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This week I am continuing the series of Christian perspectives on some of our subject areas. I am tackling Science this week. Suffice to say I could write many thousands of words on this area as well as the others. I hope what follows gives you a small taste of God’s central place in Science.
Science is wonderful! It is the systematic study of the physical and natural world. Science as we understand it now is really just an extension of the inquisitive nature that God has given us.
In the Bible we read that God created the heavens and the earth. The Biblical creation account was not necessarily intended to be a scientific textbook for the reader, but rather it was intended to outline the hierarchy of the universe and man’s place in it. This is something the Genesis account does very well. In Genesis we are told that God created the world, He was at its centre, forming and filling the earth. God then created man and from very early on tasked him to name all the animals. This task that God gave tapped into the inquisitive and investigative nature of humanity. In this process we can see that it was God’s creational intent to allow us to explore and unfold His creation, to be scientists if you will. We are given the honour, dignity and joy of uncovering its laws and harnessing the various aspects of this world that God has made and given us stewardship over. We can develop technology, expand our understanding and test our knowledge of this intricate, vast and amazing creation.
However, a consequence of sin entering the world was the idea that we thought we could do the work of God. One of the effects of this was that it elevated science to the place of God. Science is often no longer seen as a means through which we can experience God, but has instead become a God in itself. We don’t have to look far to see evidence of this, as the mainstream media will often provide fresh evidence of the ‘war’ between Science and Religion.
New Atheism, Intelligent design, scientific ethics, there are many fronts on which this supposed battle wages. But this is not really a battle between Christianity and the tool of Science, rather it is a deeper battle between a Christian worldview and a secular worldview that has been misnamed.
For Christians, Science is a wonderful and beautiful tool that God has provided humanity in order to grow in our understanding of creation. It does its work of helping us to unfold and understand the natural and physical world very well. We do not need to try to make Science fit all situations, as God has given us other ways to describe our world such as Art, Language, Relationships and Mathematics. God’s creation is so rich and laden with meaning, beauty and glory that no one tool can describe it all.
At Green Point Christian College we endeavour to rigorously develop our scientific understanding of God’s world across a range of scientific disciplines. We encourage our students to do Science in such a way that as our students unfold the world and look with awe and wonder, they can say "thank you God for your wondrous and creative provision".
Joel van Bentum
Principal
Mrs Amanda Rutlidge | Head of Primary
Term 4 is flying by with lots of exciting things happening in our Primary School. There are many special end of year events coming up in the next few weeks as well as many rich learning opportunities still to come here at GPCC. A few reminders:
Students arriving early to school
Please DO NOT leave your children unattended at school before 8:15am. There is no teacher supervision before this time and it is very important that students are safe when onsite. If you need to drop your children off earlier than 8:15am, you MUST make use of the out of school hours provider, Camp Australia.
Hats and sunscreen
Our school has a ‘no hat, no play’ rule because it is vital that students are protected from the harsh effects of the sun’s radiation. Students who do not have their hat are asked to sit in a designated area. Please ensure that your child owns a hat that is labelled with their name and encourage them to check they have packed it in their bag each day. I would also strongly encourage you to ensure your children come to school with sunscreen on, particularly as we head into these warmer months. Each classroom has sunscreen that the students can use as well.
My Mind Check - Years 5 and Year 11
See Community section of this Messenger for more information.
Junior AECG Meeting
Next week Tuesday 5 November is the Junior AECG Meeting. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 3-11 are invited to the library seminar room for food and friendship at 1pm. Our Year 11 and 10 students will lead the meeting.
Sewing Volunteers Needed
We are hoping some volunteers can help us mend some costumes that will mean they last for years to come.
We are looking for people who can sew to take a small bundle of 10 home to sew the edges of the costumes. A sewing or overlocker machine in needed.
If you can help with this, please email Mrs Rebecca McKeown
This week Melinda Tankard Reist and Dr Marshall Ballantine-Jones came to speak to our Secondary School students. They ran separate sessions for boys and girls and delivered them in two time slots to Years 7-9 and Years 10-12; as well as running a session for parents in the evening. I could not do justice to everything they spoke about, but it was informative, impactful and very well received.
