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This term in Primary Chapel, our theme has been hope, and I’ve had the privilege of sharing with students about trust, help, and hope. This week, I was especially blessed to speak at the Chapel service, a true highlight of my role, and to worship alongside our primary students in this special time together.
Hope is a word that carries multiple layers of meaning. It is often defined as a feeling of expectation and a desire for a particular outcome. For example, as a PE teacher and a sports enthusiast, I hope that in 2025, the Parramatta Eels will win the NRL premiership, Arsenal will take home the Premier League title, and the Sydney Swans will secure the AFL flag. While I would love to see these things happen, I probably shouldn’t have an expectation or complete trust that they will.
Beyond being a feeling of expectation and desire, a deeper meaning of hope is closely linked to trust. Hope can be both the expectation of something and the confidence that it will come to pass. It is this trust element that deepens and enriches hope, making it something truly special. However, putting our trust and hope in the wrong things can lead to disappointment (as my sports teams have certainly taught me over the years!). On the other hand, placing our hope and trust in the right things can strengthen and inspire us.
Here at Green Point Christian College, we strive to help students place their hope in something eternal and truly trustworthy. We encourage them to put their hope in our sovereign Creator God and His Son, Jesus. We do this because, as Paul shares in Colossians 1:
"The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
Jesus’ past actions on earth reveal His trustworthiness, and for that reason, He is so worthy, He is the one in whom we can place our hope. He is the only one in the universe who will never disappoint us.
I pray that all of us at Green Point Christian College will continue to place our hope ultimately in Jesus.
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Joel van Bentum
Principal
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Mental Fitness And The Power Of Dopamine
This term in assembly, I have been focusing on mental fitness. One of the key messages I’ve shared is that our emotions are influenced by chemicals in our brain. We have the power to engage in or avoid activities that affect these chemicals, meaning we can take control of our emotions. This week, I spoke about dopamine.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in motivation, which is especially important for students working toward academic and personal goals. It’s released when we experience something rewarding, such as completing a project, achieving a goal, or even studying for a test. For students, this chemical boost reinforces positive behaviours, helping them stay motivated and continue striving forward. Engaging in challenging activities, like learning new concepts or participating in extracurricular activities, triggers dopamine release, creating a sense of accomplishment that strengthens their efforts.
While dopamine is a powerful motivator, the way it’s triggered can significantly impact students’ mental health. In today’s digital world, "cheap dopamine" (quick, easy rewards) can shape student wellbeing. Social media, video games, and other digital distractions provide instant gratification, releasing dopamine with every like, comment, or notification. The creators of these platforms understand the power of dopamine and design their products to be highly engaging, even addictive.
Each day, students wake up with a certain amount of dopamine available in their brains, which is released as they accomplish tasks. However, if they start their day by scrolling through their phones, the dopamine hits from social media reduce their brain’s dopamine reserves, leaving less motivation for more meaningful and challenging activities, such as exercising or studying. The instant gratification of social media becomes more appealing, making it even harder to focus on important tasks.
Research shows that this cycle of seeking instant rewards can negatively affect attention spans, reduce motivation for academic work, and contribute to stress and anxiety. Students may find themselves easily distracted by their devices, struggling to engage in the deeper, more fulfilling experiences that come from personal growth and learning.
I encourage both parents and students to reflect on whether this is relevant to them by considering the following questions:
- Do I have goals, and do I feel motivated to work toward them?
- How long do I spend on my phone, and how quickly in the morning do I reach for it?
- Am I finding it difficult to focus on important tasks?
- Am I easily distracted by fun, easy activities like scrolling or gaming?
- What restrictions do I place on phone or gaming use?
- How could I adjust my habits to reduce my reliance on cheap dopamine?
By making small, intentional changes, students can develop healthier habits that support their long-term motivation, focus, and well-being.
