Last week I made reference to the School Improvement Plan. Follow the link below to see a copy of the plan. Remember that this is a fluid document that will change as we accomplish improvements and new issues and areas for improvement arise.

I have the privilege at the moment of sitting in on a Year 12 Modern History class three times a week. The teacher has not been able to return to work yet due to medical advice, so the class is being taught on-line from the teacher’s home and are making good progress.

It has caused me to reflect again on the purpose of education: a topic I wrote about a few weeks ago. Any school subject offers students a number of things at different levels. At the largest level it is part of a suite of activities a school engages in to shape a student for a purposeful and fulfilling life.

Subjects help inform students about the world, society and themselves. Any subject gives some practical application in life but also expands a student’s perspective on the world, develops their thinking and gives them transferable skills. In a Christian school, we also direct their attention to the orderliness of the world as coming from a Creator who has designed it for a purpose. Subjects also inter-relate and show students that the world is complex and connected. They teach them about their particular interests and abilities.

I walked down to the class last week and talked to another student who does Ancient History. She is also good at Mathematics; a combination that does not always go together. Subjects help students recognise that they are unique too. Studying a subject with others also opens up social and collaborative opportunities.

You will notice that none of this is connected to an ATAR or an HSC band. When we emphasise those overly much, we diminish the other possibilities learning opens up and it usually leads to a lower ATAR in the end. Great academic results come from good learning which encompasses a range of activities and perspectives.

I want all GPCC students to do well academically as measured by HSC and NAPLAN results, but more than that, I want those results to be the end of a high quality teaching and learning environment. GPCC has a good history of the majority of our students getting into the Band 4 and Band 5 range for the HSC. Focusing on quality learning rather than academic results, will help them move up the Bands without even realising it.

You can help by talking about the broader range of what education does for them and not focusing purely on a grade or a mark. Then together we can help them fly!

Phillip Nash

Principal

Mrs Nicole Smith | Head of Primary

Godly in Character

One of the five attributes of our Graduate Profile is that students seek to be Godly in Character. What is your character and what does it mean to be Godly in character?

Philippians 2:3-8 urges us to have the same character as Jesus …

Doing nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others …

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very natureof a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!

Our character is who we are when no-one is looking. We need to guard to ensure that we do not allow our character to be shaped by what and who is around us, but rather by how God sees us.

Head of School Awards

Congratulations to the following students who achieved the Head of School Award for Week 6:

Alison H, KDL; Fletcher T, KDL; Savannah G, KP; Jake B, KP; Elsie H, 1G; Henry H, 1G; Max F, 1PH; Iris H, 1PH; Nate R, 2G; Zara L, 2G; Anders T, 2J; Zander M, 2J; Chelsea S, 3B; Oliver B, 3B; Miller P, 3K; Monty C, 3K; Samuel M, 4B; Isabella M, 4B; Seulah K, 4M; Ezekiel C, 4M; Zara I, 5D; Bronte B, 5D; Rory W, 5H; Rebecca L, 5H; Joel P, 5P; Jemima N, 5P; Amelia G, 6D; Hannah S, 6D; Lachlan R, 6M; Tuscany C, 6M; Mia G, 6T; and Kahlia M 6T.

Minibeasts and Microscopes – Year 1 Goes to Secondary School

Year 1 visited the Secondary School Science Labs to observe minibeasts under microscopes. A group of Year 9 students buddied up with Year 1 to assist them in using the microscopes. Mr Yule used his microscope with a camera to observe the earthworms and snails we had collected. Some of the Year 1 students described it as the best day ever.

Year 5 Science Models

Over the past five weeks Year 5 have been researching and creating diagrams of our solar system. Several students have given talks about the planets and stars in our solar system.

Mobile Phones

It is a reality in this day and age that many students have a mobile phone for safety, communication and convenience. Whilst students are at school there is no need for them to use their phones and all phones MUST remain in students’ bags for the entire day.

If there is a situation where you need to contact your child, please do so through the office. Students using their phones during the day will have them removed and parents will be contacted.

Smart watches can be worn to school as a method of time telling, however whilst they are on site Primary students are to disable messaging and phone services including access to social media sites, so as not to be a distraction to learning.

Extend - OOSH

Our Extend service OOSH service will recommence on Tuesday 9 June. This information was sent to Extend enrolled families by their team.

If you have a child in Primary School and would like to make use of this service, please contact Extend Before and After School Care support@extend.com.au or call 1300 366 437.