As a broad overview, we are part of a world which is increasingly sexualised and this can even be seen in areas like ads in shopping centres. When we add the internet and social media to this, our children are growing up in a world where messages about how girls and boys should look and how they should see themselves are inescapable. We know from research that these messages are extremely damaging and having severe impacts on physical and mental health.
Pornography is a specific part of this. I have a 7 year old boy and heard this message loud and clear – if I wouldn’t be happy with him having pornographic magazines in his room, I shouldn’t allow him to have a device in his room. Even if he isn’t looking for them, images will find their way to him. The ease of access to pornography is easily linked to treatment of girls and women, the physical and mental wellbeing of boys, and the quality of relationships between people.
A particular concern for me was the data from a national survey of Australian school teachers which showed widespread and normalised sexual harassment of female teachers by students in Australian schools.
To say the information we gained from this day is important is an understatement. As part of our wellbeing project we will continue the conversation about these issues. It is vital for parents to be discussing these topics with their kids and if this is a difficult idea for you, I would encourage you to look into resources recommended by Melinda at https://melindatankardreist.com/parent-resources/ and to learn more at her website https://www.collectiveshout.org/
Young Scientist Award
Congratulations to Year 12 student William R, who has been honoured with the 2024 STANSW Young Scientist Award for his Science Extension research project. William’s project, titled "From Medicine to Ecosystem: Testing the Effects of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles on Plant Growth Parameters," explored how exposure to these nanoparticles affect plants.
Last summer, William joined a research team at the University of New South Wales to learn advanced techniques for preparing and analysing silver and gold nanoparticles. Using these skills in our own GPCC Science lab, he conducted his study on plant germination and growth with impressive results. The STANSW awards ceremony will be held on Friday, November 22, at the University of Technology Sydney. We are incredibly proud of William’s hard work and dedication and wish him continued success.
Photo: a clump of gold nanoparticles William produced and then photographed under an electron microscope at UNSW.
My Mind Check - Years 11 and Year 5
See Community section of this Messenger for more information.
Year 7 - Love Bites Incursion
On Tuesday 30 October our Year 7 students had a great day talking about healthy boundaries and behaviour online. They talked about social media and what is appropriate, Year 7 are now expressing their ideas through art and craft. A fantastic day with 'Love Bites'.
Bali Life Service Trip 2025
We’d like to announce that we are currently beginning our plans for our next trip to Bali in 2025. The dates for this trip are Wednesday 25 June – Saturday 5 July, 2025. The cost of this trip is approximately $2500 and this is open to students in Years 10 and 11 in 2025. We are hosting a parent information evening on Wednesday 13 November at 7:30pm in CAPA 5.
Please email Mrs Rebecca Gavin for more information. rgavin@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Junior AECG Meeting
Next week Tuesday 5 November is the Junior AECG Meeting. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 3-11 are invited to the library seminar room for food and friendship at 1pm. Our Year 11 and 10 students will lead the meeting.
Praying for Year 12
We continue to pray for all our Year 12 students who are completing their HSC Exams.
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
On Friday 25 October students in K-2 participated in our swimming carnival at the Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy. The children had lots of fun swimming, splashing, jumping, sliding, and playing with their classmates. There were even a couple of keen teachers who wanted to be part of the action. A highlight for many children was the inflatable obstacle course and slippery water slide.
I’d like to thank all the parent helpers for braving the chilly pool water or handing out ribbons. Well done tothe House Captains and School Captains for setting a great example helping each grade and finally to the teachers for being simply amazing and running each activity.
NSWPSSA Athletics
Congratulations to Chloe B from Year 3 for competing at the NSWPSSA Athletics carnival last week. Chloe had two big days of competition, competing in 4 multi class events. These are wonderful results for Chloe who has even received special support from Melinda Gainsford Taylor. Well done Chloe!
200m 6th a new PB
100m 7th a new PB
Long Jump 5th Finalist
Only got beaten to a podium finish in final jump.
Shot Put 13th
Rugby Friendly
Last Friday 25 October, the Senior boys Rugby Team played a friendly game of Rugby 7s against The Coast Christian School on our College oval. Mr Sneyd had the boys well drilled and full of enthusiasm ready to play hard. As was the case in our last encounter, GPCC made a slowish start with Coast going out to an early lead.
