre-book your spot at Lifeblood.com.au, on our app or on 13 14 95.
Wednesday 18 September - 12.30 to 6.45pm
Wednesday 19 September - 12.30 to 6.45pm
Thursday 20 September - 8.00am to 2.15pm
Friday 21 September - 8.00am to 2.15pm
Rotary Park, 214 Terrigal Drive, TERRIGAL NSW 2260
Scripture Union - Inspire Art Camp 2024
29 September - 2 October
For more information visit click on this link.
PCYC Umina Beach - Safer Drivers Course
Go4Fun Term 4 - Registrations Open
Gosford Regional Gallery - School Holiday Art Classes
Woytopia Sustainable Living Festival
Sunday 13 October at Woy Woy South School. 9am-4pm. Music, Eco Market, Wildlife shows, Green Talks, Kid's fun.
Woy Woy Water Polo Club - Come and Try Days
ANZAC Flag Bearer Recruitment
North Avoca SLSC Registration
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 16 September
Years 7-10 and Year 12 Incursion - Speaker, Reggie Dabbs
Thursday 19 September
Year 6 (selected students) - Write a Book in a Day Incursion
Friday 20 September
CSSA Secondary 15&U Basketball Gala Day Finals
Year 9 PASS Gymnastics Excursion
Year 10 Visual Design and Visual Art Big Design Market Excursion
Year 9 MTB Mountain Biking Team excursion
K - Year 6 Mufti Day (for sponsor children)
Year 1 Excursion to Grace Spring Farm
Dates for your Calendar
Tuesday 24 September
Secondaary CIS Athletics Championships
Years 11 & 12 Pancake Tuesday
K - 6 Musica Viva Incursion
Primary Spelling Bee
Wednesday 25 September
K - 2 Athletics Carnival
Year 12 Final Chapel
Year 12 End of Year Picnic
Thursday 26 September
Year 12 Breakfast
Year 12 Graduation
Friday 27 September
Last Day of Term 3
Year 9 PASS Gymnastics excursion
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