This week we focus on the role of the learner as set out in the GPCC Philosophy and Practice of Education. (GPCC PoEP)

We can describe a student as “… a person who is trying to gain knowledge or skill in something by studying, practicing or being taught.” (www.learnersdictionary.com)

Learners have a responsibility to learn and in doing so should not simply be a submissive receiver but an active participant in the process.

The GPCC graduate profile sets out our goals for each learner to strive towards, and these are centred around who they are as people much more than just the knowledge they may gain through learning. So, we expect each learner to commit themselves to learning for their own good, but also to equip themselves to live usefully and productively.

Good learning begins with submission to our first teachers – our parents. The Ten Commandments reminds us that obeying our parents sets us up for a good life. Schools work to support the role of parents so students should also submit to the authority of the school in their learning.

Students should seize opportunities for learning, whenever and wherever they present themselves – either at home or at school. They should also look to do this in co-operation with others, recognising that learning is not just an individual exercise but a communal one.

Jesus once told a story of three workers who were each given a different amount of money by their employer who then left them to do something with it. Two invested it and achieved a return, whereas one hid it and gave it back unchanged. The employer was delighted with the first two but very unhappy with the third, who had wasted the opportunity to use the money productively.

Each student has abilities and opportunities to learn and should use what they have productively, even if it is only a little; it shouldn’t be left idle. At GPCC we want our students to take their learning seriously and responsibly and do the best with what they have in ability and opportunity. If they do this, we can all be pleased with them.

This week we completed our Annual Report for 2019 as required by Government decree. Please follow this link to read it for yourselves. GPCC 2019 Annual Report.

As we complete this term, we look back at the impact of COVID-19 and stand amazed at what has happened in our school and our world. I am proud of the whole school community who have handled the crises so well. We know our students continued to learn and that their progress has not really been affected. Thank you parents, for trusting us and working with us through home learning and continuing to put your confidence in us. We appreciate it.

May this school holiday period give you all an opportunity to get away for a good break and enjoy the freedom our great country gives us. Remember to maintain good hygiene and return safely at the end.

Phillip Nash

Principal

Mrs Nicole Smith | Head of Primary

End of Term 2 2020

This certainly has been a challenging term and one very different from any other in my career. I would firstly like to congratulate our students, for their responsible attitude to learning both at school and during our period of home learning. I would also like to acknowledge and thank our teachers for the amazing effort they demonstrated in completely reinventing the method of delivery for lessons, yet still providing learning experiences that were engaging, robust and built opportunities for connectedness during a very disruptive season of education.

GRADUATE PROFILE

Collaboration

The best learning happens when children are engaged, motivated and actively involved. Collaboration encourages students to work together, with each member listening, participating and focused on a common goal. Some of the benefits of fostering collaboration in students includes:

Improved social skills

To work collaboratively, children need to communicate. They are invited to listen to and value the opinions of others, taking turns to respectfully contribute their ideas towards a common solution.

Learn from peers

Collaborative groups allow students to learn new things from one another, and to also understand different perspectives. We may have one solution and our peers can offer suggestions to enhance that solution.

Build trust

Working together towards a common goal and offering ideas and suggestions requires a foundation of trust. Students who work collaboratively, build trust and respect for the richness each brings to the group.

NAIDOC

This week our students are participating in several activities to recognise NAIDOC. As we reflect on our First Peoples as Australia’s first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first artists.

Australia has the world’s oldest oral stories. The First Peoples engraved the world’s first maps, made the earliest paintings of ceremony and invented unique technologies. We built and engineered structures - structures on Earth - predating well-known sites such as the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge. NAIDOC Week 2020 acknowledges and celebrates that our nation’s story did not begin with documented European contact whether in 1770 or 1606 - with the arrival of the Dutch on the western coast of the Cape York Peninsula.

Head of School Awards

Congratulations to the following students who achieved the Head of School Award for Week 9:

Bella H, KDL; Claire G, KP; Jeremiah C, 1G; Lucy O, 1PH; Daniel H, 2G; Sienna H 2J; Lachlan B, 3B; Allegra N, 3K; Elizabeth V, 4B; Myah K, 4M; Eadi R, 5D; Eli M, 5D Summer R, 5H; Madison O, 5P; Deegan G, 6D; Natalia R, 6M and Gabe B, 6T.

