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Bullying is a challenge faced by both schools and families. At Green Point Christian College, we are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where every student is treated with respect and feels valued, knowing they are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. As parents, you play a vital role in helping prevent and address bullying, fostering compassionate and responsible people.
What is Bullying?
Bullying goes beyond occasional conflicts or disagreements. It is intentional, repeated behavior meant to hurt, intimidate, or isolate someone. Bullying can take many forms:
- Physical — Hitting, pushing, or causing physical harm.
- Verbal — Name-calling, insults, or offensive remarks.
- Social — Spreading rumors, excluding others, or damaging reputations.
- Cyberbullying — Using social media, messages, or online platforms to harass, shame, or threaten.
Bullying involves a power imbalance where one child exerts control over another repeatedly and intentionally.
What Bullying is NOT
It is important to distinguish bullying from normal childhood interactions. Occasional disagreements, accidental exclusion, or a one-time mean remark do not necessarily constitute bullying. General conflict between peers, while sometimes hurtful, can provide an opportunity for children to develop conflict resolution skills.
Teachers at GPCC are highly skilled at recognising the difference between bullying and conflict and work very hard to support students on both sides of situations.
How Parents Can Help at Home- Encourage Open Communication
Create a home environment where your child feels safe discussing their experiences at school. Ask open-ended questions like, “Who did you spend time with today?” or “Has anything been worrying you?”. By fostering open dialogue, you increase the likelihood that your child will seek your guidance if they face bullying. - Teach Empathy and Assertiveness
Model the importance of treating others with kindness and standing up for themselves in a respectful way. Role-playing scenarios can be a useful tool. Teach them phrases like, “I don’t like that. Please stop.” or “That’s not kind. Let’s do something else.” Developing these skills builds their confidence and ability to respond to negative situations. - Monitor Online Activity and Social Interactions
With the rise of technology, cyberbullying has become a significant concern. Keep an open dialogue and keen eye on appropriate online behaviour and monitor your child’s social media use. Encourage digital responsibility by setting boundaries and reminding them that online actions have real-world consequences
A Shared Responsibility
In the coming weeks, a number of Year levels will focus on respectful relationships and bullying. However, combatting bullying is a shared partnership and responsibility between parents, educators, and students. If you suspect your child is involved in bullying as a victim or someone engaging in bullying behaviour, please contact us. Together, we can foster a school culture where every child feels safe and valued.
Thank you for your continued support in making our school a place of grace and respect.
Joel van Bentum
Principal
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Building Strong Partnerships for Student Success
We are currently in the midst of our first Student Learning Interviews for the year. Previously called “Parent Teacher Interviews.” We chose the name "Student Learning Interviews" to better reflect the focus of these discussions. The partnership between parents, teachers, and the school community plays a vital role in the academic and personal growth of each student.
Our shared goal is to provide your child with the best possible education, which can only be achieved through open communication and mutual support with parents. When parents and teachers work together, we create a unified approach to addressing each child’s needs, both inside and outside the classroom. Your involvement is essential. By staying engaged with your child’s progress, attending interviews, participating in school events, and fostering a positive learning environment at home, you send a clear message that your child's education is important.
Together, we can lay a strong foundation for your child’s future success and help them become Equipped for Life.
Years 7-12 Student Learning Interviews
These appointments are an opportunity for Students and Parents to meet with their teachers and are being held in the Library from 4:00pm until 8:00pm on the following dates:
Tuesday 25 March 2025 for Years 8, 10 and 12 students and their parents/carer only. All other secondary grades were hosted Tuesday 11 March 2025.
Bookings open now via Parent Lounge.
Bookings close at 4:00pm on the day prior to event (24 March).
The easiest way to learn how to book your appointment is to watch the short video once you have accessed your Parent Lounge account.
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Careers Advisor: David Russell
Year 11 students and parents are invited to book an appointment with the Careers Advisor Mr David Russell who can provide information regarding careers, University, TAFE and other tertiary Colleges. Please phone reception 4369 1266 or email office@gpcc.nsw.edu.au to book appointments, bookings open Tuesday 11th March 2025.
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Discovery/Christian Ministry Team
Mrs Rebecca Gavin and Mr Jordan Leonard will be available during the afternoon. They would like to encourage parents and/or students to come to chat with them if they have questions about the subject Discovery, Mission/Service Trips or other Christian Ministry. There is no need to book an appointment.
