The school year has started well and we have not yet seen a sharp rise in teacher or staff absences and even the number of student absences has been less than was being predicted. This may change but we are pleased that most of us are able to get on with business.

I like to take some time at the start of each year to remind existing families and to inform new families of some important ideas that drive what we do at GPCC.  This week I want to focus on our school purpose statement: The purpose of Green Point Christian College is to equip students for a life of redemptive action through a holistic education grounded in a Biblical perspective.

We do not take this as a token statement to look good in our advertising material or to display on the wall, it is what guides our every decision. We set out two years ago to review why we existed as a school and settled on this statement as remaining true to the founders’ vision, but giving some substance to our work. GPCC was founded by Green Point Baptist Church, initially to serve the needs of members of the congregation but demand for what was happening in the small school led to significant growth over the years. Today we have the highest enrolments ever and in spite of this growth, want to remain focused on a sound reason for continuing.

The Christian faith undergirds what we do as a school. We believe in the story the Bible tells of the creation of the world and humankind, of their failure to live under God’s authority and the consequences for all human beings of their disobedience. We know we live in a broken world, but we live in the hope of the Gospel, the good news of God that He has been working out a plan of restoration whereby human beings can have their relationship with Him restored and learn again to live as He intended.

Our hope is to equip our students with a vision for life that sees them committed to redemptive action ie, using their vocation, their interests and abilities to bring healing and goodness to every aspect of society. We all long to see what it might look like to have the brokenness of the world removed, and Christians are called to demonstrate that by their lives.

This means we seek to offer an education that encompasses all of what it means to be a human being – intellectual, spiritual, social and physical. This is grounded in an understanding of the world and of humankind that is informed by God’s words to us captured in the Bible. We want to challenge our students to consider living such a life and making a difference for good.

You may not be familiar with this approach to education, and I remain open to having a conversation with any parents who want to explore this further or understand it more.  Feel free to get in contact.

It is great to have students back on site. This year we have our largest intake of 139 Year 7 students . It certainly adds to the number of students who bring life to the College. Please pray for all of our Year Advisors as they care for the different Year groups. This dedicated group look after your students in the day to day bustle of daily College life. Do not hesitate to contact them if you have any concerns. 

Our Year Advisors for 2022:

• Year 7: Mrs Kerrie Rochford
• Year 8: Mr Daniel Witanowski
• Year 9: Mr Jon Oppel
• Year 10: Mr Chris Haines
• Year 11: Mr James Wright
• Year 12 Mr Matthew Newell

Secondary School Thanksgiving and Academic Assembly

Monday 7 February is our Thanksgiving and Academic Assembly for 2021. Many students will be receiving awards and they need to be in their formal uniform on the day.

Unfortunately, the shadow of COVID continues to limit the outside visitors who are allowed on site, so we are unable to allow parents to attend the assembly.

Uniform

Please continue to ensure your students are wearing the correct uniform. Girls particularly need to wear their skirts to the appropriate length which meets the requirements of the College Uniform Policy. Students need to wear the correct items of jewellery that match the description in the Uniform Policy.

Drivers

If your child drives to school, they must complete the appropriate 'Permission to Drive to School' form which was handed out at a recent Year Meeting or can be obtained from the office. This form has details of the car and permission signatures from their parents and the parents of any other student(s) they have permission to carry as passengers. It is important that this procedure is followed by all students who drive to the College.

Swimming Carnival

Our GPCC Secondary Swimming Carnival is coming up on Friday 25 February 2022. A reminder that this is a compulsory school event and more information will be sent soon.

Years 11 and 12 Parent/Teacher Night will be held on Tuesday 22 February 2022 for Years 11 and 12 (depending on COVID restrictions).

Year 7 Meet the Teacher and Faculty Night will be held on Tuesday 8 March 2022 in the MPC (depending on COVID restrictions). 

Year 7 Camp

Next week will be fun-filled for Year 7. The buses will leave at 7:30am. Can I please request students be at the school at the latest by 7:15am on Wednesday morning for roll marking and loading of luggage. We anticipate being back at school by 4:00pm on Friday. We will contact the office if there are any delays. 

Please remember to bring your own mask for the bus and to conduct a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) on Tuesday evening (prior to the bus leaving on Wednesday morning).

The Camp is on Wednesday 16 February to Friday 18 February 2022.

Applications for HSC Disability Provisions 

Disability provisions in the HSC are practical adjustments designed to assist students who would otherwise have difficulty demonstrating what they know in an exam.

