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Our College has determined that its core purpose is to
equip students for a life of redemptive action.
This week we focus on what it means to equip them.
I suggested previously that education can be seen as a means to prepare a child for life and this goes beyond just thinking of their intellect but of them as a whole person. This is good thinking, but sometimes governments want to assume a role in this that ignores the fact that actually parents are the first educators of children and schools exist to supplement, support and extend the role of parents in educating a child – not completely dominate that role.
We want to work with you to equip your children to live the life God intends for all humans - a life lived in obedience to Him and in service to the Creation and to others. We can offer particular help in the intellectual or academic field, ie we can help them to develop the skills of learning and to gain knowledge and understanding of many different aspects of the world. We can help them apply this understanding in sensible ways – what we often call wisdom; knowing how to do things in a way that is right, helpful and productive, bringing good as a result.
We can help them to discover their abilities and gifts and with your support, create opportunities for those abilities and gifts to be fostered and honed. This may come in the academic subjects or in practical subjects or on the sports field or in the choir or band and so on. The goal is to ensure that what they have inherently can be fully developed and utilised.
We can help them to understand the world from many different perspectives – mathematically, poetically, historically, artistically, chemically etc filling in gaps in areas where you as parents may not have expertise or experience.
We can give them the skills to explore the world and begin to recognise what part they might play in caring for it and developing it. Because we are called to be the caretakers of the world and to develop society, we need to equip them to play their part in this human mandate.
We can encourage them spiritually and help them to understand the Christian faith (and other faiths), equipping them with the insights they need to make wise choices in life. In this we work with the home and the Church to help them to be spiritually strong and confident people.
By very nature of the fact that we have a lot of children all together, we can equip them to live well with others, co-operating in learning and living. We can help them gain the skills to live at peace with others, to resolve conflict, to treat others with respect and honour, to understand their place in a team, to joyfully accept and value the gifts of others.
We can equip them with personal qualities like courage, perseverance, commitment, and curiosity through the activities they engage in during school hours. As we do our part and you do yours, we can together help to equip them for life.
Swimming Carnival - Mingara
Our Years 3 - 6 students had their Swimming Carnival last Friday. It was such a wonderful day with so many parents attending to support our students in their races in the pool.
A big thank you to Mr Nathan Lambert for all of the work put in to organising a fantastic day of competition. Also thank you to our amazing staff who worked hard all day to ensure the day was a success.
Parent Teacher Partnership Interview Evening on 18 February 2020 in the Library
There will be an opportunity for all parents to book a 10 minute interview time slot with your child’s teacher. This is a time where you can discuss your expectations for the year, set learning goals and inform the class teacher of information that will assist them as they work with your child throughout the year.
Booking times for these interviews will be open from Tuesday 11February from 9:00am, and can be made through the Parent Lounge on our TASSWeb database. Bookings close on Monday 17 February at 4:00pm (3:30pm for Year 3).
You may access your account with your family number previously supplied. If you are new to the College and have not 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 appointment is to watch the short video once you have accessed your account, under “School Links” tab, and select “Help Videos”. 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 to the 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 2:
Evie M, KDL; David S, KP; Nathalie S, 1G; Celine R, 1PH; James G, 2G; Isabella T, 2J; Khloe M, 3B; Claire P, 3K; Maria A, 4B; Ellyanna B, 4M; Brianna B, 5D; Hannah M, 5H; Levi M, 5P; Saskia V, 6D; Asher C, 6M and Isabelle C, 6T.
Primary School Choir – Tuesday Mornings
Mrs Munro and Mrs Burton are excited to be starting choir back for 2020 on Tuesday, 18 February. The choir will have two separate rehearsal times this year.
- Years 5 and 6 are invited to attend at 8:00am to prepare for our combined THACCCSA Choral Day;
- Years 1 - 4 join them at 8:30am for a combined choir rehearsal.
We welcome all children who are eager to sing and worship. All rehearsals include vocal warm-ups, exercises and promote a love for music. We look forward to seeing (and hearing) you soon.
