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The Arts – God Creates
In this instalment of the Christian perspectives series that I am doing I am looking at a Christian perspective on the Arts. To be honest it does seem a little ridiculous to me that I have given it the subtitle of God creates, as if it is only in the realm of the Arts that we see God’s creative hand at work. However, it does give us a wonderful opportunity to explore an aspect of God’s nature that He has shared so richly and generously with humanity.
In the first chapter of Genesis, we read of the wonderous and expansive act of creating that God undertook. He took what was dark, formless and empty and gave it light and colour, form and function. We read of Him creating everything in all its dazzling array. At each step in his creative endeavour He pauses, as does the artist to contemplate his day’s work and declares it good. In its completed unity he declares it very good!
Then at the end of his work in Genesis 2 God speaks to the man and woman, and gave them the task of continuing His work. He in effect says go and continue creating. Now God so generously gives us not simply a small piece of canvas to create on but rather the whole world, all culture, built and natural environment and of course aesthetics.
Implicit in this creating task God gave us, is the need to create in accordance with the outline He had given us; to create as an act of worship, always acknowledging God as the Master creator. Unfortunately, when sin entered the world humanity began to use our creative gifts to serve ourselves instead of God; we used Art to gain power, notoriety, and influence. Now Art has the ability to reflect God, but it more often reflects humanities own self-obsessions.
As with all things the Gospel of Jesus allows us to reclaim our creative gifts and our creative products for their intended purpose of serving our master creator.
The Arts play such a wonderful role in our society. Creating 'art' can be an act of worship to our Master creator, it can be used as a mirror for us to better see ourselves, or as a window for us to better see our society. Study of Arts subjects help us to build the skills we need to do these things across the full range of human endeavour, not simply the music room, drama theatre or Art studio.
At Green Point Christian College, we encourage students to explore, develop and be challenged through their creative gifts, no matter how large or small in order that later on whether in areas of law or medicine, science or sport they may take their place as apprentice creators for Gods Kingdom.
Joel van Bentum
Principal
Mrs Amanda Rutlidge | Head of Primary
Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes
Green Point Christian College have been supporting Operation Christmas Child for over 30 years. This term we will be handing out the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes in Primary school, one box per family in Week 9, Term 3.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse. It is a hands-on way for you to bless children in need across the world by filling shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and fun gifts. OCC collect the boxes and distribute them in the name of Jesus Christ to children living in vulnerable situations.
The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to provide God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
We encourage you to start shopping now. For directions on how to pack a shoebox and what to put in it, please click on the link below.
How To Pack A Shoebox - Operation Christmas Child
On Thursday 19 September eight of our Year 6 students took on the challenge to Write a Book in a Day, for a very worthy cause, The Kids’ Cancer Project.
The students were provided with five parameters for their story at 8:00am: two tradies, a television, a field and a rain event!
The students worked collaboratively to brainstorm, plan, delegate tasks, draft, illustrate, edit and publish their book, until time ran out at 4:30pm.
The students are to be commended on their teamwork, resilience, problem solving skills and their finished publication, titled The Brick: Cabin Fever, which was partly inspired by a popular Australian renovation show. The digital illustrations were particularly outstanding, thanks to Kerryn and Caitlyn.
The team will look forward to sharing their book with some of the Primary students next week.
Thank you to Mrs Rutlidge for making a donation towards kids’ cancer research on behalf of the Primary department.
Mrs Lines
Year 2 Excursion
On Friday 13 September Year 2 had the experience of attending the ‘Sustainable Future Festival’ at the Entrance in Memorial Park. They were entertained by Junkyard Beats, Curious Creators and Renewy Living , just to name a few providers. Students made playdough, permaculture jars, plastic pens and carabiners from recycled plastics , and enjoyed ‘driving’ the 1Coast Cleanaway trucks. They searched for endangered species, and wrestled with worms . A very worthwhile time spent exploring how we are to sustain and look after the world that God has created for us.
