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Parent Partnership
One of the core mission areas for Green Point Christian College is the support of families as the cornerstone of a flourishing society. As a College, we take this mission seriously as we seek to equip students for life.
We hold this view because we believe that God instituted the family unit as a foundational element in His creation. In Genesis 2, it says, "a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." This leaving of one family and becoming one flesh with another is the process of creating a new family unit. The family is of creational importance in God's world.
As we read through Scripture, we see that families take on many different shapes, sizes, and blends. We also see that it is within the family that the primary role of education and learning resides. In the book of Deuteronomy, when Moses is giving the Israelites the law, he says:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
Here, Moses is encouraging families to teach their children about the world as it really is, at all times and in all they do. He affirms that our creator God placed the primary responsibility for educating and raising children in the hands of parents.
However, we all recognise that raising children in the way they should go is a challenging task and it truly takes a village. Therefore, as a College, we seek to partner with families and support you in this vital task.
In our current cultural moment, which is awash with consumerism, it is tempting to place schooling and education in that same category. We can sometimes think about school as simply purchasing a product and expecting an outcome. Here at Green Point, we do not subscribe to that view. For us, partnership is not so much transactional, but relational. When it works well, it sees parents and the College working together to support our young people to navigate the world in front of them and turning towards one another to solve inevitable challenges. It respects the expertise we both have in our respective domains and honours and upholds each other with our children.
As a College, this is our heart. While we will not get it right in every circumstance, we continue to strive to cultivate a deep partnership wherever we can.
Over the next few weeks, I will be writing about some of the parenting pressure points present in our culture and how we seek to address them here at Green Point.
Have a great week.
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Joel van Bentum
Principal
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As I reflect on the start of the school year, I want to take a moment to celebrate all the wonderful ways God has already been at work in our school community. From the joyful energy of students reuniting with friends to the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff, it has been an incredibly positive start to the year. As I've walked around the school this week, it has been affirming to see classes full of students engaged in learning. Our theme this term is to start well by doing the little things well, and our students have been doing just that.
I want to express my appreciation to our parents for your ongoing support and partnership. The way you've encouraged your children as they returned to school has set such a positive tone for the year. Looking ahead, we are excited about all the opportunities for spiritual, academic, and personal growth that the year holds for our students.
A new initiative this year is our Maths Homework Help, which takes place during lunchtime on Tuesdays with Mrs Turner. Students are welcome to attend if they would like help with their Maths learning or if they need time to catch up on homework. I am also encouraging strong Maths students to come along and help students who need it.
There are so many opportunities at Green Point for our students. This year, students can be part of our musical (The Wizard of Oz). We also have Swimming and Athletics carnivals this term, as well as a range of other sporting opportunities, which you can read about each week in Mr. Harris' newsletter. Additionally, there is a Crochet Club, a Cru Bible study run by our Year 12 students, and Latin and Ballroom Dancing for our Year 11 and 12 students. I encourage all of our students to seize these opportunities, try something new, and build lasting memories of their time at GPCC.
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Secondary boys wearing either the taupe or black formal shorts are permitted to not wear a tie, but all shirts (new, with logo or old without logo) must be tucked in. Boys can wear a tie if they wish but are not required to do so. Senior boys in Years 10, 11 and 12, however, must wear a tie if they are wearing trousers. This is the Summer Uniform.
Secondary boys wearing either the taupe or black formal trousers ,must wear a tie, but all shirts (new, with logo or old without logo) must be tucked in.
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NAPLAN 2025 Parent and Carer Information
Each year the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is sat by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students will participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. NAPLAN 2025 will take place from Wednesday 12th March to Friday 21 March. The College’s timetable will be released in Week 4.
NAPLAN is just one part of our school’s learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school, so the best preparation is their everyday classroom learning. Our school will also undertake activities to help students become familiar with the types of questions and tools available in the online tests. The public demonstration site (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) is available for you to see the format of the online tests.
Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website. (https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/naplan) and the NAP website (https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/for-parents-carers).
If you have any questions about NAPLAN participation, exemption or withdrawal please contact Mrs Jane McLarty, Deputy Principal (Secondary) jmclarty@gpcc.nsw/edu.au
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Mrs Amanda Rutlidge | Head of Primary
It has been a joyful first full week of learning for 2025 in the Primary School. The students are settling into their new classes and have enjoyed hearing about the exciting lessons and topics that their teachers have planned for the term.
