Mr Joel van Bentum | Principal   

Partnering - Boundaries and the Power of 'No'

At times, I am asked by families how they can support their children's education from home, and what are some good ways they can partner with the school. There are, of course, many ways that school and home can work together, and I thought I would share a few areas for families to consider as we continue to partner together.

In our current culture, there is an enormous focus on the autonomy of the individual. This is evident everywhere, from the fact that we now all have personal devices, to the need for individual accounts for things, to how we emphasise the idea of self (self-concept, self-esteem, self-actualisation). Now, this is not all bad. Acknowledging our individual personhood is important. However, if you have come from a different cultural background, such as Indigenous, Islander, or African culture, you may find this emphasis on the individual unusual. These more communal cultures emphasise the group over the individual. Rather than being defined by the group, we are defined by our role in the community.

The Bible holds these two concepts, the individual and the communal, in tension through the metaphor of the body. In 1 Corinthians, it says the body is made up of many parts, yet there is one body. And in Ephesians, it says that while there is diversity, there is unity in Christ. So, while we are all individual image-bearers and unique, we are also part of something greater than ourselves: a family, a church, a school, a community.

As parents, this can be a challenging concept to navigate, even within our own families, let alone within the broader community of the College.

Something that I often share with parents, which can really help develop balance in this space, is the importance of healthy boundaries. Now, the area of boundaries is multi-faceted, but for today, I want to focus on the power of saying "no" in creating and supporting healthy boundaries.

• No, provides structure and security for children, as predictable boundaries create a safe environment.
• No, cultivates resilience and realism, preparing children to face limits and teaching them to handle frustration.
• No, supports the development of self-discipline by teaching impulse control and the benefits of delayed gratification.
• No, builds empathy and encourages respect for boundaries, fostering emotional awareness of others.

One of the best ways you can partner with the College is by using the word "no" with your children and helping to foster healthy boundaries. This is one of the most powerful ways we can hold the tension of supporting our students as individuals, while also nurturing a College community working together toward the common goal of equipping students for a life of redemptive action.

Partners in Education Event

 To register visit our WEBSITE. 

Mr Stuart McSwan | K - 6 Sport Co-ordinator

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Primary Soccer Team - CSSA

GPCC Junior Soccer Team

Last Thursday the GPCC Junior soccer team travelled to Valentine Sports Park to compete in the CSSA State Soccer finals after qualifying through being Champions at HCSZS Zone Gala Day in Tamworth last term.

We knew the competition would be tough, but we managed to win our first game 9-0 against Cedars CC. In our second game we had a tougher mawtch up against Mt Annan. They were able to score a goal in the first half and after some regrouping at half time, the boys from GPCC scored a late and well deserved equaliser.

In Game 3 we played a physical game against Penrith where ultimately the boys' skill and teamwork saw them rise above any complacency and claim a 4-1 win which meant we finished the regular rounds undefeated and on top of our Pool.

In the semi we came up against Wyong who we had previously beaten at our Zone tournament but unfortunately this time we couldn't match them losing 1-Nil despite having the better of the chances and their goalkeepr pulling off one miraculous save in particular. Despite the loss, I could not be prouder of our team and the way they played and behaved throughout the day. A super effort to finish top of the pool.

Thank you to the parents for your support throughout the last two tournaments. Well done team.

Congratulations: Cooper B, Max T, Joseph D, Jacob H, Aston P, Sam AA, Jackson H, Mikey H, Patrick N, Adam L, & Jamie K.

Mr McSwan

GPCC Senior Soccer Team

The Stage 3 football team had an amazing day on the field, showing grit and determination as they battled through freezing cold and looming rain. 

Although they didn't make it to the finals, the team kept their spirits high and capped off the day with a friendly 15V15 match against a tough Wyong side. It was a great display of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.

