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Social Media and the Internet
When I speak to families, one of the most common topics of conversation is how to manage internet and social media use within their household. Parents and carers often express that between gaming, browsing the web, social media, and the ever evolving number of apps, they feel overwhelmed, like they’re being hit by a tsunami they can’t keep up with.
Many parents and carers share that they feel alone and powerless when their children exclaim, “Everyone else is allowed to…”
I want to reassure you that you are not alone. Every parent and carer is trying to find the right balance and make the best decisions to keep their children safe.
As a College, one of the fastest growing areas where we support families is navigating social media conflicts, exposure to inappropriate content, and cyberbullying. These situations are often complicated because they happen in the grey area between school and home, making strong partnerships essential to navigate them successfully.
Through hard won and lost experience as both an educator and a dad of young adult kids, I’d like to share some recommendations with you.
Fight the big fights as early as possible
Setting clear, firm boundaries early on makes the journey smoother. It’s far easier to hold your ground than to try and reclaim it once it’s been given away. I encourage families to decide early and communicate clearly, things like:
- What age a child can get a phone
- When a child can access social media
- Screen time and gaming rules
Establishing these expectations early helps reduce pushback later.
Talk to your tribe and consider a common approach
Connect with other parents in your church, your child’s year group or among close family friends to see what they are doing. Chances are, they’re asking the same questions you are. Aligning on similar family guidelines can ease the sense of loneliness and give you a solid response to the inevitable “Everyone else gets to…”
Make the law your friend
Most social media platforms require users to be at least 13 years old and later this year in Australia, that minimum will rise to 16. Don’t allow your children to access social media before 13. If they are eager to connect with friends, child safe options like Messenger Kids can be a good compromise. Handing an 11 year old access to adult social media is like giving them a running chainsaw, it’s not a matter of if they’ll get hurt, but when.
Your children will thank you
As parents, we are entrusted by God to raise and guide our children in the way they should go.
Not long ago, my now adult children sat around our dinner table reflecting on their social media experiences. To my surprise, they thanked us for setting boundaries, and even suggested we could have been stricter.
I once surveyed a Year 9 class, asking what rules they would set for their future children. Every single student said they would enforce stricter rules than their own parents had. They knew the impact social media was having on them.
As a College, we remain committed to partnering with families to navigate these challenges in a healthy, empowering way. You are not alone. I encourage you to keep fighting the good fight, for the sake of all our children.
Joel van Bentum
Principal
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Mrs Amanda Rutlidge | Head of Primary
Cross Country
National Young Leaders Day
Our Primary School Leaders will attend The National Young Leaders Day Conference at Darling Harbour on Tuesday. This event is a valuable opportunity for students to hear from a range of inspirational speakers who will share their life experiences and leadership journeys.Wakakirri
The Wakakirri rehearsals are in full swing with Mrs McKeown’s vision and experience. Stay tuned for more information about the Wakakirri page on Schoolbox
ICAS Assessments
Emily Lines will be coordinating ICAS assessments for students in Years 2-6 this year.
Parents can register their children for the tests using the special link and school code provided in the attachment below.
This year, we’re offering ICAS competitions in:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Emily at emily.lines@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
Students Of The Week
Lennox W; KR, Indi H; KS,Oscar B; 1G, Archer G; 1PN,Ivy H; 1S, Graciela R; 2G,Lucas G; 2J, River W; 2K,Hayley W; 3M, Ava M; 3BM,James S; 4H, Jamie K; 4KM,Everly K; 4P, Madeleine T; 5B,Sam B; 5L, Flynn M; 5T,Isabella J; 6A, Sebastian J; 6B,Adam T; 6SM..
Pray First
Below is a plaque I have in my office.
I keep this plaque as a reminder to pray first. It is not easy to face the challenges of my day relying on my own strength. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, God is capable of doing immeasurably more than I could ever do, more than I could even ask or imagine.
If I want to have a meaningful relationship with someone, I need to spend time with them, talking, sharing, and listening. The same is true for our relationship with God. Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can spend time with Him and deepen that connection. It’s not just about asking for things but acknowledging who He is, aligning our hearts with His, seeking His guidance, and listening for His voice.
This week, we held our Prayer at the Post event, where we came together to pray for our students, our school, our local churches, and our entire community. We asked God to be with us, to guide us, and to entrust GPCC to His care and purpose. It was a powerful reminder that prayer is not only a personal practice but a communal one, something that strengthens the bonds of our school and brings us closer to one another and msot importantly, to God.