Going Home Arrangements
If you need to pick up your child earlier or have made new arrangements, please notify the office no later than 2:50pm. This will allow our staff enough time to locate your child and ensure a smooth process. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
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Mrs Amanda Rutlidge | Head of Primary
Many students have already expressed interest in participating in our Public Speaking Competition this term. Teachers have been discussing the available topics with their classes, which include “Friendship,” “Perseverance,” and “One Thing I Would Change If I Could.” If you would like more information about the competition, please email your child’s teacher.
NAPLAN
From next Wednesday, NAPLAN testing will begin for Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. For some students, these tests can bring about feelings of worry or nervousness. Please reassure your child that NAPLAN is not something they need to stress about and that there is no pressure in sitting these tests. No special preparation is required, as class teachers have already been helping students become familiar with the test format.
While NAPLAN provides some insight into a child’s academic progress, it is only one part of a much bigger picture. The data is just as valuable for identifying cohort trends as it is for assessing individual student achievement.
Book Covering
Thank you to all our wonderful parent volunteers who have taken readers home to cover. We still have some more that need covering, so if you are able to help, please contact Michelle Molkentin via email at michelle.molkentin@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
Dogs OnSite
As previously mentioned, please DO NOT bring dogs onsite when dropping off or picking up your children. Many of our students have a fear of dogs, of all sizes, and their presence on school grounds can cause distress. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our school environment comfortable and safe for all students.
Going Home Arrangements
If you need to pick up your child earlier or have made new arrangements, please notify the office no later than 2:50pm. This will allow our staff enough time to locate your child and ensure a smooth process. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Students Of The Week
Judah P; KR, Bodhi H; KS, Elsa S; 1G, Julia S; 1PN, Asher G; 1S, Ezekiel F; 2G, Taimani O; 2J, Isla T; 2K, Brooklyn M; 3M, Cleo M; 3BM, Harper A; 4H, Tara J; 4KM, Ella R; 4P, Bodhi P; 5B, Bram N; 5L, Mikayla M; 5T, Evelyn P; 6A, Lisa J; 6B, Max F; 6SM.
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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
.HCZS Zone Swimming Carnival - Age Champions
Congratulations to the following students who finished as either an Age Champion or 2nd and 3rd place getters at the recent HCZS Zone Swimming Carnival:
| Taimani O-H |
3rd in the 8yr Girls |
| Hugh H |
3rd in the 8yr Boys |
| Cleo M |
1st in the 9yr Girls |
| Moses P |
1st in the 10yr Boys |
| Archer H |
3rd in the 10yr Boys |
| Taya K |
2nd in the 11yr Girls |
| Lucy G |
3rd in the 12yr Girls |
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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School Carnivals
| Date | Event | Location |
| TERM 1 | ||
| POSTPONED - TO BE ADVISED | 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 | ||
| 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 | CIS Primary Boys AFL Trials (select students) - Nominations close Monday - 31 March |
| Term 2 |
| Thursday - 1 May | CSSA Primary Girls Soccer Trials (select students) - Nominations close Thursday - 3 April |
| Friday - 9 May | CIS Primary Girls Rugby 7s Trials (select students) - Nominations close Friday - 2 May |
| Monday - 12 May | CIS Primary Rugby League Trials (select students) - Nominations close Monday - 5 May |
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
.Secondary Swimming Carnival
Last Thursday, GPCC hosted the annual swimming carnival at Mingara Aquatic Centre. A fantastic day was had by all with some great competition, including some fun novelty events. A high level of swimming was seen through the day with many records broken (see below with the age champion list). A strong team of 38 will attend the Zone Carnival next Wednesday at Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy. House points were awarded for each participant, volunteer and the novelty events and the winning house was the Vava'u Breakers again in 2025.