3K English Reading to Mrs Smith

2G Art Outdoors

Library News

Book Club

Orders for Issue 4 are due to Mrs van Wyk online by Wednesday 17 June.

Stocktake

Overdue notices have gone out to students Kindergarten - Year 12. The Library staff begin stocktake in Week 7 to help us re-organise after all the changes of the last six months. Please search around at home for any Library books you can return this week. Thank you for your support.

Maker Space

This term our Maker Space is a box arcade challenge. Students can watch this video to get some inspiration and ideas:

Caine’s Arcade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faIFNkdq96U .

Photos or video of the entries are due to Mrs van Wyk by Friday 26 June.

Maker_Space_Term_2

Maker_Space_Term_2 4.30 MB

Premier’s Reading Challenge is continuing this term. The rules have changed to allow 10 personal choice books instead of the usual five. If you do not know your child’s log in details, please email nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au. The challenge closes on 28 August, so there is still plenty of time.

Book Week

Book Week 3.69 MB

Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary

This term we have been looking at the Attributes of God.

I wanted to delve into understanding who God is, why He is important in our lives and how we live our lives.

He is described as the ROCK and that is our base for life which gives us direction and purpose to what we do and why we do it.

This week’s attribute is that God is unchangingly kind and He is merciful.

Foundational understanding of God actually creates clarity to life decisions and purposes.

Year 9 Boys Mission Trip

Applications for the Year 9 Boys Mission Trip are available from Mr McGillivray in the PDHPE staffroom.

This is an amazing opportunity for our boys to partner with the Aboriginal communities of Brewarrina and Gulargambone.

Every year the boys that go come back with a greater understanding of life and of themselves.

If you are a parent/carer of a Year 9 boy, please encourage them to apply for the trip.

Applications need to be completed by the end of this week (Friday 12 June).

Year 11 Prefect Applications

Students who would like to be considered for the role of Prefect 2020/2021, need to apply. The application form is available from Mr Lewis or the College office. Applications are due back by Friday 12 June 2020.

Uniform

Please ensure your child does not wear printed, coloured or long sleeve t-shirts underneath their shirts, as these are not part of the uniform.

A few students are starting to wear incorrect shoes; please ensure that enclosed leather black shoes are worn.

A reminder that if it is cold and a student wishes to wear a scarf, it must be in school colours.

Student Drop Off at Tank Works or 7-Eleven

The Tank Works across the road is private property and have requested that students are not dropped off on that site.

7-Eleven has also asked that students are not dropped off or picked from their premises.

Please do not drop off or pick up students of any age at these locations, as it not safe to do so.

Year 12 Students

The new dates for our HSC Trial Examinations are 17 - 31 August 2020. Our timetable will be released a little later.

Please note the HSC Examinations have also been pushed back by a few days. They will now start on 20 October and finish on 11 November 2020.

Vaccinations

Year 10 Meningococcal vaccinations will now be on 5 August, (rescheduled from 13 May) and on that day the nurses will be doing Year 7 catch-ups for those who missed their earlier vaccinations in February.

Year 7 follow-up HPV vaccinations will be on Wednesday 2 September.

This week’s Careers Newsletter has information for Year 10 students who are thinking about going on to University after Year 12. Also, there is an opportunity for part time work in a local café soon to open. For Year 12, there is information about scholarships.

The Careers Newsletter is emailed to Years 10 – 12 students and their parents.

It is also available on the College website under the “Education & Learning” menu in the “Student Careers” section.

For more details, please see this week's Careers Newsletter or visit the "Student Careers" section on the GPCC College website.

Mr David David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)

Nathan Lambert | K-12 Sport Co-ordinator

Over the years our school has had a number of students who have excelled in their chosen sport and gone on to play at an elite representative level.

Through dedication, commitment and perseverance, they are perfect examples of the saying “hard work pays off”.

This week we are going to focus on one individual who has not only had amazing success in her sport, but is also a wonderful ambassador for our school as she is a great team player and always encouraging to those around her.

Sophie, currently in Year 11, loves to play many different sports. She made the school teams in Oz Tag, Soccer and Touch Football. She loves to be involved in the game, trains hard and play hard.

Her passion is cricket. She has been playing cricket for 12 years and is an exceptional bowler.

Last year, Sophie not only made the NSWCIS Secondary Girls Cricket team who then played in the NSW All Schools Secondary Cricket Championships, but then was also selected in the U18 Girls NSW Cricket team who toured England, Wales and France. This was a wonderful experience for Sophie who played a number of games against English county teams as well as the Wales National B Team and English Cricket Board Development team.

