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Welcome to Term 2. I trust your Easter break was a good one. It will be great to see all our students back and keen to get into routine again.
I began this term with teachers and staff by reminding them of the purpose of education. You may note that I do this regularly with you as well because in the busyness of school and life, it is easy to get so focused on the details that we forget why we are doing something.
Let me begin by highlighting what we do not think the purpose of education is.
The purpose of education is not:
to enable a student to earn a good income;
to preserve our Australian (or Western democratic) system of government and political freedom;
world unification or peace;
to teach young people a trade;
to encourage the never-ending search for truth;
to put the student in harmony with the universe;
to raise the consciousness of students and train them for world revolution;
to prepare students for productive careers;
to integrate the races;
the social adjustment of the child;
to stay ahead of other countries in technology;
to create good citizens;
to contribute positively to economic prosperity.
While many of these things may be useful and form a part of the result of education, it is not what a Christian school like GPCC sees as the main goal of educating.
We would align ourselves with the great Christian poet, John Milton (Paradise Lost, Paradise Regained) who wrote that, “The end (purpose) of learning is to repair the ruin of our first parents (Adam and Eve) by regaining to know God aright and out of that knowledge to love him, imitate him, to be like him.”
In other words, to regain our original design and purpose as those made in God’s image. To desire again, to share fellowship with Him through caring for and utilising the creation to bless others and glorify Him. Right from the beginning of creation God gave humankind a purpose to be the stewards of what he had made, to build civilization and to enjoy close relationship with him as their Creator. Ultimately, education is to equip children and young people with the means to fulfill this purpose.
This term, as our children engage in learning, it is incumbent on us to help them to understand this purpose and work hard to fulfill it.
Phillip NashPrincipal
Mrs Nicole Smith | Head of Primary
GPCC Primary Athletics Carnival Friday 23 April (Years 2 - 6)
Venue: Mingara Regional Athletics Centre, Mingara Drive, Tumbi Umbi.
Time: Commencing at 9:00am and concluding at 2:15pm.
What to bring: House colours, recess, lunch, sports uniform, sunscreen and water. A canteen will be available for students.
Spectators: Parents/grandparents are all welcome to attend as spectators and must adhere to the venue's COVID-19 safety plan.
Transport: All students are required to make their own way to and from the carnival.
If your child cannot make their own way to the carnival, there will be seating available on the bus.
Parents will need to book transport for their child on the Parent Lounge no later than 3.00pm on Wednesday 21 April 2021 and select TO/FROM options for the bus.
An email has been sent at the end of Term 1, with instructions on how to book transport for your child.
ANZAC Service
This week Primary will be holding an ANZAC service on 21 April during our normal Chapel time of 2:30pm. Parents and Friends are most welcome to attend.
Cross Country
Our GPCC Primary Country Carnival will be held on Tuesday 4 May at Hylton Moore Oval (Week 3). The Primary will run from 9:00am - 12:00pm. To assist this carnival to run smoothly, we will require a number of parents for both Primary and Secondary to help out with one of the following jobs
- Course Checkpoint
- Judge
- Recorder/Ribbon
If you are able to help out with one of these jobs at either the Primary or Secondary Carnival (or both), please let Mr Lambert know by Wednesday 28th April (Week 2).
Primary Choir
It is with great pleasure that the children from Year 1-6 in Primary school are invited to sing and worship again in the CAPA Theatre each Tuesday morning from Week 3 commenced Tuesday 4 May. Choir will begin at 8:00am and conclude at 8:30am, giving children time to prepare for class at 8:45am.
GPCC Primary Band & New Welcome Band
We are excited to announce there is a new Welcome Band for Primary Year 3 and above students which will be commencing Week 3 Term 2 2021. No experience is needed for the Welcome Band.
Please view our video of Mrs Smith discussing Band with our new Band Director, Mr Brendan Berlach by clicking this link.
Times
Full band rehearsal will be held each Tuesday from 12:50pm - 1:40pm.