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 below.
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.
Mr Stuart McSwan | K - 6 Sport Co-ordinator
Cross Country Take 2
Thank you to all the parent helpers, teachers, Year 6 House Captains and students for helping make the cross-country carnival run smoothly this morning. Stay tuned for a report in next weeks' Messenger. Age Champions and 2nd, 3rd and 4th place getters will receive an award during an upcoming Chapel time (TBC).
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Dates for your Calendar
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 |
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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. Students 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 |
| Thursday 5 June |
CSSA Primary State Gymnastics Levels Only (select students) All competitors are required to have an accredited gymnastics coach from their club attend on the day- Nominations close Thursday 22 May. Note: All competitors must be insured and registered with a Gymnastics NSW affiliated club.The CSSA StateGymnastics Competition is run following the te students competin |
| Wednesday 18 June |
CIS Primary Rugby Union Trials #1 (select students) Year 6 in Canberra. Nominations close Wednesday 12 June |
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
NSW Junior State Athletics Triple Long Jump Champion
Jesse claimed an impressive victory in the Men's 17’s Triple Jump with a personal best of 14.30m, winning by an outstanding 54cm.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Jesse continues to shine academically, balancing his senior studies, including Mathematics Extension 2, with intense training. He has also progressed to jumping from the 13m starting board, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to improvement.
Jesse will continue competing in both the 110m hurdles and triple jump throughout the year, and we can’t wait to see what he achieves next. Well done Jesse.
Please find below the calendar for Secondary School Sport for Term 1.
| Date | Event | Location |
| 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
First Class 24 is an exhibition showcasing the top HSC artworks from our region. It is a highly respected event that celebrates the voices of young adults, providing a platform that recognises, honours, and encourages their creative expression. Three students from the GPCC HSC class of 2024 have had their Visual Arts bodies of work selected for this exhibition. Congratulations, Kaylah, Austin and Scarlett.
The exhibition at the Museum of Art and Culture at Lake Macquarie runs until April 6th, and entry is free. We highly encourage you to visit and experience the creativity of our young artists. It is truly worth seeing. First Class 24
Our choir has been working hard and will be performing for the first time in 2025 at Primary 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 Practice Details
Where: CAPA Theatre
When: Wednesday 26th March, 7:45am start
Who: All students
The music tuition program has started strong in 2025, with students participating in private lessons for Brass, Woodwind, Piano, Drums, Guitar, Bass and Vocals. The Junior and Senior Bands have also had a great start and have some upcoming events listed below:
- Wed Wk 11 - 7:30am. Junior Band. Open rehearsal for parents to attend.
- Wed Wk 11 - Senior Band will perform in Wk 11 chapel.
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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Parking
A friendly reminder about parking arrangements for drop-off and pick-up:
- Gate 1 and Gate 3 provide access to the Kiss and Drop zones and P1, P3, and P4 parking areas: these are the designated areas for College families.
- Gate 2 and P2 parking spaces are reserved exclusively for Green Point Baptist Church and Little Coasties staff and visitors.
To ensure the safety of our children, staff, and visitors — and to maintain smooth traffic flow — we kindly ask that College families avoid parking or stopping in these restricted areas.
Staff will be monitoring the P2 area to guide parents and carers to the correct zones if needed.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to keep drop-offs and pick-ups safe and efficient for everyone.
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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Jill McKay has been nominated for going above and beyond in her support of our Prefects. Jill generously gave her time to drive the College Captains to Canberra for a five day student leaders conference, including the weekend.
Not only did Jill ensure the students traveled safely to and from the event, but she also took them to various sites during their free time, providing exceptional care and support throughout the trip.
Jill’s willingness to give up her own time provided the students with an opportunity that significantly impacted their lives through the time they spent interacting with each other, other school leaders, the teaching and encouragement they received and the positive experiences they had.
Tjudibaring AECG Community Yarn Up
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families are invited to a family catch up at Sun Valley park, Wednesday 2 April at 4.30pm. Please RSVP with numbers to Nicole van Wyk nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au by Friday 28 March for catering purposes. It will be lovely way to meet other families in the Tjudibaring community which incorporates 20 Primary and Secondary schools.
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.
Cash will no longer be accepted as of 1 June 2025.
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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