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Welcome to the final week of Lockdown Term 3. Sadly, we have not been able to emerge from lockdown as we had hoped but with a week to go, I trust you can make it to the term break.
I have emailed out some information on the return to school issues around teacher vaccination and will not repeat them here. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about what was in the email.
This week we will issue the first draft of our Return to School Roadmap. Due to the changeable nature of the current situation, we are making a guess at some things, but it will give you an idea of our plans for the return of all students from 25 October. As an independent school, we are not bound by the actual Department of Education plans, but are basing our Roadmap on theirs as it is a good guide.
I want to say thank you again for your support as we have sought to keep students learning during this very trying time. We are learning as we go along, and it must be remembered that we are not delivering an on-line or distance education program, but a face-to-face program via technology. This means there are some things that work well and some that don’t. We have appreciated your forbearance as we work this out. Not knowing how long the lockdown would last has also meant it has been difficult to make long term plans.
Keep the Year 12 students in your prayers as they face a still uncertain exam timetable. It is challenging for them as the large time gap between the end of their courses and the exams means trying to maintain focus over a much longer period than normal. We would normally be celebrating their graduation this week but that is not possible, so we are looking at how to honour them and celebrate with them in different ways this year.
I trust that the two weeks of the break will enable all our students to catch their breath, to re-charge their enthusiasm for learning and to return to a short period of home learning before 25 October. I trust that you will also be able to get a break from the very strange routines you have no doubt been in and to find some respite, even as we continue in lockdown.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Mrs Nicole Smith | Head of Primary
With the end of Term 3, I would like to thank three groups of people:
ONE
I am sure you will all agree and join with me in thanking our teachers for the AMAZING effort they have put in this term for our students. They have not only altered their delivery of content, but they have managed each day to engage and meet the many and varied needs of 20 plus students over a virtual platform.
TWO
Our students – many are tired, many miss their friends, many can’t wait to kick a soccer ball with friends, borrow new books from the Library, or order lunch from the canteen, BUT they have done it, nine weeks of home learning! CONGRATUALTIONS. I am so proud of the sustained effort, energy, creativity, patience, tolerance and independence you have demonstrated this term. We miss you and are so excited that you will be back some time next term.
THREE
Our parents – our partners – you are the vital link. Never more have you been so vital in your child’s school education than this term. You have juggled home life, work life and school life (sometimes for more than one child). You have learnt content, inspired learning and kept motivation going, you have become PE teachers and masters of IT trouble shooting. Thank you. We could not have done this term without your help.
Term 4 Summer Uniform
When students return, they will be in summer uniform. Please be aware that students are required in Term 4 to wear a hat to play and whenever they are outside in the playground. Teachers will be re introducing the 'no hat no play' rule and students without hats will be asked to sit in a shaded area for the break time.
Please check the names in your child’s hat is the correct one and take time over the holidays to freshen it up in the wash.
Resource Pick up
At the time of writing this, the NSW Premier has released a road map out of home learning that will see students beginning to return from Monday 25 October, (unless lockdown on the Central Coast ends earlier). This means we will be continuing with home learning for at least the first 2-3 weeks of Term 4.
We will be arranging a resource pickup for the first day back – Wednesday 6 October. This will follow the form of the previous distributions with families being notified of their time via an email. Please keep an eye out for this.
Fruit & Vegie Month
During this past week we celebrated the power of fruit and vegetables with our Wellness Wednesday Fruit and Vegetable Online Art Gallery. Classes ranged in producing beautiful artworks from drawing and painting their favourite fruit and vegetables, to some impressive stop/start motion videos highlighting vegetables.
Please keep up the wonderful healthy eating over the school holidays.
Week 9 – We would like to encourage students to include more fruit and vegetables in their meals and snacks. Please keep a tally at home of how many different fruit or vegetables your child eats every day over the week. The class will tally scores and we will compare the healthiest class eating their fruit and vegetables. On Friday 17 September, children dress as their favourite fruit or vegetable (could just be colour). We will announce the class with the most vegetables/fruit eaten.
Our Champion Online Learners - (Wellness Wednesday)
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 Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary
Well done everyone. We have made it to the end of Term 3. It is great to be heading into a two week break where our community can have a bit of down time and recuperate for the final term of the year.
I would encourage you at a time when we are being confronted with division and strife in our society and there is a great deal of fear, that Jesus calls us to a much better and higher cause.
He calls us to show love, kindness and inclusion to those who are different to us. Jesus calls for community not division. He calls for forgiveness, not derisions and condemnation. He calls us not to fear because He has already overcome this world and that our view needs to be eternal not temporal. Basically, His calling and cause is greater and has eternal purpose.
Have a peaceful and restful holiday.
Year 12
Year 12 officially complete their studies this week. They will be running online LIFE this week and then hopefully we will be able to celebrate a Graduation of some sort next term with them.
There is a long lead up to the HSC and a break from study would be advisable over the holidays with a return to focus next term.
