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On 26 May 1998, the first Sorry Day was held in Sydney, and it is a day now commemorated across Australia every year. This last week our students took part in assemblies that acknowledged Sorry Day.
Events like this are often controversial because we all hold quite different views and understandings of historical events and how we should respond to them. The school, in seeking to equip our students to live in future Australia, tries to steer a sound path through these potential controversies. We hope, in this not to be too controversial ourselves.
Sadly, I was not present at the assemblies as I was at a conference in Canberra - the annual National Policy Forum for Australian Christian Schools. However, I have heard that they were well received by our students.
On Sorry Day, we remember and grieve over past hurts done to Australian indigenous people. We commemorate the day to show our understanding and empathy towards those who have suffered the loss of family members or experienced removal from home and family themselves. We do not need to totally agree with all the accounts given of these past incidents to accept that actions were taken by previous governments and individuals that caused harm and loss.
In the same way that we say to someone who has lost a family member through death, “I am sorry for your loss,” we use the word sorry to identify with Aboriginal people who feel aggrieved by what was done. Using the word sorry in this way is not the same as apologising for our own actions or the actions of others. Rather, it is using the word in the way Aboriginal people use it – to express their grief at what happened.
Some people do not wish us to be apologising as though we are personally
responsible for the actions of the past. We are not. It is true that Kevin Rudd did offer an apology on behalf of the Australian Government and that was appropriate. We are wanting however, to acknowledge the pain felt by those who had family members forcibly removed and to identify with them.
With the acceptance of our offer for a parcel of land in the Brewarrina Shire, we plan to ensure that our students get an opportunity to meet Aboriginal people from that region, hear their stories and understand the uniqueness of their culture and history. In this way we can help them consider how different cultures can respect each other and learn to live together in one country.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Mrs Nicole Smith | Head of Primary
Reading Night - Parent Workshop – 9 June 2021 6:00pm in our Staff Common Room
Parent Workshop run by literacy consultant Renae Watkins from Association of Independent Schools (AIS). This informative night will walk you through the research behind the explicit method of reading instruction being used in the College and the importance of decoding. There will be first-hand information about the Big 5 components to reading, along with helpful information about how to assist your child in their reading journey. This is not a night to be missed – parents of all grades are welcome. Please leave children at home as this is a Parents only evening. Please register by Tuesday 8 June at READING INFORMATION NIGHT TICKETS
Head of School Awards
School banking is a great way for students to learn good habits of saving money, working toward a goal and the importance of planning. Students can earn rewards for their efforts while learning these important lifelong skills. Students can bring their bank books and deposits to the office on Friday mornings. From there, volunteer parents count and deposit the money at the bank. If you are interested in assisting with school banking please contact the College office.
Reports/Parent Teacher Interviews
Semester 1 reports for Primary school will be uploaded to Parent Lounge in Week 1 of Term 3. Parents will be sent an email when they are available to view. Parent Teacher interviews for the Semester 1 reports will be on Wednesday 21 July from 3:30pm - 8:30pm.
Uniform
Uniforms give students a sense of belonging and enhance pride in their school. Wearing a uniform shows unity and identity. In much the same way football followers will wear their team's jersey or scarf, a uniform builds a sense of community. Uniform also helps a child to feel equipped and ready to learn. Please ensure your child has the correct uniform on each day.
Learning Support Review - 2021
Dear Parents
The College has engaged the services of the Association of Independent Schools (Student Services Department) to conduct a school-wide review of the initiatives and practices of the Enrichment Department (formerly known as Support Services) and their effectiveness in meeting the needs of our students. The framework utilised in the review looks at all components of policy, practice, and the implementation of programs from several perspectives.
This survey seeks input from staff, parents, and students to enable a holistic view of how we currently meet the learning needs of students with additional needs with a view of ensuring that we continue to provide the best possible outcomes for the diverse needs of our students.
We would value your input to this survey by Monday 31 May 2021, please click on this link to complete.
