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On Wednesday I returned from a five day trip out to Brewarrina Shire with Michael Lowbridge, our School Business Manager. The property is 1200 acres, located 30 minutes south of the small township of Brewarrina at a little place called Gongolgon. I have included a few photos to show you the site. It is in predominantly red dirt country, although the back half of the property has brown dirt. You may recall there is a school on the property that has been closed for about three and a half years and a number of other accommodation buildings on the bottom part of the property near the river.
We are also exploring connections with other groups who might operate activites on the site that our students could participate in when they are out there. There is also opportunity for senior students such as the Geographers doing some field work there.
I see this property as a great opportunity to help equip our Central Coast students with a broader view of Australia and of life in general. Exposing them to outback Australia and helping them appreciate the contrasts between town and country life develops their ability to understand issues that arise in Australia’s social and political life, and gives them a far greater appreciation of the history of our nation and its modern development. The opportunity to interact with Aboriginal peoples and understand the perspective of others is an important part of being able to live life in a balanced and educated way.
We plan to set up a campervan and caravan site as well and I hope many of you might take the opportunity to take your family out there and enjoy the facility as well.
Phillip Nash
Principal
End of Year Events
Please ensure these dates are noted on your calendars:
- 1 December – Kindergarten 2022 Orientation Morning 2 (students only)
- 6 December – Year 6 Graduation, only parents of students allowed to attend – (parents must be fully vaccinated)
- 6 December – Year 6 Graduation Dinner @ Terrigal SLSC (no parents attending)
- 6 December – Students meet new teachers and class for 2022
- 7 December - Primary Thanksgiving Services (No parents attending)
- 8 December – Beach day for Years 3-6 and Activity Day (possibly movies) Years K-2 - Last day for students (9:00am- 12:00pm)
Thanksgiving Services
Due to the requirement to keep cohorts of students separated, we will be having three, stage-based Thanksgiving Services. At this stage, under current restrictions, parents are not allowed to attend these Thanksgiving Services. Please understand this is entirely due to the need to remain compliant to the current restrictions and we will make every effort to photograph all prize recipients for future memory keeping.
Cyber Diligence
The Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that screen time has gone up markedly since the outbreak of COVID-19. I don’t think anyone would be surprised by this. A pandemic that leads to shutdowns forcing school at home for students and working at home for adults doesn’t leave too many options outside of using screens more, and there are negative outcomes associated with that increase.
On returning to school we have seen many students with increased dependence on screens, as well as increased exposure to a variety of online platforms they have experienced or become proficient in over the lockdown period.
To help you counter these challenges, there are these three ideas:
1. Not All Screen Time Is Created Equal
- Screen time that is passive and revolving around consumption is the equivalent of eating digital junk food (games, movies, social media). A little can be fun. Too much may be concerning when it comes to wellbeing.
- Screen time that is active and revolving around connection and creation is likely to be good for mental health. It’s positive! It’s constructive!
2. Make Decisions Intentionally
If your children’s screen usage (or yours) is habitual, unintentional, passive, consumption focused, it’s probably not helpful and is likely to be displacing time spent on:
- Physical activity
- Building relationships
- Proper rest and recreation
- Developing talents (art, music, etc)
- Sleep
The answer is simple; start living intentionally and encourage your children to do the same. We do that by developing boundaries.
3. Communicate Boundaries Effectively
If you want to create limits around screen usage (not screen time) – and I think it’s a worthy decision to do so – it’s so important that you do it with and not to your children.
First, explore why screens matter so much to your child. Second, explain why you’re concerned. Third, empower them to develop boundaries with you
The thing is, these devices are just tools. They don’t need our attention like people do, yet some of us (and our children) give screens more attention than the more precious others in our lives.
Head of School Awards
Congratulations to the following students who achieved the Head of School Award for Week 8:
Kalli H, KDL; James S, KJ; Amelia W, Kiera Y, KG; Anthony A, Evie M, 1B; James C, 1PH; Ethan A, Lauren B, James T, Alex T, Dylan E, Josie R, 2D; Charlotte E, Grace G, Harper H, 2P; Lilliana G, Jagger B, Charlotte H, Ulrich E, Orlando G, 3B; Ruben D, 3D; Allegra N, Mia V, Hannah T, 4M; Noah H, Saffron B, Charlie S, 4G; Stephanie R, Lucas M, 4B; Xavier R, Fletcher J, Ethan W, 5P; Zoe O, Seulah K, Grace M, 5L; Blake L, Amelia S, 6S; Rhyder S, Noah D, Emily F, Benjamin J, Reigan E, 6M; Sophia B, Anna O, 6T.
Students will now be issued with a canteen voucher for the Head of School Award that they can redeem at the canteen.
