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What an exciting week this is as we see K-2, and Year 6 students back for face-to-face teaching. Year 12 are in on Monday for a reunion day and then by arrangement to touch base with teachers for final HSC preparations. The remainder of the students return on Monday 25 October and finally after months of disruption, we will be almost back to normal.
I remind you of the Return to School Roadmap which is on our website under the COVID-19 resources section in News and Events. Parents are still not permitted on site and many activities are limited such as band, ensemble, music tutoring, field trips and camps etc.
Secondary students are required to wear a mask inside and outside unless they are exercising or eating. Some students will have exemptions, and this is allowed under the regulations. Staff are also required to wear their mask inside and outside, but teachers may remove theirs in class if it is necessary to aid clear communication. Years 7 – 12 students will need to bring their own masks to school. Our experience over this lockdown period of student mask wearing means you need to provide them with at least three per day as masks get dropped, trodden on, covered in food, and misplaced regularly etc. While we will have spares for emergencies, you will need to make sure you provide your child with what they require. Primary children are not required to wear a mask, but you may wish to have your child wear one – that is fine.
Returning to school is exciting but for some students it will also be a time of anxiety. They have not been at school for months, and they may have grown very attached to you and home and the new routines. Help them prepare for return by talking positively about it. We will be watchful for those who are not coping and take every measure we can to help them adjust. Some of us as adults may be finding the same so be watchful of those around you and understanding of the struggles some will be going through to get back to normal again. We have Parent and Family Wellbeing Resources available on our website to assist you with this.
We have committed as a school not to make vaccinations and COVID a topic of conversation to ensure we do not fuel disagreement and hurt amongst the community. Respecting someone means allowing them to have a contrary opinion and not doing or saying anything that will hurt them or inflame the situation. We all need to work at this despite our personal views on it. I am reminding staff of this regularly and helping them to modify their approach to this as well.
Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns you have as we manage the return to school: Phillip.nash@gpcc.nsw.edu.au I am always happy to engage in dialogue with you.
Phillip Nash
Principal
Very exciting that from 18 October we can welcome back some of our students.
Those in Kindergarten, Years 1, 2 and 6 are invited back on site to begin face to face learning. We know that for many students it will be challenging to build the muscle of coming to school each day. Please speak with your child’s teacher if you have concerns or feel your child may need extra support in this space.
There are several considerations, and I will attempt to answer many of the questions in this article. Please contact myself or the office if you have further questions.
Keeping us Safe
Our teachers, leadership and grounds staff have been planning for student return for some time and we have many processes in place. Children will be grouped into Stages (eg Stage 3 - Years 5 and 6) for break times they will then be allocated specific play spaces for their cohort. This is to minimise having many children in the one space. All children can and will still visit our Library in their timetabled time.
Increased hygiene measures are in place including increased ventilation, air purifiers, social distancing, mask wearing by staff and some student and hand washing and sanitising.
Sick Children
If your child shows any signs of being unwell PLEASE keep them at home until they return a negative COVID test or they are completely better. If students arrive at school unwell, you will be phoned and asked to collect them.
Parents on Site
When dropping off and collecting students from school, please remember that parents are not allowed on site. Currently we are using the Kiss and Drop 1 area in the main carpark for the collection and drop off of all students. If you choose to park and walk your child up to school you will need to say goodbye to them at the bunting located at the bottom of the hill.
Uniform and Hats
All students are in formal summer uniform and should only wear their sports uniform on the days allocated. As it is now Term 4 and the weather is warming up, hats are compulsory for outdoor play. Please make sure your children have their hat with their name in it, at school each day.
Students without a hat will be asked to sit under she shaded COLA during break times and will miss their play.
Canteen
The canteen is not yet operational – this will come into play from 25 October when all students officially return.
Primary students are only allowed to purchase items from the canteen through an order only system. If you have not done already take time to familiarise yourself with the Munchery ordering system and set up your account.
Carpark
To keep our children safe it is important that parents/ carers who park in the carpark to collect students, alight from their car and walk over to collect students as they will not be allowed to come across into the car park to meet you.
