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Welcome to Term 3!
Recently the Government announced the results of a major curriculum review into the NSW school curriculum. As the world changes, it is important education systems keep up. We begin formally educating a child in preschool and after about 15 years of schooling, the world they enter is very different to what it was when they started. The curriculum that was in vogue when they started may no longer be helpful to them by the time they graduate.
Around the world, many educators are calling for major overhauls of curricular to take into account the very different world our students will enter in the coming years. At GPCC we welcome this review and want to ensure we are at the forefront of the changes that will be required as we move further into the 21st century. Many are calling for a paradigm shift in education away from the old ‘factory model’ of education (filling student’s heads with knowledge and pushing age cohorts through the machine whether they have learnt or not) to a more personalised and competency based approach (teaching students how to learn and equipping them with the competencies to keep on learning and applying new knowledge).
As part of our move towards this new approach, we have launched, with a trial group of nearly 30 teachers, a project to look at how we can blend the use of technology and the tried and tested "best practice" methods of good face to face teaching. This will see a change from a teacher dominated approach to learning, to a more student focused approach, where teacher and student collaborate on a more individualised learning pathway.
Blended learning is defined by us as "a collaboration between student and teacher involving the use of on-line and face to face and fieldwork. It incorporates elements of student control over place, time, pace and path, by which a student follows a more individualised learning process towards explicit formational outcomes."
Our trial group of teachers will begin to implement changes to the way learning is undertaken in classrooms now and as we settle on effective approaches at different levels and in different faculties, these will be more widely implemented. This is not an overnight transformation but a planned and careful experiment with new approaches to ensure we get it right. We will keep you well informed of the project as it goes along.
Educational changes are often foisted upon schools whether they are ready for them or not. I would rather GPCC was ahead of the game than playing catch-up. We are still required to implement the NSW curriculum and will continue to do so but in new and more student appropriate ways.
The home learning period in recent months, taught us that we can do things differently and so we want to capture the momentum of that crisis and use it to propel us toward a more effective future for our students. We look forward to your support on this exciting journey.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Mrs Nicole Smith | Head of Primary
Welcome Back to School
Is it always wonderful to welcome back students to the College and hear the sounds of laughter and squeals of delight as students see each other again after a significant break from school. I hope that you have all had a healthy, safe and happy holiday period with your family and friends.
COVID 19 Procedures
Our world continues to change and in response to this some restrictions will still remain in place throughout this term.
- Firstly we continue to ask parents to please say goodbye to students at the bottom of the hill and not enter the College campus unless you are going to the Uniform Shop.
- Primary will recommence our 10 minute outdoor Monday and Friday morning assemblies from Week 1, however we will not be gathering together in the MPC for Chapel this term. Classes who are rostered on for Chapel will be recording their Chapel items and classes will watch these in the Chapel time in their classroom. I have been delighted with the different, creative ways that our Year 6 Leaders have continued to lead our Chapel services and look forward to what is to come in the near future.
- Students will still be encouraged to wash their hands and sanitise as they enter classrooms and will be assisting in cleaning their own learning spaces throughout the day.
Semester One Reports
Semester 1 Reports for Primary School will be uploaded to the Parent Lounge this week. Parents will be sent an email when they are available to view.
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.
Parent / Teacher Interviews - Thursday 6 August
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 bookings on Tuesday 28 July 2020 from 9:00am. Bookings can be made through the Parent Portal. If you wish to make an additional appointment with your child’s Maths teacher you will need to contact the office to book this in.
GREEN POINTS!
Behaviour Management Approach
The promotion of prosocial behaviours is integral to promote wellbeing for students and the teaching team in the Primary School. Fostering positive behaviours is important for children to flourish, and to have a strong sense of identity and belonging. Personal choice is integral towards positive engagement and learning – building motivation, interest and commitment to persevere.
These positive choices promote self-regulation, self-discipline and achievement. Achievement, in turn contributes to student confidence and self-esteem, to take risks with learning and embrace challenge.
Behaviours we seek to promote originate from our GPCC Graduate profile. These are prosocial, based around developing relationship with God and others, with an outlook towards redemptive action in the wider community.
This term we are introducing an incremental motivation system through the Primary School. Students will collect “GREEN POINTS!” working towards different levels of achievement. Each incremental level will be attached to Parent Lounge notifications, to promote communication between home and school. As children progress through the levels of awards, these increase in prominence. You will hear more about our GREEN POINTS over the next few weeks.
NEW Kiss and Drop and P3 Zone Parking - RAIN CHECK
We anticipate the NEW kiss and drop will be open in the next two weeks. Communication around the procedures of using the Kiss and Drop has been emailed to parents and carers.
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 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 and numbers are limited – to register for this event see the website.
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 3. 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.
Head of School Awards
Congratulations to the following students who achieved the Head of School Award for Week 10, Term 2:
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.