Mr Brown

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HCSZS Primary Athletics Carnival Age Champions

Congratulations to the following students for placing in the top 3 for their age at the recent HCSZS Primary Athletics Carnival:

9yr Boys	3rd	Cooper B
12yr Boys	1st	Nash P
8-12 Girls Multiclass	1st	Chloe B
10yr Girls	2nd	Ellanora M
11yr Girls	2nd	Mikayla Mc
12yr Girls	3rd	Emily C

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GPCC Rugby Friendly vs Coast Christian

The Year 5 and 6 rugby team travelled to Coast Christian School, eager to take on their opponents on home turf. Coast came out firing, fuelled by strong crowd support, quickly crossing for three tries. The boys responded with determination, scoring twice just before half time to narrow the margin to a single try. Coast struck early again in the second half, adding two more tries to extend their lead, but Ryan and Oscar led a spirited fightback with powerful runs that resulted in two more tries. Despite their efforts, the elusive third try never came, and the boys went down by just one in a hard fought match.

Mr Sneyd

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Primary Netball Teams - CSSA

Senior Girls and Junior Girls Netball

Last Thursday the Junior and Senior girls GPCC Netball teams travelled to Penrith to compete in the CSSA Netball Gala Day. Both teams displayed outstanding sportsmanship, determination and teamwork as they played a huge 7 games. The girls represented the school well and should be proud of their efforts. Their commitment to training in Term 3 and 4 is so appreciated, especially their ability to juggle the weather, friendships and other responsibilities/practises during their weeks too. Thank you to both teams and congratulations on the wonderful netball played this year. A huge thank you to the parents for your support and encouragement throughout the day.

Years 5/6 Girls Netball

The Senior girls were placed in a particularly strong pool, setting the stage for a challenging but rewarding day. The girls started with intensity, playing back-to-back games and securing an impressive 5 out of 6 wins in their pool matches—their only loss coming in the final seconds by just one point. Their strong performance earned them a spot in the finals series, where they faced a familiar opponent, Belmont CC, in the Quarter Finals. Having edged out BCC by one point just weeks earlier in Tamworth, the girls knew it would be another tight contest. A slower start to our game after a lunch break saw BCC take the lead in the first half. The girls fought hard to win the second half, but after a challenging game (to the team that would go on to win the competition) and a tiring day, were knocked out, earning the girls a well deserved rest. Congratulations on such a successful netball series this year, you have been a joy to coach and I appreciate your commitment. I look forward to hearing all the wonderful netball successes you have within school and outside too.

Mrs Sirone

Year 3/4 Girls

The Junior girls also faced a tough pool draw and battled through each game with determination and resilience. They gave their all in every match, which paid off as they began to dominate their opponents later in the day, securing some impressive wins by margins of 15–20 points. Their strong performance earned them a spot in the Quarter Finals, where they played an excellent game against Mt Annan and advanced to the Semi Finals. After a long day of competition, the girls gave everything they had, but were narrowly defeated by Covenant CS, who went on to win the entire competition. The team should be incredibly proud of their effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the day.

Mrs Fordyce & Mrs Sirone

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CIS Netball Coffs Harbour

Earlier this week Anabella V, Grace G, and Emily C travelled to Coffs Harbour to represent CIS at a Netball tournament. The girls had a wonderful experience with CIS finishing 7th overall. What a great achievement by the girls to be selected for this representative team. Well done. We are very proud of you.

Dates for your Calendar

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Mr Chris Harris | Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator

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Central Coast Schools Netball Cup

On Friday 8 August, our Years 7/8 and Years 9/10 girls' netball teams competed in the Central Coast Schools Netball Cup at Adcock Park. Both teams played with determination and skill throughout the day, with the junior team finishing third in their pool and the senior team finishing second.

