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Mr Joel van Bentum | Principal
One of our College's mission goals is to support families as the cornerstone of a flourishing society. We hold this goal because of our belief in Scripture and the understanding that the family is a structure God built into the fabric of Creation.
In Genesis 2, it says:
"That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."
This statement describes the creation of a new family unit. From the union of two people, a new family is formed.
The Bible also makes it clear that the family is responsible for the education and raising of children. In Deuteronomy 6:4-8, it says:
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
The concept of commandments in the Bible covers every part of life. This passage highlights the need for us, as adults and families, to be intentional in teaching our children how to live. Our children are always observing us, and they learn from what we say and do, whether we are intentional or not. If we are not deliberate in how we guide them, they are less likely to learn the values and lessons we hope to pass on.
Parenting well may be the most important and meaningful thing we ever do. The opportunity to love, raise, and shape another person is an extraordinary privilege. Sadly, the world we live in today presents many pressures and distractions that can make parenting more difficult. The pace of life, work commitments, comparison with others, broken relationships, and technology are just a few of the challenges we face. Parenting asks us to be thoughtful, calm, and intentional. Yet the world constantly pushes us to move quickly and chase the next thing.
Being a parent is a lifelong responsibility that comes with many joys and many challenges. As a College, we are committed to supporting families. We do this in a variety of ways as we work together in partnership. Over the coming weeks, we will share several ideas that may help build stronger relationships and support meaningful connections between home and school.
For now, I want to encourage you with this thought. Be kind to yourself. As a parent, I have made many mistakes over the years. Some of them were very difficult to face. In those moments, I needed to ask my children for forgiveness, which is not easy, and I also needed to learn how to forgive myself, which can be even more difficult. When I was able to do this, I saw God's grace at work in a profound way. So in the midst of the demands and pressures of everyday life, remember to show kindness to yourself. Your children will learn from that too.
Partners in Education Event
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Winter Uniform
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Students of the Week
Psychologist Angela Duckworth wanted to understand why some people thrive while others, equally talented, fall short. Studying high-achieving students, military cadets, athletes, and business leaders, Duckworth explored whether natural intelligence, social skills, or physical ability was the best predictor of achievement.
The surprising answer? None of the above.
Duckworth found that the single most powerful predictor of long-term success wasn’t IQ, wealth, or even talent, it was perseverance. She called it grit: the ability to work hard toward a goal, keep going when things get difficult, and maintain a sense of purpose over the long haul. We are focusing on perseverance in assembly this term, knowing the important role it can play in success in a range of areas during our students’ time at GPCC.
School is not always easy, but the things students are asked to do are rarely impossible. It is the students with perseverance who will overcome difficulties. Whether it’s tackling a tricky maths problem, learning a musical instrument, or improving in sport, the students who keep showing up, practising, and pushing through challenges are the ones who grow the most.
Angela would say, that for our students, this means:
- Effort counts more than talent — skills grow through consistent practice.
- Mistakes are not failures — they are essential stepping stones to improvement.
- Setbacks are temporary — persistence turns obstacles into opportunities.
As a school, we want to encourage every learner to embrace challenges, stick with them when they get tough, and take pride in the journey — not just the end result. Grit, as Duckworth’s work shows, is not fixed. It can be developed. And when it is, the possibilities for achievement are limitless.
Student Learning Interviews are an opportunity for Students and Parents to meet with their teachers. These will be held in the Library from 4:00pm until 8:00pm for all Secondary (Years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12) students and their parents/carers.
Tuesday 12 August 2025
Bookings have opened on Tuesday 22 July 2025 (during School Holidays) and close at 4:00pm on Monday 11 August 2025.
The easiest way to learn how to book your appointment is to watch the short video Booking Parent Teacher Interview once you have accessed your Parent Lounge account.
Careers Advisor: David Russell
Year 10, 11, 12 students and parents are invited to book an appointment with the Careers Advisor Mr David Russell who can provide information regarding careers and post school study. Please phone reception 4363 1266 or email office@gpcc.nsw.edu.au to book appointments.
Christian Ministry (Discovery)
Mrs Rebecca Gavin will be available during the afternoon. Parents and/or students are encouraged to meet with Mrs Gavin 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
Zone HCSZS Primary Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to our GPCC Primary Athletics Zone squad who competed at our HCSZS Athletics Carnival in Glendale on Tuesday.