Year 6 Bushwalking Adventure
On Friday 19 November, Year 6 took the school’s brand new bus and went for a bush walk from Pearl Beach to Patonga. The weather looked a little dreary at first, but it turned out to be perfect hiking weather. After a pretty constant 45 minute uphill walk, we were rewarded with panoramic views of the Hawkesbury River mouth out to the sea while we enjoyed a break and morning tea. Then it was on to single track trails and a steep, rocky descent into Patonga for lunch on the beach and a swim. Everyone had a great day with a good mix of hard work and fun. It was nice to just enjoy God’s amazing creation together as a grade after the ups and downs of 2021. Mrs Munro, Mr Sneyd and I would love to thank Mrs Styles, Mr Oldfield, Mrs Kratochvil and Mrs Sirone for coming along and of course, thanks Year 6 for being an amazing grade of beautiful, adventurous and caring kids.
Mr Turner
School Banking update from Commonwealth Bank
For 90 years, the Commonwealth School Banking program has helped children learn about money, reinforced the importance of regular savings and provided structure for parents to support their children to save.
Recent decisions by state and territory governments following a review by the corporate regulator, mean we are unable to continue providing this program in schools, and we have had to make a difficult decision to close our School Banking program for all schools across the country.
Even though the CommBank School Banking program will not be returning after this year, you can continue to make deposits into your child’s Youthsaver account through online transfers or at any CommBank branch.
If you need further information please phone 132 221 or visit your local CommBank branch.
Mrs Jane McLarty | Deputy Principal
Food Equity Christmas Hamper Appeal
Year 9 Food Technology have been studying Food Equity this term. Part of the program focuses on the homeless and refugees. The students wanted to put what they are studying into practice in our community and have initiated a Christmas Hamper Appeal in conjunction with Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre for all Year 9 students. The students will be collecting non-perishable food items in Weeks 8-9. They plan to compile and deliver the hampers before the end of the school year.
What to donate?
Any non-perishable food items: for example, tinned food (ring pull lids preferred), pasta, rice, biscuits, Christmas goodies, jams, spreads, chocolates, condiments etc. Students can deliver the donations to the TAS Display Room or TAS Staff Room.
Photo: Year 9 Food Tech students packing Christmas Hampers
The end of the school year is fast approaching with lots of activities planned. Significant events include the end of the HSC, Year 12 Graduation, Year 12 Formal and the Year 10 Dinner Dance. It is a time that marks the end of an era of school education; for many, 13 years here at Green Point Christian College, and the beginning of a new era of future direction. We will miss each and every student in Year 12 and wish them every blessing for the future. I encourage each of you to seek truth and I know there is only one place that will lead you to that truth … Jesus Christ, at the foot of the Cross.
Year 12 Graduation
This is a reminder that Year 12 Graduation is coming up very quickly. Please put in your diaries the following details:
Location: MPC, vaccinated parents may attend with current COVID restrictions in place - QR check in and proof of double vaccination required
Date: Thursday, 2 December 2021
Time: 9.30am
Full formal uniform must be worn including a blazer. Correct shoes are needed and white ankle length socks for girls.
Upcoming Dates:
29 and 30 November
Year 10 Peer Support Training
1 December
Year 7 Walkabout Park Science Excursion
Year 10 Bush Walk and BBQ
2 December
Year 10 Cru Day Camp
Year 12 Graduation
Outgoing Prefects Thank You Dinner
3 December
Year 7 2022 Orientation (non GPCC students only)
Year 10 Onsite Relationship Seminar and Movie Day
Year 12 Formal
6 December
Year 7 PDHPE Excursion Central Coast Aqua Park
Year 10 Dinner Dance
Year 11/12 Beach afternoon
8 December
Last day for students
NSW Premier's Reading Challenge
Congratulations to the following students who completed this year’s NSW Premier’s Reading challenge.
• Micah R (Year 7)
• Joshua R (Year 8)
• Zachary J (Year 8)
• Caleb R (Year 9)
They will be acknowledged in their Year Group meetings.
HSC Exams
Please continue to be in prayer for our 2021 HSC students.
Mr Nathan Lambert | K-12 Sport Co-ordinator
House Cup
The House Cup in Primary continued last Friday, even though our Year 6 students were away on an excursion.
The Years 3 and 4 Girls competition in Basketball was again another tight round, with each of the Houses vying for those important points to progress to the finals in Week 9.
International Handball is one of the students' favourite games to play and our Years 3 and 4 Boys competition was another great battle. The teams play hard against one another, passing the ball around and scoring some wonderful goals. The leaderboard is looking close, with only one more week of round matches before the Finals.
