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Risky Business.
It is interesting how language changes over time and how new ways of understanding our surroundings becomes normative. One of the language changes that I have noted as an educator over the past 20 years is the way in which we use the word "safe".
Safe means protected from any danger, harm or loss. It is a straightforward definition and there is no suggestion that in many situations that being safe is a highly desirable state. In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, safety needs come right after the physiological needs of air, food and water. There is no doubt that a good level of safety is important for all humans to flourish and grow.
However, over the past 20 years I have seen this term continue to expand the press into all different parts of our lives to the point that now being safe and having safety can, sometimes be counterproductive to development, learning and maturity. For some the lived definition of safety has come to mean the absence of all discomfort.
Yet, in many ways discomfort is one of the things we need as humans to learn and grow. A life lived well contains significant risk. You cannot get strong without the discomfort and even pain of training. You cannot grow emotionally without the opportunity to feel deep and at times painful emotion. You cannot learn without the discomfort of first not knowing. You cannot mature without the discomfort of being called out by those we love. We cannot develop deep relationships without the challenge of working through relational conflict.
To grow we need to be exposed to all these risks and more. We need to be challenged, to be pushed to move out of our comfort zone and into the space of challenge and discomfort and on occasion pain. Being in the place of challenge and discomfort leads to growth best when we also have the security of people who love us, care for us and are looking out for us. We need wise people who can buffer the discomfort, let us know it will be ok and spur us on. This is the role that we as parents, teachers and other significant adults play in the lives of young people.
At Green Point, we also recognise that under it all is a sovereign God who will never leave us or forsake us during our times of challenge.
Therefore, here at Green Point we seek ways to embrace appropriate risk and challenge. We do this in a structured and guided way that releases students into growing challenge and discomfort as they grow and mature. Staff do not immediately leap in to save students from challenges, rather they seek to provide opportunities for students to work things out themselves, to push through the challenge and to achieve things they didn't think they could do, We do this for their good as they grow toward maturity, and because there is nothing better than the look on a student's face after they have overcome something they didn't think they could do.
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Joel van Bentum
Principal
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Each term, I focus on a specific topic during our assemblies and this term, I’m addressing Mental Fitness.
Although I didn't have the opportunity to cover as much of my planned talk this week, there was a good reason for that. The time was filled with numerous announcements about exciting opportunities here at GPCC, encouraging students to engage in activities outside of their academic studies. For many students, these opportunities are unique, and it's important to recognise how fortunate we are to have access to such a wide range of extracurricular activities.
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Just this term, we have shared announcements about:
- Maths Homework Help (Tuesday lunchtime)
- Senior Ballroom and Latin Dancing classes (Year 11 and 12, Friday lunchtime)
- Crochet Club (Friday lunchtime)
- Musical Tryouts
- Chess Club (Friday lunchtime)
- Debating
- Cru Group (Tuesday lunchtime)
- Netball Tryouts
- Soccer Tryouts
- Esports Results
Along with our swimming carnival this week and athletics carnival next week, there are countless ways for students to enrich their school experience, try new things, and create lasting memories.
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ANZAC Chapel 2025 Opportunity
We will be holding our K-12 Anzac Chapel Service on Wednesday 30 April (the first Wednesday back at school in Term 2). As part of the service this year, we would like to display the photos of servicemen and women from the school family who have served or are currently serving. This can be from any war or peacekeeping mission. We are hoping this will assist students in making a personal connection to the event. Photos and details will be displayed as students enter and leave the MPC and also during a musical performance.
If you would like to be a part of this, please send the following to naomi.walls@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
· Photo of serviceman/woman (in uniform if possible)
· Name of serviceman/woman
· Where/ when they served
· Current relatives at the school
For example:
Sydney Shaw
Served in World War II (Middle East)
Pictured with daughter (and former Principal of GPCC) Debra Walls.
Great grandchildren: Zoe Ogden (Year 9) and Lucy Ogden (Year 6)
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Mrs Amanda Rutlidge | Head of Primary
This week at our Primary Chapel Service one of our Year 3 teachers, Mr McGregor shared with our students about how we can have hope in Jesus because He is our anchor.
In Hebrews 6:19 it says, “We have this hope (in Jesus) as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure”.
For many of us living on the beautiful Central Coast, boating is a way of life. It doesn’t get much better than being out on the water on a sunny day, experiencing the beauty and serenity of the ocean on a sailing boat or skimming across the waves on a speedboat. Whether you are a sailor or not, everyone understands the importance of an anchor. Without it, the boat drifts and is carried away by the current. It becomes directionless and untethered, resulting in a lost boat and lost passengers.
This analogy of Jesus being the anchor for our soul in Hebrews is one that brings us great hope. Just like a boat’s anchor, we can trust that when the storms of life come, we can hold firm and secure in the knowledge that Christ is with us and loves us. It is this hope that allows us to withstand the strong currents of worry, grief, hurt and uncertainty that we experience in life.
If you don’t know the hope that Jesus brings, can I encourage you to find out. All are welcome to join us at our Primary Chapel Services every Wednesday 2:30pm.
Primary Service Team
This year, we have taken a different approach to SRC and have established a Primary Service Team. This group of Year 6 students have willingly put their hand up to serve in some capacity at school, for example collecting lunch orders for younger students, facilitating playground activities, and returning lost property. It is wonderful to see so many of our senior students demonstrating servant leadership in our College.
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Clean Up Australia
This Friday we participated in Clean Up Australia by holding a "Clean Up GPCC" event. It was a great opportunity to speak to our students about being caretakers of the world that God created for us. Thank you to Mrs Reynolds for organising this event, and thank you to our students for keeping our environment clean and tidy.
