Last term I informed you of our Board’s plans to establish a small school in the northwest of NSW in the town of Brewarrina. We are continuing to move forward with this project with plans to purchase a property proceeding. The property will not only potentially host a small school for the local area in the future, but also provide a range of exciting opportunities for our GPCC students. It will be at least 2 years before we can open a school on the site but we'll begin using it for our purposes much sooner.

This year we launched an Aboriginal Studies course for Years 11/12 students and continue to plan on sending increased numbers of Year 9 students for an experience in Brewarrina and surrounds. There is significant scope on the site we are looking at to host students for outdoor education activities, spiritual retreats, other subject fieldtrips (Geography, Business Studies, History etc) and for student exchanges etc.

Getting our students to experience something of life and the issues of remote western NSW is a great way to help them broaden their horizons and develop a greater understanding of the diversity and complexity of this great country. For teenagers who are working out their life’s vocation, having experiences outside of their current comfort zone is important in giving them a bigger vista of opportunities for their future. Brewarrina and surrounding areas are great for a family holiday too as we all think about holidaying closer to home in the current pandemic.

You can pray for our school Board as we move forward in this direction.

I also want to announce our plans to open a School of a Kind here at GPCC. We have increasing numbers of students who are on the Autism spectrum and who need a specialised environment in order to be able to thrive. This specialist school will be funded independently of GPCC, but be a close sister school to us with some shared facilities and activities for socialisation purposes. We have identified a need on the Central Coast for a school like this for families and are in the process of putting together an application to the NSW Education Standards Authority for permission to operate such a school.

Watch this space for more information as our plans develop and again, we value your prayers for this process. 

The new Master Plan for our site is almost complete and we will now enter a consultation phase with Church, school staff and the wider parent community. With our 40^th anniversary to be celebrated next year, we are looking forward to giving thanks for all that has been accomplished so far but also looking ahead to future developments.

I was hoping not to have to mention traffic this week but I feel I need to do so.  Generally, traffic patterns are settling down into something more manageable but with our new K-2 Kiss and Drop zone, I cannot reinforce enough the need for parents to time their arrival for well after 3:15pm to assist in not spilling out onto Avoca Drive and blocking up one lane.

We are looking at some internal modifications to allow for easier u-turns at the top of the Kiss and Drop zone, but these will take a while to finalise and get approval for. Thanks again for your patience as we all adjust to the changes this has brought.

Phillip Nash

Principal

New Enrichment Department K-12 (Previously Support Services K-6, 7-12)

Throughout 2019 and 2020 the College Executive reviewed Support Services in both the Primary and Secondary departments. Through this review a decision was made to blend the two departments into a K-12 one. As a result, Mrs Sarah Brown was appointed to the role of Director of Enrichment K-12. Sarah will oversee all students (K-12) in the Enrichment Department, supported by seven Enrichment Teachers and eight Student Enrichment Officers. We are excited about this newly formed department and the opportunities it will provide for all of our students.

For any questions, concerns or conversations, Sarah can be contacted on sbrown@gpcc.nsw.edu.au. Appointments can be made by contacting the Enrichment Administration Assistant, Ann McLellan, amclellan@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.

Jane McLarty

Deputy Principal K-12

Mrs Nicole Smith | Head of Primary

Sponsor Children

Our GPCC Primary school sponsor 8 children from across the globe.

More than ever before, children trapped in poverty around the world need our support. Sponsorship will help equip the most vulnerable communities with the knowledge and resilience to cope with crises like the coronavirus.

Each week we ask that students do one or two jobs around the home to earn a small amount of money that they can give to support these sponser children. This is collected in our classes and presented at chapel. Please take time to ask your children about their class sponsor child.

Parent teacher Partnership Evening 23 February

This is an excellent opportunity for all parents to book a 10 minute interview time slot with our child's teacher to be held in their classroom. This is a time where you can discuss expectations for the year, set learning goals and inform your class teaher of information that will assist the teacher as they work with your child throughout the year. This evening will be just for your child's Main class teacher, and later in the year, after the Semester 1 reports, there will be opportunity to also meet with your child's Maths teacher if necessary.   

Booking times for these interviews will be open from Monday 15 February from 7:00am and can be made through the Parent Lounge on our TASSWeb database. Booking close on Monday 21 February at 4:00pm to allow teachers time to prepare for their interviews.  

Students are welcome to attend these interviews with parents if you wish. 