Parent Help Needed
We would value some parent assistance to cover new classroom readers with contact on Monday - Friday mornings this week from 9:00am in the Support Unit. Please see Sarah Brown or contact her on SBrown@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Chess
Chess Club commences Week 6 of Term 1 and will be held Thursday lunchtimes in 2J classroom. If your child is interested in joining the Chess Club, please encourage them to speak to Mr Gibbins. Chess will run until the end of Term 2.
Shoes
Our College handbook indicates that the correct sports shoes to be worn must be predominately white or black. Several students have been wearing coloured sports shoes that are not part of our uniform. Please assist us in keeping our uniform consistent and ensuring students represent our College well.
Car Park Safety
GENERAL CAR PARK PRINCIPLES
All parents/carers/visitors are expected to comply with behaviour that demonstrates respect for other people, the authority of the College, Work and Health and Safety expectations, and setting a Christ-like example for students. All parents need to abide by all road rules, traffic control measures and staff directions when using vehicles on the College grounds. It is essential for the safety of all students at the College that the following processes and procedures are also followed:- Refrain from parking in car spaces designated as “Parking for Church Business”;
- Do not access the driveway entry at the Church office, unless you are collecting a child from Little Coasties;
- Do not park in the student car park;
- Refrain from asking Primary School students to walk across the student car park. If a Primary School student is waiting for an older sibling, they are to wait and be met by that sibling before accessing the car park;
- Do not park in the disabled parking designated as such, unless you are picking up students with disabilities, or have a disability yourself, or are transporting a disabled passenger.
Book Club
Book Club orders are due back on Friday 14 February. Mrs Van Vyk
The Graduate Profile describes the qualities we want our students to develop. Students will be hearing and learning what that means for them as individuals in a learning community. Together we want a culture where all students help each other to learn and achieve to the best of their ability.
I would like to highlight a number of things to remember this year.
The Messenger is one of our primary methods of getting information out to parents. Please read it to keep up with all the happenings that occur during the year. You will receive an email each Monday with a link to access the latest news of what is happening in our College community.
The Parent Lounge - please be an active user of the Parent Lounge. It will help you keep on top of what is happening in your child’s day to day life at Green Point Christian College. You will find details of your child’s, e-diary, homework, assessment tasks, progressive reporting and much more.
Year Advisors are usually the group of people you need to contact if your child is experiencing problems at the College. These dedicated people are: 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 Witanowski.
Detentions must be attended by a student who has stepped outside the policy boundaries of the College and we need parents' support in their implementation. Detentions are not given out without careful consideration and the desire to influence change in a student.
Uniform Policy must be adhered to during the year. Students are expected to be dressed correctly when they come to school wearing correct uniform in an appropriate manner. Girls' skirts are to be knee length. A student may only wear the sports uniform on a day they have practical PDHPE or PASS.
Please note that girls' hair is to be tied back in Years 7 - 10 and boys’ hair, if long needs to be tied back in Years 7 - 12. This applies to the whole school day.
Parent/Teacher Night for Year 11 and Year 12
This will be held on 25 February for Years 11 and 12. Further information will be in the newsletter regarding booking appointments.
Year 7 Meet the Teacher and Faculty Night will be held on 3 March 2020 in the MPC. Further details will be given next week.
Class Placements – as the year begins, many students will be changed in their classes. We try to the best of our ability to place students in classes that will enable them to achieve their best. We have limited capacity to move students at the start of the year. Classes are reviewed throughout the course of the year.
Attendance
Period 1 starts at 8:45am and students need to be in class on time. They must sign in at the office if they arrive late, but this should be an exception. If a student needs to leave the College for any reason, they must have parental written permission and sign out at the office.
Year 7 Camp
Our Year 7 camp is on Wednesday 12 February and it is a time of fun where students get connected with each other. It will be a great experience for all. Look out for an email with final details and the camp checklist sent from Mrs Rochford dated 7 February.
A reminder that Year 7 students need to meet at the bus bay by 7:45am ready to leave at 8:00am so we do not have the cross over with normal daily school buses. It is anticipated we will return to school approximately 3:00pm on Friday; the College excursion line can keep you updated during the afternoon.
