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Mr Joel van Bentum | Principal
Willing
The human will is defined as “the faculty by which a person decides on and initiates action". It’s a concept that can be difficult to grasp, as it explores the complex and sometimes murky reasons behind why we, as humans, act.
Our human will can be a very powerful thing, it is often the difference between something being achieved or not. It speaks to motivation, reason, and value. Yet it is also something we don’t always take time to consider or understand.
Within a biblical anthropology (the study of human beings), the heart is at the centre of our being, and the will is a part of this, along with the mind, the conscience, and the passions. It is these four faculties working together, and their orientation, that shape who we are and who we are becoming.
The will, then, is our God-given capacity to choose and determine how we will act. Another way to say this is that we are volitional beings, we do things because we choose to, not because we are forced. We have the capacity to make choices, decisions, and take action.
As decision-making, action-taking beings of will, it is the orientation of those decisions and actions that becomes important.
The Bible tells the story of a God who has a will and brings things into being through His action. He also calls and invites His people to align their will with His. We, as humans, are most fully alive when our hearts and our will are aligned with His.
At Green Point Christian College, we seek to educate and form the whole of our students’ hearts, their minds, conscience, will, and passions. We aim to orient this formation toward the wisdom of God’s will.
As part of this, we are currently exploring what it means to be a willing participant in the learning process and to willingly engage with the world of which we are a part. These can be deep and rich conversations with students as we seek to understand our hearts and shape them in ways that cultivate wisdom and equip them for life.
Learning to Think Long-Term
“Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” – Genesis 25:32
In Genesis 25, we encounter the memorable story of Esau and Jacob. Esau, the elder brother, returns from the fields utterly famished. His brother Jacob, cooking a pot of stew, seizes the opportunity and makes a bold offer: “Sell me your birthright.” In a moment of desperation and short-sightedness, Esau agrees, trading away his inheritance and future blessing for a single meal.
It’s easy to judge Esau for this impulsive decision. But if we’re honest, we can often see ourselves in his shoes. How often do we choose what feels good now over what is wise and beneficial in the long run?
We live in a culture of immediacy. This week, a friend and I were reminiscing about how, when we were growing up, we had to wait for our favourite television shows to air, one episode per week. Today, with streaming services and on-demand entertainment, that kind of waiting feels foreign to many of our students. In a world where instant access is the norm, it’s increasingly difficult to cultivate qualities like patience, discipline, and perseverance.
In assembly, we regularly talk about the importance of character. This reflection gives us all an opportunity to ask the deeper question: “Who am I becoming?” rather than simply “What do I want right now?” Whether it’s in learning, relationships, or choices outside the classroom, the ability to think long-term is foundational to growth and maturity.
Year 7 Camp
Year 7 had a fantastic time away together this week, building friendships, making memories, and enjoying new experiences. Be sure to check out our social media channels for a closer look at the fun, updates coming soon.
Year 8 and 10 Subject Information Evening
There is an upcoming information evening to be held in the MPC on Tuesday 10 June 2025. Subject displays will be available along with opportunities to talk with teachers about the content of various subjects. Students do not choose their subjects on this night but rather receive information about subjects, the HSC (for Year 10), and the process involved to nominate their subject preferences for next year.
Year 8 Students and Parents Session – 6pm
We will provide students and their parents with information about subject selection for Year 9 and 10.
Year 10 Students and Parents Session – 7:30pm
We will provide Year 10 students and their parents with information about subject selection for Year 11 and 12. Information will be provided about HSC and ATAR requirements and the process of nominating preferences for Year 11 subjects for next year.
A University of Newcastle speaker will talk to Year 10 at their Year Meeting on June 6th about subject selection with respect to possible further study after school. A University of Newcastle representative and a TAFE TVET representative will be present at the information night to answer questions.
Year 9 Boys Mission Trip
Twelve Year 9 Boys left this morning for a week long mission trip to our sister school Brewarrina Christian School, Brewarrina. Over the next week they will partner with Pastor Isaac in Brewarrina and Pastor Henry in Gulargambone by encouraging the local community with personal testimonies and a biblical skit.