Instrumental group lessons (2-5 students) will be held for 30 minutes during class time, also weekly (students will have early eating time at 12:50pm, so they won't go hungry!)
Fees
Rehearsal plus group lesson plus Band book will be $230 per term.
Instrument rental is $35 per term (but for Term 2 the College is offering free rental!)
Creative Kids Vouchers can be used for these fees, so there is a further $100 dollars discount on the first term if parents have the voucher available. Included in the fees is an Australian beginner Band book published by Dr Phillip Rutherford.
Instruments Available to Rent
Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, Trombone, Percussion (subject to availability - please contact the Band Director regarding instruments not on this list).
For more information on Band please click on our website.
Please email the Band Director with expressions of interest for our new Welcome Band, which we look forward to launching very soon - band.director@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Our Secondary Band performed at Primary Assembly last term, to view this video, please click on the following link: Secondary Band Performance
Winter Uniform
The first day for Winter uniform is Monday 10 May (The first Monday after Mother’s Day) Please refer to the Student/ Parent Handbook for correct elements of the College Uniform.
NAPLAN Online 2021 - Testing Window, Tuesday 11 May - Friday 14 May
NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy - important skills that each child needs to succeed in school and life. The NAPLAN tests are designed to help us ensure students are on track with their literacy and numeracy development. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in NAPLAN tests for reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
In May, our school will participate in NAPLAN Online. Students do not need to be computer experts to take the NAPLAN test online. Making sure students have computer skills is part of our school curriculum, and our teachers will ensure your child is familiar with the online format. All tests will be online except for Writing in Year 3.
To see the types of questions and interactive features of NAPLAN Online, visit the NAPLAN public demonstration site.
Please refer toNaplan_online_information_brochure_for_parents_and_carers for more information. for more information.
If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online, please contact your child’s teacher or Mrs Jane McLarty
Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary
Welcome back for Term 2, 2021. This will again be a very busy term. I pray that you had a restful and peaceful holiday and reflected on the great sacrifice that Jesus made for each of us.
As we start a new term, we as a staff are going to focus on a number of areas in terms of classroom management.
Students need to be at class on time.
- DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) is to operate for 8 minutes and each student must have a novel to read.
- Uniform needs to be correct.
- Students must come with water bottles full, and no toilet breaks will be allowed for the first 30 mins of a lesson.
- Phones will need to be left with a teacher when a student goes to the bathroom. Phones are not to be out in the classroom.
- Computers will only be allowed to be open when the teacher gives permission for their use.
This will create for a much better start to lessons and more settled over all running of lessons.
Years 7 - 10 Parent Teacher Interviews - Tuesday 20 April 2021
Parent Teacher interviews will be held for Years 7-10 tomorrow on Tuesday 20 April 2021 from 4:00pm until 8:30pm in the MPC.
Parents will need to use their mobile phone to scan the QR code in the MPC on arrival, and then check out when finished.
Interview times will be seven minutes and it is preferable for students to attend with their parent/s.
If you are feeling unwell or displaying any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay at home.
If you are unable to attend or prefer not to if you are vulnerable to COVID-19, you can email your child's teacher to request feedback on their progress.
If you missed out on a Parent Teacher Interview slot please email your child’s teacher and request for them to contact you for a discussion.
This discussion/meeting could be in the form of an email, phone meeting, meeting via Zoom or in person.
We want to keep you and our whole community safe.
ANZAC Day
Our ANZAC Day Service will be held on Wednesday 21 April 2021 during Period 3b.
GPCC Secondary Athletics Carnival - Monday 26 April 2021
Venue: Mingara Regional Athletics Centre, Mingara Drive, Tumbi Umbi.
Time: Commencing at 8:45am and concluding at 2:00pm.
What to bring: House colours, recess, lunch, sports uniform, sunscreen and water. A canteen will be available for students.
Spectators: Parents/grandparents are welcome to attend as spectators and must adhere to the venue's COVID-19 safety plan.
Transport: All students are required to make their own way to and from the carnival.
Transport for the GPCC Secondary Athletics Carnival
If your child cannot make their own way to the carnival, there will be limited seating available on the College bus.