Each week, we have a Primary Chapel Service on Wednesday afternoons in the MPC beginning at 2:30pm. Our parent community are all welcome to come along and join in the fun.
Chapel is the time where we come together to sing worship songs, pray, read from the Bible and learn about Jesus. It is also a time when we award Student of the Week Certificates. If your child is receiving this award, you will be notified of this through Parent Lounge.
This term, the focus of our Chapel Services is "Hope". We are living in a world where we constantly see and hear of hopelessness and that true Hope comes from God.
Isaiah 40:30 'But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.'
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End Of Day Arrangements
The end of the school day is a very busy time. Thank you for your patience and consideration of others when there is a lot of traffic. At the end of the school day, our teachers ensure that their students make their way to either Kiss & Drop 1, Kiss & Drop 3, the Bus Bay, or outside the MPC.
Kiss & Drop 1 & 3
Please enter the grounds via the main school gates, not through the Church/Little Coasties entrance and stay in your car when you pull up to the kerb. The teachers on duty will assist your child/children into the car.
Pet Dogs Onsite
Please do not bring your pet dogs into the Primary Playground. Whilst many children love seeing the dogs, many are afraid of them. Please do not pass through the gates of the playground.
Bus Bay
This area is for buses only and is not for car pick ups/drop offs.
Outside the MPC
If you are parking and meeting your children outside the MPC, please use footpaths and crossings within the school grounds. It is helpful to leave space for Little Coasties parents to access the preschool entrance.School Shoes
There are some students who are not wearing the correct school shoes as per our uniform policy. Below are the types of shoes that are permissible. If your child is not wearing the correct shoes to school, please purchase some asap.
Soft Shell Jacket
The Primary Handbook has communicated the phase in period for the soft shell jacket (2022 - 2024). As of this year, the soft shell jacket is the only outer garment to be worn with the formal uniform. The sports jacket can still be worn with the sports uniform. The soft shell jacket is available at the uniform shop as well as through the second hand uniform shop and the Facebook - Buy Swap Sell Group.
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Friendology
This term, our primary classes are learning about skills and strategies to form and maintain healthy friendships and deal with conflicts. The program we are teaching is called 'Friendology' and there are many helpful articles on the website for parents to read to help support their children's learning. Please take time to have a look:
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Camp Australia
A reminder that supervision in the Primary School begins at 8:15am. If you need to drop your children off at school any earlier than that, you will need to use our OOSH provider, Camp Australia. Information about registering with them is on our school website: OSCH Camp Australia
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NAPLAN 2025 Parent and Carer Information
Each year the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is sat by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students will participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. NAPLAN 2025 will take place from Wednesday 12th March to Friday 21 March. The College’s timetable will be released in Week 4.
NAPLAN is just one part of our school’s learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school, so the best preparation is their everyday classroom learning. Our school will also undertake activities to help students become familiar with the types of questions and tools available in the online tests. The public demonstration site (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) is available for you to see the format of the online tests.
Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website. (https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/naplan) and the NAP website (https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/for-parents-carers).
If you have any questions about NAPLAN participation, exemption or withdrawal please contact Mrs Jane McLarty, Deputy Principal (Secondary) jmclarty@gpcc.nsw/edu.au
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Where: CAPA Theatre
When: Tuesday mornings 8:00am – 8:30am
Who: Students from grades 1-6
Mrs McKeown and Mrs Bourke are looking forward to seeing you.
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School Photography Days 2025
School photography days are coming up soon. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below. If you prefer to order using an envelope, please visit the GPCC school office to collect an order envelope and hand your payment to our photographer on school photo day.
Primary School Photography Date: Tuesday, 4 March 2025
Secondary School Photography Date: Tuesday, 25 February 2025
Sibling School Photography and Absentees Date: Thursday, 6 March 2025
There are two easy ways to purchase:
- Visa, MasterCard or PayPal
- Cash – complete the envelope and return it to our photographer on photo day
| To order online visit: www.advancedlife.com.au |
And enter online order code: 519 XYK 496
- Online orders - do not require an envelope returned to your school.