Mrs Amanda Rutlidge | Head of Primary
There have been many lunchboxes and food containers left in the playground recently. Many of these are not labelled with students' names, making it difficult to return them. Please ensure all lunchboxes and containers are clearly labelled with your child’s name. We also encourage you to speak with your children about taking responsibility for their belongings and ensuring they don’t leave items in the playground.
Wakakirri
It was exciting to have our first Wakakirri rehearsal this week. Throughout next term, we will be putting out calls for parent volunteers to assist with costumes and prop making. If you are interested in helping, please check the newsletter each week for updates on what is needing to be done.
Bus Travel and Opal Cards
Transport NSW requires all school students to tap on and off when travelling to and from school on public transport. If your child catches a bus or ferry, please remind them to have their Opal card ready to tap when boarding and alighting. Teachers will also be reminding students about this during class.
Library Borrowing
We have a fantastic collection of books to suit all interests at our GPCC library. Please remind your child to bring their library bag on their class’s borrowing day. If you are unsure which day this is, you can refer to the Class Welcome letters sent out earlier this term or check the Grade Pages on School Box.
Students Of The Week
Maggie B; KR, Alfie I; KS, Charlie P; 1G, Eden K; 1PN, Oliver B; 1S, Judy R; 2G, Juliet H; 2J, Koda T; 2K, Beatrix G; 3M, Ashton F; 3BM, Ruby P; 4H, Jacob H; 4KM, Artley S; 4P, Mossy P; 5B, Amelia H; 5L, Paige R; 5T, Henry H; 6A, Maeve H; 6B, Matthew D; 6SM
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Mr Stuart McSwan | K - 6 Sport Co-ordinator
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2025 GPCC Swimming Carnival Age Champions and Place Getters
Congratulations to the students below for an outstanding effort at our GPCC Primary Swimming Carnival.
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Age Champions Primary Swimming Carnival 2025
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1st Place |
2nd Place |
3rd Place |
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GIRLS |
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8yrs Girls |
Taimani O-H |
Zara K |
Mackenzie H |
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9yrs Girls |
Cleo M |
Emily H |
Rita D |
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10yrs Girls |
Emily R |
Eliana v B |
Madeleine T |
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11yrs Girls |
Taya K |
Amelie W |
Chloe L |
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12yrs Girls |
Lucy G |
Emily C |
Madelyn G |
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BOYS |
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8yrs Boys |
Hugh H |
Adam L |
Harry M |
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9yrs Boys |
Liam C |
Oscar G |
Jasper V |
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10yrs Boys |
Moses P |
Archer H |
Alex K |
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11yrs Boys |
Levi J |
Finn H |
Kyle M |
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12yrs Boys |
Ryan Y |
Sidney V |
Matthew D |
Winning House:
CSSA State Swimming Carnival
Last Thursday, GPCC was proudly represented by 14 talented swimmers at the CSSA State Swimming Carnival, held at the iconic Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre, a venue that famously hosted the swimming events during the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Competing in such a historic pool is an incredible experience, and perhaps some of these swimmers are future Olympians in the making.
Due to our strong performances GPCC has one of the largest contingents from CSSA attending the CIS carnival in two weeks.
Congratulations boys and girls on a wonderful evening of competitive swimming and thank you parents for transporting your child/ren to and from the event.
Age Champion/Place Getters
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Hugh H |
3rd in 8yr Boys |
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Cleo M |
3rd in 9yr Girls |
Notable results:
| Junior Boys Relay Team |
Moses P, Archer H, Hugh H, Alex K finished 4th overall |
| Junior Girls Relay Team |
Emily R, Cleo M, Eliana vB, Rita D finished 2nd overall |
| Senior Girls Relay Team |
Emily C, Lucy G, Taya K, Madelyn G finished 1st overall |
| Hugh H |
3rd overall in the 8yr Boys 50m Freestyle |
| Cleo M |
3rd overall in the 9yr Girls 50m Freestyle |
| Moses P |
3rd overall in the 10yr Boys 50m Freestyle |
GPCC Primary Cross Country
Last Friday we were unfortunately halted by the rain and had to postpone our Primary Cross Country Carnival.
The new date is Friday 21 March and it will be run on a 500m loop of the school oval and surrounding grassed areas.
