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We continue our exploration of the GPCC Philosophy & Practice of Christian Education ( Link: PoEP ) by looking at the section on the process of education.
The book of Proverbs reminds us that wisdom comes through learning from and about God and obeying Him. In writing to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul desired that they might come to a full understanding of God and His purposes in Christ because this was a treasury full of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2-3).
There must be no teaching by default; we should choose our approach deliberately to achieve the purpose of the school through Christian education. This involves remembering that to teach means to learn; indeed, we say that without learning, there has been no teaching.
We recognise three interrelated aspects of learning:
· Knowledge – the what;
· Understanding - the why; and
· Wisdom – the how.
We are often very good at passing on knowledge; we are often competent in training in understanding; we are often poor at instilling wisdom. Consequently, we must choose pedagogies that enable the development of understanding, skill and faithful character through which students may bring glory to God. This will require a wide range of strategies and approaches, from didactic to discovery, in order to produce wisdom.
Teachers are called to be role models of what it is to be a student, not just role models of the final product. We must be role models of what it is to be on the discipleship journey, not just what the finished product might be like.
In Christian education, we consider the Creation and the Creator. Education should be focused on helping students to understand the physical and cultural world in which they live and to understand themselves and others. If we leave God out, we may educate in a limited sense; but when we put God in, we educate in a complete sense.
Christian teachers need to be wary of seeing the Scriptures as a handbook for pedagogy. It contains many examples of good teaching, but that is not its main purpose. We can note over 25 different pedagogies used in Scripture, but common grace also allows us to learn more about learning and so be even more effective. Christian pedagogy will rely on prayer, knowing God’s Word and knowing His Creation. In this way we can help students to learn and direct their attention towards the One in whose image they are made, drawing them back to Him and to His purpose for them in the world.
Classroom teaching and learning strategies are examined in light of the above ideas to ensure they fulfil the right purpose. As we move to adopt a Blended Learning approach across the school for example, we do so by not just adopting any strategy but re-thinking it in the light of our purpose.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Mrs Nicole Smith | Head of Primary
NAIDOC – “Always was. Always will be” Genesis 1- Genesis 2:2
At the conclusion of Term 2 all students in Primary School participated in a collaborative art work recognising and honouring our First Nations Peoples who occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. We also honoured and recognised God as Creator over all lands and all people, creatures of the sky and those under the sea. Students worked as Grades to complete part of the creation narrative, each hand playing a part in creating something of beauty. Congratulations students on a spectacular work of collaboration.
Head of School Awards
Congratulations to the following students who achieved the Head of School Award for Week 2:
Tommy L, KDL; Bodhi P, KP; Cruz H, 1G; Liam C, 1PH; Jacob R, 2G; Jagger B, 2J; Charlee C, 3B; Allegra N, 3K; Jaymin T, 4B; Joel M, 4M; Jacob G, 5D; Mitchell B, 5H; India P, 5P; Sophie V, 6D; Tiffany S, 6M and Felicity R, 6T.
Places are limited - RSVP NOW via website for the “K-6 Reading Night” - Parent Workshop - 18 August 2020
Gain an understanding into how reading is taught and how you can help your child succeed.
This parent specific workshop will walk you through the research behind the explicit method of Reading instruction being used in the College and the importance of decoding - register here for this event.
NCCD – National Consistent Collection of Data
Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about support provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019). Please read information in this newsletter that explains further the importance of this process.
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.
Book Week - CURIOUS CREATURES WILD MINDS - Week 5, Friday 28 August
This year Book Week is a student only event, however that will not dampen the fun and deep literacy learning that will take place for our students during Book Week celebrations.
Students are encouraged to dress up as their favourite Book Week character and come along for a day of rich literacy learning and awesome activities. Classes will be creating their own Book Parade video and uploading to share with the whole school.
Several competitions are running in the Library for our students including:
K-2 Colouring Competition
3-4 DIORAMAS (create your favourite book scene)
5-6 DIORAMAS or “Bookstagramme” Picture
COSTUMES
One of the areas I consistently challenge students on is being mindful and considerate of those around us. What we wear and how we behave often affects not just ourselves, but those we come in contact with. For this reason we want to extend this consideration to how we dress on days such as Book Week costume day.