Brewarrina is a remote town in north-western NSW, located approximately 630 km from GPCC, which is about a 10 to 11-hour journey by bus. Brewarrina's nearest major town is Bourke, about 95 km to the west of the township.
Our Y
Mrs Amanda Rutlidge | Head of Primary
Zones of Regulation
We are excited to announce the introduction of the Zones of Regulation program across the Primary School. This innovated approach to supporting our emotional wellbeing will help students develop self-regulation skills, develop a deeper understanding of their emotions and teach students that they can take control and manage their own emotions effectively.
Throughout the lessons, students were taught that there are four coloured zones to help identify emotions.
Blue Zone: Feeling sad, tired, or bored.By recognising these zones, students can use specific tools to regulate their emotions and behaviours. Some tools we discussed were; deep breathing, getting some fresh air, going for a walk and talking with a trusted adult.
We encourage parents to engage with their children about the Zones of Regulation program. Asking questions like “Which zones are you in right now?” or “What tools could you use to move towards the green zone?” as these will help your children become more aware of their emotions and learn effective self-regulation techniques. We look forward to working together to support your kids in developing lifelong emotional intelligence.
Learning ‘Muscles’
Over the course of the term, you will be hearing about our students using their 'Learning Muscles'. These are dispositions that we aim for our students at GPCC to develop as lifelong learners. At the moment, our focus in the primary school is exploring what it looks like to be a 'Willing learner'. Teachers have been helping our students consider ways that they can take ownership of their learning, set goals for themselves, take risks in their learning and view mistakes as opportunities to improve and grow. We’ve also been exploring the concept of 'Willingness' from a Biblical perspective during our Chapel services by considering what it means to be God’s willing people, ready to follow His calling.
Smart Watches
We are having some ongoing issues with students using their smart watches to contact a parent during school time. It is imperative that any communication to parents during school hours (e.g.child is feeling unwell) is via the College office or the child’s teacher. This ensures that our staff are aware of any issues that have arisen and can act promptly, therefore maintaining our duty of care. Unfortunately, if this issue continues, we will need to consider banning smart watches from school for those students who continue to use them inappropriately during school hours.
Students of the Week
Eddie B; KR, Enzo P; KS,Hugo W; 1G, Stella D; 1PN,Thomas C; 1S, Cooper D; 2G,Maison D; 2J, Hamish M; 2K,Harry M; 3M, Miikè H; 3BM,Chloe B; 4H, Eliana V; 4KM,Vivienne H; 4P, Meisha Y; 5B,Judah L; 5L, Ruby S; 5T,Poppy A; 6A, Zion F; 6B,Gabriel R; 6SM
Mr Stuart McSwan | K - 6 Sport Co-ordinator
CIS Primary Boys Rugby League Trial
Congratulations to Max F (Year 5) who travelled to Sydney on Monday to trial for the NSW CIS Primary under 12's Boys Rugby League team. A great effort from Max.
With over 160 children trying out for only 17 spots there was fierce competition.
Max played half back in his three trial matches and lead his team to 3 successful wins with some great defence and try assists.
Unfortunately, Max wasn’t successful in earning a spot on the team this year but is looking forward to trialling again next year.
Focus Schools NSW Mountain Biking
Well done Alex K (Year 4) who last week competed at the Focus Schools NSW MTB Series at Awaba. Alex finished 2nd overall in the 11yr Boys cross country event. An amazing effort.
2025 Cross Country Age Champions
| 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | 4th Place | |
| GIRLS | ||||
| 8-12yrs Girls MC | Chloe B | |||
| 8/9yrs Girls | Ivy H | Taimani O-H | Elsie F | Rita D |
| 10yrs Girls | Indy B | Ellanora M | Scarlett W | Scarlett Mc |
| 11yrs Girls | Amelie W | Samara W | Charlotte H | Saoirse C-D |
| 12yrs Girls | Lucy G | Emily C | Avalon R | Asher L |
| BOYS | ||||
| 8/9yrs Boys | Harry Th | Christian M | Max R | Ashton F |
| 10yrs Boys | Alex K | Aston P | Jamie K | Sam A-A |
| 11yrs Boys | Kade O-F | James C | Levi J | Max F |
| 12yrs Boys | Max F | Max L | Sidney V | Banjo T |
Dates for your Calendar
School Carnivals
| Date | Event | Location |
| 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 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 2 | |
| Monday - 16 May | CIS Primary Boys and Girls Golf trials - Nominations clsoe Tuesday 10 June |
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* Students must be a member of a registered Golf Club (AGU, WGA), Jack Newton Golf Foundaiton, any Junior Development Program and their handicap at the time of nomination does not exceed 32 in the case of boys and 44 in the case of girls. If the field is too large, players may be balloted based on handicap.