6M Bookings will be over two nights – Please only make one appointment

Mrs Munro's appointments are:

Tuesday 23 February 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Wednesday 24 February 3:30pm - 5:00pm

How to book an Interview on Parent Lounge

You may access your account with your family number previously supplied.  If you are new to the College and haven’t used this facility before, please contact the office to get 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 Guide" to access the video on "How to Book Parent Teacher Interview".  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 tothe internet, please call the office and we will assist you. 

Head of School Awards

Congratulations to the following students who achieved the Head of School Award for Week 3:

Bourne R, KDL; Emilie G, KG; Finn A, KJ; Lucas D, 1B; Fletcher T, 1PH; Lauren B, 2D; Charlotte E, 2P; Charlie B, 3B; Orin S, 3D; Claire P, 4B; Ellie M, 4G; Khloe M, 4M; Ellyanna B, 5L; Jason P, 5P; Noah D, 6M; Mitchell T, 6S; Finn D, 6T.

COVID restrictions – End of settling in period – Parents on site

• With the start of the year we were permitted to allow new parents to walk students to class for the first few days. This period has now finished and we ask that parents use the Kiss and Drop 1 or 3, or walk their child to the bottom of the hill.
• Parents or adult volunteers helping with essential school activities such as reading groups, activities, and essential curriculum activities may enter the school property and sign in at the offcie.

Afternoon Pick up

Thank you for your patience as we work through the teething issues of this new section of the college. A few things that we would appreciate you consider in regards to afternoon pick up:

• Please make sure your child knows where they are being picked up each day – Routine is best (same place each day) a note in the lunchbox is a good reminder of change to routine.
• K-2 carers please try to develop independence by using the new K&D3. This will also ease congestion in the other areas.
• If you need to change arrangements, please contact the office.

Kids Hope   

We are excited to be partnering with Green Point Baptist Church in launching the Kids Hope mentoring program this term. Kids Hope is an early intervention, school-based mentoring program that has been operating in Australia since 2004.

The program aims to develop emotional and social resilience in children, and so enhance their capacity to learn. The model is built on a long-term partnership between a local school and a local church. Carefully screened and trained mentors from the church meet the children for one hour per week at the school. Over 20,000 children have been matched with mentors in Primary schools all around Australia. The results show that the program changes lives. We have seven mentors ready to go and are in the process of selecting the students that would benefit from this kind of new relationship. Please click link below for more information. 

If you have a child that will be starting GPCC in Kindergarten in 2022 please apply via our website as soon as possible Kinder 2022 Enrolment.

If you know of any families who wish to enrol their child in Kindergarten in 2022, please direct them to email our Registrar, or to Book a Tour

Please register for our Kindergarten Information Evening to be held on Tuesday 16 March 2021. 

Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary

It has been a great start to the year and it is wonderful to see the effort students have been putting into their studies and the many activities that have been happening around the College.  

On the whole, the standard of the uniform has improved as well as the attitude to wearing it correctly. Thank you for your support in this area. The purpose of uniform is to help foster the feeling of belonging and community in our College. It also helps students identify with Green Point Christian College as their school, and to take pride and ownership of the privilege of attending this school.

That being said, just a reminder that girls need to wear their skirts at the appropriate length that meets the standard of the Uniform Policy. Please remind your student of the need to meet this standard. I understand that the message in the media dictates how students want to be dressed, however as indicated the College uniform has a higher purpose. 

Students have been reminded that computers/laptops are to be used as tools at school and not as toys. If a student is unable to meet this requirement, it will result in the confiscation of a device.

Year 7 Camp 

It was great to visit the Year 7 camp yesterday and to see the enthusiasm of this wonderful group of students. A lot of fun was had by all. What a great bunch of new Secondary School students we have. Thank you to all the staff who attended and spent three days away from their families. 

School Vaccination Program

On Wednesday 24 February 2021, Central Coast Public Health will be offering all Year 7 students the following vaccinations:

Year 7 – Gardasil/HPV dose 1 and Boostrix dTpa (Diphtheria/Tetanus/Whooping Cough)

Vaccination packs were sent out earlier this week and need to be returned before 24 February. Permission by phone cannot be accepted.

There will be follow up vaccinations later in the year on 25 August 2021, for Dose 2 of these and any catch ups needed.

Students from Year 8 who returned consent forms last year and who missed either of the two doses, can catch up on 24 February when the nurses are here for Year 7.

Year 10 Meningococcal Vaccinations

These will be carried out on 5 May for Year 10 students and vaccination packs will be sent out closer to the date.