GPCC Swimming Age Champions 2025
| Age | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
| 12 Years Girls | Stella A | ||
| 12 Years Boys | Daniel S | ||
| 13 Years Girls | Sophie C | Phoebe N | Piper L |
| 13 Years Boys | Lachlan P | Justin H | Andrew S |
| 14 Years Girls | Alexandra H | Summer Q | Charlotte A |
| 14 Years Boys | Levi S | Luke L | Hamish G |
| 15 Years Girls | Isabelle R | Alyssa C | Lillian R |
| 15 Years Boys | Jason P | Zachary S | Jasper P |
| 16 Years Girls | Ciara W | Ariella N | Emily B |
| 16 Years Boys | Boaz R | Archie P | Soren B |
| 17 Years Girls | Rebecca H | Matilda L | |
| 17 Years Boys | Tyson S | Thomas G | Charlie M & Crosby P |
| 18 Years Girls | Olivia E | Olivia P | Millie P |
| 18 Years Boys | Caleb N | Zachary J | Clinton F |
Records for 2025:
| 14 | 50m Freestyle | M | Levi S | 28.77 |
| 18+ | 50m Freestyle | M | Caleb N | 26.32 |
| 13 | 50m Breaststroke | F | Sophie C | 36.80 |
| 14 | 50m Breaststroke | M | Levi S | 38.32 |
| 14 | 50m Butterfly | F | Alexandra H | 31.53 |
| 14 | 100m Freestyle | F | Alexandra H | 1.07.11 |
| 14 | 100m Freestyle | M | Levi S | 1.01.63 |
| HCZS Swimming Age Champions 2025 |
| Age | Name | Place |
| 13 Years Girls | Sophie C | 1st |
| 13 Years Boys | Lachlan P | 3rd |
| 14 Years Girls | Alexandra H | 1st |
| 14 Years Girls | Summer Q | 3rd |
| 14 Years Boys | Levi S | 1st |
| 14 Years Boys | Reef M | 2nd |
| 15 Years Girls | Isabelle R | 3rd |
| 15 Years Boys | Jason P | 1st |
| 16 Years Girls | Ciara W | 1st |
| 17 Years Girls | Rebecca H | 2nd |
| 17 Years Boys | Tyson S | 3rd |
| 18-21 Years Girls | Olivia P | 2nd |
| 18-21 Years Girls | Olivia E | 3rd |
| 18-21 Years Boys | Caleb N | 1st |
| 18-21 Years Boys | Zachary J | 3rd |
NEW HCZS RECORDS
| 12-14 | 4x50 Free Relay | M | GPCC | 1:58.91 |
| 12-14 | 4x50 Medley Relay | M | GPCC | 2:21.55 |
| Sophie Collison | ||||
| 13 | 50 Free | F | 30.68 | |
| 13 | Breaststroke | F | 36.78 | |
| Caleb Northey | ||||
| 18+ | 50 Free | M | 25.83 | |
| 18+ | 50 Back | M | 33.12 | |
| 18+ | 100 Free | M | 1:00.75 | |
| Alexandra Hall | ||||
| 14 | Fly | F | 30.65 | |
| 12-14 | 200 Free | F | 2:19.54 | |
| 14 | 100 Free | F | 1:03.53 | |
| Levi Sinclaire | ||||
| 12-14 | 200 Free | M | 2:11.99 | |
| 12-14 | 100 Free | M | 1:00.75 |
Dates for your Calendar
Please find below the calendar for Secondary School Sport for Term 1.
| Date | Event | Location |
| 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.
Any questions about college sporting teams, coaches, gala days, carnivals and trials can be directed to my email charris@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Makerspace - Design 'The House of the Future'
| Name | Class | Comment |
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Moses P Joel Mc |
4H | House on Venus with good energy features and interplanetary safety and transport ideas. |
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Liza DK Evie M Lilah E |
5B | Lovely design and good thought into energy use and savings. Nice access to natural light as well as looking inviting. |
| Josiah R | 5B | Great straight lines and good thought processes from a future architect. |
Premier’s Reading Challenge 2025
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 2
Issue 1 Scholastic orders were distributed this week. Issue 2 orders can now be placed online at LOGIN (scholastic.com.au) Orders close on Wednesday 26 March.
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Cherise has poured herself into preparing and launching the SPELD program in Primary. She has worked tirelessly day and night to prepare weekly instructional videos and resources for the staff. Cherise is passionate about the program and her love of learning and teaching has propelled the SPELD program forward across each grade. Cherise is to be highly commended for her commitment to our staff and students.
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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Tjudibaring AECG Meeting
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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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