Please reflect on the following when preparing your child's costume for Book Week:
- Students should not come to Book Week dressed as witches, warlocks or magicians (including characters from Harry Potter);
- Students should wear a costume that is congruent with their gender, eg male students should dress as male book characters;
- Students should not bring with them any weapons, swords or knives as part of their costumes;
- Students should not represent anything from the occult or spiritual realm such as ghosts;
- Students are encouraged to bring the book that their character is in (this is not compulsory).
There are many many book characters that do not involve purchasing a costume and could easily be created using clothes and accessories already at home. I look forward to seeing the creativity of our students on this fun and exciting day.
Library News
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, meaning 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.
Book Week Food Ordering
Below are the food options available. More information on how to order will be emailed to parents.
Sushi $3.00 Teriyaki Chicken and Avocado, Tuna and Avocado, Cucumber, Smoked Salmon and Avocado
BBQ $1.50 Sausage on White Bread, Gluten Free bread
Drinks $1.00 Lemonade, Lemon, Orange, Water
Cupcakes $2.50 Chocolate, Vanilla, Gluten Free
Anyone cooking or serving food will wear gloves and a mask, and serving utensils will be used in all classrooms.
Cupcakes are freshly made and individually sealed according to food standards.
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.
Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary
We continue our analysis of the Graduate Profile in our assemblies. Core to who we are as people is how we operate in relationship with others. In looking at this, to truly operate in community we must examine how we as individuals view and care about others we are in relationship with. This is very different than the common message of our society that indicates that our focus should only be on ourselves and our own happiness. Community challenges us to consider the wellbeing of others we are in relationship with in all different contexts.
Prefects 2020 – 2021
Our prefects for next year have received their badges at assembly this week. Please look up on the website if you would like to see them receiving their badges. Here is our list of new Prefects:
Jack C, Sally E, Andre G, Elianne H, Adele L, Elise L, Lucy L, Riley M, Tally P, Scarlett P, Sophie S, Oscar S, David S, James T and Timothy V.
Watch the Video here.
Student Drivers
Years 11-12 parents of students driving to school - please ensure your children have completed a Student Driver Permission Form and are parking in the student car park to allow for more parent car spaces in the main car park.
Collage of Naidoc Artworks
Count down to the HSC – Five hints to keep perspective
The first HSC exam is fast approaching and it is important to ensure your final weeks of study are spent productively and efficiently, to maximise your results. The last few weeks before your exams can be used to refine your notes and identify any areas that need further review.
Below are some tips that I recommend to all students who are about to sit the HSC Examinations.
Maintain your routine
Having a strong routine that balances study and leisure time is important in the final weeks before the HSC. Students are usually tempted to change their routine once their classes have finished, preferring to stay up late and then sleeping in the next day. Although it may be tempting, I strongly discourage anyone from drastically changing their routine before sitting the HSC.
For the last couple of years you have been roughly getting up and going to school at the same time, so why change a pattern that your body is use to? Once classes have finished at school, try and replicate the school day when you study. Get up at the same time every day, have set breaks and study times that you can follow, focus on two to three subjects a day and study in a quiet area that is free of distraction. By studying during the day you also create free time in the evening for yourself, to relax and avoid burning out from too much study.
Break your study into blocks
It is really important that you reward you study time with free time, as students may be tempted to study for long periods which can be tiring and emotionally draining. I recommend that for every hour you study, take a 10 minute break. By breaking your study into blocks and clearly defining your break times, you are less likely to get distracted or procrastinate.
Planning out your study time can also help motivate you. If you come across a topic which you really don’t enjoy, motivate yourself by affirming that you only have to look at the topic for an hour before you can have a break. If you are struggling to focus on your study and keep on getting distracted, change your study location. Go outside, find an alternative room or study at your local Library.
Teach a subject to a friend
One of the most effective ways to learn and remember a topic is to actually teach it. Everyone has a preference for how they study, however the process of teaching a topic to someone else requires you to analysis a topic and then communicate it in a manner they will understand. This active approach to study is memorable because you are communicating the topic in your own words, which you are likely to remember.
During the final weeks, find a study partner for each subject. Split the topics of the subject between you and then take it in turns, teaching the topics to each other. If you can’t find a study partner, why not teach a subject to a family member or explain the topic to yourself in the mirror?
The night before your exams
The night before your HSC exams can be a night full of nerves. It is important that you get a good night's sleep so that you don’t feel drowsy and are able to concentrate tomorrow. If you are following a regular routine, falling asleep should be easier.