From the Counselling Department - Transitioning Back to School
Dear Parents
For those children and adolescents getting ready to return to attending school in person, there may be a variety of responses ranging from enthusiasm and excitement to fear and anxiety. We have some resources that we hope might be helpful to guide your experience supporting your children however they might be feeling.
If you are experiencing particular challenges that you would like support with, please reach out at counsellors@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Please access resources from our Well-being Parent Resources for 'Transitioning Back to School' on our College website.
From the Counselling team – Tiffany, Stephen and Jarel
eSafety Parent Guide to Online Gaming Webinar
A helpful resource for parents of Stage 2 and 3 children, who may have been gaming online. eSafety provide Webinars free. They provide information and practical strategies for children using online gaming platforms from home. Link is attached below to register.
Registration (gotowebinar.com)
eSafety also provides a booklet for parents and carers regarding online safety https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/online-safety-book
Our Champion Online Learners
Daniel H (3B) completed an online task.
Task: Place 10 items in order of heaviest to lightest. Beneath them place a label of their weight, then take a photo of them.
Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary
We have just one week to go before students are back at school. I want to again highlight that as students come back that the importance of community is fundamental to a healthy school.
In a society that is trying to influence its population through the development of fear, as a school we need to be different. We need to be caring towards other people because we place our ultimate trust in the God who created this world.
When we put our trust in a place other than Him, it allows fear to rule and community to be destroyed. Whether students are vaccinated or not should not be a basis on how we treat one another.
Just a reminder to make sure that you read the RETURN TO SCHOOL ROADMAP and to make sure that your child is aware of the requirements as they return to school to help us follow Government directives.
From the Counselling Department - Transitioning Back to School
For those children and adolescents getting ready to return to attending school in person, there may be a variety of responses ranging from enthusiasm and excitement to fear and anxiety. We have some resources that we hope might be helpful to guide your experience supporting your children however they might be feeling.
If you are experiencing particular challenges that you would like support with, please reach out at counsellors@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Please access resources from our Well-being Parent Resources for "Transitioning Back to School" on our College website.
From the Counselling team – Tiffany, Stephen and Jarel
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has update information about scholarships and more information about a webinar for parents of students who want an apprenticeship.
For more details, please see this week's Careers News or visit the Student Careers section under the "Education & Learning" menu on the GPCC website.
Nathan Lambert | K-12 Sport Co-ordinator
Another Famous Sporting Memory
Last term we focused on a number of famous sporting memories that we have had at our school over the last couple of years.
We’ve looked at the amazing performance of our teams at the Biathlon and Triathlon in 2019; we went back and re-lived the excitement of the CSSA Oz Tag teams winning State; we’ve also reminisced about how well our Primary and Secondary students have performed this year in Sport.
Our school is well-known for their strong performances in many sports, from netball to soccer, to swimming and athletics, and numerous other sports.
One sport that our school has grown in so much over the last decade has been basketball. Under the expert coaching of our teachers as well as experienced parents who coach at certain levels, our Primary and Secondary teams have performed very well in local and State competitions.
Look back to Term 2 this year, where our sensational girls basketball teams competed so well at the Zone competition. The U15’s performed very well and only just missed out on Semis, while the Open Girls went through the competition undefeated. Unfortunately, they were unable to progress to State due to the cancellation of the competition. Our Primary teams and Secondary Boys were also unable to demonstrate their skill in a competition.
In keeping with our famous memory theme, today we are going to travel back in time to last year and look at the performance of our Senior Primary Boys and Girls at the CSSA State Basketball Championships ...
The girls team only narrowly went down in the Final in the previous year in extra time and were looking for redemption. The boys were keen to test their skills against many talented players at this level.
Our boys started strongly, playing Northcross in their first game, and with good teamwork and accurate shooting, raced to an early lead and eventually won 20-12.