Sophie again has kept up her amazing form by selection for the second time in the NSWCIS Secondary Girls Cricket team, but unfortunately the NSW All School competition did not go ahead due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Recently I asked Sophie a number of questions that gives us an insight into her love of cricket:

When did you start playing cricket? I started playing Milo cricket as a 5 year old (which is where you just learn basic skills) and then I played an Under 9’s competition as my first proper cricket.

What or who inspired you to begin playing? My brothers, Ben and Lachy – I used to attend their games and go with them and mum and dad to their rep cricket carnivals around NSW.

How often and how long do you usually train for? I attend organised Club training in Sydney once a week, plus I also have separate private training sessions with my State Academy coaches and my dad.

What is your favourite training skill to practise? I love bowling at my teammates in the nets (especially on a bouncy pitch!)

Who’s your favourite player? Ellyse Perry at National level and at Club level, my team mate from Northern District (and the Sixers), Lauren Smith.

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far? A toss up – getting out Australian player Rachel Haynes playing First Grade for Northern District in the Sydney Women’s Comp or playing the Under 15 ACT/NSW Country team that won the Under 15 Nationals at Adelaide in 2016.

What do you want to achieve next? Being picked for the ACT/NSW Country team for the Under 19’s Nationals and hopefully getting a contract to play professionally after that.

What is your advice to other athletes in relation to training and their goals? Training - train as if it’s the game. Goals - having an end goal in the back of your mind is a good thing, but still playing in the moment and for your team will help you achieve that goal.

As you can see, she has had a phenomenal experience so far in cricket, not just due to her natural talent, but also to the dedication and time that she has put in to training her strengths and weaknesses. Sophie is a great inspiration to all athletes of our school, as having a goal and training hard to achieve it is very important.

We are excited what the future holds for Sophie and we wish her all the best for her future endeavours in one of the greatest and most popular sports in Australia.

Enrolments for Kindergarten 2021

Kindergarten 2021 Information Night - Wednesday 29 July 6:00pm

For those enrolled or looking to enrol your Kindergarten child for 2021 this is an essential event to hear from our Head of Primary, Mrs Nicole Smith, and to meet our Kindergarten and Primary staff.

They will be sharing about our programs and co-curricular opportunities, and there will be time to ask questions as a group as well as one-on-one.

This is a registration only event to ensure adherence to limitations for the space being used.

Please register below via the form on our website.

Registration Form for Kindergarten 2021 Information Night

Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop has recommenced normal trading hours.

Alinta System Upgrade

ALINTA_System_Upgrade_Update.pdf

ALINTA_System_Upgrade_Update _pdf 40.20 KB

Canteen

The Munchery (Canteen) has now resumed full time operating hours.

Canteen_Menu_2020_Winter.pdf

Canteen_Menu_2020_Winter _pdf 195.62 KB

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/children (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.

Thank you.

BUSWAYS SCHOOL BUS SERVICES UPDATE

COVID-19 and back to school.

With the recent announcement of social distancing on bus services, Busways wants to clarify that school services are not affected and will not have limited capacity.

Service Operations
School services will continue to operate as normal, with no student to be left behind. NSW Health advice is that children are at lower risk of contracting COVID-19. Transport for NSW and Busways have increased cleaning measures on board bus services and will continue to monitor transport usage to support students travelling safely to and from school.

Our policy is that no school student will be left behind and as such, school students will be given priority over other passengers on regular route services, even if this means a service goes over physical distancing capacity. Adults may have to wait for the next service or choose to get off if they are not comfortable with how many customers are on a service. All services will continue to operate to a normal timetable until advised otherwise. Please remind students that they are still required to tap on and off with their Opal card, or show their school bus pass when boarding.

Current COVID-19 Advice
It is important to continue communicating to students that we all have a responsibility to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Where possible, students should maintain social distance from each other on board bus services. If different school groups are boarding a bus, each school should maintain social distance from the other and students should always maintain a safe distance from their bus driver, where practically possible.

Busways has continued to exercise additional procedures for all Busways employees to follow in order to limit any chance of the virus spreading. This includes issuing employees with hand sanitiser, requiring employees to wash their hands every time they enter and leave a worksite, employees staying home if they are unwell, and minimising the handling of cash.

