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In our series on the College’s new core purpose statement, we look this week at what Biblical perspective means. I reference here an article I wrote in September 2019.
We begin by acknowledging that all we do in life, is informed by a particular perspective or perspectives of life and the world. In fact, everything we do is motivated by some "… cause, principle, or system of beliefs held with ardour and faith" which is the Merriam-Webster dictionary definition for religion. We are all religious: motivated and living by some system of beliefs that ultimately involves worship.
Most people think of much of education as being neutral. After all 1 + 1 = 2 is the same for everybody isn’t it? It is a fact and so we assume it is unaffected by a world view or religious belief. The real question is why does 1 + 1 always = 2? How do we explain number, order, the reliability of such information or constructs without referring to our belief in the origin of the universe, its meaning and purpose? All of education is influenced by our perspectives on life.
In the Christian school we openly state that our perspective is one shaped by the Christian Scriptures, God’s words to us about Himself and His purposes for us, about His world and about us. We celebrate God as the Creator and Sustainer of all of life who has a purpose and plan for us. We seek to look at all subjects and school activities through this lens. Other forms of education exclude or marginalise God to a greater or lesser extent and so present to students a very different view of life and its purpose.
If Christian schooling is shaped by a theological perspective, it is also shaped by a philosophical one as well. We say we take a critical realist view of Truth and the world. This means we believe there is an objective reality out there to be discovered or uncovered and that God’s truth is embedded in the world. We filter this search through our own lenses, but also bring God’s Word to the search as His revelation of Himself and His purposes for us. We shy away from the modern view that we construct truth and reality for ourselves, but celebrate an exciting journey of discovery of the reality to be found in the world and the understanding that brings to our view of the world, ourselves and others.
Finally, we recognise that just as we see the world in the light of the sun even though we do not have to look directly at it, so we can look at all we do in the light of the Son of God, who is the Truth and who helps us to see everything in His light. CS Lewis, the great Oxford and Cambridge academic said, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen – not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” (Lewis, 2014)
So, we unashamedly teach students to understand the world and themselves through the Biblical story of Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration; a story that helps make sense of why the world is the way it is and points us to a hope-filled future. We believe that no other story can give as good an account of human existence and equip children to go out with a powerful purpose for living.
Phillip NashPrincipal
Green Point wins THACCCSA Zone Swimming Carnival
It was a privilege to support 37 of our Primary students from 7 years through to 12 years of age as they competed in a day of swimming at the Forum in Newcastle University last Thursday. Our swimmers were amazing competitors, encouraging and supportive of each other and giving every race their very best. Special mention to Felicity R – breaking a long standing THACCCSA record and our Senior boys and girls relay teams for their convincing wins.
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 THACCSA 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 warmups, exercises and promote a love for music. We look forward to seeing (and hearing) you soon.
SRC – Student Representative Council
This week students in each class will be asked to consider standing for election to be a part of the SRC. Our students have amazing ideas and creativity and as a College, we value their voice. The SRC is one way we can hear that voice and give advocacy to our students. Please speak with your child about this role. Students wishing to stand for election will need to prepare a very short speech (less than 1 minute) to give to their classmates before voting takes place in classes.
Open Day
Thursday 27 February is our College Open Day. If you know of someone who is considering GPCC for their children, encourage them to come along and experience what is wonderful about our College.
AISNSW Early Literacy Project
All teachers in the Primary School are participating in a year long professional learning project designed to enhance the explicit and systematic teaching of literacy skills.
This project is facilitated by consultants from the AIS NSW (Association of Independent Schools) and delivered through 8 modules focusing on classroom instruction, evidence-based research and assessment, and interpretation of data collected through screening sessions with our students. Shortly there will be a permission form sent home with your child from AIS. This permission enables us to video your child as part of their class or small group and submit work samples as part of this project.
Date for your dairy: There will be a parent workshop run by an AIS consultant on how we teach reading on Tuesday 17 March at 6:30pm; parents of all grades are welcome to attend.
Banking – Helpers Needed
The Commonwealth Bank conducts the school banking program at GPCC. This program encourages students to save a little money each week into their Youthsaver account, helping them learn about the value of money and develop a good saving habit.
Students can bring in their money and deposit books each Friday and these can be dropped to the College Office Student Admin window.
We would love some helpers to count the money on a Friday morning for about an hour. You would only be rostered on once or twice a term. Please speak to the office if you are able to assist.
Anaphylaxis
Students who are anaphylactic have now all been provided with a “Epi pen bag”. This bag is taken with them wherever they go on the College campus and when they are off site at a sporting event or excursion.
If you have received an updated allergy or medical plan, it is vital that this information is given to the office to assist us in keeping all of our students safe.