Their second match was against Northern Beaches, but they went down 23-6. The Shire would be their final opponent and our boys wanted to finish strong. Once we took the lead, we kept piling on more points and won comfortably in the end, taking the game 26-10. Though we won 2 out of 3 matches, we unfortunately did not progress to the Semi Finals. We did however, make it to the Playoff match for those teams that finished 2nd in their pool. With 20 seconds on the clock, we were down by 1 point. With quick passing and determination, Charlie pushed through the line and had a shot and ... got it in! We were now in front 14-13 and held on to the final buzzer.
On the girls side of the competition, our girls were very keen to make it to the Semi Finals. They had some challenging teams in their pool so they needed to 'bring it' from the opening whistle.
Their first game was the start they wanted, again proving to the other teams how incredibly talented the team is, beating Northcross easily 38-2. Northern Beaches, was their second opponent, couldn’t keep up with the speed, agility and skills of our girls as they cruised to another hard fought victory 18-2. Their final pool match was close in the first half against the Shire, with the scores locked at 4-4, until Green Point put the pedal down and took hold of the match, winning 24-6. Their Semi Final was also a whitewash, winning easily with a 24-0 scoreline.
The Final would be against Maitland. We took an early lead through teamwork and increased this lead with continued focus and drive. After being 6 points up, the girls knew that there was still a lot of time left in the game, so their zone defence had to be perfect ... and it was!
The second half was just as intense as the first, and with the scores still close, it was going to be up to the team who wanted it more.
Our girls definitely stepped it up in the second half and gave everything they had. Mr Vartan, their coach, who had expertly devised a plan for the girls, had executed it perfectly and now, want to finish it off. They were exhausted from their efforts by the final whistle but in the end, it was worth it as our girls won 12-4. That’s right, they had just won the CSSA State Basketball Championships! They were the Champions!
NSW All Schools Athletics Championships - December 2021
NSW All Schools Athletics are excited to announce that we have our 'save the dates' for this year's 2021 NSW All Schools Championships. Registrations will be opening shortly.
The dates are Thursday, 9 December until Sunday, 12 December, 2021.
This event is open to all Secondary school students in New South Wales - no qualification standards are required to enter.
This year's Championships will be delivered in a COVID-safe environment, at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre. We are currently working on providing our network with more information - including a draft timetable of events, ticketing information, our merchandise collection for the event, and much more.
As soon as we are able to open registrations for this year's event, we'll be in touch again.
For now, make sure you lock in these dates, and we can't wait to see your students in December!
For more information click on link below:
2021 NSW All Schools Championships | Athletics NSW (nswathletics.org.au)
We found during COVID lockdown last year that some resources went missing. With students coming back, it is a great opportunity to collect English texts and Library books for return.
Online/ Digital Library Resources
Our students have access to many digital resources during home learning. Our Digital Library is located on the school portal.
Go to: https://gpcc.sharepoint.com/sites/Library
World BookThousands of interactive, non-fiction texts, for all levels and other free ebook access. www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Login?ed=wb
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.
Kiss and Drop Zone 3 for K-2 will be closed for beginning of Term 4
The College is currently installing a cantilever cover for the K-2 Kiss and Drop Zone 3 which was scheduled for the school holidays but due to delays in materials will now be undertaken during the first part of Term 4. When completed this cover will provide sun and rain protection for students waiting for pick-up in the afternoons.
Due to the delay in installation the area will remain closed to staff and students for the beginning of Term 4. This means we need to temporarily relocate Primary drop-off and pick-up back to the original Kiss and Drop Zone in the main carpark. We reiterate that to begin with this temporary change only effects those who need to have their children at school for the start of Term 4.
Site fencing will remain in place at Kiss and Drop Zone 3 during construction to ensure students and staff are not able to access the area.
If the installation is not completed by the time all students return to school in late October and early November, we will then communicate a further update to drop-off and pick-up arrangements.
Once installation for Kiss and Drop Zone 3 is completed we will revert back to the normal pick-up and drop-off arrangements for K-2.
Please direct any questions regarding this change to community@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church
Our mission is “Equipped for Life”
ASSISTANT HEAD OF PRIMARY
Permanent Full Time – to commence Term 1 2022
We are currently seeking to appoint an experienced Primary School teacher to the position of Assistant Head of Primary on a permanent full time basis, to commence Term 1 2022. The position carries a 0.5FTE teaching load (possibly Stage 3).