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 this term for our pre-schoolers. The themes are included 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.
Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary
Welcome back to Term 3 and the start of Semester 2. Unfortunately, Covid-19 continues to affect our ability to undertake some of our normal activities and although this is challenging, our God is good and we are so blessed by Him.
We will be able to run Year Group meetings this term, but our bigger assemblies and Chapel will still need to be held online for the near future. Our other major activities such as the Trial Exams will be run as normal. Obviously, we will keep you informed if anything changes.
As we start this term, we will be walking in confidence that our God is in control. This is going to be a different but still rewarding term.
Please note the important activities that are listed for early this term:
Years 8 and 10 Subject Selection Information Session (Online) - Tuesday 28 July 2020
Part of the development of each student through Secondary School involves students taking greater responsibility for the subjects they undertake and choose. This helps to continue to enable students to become more independent as learners and helps to allow them to develop areas in which they have a particular interest, passion or talent.
At the beginning of Term 3 a Subject Selection Evening is normally held for Year 8 students heading into next year. This evening will not be held due to COVID-19 restrictions that are still in place, and as an alternative we will be providing the information normally given on that evening online on our website.
There will be presentations from our Principal, Mr Phillip Nash and the Head of Secondary, Mr Peter McLellan. Mr David Russell, our Curriculum Co-ordinator and Student Advisor will also be presenting information regarding the requirements and process of subject selection. Presentations will also be made by staff from each of the offered subject areas.
The method for choosing electives will continue as normal with students choosing their top four electives from which we will form lines of those subjects that will be running in 2021. Students will then choose their two electives choices from these two lines of electives for next year.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Chris Haines, Year 8 Advisor at chaines@gpcc.nsw.edu.au or 4363 1266.
An email will be sent to parents to advise when and how to access the information sessions online.
Years 7 -12 Parent/Teacher Interviews - Tuesday 4 August 2020
Online via MS Teams
On Tuesday 4 August 2020 (Week 2, Term 3) we will have Parent/Teacher Interviews for Years 7 -12 online via Microsoft Teams from 4.00pm to 8.30pm.
As with all Parent/Teacher Interviews, you will need to book interviews through the Parent Lounge.
Bookings will be open to parents for these interviews on Tuesday 28 July 2020 at 8:00am through the Parent Lounge portal of TASSWeb. You may access your Parent Lounge account with your family number previously supplied.
Bookings will close at 4:00pm on Monday 3 August 2020 and we will not be able to accept any further bookings after this time.
Your interview will be held on your child’s computer at the allotted time that you have booked, so you must have access to their computer. All interviews will run for 7 minutes.
On the Parent/Teacher Interview evening you will be invited to a meeting on Microsoft Teams by your child’s class subject teacher for the interview. You will need to use your child’s computer to join the meeting. It is highly recommended for your child to be in attendance.
If you are new to the College and have not used this booking facility before, please contact the office to obtain your family number.
If you have not already done so, you will need to set yourself a password by following the instructions.
The easiest way to learn how to book your appointments is to watch the short video once you have accessed your account, under “School Links” tab, and select “Help Videos”. Please take a few minutes to watch this video as it will make the process much easier for you.
As with all our interview processes, if you have difficulties or do not have access to the internet, please telephone the office 4363 1266 and we will assist you.
Year 10 Senior Courses Subject Selection Information
At the beginning of Term 3 Subject Selection Evening is normally held for Year 10 students heading into next year. This evening will not be held due to COVID-19 restrictions that are still in place, and as an alternative we are filming all the information normally given on that evening and it will be accessible online on our website. We will notify you when this information is available and how to access it.
There will be presentations from our Principal, Mr Phillip Nash and the Head of Secondary, Mr Peter McLellan.
Mr David Russell, our Curriculum Co-ordinator and Student Advisor will also be presenting information regarding the requirements and process of subject selection. He will give information regarding NESA requirements for subject selection and how the ATAR is affected by subject choice. Mr Russell will also explain the selection process. Presentations will also be made by staff from each of the offered subject areas.
An email will be sent to parents to advise when and how to access the information sessions online.
Year 10 Interviews Monday 10 August and Tuesday 11 August
Every year we run compulsory Year 10 interviews that involve a discussion with students, staff member and parents to investigate the student’s strengths and future direction. It also involves discussion of a student’s plan after Year 10, including a focus on their goals over the next few years, whether returning for the HSC or heading in a different direction. These are highly valuable interviews and enable a time of reflection and planning.
You will need to book an interview for you and your child through the Parent Lounge on TASSWeb. Bookings for the Year 10 Interviews opened on Monday 20 July 2020 at 9:00am and close on Thursday 6 August 2020 at 4.00pm.
The interview will be conducted with a teaching staff member who has undertaken training in the Strength Potential Program.