- Sibling Photos - Don’t forget to pre-order your sibling photos online up to 24 hours before photo day. We provide your school with a list of sibling orders right up to the day of photography, so no one misses out. If you miss the online order deadline, you can submit a completed sibling order envelope first thing in the morning of the day of photography, so your school is aware you want the photo taken and can bring your children together in time for it. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at your school.
- Late fees - a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately.
- Package delivery - School photographs will be returned approximately 6 weeks after the day of photography. Please note this delivery timeframe is dependent on proofing and additional photography days at your school.
- Previous Years’ photos - Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the “previous years or group photo” tabs at your school’s advancedorder site when you click on the “Order School Photos Here” button above. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past.
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Term 1
Wednesday 29 January - Students commence Term 1 (Years 1 - 7 and 12)
Thursday 30 January - Years 8 - 11, Kindergarten commence Term 1
Friday 11 April - Last Day Term 1
Term 2
Tuesday 29 April - Students Commence Term 2
Monday 9 June - King's Birthday Public Holiday
Friday 4 July - Last day Term 2
Term 3
Monday 28 July - Students Commence Term 3
Friday 26 September - Last Day Term 3
Term 4
Monday 13 October - Students commence Term 4
Wednesday 10 December - Last Day Term 4 for students
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Mr Stuart McSwan | K - 6 Sport Co-ordinator
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Primary Swimming Carnival
Last Friday we hit the ground running (or rather swimming) to begin the year with our Year 2-6 Primary Swimming Carnival at Mingara.
Thank you to all the competitors, parents, teachers, student helpers and House Captains for making our GPCC Primary Swimming Carnival such as success. It was wonderful to see so many great performances in the pool and hear encouraging chanting and cheering from each House too.
We look forward to taking a squad to the HCZS Zone Swimming Carnival on Friday 21st February in Newcastle where many children will have the chance to showcase their skills once more. I aim to confirm the team for this event by early next week.
Once House Points and Age Champion positions have been calculated, medals will be presented at Chapel in the coming weeks.
Cleanest House area after Carnival - Hurricanes and Eagles
House Chant - Eagles
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Important reminder for HCZS Zone Swimming 2025
- 50m Breaststroke and 50m Backstroke will be held as a Junior event (8-10) girls/boys at Zone rather than 8,9 and 10s separately (and also butterfly which has always been the case). This is to keep things in sync with the CSSA swim program.
- 200m will have only one heat per division (Junior and Senior) girls/boys with only the top 8 times from across the schools swimming at Zone.
HCZS Zone Swimming Event list (not necessarily event order)
| EVENT | BOYS/GIRLS |
| 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay | Junior / Senior |
| 50m Freestyle | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12+, MC |
| 50m Breaststroke | Junior, 11 and 12+, MC |
| 100m Freestyle | Open, MC |
| 50m Backstroke | Junior, 11, 12+, MC |
| 50m Butterfly | Junior, 11, 12+, MC |
| 200m Individual Medley | Junior / Senior (top 8 qualifiers per division Junior & Senior) |
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Expressions of Interest for CSSA and HZSA Duathlon/Triathlon
This is an event for those in Years 3-6. Please see the information below. It is important to note that this is different from the biathlon event which has been run in previous years and includes a cycle leg. Parents will be required to co-ordinate a team of students to participate in their age group prior to contacting Mr McSwan.
Parents will also be required to transport their child and gear (bike) to and from the event. Please let Mr McSwan know via email smcswan@gpcc.nsw.edu.au if you would like to enter a team, which event they will be competing in and which leg each competitor will be completing by Thursday 20th March.