Mrs Reynolds
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:
Beau T; KDL, Connor E; KK,Éilí K; KS, Keo W; 1C,Theo C; 1G, Elias J; 1PS,Beatrix G; 2J, Bailey P; 2G,Joah I; 3B, Clara M; 3D,Ted R; 3M, Christian N; 4H,Charlotte M; 4M, Nathalie S; 5B,Daylia H; 5L, Zion F; 5P,Lexi A; 6B, Conor M; 6SH,Kalani D; 6S.
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
K-2 Swimming Carnival Information
We are looking forward to a fun K-2 Swimming Carnival on Friday 25 October at the Peninsula Leisure Centre. Please fill in details on Parent Lounge if you have not done so already.
Rotating activities at the carnival:
- 25 Metre Swim- Students can swim/dog paddle the length of the 25m pool (optional)
- Inflatable Obstacle Course
- Outdoor Water Park
- Waterslide
Parent Helpers Required
Only those parents with a cleared WWCC number can be in the water. A volunteer Working with Children Check is suitable.
Please provide your name, date of birth and WWC number to Sue Parkinson by Friday 27 September and let Mr McSwan know if you’d like to assist.
We need as many parents as possible in the water to assist. We cannot begin these activities without extra hands, so please be ready to volunteer. Your child will love your involvement and we promise you will also have fun.
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
Mr Chris Harris | Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
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Year 12 vs Teachers Sports Competition
This week during lunchtime we hosted the highly anticipated annual Year 12 vs Teachers sports competition. The events were spread across the week as follows: Netball on Monday, Basketball on Tuesday, Soccer on Wednesday, Oztag on Thursday, and Dodgeball on Friday. The games took place on the oval and in the MPC.
The competition was an incredible success, full of excitement and team spirit. The Year 12 students triumphed in basketball, taking the win in an intense overtime finish. The soccer match ended in a thrilling 3–3 draw, while the teachers narrowly secured victories in both netball and Oztag.
These matches were the highlight of the week, drawing enthusiastic support from students, teachers, and spectators alike.
State Basketball Gala Day
The Senior Boys Basketball team had a fantastic gala day, showcasing great teamwork and determination. They won 3 out of their 5 games, finishing strong in 3rd place overall. Each of the boys displayed hard work and commitment in every match, and their sportsmanship and dedication have made us proud. A special mention to all the Year 12 boys on the team, finishing their Secondary school basketball careers on a high note. Congratulations to the team for their outstanding performances over the last two gala days.
Sporting Dates
CIS Secondary Athletics Championships: Tuesday 24th September
Holidays are looming and all students are encouraged to borrow fiction as well as non-fiction books for the holidays. The Library staff are always happy to provide guidance for book selections.
As an incentive for avid readers, any suitable books read from the beginning of September 2024 can be recorded and used for the Premier’s Reading Challenge 2025.
Students can identify books selected for the PRC by looking for the appropriate age category stickers on our books. See example below:
The Importance of Reading
The following articles discuss the value of reading for academic success and wellbeing.
Reading daily improves comprehension and student performance | ACC Blog
Raising Strong Readers | Harvard Graduate School of Education
Term 4 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 Chad Sneyd.
For leading the Year 6 team with a humble and servant heart. For taking the time to listen to his colleagues and always giving up time and energy to assist where needed. For planning the Canberra trip in future years whether he will be teaching Year 6 then or not. For giving his students the best, well planned and executed education and for addressing the social needs of his students compassionately and patiently. We think you're awesome Chad, thanks for all you do.
Parent/Community Seminar - 30 October 2024
We are looking forward to welcoming Melinda Tankard Reist and Dr Marshall Ballantine-Jones in Term 4.
Please RSVP by booking on this link: https://www.trybooking.com/CVPQC
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
Found
A car key fob has been found on the GPCC grounds. If you are missing one please contact the College office on 02 4363 1266 to identify if it is yours.
Scripture Union - Inspire Art Camp 2024
29 September - 2 October
For more information visit click on this link.
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/
Coast Community Church - Dad's Night
Central Coast Basketball - End of Term Disco
Students can use this code at checkout for an exclusive discount - CCBSchool
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
AFL Auskick
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
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 24 September
Secondary 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
Primary Years 5 and 6 Rugby Union game with Coast Christian School
2024 TERM 4 DATES
Monday 14 October - Students commence Term 4
Wednesday 11 December - Last day of Term 4