Parents will need to book transport for their child on the Parent Lounge no later than 3.00pm on Tuesday 20 April 2021.
Year 10 Meningococcal Vaccinations - Wednesday 5 May 2021
Immunisation is the simplest and most effective means of protecting people against vaccine preventable disease.
NSW Health and the Central Coast Local Health District will be providing the opportunity for Year 10 students to receive the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
Year 10 have their Meningococcal Vaccinations on Wednesday 5 May 2021 and information packs will be sent home this week.
Please return your consent form to the Admin Office prior to the day.
NAPLAN Online 2021 - Testing Window, Tuesday 11 May - Friday 14 May
NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy - important skills that each child needs to succeed in school and life. The NAPLAN tests are designed to help us ensure students are on track with their literacy and numeracy development. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in NAPLAN tests for reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
In May, our school will participate in NAPLAN Online. Students do not need to be computer experts to take the NAPLAN test online. Making sure students have computer skills is part of our school curriculum, and our teachers will ensure your child is familiar with the online format. All tests will be online except for Writing in Year 3.
To see the types of questions and interactive features of NAPLAN Online, visit the NAPLAN public demonstration site.
Please refer to: Naplan_online_information_brochure_for_parents_and_carers
for more information.
If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online, please contact your child’s teacher or Mrs Jane McLarty
Clean4Shore Excursion - Service in our Local Community
Congratulations to 14 of our students from Years 9, 10 and 11 and Mrs Erasmus who assisted Clean4shore to remove litter from the foreshores of Kincumber Broadwater and Cockle Bay at the end of Term 1. Among the rubbish they collected were plastic drink bottles, plastic packaging, plastic bags, glass, straws, plastic cups, plates & cutlery. They also collected other larger items such as an old surf ski and, marine craft ply. Thank you to Isaac E, Gemma G, Hamish H, Chloe H, Noah H, Aliya H, Charlotte H, Tara J, Zara L, Lily M, Madeline N, Siena P, Sasha R, Emelia W for serving in our local community.
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information from the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) about applying for University study next year. There is also information about an online Careers Expo to be held on Wednesday 28April 2021.
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
CSSA Secondary Swimming Carnival
On Tuesday 30 March, a team of 28 students travelled to Sydney Olympic Park to compete at the CSSA State Swimming Championships. This stellar bunch of athletes represented GPCC incredibly with their achievements in the pool and their behaviour in the stands. All the students performed exceptionally well and placed us as the top school in our team representing the Hunter region. We had some stand-out results from:
Olivia E 14 Years Girls Age Champion with 1st places in 50m Butterfly, 200m Freestyle, 100m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke.
Mia H 15 Years Girls Age Champion with 1st places in 50m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly.
Eliana B 17 Years Girls Age Champion with 1st places in 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly, 100m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke with a record-breaking time of 31.53 seconds.
Ben S 14 Years Boys with a 1st place in 50m Backstroke.
Girls 12-12 Years 4x50 Medley relay 1st place (Jessie B, Megan L, Felicity R and Olivia E)
Girls 15-16 Years 4x50 Medley relay 1st place (Claire H, Sienna P, Angelique A and Mia H)
Girls 15-16 Years 4x50 Freestyle relay 1st place (Angelique A, Sienna P, Chloe S and Mia H)
Girls 12-18 Years 6x50 Super relay 1st place (Katie E, Felicity R, Olivia R, Mia H, Claire H and Eliana B)
Congratulations to all our student athletes who so proudly represented our school. What a superb effort by all.
Ms Raeside and Mrs Stewart
Sophie S (Year 12) - First Grade Cricket Grand Final
Sophie’s team Northern District won the Sydney First Grade Women’s Cricket premiership at the end of Term 1, which is the premier Women’s Club competition in Australia. Northern District finished second and played the Minor Premiers – Sydney Cricket Club – in the final at Bankstown Oval. Sydney’s team included WBBL players Sammy-Jo Johnson and Jodie Hicks (and normally includes Alyssa Healy and Rachel Haynes but they were in NZ playing for Australia).