Our boys did extremely well playing with one less player for most of the game and clawing the score back to within reach before Coast scored a couple of late tries to claim the win.
A super effort by the team with some hard hitting, good ball play and stunning tries.
Thank you to Mr Sneyd for coaching the boys this year.
CSSA Primary Tennis Gala Day
Congratulations to Liam O from Year 6 who competed in the CSSA Tennis Gala Day. Liam won four out of his six matches and came 3rd in his pool just missing out on finals. It was a great day of tennis.
Well done Liam.
CSSA (Christian Schools Sports Association) Child Protection training
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#/
Dates for your Calendar
PRIMARY TERM 4
Important events
Monday 11 November - Year 3 Surf Safety Day (Terrigal Beach)
Tuesday 12 November - Year 4 Surf Safety Day (Terrigal Beach)
Thursday 14 November - Year 5 Surf Safety Day (Terrigal Beach)
Friday 15 November - Year 6 Surf Safety Day (Terrigal Beach)
Wednesday 11 December - Year 3-6 Last Day at Umina Beach
Wednesday 6 December - K-2 Fun Day on School Oval
Mr Chris Harris | Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
Australian Figure Skating
Congratulations to Amelia P (Year 8) who will be attending and competing in the Australian Figure Skating Championships for team NSW in Melbourne towards the end of this term. If successful at winning nationals the team will qualify to compete at the ISU Junior World Synchronised Skating Championships in Sweden representing Australia which will be in March 2025. Good luck Amelia.
Annual Secondary Sports Assembly
On Monday 28 October we held our annual Secondary Sports Assembly where medals and trophies were handed out to our Age Champions for our GPCC Swimming, Athletics, and Cross Country carnivals. Certificates were awarded for places in the CSSA State Athletics events. Congratulations to all awardees and thank you to the parents and family who were able to attend.
Makerspace: Limited Item Challenge
Years 3-6 students can pick up a challenge bag at the library next week. There are 100 bags only. Students have until Monday 18 November to return their finished creations to the library.
Rules
- You can only use items from the bag (including the bag)
- You are allowed to use glue and sticky tape
- You do not need to use every item
- You cannot add an item that isn’t in the bag
- The theme/design is completely up to you
- You make your creation at home
- Make sure you write your name and class on your entry
- You can work in pairs or individually
It would be a good idea to write down some design ideas before you start working. The library will not replace items from the bag due to mistakes. If you are missing any objects from the list, please come, and tell library staff.
I wish you all the best in creating something unique and interesting with the products provided. Prizes will be awarded in Week 6.
End of Year Dates
Primary Borrowing finishes on Friday 29 November.
All books must be returned to the library by Friday 6 December.
Scholastic Book Club- Issue 7
Issue 7 Scholastic orders are closed.
Term 4 Storytime
Preschool story time themes for Term 4 are below. Please register your interest with Nicole van Wyk: nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu. See the flyer 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
My Mind Check - Years 5 and Year 11
|
Did you know that mental health is one of the top three most important issues to young people in Australia today? That’s why we’re pleased to introduce My Mind Check, a new student mental health and wellbeing check-in tool for Australian schools, developed by youth mental health experts and funded by the Australian Government. Select year levels will be invited to participate in 30-minute check-in sessions here at school, under supervision by school staff. They will use a computer or tablet to respond to age-appropriate questions about how they’re feeling and skip any questions they don’t want to answer. Only certain school staff will review their check-in outcomes and follow up on any identified needs. Why My Mind Check? · It gives our students a voice about their mental health and wellbeing and helps to build their mental health literacy. · It is evidence based; built for Australian schools from research and clinical studies by Macquarie University (Sydney). · It guides schools and families to helpful information and resources for each mental health and wellbeing topic included in the check-in, making it easy for us to learn more and consider next steps. · It meets strict Commonwealth privacy and security standards and is supported by independent security evaluation. My Mind Check is not a clinical assessment of mental health. Instead, it gives us insights into the wellbeing of each student and of our collective school community. There are no costs, and participation is voluntary. Check-in sessions for students in Year 5 and Year 11 will commence in Week 3 for Year 5 and Week 5 for Year 11, of Term 4. We’re committed to supporting our students and ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive. Stay tuned for details! To learn more about My Mind Check, visit mymindcheck.org.au. |
Staff Member of the Week
Jon has gone above and beyond through sharing his visual design talents to staff. He has been running workshops to show us how to set up our Schoolbox pages. Congratulations Jon.