With Year 6 away, our Year 5 Girls still played a fantastic competition in Basketball. They continued to demonstrate good skills and technique, scoring some impressive baskets throughout their matches.
The Year 5 Boys played some touch football matches and as a bonus, also played some games of soccer as well. They were very competitive in their games and produced some close finishes.
Well done to all of our teams for their performances. The competitions in each group are looking very close and it could all come down to this week’s final round matches to determine the leaderboard and those who will qualify for the Finals.
Sport Awards
As mentioned previously, our Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday 7 December will not just be a chance to present class awards, but also an opportunity to honour and recognise those students who are excelled in specific sports.
We will be presenting the biggest sport awards of the year, with the following announced:
- Sportswoman of the Year
- Sportsman of the Year
- Sportswomanship of the Year
- Sportsmanship of the Year
- House Trophy
Apart from these prestigious awards, we will also be presenting the Age Champions from our Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals (as we were unable to present these during Terms 3 and 4 due to restrictions).
Equestrian Competition
We would like to wish Codie W and Lotus G all the best when they represent Green Point Christian College at the Berry Equestrian Interschools Competition. This event is held between 18 - 20 December.
Both of these girls have been riding horses for many years and just love to compete. They have represented our school quite a few times in Equestrian and have performed exceptionally well.
We hope they have yet another great carnival and enjoy the experience of competition again.
CSSA Primary and Secondary Tennis
If there are any students in Primary (Years 3-6) and Secondary (Years 7-11) who are experienced tennis players (playing for a number of years) and play competition tennis and would like to be considered for the CSSA Primary and Secondary Tennis trials early next year in February, please email Mr Lambert on nlambert@gpcc.nsw.edu.au to register your interest. Also include details on years playing and competition results.
PRC Certificates will be presented during Thanksgiving services for all students who completed the challenge. The following students have special awards.
Gold Award - 4 Years Participation
Year 3 - Harrison D, Scarlett J, Jacob R, Henry T
Year 4 - Danielle H
Year 5 - Indiana C, Bailey V,
Year 6 - Sophia B
Platinum Award - 7 Years Participation
Year 6 - Grace D, Anna-Lucia R, Benjamin T, Cruz T
Last Day of Borrowing / Resource Returns
The last day of borrowing for the year is Friday 26 November. Please look at home for school resources which should be returned this week if possible.
Book Club
Ordering is closed for the year. If you have a query about an outstanding order please let me know via email nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.au so that I can follow it up with Scholastic before the end of the year.
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about outdoor job opportunities, virtual Work Experience and a resource to help search for 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.
Year 7 English class Using their Voice
My name is Chloe B (Nathan B's daughter), and I am writing to you to inform you on the urgent matter of what is happening in Afghanistan.
On September 7th, 2021, the dreaded Taliban announced the formation of a new Afghan government. 5000 Afghan Christians are now at danger of being slaughtered unfairly because of their faith. I am aware that there is currently a fund (Barnabus Fund) dedicated to assisting as many Afghan Christians as possible; but, that is not what I am requesting. I'm asking for a second opportunity at a peaceful existence for Afghan Christians. I'm pleading with you to respect their human right to live in peace.
Mr Crouch, you have more power than I, a 13-year-old school girl, but I believe in the power of God working through His children, like you and me, and I believe that these people do as well; they are simply not allowed to pursue their faith as you have the option of allowing them to do so.
I'm pleading with you to not only let these persecuted Christians into Australia, I'm requesting that you greet them with open arms. Allow them to live in peace, and don't make them fear that tomorrow will be the day they are kidnapped and killed for their beliefs! You can save a lot of lives by submitting a short letter to Hon Alex Hawke MP (Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs) requesting him to welcome these people into our community.
Mr Crouch, I would appreciate it if you could keep me informed on the situation. Please contact me if you have any queries, and please don't hesitate to contact the minister as soon as possible, as this is a time-sensitive situation.
Yours sincerely
Chloe B"
SOMETIMES IT IS BETTER TO LOSE AND DO THE RIGHT THING,
THAN TO WIN AND DO THE WRONG THING.
Tony Blair
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.
GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church
Our mission is “Equipped for Life”
PDHPE TEACHING POSITION
Temporary Full Time for 12 months (maternity leave)
To commence Term 1 2022
We are currently seeking to appoint an experienced teacher to the PDHPE Department on a temporary full time basis for 2022.
To be successful you will need to possess and demonstrate:
- Sound knowledge of the new Australian Curriculum;
- 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: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/pdhpe-teaching-temp-2022
The successful applicant for the above position 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 via employment@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Applications close on Friday 26 November 2021 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
MARKETING OFFICER
Permanent Part Time (during school terms only)
Commencing Term 1, 2022
We are currently seeking a Marketing Officer to join our Business Services team. The successful applicant should possess the following:
Demonstrated proficiency and competence in Microsoft Office applications;
- Demonstrated experience using Customer Relationship Management software;
- Well-developed time management and problem-solving skills;
- Demonstrated capacity to work in a team environment;
- Demonstrated understanding of the principles of quality customer service, courtesy and professionalism;
- High level of interpersonal and communication skills.