The Assistant Head of Primary School will be a leader of learning and an exemplary educator with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills. The role has responsibility for the development and implementation of sound curriculum practices and the organisational aspects of the day to day running of the School.
The Assistant Head of Primary will work collaboratively with the teaching staff to enable the delivery of innovative learning programs that inspire our students to love learning and attain their personal best. Strong academic leadership will be matched by sensitive pastoral care of students and colleagues. The Assistant Head of Primary, will be a member of the Primary Leadership Team and is expected to support and participate in the co-curricular and Christian life of the School.
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 www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/assistant-head-primary
The successful applicant for the above position must be a committed Christian and be prepared to work under the ethos of our College.
Enquiries may be addressed to Sue Parkinson via employment@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Applications close on Wednesday 27 October 2021 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
Yattalunga Valley Christian School Information Evening
As Yattalunga Valley Christian School (YVCS) prepares to launch in January 2022 we invite interested families to join us for this virtual information evening on Tuesday 26 October.
YVCS will provide a caring Christian environment for students with Autism, and we look forward to discussing our commitment to work in partnership with parents with the opportunity to answer any questions you may have.
Please register via the link below, and we will email you a Zoom link and details about how to join.
https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/events/yattalunga-valley-christian-school-information-evening
Additional Year 3 Class for 2022
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.
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.
2022 School Travel Applications are now open
Please download document to view requirements.
For the convenience of our parent community Alinta are currently operating through the online website www.alintaapparel.com.au for delivery direct to your home.
Phone fittings are available by appointment by contacting Alinta through the website or by phone 4367 9954 or email gpcc@alinta.com.au.
For all new students to the College Alinta have created 30 minute phone appointments in the first week of November.
For current students in Years 6 and 10 Alinta have opened 15 minute back-to back appointments for the last 2 weeks of October, and will continue to open more appointments as necessary.
Under Stage 3 Plus restrictions the store will only be open after hours and by appointment for pre-ordered/fitted pick-ups and exchanging of incorrect sizes.
Once restrictions ease and the Uniform Shop is able to return to more normal operations the shop will now be open Wednesday afternoon from 1:30pm - 4:00pm.
For the price list and further information on ordering through Alinta please visit our website – https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/enrolment/uniform
Uniform Fitting Information for Existing Students
Munchery News
The Munchery Re-opening from Monday 25 October
We are pleased that The Munchery canteen will re-open from Monday 25 October for recess and lunch using the electronic pre-order option only.
Primary student orders will be collected by Stage group monitors from the Primary window, with students remaining in Stage cohort areas in the playground after collection.
Secondary students will have their Year Group monitors pick-up pre-orders for their cohort group, and then return to cohort allocated areas on campus.
Please be assured that The Munchery are working to a strict Covid Safety Plan which includes staff being vaccinated as per Public Health Order requirements, wearing masks, adhering to capacity limits, and as always following clear hygiene procedures.
Please order each morning prior to 8.30am via the Munch Monitor - www.munchmonitor.com
Username: greenpoint
Password: munch2251
The new Summer menu below can be downloaded and is available on the College website.
Please note that there are a few changes in the new Summer Menu.
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
Terrigal Matcham Cricket Club
The Terrigal Matcham Cricket Club has a long history within our local area and caters for all Juniors and Seniors from Terrigal, Matcham, Holgate, Wamberal and surrounding areas. New players & families are warmly welcomed into our playing ranks and club.
https://play.cricket.com.au/club/terrigal-matcham-cricket-club/053bd37b-87d8-eb11-a7ad-2818780da0cc
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
Monday, 18 October
Kindergarten, Year 1, Yer 2 and Year 6 return to school. Year 12's are invited on Monday 18 October for a special day and may continue to make contact with their teachrs for pre-examination tutoring.
Monday, 25 October
All other stuents return on site.
Term Dates 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