Before going to bed, try and quieten your mind by mediating for 10 minutes and controlling your breathing. If you‘ve been lying awake for a while and you don’t think you can get to sleep, try getting up and studying for an hour before going back to bed and trying to fall asleep.
If you are planning on cramming before the exam, make sure you have set deadlines for when you have to go to bed. Some people find using flash cards or reading their notes out loud as a great way to do the final review before the exam.
After the exams
Sometimes the worst can happen when you sit your exams. There’s a section you can’t answer, you run out of time or it’s simply just a bad day. Although it may feel like the end of the world, remember that a lower than expected ATAR is not the end of the world. No matter what happened in the exams or during Year 12, there are always alternative ways to get into the University degree you want. Whether it’s by completing a UTS:INSEARCH diploma or transferring from another program, if you have a dream career, stick to it and look for the alternative way out.
English News
Mrs McKay’s Year 8 English class have written some poetry at the end of their recent poetry unit. Students have learnt that the primary purpose of poetry is to evoke an emotional and personal response and their aim in writing poetry was to do the same.
Link to a sample of Year 8 Poetry
Year 9 PASS CLIP n CLIMB
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about the annual HSC Study Guide produced by NESA and the SMH available online for students, and an upcoming webinar about advanced manufacturing with input from local businesses.
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
PYRAMID OF SUCCESS
“Success is peace of mind attained only through self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you’re capable.” John Wooden
John Wooden was the Basketball Head Coach at the University of California. He won 10 NCAA National Championships in a 12 year period, including an amazing seven in a row. In this period, his team won a record 88 consecutive games. Not a bad run at all.
Wooden was recognised for his achievements on numerous occasions. He was named the NCAA College Basketball Coach of the Year a massive seven times, as well as sharing Sports Illustrated “Sportsman of the Year” in 1972 with Billie Jean King. His success also enabled him to be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1960 (first person ever recognised as both player and coach).
What does the phenomenal achievement and success of Coach Wooden have to do with the Great Pyramid of Giza?
Well, Wooden studied the Pyramids when he was a student and knew that these structures were built on a strong foundation with huge cornerstones that were the most important part of the structure. Then it rose to a point, an apex, which gave it its shape. This idea is something that he wanted to apply to his coaching of basketball but could also be applied to how we can approach life and its challenges, something to aspire to.
This idea fitted well with something his Sigh School coach had shown him, the “Ladder of Achievement”, so using this idea, Wooden was able to adapt this to create his own coaching and life philosophy.
Wooden begun designing his pyramid of ideas and spent several years developing it. It is now a famous design called the “Pyramid of Success” that many coaches and leaders around the world incorporate into their teaching structure. It is not just used for obtaining success on the sport field, but also throughout life and the many challenges that we face.
Here are Wooden’s thoughts on designing the Pyramid of Success:
“Any structure must be built on a solid foundation and the Cornerstones of the Foundation are the most significant part of it. You will note that the cornerstones of this structure are Industriousness and Enthusiasm.
The heart of the body is extremely important, and since architects have been known to stress the heart of buildings that they have created, I selected three outstanding essentials: Condition, Skill and Team Spirit to comprise the Heart of the Structure.
Although a greater amount of space could be devoted to any individual heading in the pyramid, I believe that the very brief comments under each should suffice and encourage the person to give the particular point additional thought.
Before discontinuing the explanation, I should like to call attention to the top of the structure. The apex is Success and it must be remembered that it is success according to my definition. Furthermore, success is not easy to attain and the connecting points, Faith and Patience to the apex are meant to indicate this.
Also, the connecting blocks, Poise and Confidence, upon which Competitive Greatness rest, are vitally interwoven in the process of reaching the apex. Confidence and poise both come from being prepared and are vital requisites for being a good competitor. Those who lack confidence in themselves are certain to be lacking in poise and will be pressing when the going gets tough. The front runners are easy to find, but all coaches are constantly searching for those individuals who excel when excellent performance is necessary.”
GPCC HOUSE CUP (PRIMARY AND SECONDARY)
This term will see the beginning of a new competition at our school for both Primary and Secondary students - The Intra School House Cup.
Students will compete in House teams in a range of sports at recess (Primary) or lunchtime (Secondary).
The competition will be in Stage groups and days allocated are listed below:
Tuesday Recess: Stage 2
Wednesday Recess: Stage 3
Thursday Lunchtime: Stage 4
Friday Lunchtime: Stage 5
Sports played for all ages will be:
Week 5: 4v4 Half Court Basketball
Week 6: Touch Football
Week 7: Soccer
Week 8: 4v4 Half Court Basketball
Week 9: Netball
Students will only be allowed to sign up for two sports only during Week 4.