Year 7 2023 Enrolments
We are currently experiencing high demand for positions in Year 7 and have received a lot of interest and applications for 2023. If you plan on enrolling a sibling in Year 7 2023, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as practical. For application form please click on the following link.
Please note if your child is currently in Primary school at GPCC, you are not required to apply for Year 7, however if your child will not be continuing would you kindly advise in writing registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
Secondary School Tour for Current Year 6 Parents/Carers
Parents and carers of current Year 6 families are invited to attend a tour of Green Point Christian College Secondary School. This will provide an opportunity for parents/carers to view the outstanding facilities and have a brief overview of the Secondary School by Mr McLellan and Mr Nash.
When: Tuesday 8 June 8:45am -10:15am commencing in the Staff Common Room (near the canteen). Please register your attendance at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/secondary-school-tour-for-current-year-6-parentscarers-tickets-154771621085
Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary
This semester has flown by, and we are entering the final weeks of Semester 1. I have been very pleased with the desire of our Year groups to identify and support the focus groups that have been assigned to them.
Key to our community is learning to be outward looking and caring for those who have difficulties or disadvantages in their day to day life.
Developing an awareness of the needs of others helps a student to shake off the self-centred view of the world.
Class Adjustments
As we come to the end of Term 2, our Maths and English departments will be looking at the placement of students in classes. Our goal is to meet the needs of all our students at the level at which they are achieving.
This may mean that some students will be changing class if they are struggling at the class level they are currently in, or alternatively need a greater challenge than the current class level provides. This means some students will be moved up or down to meet their needs.
This is a process that needs to occur as our classes are full and we do not have any current room to move students to meet needs, hence the process as mentioned above.
A Warning for Parents
WARNING ... ASK YOUR KIDS IF THEY VAPE or use e-cigarettes ...
"10.30pm on Thursday night we had just gone to bed when we heard a loud groaning sound come from Levi’s room, thinking he had just hurt himself we called out his name and got no response, then heard the same sound again. Calling his name, a second time with no response Renee and I both ran into his room.
He was laying on his back unresponsive and not breathing, this is every parent’s worst nightmare. Renee called 000 and started CPR while I went into panic mode with Lochy running into the street yelling to get help from our neighbours.
It took 22 minutes for an ambulance to arrive, thankfully by this stage he was conscious and breathing.
Levi was assessed by Paramedics who decided he showed signs of a seizure. He was awake, talking and saying he was okay but just wanted to sleep.
He walked with Paramedics to the ambulance and was taken to Gold Coast Hospital for further assessment.
Unfortunately, on the way to hospital Levi had a second seizure, he turned blue and stopped breathing for 90 seconds.
At this stage nobody had any idea what was causing this to happen ... then we were told he had been vaping. Levi had been using a vape pen immediately before his seizure.
He remained in hospital until 3.00pm yesterday hooked up to fluids and machines while I sat by his bed with no sleep, stressed, angry, crying and hoping he would be ok.
Bloods and CT scans came back normal, however he still needs an MRI, ECG, ECHO and to wear a holter monitor to watch his heart for 24 - 48 hours.
Doctors and paramedics all put this down to the stupid vape pens which had been purchased without our knowledge.
They are not fun, they are not a “cool” thing to do, they are dangerous and can be fatal.
Ask your kids if they are using these, make them aware of the dangers.
Levi and his friends had a huge wake up call, he was incredibly lucky, but it could have been a completely different outcome. Doctors are unsure if he will have any ongoing problems which is why he still needs further tests."
Source: Facebook
Edit: Whilst this is not the writer's "personal story" this article was intentionally written in a way to make parents take note that this is a very real problem in schools today. Thank you to those who has so far expressed their care and concern.
Learning Support Review - 2021
The College has engaged the services of the Association of Independent Schools (Student Services Department) to conduct a school-wide review of the initiatives and practices of the Enrichment Department (formerly known as Support Services) and their effectiveness in meeting the needs of our students. The framework utilised in the review looks at all components of policy, practice, and the implementation of programs from several perspectives.
