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Thank you for your perseverance and commitment during this extended lockdown. We are well aware of the pressure that home learning creates for many of you, and I want to say thank you for continuing to work with us in this unusual situation. It is important that you do feed back to us ideas about how we can improve what we are doing, remembering that every child is different and what works well for one will not necessarily work for another.
I want to assure you that you can make some adjustments to your child’s program if you believe they need it. When you sense they need a break, feel free to take them off-line – just make sure their teachers know this. The important thing is to look after their well-being, but to also make sure they are continuing to move forward in their learning. As I have written previously, they will catch up, so don’t worry about that. Past experiences such as in the Christchurch earthquake when schools were completely closed for three months or more, showed that students were able to catch up quickly on lost time.
We still have 100 students a day on site who engage in the same program as those at home. It has been encouraging to see people making an effort to find ways within the COVID restrictions to help those children at home get some social time with others – keep it up. With the spike in numbers of infections across the State this week, the Government may impose even tighter restrictions on schools so we will keep you informed if that happens.
Year 12 students are sitting their modified Trial HSC Examinations now so keep them in your prayers. Most of our Year 12s are doing well, but some are feeling the strain of the lockdown. Remember that our school counsellors are still working so if you believe your child needs some extra support, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
A reminder that if you are dropping your child off or picking them up from school, please use our newest Kiss and Drop zone which is accessed via the new entrance just before the service station. We do not have staff on duty prior to 8:15am each morning and none on duty in the main carpark.
Whatever your view of the performance of the NSW and Federal Governments during this pandemic, the Bible calls us to pray for our leaders and those in authority over us. Join me in praying for wisdom for them to know what is right, courage to make hard decisions and a willingness to listen to advice. In this way we can help them to help us.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Mrs Nicole Smith | Head of Primary
Zoom/Teams Meeting Fatigue
Have you noticed your child is more tired after a day on-line doing school work? Do you find you you are exhausted at the end of the day 'Connecting on-line with colleagues'?
Researchers at Stanford University studied brain scans and found that video meetings require greater cognitive processing power than in person meetings. This is because in-person communication makes our brain happier. Often during screen interactions, we do not recieve all the non-verbal cues we normally get when we are in the same room with a group of people. This means we have to expend more cognitive effort overall and can come away feeling tired or drained.
Each day make sure you take time within your family to connect face to face. Share a meal together, play a card game or discuss a book you are reading. Children need face to face interactions and in times such as these it is important to build them into our routines.
Book Week
This week on the College calendar is Book Week. Each year since 1945 the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has brought children and books together across Australia through CBCA Book Week. During this time schools and public libraries spend one glorious week celebrating books and Australian children's authors and illustrators.
Our Teacher Librarian, Mrs van Wyk has created a colourful display, developed activities, and is running several competitions relating to this year’s theme 'Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds'. All students can participate in these competitions as all you have to upload is a photo.
This year we are not able to run our famous Book Week dress up parades, however class teachers will organise a day for students to dress up as their favourite book character. Take some time together as a family to celebrate reading and share about your favourite books.
Photos: Flashback to 2020 Book Week
Arrival at School
Please remember there is no supervision at school until 8:15am and students should not be on site before this time.
Sickness
At this time, it is especially important to look after your health and the health of others. If your child is at all sick they should not be at school until they have received a negative COVID test and those results have been passed on to the College.
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.
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
Photos: 5P Small group reading Monday and Jude (1B) doing his awesome spelling
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
I want to congratulate everyone on how well they have been going so far during lockdown.
I understand the pressure and strain it has been and have been impressed with everyone's overall determination, including parents to keep lessons going. With the case numbers continuing to stay high we will need to do some evaluation about the rest of term and work out ways to take some of the stress out of the school day. I will be informing you of any changes early next week.
Just remember God has us even in this situation. Also, be kind to each other. In stress it is easy to forget that others are being affected as well.