Congratulations to the following students who achieved the Head of School Award for Week 10:

Josiah R, KDL; Nixon C, KP; Savannah H, 1G; Zion F, 1PH; Bonnie W, 2G; Liam O, 2J; Hannah T, 3B; Jaxon H, 3K; Oliver L, 4B; Grace M, 4M; Brianna B, 5D; Lewis T, 5H; Brooke H, 5P; Roché D, 6D; Edith H, 6M and Graciela D, 6T.

Reports/Parent Teacher Interviews

Semester 1 reports for Primary School will be uploaded to the Parent portal in Week 1 of Term 3. Parents will be sent an email when they are available to view. Parent Teacher interviews for the Semester 1 reports will be held on Thursday 6 August. Please note the change of day. Interview timeslots will open for booking on Tuesday 28 July 2020 from 9:00am. Bookings can be made through the Parent Portal.

In an effort to give parents a more accurate indication of student achievement, learning, and areas for growth, we have reviewed the Primary reporting template. Reports will have listed a range of indicators for each of the key learning areas. Due to home learning, this semester there will not be an A-E grade allocated for subjects, however teachers will indicate effort and engagement, and comment on areas for growth and areas of strength for both English and Mathematics.

It is our hope that this new format gives you a clear and informative window into your child’s progress.

NEW Kiss and Drop and P3 Zone Parking

We anticipate the NEW Kiss and Drop will be open from the beginning of Term 3. More communication around the procedures of using the Kiss and Drop was emailed to parents last week. This week all K-2 families will receive a name card that needs to be placed in the left hand side of the windscreen as they approach the new Kiss and Drop Zone 3. This will assist us in calling the students for pick up. When you receive your name card, please put it in your car so that it is ready for use.

Secondary School Tour for Current GPCC Year 6 Parents/Carers

Parents and carers of our current GPCC Year 6 families are invited to attend a tour of Green Point Christian College Secondary School.

When: Tuesday 4 August 9:00am -10:15am commencing in the Staff Common Room (near the Canteen).

This will provide an opportunity for parents/carers to view the outstanding facilities and have a brief overview of Secondary school by our Executive team.

To RSVP please register here.

Please note, if your child is currently enrolled in Year 6 at GPCC you are not required to apply for Secondary School, however if your child will not be continuing at the College in 2021, would you kindly advise by email at your earliest convenience - registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.

SAVE THE DATE – “Reading Night” - Parent Workshop - 18 August 2020

Parent Workshop run by literacy consultant, Renea Watkins from the Association of Independent Schools (AIS). This informative night will walk you through the research behind the explicit method of reading instruction being used in the College and the importance of decoding. There will be first-hand information about the Big 5 components to reading, along with helpful information about how to assist your child in their reading journey. This is not a night to be missed – Parents of all grades are welcome. Registration will open Week 1 of Term 3.

School Banking

School banking is a great way for students to learn good habits of saving money, working toward a goal and the importance of planning. Students can earn rewards for their efforts while learning these important lifelong skills. School banking will begin again on Fridays, from week 1 in term three. Students can bring their bank books and deposits to the office on Friday mornings, then volunteer parents count and deposit the money at the bank. If you are interested in assisting with school banking, please contact the College office.

Extend - OOSH

Our Extend OOSH service is open. If you have a child in Primary School and would like to make use of this service, please contact Extend Before and After School Care support@extend.com.au or call 1300 366 437.

Library News

Story Time

Story Time is starting up again next term for our pre-schoolers. The themes are inlcuded on the flyer below. Please join us again for stories, craft and singing. All school families and 2021 Kindergarten students are welcome.

Book Week

Book Parade will be held on Friday 28 August, however it will look a little different this year. We are still dressing up but families will not be coming onsite. Instead, there will be a video made for the school community to view costumes and join in on the fun. Activities are free this year; students will not require any money on the day. A BBQ will still run, but all food and drinks will be pre-ordered with COVID safe serving to classrooms. Please look out for more information as we finalise making Book Week fun and safe for all.

