I want to end this year by saying a big thank you for supporting us and persevering with us through this most unusual year. Smoke hazard days, bushfire threats, flood and storm warnings then a pandemic, have made this a year to remember (or forget).

I think we are all glad we did not have to go into prolonged lockdown, but the cumulative effects of the events of this year have taken their toll in many ways. Students and staff are tired and looking forward to the Christmas break. I trust that you all have an opportunity to catch your breath and enjoy some time doing whatever refreshes you.

 We have tried to keep moving forward in spite of the restrictions this year. As I meet with teachers to talk about their work, I am encouraged by the many stories of new approaches and innovations that are designed to help students be better learners. This will be our focus for 2021 as we seek to learn from the year’s events and move our school up a notch.

We have not been able to develop the partnership activities I had hoped, but they remain a priority as soon as we can get back to having parents on site again. There will be some lifting of restrictions for Term 1 next year, but numbers are likely to still be limited for adult gatherings. I will inform you of those before the term commences.

As we enter the Christmas season, it is good for us to remember why we celebrate the birth of a baby in a manger. God’s plan throughout the ages was to prepare the world for the coming of His Son to be the sacrifice for our sins and the One through whom we can be re-united with our Creator. We experience our full humanity when we submit ourselves to God’s reign in our lives and seek to live for Him. May this festive season be an opportunity for you to turn your thoughts toward God and thank Him for sending His Son for us.  

We look forward to welcoming our students back and to many more joining us in 2021. To those who have graduated or are moving on to other places, we wish you all the very best.

A very blessed Christmas and a happy new year to all.

Phillip Nash

Principal

Mrs Nicole Smith | Head of Primary

2020

This has been a year like no other both around the world and with in our College. In the space of two to three weeks the amazing teaching staff of GPCC reimagined how they would educate our young students remotely – planned lessons and learnt a new platform in which they would deliver lessons for the next seven to eight weeks.

We reimagined our community gatherings, excursions, and daily activities such as music and sport lessons. Students as young as five learnt how to participate in a video conference calls instead of classrooms and to upload their work at the end of each day. We supported each other, demonstrated love, patience and grace, and we did not just survive but our students thrived.

Today as we celebrate our student’s achievements in our Thanksgiving and Graduation services, I am thankful and so incredibly proud of the resilience, grit, determination, and tenacity demonstrated from both our staff and students across this year. My prayer is that you are able to rest over the break and reflect on God’s provision for you during this time. May you have a happy and safe Christmas.

Change of start time 2021 to 8:45am

Research suggests that promoting movement and activity in young children can help increase memory, perception, language, attention, emotion and even decision making. When language is combined with movement, learning increases 90 percent.

In an effort to increase the movement and physical activity in the school day we will be introducing a formal outside Crunch/Sip'n Go time for our students. This will be a supervised ten minute moving time and five minute Crunch'n Sip time scheduled for 10:00am each day.

To cater for this in our timetable we will be starting the school day at 8:45am in line with the start time for Secondary School from the first day of 2021.

Important Dates

The end of the year is quickly approaching and so it is important to note a few events that will be occurring to mark the conclusion of 2020.

8 December 2020

• Students meet their teacher for 2021/Class Party/Cleaning Day
• Year 6 Graduation Dinner @ Terrigal SLSC 5:30pm for a 6:00pm start (no parents attending)

9  December 2020

• Last day for Students - HALF DAY
• K-2 students at school for Motiv8 Water Fun Day 9:00am - 11:30am
• Years 3-6 Macmasters Beach 9:00am - 12:00pm. Students can be dropped off and picked up by parents. Please complete permission note and request a space on the bus if needed

Students not picked up will be supervised at school until the end of the school day.

Head of School Awards

Congratulations to the following students who achieved the Head of School Award for Week 8, Term 4:

Amelia H, KDL; Lucas D, KP; Amelie C, 1G; Ethan A, 1PH; Riley D, 2G; Sienna H, 2J; Chelsea S, 3B; Sophie F, 3K; Harper F, 4B; Bailey V, 4M; Eadi R, 5D; Josie T, 5H; Reigan E, 5P; Saskia V, 6D; Charlie M, 6M; Isabella E, 6T.