P Plate Drivers - Parking

P Plate drivers are not to park in the cain carpark. Rather, students are to park in the designated car park until the new P plater carpark is open. 

Parents, please do not park or pick up students in the student P plater carpark as it is dangerous for all involved. 

Communication

If you need to speak to a staff member regarding an academic issue, please make your first point of call the Class Teacher, followed by the Co-ordinator of the subject area. These two points of contact are the most effective, as they are the specialists in the subject.

If you have a general issue or a welfare issue, your first contact should be your child’s Year Advisor or a College Counsellor.  

If these contact people are unable to help or you have an emergency issue, then please contact the Head of Secondary. 

GPCC Secondary Swimming Carnival

When: Friday 26 February 2021

Venue: Mingara Leisure Centre

Time: Carnival will begin at 9:00am and conclude at 2:30pm 

What to wear/bring: House colours, sports uniform, recess and lunch 

Transport: All students are required to make their own way to and from the carnival.

If students require transport on the College bus, the first bus will depart GPCC at 8:30am (last bus will be departing at 8:50am) and return by 3:00pm.  

Please indicate on Parent Lounge (not at the Office) by Wednesday 24 February 2021 if your child requires bus transport. 

Parent Spectators: Due to the easing of some restrictions, parents will be able to spectate at this carnival, however they must spectate on either side of the pool or from the grass area (parents are not permitted in the grandstand). Parents must agree to adhere to the venue’s COVID-19 Condition of Entry. The venue has a limit for spectator attendance and once this is reached, parents will be turned away. 

Parents will need to indicate on the options on Parents Lounge if they are planning to attend. Parents will need to scan the QR code on arrival.

Carnival Assistance: If parents are able to assist on the day, please email Nathan Lambert at nlambert@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.

Years 11 and 12 Parent/Teacher Night – will be held Tuesday, 2 March 2021 for Years 11 and 12 (depending on COVID restrictions).

Year 7 Meet the Teacher and Faculty Night – will be held on Tuesday, 9 March 2021 in the MPC (depending on COVID restrictions). 

Secondary School Thanksgiving and Academic Assembly Awards

Congratulations to all our students who received awards at our Thanksgiving and Academic Assembly. 

Our Special Awards were presented to the following students: 

Dux of the College 2020: Cody B

Principal's Cup: Anthea D  

Nomination for OnSTAGE: Jemilla H and Emma H

Nomination and selection for ARTEXPRESS: Alex M

Congratulations to Hallie K - Year 9 

After 18 months of hard work and dedication, Hallie K was awarded the Australian Scout Medallion in January 2021 at a District Award Ceremony.

This is the highest achievement for a Scout in Australia and reflects months of dedication, learning and progress through various areas such as leadership, navigation, planning, mentoring and voluntary experiences.

To achieve this level, a Scout needs to display leadership skills high enough to lead a patrol of Scouts on a three day hike over 30kms after planning, communicating and assessing risks.

The final stage is to plan, manage and complete a leadership activity and report on the learning experiences of the project.

Congratulations Hallie for achieving the Peak Scout Award.       

Photos of Scout District presentation, with Hallie is the District Commissioner, Assistant District Commissioner, District  Scout Leader, State Activity Commissioner and local Leaders

This week’s Careers Newsletter has information for those interested in careers in STEM – the Term 1 Careers with STEM magazine is now available. 

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)

Nathan Lambert  |  K-12 Sport Co-ordinator

It was an amazing day last Friday with our first carnival of 2021.

Our Primary students travelled to Mingara to compete in the Primary Swimming Carnival. We had a number of parent helpers also in attendance, who assisted in handing our place ribbons, timekeeping and lifeguard duties for the 25m races and novelty events. 

• We had 25m races for Freestyle, Breaststroke and Butterfly
• There were several opportunities for all students to participate in the novelty event “Salmon Run”. This is a fun and non-stop activity where every time the students hop in the water, they get a House point. They hopped in their lane as many times as possible, swam to a lifeguard and then came back to the start
• The short competition races were close, hard fought, and always exciting to watch: 50m races for Freestyle, Breaststroke, Backstroke, Butterfly
• The long competition races had many competitors this year which was fantastic to see: 100m Freestyle and 200m IM
• To top off a wonderful carnival, we ran the Junior and Senior relays at the same time (Junior Boys and Senior Boys went at once, followed by the girls)

Well done to all our competitors for their efforts in every race. It was fabulous to see the encouragement shown by team mates and friends, not to mention the great sportsmanship on display before and after a race.

