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Mr Joel van Bentum | Principal
Formation, Learning and Wellbeing
At Green Point Christian College, formation and learning are not seen as separate pursuits but as mutually reinforcing processes that together drive student wellbeing. For this reason, we view our Learning and Teaching Framework and our Formation and Wellbeing Framework as interconnected, supporting and influencing each other.
Formation (the shaping of character, identity, and purpose), creates the foundation for meaningful learning. When students are formed in wisdom, integrity, and a love for truth, they approach learning with curiosity, perseverance, and humility. At the same time, learning itself shapes formation. As students engage deeply with knowledge and wrestle with complex ideas, they develop the intellectual and moral virtues necessary for life. These virtues include the ability to navigate challenges, build meaningful relationships, and find fulfillment in the pursuit of truth.
The reciprocal relationship between formation and learning fosters a profound sense of wellbeing. Students who are formed in wisdom and actively engaged in deep learning experience greater purpose, resilience, and joy in their educational journey. Teachers play a crucial role in facilitating this process, creating learning environments that are both intellectually rich and personally and spiritually formative. Through inquiry-driven teaching and reflective engagement, teachers guide students to become not just knowledgeable, but whole and flourishing individuals. In this way, learning and formation work together to cultivate lasting wellbeing.
Partners in Education Evening
On Thursday, 3 April, we hosted our first Partners in Education evening, which was well attended, with around 70 parents joining us for the event.
Our theme focused on supporting students experiencing worry, anxiety, and overwhelm. Our Counselling Coordinator, Nikki Reid, shared a range of hands-on, practical skills that parents could use. We explored the functions of the left and right brain and the bottom-up brain development process, learning that development occurs from the bottom up and from right to left, influencing how young people process emotions.
We also discussed the crucial role adults play in helping children regulate their emotions through co-regulation, as well as strategies for supporting ourselves as we support our children.
Planning is already underway for our second Partners in Education evening in Term 2. We encourage you to keep an eye out for more details in the coming weeks. The purpose of these evenings is to support our families by sharing expertise on a range of important topics, providing parents with practical skills, and fostering a space for parents to connect and collaborate as we seek to love, support, and raise our children together.
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Mrs Amanda Rutlidge | Head of Primary
Mufti Day Fundraiser
We had a fun day on Friday wearing mufti clothes to school. Thank you for generously donating money towards our Sponsor Children.
Public Speaking Competition
This term, students from Years 1-6 have had the opportunity to participate in our inaugural GPCC Public Speaking Competition.
During Weeks 6-8, all students participated in public speaking skills workshops with their class teachers. Following these activities, students were given the opportunity to present a speech to their class and were judged on speech structure, content, eye contact, voice, body language and timing.
Class winners were chosen from each grade:
| 6A | Poppy A | 6SM | Elsie H | |
| 6B | Bella L | 5B | Amelie W | |
| 5L | Annabella C | 5T | Max F | |
| 4KM | Aston P | 4H | Ivy M | |
| 4P | Amelie P | 3BM | Libby B | |
| 3M | Elsie F | 2G | Macie A | |
| 2I | Taimani O-H | 2K | n/a | |
| 1G | Oliver C | 1PN | Ariella R | |
| 1S | Annabella C |
Finals for Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 were held this week. Congratulations to our winners and runners up, who spoke about Perseverance, Friendship and One thing I would change if I could.
| Stage 3 Winner: Max F | Runner Up: Poppy A |
| Stage 2 Winner: Elsie F | Runner Up: Ivy M |
| Stage 1 Winner: Ariella R | Runner Up: Taimani O-H |
Well done to all students who took a brave step and chose to participate in our competition this term.
There will be other public speaking opportunities for students later in the year.
Jackets
With cooler weather on its way, just a reminder that the soft-shell jacket needs to be worn with the formal uniform. Please make sure all items are labelled with your child’s name.
Bag Checks
As the term comes to a close, can you please check your child’s bag to make sure they haven’t accidentally taken home items belonging to other students in their class.