Silver Awards

Daniel M, KDL; Mila D, KDL; Tommy L, KDL; Nixon C, KP; Lucas D, KP; Maria A, 4B; Alana F, 4B; Hayden G, 4B; Anna K, 4B; Oliver L, 4B; Jacob L, 4B; Cameron Y, 4B; Ava D, 4B; Charli I, 5D; Zara I, 5D; Zeke M, 5D; Chase P, 5D; Eadi R, 5D; Abbey S, 5D; Madeleine S, 5D; Arabella C, 5P; India P, 5P; Mitchell T, 5P; Thomas G, 6D; Sophie V, 6D; Adam W, 6D.

Super Silver Awards

Amelia H, KDL; Alison H, KDL; Fletcher T, KDL; Mahli Y, KDL; Cooper C, 2J; Chase C, 4B; Harper F, 4B; Noah H, 4B; Samuel M, 4B; Isabella M, 4B; Zoe O, 4B; Alisa P, 4B; Michela R, 4B; Ellyanna B, 4M; Ellen B, 4M; Alyssa C, 4M; Ezekiel C, 4M; Joshua F, 4M; Fletcher J, 4M; Myah K, 4M; Seulah K, 4M; Alexandr K, 4M; Joel M, 4M; Grace M, 4M; Gussie N, 4M; Amelia P, 4M; Lillian R, 4M; Sarah T, 4M; Baily V, 4M; Ethan W, 4M; Madeleine A, 5D; Bronte B, 5D; Brianna B, 5D; Noah F, 5D; Ava P, 5D; Benjamin T, 5D; Joella W, 5D; Joel P, 5P; Jonathon L, 6D; Michael M, 6D; Samuel N, 6D.

Gold Awards

Imogen W, KDL; James C, KDL; Jamie H KDL; Olivia L, KDL; Liza D, KP; Claire G, KP; Harrison L, KP; James N, KP; Remy W, KP; Samara W, KP; Ruben D, 2J; Michela R, 4B; Jaymin T, 4B; Chloe H, 4M; Lachlan F, 5D; Callum B, 5D; Jacob G, 5D; Heeju K 5D; Harry L, 5D; Eli M, 5D; Ryan M, 5D; Victoria V, 5P

Super Gold Awards

Skye B, KP; Savannah G, KP; Bella H, KDL; Charlotte M, KDL; Lachlan F, 5D; Heeju K, 5D; Mitchell R, 5D; Rebecca L, 5H; Ayla D, 5P

Library News

Stage 2 Upgrade

Over the Christmas holidays our mezzanine area will be refurbished, this is the final stage of our Library upgrade. We currently have 350-400 students using the Library each day up from 250 students last year. This second upgrade will provide an excellent space for senior student study, for both individuals and small groups. There are three quiet study rooms with presentation capabilities also on this level.

Top Borrowing Primary Class for 2020 - Congratulations 3B

It has been an amazing year of Primary borrowing with five classes borrowing over 1000 books (1G, 1PH, 3B, 3K, 4M). These classes received lemonade ice blocks on Friday.

Our total Primary student borrowing was 16,087, just up from last year.

The average books per Primary student was 38.5. This is amazing.

Top Borrowing Students

100 Club- students borrowing over 100 books

Michela RC - 102, Adam S - 105, David S - 106, Jessica W - 106, Siena E - 109, Sarah T - 113, Danielle H - 116, Xavier R - 121, Chelsea S - 122, Callum B - 122, Alyssa C - 125, Jiya M - 134, Hamish G - 139, Ellen B - 146, Allegra N -152

200 Club- students borrowing over 200 books

Reuben H- 207

Reuben has been our top student borrower for many years. Well done, Reuben. 

Library Monitors

A big thanks to our Library Monitors for 2020. They received a little gift of thanks for their faithful service to the Library this year - Reigan E, Grace D, Sienna F and Victoria V.

Book Returns

All books should now be returned. Please send any you find at home in before the end of term. Thank you

K - 2 Scooter Safety Day 

Click on link to watch our Scooter Safety Day video:GPCC K-2 Scooter Safety Day

From all the students in Primary School - Merry Christmas

Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary

The year 2020 is coming to an end. It brings to a close a year that has been unlike anything we have experienced as a College community. I am really proud of the attitude, effort and determination of both students and staff during this year.  I wish to thank everyone for their effort this year.  Thank you to all the staff who have made this year in Secondary School, from the Green Team, Administration Staff, and all the Teachers and Aides across the Secondary School - you have done a wonderful job and I am so thankful for each of you.  Have a great Christmas break and may our Lord bless each of you and your families.

Year 12, you will still need to spend time on your HSC work. You do need to get study and notes completed.  You need to rest but not be complacent.  This will help take pressure off for next year.