We will have a strong team who will head to the Zone Primary Swimming Carnival on Thursday 4 March at Mingara. Our Primary Zone Squad will be announced soon.

Our 2021 Champion House and Age Champions will be announced at Chapel later on this term. Parents will be informed when this will occur.

Photo above: Primary House Captains at the Primary Swimming Carnival 

Primary Sports Teams and Trials

There are many sport events held throughout the year in Primary. We have a number of individual trials for students who play at a rep level; there are Gala Days for our GPCC Sport Teams to compete at; and then there are School Carnivals (Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics) where students can progress through to Zone, CSSA and CIS.

It is important that parents understand the process of each element of Sport at GPCC. Please click on this link for further details. 

Secondary Sport Team and Trials 

There are many sport events held throughout the year in Secondary. We had a number of individual trials for students who play at a rep level; there are Gala Days for our GPCC Sport Teams to compete at; and then there are a School Carnivals (Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics) where students can progress through to Zone, CSSA and CIS.

It is important that parents understand the process of each element of Sport at GPCC. Please click on this link for further details. 

CIS/NSW All Schools Triathlon

The CIS/NSW All Schools Triathlon is a wonderful event, held on Tuesday 30 February at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith. We have sent a number of individual triathletes to this event in the past and they have had a wonderful day. Last year, Wade B qualified for the NSW Team, which was an amazing achievement.

This competition will be the selection process for the NSW All Schools Triathlon Team, who would then contest the National Championships in Hervey Bay, Queensland, from 15-17 September.

If your child competes in triathlons or/and is experienced in each of the three legs (swim, run, bike), then please email Mr Lambert their interest before the end of Week 4 of this term.

Details of the competition can by found by clicking this link: Competition_details

Open Day 25 February 2021 

Please note our upcoming Open Day on Thursday 25 February is now scheduled out of school hours from 5:00pm. A COVID-Safe Plan is in place and this event will be postponed or cancelled if need be to comply with Public Health Orders.

The Open Day and Tour is especially fashioned for new families who will benefit from an introduction and first look around Green Point Christian College.

If you know of any friends or family who are interested, please encourage them to register via the website - Green Point Christian College GPCC | Open Day & Tour February 2021

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Registrar, Angela Sheather, via registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au or by phoning the College on 4363 1266.

School Photography Days

Tuesday 2 March 2021 (Primary students)

Tuesday 9 March 2021 (Secondary students)

Thursday 11 March 2021 (sibling and absentees) 8:30am - 12:00pm

Dear Parents/Carers

School photographs are scheduled to be taken by Advancedlife Photography. Whilst an envelope and flyer will be distributed, if possible it is our preference that ordering be completed online to reduce administration and potential security issues related
to the return of cash and envelopes on photo day.

Orders for packages and sibling photographs can be placed securely online using our school’s unique nine digit advancedorder code. Portrait and group package orders are due by photography day.

Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, the order must be placed no later than the day before the photography day. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed. Sibling photo envelopes are available from reception.

Please ensure that your child/ren are dressed in their formal school uniform in accordance with our Uniform Policy on photo day, if they have PASS, Sport or Gross Motor they will need to bring their PE uniform to change into after school photos. Please click on these links to view our Primary_School_Uniform_Requirements and Secondary_School_Uniform_Requirements.  

NEW

advancedlife now offers Latitude Pay! To take advantage of LatitudePay and split the cost of your order into 10 small easy payments, simply order your school photos online as usual, set up a Latitude Pay account in just a few clicks and pay no interest or fees when you pay according to your payment schedule; it’s that easy.

Three easy ways to purchase:

1. LatitudePay – Click on the link below, set up an account during the online order process and split your payments across 10 weeks with no interest or fees, if you pay on time
2. Visa, MasterCard or PayPal
3. Cash – complete the envelope supplied and return it to our photographer on photo day.

School photography information:

• Online orders - do not require an envelope returned to your school
• Sibling Photos - Do not forget to pre-order your sibling photos online up to 24 hours before photo day. We provide the school with a list of sibling orders right up to the day of photography, so no one misses out. If you miss the online order deadline, you can submit a completed sibling order envelope first thing in the morning of the day of photography, so the school is aware you want the photo taken and can bring your children together in time for it. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at GPCC. 
• Late fees - a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately
• Package delivery - photographic packages will be returned for distribution approximately six weeks after photos are taken

advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to Green Point Christian College for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind. 

