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It has been lovely to have all our students back and to feel the hum around the place and the excitement of a new school year. The Kindergarten students started on Thursday and we didn’t have too many tears from parents!
I want to begin unpacking our new purpose statement with you over the coming weeks. I have presented these to the teachers and to Years 7 – 12. We are working on modifying the graduate profile graphic somewhat for our K - 6 students to make it more accessible for them.
The core purpose of GPCC is to equip students for a life of redemptive action through a holistic education grounded in a Biblical perspective.
Education is commonly seen as being about preparation for life, the formation of a particular type of person and the enculturation of a generation. All of these things can be good or bad. We can use education to prepare someone to live a selfish life or a materialistic life or a hedonistic life and so on. At GPCC we want to prepare students for a life to be lived as we understand God intends for all humankind; a life lived in obedience to Him and ordered in accordance with His design and original intent.
We recognise and accept that the creation is no longer operating as it was first created. The entrance of sin (disobedience and pride) through Adam has meant the world is now broken and so are the people in it. We are born with a propensity to sin and need to be put right before we can actually live correctly. Christians call this salvation. We live under condemnation because of our sin, but God through Christ has taken the punishment for sin on our behalf and extends to us the possibility of being accepted and restored.
We are called to live as God’s agents of redemption in the world, sharing with others the good news that they too can be restored, and working to bring healing and goodness to all aspects of society. In this way we demonstrate to others that there is a better way to live and that restoration is possible. We look forward to the second coming of Jesus when He will judge the world and re-create it so that we can live together as intended.
Our purpose as a school is to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and wisdom to live this way and be agents of redemptive action in the world. This is a much greater purpose than just being educated to get into university or get a good job. It raises the stakes of the value of education as a means to becoming a change agent in the world.
Learning to read and write, to do mathematics, to understand various aspects of the world, ourselves and society, is vital if our graduates are to be redemptive agents. We want them to be highly skilled and trained, ready for further training and a life of growth as they take up the Creation Mandate to be the stewards of the world and the developers of a flourishing society.
We look forward to partnering with you in this exciting venture.
Phillip Nash
Principal
This week I spoke to the students about the importance using the gifts and abilities that God has given us. Each of us have strengths and areas for growth. It is not only important to use these strengths but also to celebrate these gifts and talents in others as they excel. We are encouraging a growth mindset and the development of perseverance in our students as they continue along the road of a life long learner.
In Colossians 3:23 it says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord.”
With our swimming carnival drawing closer and lots of representative sports starting up it is so important that we remember these key areas that demonstrate good sportsmanship.
- Act courteously and treat others with kindness
- Do not lose your cool even when things do not go your way
- Be a team player and help others have opportunities to succeed
- Encourage your teammates
- Acknowledge and applaud good plays, even when it’s your opponent that makes them
- Listen to and follow the directions of the coach
- Respect the officials – they are there to help and guide us
Swimming Carnival - Mingara
Our Years 3 - 6 Swimming Carnival is on Friday of this week and I look forward to seeing many parents and families there to support our students as they and compete in races. Please ensure your student has returned their permission note to the College office.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nathan Lambert for all the work he has put into organising what I believe will be a fantastic day of community and celebration at the pool.
- Please ensure that your child has their name marked off when they arrive at the pool and then when they leave.
- Our swimming carnival is part of our school day. If any children need to leave early, they must have their name marked off and this will be counted as a partial absence.
School Banking - Children can bring their school banking in on Thursday rather than Friday this week, due to the Primary School Swimming Carnival.
Meet the Teacher Night
This year there will be two sessions for Meet the Teacher Night. Classes will meet altogether as a grade in one of the grade classrooms and teachers will take time to explain the routines and expectations of the year ahead. This is also an important time for you to connect with other parents in your child’s class and build community. Please note this is not a time for parent interviews as these will be held later in the term.
- K, 1, 2 classes will meet at 6:30pm - 7:15pm
- 3, 4, 5, 6 classes will meet 7:20pm - 8:05pm
Pick Up Zones
Please be mindful of others in this busy time of year in our pickup zones. There are many students moving about our campus and we also must allow for the movement of traffic and busses. Parents are reminded not to park in the bus bay and to ensure they are not blocking access to the College for other drivers.
Chapel and Assemblies
Each week on a Wednesday at 2:30pm the Primary School holds Chapel or an assembly. Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend the MPC for these exciting times of community together. This year grades will be presenting their assemblies together. These will be held on alternate weeks to Chapel and class teachers will notify you of when your child’s grade is conducting the assembly. Assemblies are a time when we will be showcasing the teaching and learning that is occurring in your child’s grade.
Every alternate week we will be holding Chapel. This will be a time of worship and a short devotional talk. Head of School awards will still be given out each week and you will be notified if your child is being presented with a Head of School Award at one of our Chapel services or an award at our Afternoon Assemblies.
Uniforms
Thank you to parents for supporting the College in upholding our Uniform Policy. Can I please remind all students that no earrings other than plain studs or sleepers are to be worn and boys are not permitted to wear earrings to school.