We had some outstanding results throughout the day across both track and field events. The team can be very proud of their effort, they finished second overall with many students now qualifying for the CSSA State Carnival on Friday 22 August at Blacktown (squad TBC). I'd like to thank Mr Turner, Mr Schultz and Miss Leggett for accompanying the team and for expertly fulfilling their duties to help make the day run smoothly, and to the parents who transported children to and from the event.
A special mention to Ellanora M (Year 4) for breaking the Junior Girls Long Jump record which has been intact since 2009. Ellanora jumped a massive 3.67m.
The CSSA state team will be finalised over the next week with information sent home to parents shortly after.
Other notable results will be published next week.
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CIS Netball - Coffs Harbour
We will be praying from Grace G, Anabella V and Emily C (Year 6) who will be travelling to Coffs Harbour next week to represent CIS at this three day event for netball. This is a huge achievement and an amazing opportunity for the girls.
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GPCC Athletics Carnival Age Champions 2025
Congratulations to the following students for great results at our GPCC Primary Athletics Carnival last term.
| 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | |
| GIRLS | |||
| 8-12yrs Girls MC | Chloe B | ||
| 8yrs Girls | Zarja B | Taimani O-H | Armani P |
| 9yrs Girls | Ivy H | Rita D |
Paige C Ella K |
| 10yrs Girls | Ellanora M | Liza d K | Madeleine T |
| 11yrs Girls | Mikayla M | Amelie W | Samara W |
| 12yrs Girls | Emily C | Lucy G | Alice Mc |
| BOYS | |||
| 8yrs Boys |
Theo C |
Benjamin M Adam L |
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| 9yrs Boys | Cooper B |
Bailey P |
Harry T |
| 10yrs Boys | Alex K |
Archer H |
Jamie K |
| 11yrs Boys | James C (5L) |
Ryder G (5T) |
Kade O-H |
| 12yrs Boys | Nash P |
Max F |
Sebastian J |
Dates for your Calendar
For upcoming Carnival, Sporting dates and further information, click on the link below:
Sports Page..
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Mr Chris Harris | Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
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HCSZS Athletics Carnival
On Thursday, 7 August, 50 athletes from the Secondary School travelled to the Hunter Sports Centre in Glendale to compete in the HCSZS Athletics Carnival. Despite persistent rain and cold weather throughout the day, our students displayed resilience and commitment, competing to the best of their abilities and representing the school with pride.
At the time of writing, no official records have been confirmed, nor has the final competition table been released. We look forward to sharing these details in a future newsletter.
Congratulations, Crosby P. (Year 11)
We are incredibly proud to announce that Crosby P. (Year 11) has been selected to represent Australia as a member of the the 2025 Cadet Team at the Cadet Judo World Championships (U18) in Sofia, Bulgaria, later this August.
This prestigious event is the highest level at which Crosby can compete internationally in his age category, as defined by the Judo Australia Selection Policy. Notably, Crosby is the only athlete from New South Wales to be selected for the seven-member Australian Cadet World Championships Team in 2025, an exceptional achievement.
Crosby’s selection is the culmination of years of dedication, training, and consistent performance, with his success this year being particularly remarkable. Throughout 2025, Crosby has competed across the globe, travelling to Croatia, Germany, Peru, Hong Kong, Macau, as well as numerous states within Australia QLD, VIC, ACT, WA and now, soon, Bulgaria.
In his U18 (under 60kg) division, Crosby has won the ACT, NSW, and VIC International State Open Contests and claimed the title at the Australian National Championships. Internationally, he earned bronze medals in both Hong Kong and the Oceania Cup, placed 7th in the Pan American-Oceania Championships (Individual), and won silver in the Mixed Teams event.
Competing in the U21 division as well, Crosby achieved 3rd place at the ACT, NSW, and VIC International Opens, silver at the Australian National Championships, bronze in the Oceania Cup, and placed 7th in the Macau Asian Cup. He also recorded several impressive match wins in this older age category during other international tournaments.
We commend Crosby on reaching this incredible milestone, his first Judo World Championships, and we look forward to following his journey in Sofia and beyond. His hard work, resilience, and pursuit of excellence are an inspiration to us all.
Well done, Crosby.
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Dates for your Calendar
For upcoming Carnival, Sporting dates and further information, click on the link below:
Mrs Nicole van Wyk and Mrs Judi Hurst | Teacher Librarians
Scholastic Book Club - Issue 5
Issue 5 orders can now be placed online at LOGIN (scholastic.com.au)
Orders close on Sunday 10 August.