Bus Behaviour
It has come to our attention that the behaviour during bus trips to and from school has been below expectation. There have been reports of students yelling, standing on seats, speaking inappropriately to others, and eating or drinking on the bus. I have spoken to all students who catch a bus about our behaviour expectations as they travel to and from school on public transport and have commended those who always demonstrate safe and responsible behaviour. If your child catches a bus, please remind them to be safe and respectful to bus drivers and to other passengers while they are travelling. This applies to other GPCC students and members of the public. Thank you for your cooperation.
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Smart Watches
Another reminder that students are not to message on their smart watches during the day. Please speak to your children about this if it applies to you.
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Students Of The Week
Alice A; KR, Coco Z; KS, James P; 1G, Benjamin C; 1PN, Ava B; 1S, Kalla K; 2G, Hugh H; 2J, Jack M; 2K, Xavier V; 3M, Jasper V; 3BM, Joel M; 4H, Levi D; 4KM, Patrick N; 4P, Savannah G; 5B, Evie M; 5L, Pixie R; 5T, Cruz H; 6A, Lucy G; 6B, Enzo R; 6SM.
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School Photography Days 2025
School photography days are underway with Primary and Sibling/Absentee Photo Days coming up. 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
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 Carnival
Last Friday GPCC had 32 Primary students travel to the amazing Forum facility at Newcastle University to represent our school at the HCZS Swimming Carnival.
Throughout the day we had so many wonderful performances across all events. Most notably winning three out of the four relay events with some very exciting finishes. We also had some age champion place getters (listed below) and finished 3rd overall all behind Wyong in 2nd and Belmont in 1st. What a great achievement from the team.
I'd like to thank all the parents for attending, and to those that helped with timekeeping. Thank you students for excellent behaviour and swimming, and to Mr Gibbins and Mr Schultz for their help on the day.
We now look forward to taking 15 students to CSSA on Thursday 6th March at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
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Congratulations Alex K (Year 4) who finished 3rd in "flags at the Central Coast Branch" carnival and for getting uplifted to the age above in the relay where he also came third. All the best at the State nippers carnival next week Alex and all our other nippers from GPCC.
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Expressions of Interest for CSSA and HZSA Duathlon/Triathlon
Event Date: Friday 28 March
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.
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 | ||
| 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 link: GPCC_PRIMARY_REPRESENTATIVE_SPORT_TEAM_SELECTION_PROCESS.pdf
- 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 | |
| Monday - 31 March | CIS Primary Boys and Girls Hockey Trials (select students) - Nominations close Monday - 24th March |
| Monday - 7 April | CSSA Primary Girls Netball Trials (select students) - (Allocation exhausted) |
| Monday - 7 April | CIS Primary Boys AFL Trials (select students) - Nominations close Monday - 31 March |
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CSSA (Christian Schools Sports Association) Child Protection training and Risk Warning
CSSA have recommended that all adults (teachers, volunteers, and parents) complete the following module on Child Protection before attending any CSSA event (trials, gala days or carnivals). Thank you
https://old.cssa.net.au/child_protection/index.html#/
Below is a link for the Risk Warning that accompanies all CSSA run events
https://cssa.nsw.edu.au/risk-warning/
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Mr Chris Harris | Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
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Any questions about college sporting teams, coaches, gala days, carnivals and trials can be directed to my email charris@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
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Congratulations to Ariella N (Year 11) and her family on their outstanding performances at the Huskisson Triathlons over the weekend.
- Ariella secured 1st place in the Women's Super Sprint Race, competing against 254 athletes.
- Caleb N (Year 12) achieved an impressive 25th overall in the Sprint Race, out of approximately 1,300 athletes, and placed 3rd in his age group.
- Evie N (Year 7) finished 11th in her age category, showcasing great promise.
We commend their dedication and look forward to seeing them compete at the CIS Triathlon this Wednesday.
The thrilling final went into extra time, where only five players from each team were selected to compete. Xavier was among those chosen and contributed to securing the championship title.
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Dates for your Calendar
Please find below the calendar for Secondary School Sport for Term 1.
| Date | Event | Location |
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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.
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Premier’s Reading Challenge 2025
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Makerspace - Design 'The House of the Future'
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.
Scholastic Book Club - Issue 1
Issue 1 Scholastic orders are closed. Orders will be returned around 10th March.
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Gretchen is a valued member of the Admin team who performs her duties (plus more) quietly, discreetly and efficiently, all whilst remaining calm. Her support and commitment to GPCC is nothing other than outstanding.
Gretchen goes above and beyond, always willing to assist others and share her knowledge, despite her own heavy workload. At a moment's notice last week, she assisted at Coast Shelter meaning a last minute change to her afternoon plans. She is ready and willing to do whatever task is asked of her; a true asset to GPCC.
Gretchen truly lives out all facets of the GPCC graduate profile: Godly in character, collaborative, creative and critical thinker, socially engaged and life long learner.
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
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Firewood for Sale
Call Brian for further information: 0404 478 341
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Free podiatry consultations for children
The University of Newcastle Podiatry Clinic at Wyong Hospital is offering children age 0-17 free lower limb assessments. Children will be assessed by final year students, supervised by a podiatrist. Children and their families can receive advice on footwear, flat feet, and normal development, and receive treatment of foot warts, foot and leg pain, walking problems, and night-time ‘growing pains’.
When: Monday afternoons from 10th March to 26th May 2024
To make a booking, or for more information, call 4394 7280
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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