Parent Partnership Interviews
On Tuesday 18 February the Primary School will be holding their Parent Teacher Partnership Evening. This is an excellent time for you to meet with your child’s teacher and discuss with them any particular learning needs or areas of support your child might need throughout the year.
Please go to the Parent Lounge on TASSWeb for details on how to make your appointment. The interviews will run from 3:30pm for Year 3; and 4:00pm to 8:30pm for the remainder of the grades. The bookings will be open to parents on Tuesday 11 February at 9:00am. You may access your account with your family number. If you have difficulty accessing the bookings, please call the College office.
Welcome back for the new school year. It is great to see the enthusiasm and energy that has been brought by the students in their return to school. As we begin a new year and focus for the College which highlights how we operate as a community and through that make sure our students are EQUIPPED FOR LIFE.
1 Corinthians 10:31 - let us focus on the One whom we serve in all that we do.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (NIV)
In all things whether it is small or big we should do it to glorify God. This includes the way we treat others, the way we wear our uniform, the effort we put into our class work, the respect we show our peers and teachers, whether we put our rubbish in the bin and so much more. This verse provides us with the correct motivation for all of our endeavours in life, big or small.
Year Advisors
The Year Advisors are your first port of call for any welfare issue relating to your child.
The Secondary School Year Advisors for 2020 are as follows:
- Year 7 Mrs Kerrie Rochford
- Year 8 Mr Chris Haines
- Year 9 Mr James Wright
- Year 10 Mr Matthew Newell
- Year 11 Mr Chris Lewis
- Year 12 Mr Paul Chambers/Mr Daniel Witanowski
These are fantastic teachers who have the wellbeing of your child at heart. Please feel free to call and discuss any issue you may have that may affect the wellbeing and progress of your child with them and they will do their best to help.
Uniform
Please make sure that your child has the correct uniform by the end of this week. We will begin uniform detentions next week. Please note that the sports uniform has white socks as does the girls formal uniform. The boys formal uniform has black socks. Uniform detentions will be run in A1 on Tuesdays and Fridays at lunchtime.
Please make sure that your child has the correct black school leather shoes.
Please make sure that skirts and shorts meet the standard length requirements of the Uniform Policy.
Discipline Policy and Procedures
Please note that we have made some adjustments to the Discipline Policy. The term "demerit" will no longer be in use. Discipline notifications will be sent home via Parent Lounge and will clearly indicate the level of discipline your child has received.
Phones are no longer to be taken into or turned on in class unless a teacher indicates they are to be used for learning. All rooms will have a box for phones to be placed in if students do not want to leave them in their bags. If phones are heard or seen, they will be confiscated until the end of the day.
We will also begin a review of the positive system this term for implementation in Term 2.
Thanksgiving and Academic Assembly - MPC 12.00pm
On Wednesday 5 February we will celebrate and give thanks for the achievements and servanthood of students in 2019. An email invitation has been sent to you if your child is receiving an award at this assembly.
For those interested in a career in Information Technology, there is an ICT Conference for students to be held at Newcastle in April. For more details, please see the Careers Newsletter email to be sent to parents of Years 10 – 12 students on Monday 3 February or visit the “Student Careers” section under the News menu on the school website.
David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
Come and Play Netball
College Band
Music is a big part of the life at GPCC.
If you are a beginner or a more experienced musician, private music lessons are available with our qualified tutors.
We encourage our students to join one of our school bands, either the Junior School Band for Years 3 to 6 or the College Band for Years 7 to 12.
There will be an information evening soon, stay tuned.
For more info, please email our band director, JP Fleury at band.director@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
School Photography Dates
- Tuesday 3 March – Primary School
- Tuesday 10 March – Secondary School
- Thursday 12 March – Sibling/family photos and absentees (8:30am – 12:00pm)
SCHOOL PHOTO ORDER CODE: 519 XYK 496
SCHOOL PHOTO ORDER LINK: https://www.advancedimage.com.au/keycode/keycodefinder.aspx?keycode=519XYK496
School photography days are coming up very soon. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link above or by using the envelope provided.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- School photos purchased online DO NOT require envelopes returned to school
- Do not forget to order your sibling photos now*
- Late fees/additional charges will be applied for purchases after photo day
- Photos will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after photos are taken
- Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups available at school’s advancedorder site (follow the link above) and your child’s advancedyou photo site.
*Sibling photographs must be ordered either online or by order envelope prior to the day of photography. A photograph will not be taken without an order. Sibling photographs can only be taken of children enrolled at the school.
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, for your peace of mind, and are also here to resolve any issues you may experience to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience, please contact us at: enquiries@advancedlife.com.au
Library Refurbishment
The students were excited to explore their upgraded Library last week. Students, parents and staff were very positive in their feedback. Library use has already increased as a result. We would like to thank project leaders Abax Kingfisher, the Library staff and our hardworking Green Team for the amazing work they put in to have our Library ready for the new school year. I t was an ambitious undertaking and the results are outstanding.
MAX POTENTIAL
Using an innovative program design, Max Potential takes Secondary School students (young adults) and volunteers (community coaches) on a transformative journey that changes their attitudes and thinking so they can problem solve and move towards their own goals.