NAIDOC

During Weeks 9 and 10 Primary students will have a NAIDOC lesson in the Library and complete an Indigenous themed craft. Our NAIDOC Assembly will be online on Wednesday 1 July. Mrs Smith has a wonderful activity planned for the Primary School to reflect and appreciate ATSI culture.

Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary

We have come to the end of the first half of the year. When we look at what has happened this term, we can see how God has blessed us through this whole time.

I wish to thank all of our community for how we have stuck together during a difficult time. It has been great to see our learning community grow and mature through adversity.

Have a safe and restful holiday. Year 12 stay focused and motivated to stay on top of your studies for the HSC.

Naidoc Week Celebrations

Week 10 is NAIDOC week. Events are planned for Monday, Wednesday and Friday during Devotion time.

Friday 3 July - 7-12 Mufti Day Fundraiser

This Friday will be a Mufti Day for a gold coin donation for Hands and Feet - a charity reaching out to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the area that the AIM Mission Trip will visit.

Years 8 and 10 Subject Selection Information Session (Online) - Tuesday 28 July 2020

A Subject Selection Information Session for Year 8 (Elective Subjects in Years 9 and 10) Year 10 (Senior Courses for Years 11 and 12) students and parents is planned to be held on Tuesday 28 July 2020 ( Week 1, Term 3).

We are looking at providing all information online as it is still unclear of our ability to run meetings at School for adults. More details will be provided in an email in the near future.

This will be an informative event for Year 8 and Year 10 students selecting subjects for next year, and for those thinking about options for future career pathways.

Year 10 Interviews Monday 10 August and Tuesday 11 August

In Week 3 on Monday 10 August and Tuesday 11 August, all Year 10 students will be undergoing an interview to discuss their future educational studies.

You will need to book an interview for you and your child (through the Parent Lounge on TASSWeb). (An email will be sent to all Year 10 parents next week with details of how to book the interviews). You will be assigned a teaching staff member who will conduct the interview process.

Further information regarding these interviews will be explained at the Year 10 Subject Selection Information Session (online) on Tuesday 28 July.

Parent/Teacher Night for Years 7 - 12

Our Parent/Teacher night for Years 7 to 12 will be held on 4 August (Week 2, Term 3). More details on how this will operate will be released soon.

Year 10 Vaccinations and Year 7 Catch Ups

Year 10 vaccinations for Meningococcal will be on Wednesday 5 August (Week 2, Term 3) and the information/permission packs will be sent home in Week 1 of Term 3, and need to be returned or brought on the day of the vaccinations and given to the nurses. There will also be any Year 7 vaccination catchups on this day.

Progressive Reporting

This year we have moved to Progressive Reporting where you will receive detailed feedback on your child's performance in each Assessment Task throughout the year.

The advantage of Progressive Reporting is guidance on a student's performance and how they can improve in each area of the task they undertake. This will give you a much clearer picture of your child's progress.

You will no longer receive a Half Yearly Report and at the end of the year you will receive a summative transcript of your child's academic year.

Please see instructions below for how to access the Parent Lounge Progressive reporting.

Access_to_Parent_Lounge_Progressive_Reporting.pdf

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Week 9 in Secondary School ...

Congratulations to Mrs Genevieve Nihill from our PDHPE Department who was presented with her Proficient Teacher Accreditation by our Principal, Mr Phillip Nash and Deputy Principal, Mrs Jane McLarty.

Year 7 Morning Tea with Mrs Rochford, Year 7 Advisor

Year 8 Technology Weaving

Year 8 Science build a model house as part of their Assessment Task in their unit in Science called “Sustainable Living”

Year 9 Paper Plane throwing competition during Devotions

Year 11 Biology Field Study excursion to Terrigal, Avoca and Macmasters Lagoons

This week’s Careers Newsletter has some information about an upcoming Apprenticeships Expo.

For more details, please see this week's Careers Newsletter or visit the "Student Careers" section on the GPCC College website.

