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What a disappointment that our Year 12’s are not able to be on site to sit their Trial HSC examinations. This is an important test run for them under examination conditions and also contributes in most subjects to their internal results.
The teachers, led by Mr McLellan have made significant adjustments to allow the examinations to become home-based assessment tasks closely aligned to the type of papers they would have faced in the actual trails. These papers will produce results which let both students and teachers know how the students are progressing, and also highlights areas for closer revision before the HSC examinations themselves take place.
At this stage the HSC examinations are scheduled to take place beginning from 19 October, but many questions remain around what conditions will be like by then. We have already received guidelines on the running of the examinations, and we can manage those without any problems. We would usually have celebrated graduation with our Year 12 students at the end of this term and that is also looking unlikely to be in its usual form.
The media has been full of comments about the impact of this lockdown on Year 12 students and their final school results. Personally, it concerns me that talking up stress and negative impact does not inspire confidence in students that they can rise to this challenge and still achieve good results. We at GPCC believe that we are doing everything we can to ensure our students have the best possible opportunity to acquit themselves well in the final examinations, which of course do not count for 100% of the HSC result. The students have already completed a majority of assessment tasks that contribute to the overall results.
If you have a child in Year 12, or relatives who are in this situation, remember to be encouraging and positive. If the students have been diligent in using this time well, have contacted their teachers when they needed help, and have sought to balance their study time with exercise, relaxation and some form of socialisation, they can be confident of doing well.
We stand with them and wish them all the best as they prepare to commence their final assessments from next Wednesday 18 August in place of the Trials. I am confident they can do well and make us all proud. Whatever lies ahead we are ready to help them to do well. Our prayers are certainly with our students and their families through this experience.
For the rest of the student body, we continue to work at providing on-going material and activities in line with the curriculum, and thank all families for your patience and support as we manage this once in a lifetime event.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Mrs Nicole Smith | Head of Primary
Well-being Wednesday
Our students at home have been involved in some fun and rewarding projects for 'Well-being Wednesdays'. These have included: making lego models of the Olympic sports, baking, origami and making playdough from scratch. Well done students on your creativity and tenacity.
Resource Collection for Years 2, 5 and 6 ONLY
Our next resource collection will be on Monday 16 August. As many grades have already distributed resources that will take them to the end of Week 6, this next collection will only be for students in Years 2, 5 and 6. Please note the following pick up times based on surnames.
10:30am - 11:00am Surnames starting with A - K
11:00am - 11:30am Surnames starting with L - Z
Collection will be in the main car park. Please remember to have your surname printed in the windscreen of your car. If you are unable to collect resources at this time, please contact the College office to arrange 'contactless collection' at a time that suits you.
Masks
Please remember that as you come on site to collect resources or when using the Kiss and Drop, you are not permitted to leave your car.
It is also required that whenever you are on site you wear a mask. Thank you for assisting to protect our staff, students and community.
Student Workload
Teachers are always happy to take on feedback regarding the work set for your child. If you have questions or concerns about the level or work set, or don’t understand what is required, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your class teacher via email. We recognise that students working at home will get through a ‘normal’ day's work in a shorter time period as they do not have the distraction of the buzz of a classroom. For this reason, we recognise that 2 - 3 hours of solid work is sufficient. Teachers often remain online after morning meetings to assist with any questions regarding expectations.
Student Well-being
If you or your child have any concerns or are not doing well or if you need to just chat with someone please try to reach out. There are always staff on site and our counselling team and well-being teachers are available for individual catch ups and there are many resources on our web page if required.
Parents Coming on Site
Under current restrictions we must limit people coming on site. If you need to pick something up for your child such as resources, please phone ahead. Once you arrive you must QR code in at reception and let them know what you are picking up. Then please wait outside and it will be delivered to you.
Our Champion Online Learners
Josh E (KDL) writing about the Olympics
Lucia E and Joel F celebrating 100 Days of Kindergarten
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 an 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.
Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary
This really is not how we like to run our lives when we are restricted by lockdowns that limit our ability to connect and interact in community.
School is a place where those connections are vital and form a basic part of learning. I am very proud of the overall attitude of students as they face the difficulty of not being able to see their friends and yet they continue to turn up to online classes with a positive outlook.
Prefects 2021/2022
It gives me pleasure to announce the following students as our Prefects for this upcoming year. We had a very large and capable group of applicants, and we are excited to see how this team works within the College community.