Product Design Challenge
Prototypes are due to Mrs van Wyk in the Library by Monday 9 March 2020. Please see the flyer for more information:
We have begun unpacking the new Graduate Profile with students in Secondary School. Last week in Chapel, Will Richards focused on having a Godly character. The reality of characteristics of a Godly character, reflect back on what we need as individuals and as communities to cope with the messiness of life. That is a relationship with Jesus through which we are changed from the inside out so that we are authentic in our love, care, compassion, forgiveness, honesty, etc that we live in our relationships with others. This is core to what we do as a Christian school and why Christian education offers so much to those who come to our school.
Parent/Teacher Interviews for Years 11 and 12 - Tuesday 25 February from 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Do not forget to book your sessions for tomorrow's Parent/Teacher Interviews for Years 11 and 12. This is a great time to catch up on how your child is doing in their various classes.
For Year 11 parents, it will be a time where you can get a perspective from your child's teachers about the expectation and workload for their subjects. For Year 12 parents, you can get an idea as to how your child has progressed in the first term of their HSC year.
Bookings opened to parents last week and can be made through the Parent Lounge portal of TASSWeb.
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.
Year 7 Meet the Faculty and Teacher Night - Tuesday 3 March 7:00pm - 8:30pm
On Tuesday 3 March we will be holding a Year 7 evening in the MPC where you will have the opportunity to meet Faculty Co-ordinators and teachers of your students. The aim is to help you understand the expectations of different subject areas and get to meet your child’s teachers.
It is an opportunity also to get an overview of the different subject areas that your child will study from the Faculty Co-ordinators.
GPCC Secondary Swimming Carnival - Friday 28 February 2020
The GPCC Secondary Swimming Carnival is this Friday at Mingara Leisure Centre (12-14 Mingara Drive, Tumbi Umbi). The carnival will begin at 9:00am and conclude by 2:30pm.
Students are to wear their sports uniform, House colours and bring morning tea and lunch.
All students are asked to make their own way to and from the carnival.
If students do require transport, a bus will leave the College at 8:30am and return to the College by 3:00pm. Students need to sign up for this bus at the student window located at the back of the Admin office.
The carnival is a compulsory school event and if your child is not attending, please contact the College Absentee line (4367 9950) explaining the reason for their absence.
Year 7 Camp
A 4 hour trip in rain and mist did nothing to dampen the spirits of the eager Year 7 students last week.
119 students came to Deer Park at Port Hacking, and were kept busy for three days with stand-up paddle boarding, high-ropes (scary), water slide (highlight), rock climbing, sailing, Christian Discovery, movie night, fishing and raft building.
The children had opportunities to serve and support one another at meal times, during activities and even when homesickness struck. With the weir open on Friday, we bussed our way home in just under three hours, and a good time was had by all. Special thanks to Mr Crawford, Mr Haines, Mr Hook, Mrs James, Mr Kastelan, Mrs Kratochvil, Mrs Nihill and Mr Wheeler for the way in which they cared for and looked after the students during the camp. Mrs Rochford
Year 7 Reminder
Year 7 immunisations are on Wednesday 26 February from 8:45am.
If you have not returned your child’s immunisation card to the office, please do so asap.
School Musical
Rehearsals have now commenced at lunchtimes and after school on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
A schedule will shortly be sent home for parents to do their planning for the coming months of rehearsals.
“Beauty and the Beast” will be held the last week of Term 2 in the MPC.
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, such as 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.
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 this week, Wednesday 26 February and consent and information packs were sent home last 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 today 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.
Year 8 Future Proofing Study Launch
This is a reminder to submit your decision about your child’s involvement in the "Future Proofing Study".
If you have not already done so, please visit the following website to view the Study Information Sheet and register your decision: https://www.fpstudy.org.au/tYzkR
The study is being run by researchers at the Black Dog Institute at the University of New South Wales, along with over 100 schools in NSW, to better understand the changes that take place in mental health from early adolescence to adulthood.
Students in the study will also trial mental health apps that may help identify and prevent symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The results of this study have real potential to inform government policy and the scientific community. For this reason, we are keen to get a good representation from Green Point Christian College.
The research team at Black Dog have their first parent webinar coming up on Wednesday 19 February at 7:00pm.
Please click here to register for the webinar if you wish to hear more about the study.
CASE Senior Space School Information Evening - Tuesday 3 March 2020
Green Point Christian College is partnering with the California Association for STEAM Education (CASE) and Actura to offer our students a world-class STEAM enrichment program designed to light the fire of inspiration in your child.