If you have any questions on the above, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Matthew Newell, Year 10 Advisor at mnewell@gpcc.nsw.edu.au or 4363 1266.
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 - Reminder
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.
Last term we said thank you to our Year 11 students for mentoring our Year 7 at our Peer Support BBQ Morning Tea.
In Term 2, Year 8 did an Assessment Task in Science on Sustainable Living. Students used their attained knowledge from the term to create a sustainable home. The Science Department was very impressed with the quality of work that was submitted. Students were able to apply their skills and knowledge to produce some extraordinary work on how we can build sustainable homes in our current culture.
This week's Careers Newsletter has information about a scholarship available at Avondale University College, TAFE TVET courses which can be studied in Year 11 and 12, and apprenticeship opportunities with Central Coast Council to commence in 2021.
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)
GPCC Netball Club - Letter from the President
Dear Parents,
Well, the 2020 season started so efficiently and in an organised manner! Little did we know what we were in store for. As you may already know, GPCC Netball Club, after asking all of our members, has officially withdrawn from the Gosford Netball Associations 2020 season.
This was a very difficult and complex decision. Netball differs greatly to all other winter sports in that all of our games are centralized. This has meant that the government directives about numbers of people gathering together has impacted netball enormously. Even when we are able to have 500 people gather at one time, we still would not have been able to play games with any spectators. Also the day for our junior players would have extended from 8am until 5pm without taking into consideration any of the senior teams needing to be slotted in. In short, it was a nightmare.
Gosford Netball Association is still in the process of working out
how the season may commence. We are really sad that our school will have no teams competing, but we are excited about what the 2021 season will be.
Thank you so much for your patience during this season. The committee is very grateful for all the support that you have offered us, and we look forward to working with you all again next season. We are hopeful of giving everyone a full refund for this unplayed season, but it will take time. We need to obtain our refund from GNA first, and then hopefully Netball NSW.
Once again, thank you for your patience, see you in 2021!
Kind regards
Raema Nash, President GPCC Netball Club
Nathan Lambert | K-12 Sport Co-ordinator
THE UNDERDOG
Everyone loves a great underdog story.
You’ve all heard of those people who come from nowhere to win. Look at this list of amazing people who were true underdogs and now are inspirations for millions.
Rudy Ruettiger, the young gridiron player who played for Notre Dame. He tried four times before being admitted at the College and then played 2 years on their football team on the Scout squad (team that prepared the Firsts for their games). He finally played in their final game in 1975, earning so much respect from his teammates for his perseverance and never-give-up attitude. He became the first Fighting Irish player to be carried off the field.
Michael Oher, who was the inspiration for the movie “The Blind Side”. He had a difficult childhood, moving from home to home. After several foster families, he was eventually adopted by the Tuohys who then encouraged him to enrol into a school, play football and chase his dreams. He was a standout in the team, and despite all of the roadblocks in his life, made it to the NFL in 2009
The 2004 Euro Cup was full of surprises. The Greek Soccer Team played exceptionally well to make the Quarters, though many held little hope as they were up against the French. At the 65th minute mark, Greek striker Angelos Charisteas stunned the French team, scoring the goal and leading the Greeks to victory. From there, they upset the Czech team in the Semis and then went on to beat Portugal in the Final
One name that you may not have heard of is Chris Spealler. He began CrossFit in 2006 and decided to compete at the 2007 CrossFit Games. He was not a big athlete, only 5’5, though this didn’t stop him from being competitive against the best in the world. He finished 4th overall in his first Games appearance and showed everyone that he had a “never give up” attitude. He was considered the underdog, up against many others who were bigger and stronger than him, but because of his drive, his positive attitude and great consistency, helped him walk away with a podium finish in 2010, finishing 3rd and also receiving the Spirit of the Games Award.
Spealler has had four top 10 finishes. One of his most inspiring achievements was in 2014 where, at the age of 35 and against the toughest competition there has been, he came back from missing the Games in 2013 to then finishing 2nd at Regionals and qualifying for the Games for the 7th time. He is one of CrossFit’s leading ambassadors, where he inspires newcomers to the sport with his underdog spirit.
An underdog is a “competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest.” Spealler was considered the underdog, like a true David and Goliath story, but everyone was proved wrong.
SPORT EVENTS UPDATE
Unfortunately, due to continued restrictions on large inter-school sporting events, all ZONE and CSSA Events have been cancelled for both Terms 3 and 4.