This survey seeks input from staff, parents, and students to enable a holistic view of how we currently meet the learning needs of students with additional needs with a view of ensuring that we continue to provide the best possible outcomes for the diverse needs of our students.
We would value your input to this survey by Monday 31 May 2021.
Please follow this link to complete the survey
Year 7, 2023 Enrolments
We are currently experiencing high demand for positions in Year 7 and have received a lot of interest and applications for 2023. For enrolment applications please click on this link.
If you plan on enrolling a sibling in Year 7 2023, we encourage you to submit your applications as soon as practical.
Please note if your child is currently in Primary School at GPCC you are not required to apply for Year 7, however if your child will not be continuing would you kindly advise in writing to registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
Musical Rehearsals Are Go!
Our next 'Beauty and the Beast' ENSEMBLE/DANCE weekend rehearsal, is Saturday 5 June 1.00pm - 4.00pm.
While some are involved in sport or work, any who can make it will be welcome as we put the song 'Gaston' back together.
Next Tuesday we plan to have a lunchtime rehearsal together in the MPC, going over 'Be Our Guest' for those who could not make it last Saturday.
Year 10 Play
Years 10 and 11 Drama are resuming their yearly public offering in Week 10 of this term.
'The Two Gentlemen of Verona’s' is Shakespeare’s play as he never envisaged it, I’m sure.
Come along for some laughs as Percy and Vernon find themselves in love and in hot water.
Tickets will be available at the door – more details next week.
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information for Year 10 students about subject selection for Years 11 and 12, and also a link to the Skillsroad career profile quiz.
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
NNSW Maitland Futsal Competiton
Green Point Christian College has performed very well at Futsal competitions over the years. We have won a number of Regional competitions and have even notched up a couple of State titles.
It has been a couple of years since our last competition and our four teams (Junior Boys, Senior Girls and two x Senior Boys teams) were looking forward to this challenge.
Our Junior Boys won their Finals in a penalty shoot out.
Our Senior Girls team made it all the way to the final, losing to Charlton by 3 - 1.
Our two x Senior Boys teams from different pools met in the semi finals, with Team 1 progressing to the finals defeating Charlton 3-2 to become Regional Champions.
Like the Junior Boys, the Senior Boys were also Regional Champions. Both of these teams, and the Senior Girls, have now qualified for the State Futsal Championships at the end of June.
We wish our teams all the best and well done to everyone for a great tournament.
To read Mr Lambert's very exciting 'blow by blow' account of this day, please click on:
https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/news/nnsw-futsal-2021
Central Coast Regional Paul Kelly Cup
Our Primary Senior Boys AFL team, who last month convincingly won their first AFL competition, qualified for the Finals of the Paul Kelly Cup.
They played three round games, winning two easily and pushed in the third against Central Coast Adventist School, where they narrowly won the game. Finishing at the top of their pool meant that they now qualified for the Final, which would be up against the Adventist School again.
The Final was a close game but our boys were just too strong, kicking some vital points and eventually taking the game 9-2.
Congratulations to our boys, who are the first Primary AFL team to win the Central Coast Regional Paul Kelly Cup.
CIS Primary Boys Rugby Union Trials
Competing at CIS Trials can be very challenging. We have had many students represent our school at a number of trials this year and this past week three more students competed at the CIS Rugby Union trials.
Isaac J, Mitchell R and Jacob L all travelled down to Sydney and played a number of games. They also went through a variety of drills aimed at demonstrating their skills and experience at the game.
Well done to the three boys for having a great day, enjoying this challenging experience and for representing our school so proudly.
Hunter Schools Mountain Bike Competition
Last week some Secondary students travelled north to compete in a wet and slippery Hunter Schools XCO Mountain Bike competition.
On a tough course when dry, things were going to get very challenging with the rain falling for the second time at a mountain bike competition.
