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Our philosophy of education and practice at GPCC is what is guiding us to achieve our purpose. Everything we do is grounded in some understanding of the world and ourselves and the more explicit we are about this and the more focused we are on it, the more likely we are to achieve our goals.
This week we look at the role of the teacher in the education of students.
A teacher is sometimes described as “… a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue.”1
We usually think of a teacher as someone who passes on to a student or helps them to gain, knowledge, skill or experience in something.
Teaching is often defined in metaphorical terms. Harro van Brummelen, the great Canadian Christian educational theorist, suggested a number of metaphors for the teacher: facilitators, storytellers, stewards, priests or shepherds2. A teacher may be any one or more of these at any time, depending on the circumstances, the student and the content or task involved.
John Amos Comenius, sixteenth century philosopher and theologian, proposed we think of schools as “gardens of delight” in which teachers and students work together to cultivate a garden from the wilderness left from the effects of the Fall. He saw this as part of our commission to tend the garden of Eden and, after the Fall, to work the ground and to care for the creation, including human society. Teachers are gardeners leading students into the same profession.
In the context of GPCC, we see the teacher as a guide, directing students towards what constitutes the fulfilment of their purpose and helping to equip them for a fruitful and purposeful life as set out for us in the Scriptures. We look to education to give knowledge, understanding and wisdom to students and so our starting definition has some value. Teaching is more than just passing on knowledge and skills; it is also how we shape a young life towards his or her destiny.
The teacher’s role is to pass on knowledge and help students know how to acquire it, to enable them to grow in competence in a range of areas, and finally to live a life of virtuous wisdom. The teacher’s role is to equip the student with what they need to live life as God intended. We do this in partnership with parents and the Church.
At GPCC we expect our teachers to be models of what we want our students to become. This is not just in their knowledge and subject ability, but in character. This is a high calling for a teacher who is under constant scrutiny in this regard so there must be some grace extended when they may fail. In the same way we, as parents model to our children, what we want them to become.
This requires a sound partnership between home and school which is not easy when we all come from very different backgrounds. But it is my hope, that at GPCC we can model to the rest of society how people of very different faiths and ideas can partner together for a common cause and see children flourish as a result. In this way we help to redeem our own society.
Phillip Nash
Principal
1 https://www.definitions.net/definition/teacher
2 van Brummelen, Harro: Walking with God in the Classroom 3rd Ed, Colorado Springs, Purposeful Design Pubs. 2009.
Mrs Nicole Smith | Head of Primary
Students have heard this week why it is important to be grateful and encouraged to think of situations where they could demonstrate an attitude of gratitide. Several classes created lists of things for which they could be grateful:
Head of School Awards
Congratulations to the following students who achieved the Head of School Award for Week 3:
Daniel M, KDL; Piper J, KP; Emily C, 1G; Madelyn G, 1PH; Victoria B, 2G; Mitchell M, 2J; Jessica W, 3B; Miller P, 3K; Jacob L, 4B; Ethan W, 4M; Ava P, 5D; Natasha R, 5H; Ryder S, 5P; Adam W, 6D; Madison S, 6M; Tyler R, 6T.
K-6 Reading Night – Postponed
Due to an increase in current COVID-19 restrictions, the AIS Literacy consultant is no longer able to visit schools or present workshops to parent bodies. For this reason we are postponing the current Reading Information Night scheduled for tomorrow, 18 August 2020 until further notice.
We will retain your registration details until such time as we look to either run this session via a webinar or live – restrictions permitting.
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 with who we come in contact. 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.
KDL Posters of “Emotions and Feelings” part of their Health Unit
1G students took time to dream and aspire to what it would be like if they were famous.
Library News
Book Week
- Book Week food ordering closes on Friday 21 August. Please bring your order form in to your child’s teacher and pay online by this date;
- Book Week competition entries are due to Mrs van Wyk by Friday 21 August.
Story Time
Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions our Story Time is currently on hold until further notice.
Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary
Year 12 Trial HSC
The Trial HSC is underway, and many students are extremely stressed. The reality is that they are prepared and that they are much further along than they may feel. Please pray for them and their families over the next two weeks that they will be able to remain focused and motivated as they struggle through these difficult exams. Many of the exams are three hours in length, which truly tests the stamina and focus of the students.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
We will be making decisions in the next few weeks about the Year 12 Graduation and what that will look like with the effects of COVID. This will also have an influence on the Formal later in the year.