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Term 3 Storytime
Preschool story time themes for Term 3 is below. Please register your interest with Nicole van Wyk: nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu. See the flier for more information.
Book Week Competitions
- K-2: Colouring Competition
- 3-6: Book diorama (we have some photocopy boxes in the library). Recreate a scene from your favourite book
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Primary Book Week Information
Parents will be notified to accept this event in Parent Lounge and given more information over the next week. Our students dress up as a favourite book character for the day. The cost for Book Week BBQ lunch and fair is $5.00. This covers all lunch costs and activities for the afternoon. Gluten free and vegetarian lunch options are available. Food will be delivered to students in the Primary eating area. Activities include jumping castle, hair spray, face painting, cookie decorating, soccer shoot out, bocce, basketball machine, tattoos, lolly guess, chalk drawing and more. It is a great community day.
Parents are invited to the student parade at 11:45am and to stay for lunch and games during the afternoon. Allow plenty of time for parking. Parents and younger siblings are welcome to purchase a sausage and drink on the day after Primary students are seated.
Online Library Resources
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Staff Member of the Week - Sylvia Gallen
Sylvia Gallen is nominated for her outstanding contribution to the Secondary School musical 'The Wizard of Oz.' She worked tirelessly throughout the planning, rehearsal, and production stages, using her God-given talents to serve the students, staff, and the wider school community.
Sylvia brought her love of music to life in a practical and immersive way for the students. As Music Director for the production, her enthusiasm and passion for her craft were infectious, significantly enriching the experience for the students involved, as well as for those who attended the spectacular production.
Through her service to others, Sylvia demonstrates a Godly character, a commitment to lifelong learning, and active engagement with her community.
English Faculty Poster Design Competition - NOW OPEN!
Do you love to draw, design, or create art?
Do you want to use your creativity to promote something powerful?
The English faculty is running a Poster Design Competition open to all students in Years 7–10, and we want YOU to design a poster that encourages students around the school to enter the exciting writing competitions happening this term!
Your Mission:
Design a poster that advertises one or more of the current writing competitions at school. Your goal is to inspire your peers to get involved and enter!
Each year group has been assigned a poster for a specific writing competition (see competition links below).
You are to design a poster to be put around the school that promotes one of the following writing competitions:
- Year 7 - Entry Form: 2025 Hilarie Lindsay Short Story Competition
- Year 8 - Poem Forest
- Year 9 - Sisters in Crime Australia or Somerset Storyfest National Novella Writing Competition | Somerset Storyfest
- Year 10 - Competition - ABC Heywire or Somerset Storyfest National Poetry Prize | Somerset Storyfest
(please note, students may still enter different competitions to the one they have designed the poster for).
Key Dates:
- Your final poster submissions will be due by: Friday 8th August to your English teacher via email.
- Winners will be announced Monday 11th August
- Top entries will be displayed around the school and on our school website!
Good luck and happy creating!
EXITING GATE 4 AT THE AVOCA DRIVE ROUNDABOUT
A reminder that if exiting the College grounds via Gate 4 into the Avoca Drive roundabout that traffic can be flowing fast in the morning, or can be built up in the afternoon, with both scenarios meaning it can take some time to gain access onto Avoca Drive.
Therefore, for safety reasons we are encouraging those exiting and heading towards Kincumber to exit from the top exit (Gate 4). For those heading to Saratoga/Davistown or Green Point we recommend driving back down to the main entrance (Gate 3) to exit further down Avoca drive and not directly into the roundabout. As always, we encourage our families to be conscious of other drivers on the road and to show respect and courtesy whilst exiting the school property.
Please refer to College Map below.
WITHDRAWAL REMINDER
A reminder that as per Green Point Christian College's Enrolment Conditions, you must give 10 weeks’ term time notice in writing to the Registrar prior to withdrawal of your child. Without this notice, 10 weeks’ fees + GST will be charged for each student enrolment being withdrawn. This amount is a genuine pre-estimate by the College of the loss that it would suffer due to insufficient notice.
Please advise in writing via registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au if your child will be leaving GPCC.
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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Camp Australia
Ask an Astronaut - Live Q&A with Katherine Bennell-Pegg
A rare chance for kids to ask questions directly to Australia's very first homegrown astronaut. Big inspiration. Even bigger dreams.
How to Be a Connected Parent with Lael Stone
A warm, practical webinar with parent expert Lael Stone, helping parents build strong relationships with their kids - even during the tough moments.
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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