Parents will be required to enter the following extra information on your nomination form:
- Golf Club
- GOLF Link Number
- Handicap.
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| Wednesday 16 June | CIS Primary Boys and Girls Golf trials. Nominations close Tuesday 10 June. |
| Wednesday 18 June (NEW DATE) | CSSA Primary State Gymnastics Levels Only (select students). Yeear 6 in Canberra |
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*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
Secondary Cross Country
Our annual Cross Country will be held on Friday, 23 May, this is an exciting opportunity for students to challenge themselves, represent their House, and have some fun.
Due to the CSSA State Cross Country being held a week later (30 May) and entries closing Monday, 26 May, our event must go ahead rain, hail, or shine.
We’ve prepared a 1km track (not on grass), ensuring a safe course for all weather conditions. See below.
Event Details:- When: Friday, 23 May 2025
- Where: GPCC – see map below
- Time: Events begin at the end of Period 1 (9:50am) and conclude before lunch (1:20pm)
- What to wear/bring: Sports uniform, running shoes, and a drink bottle
Specific distances for each year/age group:
| Age | Distance |
| 17yrs and 18+ Girls | 4km |
| 17yrs and 18+ Boys | 6km |
| 16yrs Girls | 4km |
| 16yrs Boys | 6km |
| 15yrs Girls | 4km |
| 15yrs Boys | 4km |
| 14yrs Girls | 4km |
| 14yrs Boys | 4km |
| 13yrs Girls | 3km |
| 13Yrs Boys | 3km |
| 12yrs Girls (Secondary Only) | 3km |
| 12yrs Boys (Secondary Only) | 3km |
Students who would like to participate must sign up through the Extra-Curricular section in Student Café.
We look forward to a fantastic day of fitness, fun, and House spirit.
After a very early 4:15am start, four GPCC teams travelled to Tamworth for the HZCS Soccer Gala Day. Spirits were high (thanks to bus karaoke) and all teams gave their best on the field.
The Junior Boys won both round games and reached the semi-finals, narrowly losing to Wyong. Mr Read was proud of their performance and looks forward to their continued development.
The Junior Girls also made the semi-finals, going down in a tense penalty shootout. Miss Prater praised their growth and teamwork throughout Term 1 training.
The Senior Girls finished top of their group and showed great teamwork, falling short in the semi-final against Charlton. Miss Gough enjoyed every moment coaching them this season.
The Senior Boys went undefeated through the rounds and faced Carinya in a nail-biting Grand Final. After a 0-0 draw, the boys triumphed 7-6 in a dramatic penalty shootout, with Hunter M making three crucial saves. Mr Partridge was thrilled with the team's hard work and determination, on to State!
Dates for your Calendar
| Date | Event | Location |
| Wednesday 21st May | Central Coast Premiership City Cup U13s | Rogers Park Woy Woy |
| Wednesday 21st May | CCAFL Senior Boys and Girls Gala Day | TBC |
| Thursday 22nd May | HCZS Netball Gala Day | Netball Charlestown |
| Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd May | NSWAS Secondary Swimming & Diving Championships | TBC |
| Friday 23rd May | GPCC Secondary Cross Country Carniva | GPCC |
| Wednesday 28th May | Central Coast Premiership City Cup U15s | Carrington Street Oval |
| Friday 30th May | CSSA Secondary Cross Country | Sydney International Equestrian 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
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 Choir will be performing next week at Chapel, parents are welcome to attend the service starts at 2:30pm.
In week 10 the Choir will be performing for the NAIDOC service a new Indigenous Aboriginal song.
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
We encourage all students in the production to use the choreography videos on Schoolbox to revise regularly. An email has been sent home with the rehearsal schedule and student group lists, please ensure students are attending their allocated group practise. We look forward to continuing to create a beautiful story.