Students Of The Week
Archie G; KR, Jasper R; KS,Summer M; 1G, Gracie P; 1G,Isaac H; 1PN, Jake K; 1S,Hugo O; 2G, Kingston W; 2J,Imogen G; 2K, Bailey P; 3M,Paige C; 3BM, Jackson H; 4H,Phebe A; 4KM, Elle S; 4P,Levi J; 5B, Piper J; 5L,Saoirse C; 5T, Jeremiah C; 6A,Madelyn G; 6B, Chloe L; 6SM
As we come to the end of term, we are wrapping up our “Mental Fitness” topic at our assemblies.
This week, I spoke about a simple strategy to regulate negative emotions like fear and anxiety.
The strategy, coined by Dr. Daniel Siegel, is “Name it to Tame it”, and it is based on brain science. When we experience strong emotions, our brain’s emotional control center takes over, making it harder to think rationally. However, when we name what we’re feeling, such as “I’m feeling overwhelmed because of the test that is coming up”, or “I’m really frustrated right now”, we activate the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for reasoning and decision-making. This helps us calm down and respond more effectively. The opposite of doing this is to ignore the feelings and hope they go away, which is an ineffective way to deal with emotion.
Learning to recognise and name emotions builds self-awareness, which is a key skill for managing stress and building resilience. Instead of letting emotions control you, you will be able to take charge of them and make better decisions.
This week is Autism Awareness Week and at assembly Rachel in Yr 12 was able to share her own story of having Autism, including the challenges and advantages she experiences. This is the second year Rachel has done this and I am thankful for her initiative and courage. She has begun a great legacy of awareness that we will maintain when she graduates at the end of the year.
Mr Stuart McSwan | K - 6 Sport Co-ordinator
CIS Primary Swimming
Congratulations to our Junior Girls, Senior Girls and Junior Boys 4x50m Freestyle Relay teams who competed at the CIS Swimming Carnival in Sydney last Wednesday. This is a wonderful achievement for these teams to even qualify for this event and they did our College, HCZS Zone and CSSA proud.
| Junior Girls Team | Cleo M, Eliana VB, Bella L and Emily R |
| Junior Boys Team | Archer H, Moses P, Hugh H and Levi D |
| Senior Girls Team | Lucy G, Emily C, Taya K and Madelyn G |
| Hugh H, Cleo M and Moses P swam in individual events. |
Well done to all swimmers on a huge effort, and thank you to the parents for travelling to Sydney for this event. A special mention and thanks to Alex K who was unable to attend on the day but played a big part in the Junior Boys Relay qualification.
PS7’s Rugby Gala Day
Congratulations to the Senior Rugby Union Team who played at the recent PS7’s Gala Day at Ourimbah Oval. The boys had limited training time but did themselves proud by putting in some spirited performances in each game. Improvement was seen throughout the day with tough tackling, skilful running and ball movement.
Thank you Mr Sneyd for coaching the team and well done to the boys.
CSSA Duathlon/Triathlon
Last Friday we had some triathletes and duathletes compete at an event run by CSSA at the International Regatta Centre in Penrith. Mr Gibbins witnessed some excellent swimming, cycling and running performances from GPCC who went up against many CSSA schools from across NSW.
Results below:
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Alex K and Aston P (Year 4) came 2nd out of 63 teams in the 3/4 Boys Duathlon |
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Avalon R, Emily C and Amelie C came 8th out of 41 teams in the 5/6 Girls Triathlon |
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Rita D and Harry T competed as a mixed team and came 33rd out of 63 teams in the Boys division 3/4 Duathlon |
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Amelie W, Savannah G and Mikayla Mc came 30th out of 41 teams in the 5/6 Girls Triathlon |
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Josiah R, James N and Jake B came 40th out of 74 teams in the 5/6 Boys Triathlon |
Primary Athletics Carnival Friday 2nd May
We are looking forward to our Primary Athletics Carnival on Friday 2nd May at Mingara. Please refer to Parent Lounge shortly for more details.
During PE lessons over the last few weeks we have been practicing skills for shot put, discus, sprinting and long jump.
I require many parent helpers for the day so if you can assist then please let me know.