For the first two weeks during normal class times, Year 12 your teachers will be running study seminar type lessons and providing further exam practice papers to help you get reset before your HSC exams.
Year 11 Yearly Exams
Monday, 13 September 2021
- 9:30am Industrial Technology; Textiles & Design
Tuesday, 14 September 2021
- 9:30am Ancient History; Physics; SOR; Visual Arts
- 1:30pm Ext Maths; Food Technology; Photography
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about University of Newcastle pre-recorded webinars, an apprenticeship opportunity with North Construction and an opportunity for a radio internship with Rhema FM.
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
It has been great to look back and reflect on some of the inspirational sporting moments that our school has produced over the years.
Our school is full of amazing athletes, past and present, producing so many superb performances that inspire those around them.
We have travelled back in time to bring back the memories of the past; let’s have a look at some of the inspirational moments of 2021 in the Primary School (next newsletter we will focus on the Secondary School).
Primary have had numerous sporting events this year that have produced not just amazing results, but examples of students who love representing their school and doing it proudly.
Our Netball teams were very successful competing in Tamworth at Zone and winning convincingly. Both Soccer teams also had great results, winning at Zone, with all soccer and netball teams qualifying for State.
Futsal is a rising sport and our Junior and Senior Boys/Girls Futsal teams have competed at several tournaments this year, winning Regionals and then just missing out on taking out State.
One sport that Green Point have performed very well in over the last couple of years has been AFL, and our Senior Boys were great at the Paul Kelly Cup competition in Term 2, winning Regional and qualifying for State in Sydney. This was a phenomenal result. Some of these boys, Jacob G, Mitchell R, Ollie C, Aidan B and Blake L, had also competed at the CIS trials.
We’ve had great success at State Gymnastics, with both Allegra N and Olivia B producing wonderful results. Our rising Rugby Union stars in Isaac J, Mitchell R and Jacob L, trialled at the elite CIS trials in Sydney and had a great experience. Ben J, a talented basketball player, trialled for the CIS Basketball team after selection to represent CSSA.
Our Zone Swimming team won the carnival yet again and then produced some sensational performances at CSSA and CIS. Cross Country was fantastic, with a group of students who competed at Zone and then CSSA. We even had 5 students who then made it to the elite level of CIS Cross Country: Khloe M, Emily F, Chase C, Luca W and Bronte M.
Bronte M ... this is a name that has been mentioned many times in the sporting arena. She can play numerous sports and this year she has demonstrated just how talented she is. She qualified for the CIS Swimming Championships and the CIS Cross Country Championships. She also played an important role in our successful Girls Futsal team this year.
On top of that, Bronte was also selected in both the CSSA and CIS Netball Teams, not to mention trying out and successfully selected in the CIS Girls Touch Football Team.
This means that Bronte has made it to CIS level or higher in four different sports which is a phenomenal achievement. She was also Age Champion in Athletics this year.
This level of fitness, experience and determination, just demonstrates what an amazing athlete Bronte is. She has had such a fantastic year so we would like to congratulate Bronte of these superb performances. Thank you for being such a superb sport ambassador for our school.
As you can see, our Primary School alone have produced some sensational results this year. Next newsleter, we will focus on Secondary‘s achievements.
Design Your Own Cricket Bat
The PRC has closed for the year. If you have any urgent enquiries, I can make changes until Friday 17 September, nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
Library Resources
Our students have access to many digital resources over the holidays and during home learning. Our Digital Library is located on the school portal.
Go to: https://gpcc.sharepoint.com/sites/Library
World Book
Thousands of interactive, non-fiction texts, for all levels and other free ebook access.
Story Box Library
To access Story Box Library:
- Visit www.storyboxlibrary.com.au
- Choose Log In from the top right corner of the screen
- Log in using the username and password provided.
- Enjoy the library of stories on any device with internet connection
Wheelers ebooks
Fiction titles accessible for Years 5-12 students. These titles are for personal reading, although some class texts are also on this site. Books are downloaded onto student devices; phone, tablet, computer. Students can access from the intranet or using the ePlatform by Wheelers app. Books are automatically returned after two weeks. WiFi access is needed for downloading, but not for reading.
The International Children’s Digital Library
This site has books from many countries and in many languages. You can choose the child’s age level and find interesting books to read.
http://www.childrenslibrary.org/
Central Coast Libraries
As well as physical borrowing our Central Coast Libraries have a considerable amount of digital resources; magazines, ebooks and audio books. Please follow this link to find out more and consider becoming a member if you are not already:
https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries/elibrary
State Library of NSW
Senior Secondary students will find the online journals and curated collections from the State Library helpful for their studies. They have already been encouraged to join using the link below.
https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/research-and-collections/get-library-card
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.
Enrolments for Year 3 have been so strong for the coming year, that Green Point Christian College are pleased to announce we are opening a third stream for 2022.
Limited places are now available, and we would love you to share this news with anyone you know who might like to be part of this exciting year group.
Interested families can visit our website for further information on the enrolment process or to enrol online.