To all families in the Secondary School, I wish you all a very blessed Christmas and peaceful and restful holidays. We look forward to everyone returning next year.

Year 11, 2021

We have a large cohort returning for Year 11 next year.  There will be limitations in being able to move students around due to classes being full. It will be an expectation that students remain committed as much as possible until the end of Year 11. 

This will be true particularly for English and Maths.  Due to the high numbers in the Advance courses, there is little capacity for students to drop down levels until the end of Year 11.  The advantage of staying in a higher level means that students are trained at a higher standard before they drop down for Year 12.

Year 8 - Brainstorm Productions 

Year 9 Girls AIM Mission Trip

Team: Madison B, Brydie C, Lauren G, Ruby J, Eloise S, Ellia T, Sinead W, Eden W, Mrs Gavin and Mr McGillivray. 

Nathan Lambert  |  K-12 Sport Co-ordinator

THE LEAGUE

THE FINALS

This week was a massive week in The League with Semi Finals and Finals being played in all division across Soccer and Basketball. They were all very exciting to watch. The atmosphere was electric, the competition was fierce, and everyone knew that it came down to this last game.

Our Primary School were able to spectate the Primary Finals on Friday afternoon, with those students in Years 3 - 6 not involved, watching the games from the sideline, cheering on each team and holding their breath in those tense moments and there were many of them.

Primary Soccer Years 3 and 4

This Soccer competition has been a very close race right to the end. Even when the Elimination Finals were held last week, it was still unclear who would make it to the Final as there were so many talented and passionate teams.

The Year 3 team Boxers were able to cause an upset in their Semi Final, edging out Skills, a strong Year 4 team. The leaders of the competition, Champions another Year 4 team who had displayed many great moments this term, were able to old on and defeat Dominators, a younger team who had proved to be a strong contender for the championship.

The Final with Boxers and Champions now cementing their spot, would play a game to remember.

With the entire Primary School watching, both teams went on the attack from the starting whistle. They strongly challenged each tackle and with several good through balls, able to provide scoring opportunities.

It was Champions who struck first, with some skills displayed with the ball before a powerful shot by Luca into the net. This shot was too hard for any goalie to stop and a credit to Luca’s ball skill.

Boxers came out firing at the start of the second half, putting the pressure on Champion’s defence. Nyla was impressive in the way she lifted her team, with her determination to win each challenge.

The score line was extended to 2-0 with another impressive goal by Champions, and this was how the score remainder to the final whistle.

Congratulations to Champions for winning The League SOCCER in the Primary Division Years 3 and 4.

Primary Soccer Years 5 and 6

In one of the highly contested competition this year, this Final was going to be one to watch.

There are many boys and girls in both Years 5 and 6 who are not only passionate about this game, but also display sensational skills with the ball. Their ability to control the ball, turn and shoot with both power and accuracy is impressive.

The Year 5 teams Dino and Gold Guns were the favourites leading into their Semi Finals, finishing on the table 1^st and 2^nd respectively, but you cannot count out the two Year 6 teams Lads and Eagles, as both teams comprised of boys and girls who demonstrated an ability to fight to the end in any sport.

The Semi Finals, played earlier in the week, were very close games. Lads were able to take an early lead against Dino and hold onto that lead, winning 2-0 and progressing to the Final. The other Semi between Eagles and Gold Guns was a battle to the end, with both teams scoreless after regular time, then Golden Goal, meaning that a Penalty Shoot-out would be the only way to determinate the winner.

All Penalty Shoot-outs are always exciting but carry a large element of suspense. This one was no different, with both teams only scoring 1 shot and it came down to the final shooter for Lads, a young soccer player Olivia. She was able to show nerves of steel and slot the goal in past the keeper, a shot that would have been too hard for any experienced goalie.

The teams in the Final had now been decided … Eagles v Lads.

This game was electric from the start! The Primary students cheering on the crowd held their breath at every exciting moment, from great defence to close shots to superb saves from each of the experienced keeper.

Both teams were able to mount several scoring opportunities but were denied by strong defence or wonderful saves. Eagles were very close to scoring in the first half, but it was only due to a brilliant save by Micah, that Lads able to stay in the match.

With the scores level at 0-0 in the second half, this match was heading into a draw and that’s how it remained. Even though each team was close to taking the lead, neither could get past the defence or the goalie.

At full time, the scores were locked at 0-0, meaning that this game would be decided by either Golden Goal or if need be Penalty Shoot Out.