Prefect Camp
Our Year 11 Prefects received their badges at assembly last week. Please watch the Video here if you would like to see them receiving their badges.
We have a wonderful group of Prefects for next year. They have spent three days in training here at the College. They have already shown the capacity to cope with last minute changes brought about by COVID and the cancellation of their camp. Please pray for them as they take up more responsibility around the College.
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about key dates for University offers, information about early entry programs, apprenticeships, a vocational careers video and resources, and a webinar about advancements in manufacturing on the Central Coast.
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
The GPCC House Cup is fast approaching, aiming to begin in Week 5 for students in both the Primary and Secondary.
The competition has changed slightly, with the Secondary students still playing at lunchtimes on Thursday and Friday, but now with the Primary playing at recess from Tuesday to Friday.
Below is an outline:
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STAGE 2 |
STAGE 3 |
STAGE 4 |
STAGE 5 |
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Tuesday Recess |
Thursday Recess |
Wednesday Recess |
Friday Recess |
Thursday Lunch |
Friday Lunch |
|
Week 5 |
Soccer |
Handball |
Soccer |
Basketball |
Basketball |
Basketball |
|
Week 6 |
Soccer |
Handball |
Touch Football |
Basketball |
Soccer |
Soccer |
|
Week 7 |
Soccer |
Handball |
Soccer |
Basketball |
Touch Football |
Touch Football |
|
Week 8 |
Soccer |
Handball |
Touch Football |
Basketball |
Basketball |
Basketball |
|
Week 9 |
Soccer |
Handball |
Soccer |
Basketball |
Netball |
Netball |
Students will be able to sign up for these competitions in Week 4. Further information about the competition is below:
Primary Competition
Primary students can sign up to compete and then be placed into equally matched teams (though not in Houses). These teams will be allocated a team name and logo and play under that name for the entire competition. They will receive House points at the end of the competition.
Secondary Competition
Secondary students can sign up for any competition and play in their Houses, competing in a variety of four different sports.
PRIMARY HOUSE COMPETITION
Our Term 3 House Competition began last week and it was a great afternoon. All students were heavily involved in their respective games and had a great time. We are looking forward to the coming weeks, when the competition progresses towards the Finals.
The sports played were:
- Years 3 and 4 Girls Newcomball
- Years 3 and 4 Boys Soccer
- Years 5 and 6 Girls Basketball
- Years 5 and 6 Boys Touch Football
INTERSCHOOL COMPETITION and CRICKET GALA DAY
Unfortunately, due to current restrictions we are unable to take part in the Woolworths Cricket Blast (for Years 5 and 6 Boys) and the Interschool Competition with Coast Christian School. Though we cannot compete at these competitions, there will still be opportunities for students to be involved in intraschool competitions, such as the House Cup and our Friday House Competition.
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.
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.
Play Cricket in Kincumber - Avoca - Join Brisbane WaterKincumber - Avoca 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 onsite 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 the 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, 17 August 2020
HSC Trial Examination Period 17-31 August 2020
8.50am Trial HSC English Paper 1 - Standard, Advanced
2.00pm Trial HSC Music Aural
Primary Stage 3 Dance
Tuesday, 18 August 2020
8.50am Trial HSC English Paper 2 - Standard, Advanced
8.50am Trial HSC Retail Services
Wednesday, 19 August 2020
8.50am Trial HSC Legal Studies; Visual Arts; Japanese
1.30pm Trial HSC Industrial Technology
Primary Stage 2 Dance
Thursday, 20 August 2020
Junior Band Practice
8.50am Trial HSC Mathematics - Standard, Advanced, Ext 2
1.30pm Trial HSC Modern History
11 French Beginners Incursion
Friday, 21 August 2020
Senior Band Practice
8.50am Trial HSC Hospitality
1.00pm Trial HSC Ancient History; SDD
Monday, 24 August 2020
8.50am Trial HSC SOR 1 & 2U; Physics
1.30pm Trial HSC CAFS
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