Both teams progressed to the Quarter Finals, where they faced strong opposition and bowed out after two hard-fought matches. The junior team impressed with their athleticism and consistently positive attitudes. The senior team, despite some last-minute player withdrawals that left them with just eight players, showed great adaptability by stepping into unfamiliar positions when needed. Their encouragement and support for one another was wonderful to witness and a credit to their team spirit. Thank you to our players Nylla P, Chelsea S, Ruth G, Piper L, Lily D, Penny L, Sibella M, Grace B, Rosie D, Charlotte A, Bronte M, Anna O, Abbey S, Emily B, Kate B, Bonnie H, Mia W and Kauai C. Thank you also to our umpires Isla J and Maya B, these gala days could not go ahead without your selfless commitment to umpiring.

HCSZS Athletics Carnival

Results from the HCSZS Athletics Carnival for 2025 are below

Age Champion Results

12yrs Boys	3rd	Caleb M
13yrs Boys	4th	Charlie R
14yrs Boys	2nd	Xavier B-M
15yrs Boys	2nd	Jason P
17yrs Boys	1st	Jesse M
13yrs Girls	4th	Lara B
14yrs Girls	2nd	Lily D
15yrs Girls	2nd	Bonnie H
18+yrs Girls	1st	Alyssa M

GPCC came third in the overall points scoring on the day behind Belmont CC and Midcoast CC:

		Points
1	Belmont Christian College	802
2	Midcoast Christian College	718.50
3	Green Point Christian College	713

Record Breakers on the day

13 Girls 1500m	5:16.86s	Lara B
15 Girls 800m	2:31.34s	Quinn L
15 Girls 400m	1:04.85s	Quinn L
18 Girls 100m	13.49s	Alyssa M
GPCC Junior Boys 4*100m Relay	51.71s	Noah W Xavier B-M Nate R Ulrich E

The team for CSSA state will be announced soon:

• CSSA Secondary State Athletics - Thursday 28 August SOPAC Homebush
• CIS Secondary Athletics Championships - Tuesday 23 September (Twilight) SOPAC Homebush

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Dates for your Calendar

For upcoming Carnival, Sporting dates and further information, click on the link below:

Sports Page.

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Mrs Nicole van Wyk and Mrs Judi Hurst | Teacher Librarians

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Book Week Competitions

Students are invited to join our Book Week competitions. All entries need to be returned by Monday 25 August.

• 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.

Students are reminded to please wear appropriate clothing – enclosed shoes, no mid-rift, no thin straps or short skirts/shorts.

We kindly ask that students refrain from wearing costumes related to witchcraft or violence, such as witches, wizards, or vampires, as these themes are not endorsed by the school.

Secondary Book Week Information

All Secondary students are encouraged to dress up and join in the fun for Book Week 2025 on Friday, 29 August.

Students are reminded to please wear appropriate clothing – enclosed shoes, no mid-rift, no thin straps or low necklines or short skirts/shorts.

We kindly ask that students refrain from wearing costumes related to witchcraft or violence, such as witches, wizards, or vampires, as these themes are not endorsed by the school.

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 flyer for more information.

 

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Online Library Resources

Students are encouraged to access the digital resources on the school portal to keep up reading.

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Staff Member of the Week - Troy Kastelan

Troy is a positive, encouraging, and faithful leader of the Secondary School Mathematics department. With over 25 years of dedicated service, he has led the department through multiple changes in syllabi and staffing with innovation, creativity, and steady guidance. 

This term, despite an already full-time workload, Troy has willingly taken on the additional responsibility of teaching a Year 12 class while a colleague is on long service leave. Troy consistently empowers his team to adopt differentiated teaching strategies, ensuring that the diverse needs of all students are met.

He also thoughtfully integrates a biblical perspective into the teaching of Mathematics, enriching both the academic and spiritual dimensions of the subject. His deep care for staff wellbeing is evident not only in is his daily interactions but also in his commitment to lifting them up in prayer.

Under his leadership, the Mathematics department has become a cohesive, inventive, and supportive team that finds joy and purpose in their work each day.

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.

2025 TERM DATES 

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

2026 Term Dates

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