Sophie’s team batted first and scored 173 off their 50 overs and then dismissed Sydney for 97.
Sophie opened the bowling and whilst not getting any wickets, took a great catch on the boundary to dismiss Sammy-Jo Johnson for 0. Congratuations Sophie on this amazing success.
Australian Track and Field Champsionships
Congratulations to Jessie B for who competed in the Australian Track and Field Championships in the holidays. She competed in 2 events: the 400m and 800m. She came 13th overall in the 400m and then placed 9th in the 800m.
This is a sensational effort for someone to not only qualify for these events but to place so high in a National Competition is fantastic. It is wonderful to see Jessie is in such superb form heading into the school athletics season.
Australian Age Swimming Championships
In the holidays, the Australian Age Swimming Championships were held in Southport, QLD. To reach this level of competition is a difficult process and qualification system and Eliana B qualified for the 16yrs Girls 100m Backstroke.
She competed in her heat and swam such a superb race that she then qualified for the Final, where she ended up placing 9th.
This is another amazing effort by Eliana to compete at such an elite level of competition. She is definitely in wonderful form heading into the CIS Secondary Swimming Championships held earlier this term.
GPCC Primary Cross Country Carnival
Date: Tuesday 4 May 2021
Venue:Hylton Moore Oval
Time: 9:00am – 12:30pm
Representative Carnivals
Zone Cross Country: Tuesday 18 May (Hylton Moore Oval)
CSSA Cross Country: Friday 28 May (Sydney Equestrian Centre)
CIS Cross Country: Thursday 3 June (Sydney Motorsport Park)
Race Distance
8-10yrs Boys/Girls - 2km
11-12yrs Boys/Girls - 3km
Training Program: Please click on this link.
GPCC Secondary Cross Country Carnival
Date: Tuesday 4 May 2021
Venue: Hylton Moore Oval
Time:12:30pm – 2:30pm
Representative Carnivals
Zone Cross Country: Tuesday 18 May (Hylton Moore Oval)
CSSA Cross Country: Friday 28 May (Sydney Equestrian Centre)
CIS Cross Country: Thursday 3 June (Sydney Motorsport Park)
Training Program:Please click on this link.
AFL School Competitions
In May, there are a couple of AFL Competitions for our Secondary students. With AFL such a popular sport on the Central Coast, it is wonderful that we can be involved in this great game.
These are in the following age groups of the AFL School Competitions:
-
Years 7/8 Girls (12-a-side)
-
Open Girls (12-a-side)
-
Years 7/8 Boys (9-a-side)
-
Opens Boys (9-a-side)
The competitions will be held on the following dates:
-
Years 7/8 and Open Girls - Thursday 6th May
-
Years 7/8 and Open Boys - Tuesday 18th May
Trials for these teams will begin at the start of next term. If your son/daughter is interested in trialling, please listen for when these trials will occur.
The coaches of these teams will be:
-
Years 7/8 Boys - Stephen Burke
-
Years 7/8 Girls - Dave Ryan
-
Open Girls - Tim Morris
-
Open Boys - TBC
Student Contributions in The Messenger
We encourage students to email contributions for our new section of our weekly newsletter, titled "Student Voice". It may be a short story, a poem, service activity, an achievement or award (sporting, scouts, Duke of Ed etc). Please email to jcollins@gpcc.nsw.edu.au for consideration of inclusion in The Messenger.
Congratulations Nicola McDermott - ex GPCC Student
Nicola McDermott has won the Betty Cuthbert Award for Best Performance at the 2021 National Championships, for her historic jump of 2.00m - the first Australian woman ever to achieve the magical mark, surpassing Eleanor Patterson's 1.99m National Record.
Congratulations Nicola on an incredible performance and creating history today at the home of Athletics in NSW. We look forfward to following her performance and cheering her on at the Olympics in Japan in July.
To view Nicola's record breaking High Jump, click on this link.
