Every now and then, a new television show or movie explodes into the public consciousness. In reality, what often occurs is that it explodes into our students' and children's consciousness, leaving adults wondering what all the fuss is about. 

Recently, this happened with a Netflix release called Adolescence a four-part series that follows a 13-year-old boy named Jamie, who, in the first moments of the first episode, we discover has committed a terrible act. The show then explores the 'why' behind this event.

The show is receiving incredible reviews for its script, acting, and cinematography. However, it deals with highly mature themes, including radicalization,misogyny, and incel culture. While these are important to engage with, they require a level of discernment and consideration. This is why the show has an MA15 rating.

When these kinds of viral shows, 13 Reasons Why and Squid Games being more recent examples, enter our culture, there is often pressure on younger teens to watch them and join in the hype. I encourage you, as parents, to be aware of these shows and make considered decisions about their value for your children.

Some helpful resources for parents in discerning and selecting shows for your family include Common Sense Media or Plugged In. These sites provide clear reviews of various forms of content to help families make informed and wise choices.

Regarding Adolescence, my encouragement is to take the rating seriously and discuss with your children why you are making this decision for them. If you choose to engage with the show alongside your older teen, I encourage you to watch it together so you can serve as a buffer and debrief any issues that arise. As parents, we play a vital role in helping our children understand what is normal and good, and what is abnormal and harmful.

I encourage all of us to be thoughtful, discerning, and wise in the media we engage with.

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Principal

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For more information on the Partners in Education event, please visit our website. gpcc.nsw.edu.au/partners

As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, the role of dopamine in mental fitness is crucial for motivation, focus, and goal setting. Since then, in Assembly I have discussed other important chemicals in our brain, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins, each contributing in their own way to our overall wellbeing. These chemicals, often referred to as "feel-good" hormones, have significant impacts on how we feel, think, and interact with others.

The level of these chemicals are activated in different ways. Oxytocin helps build trust and connection between people (and pets) and is activated by touch such as handshakes, high fives, playing with a dog, meaningful conversations, or working as part of a team. Serotonin plays a key role in regulating our mood and having balanced serotonin levels is linked to feelings of happiness. Physical activity, particularly outdoor exercise, helps stimulate serotonin production.

Endorphins are the body's natural painkillers, and they're responsible for the euphoric feelings we experience after exercise, laughter, or even eating certain foods. Engaging in physical activity is one of the best ways to release endorphins.

The literature around mental health in adolescents makes links to screens and online activities as a main contributing factor to wellbeing issues. The combination of less human connection, less physical activity and less time outside all reduce the production of these hormones. I ended last assembly by asking students to reflect on the types of activities they do in their free time and consider if they should make changes to their routines.

Cross Country Take 2

A wise man once said, “if you need it to rain then plan a carnival”. Never has this been more true than with our second attempt at running the Cross Country Carnival. After a week of sun, for it to rain during the carnival was hard to believe.

Despite the wet conditions, our students participating displayed great resilience and perseverance to complete either the 2km or 3km distance.

We had some very close finishes and great long-distance running was on display which also helped to create a positive atmosphere on the oval and basketball courts, as spectators could clearly see who was leading from start to finish.

Thank you to all the parent helpers, teachers, Year 6 House Captains and students for helping to make the cross-country carnival run smoothly.

Champions and 2nd, 3rd and 4th place getters will receive an award during an upcoming Chapel time (date to be advised).

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CIS Primary Swimming Carnival

On Wednesday, GPCC was well represented by 12 swimmers who swam at the CIS Primary Swimming Carnival, competing against other Independent Schools. The boys and girls gave it their all and enjoyed the experience. Thank you to the parents for driving students down for the morning. Results will be posted in next week's Messenger.

Dates for your Calendar

School Carnivals

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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.

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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Thursday: 8:00am - 10:30am

Friday: 8:00am - 10:30am 

Please click on the PDF flyer below for further information regarding Uniform fittings. 

The Munchery Canteen Operations and Menu

Please note: All bakery goods will now be supplied by Bakers Delight. 

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 Baptist Church

Services: 9:30am Worship Service, 6:00pm Service 

Services continue to be available online each week.