Students have been shown the new course and this will again be revised before race day.
Runners are encouraged to bring a clearly marked water bottle (straw or squeezy version) to be used during the race as required.
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8/9yrs |
2km (4 laps) |
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10yrs |
2km (4 laps) |
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11yrs |
3km (6 laps) |
| 12/13yrs |
3km (6 laps) |
Races are scheduled to begin at approximately 10am with 12yrs running first followed by other ages.
Interschool Mountain Biking Competition
A huge congratulations to Ryan Y (Year 6), Joel Y (Year 4), and Ryder G (Year 5) for representing GPCC at the Boost Australia Interschool Mountain Biking Competition, held at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park. With over 1,000 students from 220 schools participating, it was an incredible achievement to compete in such a large, exciting, and adrenaline-filled event.
The boys took on multiple challenging races, including the Maxxis All Mountain, Fox Flow, RockShox Downhill, and Deity Pump Track, showcasing their impressive skills and determination.
Ryan performed consistently across the events, placing in the top 50 and earning an impressive 32nd place overall. Joel excelled with an outstanding performance, finishing in the top 20 for all his races and achieving an incredible 10th place overall.
We are so proud of all three boys for their effort, courage, and the way they represented GPCC. Well done, Ryan, Joel, and Ryder — you’ve inspired us all, and we can’t wait to see more students take on the challenge next year!
.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 coordinate a team of students to participate in their age group prior to contacting Mr McSwan.
Parents will also be required to transport their child and gear (bike) to and from the event.
Please let Mr McSwan know via email smcswan@gpcc.nsw.edu.au if you would like to enter a team, which event they will be competing in and which leg each competitor will be completing by Thursday 20 March.
Event date: Friday 28 March
More info can be found at https://cssa.nsw.edu.au/events/cssa-schools-triathlon/
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School Carnivals
| Date | Event | Location |
| TERM 1 | ||
| Friday - 21 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 |
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
.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 |
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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
Please find below the calendar for Secondary School Sport for Term 1.
| Date | Event | Location |
| 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
Welcome to the Creative and Performing Arts section of our newsletter. This space is dedicated to informing you of important updates, announcements, upcoming performances, band, music tutoring and celebrating the incredible talent and creativity of our students. Stay tuned to meet our amazing CAPA team.
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Our choir has been working hard and will be performing for the first time in 2025 at Junior School Chapel in Week 9, Wednesday 26 March. We warmly invite parents to attend chapel to watch their performance.
Practice Details
Where: CAPA Theatre
When: Tuesday mornings 8:00am – 8:30am
Who: Students in Grades 1-6
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Wakakirri 2025 - Great Stories Inspire Change
Practises for this year's production have commenced. The theme is 'Mind Over Matter - Tales of Inner Strength.'
We look forward to working with the students to present an inspiring, moving story. Next Wednesday 19 March, will be the last week to join as we have already had a large group enrol.
Practice Details
Where: CAPA Theatre
When: Wednesday 19 March, 7.45am start
Who: Grades 4-6
Secondary Easter Reading Competition
Secondary students who borrow seven books by April 7, will be entered into the draw to win an Easter bunny. We are encouraging Secondary student borrowing and reading in this delicious competition. Hop to it, get reading everyone!
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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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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Over the past two weeks, Chris has successfully organised and run both our school swimming carnival and athletics carnivals—back-to-back events that required an incredible amount of planning, coordination, and attention to detail. In addition to the making the carnival themselves happen, he also needed to staff buses, address parent queries and make last minute supervision decisions.
Chris works behind the scenes to ensure our students have the opportunity to participate in and enjoy sports throughout the whole year. He handles it all with professionalism and has a heart to serve students. His weekly contributions to the school assembly, where he speaks with enthusiasm and encouragement about upcoming sports events, also help keep the school community engaged and motivated.
Chris’s hard work is often behind the scenes, but the impact he makes on the school community is undeniable. His effort and energy are genuinely appreciated, and he is most certainly deserving of this recognition.
Partners In Education
Prayer at the Post
All in the school community are invited to join us on the basketball courts next Thursday 20 March, where we can commit 2025 to God. This is a great opportunity to witness to our wider community as we gather publicly to thank God for all that He has done, and to ask for his continued provision and protection over our school as we seek to bring glory to God in all we do. See you there.
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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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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