Introducing our new Prefects:
| Harry B | Eliana B |
| Joshua B | Jamaya B |
| Eden C | Scotia E |
| Campbell C | Olivia F |
| Keegan H | Fiona L |
| Luke M | Evie P |
| Deegan S | Ishbel W |
Year 12
We are still running our HSC Trials and they will be starting on Wednesday 18 August 2021. We have made a few adjustments to the timetable to stop any student having two exams on the same day. Most exams will now only be two hours long, however there are a couple of exceptions.
We have also given a standard 20 minutes extra for all exams for reading and any uploading of exams. Students who have some form of provisions have been contacted by Enrichment staff to sort out what extra provisions they will receive.
Note: French Oral exam was held on 11 August, No Science Ext exam, No Ext 2 English exam, No SLR exam
Wednesday, 18 August 2021
- 9:00am Trial HSC English Adv/Std Paper 1
Thursday, 18 August 2021
- 9:00am Trial HSC English Adv/Std Paper 2
Friday, 19 August 2021
- 12:00pm Trial HSC Music (Aural)
Monday, 23 August 2021
- 9:00am Trial HSC Adv Maths, Std Maths, Ext 2 Maths
Tuesday, 24 August 2021
- 9:00am Trial HSC Chemistry
- 9:00am Trial HSC SDD
- 9:00am Trial HSC Business Studies
- 9:00am Trial HSC Hospitality
Wednesday, 25 August 2021
- 9:00am Trial HSC French Beginners - French (Listening, Reading and Writing)
- 9:00am Trial HSC CAFS
- 9:00am Trial HSC Economics
- 9:00am Trial HSC Modern History
Thursday, 26 August 2021
- 9:00am Trial HSC Ancient History
- 9:00am Trial HSC Industrial Tech
- 9:00am Trial HSC Society & Culture
Friday, 27 August 2021
- 9:00am Trial HSC Music Performance
Monday, 30 August 2021
- 9:00am Trial HSC Biology
- 9:00am Trial HSC English Ext 1
Tuesday, 31 August 2021
- 9:00am Trial HSC Legal Studies
- 9:00am Trial HSC Physics
- 9:00am Trial HSC Photography
Wednesday, 1 September 2021
- 9:00am Trial HSC History Extension
- 9:00am Trial HSC PDHPE
Thusday, 2 September 2021
- 9:00am Trial HSC Maths Ext 1
- 9:00am Trial HSC SOR 2U
- 9:00am Trial Visual Arts
School Immunisation Program
As you are aware Central Coast Local Health offer a vaccination program for those students who wish to participate with parent/carer consent.
- Year 7 – Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DOSE 2 and catch up HPV dose 1 Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (dTpa)
- Year 8 – Catch up HPV and dTpa
- Year 10 – Catch up Meningococcal ACWY.
- Year 11 – Catch up Meningococcal ACWY
Under the directive of the Ministry of Health (MoH), the school vaccination clinics in areas currently affected by lockdown restrictions are to be postponed and rescheduled.
At this stage we do not have any confirmation on the reschedule date, however this could be in November later this year.
Parents Coming on Site
Under current restriction we must limit people coming on site. If you need to pick something up for your child such as resources, please phone ahead. Once you arrive you must QR code in at reception and let them know what you are picking up. Then please wait outside and it will be delivered to you.
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about the TAFE YES program for Term 4 and key dates for Year 12 students wanting to go to University.
For more details, please see this week's Careers Newsletter or visit the Student Careers section under the 'Education & Learning' menu on the GPCC website.
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
Nathan Lambert | K-12 Sport Co-ordinator
There were so many amazing moments of these Olympics that really were special. In particular, Nicola’s sensational performance at the Women’s High Jump on Saturday night to claim Silver, the first high jump medal to an Australian since 1964. I don’t know about you, but to see a student from our school reach to such heights and then perform on the world stage so superbly, really was quite an emotional time. She is also such a lovely ambassador of Jesus, with her joy of competing, the way she’s always smiling when preparing for the jump. She will inspire many young athletes around the world.
Being inspired by our Aussies is something our kids can all aspire to. Look at how Emma McKeon’s superb swimming heroics, to win 7 medals at these Olympics, will spur on our young swimmers in the pool. Cate Campbell, to hold her nerve in the Relay to come back and win in the last stroke, what a great story to watch and emulate. Ariane Titmus to beat the greatest female swimmer of all time. As Basil said, “To become a legend, you have to beat a legend.”
You have the Boomers winning their first bronze medal; our rowers and sailors dominating on the water; Keegan Palmer demonstrating amazing skills on the skateboard; same goes with Logan Martin on the BMX.