The Wizard of Oz School Musical
Mrs Nicole van Wyk and Mrs Judi Hurst | Teacher Librarians
Online Library Resources
Premier’s Reading Challenge
Term 2 Storytime
Preschool story time themes for Term 2 are below. Please register your interest with Nicole van Wyk: nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu See the flier for more information.
National Simultaneous Storytime - Wednesday 21 May
All students K-2 and YVCS are attending National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday 21 May, 12noon in the library. We will read "The Truck Cat" by Deborah Frenkel. Over two million people in schools, libraries and groups will read the story at the same time both in Australia and New Zealand. We will have some craft and games as well. Each year we look forward to this great initiative and the fun we have celebrating stories.
Scholastic Book Club- Issue 3
Issue 3 orders can now be placed online via the link below. Orders close Sunday 18 May.
English Texts returned
Secondary students and families. Please check at home for any overdue English texts. We will be charging families at the end of this term for any English texts that needs to be replaced for classroom use.
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Partners in Educaiton
Prayer at the Post
All are warmly invited to join us for Prayer at the Post on Tuesday, 27 May at 8:00am, meeting at the basketball courts.
All members of the GPCC community and the wider community are welcome as we come together to pray for our students, school, community, and country.
First Nations Observances
During the second half of Term 2 each year there are three significant events for all Australians. Sorry Day, Reconciliation and NAIDOC. They are not just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; these days are observances for everyone.
First Nations events open a conversation where all Australians can discuss our shared history, rich cultural experiences and find a way forward for a strong, inclusive Australia.
| Wednesday 28th May |
Sorry Day & Reconciliation presentation in Life‘Bridging now to Next’ |
7-12 | MPC 12.00pm LIFE |
| Wednesday 28th May |
Sorry Day & Reconciliation Assembly un by Year 6 service team. ‘Bridging now to Next’ |
K-6 | MPC 2.90pm Chapel |
| Tuesday 1st - Wednesday 3rd July |
Breawrrina Visitors: Urayne W, Lacey B, Belinda B, Maddy H. |
K-12 |
Cultural activities Bush Foods, Art & Dance. |
| Term 2, Week 10. Wednesday 2nd July |
NAIDOC Week "The next generation: Strngth, vision & legacy" |
K-12 |
2.2pm LIFBrewarrina Greetings. Presentation, Cultural Celebration, Community Engagement. 2.20pm |
Transport NSW and Busways
Transport NSW and Busways will visit GPCC the afternoon of Tuesday 3 June. The purpose of this visit is to ascertain whether sufficient transport is provided and to plan for the future needs of our school. Please see letter below.
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 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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This week’s Employee of the Week is Nathan from IT. Recognised for his outstanding care and support of a Year 12 student during a stressful moment. After the student lost a significant amount of holiday work on a major project, Nathan showed exceptional kindness and patience.
Despite a demanding week of his own, Nathan took the time, over an hour after school to work alongside the student, calmly troubleshooting and reassuring the student that all was not lost.
His willingness to put aside his own workload to care for one student’s needs speaks volumes about his character and commitment to student wellbeing. Nathan’s consistent positivity, helpfulness, and generous spirit have been especially appreciated in what has been a challenging week.
Thank you, Nathan, for going above and beyond.
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.
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.
Camp Australia
Booking for the Camp Australia Rocketeers Winter School Holiday Program will be open from Monday 19th May.
Early bookings are highly recommended, with a minimum of 13 bookings each day required for the program to proceed. Confirmation of the program going ahead will be made on 20 June.
Book via the Parent Portal or visit https://www.campaustralia.com.au/rocketeers.
Blood Donations
Got a bit of time next week? Time to give blood and change lives? 1 in 3 people in Terrigal will need blood, and they need people like you to give it. We’re rolling into town on 27 to 31 May. Don’t forget to pre-book your spot at Lifeblood.com.au, on our app or on 13 14 95.
.Green Point Community Notices
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Firewood for Sale
Call Brian for further information: 0404 478 341
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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.
One of the hopes behind this initiative is that it will be a blessing to our school community, offering connection, encouragement, and support to GPCC parents and carers in the early years of parenting.
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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