Positions Vacant
GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church
Our mission is 'Equipped for Life'
ENRICHMENT ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
Permanent Full Time (during school terms only)
We are currently seeking an Administration Assistant to join our Enrichment team. The successful applicant should possess the following:
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Excellent computer and typing skills
- A positive proactive attitude
- Experience working within an education setting would be highly desirable
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 10 September 2021 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
Position Vacancies
TEACHING POSITIONS Commencing Term 1 2022
1 x Permanent full time
1 x Permanent part time (3 days per fortnight)
Commencing in 2022, Yattalunga Valley Christian School, situated on the NSW Central Coast, is an exciting new educational setting for K-2 students on the Autism Spectrum.
We are seeking to appoint experienced Christian educational leaders with a passion for working with families as we educate these amazing students.
The successful applicants for the above positions must be a committed Christian and be prepared to work under the ethos of our school and in regular fellowship and involvement at an Evangelical Church. Enquiries may be addressed to Sue Parkinson at employment@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
Applications close on Friday 1 October 2021 and are to be submitted online using the application form.
https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/teacher-special-needs
Yattalunga Valley Christian School (Kinder - Year 2, 2022)
Yattalunga Valley Christian School (YVCS) has gained approval to open in January 2022 starting with 9 or more students in Kindergarten to Year 2. The school will grow each year thereafter in accordance with demand for places.
Yattalunga Valley Christian School (YVCS) recognises that all people are created uniquely and in the image of God, and are precious and valued in His sight; as such YVCS provides a caring Christian environment for students with Autism.
At YVCS we maintain a commitment to work in partnership with families to provide an individualised education plan for each student, using a mixture of one to one and small group instruction and support.
To discuss enrolment at Yattalunga Valley Christian School please contact our Registrar on registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au, or view our enrolment information on our website.
Exiting the Gate 4 Roundabout
The recent addition of the P4 parking area and Gate 3 and 4 exits have brought great relief to the College parking and access options. However, we have observed that when the traffic is flowing fast in the morning, or is built up in the afternoon, crossing the two lanes of traffic at the Gate 4 roundabout can take some time to gain access onto Avoca Drive.
Therefore, for safety reasons we are encouraging those exiting P4 and heading towards Kincumber to exit from the top exit (Gate 4). For those heading to Saratoga/Davistown or Green Point we recommend driving down to the new main entrance (Gate 3) to exit there.
As always, we encourage our families to be conscious of other drivers on the road and to show respect and courtesy whilst exiting the school property.
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
To view pricing from 3 September 2021 visit: Uniform Price List
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
Rhema-FM Radio Internship Program
Rhema-FM are offering a 12-month Radio Internship program to take place in 2022. This would be ideal for a graduating Year 12 student as a gap year program, or perhaps for a student who has graduated in the last couple of years and not yet settled on a career direction. For more information click on the PDF flyer below.
CASE Space Academy - School Holiday Program
Dear Parents
Next school holidays nurture your child’s curiosity in space and STEM with a new and exciting school holiday program ... with your child’s opportunity to take a live tour at a real NASA facility!
Green Point Christian College is pleased to introduce CASE Space Academy, a fun and interactive course designed especially for Years 5 to 8. Each 2.5 hour online lesson is hosted live by a CASE Certified course leader to guide curious kids through a range of hands-on science activities, engineering challenges and interactive lessons.
- Design and build your own rover and helicopter to explore Mars
- Design a galactic farm, water filter and solar energy model for your Mars Colony
- Awe-inspiring, authentic space and STEM learning
- Exciting teamwork and the chance to meet new friends
- A fun, safe and nurturing environment with supportive, knowledgeable guides
Supported by NASA experts, this week-long program immerses students in science, technology, engineering and maths through the thrill of real space missions and technologies.
- 10:00am - 12:30pm daily, 27 September – 1 October 2021
- 9:00am - 11:30am daily, 4 October – 8 October 2021
Use Green Point Christian College’s promo code CSAGPCNSW to receive course discounts!
- $20 off one course
- $50 cashback when you group purchase three or more courses with friends
CSA Introduction Video - v1.0 on Vimeo
For more information please contact:
Andrew Bosch
m: 0409 803 563
e: andrew.bosch@actura.com.au
w: casespaceacademy.com.au
Kincumber Avoca Cricket Club
With the cricket season fast approaching, all Clubs across the Central Coast are now open for registrations. This presents a fantastic opportunity for students to get outside and active during summer once lockdown has ended. Now more than ever it’s essential that we continue to provide children with the opportunity to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Playing cricket with their local Club is a great way for them to do this. Registrations open at: www.club.griffin.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, 13 September
Years 7 - 12 Assembly online - 10:00am streamed online in Equip classes
Year 11 exams Monday, 6 September - Tuesday, 14 September
Wednesday, 15 September
7 - 12 Chapel/Equip/Year Group LIFE online
Primary Chapel online
Friday, 17 September
Last day of Term 3, 2021
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