Our team competed very strong and had some great results in a field of over 123 competitors:
- Tom G 27th place
- Caleb S 30th place
- Ryan M 40th place
- Damian S 56th place
- Joshua R 66th place
- Kabane L 72nd place
- Bryce T 73rd place
- Daniel Van B 104th place
- Micah J 113th place
Excellent effort boys.
Secondary THACCCSA Netball Gala Day
On Tuesday 25 May, students from the Secondary School attended the THACCCSA Netball Gala Day in Charlestown. We were represented by four teams: Senior Girls Division 1 (coached by Mrs Raeside), Senior Girls Division 2 (coached by Mrs McMahon), Junior Girls Division 1 (coached by Mrs Stewart) and Senior Boys (coached by Mr Masters). It was fantastic to watch students cheer on their teammates from the sidelines and I am so proud of the way they conducted themselves on and off the court. Netball Gala days are always highly competitive with some tough competition and our students put forward their best effort all day.
Senior Girls Division 1 had a sensational day, going through undefeated and winning the Grand Final in a nail biter. Senior Girls Division 2 won two of their games, with much excitement and joy as a result. Junior Girls Division 1 won three out of their five games, losing two narrowly. Senior Boys unfortunately could not pull a win, but they learnt some new skills along the way, and it was encouraging to see them keep on trying all day. Thank you to all competitors who gave it their all and had fun along the way. Mrs Raeside
Book Club- Issue 4
Issue 4 Book Club orders need to be made online by Friday 11 June.
https://bookclubs.scholastic.com.au/User/MainPage.aspx
Lego- Makerspace Winners
We had lots of fun making lego space creations. Below are our winners.
|
Kindergarten |
1st - Eliana VB (KDL), 2nd - Lucia E (KDL), 3rd Levi D (KJ) |
|
Year 1 |
1st - James C (1PH), 2nd - Winter G (1PH), 3rd - Mahli YB (1PH) |
|
Year 2 |
1st - Chloe H (2D), 2nd - Iris H (2D), 3rd - Avalon R (2P) |
|
Year 3 |
1st - Orlando G (3B), 2nd - Jacob R and Mitchell M (3B) |
|
Year 4 |
1st - Chloe M and Esme B (4B), 2nd - Amelia D (4B) and Irene N (4M), 3rd - Saffron B (4G) |
|
Year 5 |
1st - Jaymin T (5L) and Samuel M (5P), 2nd - Benjamin H and Jacob L (5L), 3rd - Hayden G (5L) and Noah Hill (5P) |
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 Story Time schedule for Term 2.
Sorry Day
by Hannah M (6S)
As the time grows older, the hearts of the broken families do not heal.
We cannot glue the broken back together with words.
The families. Mothers, Fathers, Sons, Daughters, Aunts, Uncles and grandparents.
We are sorry for your loss.
They are not forgotten, we mourn, we cry, we shed tears for the Stolen Generation.
My words today cannot show how sorry we are.
Today is a day to acknowledge all the Australians that have been put in pain.
For all the Torres Strait Islanders and Aborigines.
From us to you.
Sorry.
Student Contributions in The Messenger
We encourage students to email contributions for the 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.
ATSI Observances
National Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June) represents an opportunity for all Australians to learn about this country’s shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and other Australians can be strengthened, in order to build momentum for national reconciliation. (NSDC school resource)
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/
We are looking at five key questions over the next three weeks in devotions and equip classes. They are part of the Australians Together framework from Christian schools.
https://australianstogether.org.au/education/
- The wound - Why are many indigenous Australians experiencing disadvantage and injustice?
- Our History - How does our history continue to affect us today?
- Why Me? - What does this have to do with me?
- Our Cultures - Why are culture and identity important?
- My response - How can I respond respectfully and meaningfully?
A stand against racism in any form is a key goal for our students and also the belief that our nation is stronger when we stand together and respect each other
If you have questions about Observance days or ATSI events, please email Mrs Nicole van Wyk: nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au .