You are Invited to Green Point Community Carols
AECG Awards Night
On Thursday 14 November the AECG awards night is being held at Erina High School from 4.30pm. All families supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are welcome to attend. Attendees should RSVP by Friday 1 November. The invitation has more information.
Please see our list of nominees below.
|
STUDENT |
GRADE |
AWARD |
|
Alex B |
12 |
Year 12 Graduate |
|
Gabe B |
10 |
Leadership Gabe and his sister Olivia were the MC’s this year for our NAIDOC chapel. They were confident in their delivery and were in the spotlight throughout the service. Standing up in front of 1200 people in an official capacity can be daunting but they did very well. |
|
Olivia B |
6 |
Leadership Olivia and her brother were the MC’s this year for our NAIDOC chapel. They were confident in their delivery and were in the spotlight throughout the service. Olivia did our Acknowledgement of Country during the service. Standing up in front of 1200 people in an official capacity can be daunting but they did very well. |
|
Lilly B |
9 |
Cultural Participation Lilly participated in the cultural connections program with The Skill Engineer. Aunty Alison identified Lilly as a future leader with passionate opinions and enthusiastic participation in all cultural activities. On her visit to Brewarrina their Principal, Mrs Turner, noticed Lilly really engaging with community. We are excited to see Lilly strengthen her skills, passion and knowledge even further. |
|
Kade C |
10 |
Sporting Achievement Kade has demonstrated exceptional athletic ability this year, representing the college in a variety of sports at a high level. Most recently, he contributed to the school team’s success in winning the Open Oztag Gala Day, competing against other THACCCSA (Christian) schools in the region. This marked his third Oztag Gala Day for the year. Additionally, Kade has represented the college in three tackle rugby league gala days in the U16 and Open divisions, as well as in the prestigious Hunter Region 9’s tournament. |
|
Lanayah H |
6 |
Performing Arts During the recent school performance of Finding Nemo, Lanayah really impressed Mrs McKeown with her energy and commitment to her role. She stood out during the performance, even with an ocean of other talent. Well Done, Lanayah. |
|
Aliyah I |
12 |
Year 12 Graduate |
|
Talan P |
12 |
Year 12 Graduate |
|
Aston P |
3 |
Sporting Achievement Aston is an amazing soccer player; he has travelled overseas numerous times to train and play. Do not be surprised if one day you see him on your television playing for Australia. Keep up the great work, Aston. |
|
Armani P |
1 |
Community & Citizenship Armani is a beautiful social connector. She is always volunteering to help others and very kind and supportive to anyone in need. She is a keen class participant and loves to get involved with new things. Armani is a great ambassador for our school ethos of Godly character and being equipped for a successful life. |
|
Sienna S |
11 |
Leadership Sienna participated in the Cultural Connections program with The Skill Engineer this year. She has lots of ideas to develop cultural programs at GPCC. Transferring from Kincumber High Sienna has had access to great mentors to build her leadership skills. Sienna has agreed to lead our Junior AECG meeting in Term 4 and to help implement student initiatives. |
|
Raj S |
11 |
Cultural Participation Raj participated in part of the Cultural Connections program with The Skill Engineer. He also went out to Brewarrina on another cultural trip with other Aboriginal students from Green Point. Raj has a strong sense of who he is and is well supported by his family and community. |
|
Sanjay S |
12 |
Year 12 Graduate
Creative Arts Sanjay is a very creative student completing Art, Photography and Design subjects for his HSC. He also enjoyed learning more about culture in Aboriginal Studies. Sanjay’s TAFE Design teacher identified that he has a real eye for design and will make an impact in that arena. With a good attitude and lots of sport he has made it through a busy HSC year. Well Done, Sanjay. Sporting Achievement Sanjay has trained the senior boys basketball team each week all year before school. He recently took the team to our regional THACCCSA Basketball gala day in which they won. The team travels to Penrith shortly to compete in the CSSA Stage Basketball Gala Day. Sanjay has also fulfilled the role of Sports Captain for 2024 with 3 other students. He went through an application, interview and a selection process to receive the role which he has completed with distinction. |