Golden Goal was even more tense than before, with several chances missed due to strong marking defence and challenges. With only 20 seconds left in the game Lads were able to break through and with a lovely pass from Sam, Zaid was able to slot the goal in and win the match. Again, it was an amazing shot that was too hard to stop for any keeper.

Congratulations to Lads for winning The League SOCCER in the Primary Division Years 5 and 6.

Primary Basketball Years 3 and 4

There were four teams that competed in the Semi Finals of this Basketball competition. Both Legends and Firebirds were able to edge out their opponents to win their match and progress to the Final against one another.

This match proved to be yet another tough competition. They had met previously in pool matches, and even though the Legends had one on each of these occasions, Firebirds were aiming to cause an upset.

Legends went to an early 4-0 lead through impressive shooting. Firebirds stayed in the game by solid defence and good attacking raids, only to miss out on scoring a basketball before half time.

 Second half continued where the first half left off, with both teams providing many scoring opportunities and the chance to take the lead. In the end Legends just held off Firebirds to win the match 8-0 and to take the title.

Congratulations to Legends for winning The League BASKETBALL in the Primary Years 3 and 4 Division.

Primary Basketball Years 5 and 6

This basketball competition has been very close between all six teams. With many Years 5 and 6 students playing basketball domestically, there was a strong contingent of experienced players in each of the teams, meaning that Finals week would be very interesting.

The first Semi Final was played between Duckies and Falcons. Falcons have been leading the competition from the beginning, but with some injury concerns, were unable to hold off the firing Duckies who won 6-2. The other Semi Final between Lads and Cheese. These teams finishing 2^nd and 3^rd respectively on the table, fought out another close match with Lads just winning 6-2.

The Final between Duckies and Lads was fast paced and close. Superb shooting, passing and defence helped Duckies take an early lead but Lads, known for their endless energy and never-say-die attitude, kept on fighting.

Time unfortunately ran out for Lads, who went down to Duckies 14-8. It was a very close match and one that could have gone either way, but on this day, Duckies took the title.

Congratulations to Lads for winning The League BASKETBALL in the Primary Years 5 and 6 Division.

Secondary Futsal

Chiefs have been the dominating team in this competition, going into the Finals as favourites, without losing a game in all pool matches. They were up against Knights, who had played exceptionally well in their Elimination Final to win by a goal. This Final was going to be a good one to watch.

We have an amazing group of soccer players at our school who have superb skills with the ball. Playing Futsal is a game which challenges all soccer players to not only improve their passing and shooting skills, but also to master their ball handling skills. Knowing when to hold the ball a bit longer before passing, or shooting is a skill that requires a lot of practise. Th control of the ball is a very important element of the game and that would be important in this Final.

Both teams started the game strongly, with a number of scoring opportunities presenting themselves due to quick one-touch passing. Chiefs took an early lead with a powerful shot to the net, and this lead increased with several more goals scored in the first half.

The second half would prove to be tough for Knights, who fought valiantly till the end but just could not score a goal. Chiefs dominated possession and with precise passing and shooting, was able to take a 4-0 lead and hold that till the final whistle.

It was a wonderful Final which displayed the amazing skills of both teams and the impressive performance of a team that were too strong this term. 

Congratulations to Chiefs for winning The League FUTSAL in the Secondary Division.

Secondary Basketball

The skill level at this age group is amazing, with such incredible accuracy in passing and shooting, not to mention the speed of set moves, screens and fast dribbling.

The Year 9 Skype team was one of the teams to beat, winning nearly all of their pool matches. They were up against Big Boys, a young Year 7 team comprised of passionate basketball players who not only love the challenge of competing against older teams, but also comprise superb skills in the game. Winning the Semi Finals convincingly 23-4 against Chiefs, they were confident they could make this Final a tough one to call. This team had played Skype twice though and lost each time, so heading into the Final, they were hoping to cause an upset.

The game started at an intense pace, with Big Boys controlling the ball and possession and racing to an early 9-0 lead. This quickly changed with Skype mounting a comeback, and heading into the second half, took at 12-10 lead. The defence and ball possession were even more important now so both teams pushed to improve their shooting accuracy, precise passing, and one-on-one defence.

Big Boys retained the ball more often and began to mount numerous attacking raids. As they scored several baskets, they found themselves once again in the lead and hoping to maintain it. With one minute to go, they had a 4-point lead, though Skype continually kept the pressure on.

Skype scored with 10 secs to go, with the score line 20-18 in favour of Big Boys, and even though they just ran out of time, it was a valiant effort to go so close to tying it up.