To the Point Lecture Series - with Dr Graham Pratt
Tuesday 22 June:
7:30pm - 9:00pm
Following the excellent evening we shared with Dr Luke Barnes to launch the To The Point Lecture Series, we are pleased to announce our next lecture scheduled for Tuesday 22 June, 7.30pm to 9:00pm.
For our next lecture, To The Point are pleased to be hosting Dr Graham Pratt, addressing "The Rise of China: Challenges for USA and Australia".
You can learn more about Dr Pratt and to register via our website event page.
Yearbook Cover Art Competition
We invite students from Kindergarten - Year 12 to enter our 2021 Yearbook Cover Art Competition. The winning entry from Primary and Secondary will be on the front and back cover of our 2021 Yearbook. This year's theme is "Godly in Character", part of our GPCC Graduate Profile. We look forward to receiving lots of wonderful artworks and drawings.
Private Music Tuition
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 include the digital signature option).
Alternatively, you can download and print the brochure and return to the College Reception.
Sex Education in the Cyber-world with Dr Patricia Weerakoon
Thursday 10 June 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Primary and Secondary parents are invited to attend, there will be time for questions and answers.
For more information and to register please click on link:
Green Point Christian College GPCC | Sex education in the Cyber-world…
Photo: Dr Patricia Weerakoon
Ashrae Music Vocal Lessons
Ashrae is a music vocal tutor at GPCC and is keen to take on more students. She says she is seriously "blown away" by our incredible students and singers at GPCC and loves teaching at GPCC.
For more details on vocal tutoring with Ashrae please click on the flyer below.
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
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
The Smith Family Saver Plus Program
The Smith Family Saver Plus program have assisted over 50,000 families/students with education costs. For more information and to find out who is eligible for this program click on flyer below.
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
MyZone Olympics
Thrive
Attention Years 7-12 - Green Point Youth
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
Saturday, 29 May
Year 12 French Study Skills Day
Monday, 31 May
Reconciliation Week 27 May - 3 June - ATSI Understanding and perspective
CIS Secondary Soccer Championships - Open Girls and 16/U Open Boys
Tuesday, 1 June
Society and Culture HSC Study Day - Wesley Conference Centre
Year 12 French Speaking Skills Excursion at CCGS
Central Coast All Schools Oztag Gala Day - Years 7/8 Girls, Years 7/8 Boys
Wednesday, 2 June
THACCCSA Zone Primary Soccer Metro Cup
Year 2 Swimming Lessons
Thursday, 3 June
CSSA Primary and Secondary State Gymnastics
Secondary Girls AFL Central Comp Comp - Years 7/8 Girls, Open Girls
Dates for Your Diary
Monday, 7 June
CSSA Secondary Girls Netball Gala Day
CIS Seconary 15 & U and Open Netball Trials
Tuesday, 8 June
CC All School Oztag Gala Day
Tour of Secondary School for current Year 6 families
Year 1 Bee educational visit
Wednesday, 9 June
THACCCSA Zone Secondary Girls and Boys Futsal
Year 9 Stall Tall event
Year 2 swimming lessons
Thursday, 10 June
HSC Ancient History Study Day
CIS Primary and Secondary Cross Country
Secondary Relationships seminars
Parent night - "Sex education in the cyber-world' 7:30pm-9:00pm.
Friday, 11 June
Secondary Relationship seminars
HSC Modern History Study Day - Sydney
CIS Primary Boys Softball Trials
Term Dates 2021
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
Term Dates 2022
Term 1, 2022
Thursday, 27 January - (Years 1 - 7, 11 and 12 commence Term 1)
Friday, 28 January - (Years 8 - 10 commence Term 1)
Monday, 31 January - Kindergarten commence Term 1)
Friday, 8 April - Last Day Term 1
Term 2, 2022
Wednesday, 27 April to Friday, 1 July
Monday, 13 June - Queen's Birthday Public Holiday
Term 3, 2022
Thursday, 21 July to Friday, 23 September
Term 4, 2022
Tuesday, 11 October to Wednesday, 7 December