Mr David David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)

Nathan Lambert | K-12 Sport Co-ordinator

SOAR LIKE AN EAGLE

Michael Edwards, better known as “Eddie the Eagle”, competed at the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988 in the 70m and 90m ski jumping events and finished dead last in both. However, it wasn’t the result that spurred him on, it was the dream and desire to not only represent his country, but also to just do what he loved.

Reaching for your dreams does not come easy. You have to work hard at it. Eddie grew up in a poor working class family in England and didn’t start skiing until he was a teen. After several years of training hard, he became an elite downhill racer and only just missed out on qualifying for Britain’s downhill racing team at the 1984 Winter Olympics.

Even though this was a setback, Eddie looked towards the 1988 Games and thought about qualifying as a ski jumper. He didn’t have any financial backing and with no ski jumps in Britain, Eddie worked hard to save some money before driving around Europe to train (using secondhand skis and boots that were so large that he needed six pairs of socks to make them fit).

To continue training he had to work odd jobs on the road to finance and compete across Europe. With a lack of money, sometimes he was forced to eat out of garbage cans and sleep in the car. His passion to compete and represent his country was so strong that even after he broke his jaw from a nasty fall in Italy, he tied up his jaw with a pillowcase and kept training. He was solely focused on jumping and would push himself to get there.

Despite the incredible odds against him, Eddie did finally make the Great Britain team for both the World Championships and 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. This was such an amazing achievement to accomplish and really demonstrates what you can accomplish if you put your mind to it.

Eddie competed in the 70m ski jumping event and although he jumped well, he finished last. Deciding to challenge himself further, he then decided to compete in the 90m event, one which he had not competed in before. Speeding down the slope, he soared into the air and jumped an impressive 71m. This placed him in last place again but he didn’t care; he was so excited to be competing at the Winter Olympics for his country.

“I have never considered myself a failure at all. I managed to qualify for the Olympic Games in Calgary. I went there and I did the best I could with what I had, which wasn’t very much. I knew I was going to come in last, as I’d only been doing it for two years and everyone else had been jumping for 20 years. But for me, getting there was my gold medal. I was a true amateur and embodied what the Olympic spirit is all about. Anyone who has a go is a success.” – Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards

Did Eddie fail because he didn’t medal? Not at all. As he said, “anyone who has a go is a success”. It’s not the medal or winning that’s important, it’s the effort you put in to get there in the first place.

The Olympic motto pretty much sums it all up:

“The important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight; the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well.”

NNSW Futsal Trials for Nationals

If your child is a keen soccer/futsal player and would be interested in trialling for a Central Coast team, please read the details below about upcoming trials and the chance to compete at the National Schools Futsal Championships.

NNSW Futsal will be back in operation under the guidance and regulations set down by our centres and government officials. They plan to invite any interested player to trial for a Central Coast Futsal Team.

If successful, this team would then compete at the National School Futsal Championships.

As usual, qualified NNSW Futsal coaches will be taking care of the teams.

The National Schools Futsal Championships start on Tuesday 29 September and run through to Friday 2 October. Held in Brisbane and with a Dreamworld presentation night, this is a great experience for all players. The cost is $500 per player to compete, which includes all registration, games, the player's Dreamworld entry, three training sessions and all the representative gear.

If you wish to participate, please complete the cognito form by Monday 29 June:https://www.cognitoforms.com/CentralCoastStrikers/CentralCoastStrikersSchoolsNationals2020Trials

For further information, please email ccsec@nnswfutsal.com.au

Trial times will be posted on their Facebook Page and emailed to those that have expressed interest. Trials will be held at either the Central Coast Adventist School or Niagara Park Stadium.

Dates for trials are:

Sunday 5 July - all boys
Wednesday 8 July - all girls

GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church

Our vision is “Equipped for Life”

TEACHERS AIDE (SECONDARY) – 1.0 FTE (5 days per week)

Temporary Full Time Terms 3 and 4 2020

Applications are invited for a suitably qualified and experienced Teachers Aide to work in the Secondary Learning Support area of the College, to commence immediately.

Required: Certificate III in Education Support.

Advantage: Rapport with Secondary School students, experience with a wide range of support needs and methods.

