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Responding to Challenges
Each day, we have around 1,400 people arrive and spend their day here at Green Point Christian College. They navigate the campus, learn, play, and most importantly interact and communicate with each other. There are hundreds of thousands of individual interactions every day, with teachers, other staff, classmates and other students.
One picture that represents these interactions occurs each day on the small Primary oval, where there are often three games of soccer happening simultaneously. The balls move, students run, and they all manage to (mostly) avoid each other in what, at times, looks like an intricate piece of choreography. Watching these games, I am amazed at how few collisions occur, and they finish the game sweaty but full of joy, recalling their best passages of play as they head back to class.
As I think about all the interactions that occur on campus each day, I am similarly amazed. Here at Green Point, we experience very few negative interactions on any given day, as students generally work together in highly positive ways. There are many reasons for this: our excellent staff, a clear purpose, high expectations, a pro social approach, and explicit teaching of norms and expectations are just a few of those reasons.
However, the interactions are not perfect, and on occasion, negative interactions do take place. This is inevitable, and it is also a vital part of the learning process as students grow.
Our responses as parents in these situations are vital to successfully navigate these events and supporting your child to develop resilience and conflict resolution skills.
The first thing is to take care with what you take on board. A wise teacher and parent once shared with another parent. “If you believe 50% of what your child shares with you at home, I will believe 50% of what your child shares about you at school.” The heart of this statement is to remember that, because of a young person’s age and maturity, they see the world with a limited perspective. When a negative event occurs, this reality is exacerbated and the version you will hear (while being very true for them) will often differ from the real version of events. This is often because they are seeking connection and empathy from you as parent, and so they seek that from you. Providing your child empathy in the moment and helping them to feel seen, soothed, safe and secure will be what is best for them in a moment like this.
As a College, we have several staff trained to investigate challenging situations, and our teachers are very skilled at determining the truth from conflicting stories. As parents, we find these situations challenging and I encourage all of us, when these situations arise, to take a deep breath, trust, and continue to partner with your child’s teacher as they work through the process. It is often in these moments that we see the most learning and growth occur for our children, and often also for us.
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Joel van Bentum
Principal
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As we begin the new year, the staff in the Secondary School have been setting goals in a range of areas – individual learning goals, faculty goals, HSC improvement goals and their own personal goals for 2025.
I encourage our students to be thinking about what they want to achieve for the year. While accolades and high grades are wonderful, at the core of our hope for our students is that they do everything to the best of their ability, with a heart that honours God. I hope our students do have academic goals but giving their best effort should apply to all aspects of their life, including sports, art, music and relationships with others, with a focus on serving others and being kind.
The Bible encourages us to do our best for the Lord in everything we do. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Each of our students have been blessed with gifts and when they are trying to do their best with those gifts, they are stepping into God’s purpose for their lives.
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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 21st 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. jmclarty@gpcc.nsw/edu.au
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Mrs Amanda Rutlidge | Head of Primary
"For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations" Psalm 100:5
As part of our theme ‘Hope’, at Chapel this week, the students learnt about how God is faithful and keeps His promises. This is why we can have assured hope in Him. The Bible overflows with God’s promises to His people and it his faithfulness to His promises that we hold on to through the ups and downs of life. We are teaching our children that whatever season we are in, God doesn’t change. His love endures forever, and in that we can have true, unwavering, eternal hope.
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This week's reminders:
Primary Photo Day
This is coming up on Tuesday 4th March and you would have received an email with ordering information. Please ensure your child comes to school in their formal uniform that day, even if it usually a sports uniform day. Hair should be in neat, tidy styles with long hair tied up. For girls, no jewellery except a single pair of plain gold or silver studs or sleepers, as per the uniform policy.
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New Books for Primary
We have some beautiful new sets of home readers that need to be covered in plastic contact, which is provided by us. If you can volunteer to help with this job, it would be greatly appreciated.