Please bring morning tea from home for the first morning. Students are reminded to wear their swimmers under their clothes, ready for the swimming challenge as soon as we get to camp.
School Musical
After school rehearsals will start next week (Week 4) on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (3:30pm – 5:00pm). A schedule will be available soon. We are looking forward to lots of fun and hard work with this show. Mrs Rochford
Year 12 Students Driving to School
If your child drives to school, please ensure that the “Student Driver Form 2020” is returned to the College as soon as possible (forms have been handed out directly to the students). Please note that even if you filled in a form last year, you need to complete another form so that the College has an accurate record.
In addition, if you are happy for your child to arrive late and leave early due to their timetabled study periods, please return the “Year 12 Permission Note for Study Periods 2020” (again these have been handed out to the students directly).
Thank you for your co-operation with these matters. Mr Chambers
Invitation for Student Contributions to The Messenger
The College has moved to Schoolzine for the weekly newsletter, The Messenger. This platform gives us much more flexibility in what we can include and allows for contribution of articles and stories from students alongside the regular sections. We would love to invite students to be the reporter of the week (or month/term).
Students are invited to write a story or article of approximately 350 words and can include images or video.
Topics could include :
- an area of interest from within the school, like a subject or project you are working on and what you are learning;
- an area of interest from beyond the school, like something you have done through Church or sport or on a holiday;
- a story or poem;
- or another suggestion that we can approve once requested.
The categories could focus on the 5 areas of the Graduate Profile.
Student contributions can be sent to Mrs McLarty at jmclarty@gpcc.nsw.edu.au for inclusion in The Messenger.
Parent/Teacher Interviews for Years 11 and 12
Parent Teacher interviews will be held for Years 11 and 12 on Tuesday 25 February from 4:00pm until 8:00pm in the MPC. Interview times will be 10 minutes and it is preferable for students to attend with parents.
Bookings will be open to parents from Tuesday 18 February from 9:00am and will be made through the Parent Lounge portal of TASSWeb. You may access your account with your family number previously supplied.
If you are new to the College and have not used this facility before, please contact the office to obtain 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 Videos”. 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 to the internet, please call the office and we will assist you.
Central Coast Local Health School Immunisation Program
Central Coast Local Health have in the past offered a vaccination program for Year 7 and Year 10 students and this will again be continuing this year.
The vaccinations are as follows:
- Year 7 – Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (2 dose course) and Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (dTpa);
- Year 8 – HPV and dTpa (this is a catch up program for students who returned a consent form in 2019, but missed any of the doses whilst in Year 7)
- Year 10 – Meningococcal ACWY;
- Year 11 – Meningococcal ACWY (this is a catch up program for students who returned a consent form in 2019, but missed this vaccination whilst in Year 10).
The first vaccinations for Year 7 are on Wednesday 26 February and consent and information packs will be sent home this week. If you would like your child to be a part of this program, please sign and return the consent form included in the information pack by Monday 24 February to the Office.
Catch up vaccinations will also be available for Year 8 students on that day, who returned a consent form last year but who missed any of their vaccinations. The consent form is a legal document and therefore must be completed and signed in BLUE or BLACK pen.
No vaccine will be given unless there is a signed consent by the parent/carer.
The first vaccinations for Year 10 will be on Wednesday 13 May, but will also be available as a catch up date for any Year 7 or Year 8 students who have missed earlier vaccinations. More information and consent forms will be sent out early in Term 2.
The second vaccination for Year 7 students will be on Wednesday 2 September, and will also be an opportunity for catch up vaccinations for Years 8, 10 or 11 students. A reminder will be placed in The Messenger closer to the day.
For those interested in attending Macquarie University after finishing school, why not take a tour of the campus and experience it for yourself? An opportunity to do this will be available in the April school holidays. For more details, please see the Careers Newsletter for Year 10 – 12 students and their parents or visit the “Student Careers” section under the News menu on the school website.