How about Jessica Fox? She was slightly disappointed in missing out on the Gold in her first event Women’s Slalom K-1. To come back and produce her best performance to win gold in the C-1, what a superb effort!! Kelsey-Lee Barber, who had been struggling with her javelin event leading up to these Olympics, throwing 10m less than her best, pulls out her best throw to take bronze.
These athletes really can inspire everyone to set a goal, train hard and be motivated to reach for the stars.
We have many students in our school alone who have inspirational stories. Things that have happened over the years at school carnivals, gala days, state competitions, that have turned the tide and produced amazing results. This does not necessarily mean winning, just producing an effort that inspires the team, the coach, other players.
Over the next couple of weeks, we are going to look at some of these highlights at Green Point Christian College where amazing things have happened in the world of sport.
Nicola has definitely inspired not just the school community, but everyone around the world. What other stories from our history can inspire?
The Book Week stories are found on Primary class TEAMS pages. A big thank you to Mr Baker for recording the stories for us. Don’t forget to rate the stories using your booklets.
Week 5 - Mr McLellan How to Make a Bird and Mrs Brown Norton and the Bear
Week 6 - Mrs McLarty The Unwilling Twin and Mr Nash Your Birthday was the Best
Bird Craft
Mr McLellan will read How to Make a Bird next week. Kindergarten - Year 2 students were sent home with a bird craft to make.
Competitions
Kindergarten - Year 2 students were sent a colouring competition in their resource pack. If you are interested in participating please take a photo of your completed colouring and return to Mrs van Wyk nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au by Friday 20 August.
Years 3 - 6 students can make a diorama based on their favourite book. Take a photo of your diorama and submit to Mrs van Wyk by Friday 20 August.
Premier's Reading Challenge
The closing date has been extended to Friday 3 September. You can now log ten personal choice books. Please email Mrs van Wyk, nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au with any questions.
Home Learning Borrowing
Requesting a Library Book is explained in this video. There are also many online reading options available on our Library home page. Please see the attached information.
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.
Video from NSW Governor to NSW School Communities
Dear GPCC Community
Our HSC students need your help! The HSC Trial exams are scheduled to begin on Wednesday 18 August and we have numerous students requiring assistance in order to sit for these exams. We are in need of readers and writers for some of our students who will not be able to give their best effort without utilising these vital supports.
If you, or a friend, relative, church or work acquaintance, can spare a few hours across some of the Trial period days, we need you!
If you are an adult who is able to read and write, you are eligible to assist; all other training will be provided. Please consider assisting in this way and giving our students the best chance possible to do well. You will need to have a current Working with Children Check (voluntary or employed). If you are able to assist, please contact the Director of Enrichment, Sarah Brown at the College on 43631266 or at sbrown@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
Online Learning Pics
Please continue sending your online learning photos in, so we can share with our school community. Please email photos to: newsletter@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Comment from a Year 7 parent about Monday Secondary Assembly:
"'We were so thankful for these encouraging words and prayer this morning, a beautiful way to start the week, thanks Mr McLellan. Bless you all."
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Canteen, Uniform Shop
Due to COVID lockdown, both the Canteen and Uniform Shop will not be open until further notice. Uniforms may be ordered online: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/enrolment/uniform
Uniform Shop (only online ordering during lockdown)
For online ordering: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/enrolment/uniform
Munchery News - Canteen is closed during lockdown
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
Meals of Hope - HOPE UC Church
With the current lockdown restrictions affecting the Central Coast and Greater Sydney, as a Church, we are actively partnering with other Churches and people in our community to collect non-perishable items to help bring relief to families and individuals in need. Our Meals of Hope ministry which functions through our local campuses is creating and packing together groceries and frozen meals for those finding it tough with the current circumstances throughout our region.
We would love to reach out to the local schools in our region and simply ask if there are families or young people who are in need of relief. As a youth ministry, we have a number of students within all schools across the coast and have the heart to be sure not one young person and their families are missed in helping them have food throughout lockdown.
Email: austin.ward@hopuc.com Mobile: 0413294900
CHURCH OFFICE: 43933764 gu@hopeuc.com
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
Everyone is welcome! Green Point Baptist Church Worship Services are currently online on Sundays at 9:30am.
Please go to our website https://www.gpbc.net.au/930am-worship-service/ for details or email office@gpbc.net.au for our Zoom details.
Website: www.gpbc.net.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/greenpointbaps/
Coming up this week
Monday, 16 August
Years 7 - 12 Assembly online - 10:00am streamed online in Equip classes
Wednesday, 18 August
Year 12 HSC Trials (Wednesday 18 August - Thursday 2 September)
7 - 12 Chapel/Equip/Year Group LIFE online
Primary Chapel online
Term Dates 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