Year 11 Examinations
At this stage we are looking at the operation of the HSC Trial Examinations before we make decisions about the exams for Year 11. We will make a decision early next week so that you are well informed on the direction for the rest of this term.
Year 12 HSC Trial Examinations
The Trial Exams have been running online and are a little different than normal. It is great that they have run fairly smoothly, but if anyone has any difficulties do not hesitate to contact us so we can make adjustments.
Note: No Science Ext exam, No Ext 2 English exam, No SLR exam
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
Max Potential 2021
This year a Year 11 student, Patrick S, has completed the 'Max Potential' course run by Gosford RSL. Max Potential is, “A unique personal leadership development program that runs over five months, connecting emerging young leaders from local high schools (16 – 18 years old) with community leaders from all walks of life.” The program encourages young adults to “accelerate their potential, build a can-do attitude, explore their entrepreneurial spirit and challenge themselves to lift their game.”
Patrick produced an excellent 'Personal Expression Film', in which he explains how the program has helped him to build accountability and have a plan for completing his studies and beyond.
In his words, he is now less easily distracted and a lot more efficient. Patrick designed a community service pitch project, 'Happy To Help', which is designed to help people in the local community in the grieving process. The aim is support individuals for eight months by once a month sending volunteers to the person’s house to mow, weed, garden and undertake outside housework.
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.
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information from Job Jump about how to easily ask Universities questions you may have, an opportunity to particularly ask University of Newcastle questions using their “Uni & Me” sessions (see below) and also lots of links about apprenticeships in a variety of fields (see the General News section).
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.
Nathan Lambert | K-12 Sport Co-ordinator
Last week I mentioned about the many amazing moments of the Tokyo Olympic Games. These were not just outstanding in what people can accomplish if they put their mind to it, but also was an inspiration to all of us in how they achieved greatness by their efforts and perseverance.
What memories, what moments, what amazing stories from our own school history can inspire us?
Let’s have a look at our first one.
The year was 2019 ...
The Primary Senior Girls Soccer team was made up of students in Years 5 and 6. These girls, who just love their sport, especially soccer, were always excited to be representing their school.
They’d competed in a number of competitions that year, winning several Futsal Tournaments and even qualifying for State Futsal.
The big one that they wanted to compete in was the Mariner’s Cup. This tournament had two stages:
- Compete at Mariner’s Cup Regional Tournament
- Winner of Regionals compete in the Final at Central Coast Stadium
Our girls worked hard, trained hard, played hard in all of their other tournaments, preparing them for their first step ... Regionals.
They started strong, winning their first game 4-0 and then their second 10-0. They continued this trend of good passing and accurate shooting, winning their next two games 6-0 and 7-0 respectively.
They qualified for the Final which was against Avoca Beach. It was a tough game, with both teams defending strongly and also providing a number of scoring opportunities. At the end of full time, the scores were locked at 0-0, meaning Golden Goal. Our girls focused, rallied, worked together and Mina slotted in the perfect goal.
We had won Regionals and now had qualified for the big one ... the one they wanted ... the Mariner’s Cup!
This would be played against Lake Munmorah. It was definitely going to be one intense game, especially in front of a supporting crowd at Central Coast Stadium.
The girls knew what they had to do and after some strategy and time to reflect on their jobs, it was game on!!
From the start of the match, our girls took control, pressuring their defence with quick passing and shooting. Lake Munmorah also created their own chances, only to be smothered by our solid defence.
Before the half time whistle, a chance was taken and Mina, the winning scorer from Regionals, kicked it beautifully into the back of the net.
1-0 ...
We scored again, this time with Sophee slotting in the perfect goal off her left foot strike.
2-0 ...
After half time, our girls wanted to keep the pressure on. They continued to pepper the goal with crosses, shots, passing, anything that continued to keep the ball in their opposition’s half.
Lake Munmorah needed goals and tried to score a couple, but our goalie Olivia was too good, denying them a chance to get back into the game.