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: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/marketing-officer
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 Thursday 2 December 2021 and are to be submitted online via the application form.
Additional Year 6 Class for 2022
Enrolments for Year 6 have been so strong for the coming year that Green Point Christian College are pleased to announce we are opening up a third class for 2022.
Limited places are now available, and we would love you to be part of this exciting year group. Please contact our Registrar Angela Sheather via Registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au to begin the enrolment process. Alternatively you can apply to enrol online now via our website - Green Point Christian College GPCC | Additional Year 6 Class to Launch
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.
2022 School Travel Applications are now open
Please download document to view requirements.
Note re Yearbooks 2021
Our Yearbooks for 2021 have arrived at the College and will be distributed to our students shortly.
Please note we have identified a printing error in the 2021 Yearbook. There are a number of students in Year 7 and 8 whose photos have not been printed on their Year group page. Parents of these students have been contacted by email.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Green Point Baptist Church - Gingerbread House Night
TO BOOK GO TO https://www.gpbc.net.au/gingerbread-house-night/
Date: Wednesday 1 December 2021 at 5:30pm or 7:30pm Tickets are $35 eachAdvancedlife Photography Dates for 2022
Tuesday 1 March 2022
Primary School
Tuesday 8 March 2022
Secondary School
Thursday 10 March 2022
Sibling photos
(8:45am - 12:00pm)
Busways Notice: re School Bus 2052 - AM Service
Please download notice from Busways for more information.
Term 4 2021 Uniform Trading hours:
Monday: 8:30am - 11:00am
Wednesday: 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Thursday: 8:30am - 11:00am
Friday: 8:30am - 11:00am
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
Please note:
The Munchery will not be open on Wednesday 8 December. The last day for orders is Tuesday 7 December 2021.
PRE-ORDERS ESSENTIAL FOR THE MUNCHERY FOR RECESS & LUNCH
All orders must be pre-ordered for pick-ups only for both recess and lunch.
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 order each morning prior to 8:30am via the Munch Monitor - https://www.munchmonitor.com/
The Canteen will also accept lunch orders from students across the counter before school, with change included with change issued in the delivered order.
The new Summer menu is available on the College website here - https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/community/the-munchery-canteen
EXTEND 2021 (Before and After School Care)
Download attachment for EXTEND's latest news.
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 Community Notices
Kincumber Rotary Club Selling Christmas Trees
Kincumber Rotary Club will be selling Christmas Trees in our College carpark on December 4th and 5th and December 11th and 12th from 7:00am until sold out.
Central Coast School of Soccer (CCSS)
CCSS are holding a 4 Day Summer Soccer Development Camp in January 2022.
Green Point Baptist Church
SUNDAY 28 NOVEMBER - Masks are mandatory until 15 December 2021
Attendees must check-in using the QR code (or with Welcome Team)
9:30am Worship Service
6:00pm Service
Services continue to be available online each week.
We are updating our Facebook page regularly with what's happening, so check it out: www.facebook.com/greenpointbaps/
This Week
Monday, 29 November
HSC Chemistry - Chemistry 9.25am - 12.30pm
Year 10 Peer Support Training
Tuesday, 30 November
HSC English Extension1 - English Extension 1 - 1.50pm - 4.00pm
Wednesday, 1 December
Kindergarten 2022 Orientation Morning 2
Year 10 Bush Walk and BBQ - Pretty Beach to Little Beach
HSC Earth & Environmental Science - Earth and Environmental
Science 1.55pm - 5.00pm
HSC Hospitality Examination - Hospitality (VET) 9.25am - 11.30am
Kitchen Operations and Cookery Food and Beverag
Kindergarten Orientation Morning 2 - kids on site
Thursday, 2 December
Year 10 Activity - Cru Lake Mac Day Camp
Year 12 Graduation 9:30am in MPC
Friday, 3 December
Year 12 Formal at Crowne Plaza
Year 7 Orientation (for non GPCC students) Periods 2 and 3
Year 10 Activity Day
Coming Up
Monday, 6 December
Year 7 PDHPE Excursion
Year 6 Graduation 9:30am, parents only (must be vaccinated).
Year 6 Graduation Dinner at Terrigal SLSC (no parents) 5:30pm
Tuesday, 7 December
Primary Thanksgiving Services (no parents)
Wednesday, 8 December
Last day for students
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