Click here for this week's edition of Career News
Mr David David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
PRAYER
We pray that “… the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.”
Ephesians 3:17-19 The Passion Translation (TPT)
The prayer group meets on Fridays at 2:00pm. If you would like to join us, please contact the College office on 4363 1266 beforehand for details. We pray for the Church and College community.
POSITIONS VACANT
GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church
Our motto is: Equipped for Life
1 X MAINTENANCE OFFICER – HORTICULTURALIST (full time)
1 x MAINTENANCE OFFICER - GENERAL (part time)
1 x CLEANER (casual)
We seek applications from focused and energetic self-starters to fill a number of roles that have recently become available on our Green (maintenance and cleaning) Team.
Maintenance Officer (Horticulturalist):
Reporting to the Facilities Manager, your duties would include maintaining the College’s gardens and grounds, plus other duties to assist in the daily operations of the College
Maintenance Officer (General):
Reporting to the Facilities Manager, your duties would include general site maintenance and other duties to assist in the daily operations of the College.
Casual Cleaner:
Reporting to the Cleaning Supervisor, your duties would include general cleaning to assist in the daily operations of the College.
The successful applicants must be committed Christians and be prepared to work under the ethos of our College. Full Job Descriptions, Prospectus and Application Forms are available on the website www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Applications must be received on the official Application Form and addressed to the Principal and emailed to employment@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Applications close on Friday 14 February 2020.
Secondhand Uniform Stall
The first secondhand uniform stall for the term will be on Wednesday 4 March 2020 from 2:30pm - 3:15pm.
Helpers are needed as at present we only have one person running the stall.
All items are $2, $5 and $10 for newer style uniforms. Good quality donations are gratefully appreciated and can be handed in to the College office or bring them to the stall. Mrs Glenda Carter
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 Primary School Band for Years 3 to 6 or the College Band for Years 7 to 12.
Our Music Information Evening is on Wednesday 26 Febrauary 2020 at 5.00pm in the CAPA Theatre.
For more info, please email our Band Director, JP Fleury at band.director@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Open Day 27 February 2020
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 College.
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 News
- Story Time starts this week and you are invited to bring your pre-schoolers along for reading and fun this term.
- Book Club orders are due online or to Mrs van Wyk by Friday 14 February.
- Book Lovers Week is this week. Students will receive bookmarks, Secondary English students have speed book dating and Library tours. We also have a few surprises on Friday 14 February.
Story Time is back on Monday 10 February 2020
CANTEEN
The Munchery
Welcome back for 2020. To save confusion, please update your child’s Year and class details in Munch Monitor. You will be prompted to do so when you log in.
Munch Monitor
New to Munch Monitor? Order your school lunches each morning before 8:30am via Munch Monitor from home, for a hassle free start to your mornings.
We have daily menu specials as well as popular items available every day of the week.
www.munchmonitor.com
Username: greenpoint
Password: munch2251
EXTEND Update
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.
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
Saratoga Hawks AFL Club: Your local AFL club, the Saratoga Hawks, are looking for boys and girls to join our Auskick (Kindy/Year 1) teams and our Under 9 Teams.
We are also looking for girls between the ages of 11 and 17 to join our Youth Girls teams. Recent research has shown that kids who play AFL are more likely to grow up with a positive body image, higher self-esteem, elevated levels of body strength and fitness and overall better health.
To secure your spot, register today by emailing registrar@sarahawks.org.au or go to the Saratoga Hawks JAFC Facebook and Instagram pages for more details. Registrations close on 16 February 2020. Active Kids Vouchers accepted.
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
Coming up
Tuesday, 11 February 2020
Years 10 and 12 Drama Encore Excursion
Year 11 Study Sensei Seminar in Period 4
Wednesday, 12 February, 2020
CSSA Primary Super 8s Cricket
Year 7 Camp (until Friday 14 February)
Year 12 Extension History Excursion
Thursday, 13 February 2020
Year 12 Geography Excursion to Avoca Wetland
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
Tuesday, 3 March 2020
Year 7 Meet the Teacher/Faculty Evening
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