PRIMARY HOUSE COMPETITION
Our Term 3 House Competition is scheduled to begin in Week 3, with our Primary students looking forward to competing in a range of sports.
Students will be playing in their Houses in a number of round matches before Semis and Finals. The sports played will be:
Year 3 and 4 Girls: Newcomball
Year 3 and 4 Boys: Soccer
Year 5 and 6 Girls: Basketball
Year 5 and 6 Boys: Touch Football
INTERSCHOOL COMPETITION
Our friendly competition with the Coast Christian School will begin in the coming weeks, with a Primary class heading over each Friday to compete in a variety of sports. These fun afternoons will have our students in mixed teams with the Coast Christian School students. It will be a great time for our students to interact with those from the Coast in a sporting environment.
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 14 August 2020. Previous applicants need not re-apply.
OPEN DAY UPDATE
Please note that in line with our COVID Safe Plan we have now reached the maximum attendees for Open Day given the space we have available, hence registration to this event is now closed.
Anyone who was hoping to attend who has not already registered is being encouraged to join the waitlist via the online registration form. We are looking to host a follow-up event or will encourage new families to book a personal tour at a convenient time.
Due to the recent announcement by our State Premier we will be providing face masks on the day (masks are currently not compulsory, but are highly encouraged), and guests will be required to use hand sanitiser on arrival and to adhere to social distancing requirements. Note that we will not be allowing guests to enter standard classroom settings where students may be present.
Please do not hesitate to contact our Registrar, Angela Sheather, if you have any questions regarding Open Day.
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
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2020).
Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:
- Year of schooling
- Category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
- Level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.
More information on this process is in the following PDF Flyer.
Please contact Mrs Jane McLarty (Deputy Principal K-12), jmclarty@gpcc.nsw.edu.au if you require further information.
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.
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
Part-time Work/Mother’s Helper: We are looking for a mother's helper/nanny to help us with two children three mornings a week (Monday - Wednesday 7:45am - 9:00am) with the morning routine, and school and daycare drop off. We live close to Erina Fair. You will need a reliable car and a full driver's licence for this role (we will provide a car seat). Non-smoker. The preference will be given to a parent or carer, who is dropping the kids at the same school. If you are interested in this position, please let me know. Phone Ana 0498 023 451.
Play Cricket in Gosford - Join Brisbane Water Cricket Club: Follow this link for more information and registration days.
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
Sunday Mornings
Sunday Worship Services on Facebook and Zoom 9:30am. Kids Church and Youth are happening on-site 9:30am. Parents are welcome to watch the live stream in the Worship Centre.
6pm Service
The Youth and Young Adults-focused gathering on Sundays has recommenced in the Jacaranda Room. Social distancing and other COVID-Safe practices are in place, but it is exciting to have our evening crew connecting again.
Thrive
Fridays 5pm – 6:30pm (Years 5-6) Jacaranda Room
GPY
Fridays 7:30pm – 9:30pm (Years 7-12) Jacaranda Room
Life Groups – Prayer Nights – Mainly Music – Coastal Friends – Coastal Craft – Leisure Time – The Vine – Bible Study and other groups gather through the week, however due to Covid-19 some currently have alternate arrangements.
Please contact church office office@gpbc.net.au to find out more and keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates. We are registered as Covid-Safe.
Phone: 4369 1585
Email: office@gpbc.net.au
Website: www.gpbc.net.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/greenpointbaps/
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, 10 August 2020
AIM Boys Mission Trip 7-14 August
10.30am Drama Performance Trial HSC in CAPA 5
Year 10 Re-Entry Interviews 4.00pm - 8.30pm
Tuesday, 11 August 2020
Bible Society Masterclass Incursion - Live Stream (selected students)
Year 10 Re-Entry Interviews 4.00pm - 8.30pm
Wednesday, 12 August 2020
2020 Prefect Leadership Camp 12 - 14 August
Thursday, 13 August 2020
Junior Band Practice
College Open Day 10.00am
Friday, 14 August 2020
Senior Band Practice
Saturday, 15 August 2020
HSC German Continuers Oral Examination 9.00am to 4.00pm (conversation)
Monday, 17 August 2020
8.50am Trial HSC English Paper 1, Advanced and Standard
2.00pm Trial HSC Music Aural
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