Students will experience:
- Innovation: Discover NASA technologies and visit leading commercial space flight organisations;
- Management: Manage a $600 million mission to Mars Project at Space University, Houston;
- Entrepreneurship: Learn how to introduce and fund innovation either as a start-up or within an enterprise; students will learn from the best in Silicon Valley;
- Leadership: Engage with inspirational leaders from the space industry;
- Putting it all together: Students will collaborate to solve real space industry problems in the ChallengeX project;
- Cultural enrichment: Through big atmosphere NBA and MLB sports games, visit amazing San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Houston.
CASE’s bespoke personal and leadership development program will equip your child with the critical skills they can apply now, empowering them to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Key Details
- For Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 in 2020
- Dates: 5 – 18 December 2020
- Duration: 14 Days
- Location: Houston, Texas; San Francisco, Silicon Valley, California, USA
- Accommodation: 4 star hotels
- Price: $6,950 incl GST
Price includes tuition fees, admission to program events, accommodation and meals. Price excludes airfares and comprehensive travel insurance, cost to be advised.
Please visit the website for more information and to RSVP to the Information Evening: www.actura.com.au/centralcoast
For those interested additional study in Visual Arts, there is a one unit course which counts towards your HSC available through the National Art School.
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)
CIS SECONDARY OPEN GIRLS CRICKET TRIALS
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has begun and we are all looking forward to watching Australia defend their title they won in 2018. They are the highest ranked team in both ODI and T20 forms of the game.
The names Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning and Megan Shutt all come to mind when we think of our lead batters and bowlers. Over the last several years, there has been a rise in female cricket participants over the country.
In 2019, there were 1.65 million participants in the game, with female cricketers now making up one third of players. 2020 would have shown a further rise in this statistic. Sophie S, one of our own students, is an amazing cricketer, who represented NSW in the National Cricket Championships last year.
This last week, she attended the CIS Secondary Open Girls Cricket trials, with some of the best cricketers vying for the coveted position in the CIS Squad. After a number of skills sessions and game situations, Sophie was chosen in the team for her second year straight. This is another superb achievement by Sophie to be selected in such a talented team.
In March, Sophie and her CIS Team will now compete in the NSW All Schools Secondary Open Girls Cricket Championships. We wish Sophie al the best for this competition.
CIS SECONDARY OPEN BOYS CRICKET TRIALS
Lachlan S and Matthew V both attended the CIS Secondary Open Boys Cricket Trials in Sydney last week. Both boys attended the trials last year and though were unsuccessful in making the CIS Team, were very keen to have a go this year.
Like Sophie’s trials, the boys spent the day in the nets, bowling and batting, demonstrating their skills to the selectors. Fielding practise and game scenarios were also part of the process and at the end of the day, our boys really gave everything and represented our school proudly. They unfortunately missed out on making the team, but well done to both Matthew and Lachlan for their efforts at these trials.
CSSA SECONDARY U16 GIRLS HOCKEY TRIALS
In 2019, Amity T attended the CSSA Secondary U16 Girls Hockey Trials and made the team. This year she was hoping to repeat her efforts. She went to these trials early last week and had yet another successful trial. She impressed the selectors yet again and at the end of the day was chosen in the CSSA Team. She will now compete at the CIS Secondary U16 Girls Hockey Championships at the end of March. Another wonderful effort by a talented Green Point student. Great job, Amity and we wish you all the best for the Championships.
Nathan Lambert
Parent Lounge Details
The College has a legal requirement to keep our records up to date.
Please review your details on the Parent Lounge to ensure that all your information is correct.
This includes medical information on your child/children. (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.
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.
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 February 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 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
Kindergarten 2021 Information Night Tuesday 24 March 2020 at 7:30pm
Story Time Term 1 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.
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.
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
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, produce is sourced further away when necessary. Our combined order will be delivered to Erina on Tuesdays, where you can pick it up or Fiona 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 Fiona 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
Canteen
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
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
Coming up
Tuesday, 25 February 2020
Choir for Years 5 and 6 at 8:00am; and Years 1-4 at 8:30am
Year 2 Swimming Lessons
Gideons Talk to Year 7 during Year Meeting
Year 11 and Year 12 Parent/Teacher Night
Wednesday, 26 February 2020
Year 7 Vaccinations
GPCC Band Information Evening
Thursday, 27 February 2020
College Open Day
Year 7 Darkinjung History Session in SCR
Year 11 Legal Studies Excursion
Avondale College Talk to Years 10 and 12 during Year Meeting
NSW All Schools Individual Triathlon
Friday, 28 February 2020
GPCC Secondary School Swimming Carnival
Year 12 Student Leaders Conference (until Monday 2 March)
Primary Clean Up Australia Day
Monday, 2 March 2020
Primary Leaders to National Young Leaders Day
Year 9 Visual Art Excursion
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