Green Point Christian College has had past students involved in this excellent coaching program. Max Potential at Gosford is currently taking applications for Community Coaches to be trained. Please check the Max Potential website for more information if you are interested - https://www.maxpotential.com.au/gosford
Story Time is back on Monday 10 February 2020
THRIVE
THRIVE returns on Friday 7 February 2020. THRIVE is for Years 5 and 6 on Fridays during the school term at 5.00pm - 6.30pm. For more information contact Pastor Louise Eccleston on 0425 239 414 or at louise@gpbc.net.au.
Green Point Baptist Church
SERVICE TIMES
Sundays
• 9:30am (includes Kids Church program)
• 6:00pm
Coast Shelter Restaurant
346 Mann Street, Gosford
If you would like to be on the roster, please email office@gpbc.net.au or 0419 986 740.
8 February 2020
OIC and Food Pick Up: Gaynor Rodgers
Helpers: Tosca Brand, Sherryl Fordham, Di Smith, Julie Stowe, Raj, Sheela and Sherly Rajasekar, Vicki Wickert.
15 February 2020
OIC & Food Pick Up: Stephen Hay, Arthur Pickersgill, Margaret Tham.
Helpers: Sonia Dawes, Natalie Trigg, Sharni Alexanda, Larissa Foreman, Tamilar Misso, Sarah Davis.
22 February 2020
OIC and Food Pick Up: William Arnot, Margaret Tham.
Helpers: Bev Baker, Jackie Bolger, Jane McLarty, Kevin & Eira Sproats, Barbara Swan, Barbara Thomas.
29 February 2020
OIC and Food Pick Up: Sonia Dawes, Margaret Tham
Helpers: Carolyn’s Small Group, Colleen and Ivan du Toit, Raj, Sheela and Sherly Rajasekar, Samantha and Oliver Davies
Green Point Trader
FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES AT GREAT PRICES: Last December a group started up to buy fruit and vegetables, as well as good bread and a few groceries direct from farmers (for the fruit and veg) or wholesalers. It is through Box Divvy - named because we order full boxes of fruit and vegetables that are at their freshest and share (divvy) them between us. Prices generally work out cheaper than supermarkets (plus you save money on less impulse buys at the supermarket!) and the farmer gets more of it (66 cents in the dollar goes to the farmer, compared with more like 33 cents from produce at supermarkets). It is great for the environment too, as there is minimal packaging and reduced food miles - where possible the fruit and veg are grown in the Sydney Basin or on the Central Coast, although to have a good range available produced is sourced further away when necessary. Our combined order will be delivered to Erina on Tuesdays where you can pick it up or I can bring a limited number of boxes to school pick up on Tuesday afternoon.
For more information, go to Facebook and search Box Divvy Erina, or text/call me on 0402 463 058. There is a lot of information on the Facebook page.
There is also a group at Woy Woy. Search Box Divvy Woy Woy on Facebook or ask me by phone/text.
Green Point Trader
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
Uniform Shop
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
EXTEND Update
Reminder Notice from Red Bus Services
Parents/carers can help keep students safe by:
- Meeting your child at the bus stop in the afternoon;
- Wait on the correct side of the road the bus stops on;
- Be on time when meeting your child;
- Move away from the bus when you have met your child at the bus door.
BUS FLASHING LIGHTS PUBLIC AWARENESS SAFETY CAMPAIGN
Motorists can help keep children safe by:
- Slowing down to 40km/h when bus lights are flashing;
- Lights flash on buses to warn motorists that buses are picking up and dropping off children;
- Looking out for children crossing the road near bus stops, in school zones or along bus routes;
- You must not overtake or pass a bus with flashing lights at more than 40km/h.
Giving way to buses when they merge back into traffic.
For more information visit: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/be-bus-aware/bus-flashing-lights.html
Coming up
Tuesday, 4 February 2020
Primary Meet the Teacher Night
Wednesday, 5 February 2020
Secondary Thanksgiving and Academic Assembly at 12.00pm in MPC
Friday, 7 February 2020
GPCC Primary Swimming Carnival for Years 2 -6
Tuesday, 11 February 2020
Years 10 and 12 Drama Encore Excursion
Year 11 Study Sensei Seminar in Period 4
Wednesday, 12 February, 2020
Year 7 Camp (until Friday 14 February)
Tuesday, 18 February 2020
Primary Parent Teacher Partnership Night
Thursday, 20 February 2020
Year 12 HSC Study Day
Tuesday, 25 February 2020
Year 11 and Year 12 Parent/Teacher Night
Thursday, 27 February 2020
College Open Day
Friday, 28 February 2020
GPCC Secondary School Swimming Carnival
TERM DATES
Term 1, 2020
Tuesday, 28 January 2020 Years 1-7, 11 and 12 commence Term 1
Wednesday, 29 January 2020 Years 8-10 commence Term 1
Thursday, 30 January 2020 Kindergarten commence Term 1
Thursday, 9 April 2020 - Last day of Term 1
Term 2, 2020
Tuesday, 28 April 2020 to Friday, 3 July 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