To arrange collection and drop off, please email Michelle Molkentin, Student Enrichment Officer at: michelle.molkentin@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
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No Hat, No Play
At GPCC we take sun safety for our students very seriously. All students MUST have a hat on to play outside at recess and lunch. Students who do not have a hat on will be asked to sit on the steps in the shade. Please ensure that your child has a hat in their bag with their name clearly marked. It is also helpful for your child to come to school with sunscreen on. Each classroom has a sunscreen bottle for reapplication during the day.
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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.
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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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 21st 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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Students Of The Week
Emelia H; KR, Eleanor R; KS, Jacob D; 1G, Aston R; 1PN, Edward P; 1S, Richie R; 2G, Charley S; 2J, Elias J; 2K, Rachel B; 3M, Abigail G; 3BM,Ivy M; 4H, Aquila R; 4KM, Emily R; 4P, Amelie W; 5B,Leea S; 5L, Jemimah L; 5T, Quinn V; 6A, Savannah H; 6B, Miranda V; 6SM.
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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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HCZS Zone Swimming
Those students who have qualified for the HCZS zone Swimming have been notified. We look forward to swimming at The Forum Pool at Newcastle University next Friday 21 February 2025.
Please complete permission details on Parent Lounge.
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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 (event order confirmed)
| TIME | EVENT | BOYS/GIRLS |
| 8.30am | Warm up time | |
| 9.00am | 200m Individual Medley | Junior / Senior (top 8 qualifiers per division Junior and Senior) |
| 9.45am | 50m Freestyle | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12+, MC |
| 10.25am | 50m Breastroke | Junior, 11 and 12+ MC |
| 11.15am | 100m Freestyle | Open, MC |
| 12.00pm | 50m Backstroke | Junior, 11, 12+, MC |
| 12.40pm | SHORT BREAK | GIRLS/BOYS |
| 1.10pm | 50m Butterfly | Junior, 11, 12+,MC |
| 1.30pm | 4x50m Freestyle Relay | Junior/Senior |
| 2.00pm | Close |
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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 competing 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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- 8/9 years Girls & Boys - 2km
- 10 years Girls & Boys - 2km
- 11 years Girls & Boys - 3km
- 12/13 Girls & Boys - 3km
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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GPCC Secondary Swimming Carnival
When: Week 5 Thursday 27th February 2025
Venue: Mingara Leisure Centre
Time: Carnival will begin at 9:00am and conclude at 2:00pm
What to wear/bring: House colours, sports uniform, recess and lunch
Transport: All students are required to make their own way to and from the carnival.
Note: Zone Carnival will be held on Wednesday 5th March – Week 6
If students require transport on the College bus, the first bus will depart GPCC at 8:30am (last bus will be departing at 9am) and return by 3:00pm.
First events:
| Event Number | Event | Age | Gender |
| 1 | 200m Individual Medley | Open | F |
| 2 | 200m Individual Medley | Open | M |
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Congratulations to Scarlett S (Year 11) who has been offered a place in the U18s GWS Giants AFL Academy. Players were chosen from a catchment that stretches from Western Sydney to the Victorian border. She will train in Sydney during the week and play in U18s matches in NSW, Qld, Vic and Tasmania. Well done Scarlett!
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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 is Friday 14 February, thank you to our dedicated library staff and to all our amazing students who love the library.
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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) Orders close on Sunday 23th February.
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Term 1 Storytime
Preschool story time themes for Term 1 are below. Please register your interest with Nicole van Wyk: nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu See the flier for more information.
Term 1 Dates
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!
Stu has been so supportive of the Science department and the GPCC community throughout 2024. He is a team player and works collaboratively, and has supported his team in areas of need, including Year 10 teachers during the Year 10 week in 2024; and covering uniform detentions for a staff member.
Stu is very servant hearted and also volunteered at Coast Shelter, serving food to our community several times in 2024.
All Stu does, he does so without expecting anything in return. A true example of generosity of spirit and an incredible team player. What an asset to our GPCC community.
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
Rockstudios Dance
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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