Congratulations to Big Boys for winning The League BASKETBALL in the Secondary Division.

Futsal Secondary Finals 

Basketball Secondary Finals 

Primary League Finals - Soccer and Basketball

This week’s Careers Newsletter has information for those who have just finished Year 12 and also information about some possible online VET courses for those in Years 11 or 12 next year.  

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

Mr David Russell

Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)

Coast Shelter Christmas Appeal December 2020

GPCC and GPBC are normally able to fundraise for Coast Shelter through our Community Carols event. However, with the Carols not able to go ahead this year due to COVID restrictions we want to highlight a couple of ways you can still support the vital work of Coast Shelter.

The best way to give is via the online appeal page here:

If you can give in this way, we invite you to collect a Coast Shelter Christmas Gift Card from the College reception. We only have 40 of these Gift Cards available and once they are distributed, we will not be able to supply more, so get in quick.

Another way to give is through the Coast Shelter Hamper Wheelie Bin. This is also located in the GPCC Admin Reception during office hours, with Coles bags available to go shopping. This will be available from December 1 to 9, with Coast Shelter coming to collect all the good donated on 10 December.

Please follow the link below for the Coast Shelter Gift Guide:

Thank you for your generous support of Coast Shelter.

Rotary Christmas Trees

Rotary Kincumber will be selling Christmas trees from the Avoca Drive bus shelter at the front of our College on the weekends of 5 - 6 December and 12 - 13 December, until sold out.

If you are after a tree for your Christmas decorations this year, please support our local Rotary.

GPCC Netball

Our GPCC Netball Club are seeking a new Club Secretary if you would consider serving in this way in 2021.

This is a vital position to ensure the effective operation of the Club, and is a great way to contribute to the broader activity of our College.

To find out more please contact our Club President, Raema Nash, by messaging presidentgpccnc@gmail.com

Munchery News

On Wednesdays we have introduced a new item to the menu called - Subs.

There are three choices of topping and they are made on a turkish bread base: ham/cheese/pineapple, ham/cheese or just cheese.

They are very filling and only $4 each.

We have introduced a new nourish bowl on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

You have three choices of the protein topping, flame grilled chicken, haloumi or falafels, all served with a zesty herb dressing.

Book at EXTEND for 2021

New Entrance Way and Carpark Opening 

It is exciting to see that the remaining works on the new entrance and exit ways look like they will finally be completed this month. The final occupation certificate will then need to be obtained before we can operate the new driveway.

Given we are in the last two weeks of term we envisage the operation will now commence for the start of 2021. This will enable us to provide some clear instructions on traffic flow with an updated Carpark Procedure and Traffic Management Plan.

Thank you for your patience this year, and we are trusting it has all been worth it as we enjoy the additional options in the year ahead.

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

Year 7-10 Secondary Uniform Items For Sale:

Boys uniform - Short sleeve white school shirts sizes 14 and 16 $12.50 each; School ties x 2 $10 each; Long pants size S mens $25 each;

Girls uniform - blouse with logo - red piping size 14 $12 each;

Unisex items - School sports cap OSFM  $10 each; School bucket hat size M $10 each; PE shorts size 10 $15 each; PE shirts size 14 $10 each; PE shirt size 18 (as new) $20 each; PE tracksuit pants size XS, S and M $20each; PE sport jacket size M $35 each. 

Phone: Katrina: 0439 492 637.

Holiday Art Workshops: Treehouse Art Studio is running several workshops from 23 December to 21 January 2021. For more information follow this link. Contact Jo Francis 0466 247 716 or email treehouseartstudio@gmail.com

Umina PCYC January School Holiday Program: For more information follow this link.

PCYC Christmas School Holiday Program

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

Please join us at Green Point Baptist Church for one of our services coming up:

GPY (Green Point Youth)

Fridays 7:30pm – 9:30pm (Years 7 - 12) Jacaranda Room during the school term

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/

Coming up 

Monday, 7 December 2020

Year 6 Graduation (two guests per student attending)

Primary Thanksgiving Services (no parents attending)

Tuesday, 8 December 2020

Year 6 Graduation Dinner @ Terrigal SLSC (no parents attending)

Wednesday, 9 December 2020

Year 7P and 7Y HSIE Geography Fieldwork Excursion

Year 9 PASS Water Safety Aquasplash Excursion

Last Day of Term 4 for Students

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 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, 2021

Wednesday, 6 October 2021 to Wednesday, 8 December 2021