The successful applicant must be a committed Christian and be prepared to work under the ethos of our College. Full Job Description, Prospectus and Application Form are available on the website www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au

Applications must be received via the College website by completing the General Staff Application Form (https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/work-with-us/employment-information).

Applications close on Friday 3 July 2020.

Term 3 Open Day and Tour

Thursday 13 August 10:00am - Lunch

Open Day is an excellent opportunity to hear from our Principal, Mr Phillip Nash, to meet our Heads of School and other teaching staff, and to be hosted by our students as they lead tours of the College.

Please register via our online form to assist with numbers for catering and space requirements.

Registration for Open Day Thursday 13 August 2020

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop has recommenced normal trading hours, however closing on Friday 26 June 2020 to allow for a system upgrade and re-opening on 6 July 2020 (Week 1, Term 3)

Earlier Shop Closure due to Alinta System Upgrade

Shop_Closure_System_Update.pdf

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Canteen

NOW AVAILABLE at The Munchery

$2 HOT MILO before school and at recess.

Be sure to check out the daily lunch specials on Munch Monitor – including NACHOS on Tasty Tuesday.

The Munchery (Canteen) has now resumed full time operating hours.

Parent Lounge Details

The College has a legal requirement to keep our records up to date.

Please review your details on Parent Lounge to ensure that all your information is correct. This includes medical information on your child/children (only complete the immunisation question if your child is not immunised).

Please note: Should you require both parents/carers to receive SMS notifications, please tick the appropriate boxes.

Thank you.

Green Point Trader

Umina Beach PCYC July Holiday Programs: 12:00pm - 3:00pm for ages 5 - 12 years - $25 per session. For more information and bookings call today on 4344 7851. Monday 6 July to Friday 10 July and Monday 13 July to Friday 17 July. Enrol for three or more days and you can use your creative kids voucher.

If you would like to place an advertisement in the Green Point Trader, please email details to Marie Hay at newsletter@gpcc.nsw.edu.au

Green Point Baptist Church

In light of the current COVID-19 crisis, Green Point Baptist Church has suspended all regular Church activities and has encouraged any Church member who is not in a high risk category to find ways to serve the vulnerable in their community. If you are in need of assistance, please contact the Church office on 4369 1585 or office@gpbc.net.au

GPBC has moved their services online:

SERVICE TIMES

Sundays

9:30am

6:00pm

Sunday Service

Green Point Baptist Church invite you and your family to join the Sunday service LIVE on Facebook at 9:30am every Sunday.

https://www.facebook.com/greenpointbaps/

Thrive

Thrive is on hold for now, but kids can join via Zoom from home each week during the school term. Join the “Thrive Green Point 2020” facebook group for information.

Over the past few weeks, Green Point Baptist Church has been partnering with Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre to help those who are doing it tough in our neighbourhood as a result of Coronavirus. The One + 1 Food Aid Project is based on a simple idea - when you are out shopping, buy a few extra items each week and build up a food hamper that can be passed onto a family who really needs it.

We would love for you to get involved with us in this project.

Each Wednesday morning, Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre runs its Food Pantry Program. For a gold coin donation, recipients are given two generous bags of groceries, often supplemented with a loaf of fresh bread, various fruit and vegetables, even eggs sometimes. In the half hour before the food program begins, a line of 10 people quickly grows to 60 people or even more, stretching the entire the length of the carpark. Leanne who heads up the program, says that over the past weeks the number of people seeking food aid has been growing.

When you look at the line, there is mix of older and younger people but they are mostly women. They wait quietly and patiently. When the volunteers begin serving people, they do so with generosity, dignity and kindness. Without exception, every person they speak to brightens and some even manages a smile when they realise they would not be judged. Every time we deliver food hampers, Leanne and Collette from KNC speak about the quality and thoughtfulness of the grocery items that are given and how it gives them options and helps them to respond to particular needs.

Remember, once you have completed a food hamper, items can be dropped off at the kitchen in the Church office between 9:00am and 12:00pm, Tuesday to Friday or the College office if it needs to be earlier. For more information, feel free to call the Church office on 43691585.