|
Zara T |
10 |
Cultural Participation Zara participated in the Cultural Connections program with The Skill Engineer. Aunty Alison encouraged Zara to ask her parents more about her history. Zara has enjoyed spending time talking about cultural knowledge and connecting with other Aboriginal students. Zara has agreed to support the Junior AECG leader to implement student-led initiatives at Green Point. |
|
Andrew McGillivray |
Teacher |
Teacher Contribution Andrew is the Ngemba Station Liaison Co-ordinator at Green Point. He makes multiple trips out the Brewarrina each year with students either for academic, mission or cultural purposes. Andrew has organised to take Alex and Gabe B on a MAF flight to Queensland, they both have their pilot’s licences. They will visit communities and learn about how MAF serves remote communities. Andrew recently organised an on-country excursion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and Aboriginal Studies students with Girri Girra. He works tirelessly to build community and deepen relationships, both locally and in Brewarrina. |
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
Uniform Fitting Information for 2025
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 are 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 into 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
Volunteers Needed - Operation Christmas Child
We praise God that thousands of Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts have been collected from across Australia and New Zealand! Now we need to process and prepare these shoeboxes for international shipment. Volunteers are currently needed at each of our Processing Centres. Will you join us in this exciting task and help take the Gospel to the ends of the earth?
Bring your family or church group with you to add to the fun. Register now to volunteer and be a part of sending great joy and the Good News of Jesus Christ to millions of boys and girls around the world!
Sydney Dance Company
Dance Kinnect
Woy Woy Waterpolo
Opportunity to Give Blood in Kincumber
One in three people in Kincumber will need blood during their lives. You can donate blood via Australian Red Cross this November.
Kincumber Mobile Blood Donor Centre
Thursday 14 November 12.30 pm to 6.45 pm
Friday 15 November 8.00 am to 2.15 pm
Frost Reserve car park
134 Avoca Drive, Kincumber
See flyer for further information and to book a spot:
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.
Gingerbread House Night
THRIVE Term 4
Coming Up this Week
Monday 4 November
HSC Exams (until Friday 8 November)
Year 11/12 National Prayer Breakfast - Year 12 2025 Prefects
Tuesday 5 November
2025 Kindergarten Orientation
Wednesday 6 November
THACCCSA Woolworths Stage 2 Cricket
Secondary U15's Cricket against Hill Grammar
Thursday 7 November
Year 11 Food Tech Sanitarium Excursion
Secondary U15's Cricket against Pacific Hills and OFGS
Friday 8 November
Band Jam Primary Incursion - Yrs 3-6
Dates for your Diary
Monday 11 November
CSSA Primary State Basketball (Years 5 and 6)
Year 12 Formal
Year 3 Surf Fun Day - Terrigal
Tuesday 12 November
2025 Kingergarten Orientation - Avoca Beach Park
Year 4 Surf Fun Day - Terrigal
Wednesday 13 November
Bali Life Service Trip Parent Information Evening - Green Point Baptist Church
Thursday 14 November
Year 9 Bronze Duke of Ed Qualifying Hike
Years 11 & 12 History Extension Seminar (Incursion)
Orientation Day for Year 5 2025
Friday 15 November
Year 9 Bronze Duke of Ed Qualifying Hike
Year 6 Surf Fun Day - Terrigal
2024 TERM 4 DATES
Monday 14 October - Students commence Term 4
Wednesday 11 December - Last day of Term 4
2025 TERM DATES
Advancedlife Photography Dates for 2025
Tuesday 25 February 2025 - Secondary students, plus Secondary only Sibling photos (at lunchtime)
Tuesday 4 March 2025 - Primary students, plus Primary only Sibling photos (at lunchtime)
Thursday 6 March 2025 - Absentee photos, then mixed Primary & Secondary Sibling photos