Green Point Chritian College unique nine digit Advancedorer code is:

519 XYK 496

Click here to order your photos

Private Music Tuition

Please access the Private Music Tuition Brochure for 2021 by clicking on this link:  Private Music Tuition Enrolment Form

Most of you will be aware that the school was hosting a secondhand uniform shop outside the back of the Administration building on a monthly basis (pre-COVID). This was staffed by generous parents (Glenda Carter, Kay Soede and others).

Given that there is a significant amount of stock that has built up over the Christmas holidays, and the beginning of the year is a peak demand period, we will host a temporary "pop-up shop" in room A1 (end of the building adjacent to Administration).

Subject to demand, the secondhand uniform shop will run for two weeks with a third week and additional days/times made available if required.

The shop will open during the following time slots:

Monday 15 February 2:30pm – 3:15pm

Thursday 18 February 2:30pm – 3:15pm

Friday 19 February 8:20am – 9:00am

Please visit or phone Reception on 4363 1266 to book a time.

To ensure COVID safety, please note the following:

• Maximum of two customers in the shop at any time.
• Please practise social distancing.
• Credit card payment preferred.
• Please queue and wait to be invited inside.
• Bookings only – made through reception please.

 Library News

Scholastic Book Club

BOOK CLUB ISSUE 1: Please order by Thursday 18 February 2021

Primary orders are delivered to your child's classroom. Secondary orders will come to the Library. A guide for parents is provided on Book Club_Guide_for_parents. Parents can place orders: Click here to order.

Story Time is back

We meet for stories, craft and fun in the Library at 9.15am on Monday mornings during the school term. This is a fun time for pre-schoolers and their parents. Parents will need to sign in at the office.

Please sanitise hands as you enter the Library. We look forward to seeing you there. Click this link for the Story Time schedule. 

Library Lovers’ Week

In Weeks 3 and 4 Secondary English classes can book into the Library for speed book dating. This coincides with Library Lovers’ week, reminding students to love books and their library.

Position Vacant

GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church

Equipped for life

DIRECTOR OF TEACHER DEVELOPMENT

Immediate start

Permanent full time position

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons able to work with all teachers K – 12 to enhance and improve their ability in the classroom to foster quality student learning.  The position also carries a teaching load of FTE 0.4 (Primary or Secondary). 

 For full details and criteria regarding the position, please refer to the full Job Description available on the College website, along with prospectus and application form at Director of Teacher Development.

The successful applicant for the above position must be a committed Christian and be prepared to teach under the ethos of our College.

Applications close on Friday 5 March 2021 and are to be submitted online via the application form.

School Buses

Bus companies have advised schools that all students would have receiving their new Opals cards and must tap on and off. For more information from Red Bus Service please click this link. 

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

Munchery News

The Munchery is open for business every day from 8:00am – 2:00pm and accept lunch orders from students and staff across the counter and also electronically.  

Lunch orders can be placed online each morning prior to 8:30am.

The Munchery have partnered with Munch Monitor (www.munchmonitor.com) to provide an online ordering and payment system. Parents access this system by browsing the Munch Monitor site at https://www.munchmonitor.com 

Username: greenpoint        Password: munch2251

Book at EXTEND for 2021 (Before and After School Care)

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.

Green Point Trader

Kincumber/Bensville Sea Scouts

Sea Scouts is an excellent way for children to build confidence, gain new friendships, learn life skills and have heaps of fun.

Please click on this link for more information:Become a Joey in 2021

Variety Heart Scholarships

Variety Heart Scholarships support kids with a demonstrated talent who are living with a disability, chronic illness or financial hardship, to pursue their dreams and realise their true potential. Scholarships of up to $5,000 are awarded in Sport or the Arts and can be used for a range of things including uniforms and equipment, coaching and lessons and other expenses. Please click on link for more information:
Variety Heart Scholarship

Year 7 Girls Expressive Art Workshop

A space for teens to explore the emotional challenges of starting a new phase in Secondary School run by Heart and Mind Collective. Please click on this link for more information: Y7_Girls_Art_Workshop.

Uniforms for Sale

3 x Junior Secondary School girls white formal shirts, size 14, two in very good condition, one has some spots of ink - $50 for all three.

Please contact 0429131073

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

Green Point Baptist Church

Coming up this week

Dates for Your Diary 

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