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Dates for your Calendar
School Carnivals
| Date | Event | Location |
| 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 | ||
| 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 - 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 |
| Wednesday 18 June (NEW DATE) |
CSSA Primary State Gymnastics Levels Only (select students). Year 6 in Canberra All competitors are required to have an accredited gymnastics coach from their club attend on the day- Nominations close WEDNESDAY 4 JUNE Note: All competitors must be insured and registered with a Gymnastics NSW affiliated club. The CSSA State Gymnastics Competition is run following the NSW Gymnastics rules and guidelines. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate students competing under different gymnastic affiliations ie. Recreational Gymnastics Australia (RGA). |
| Wednesday 18 June |
CIS Primary Rugby Union Trials #1 (select students). Nominations close Wednesday 12 June. Year 6 in Canberra |
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
Under 15 Girls Soccer Team - Bill Turner Trophy Match
While the final score did not go our way, our players demonstrated exceptional teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill throughout the match. Their dedication and resilience were evident, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts and growth.
Congratulations to all involved on a commendable performance.
CSSA HZSA & CASA Secondary schools Triathlon
Congratulations to our Triathletes who competed in the CSSA HZSA & CASA Secondary Schools Triathlon on Friday at International Regatta Centre Penrith.
Our team of 7 completed in the individual and relay races.
Individual Results were:
| Caleb N (Year 12) | 2nd: Senior Boys Individual |
| Ariella N (Year11) | 3rd: Intermediate Girls Individual |
| Jason P (Year 10) | 5th: Intermediate Boys Individual |
| Evie N (Year 7) | 13th: Junior Girls Individual |
| Xavier W (Year 8) | 20th: Junior boys Individual |
Dates for your Calendar
Please find below the calendar for Secondary School Sport for Term 1.
| Date | Event | Location |
| Monday 7th April | SASSA/CSSA Secondary 16&U Boys Rugby Union Trials | Kiama |
| Tuesday 8th April | Hunter Mixed Touch Football Challenge | Upper Reserve, Wallsend |
| Wednesday 9th April | Bill Turner Cup Game | St Edwards College |
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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
Primary Choir
Our Primary School Choir next performances are:
Term 1, Week 11 - Easter Service K-12
Term 2, Week 1 – Anzac Day Service
Term 2, Week 4 – Primary School Chapel Service (parents are welcome)
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
Wakakirri practises are well underway. Our over 100 strong team of performers are working hard and enjoying preparing an amazing story dance. Group listings can be found on schoolbox this week.
Music Tuition
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 Week 11 - 7:30am. Junior Band. Open rehearsal for parents to attend
- Wed Week 11 - Senior Band will perform in Week 11 chapel
Mrs Nicole van Wyk and Mrs Judi Hurst | Teacher Librarians
Secondary Easter Reading Competition
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Online Library Resources
Premier’s Reading Challenge
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 2
Issue 2 orders went home this week. Please email if you have any problems nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
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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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2026 TERM DATES
Please see link below for 2026 term dates
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Tony maintains a tireless diligence to teaching expertly. He consistently puts a strong effort into preparing his classwork and developing lessons that are inclusive and accessible to all students.
Tony makes a strong effort to build relationships and rapport with his students, which is evident in the students' excitement to come to his classes and interact with his lessons. He is also collaborative, working well integrating shared resources in Senior Business, bringing in a shared focus on writing and NESA Key Terms.
Tony also contributes to the broader school culture in volunteering to support extra-curricular activities such as Cricket coaching which further helps him extend his rapport and mentoring of students.
Tony is an excellent staff member to work alongside; he is continually living out the College's mission goals in his day-to-day teaching.
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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Lifeblood
Got a bit of time next month? Time to give blood and change lives? 1 in 3 people in Kincumber will need blood, and they need people like you to give it. We’re rolling into town on 21 to 22 April. Don’t forget to pre-book your spot at lifeblood.com.au, on our app or on 13 14 95.
Kincumber Mobile Blood Donor Centre
Monday 21 April 8 am to 2.15 pm
Tuesday 22 April 12.30 to 6.45 pm
Frost Reserve Car Park
134 Avoca Drive
Kincumber 2251
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Youth Fest Carnival at Oasis Youth Services
National Youth Week is in April School Holidays and we want to celebrate our young people!
We are bringing the CARNIVAL VIBES!
FREE Carnival Games - Bring your friends and see who will be the champ!
FREE Carnival Food - Fairy Floss, Popcorn, Hotdogs!
FREE Prizes - Showbags, Prizes, Giveaways!
Wednesday 23 April
1pm - 4pm
For ages 12 - 18 years
Oasis Youth Services - 15 Hely Street Wyong
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Dance and Sport Activities
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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