For any further questions, please contact Busways’ Customer Experience team at infoline@busways.com.au.

RED BUS SCHOOL BUS SERVICES UPDATE

With the recent announcement of social distancing on public transport, Red Bus Services would like to clarify that dedicated school services are not affected and will not have limited capacity.

Our policy is that no school student will be left behind and as such school students will be given priority over other passengers on regular route services even if this means a service goes over physical distancing capacity.

Where possible students should limit their travel to catching dedicated school buses as this will help us mitigate the risk and help provide a service to regular passengers where capacity is currently restricted.

Please remind students that they are still required to tap on and off with their Opal card when boarding, but are requested not to use the Opal card reader nearest the driver.

To help minimise the risk of spreading an infection, every bus in our fleet is being hygienically cleaned daily by a team of cleaners.

Red Bus Services has continued to exercise additional procedures for all our employees to follow to limit any chance of the virus spreading.

This includes issuing employees with hand sanitiser, face masks and gloves requiring employees to wash their hands every time they enter and leave a worksite and requesting that employees stay home if they are unwell.

https://transportnsw.info/covid-19#home-carousel

https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces/industry-information/public-transport

For any further enquiries, please contact Red Bus Services: info@redbus.com.au

Green Point Trader

Found: A Garmin watch was found and handed in to the office several weeks ago. Students were notified via Daily Notices however, the watch remains unclaimed. Could the owner please see Mrs Roberts at the Student Window.

Box Divvy: Does your family eat a lot of fruit and vegetables? Green Point Box Divvy is a fruit and vegetable co-operative that can save you money.

We work together to buy entire boxes of fruit and vegetables at wholesale prices which we divide between us. 60% of produce is local and spray free.

Pay 30-40% less than at the big supermarkets. Fresh food picked 48 hours ago.

Low food miles
Minimal waste
Eggs, bread, coffee, sauces and dry pantry products also available
Easy online ordering system
Pickup on Tuesdays from Green Point Hub between 2:00pm and 5:30pm

Delivery available within 5km of Green Point for $7.

Our Facebook page is below:

https://www.facebook.com/BoxDivvyGreenPointKatherine/

If you would like to place an advertisement in the Green Point Trader, please email details to Marie Hay at newsletter@gpcc.nsw.edu.au

Green Point Baptist Church

In light of the current COVID-19 crisis, Green Point Baptist Church has suspended all regular Church activities and has encouraged any Church member who is not in a high risk category to find ways to serve the vulnerable in their community. If you are in need of assistance, please contact the Church office on 4369 1585 or office@gpbc.net.au

GPBC has moved their services online:

SERVICE TIMES

Sundays

9:30am

6:00pm

Sunday Service

Green Point Baptist Church invite you and your family to join the Sunday service LIVE on Facebook at 9:30am every Sunday.

https://www.facebook.com/greenpointbaps/

Thrive

Thrive is on hold for now, but kids can join via Zoom from home each week during the school term. Join the “Thrive Green Point 2020” facebook group for information.

Over the past few weeks, Green Point Baptist Church has been partnering with Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre to help those who are doing it tough in our neighbourhood as a result of Coronavirus. The One + 1 Food Aid Project is based on a simple idea - when you are out shopping, buy a few extra items each week and build up a food hamper that can be passed onto a family who really needs it.

We would love for you to get involved with us in this project.

Each Wednesday morning, Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre runs its Food Pantry Program. For a gold coin donation, recipients are given two generous bags of groceries, often supplemented with a loaf of fresh bread, various fruit and vegetables, even eggs sometimes. In the half hour before the food program begins, a line of 10 people quickly grows to 60 people or even more, stretching the entire the length of the carpark. Leanne who heads up the program, says the last couple of weeks the number of people seeking food aid has been growing. Two weeks ago, there were 80 people and they nearly ran out of food.

When you look at the line, there is mix of older and younger people but they are mostly women. They wait quietly and patiently. When the volunteers begin serving people, they do so with generosity, dignity and kindness. Without exception, every person they speak to brightens and some even manages a smile when they realise they would not be judged. Every time we deliver food hampers, Leanne and Collette from KNC speak about the quality and thoughtfulness of the grocery items that are given and how it gives them options and helps them to respond to particular needs.

Remember, once you have completed a food hamper, items can be dropped off at the kitchen in the Church office between 9:00am and 12:00pm, Tuesday to Friday or the College office if it needs to be earlier. For more information, feel free to call the Church office on 43691585.