Late Buses
If you have a complaint for late buses please lodge with Transport NSW at the link below. They will track the bus for two weeks and report directly back to you.
Kindergarten Information Session - 10 May 2021
Our next Kindergarten Information Session is on Monday 10 May from 9:00am. This is for all parents/carers planning to start Kindergarten in 2022 or 2023. Come and hear from our Head of Primary and Director of Enrichment, and enjoy a short tour of our Primary campus. Pre-school children are welcome to attend and will be invited to join in our Storytime program running concurrently in our library.
Registrations are essential on the link below.
Green Point Christian College GPCC | Kindergarten Information Session
Library News
Official Library Opening - Tuesday 27 April 2021 - All Welcome
Following extensive refurbishment across two stages we are pleased to now officially open our Library on Tuesday 27 April from 3:45pm - 4:45pm.
The opening will include brief formal proceedings after which tours of the library will be available, as well as a light afternoon tea. All students and parents are welcome to attend this event. To assist with catering please register for this event.
Story Time for Pre-schoolers
We meet for stories, craft and fun in the Library at 9:00am 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 for Term 1 and Story Time schedule for Term 2.
Green Point Christian College has a vibrant Music Tutor Program offering tuition in a wide range of instruments, and catering from the beginner to the advanced student.
Please visit our website below to download an electronic enrolment form to complete and email to the College. This can be downloaded and filled in electronically using Adobe Acrobat (note that internet browser PDF readers will reduce functionality and including the digital signature option).
Alternatively you can download and print the brochure and return to the College Reception.
GPCC Baskeball Club
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
Please note there are a few changes for our Winter menu.
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
EXTEND 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/ren (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
Rotary Ship Builders Heritage Walk - Sunday 2 May
This walk is designed to bring the community together during Heritage Month to celebrate our beautiful foreshore walk, its maritime history and the 4 villages through which the walk passes. For more information and to view the map of the walk, click on this link.
GO 4 FUN
Term 2 Activities at Green Point Community Centre. For more details click this link.
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
Church service times
9:30am – Worship Centre
6:00pm – Jacaranda Room
Thrive
Green Point Youth is held on Friday nights 7:30pm - 9:30pm on Friday nights.
Website: www.gpbc.net.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/greenpointbaps/
Coming up this week
Tuesday, 20 April
Years 7 - 10 Parent/Teacher Evening
Wednesday, 21 April
CSSA Primary Girls Netball Trials
ANZAC Service during Secondary Chapel
Friday, 23 April
Primary Athletics Carnival - Years 2 - 6 at Mingara
Year 12 Business Cadetship Program Talk (during Year meeting)
CIS Primary Boys Soccer Championships
Dates for Your Diary
Monday, 26 April
Secondary Athletics Carnival at Mingara (postponed from March)
CIS Secondary Swimming Championships
Tuesday, 27 April
CIS Secondary Swimming Championships
Year 6 Canberra Excursions - 3 nights
CIS Primary Boys and Girls Hockey Trials
Wednesday, 28 April
Year 2 Swimming Lessons commence (Week 2 - Week 10)
Year 6 Canberra Excursion
Thursday, 29 April
Year 6 Canberra Excursion
CSSA Primary Girls Soccer Gala Day
Friday, 30 April
THACCCSA Secondary Soccer Gala Day, Tamworth
Year 6 Canberra Excursion
Monday, 3 May
Secondary Commendation Asssembly 10:00am
Primary U10 boys and U12 Boys and Girls Futsal - Niagara Park Youth Centre
Tuesday, 4 May
GPCC Primary (Years 2 - 6) and Secondary Cross Country at Hylton Moore Oval
Wednesday, 5 May
Year 10 Meningococcal Vaccinations
Thursday, 6 May
Secondary Girls AFL Central Coast Comp - Years 7/8 Girls, Open Girls
Friday, 7 May
CIS Primary Girls Netball Championships
Tuesday, 18 May
Zone Primary and Secondary Cross Country Carnival
Friday, 28 May
CSSA Primary and Secondary Cross Country Carnival
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