Students must meet disability criteria and provide evidence such as confirmation of diagnosis via documentation from an external professional. This information is then submitted to NESA for review and a determination of eligibility made.

Applications are due by Week 10 of Term 1.

If you wish to find out more or would like to apply for provisions, please phone Sarah Brown at the College or email sbrown@gpcc.nsw.edu.au

Congratulations to our Budding Thespians

Some of our Green Point students have been very busy auditioning for shows with Gosford Musical Society. 

We congratulate the following successful auditionees: 

School of Rock (July/August)

Matilda W, Sophie S, Siena F 

Aladdin Jn (July School Holidays)

Luke J Aladdin

Scotia E The Genie

Sally F, Alyssa M, Amelia R Featured Dancers

Grace T, Lucy W, Matilda W Ensemble

We can’t wait to see these shows! 

NSW 2022 Adolescent Vaccination Program for Year 7 Students 

Immunisation is the simplest and most effective way of protecting people against vaccine preventable diseases. NSW Health and the Central Coast Local Health District are providing the opportunity for routine scheduled adolescent vaccinations to all Year 7 students over a series of visits in 2022.

A team of specially trained nurses will provide the following vaccinations: 

1. Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccine

This is a single booster dose.

2. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

This is a two dose course with at least six months between dose 1 and dose 2. 

What to do if you want your child vaccinated at school 

Parents/carers are advised to:

Read the 2022 program information kit sent home this week.

In blue or black pen, complete the consent form and sign for the vaccination/s you wish your child to receive.

Return the completed consent form to the school prior to the first clinic day on Wednesday 23 February 2022. 

Please note: No vaccine will be given at any school vaccination clinic unless the original consent form is signed and returned by the parent/carer.

What if I have submitted a signed consent form and my child is absent on the clinic date? 

The consent form will be retained by the School Immunisation Team, who will make every effort to 'catch up' with your child throughout the year. SMS messages will also be sent to your nominated mobile phone with advice on the 'catch up' process. 

What if I am late submitting the consent form but still want my child vaccinated?

Complete and sign the consent form and return it to the school as soon as possible. The immunisation team will check for any new forms and your child will be vaccinated at the next available school clinic.

If you need a new form please contact the school or the Public Health Unit on 4320 9730, (option 2).

What to do if you do not want your child vaccinated at school?

If you do not wish for your child to receive any of the vaccinations being offered DO NOT RETURN THE CONSENT FORM to the school. It is recommended that you notify the school that you do not wish for your child to participate in the program. 

For more information about the NSW School Vaccination Program:

Go to www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation or contact the Central Coast Public Health Unit Immunisation Co-ordinator on 4320 9730, (option 2).

Library Books

Welcome back to another great year. Borrowing is underway, a reminder Kindergarten - Year 4 students must have a Library bag to borrow. If you have resources and books from last year at home, please return them at the earliest opportunity. The borrowing limits for each grade are below:

Book Club

Issue 1 orders are due online LOGIN (scholastic.com.au) by Friday 18 February. Classes have been changed for 2022, Secondary students can order under my name (Nicole van Wyk) and I will let them know when orders are in the Library.

Story Time - Term 1

Story time will not run onsite during Term 1. A program is being sent down to preschool students, however we are hoping we will be able to resume in Term 2, restrictions allowing.

Library Lovers Day

This is an opportunity to be reminded of all the services and resources our fabulous newly refurbished Library offers to our staff and students. In addition, it is a time to enjoy the discovery of exciting novels in all genres and to discover something new to read.  

"It is a time to remember that our libraries are a place where we can get lost in an idea we are following, find an adventure we are seeking in a book, discover more about an issue we feel passionate about or get help from someone about something we want to know" ALIA, 2022.

The theme for 2022 is 'Show the Love'. We have asked our staff to nominate their favourite childhood book and these are on display in the Primary Library with a sticker on the front to let you know which teacher has chosen that particular book.  

Students will find many activities available throughout the week both during classes with their teachers (eg Speed Book Dating for Secondary English classes) and at recess and lunchtime.

Sport House Captains

Congratualations to the following students who were presented with their Sport House Captains badges at Chapel:

Eua Eagles - Isabella V B and Xavier R

Ha'apai Hurricanes - Amelia P and Luca W

Taloa Warriors - Alyssa C and Isaac J

Va'Vau Breakers - Taylor F and Joshua F

GPCC Sport Teams