This means that the following events will not be held:
|
PRIMARY |
SECONDARY |
||
|
Thursday 6 August |
CSSA State Metro Cup Netball |
Thursday 28 July |
Zone Secondary Basketball |
|
Thursday 6 August |
CSSA State Metro Cup Soccer |
Thursday 6 August |
Zone Secondary Athletics Carnival |
|
Friday 7 August |
Zone Primary Athletics Carnival |
Thursday 20 August |
CSSA Secondary Athletics Carnival |
|
Friday 14 August |
CSSA Primary Athletics Carnival |
Wednesday 26 August |
CSSA Secondary Oz Tag |
|
Wednesday 2 September |
CSSA Primary Oz Tag |
Thursday 10 September |
CSSA Secondary State Futsal |
|
Friday 11 September |
CSSA Primary State Futsal |
Tuesday 15 September |
Zone Secondary Oz Tag |
|
Wednesday 15 October |
Zone Primary Basketball |
Thursday 22 October |
CSSA Secondary Triathlon |
|
Thursday 22 October |
CSSA Biathlon |
|
|
|
Monday 23 November |
CSSA Primary Basketball Yr 5/6 |
|
|
|
Monday 30 November |
CSSA Primary Basketball Yr 3/4 |
|
|
All CIS and NSW All School events for both Primary and Secondary have also been cancelled for the remainder of the year.
We are planning at holding our Athletics and Cross Country Carnivals this semester, with final dates to be confirmed soon. Information about these carnivals will be sent to parents in the coming weeks.
INTERSCHOOL COMPETITIONS
Interschool GPCC sport has resumed this term for Primary with a number of events scheduled to occur:
- House Sport
House Sport for Years 3-6 students will begin in Week 3 from 2:15pm-3:15pm. Students will be placed into their House teams and play a variety of sports in a competitive format. Results are recorded and tallied for the coveted House Trophy
- Woolworths Cricket Cup Gala Day
Year 5 and 6 Boys/Girls - Boys and Girls teams will be chosen at trials the first 3 weeks of this term.
- Interschool Competitions
We are planning at having some friendly competitions against local schools in a range of sports. Details will be sent to parents soon.
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.
Exam Provisions Volunteers
The HSC Trial Exams are on Monday 17 August 2020 to Monday 31 August 2020 and we are looking for volunteers to assist as readers, writers, or supervisors for Exam Provisions.
As restrictions are easing, we are now able to hold our annual Volunteer Seminar where you will be able to refresh yourself of exam procedures or if you are new, learn procedures for the first time.
Below are the session times and dates. We understand that although you may have volunteered for several years, attending a session is always helpful to refresh procedures and to note any changes that may have occurred.
Session 1
Tuesday 4 August 2020 at 9:30am in L5 (Support Services area)
OR
Session 2
Wednesday 5 August 2020 at 9:30am in L5 (Support Services area)
The sessions will run until approximately 11:00am and morning tea will be provided. Time has been allowed in the sessions for questions and feedback.
If you are interested in volunteering or for more information please contact Ann McLellan on 4363 1266 or via email on amclellan@gpcc.nsw.edu.au .
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
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.
Green Point Trader
Maths Tutoring: High School Maths Tutoring by a previous GPCC student who is now studying Secondary Education in Mathematics at Macquarie University. Monday to Friday after school hours, within walking distance of school. Hold current Working With Children Check. Contact Kieran Madden 0490 380 684
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
Thrive
Coast Shelter Restaurant
Due to COVID-19, Coast Shelter have had to suspend dinners and are not allowing volunteers to enter.
Coming up
Monday, 27 July 2020
First Day of Term 3 for Students K-12
Tuesday, 28 July 2020
Year 8 Electives Online Information Sessions
Year 10 Senior Courses Online Information Sessions
Wednesday, 29 July 2020
Kindergarten 2021 Information Evening
Thursday, 30 July 2020
Junior Band Practice
Friday, 31 July 2020
Senior Band Practice
Uniform Shop
Normal Operating Times
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday during the School Term:
8:30am - 11:00am
(Closed Wednesdays)
Afternoons by appointment only.
Contact (02) 4367 9954
gpcc@alinta.com.au
Canteen
The Munchery
The Munchery (Canteen) has now returned to full operating hours.
Visit The Munchery page on our website
Munch Monitor
New to Munch Monitor? Order your school lunches each morning before 8:30am via Munch Monitor from home, for a hassle free start to your mornings.
We have daily menu specials as well as popular items available every day of the week.
www.munchmonitor.com
Username: greenpoint
Password: munch2251
TERM DATES 2020
Term 3, 2020
Monday, 27 July 2020 to Friday, 25 September 2020
Term 4, 2020
Tuesday, 13 October 2020 to Wednesday, 9 December 2020
TERM DATES 2021
Term 1, 2021
Wednesday, 27 January 2021 for Years 1 - 7, 11 and 12
Thursday, 28 January 2021 for Kindergarten and Years 8 - 10
to Thursday, 1 April
Term 2, 2021
Tuesday, 20 April 2021 to Friday, 25 June 2021
Term 3, 2021
Monday, 19 July 2021 to Friday, 17 September 2021
Term 4, 2020
Wednesday, 6 October 2021 to Wednesday, 8 December 2021