Event Date: Friday 28 March
More info can be found at https://cssa.nsw.edu.au/events/cssa-schools-triathlon/
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School Carnivals
| Date | Event | Location |
| TERM 1 | ||
| Friday - 7 March | GPCC Primary Yrs 2-6 Cross Country Carnival | GPCC Grounds |
| TERM 2 | ||
| Friday - 2 May | GPCC Primary Yrs 2-6 Athletics Carnival | Mingara Athletics Track |
| TERM 3 | ||
| Friday - 19 September | GPCC K-2 Athletics Carnival | GPCC Grounds |
| TERM 4 | ||
| Friday - 24 October | GPCC K-2 Swimming Carnival | Peninsula Leisure Centre |
.Representative Carnivals
| Date | Event | Location |
| TERM 1 | ||
| Friday - 21 February | HCZS Zone Primary Swimming Carnival | Newcastle |
| Thursday - 6 March | CSSA Primary State Swimming Carnival | Homebush (evening meet 4-8pm) |
| Wednesday - 26 March | CIS Primary Swimming Championships | Homebush |
| Friday - 28 March | CSSA Primary and Secondary State Duathlon and Triathlon (students to come up with own team - more info to come next week) | Penrith |
| Thursday - 10 April | NSW PSSA All Schools Swimming Championships - Day One (select students) | TBA |
| Friday - 11 April | NSW PSSA All Schools Swimming Championships - Day Two (select students) | TBA |
| TERM 2 | ||
| Friday - 30 May | CSSA Primary and Secondary State Cross Country Carnival | Sydney Equestrian Centre |
| Thursday - 12 June | CIS Primary and Secondary Cross Country | TBA |
| Friday - 22 July | NSW PSSA All Schools X-Country Championships | TBA |
| TERM 3 | ||
| Tuesday - 5 August | HCZS Zone Primary Athletics Carnival | Glendale |
| Friday - 22 August | CSSA Primary State Athletics Carnival | Blacktown |
| Friday - 5 September | CIS Primary Athletics Carnival | TBA |
| TERM 4 | ||
| Wednesday - 22 October | NSW PSSA All Schools Athletics Carnival Day One | TBA |
| Thursday - 23 October | NSW PSSA All Schools Athletics Carnival Day Two | TBA |
Carnival/Sporting levels:
GPCC: Green Point Christian College
HCZS: Hunter Christian Zone Sports (Zone)
CSSA: Christian Schools Sports Association (State)
CIS: Combined Independent Schools
PSSA: Primary School Sports Association
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GPCC Sport Teams
We are looking forward to sending our teams to a number of Gala Days and competitions in Primary again 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, teacher announcements in class and listen out for Assembly announcements for when trials will be held.
The protocol for team selection is as follows: (new policy/code of conduct available soon)
- 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 40 students to trial for a team that only has 10 spots available.
- Once teams have been chose, they will aim to have at least one training session each week before a competition.
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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 (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 at a very high level and have several years' experience (preferably at a Representative level): Parents are required to transports students to and from these trials.
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CSSA and CIS Sport trial dates: Please note these are not for GPCC school teams.
| Term 1 | |
| Friday - 14 February | CSSA Primary Boys Soccer Trials (select students) - Nominations close Friday - 7 February |
| Monday - 3 March | CIS Primary Boys and Girls Touch Football Trials (select students) - Nominations close Monday - 17 February |
| Friday - 7 March | CSSA team for the CIS Primary Boys and Girls Basketball Trials (select students via Paper selection) - Nominations close Friday - 21 February |
| Monday - 7 April | CSSA Primary Girls Netball Trials (select students) - Nominations close Monday - 24 March |
| Monday - 7 April | CIS Primary Boys AFL Trials (select students) - Nominations close Monday - 31 March |
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Mr Chris Harris | Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
Any questions about college sporting teams, coaches, gala days, carnivals, trials can be directed to my email charris@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
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The CSSA sport website has a new look and can be found at https://cssa.nsw.edu.au/
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Dates for your Calendar
Please find below the calendar for Secondary School Sport for Term 1.