With hardly any time left on the clock, our girls rose, their intensity got stronger, as they wanted this win. They wanted to take out this competition.
When the final siren went, we had done it! Our girls had just won the Mariners' Cup Grand Final 2-0! Through sheer determination and team work, our girls had played their best game of the year, providing one of the most memorable soccer victories in our Primary School history.
Not only did they finish as Champions, they also went through the entire Mariners' Cup Competition with one goal scored against them. This really reflects this intensity on the field, their ability to work as a team and attack, and their skills to defend their goal no matter what.
What a memory! What a team!
Not only was it a success for this team, but more importantly, just an example of determination, perseverance and teamwork.
Book Week Stories
Week 4 - Mrs Smith Ellie’s Dragon and Mrs Reynolds Not Cute
Week 5 - Mr McLellan How to make a bird andMrs Brown Norton and the Bear
Week 6 - Mrs McLarty The unwilling twin and Mr Nash Your Birthday was the best
Cockroach Winners
Each grade had two lucky cockroach winners. Let your teacher know if a lucky cockroach was attached to your home learning materials. You have won a Book Week prize! Don’t miss Mr Nash’s reading of Your birthday was the best this week.
Competitions
Please send photos of colouring competitions and diorama’s to Mrs van Wyk nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au by Monday 23 August for judging.
Premiers’ 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.
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.
Yearbook Cover Art Competition
Congratulations to the winners of our 2021 Yearbook Cover Art Competition. This year’s theme was ‘Godly in Character’, part of our GPCC Graduate Profile.
Jasmine W (Year 8) - Secondary School
Sienna F (6S) - Primary School
Thank you to all the students that entered some very creative artworks in this year's competition.
Positions Vacant
GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church
Our mission is 'Equipped for Life'
HEAD OF HSIE - TEACHING POSITION
Permanent Full Time – to commence Term 1 2022
We are currently seeking to appoint an experienced Secondary School Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) teacher to the position of Head of HSIE on a permanent full time basis, to commence Term 1 2022.
For full details and criteria regarding the position, please refer to the full Job Description available on the College website, along with prospectus and application form at at this link.
The successful applicant for the above position must be a committed Christian and be prepared to work under the ethos of our College.
Applications close on Wednesday 8 September 2021 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
________________________________
ENGLISH TEACHING POSITION
Permanent Full Time – to commence Term 1 2022
We are currently seeking to appoint an experienced English teacher able to teach Years 7 – 12 on a permanent full time basis.
To be successful you will need to possess and demonstrate:
- Sound knowledge of the new Australian Curriculum;
- Stage 6 teaching experience is preferable;
- A high standard of competency, proficiency and innovation as a classroom teacher;
- The ability to integrate ICT into the curriculum;
- A capacity to cater for different learning needs;
- Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and collegiality;
- Good administrative skills, with a high level of flexibility and adaptability;
- An ability to prioritise and work collegially.
For full details and criteria regarding the position, please refer to the full Job Description available on the College website, along with prospectus and application form at this link.
The successful applicant for the above position must be a committed Christian and be prepared to work under the ethos of our College.
Applications close on Friday 3 September 2021 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
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
Year 9 English class - scenes from 'Romeo and Juliet' made from lego
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)
Click on link for their latest newsletter: Community Hub 2021
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
Central Coast Libraries
Although students are now working from home, your local Central Coast library is still here for teachers, parents and students as they navigate home and online schooling once again.
Our dedicated Children and Youth team are available to provide support in accessing our range of free, online learning resources as well as facilitating online activities to entertain, engage and inform students as they learn. Please see the attached newsletters for see some of the things we are/can offer.
Email children&youth@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au to discuss how the library can support your school, class or child.
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, 23 August
Years 7 - 12 Assembly online - 10:00am streamed online in Equip classes
Year 12 HSC Trials (Wednesday 18 August - Thursday 2 September)
Wednesday, 25 August
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