| Date | Event | Location |
| Monday 17th February | CSSA Secondary U15 and Open Girls Netball Trials for CIS | PVRSC |
| Wednesday 26th February | NSWAS Secondary Individual Triathlon | Sydney International Regatta Centre |
| Thursday 27th February | NSWAS Secondary Teams Triathlon | Sydney International Regatta Centre |
| Thursday 27th February | GPCC Secondary Swimming Carnival | Mingara |
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Friday 28th February |
HCZS Zone Swimming Carnival ENTRIES DUE |
TBC |
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Friday 28th February |
CSSA Schools Triathlon | Sydney International Regatta Centre |
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Monday - Tuesday 3rd - 4th March |
CIS Secondary U19 Girls Cricket Trials | TBC |
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Wednesday 5th March |
HCZS Zone Swimming Carnival | Peninsula Leisure Centre |
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Wednesday - Thursday 5th - 6th March |
CIS Secondary U19 Boys Cricket Trials | TBC |
| Friday 7th March | GPCC Secondary Athletics Carnival | Mingara |
| Tuesday 11th March | HCZS Touch Football Gala Day | Wallsend Touch Ovals |
| Friday 14th March | CIS Secondary Open Boys & Girls Football Trials | Bernie Mullane Sports Complex |
| Monday 17th March |
CSSA AGM 9:30am - 1:30pm |
TBC |
| Tuesday 25th March |
CSSA State Secondary Swimming Championships |
Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre |
| Friday 28th March |
CSSA & HZSA Secondary Schools Triathlon |
Penrith International Regatta Centre |
| Friday 4th April |
CSSA Secondary State Touch Football Gala Day and Trials for CIS |
Penrith Touch Fields |
| Monday 7th April | SASSA/CSSA Secondary 16&U Boys Rugby Union Trials | TBC |
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Carnival/Sporting levels:
GPCC: Green Point Christian College
HCZS: Hunter Christian Zone Sports (Zone)
CSSA: Christian Schools Sports Association (State)
CIS: Combined Independent Schools
NSWAS: NSW All Schools
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Individual Sport Trials for CSSA and CIS Teams (NOT GPCC teams)
These trials are not for GPCC school teams that we trial for here at school. 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 Harris before these Nomination dates if your child would like to be considered. They need to be currently playing in the sport at a very high level and have several years' experience (preferably at a Representative level): Parents are required to transports students to and from these trials.
Library Lovers Week
Library Lovers' Day, Friday 14th February, is dedicated to book lovers across the globe. The day honours libraries, librarians, and the valuable roles that libraries play in our lives and the amazing life-changing books they hold within them. We will have some colouring, activities and treats in the library this week.
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Scholastic Book Club - Issue 1
Issue 1 Scholastic booklets have gone out to Primary classrooms, orders can be placed online at LOGIN (scholastic.com.au)
Term 1 Storytime
Preschool story time starts Monday 10 February, themes for Term 1 are on the flyer below. Please register your interest with Nicole van Wyk: nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu
Term 1 Dates
Storytime start Monday 10th February
Library lovers Week 10th - 14th February
PRC opens Monday 24th February notes will be sent home with student login details.
Makerspace Wednesday 5th March
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Now is a great time to sign up or renew for music tutoring, band and ensembles in 2025!
New sign-ups can use this link to enquire about the music program:
https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/education-learning/co-curricular-activities/music-program-enquiry
Returning students can use this link to renew for 2025:
https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/education-learning/co-curricular-activities/music-program-renewal-form
We are looking forward to a wonderful time of music tuition and band this year!
This week our staff member of the week was awarded to Mrs Angela Sheather.
Angela has done an outstanding job overseeing the marketing team and functions for the majority of last year. This has been in addition to her Registrar role which she continued to excel in with enrolments above those predicted for 2024.
In managing this broad community relations responsibility Angela has demonstrated godly character, a collaborative approach, creative and critical thinking, social engagement and a willingness to keep learning as she goes.
Angela's dedication and hard work has provided an enormous contribution towards our core purpose and mission goals.
Uniform Shop
2025 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
Please click on the PDF flyer below for further information regarding Uniform fittings.
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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.
Green Point Community Notices
Woy Woy Peninsula Netball Association
WWPNA will be holding a come and try day at Ettalong Netball Courts on the 15th February, for anyone who would like to come and see what the fun is all about.
https://www.playhq.com/netball-australia/register/2e0756
Rockstudios Dance
Go4Fun Registrations for Term 1 2025
Go4Fun is a free, 9-week healthy lifestyle program open to all children aged 7 to 13 and their families.
Term 1 programs will take place at:
Lake Haven Recreation Centre, every Tuesday 4–6pm, starting Tuesday 11 February (Aboriginal program open to everyone, run by Bungree Aboriginal Association)
The Entrance Community Centre, every Wednesday 4–6pm, starting Wednesday 12 February
Gosford Olympic Pool (indoor, heated), every Thursday 4–6pm, starting Thursday 13 February
Go4Fun Online is also available at times that suit you.
To register, visit the go4fun.com.au or call 1800 780 900
Green Point Baptist Church
Services: 9:30am Worship Service, 6:00pm Service
Services continue to be available online each week.
If you would like to place an community advertisement in the Green Point Community Notices, please email details to our Messenger Editor, Christina Hutchinson at newsletter@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
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