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I am writing this article on the 40th Anniversary of the first day of school for Green Point Christian College – 17 February 1982. Seventeen Primary students came to class with one teacher in the rooms above the Little Coasties preschool. Today we have 1095 students from Kindergarten to Year 12 and occupy our own premises on about 17 acres of land which the school has purchased over the years.
Green Point Baptist Church had the vision and courage to start a private school and have been willing to see it grow and expand way beyond what the founders had originally envisioned or probably imagined. What many of you will not know is that Mrs Kerrie Rochford, our Year 7 Year Advisor and Drama teacher, was a member of the founding school committee and one of the team that worked tirelessly in the early days to support its establishment and growth.
The school company, Green Point Christian College Ltd has just over 50 company members who are all current members of Green Point Baptist Church and continue to pray for and support the school. The school has now joined the Melos Foundation which was set up by the GPCC Board to assist with governance, leadership and business administration of our school and for others who join the Foundation. The Melos Foundation nominates directors of the company thus relieving the Church of the burden of supplying all the directors from the Church membership.
In developing the vision of the pioneers, the school company has also established Yattalunga Valley Christian School which opened this year on the GPCC site as a special school for children on the autism spectrum. The company has also purchased a property of 1200 acres in the Brewarrina Shire with the goal of developing outdoor education activities for GPCC students and with the capacity to lease part of the property for the establishment of a boarding school for children from the Brewarrina Shire and other remote outback areas.
On this anniversary day we will be gifting each student a lapel pin commemorating the 40th Anniversary. An anniversary photo booklet has been prepared and is accessible via this link:
We give thanks to God for faithful and hardworking people who have contributed to our school and made it what it is today. We continue to develop it out of respect for those pioneers. During this 40th anniversary, we can say with the Apostle Paul who wrote to the people of Corinth nearly 2000 years ago: Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! It is only because of the gift of Jesus that we have had any reason to bring this school into being and to keep it going as we seek to use it to equip a new generation for life in all its fullness.
Congratulations to our 2021 students on their HSC results, please click on link below for HSC highlights and comments.
Photo: Deputy Principal, Mrs Jane McLarty; Principal, Mr Phillip Nash; Board Chair, Emeritus Professor Kevin Sproats; GPBC Senior Pastor, Rev. Phil Blair
Principal
Introducing Mrs Karen Munro
Mrs Munro is not new to GPCC …. BUT, she is one of our Primary Leadership Team and is the Well-being Co-ordinator.
Tell us a little about yourself. Do you have any hobbies, hidden talents, or play any sports or musical instruments?
I love being a wife to Mr Munro and mum to our three adult children – Lucas, Beth and Isabella, and playing with our two fur-babies, Banjo and Hudson. I love being outdoors – being on my paddleboard, hiking or the beach. I used to play netball and hockey when I was younger. I enjoy playing the piano and singing, particularly to worship God. I love cooking up feasts, having picnics and gathering around a table with family and friends. This year I will finish a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) degree and I enjoy researching new ideas. A hidden talent might be that I can drive farm machinery, as I grew up on farms.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
‘A-ha!’ moments when children understand a new idea and encouraging children to ‘have a go’. We never know what we are truly capable of unless we try. I love the ‘togetherness’ of a class family and everyone sharing their stories.
What is your favourite part or verse in the Bible and why?
I have always been inspired by the life of David. He was just a little guy who loved to worship, and God used him in a mighty way. The verse he wrote in Psalm 51: 10 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” has been one which helps me to keep it real and stay close to God.
At GPCC we have a graduate profile – Which section of the graduate profile interests you most?
I am interested in our graduates being socially engaged - connecting and sharing God’s love with each other and our wider community. I know that this can only flow from developing godly character. We are learning about the Fruits of the Spirit in Primary Chapel, and we are unpacking what each one means. We can then apply these fruits to the way we manage ourselves and our relationships.
What do you want our student and parent body to know about you?
I want our students and parents to know that I love Jesus – God changed my life forever as a little 11-year-old girl. His love is so great that it is immeasurable, and I love the ‘bigness’ of God. I want our community to know that I care about children thriving at school. I am here to listen, especially if you have big feelings to manage. I want to help our students feel safe at GPCC. I’m in our Sanctuary space most lunchtimes and will be running small groups around social skills most afternoons. Students can ask their teacher to see me, or parents/carers can contact kmunro@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Going Home Arrangements
For many children, going home is an exciting release at the end of the day. However, it can be stressful if students don’t know where they are meant to meet you. Developing a routine and sticking to it always assists student to feel confident about being reunited with their carers. If plans change, please notify the College office as this assists us in getting clear messages to your child.
COVID Reminders
Please refer back to the information sent out by Mr Nash regarding the College’s position around isolation and testing. Please note that if any member of your household has tested positive for COVID, the whole family must isolate for seven days.
Please also note that the school is no longer sending out emails about the cases in each Grade as we feel parents are aware of the need to be vigilant around testing students and monitoring of symptoms.
Primary School Photos – Tuesday 1 March
Please ensure that your child is in correct formal school uniform. Hair is to be compliant with School Uniform Policy – tied back for girls using black, red or white ribbons only. Girls may only wear one pair of silver or gold studs or sleepers. Boys in Years 3-6 will not be wearing ties in their class photos.
Primary Choir has commenced for Years 3-6
Primary choir rehearsals will be held each Tuesday morning at 8:00am – 8:30am in the CAPA 5 Theatre, located behind the MPC. All children from Years 3-6 are welcome and no audition is required to participate. We will be practicing a diverse repertoire of worship, musical theatre, classical and contemporary songs.
Please contact either kmunro@gpcc.nsw.edu.au or laura.burton@gpcc.nsw.edu.au for further information
Head of School Award
Congratulations to the following students for receiving the Head of School Award for Week 4:
Gabriella V, KDL; Freddie Z, KG; Aston P, 1G; Alaska M, 1S; Finn A, 1C; Kyle M, 2G; Scarlett M, 2D; Bella L, 3D; Anabella P, 3PH; Lisa J, 3B; Caleb M, 4BK; Ashley J, 4B; Esme B, 5L; Zachary L, 5PC; Archimedes D, 5P; Connor B, 6MR; Noah H, 6S; Harper P, 6T.
Years 5 and 6 Cyber Safety Incursion
Our Years 5 and 6 students have been engaged in an interactive live Cyber Safety online incursion. Cyber Safety education provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe in online environments. It involves acknowledging the benefits and opportunities offered by the online world, while understanding the risks and avoiding potential harms.
Assistance Required for Book Covering
Parents, are you able to assist by covering new books for our Primary School? Please contact Mrs Molkentin at michelle.molkentin@gpcc.nsw.edu.au to arrange a take home pack of books and contact.
Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary
The Year 7 Camp is one of the highlights of a student’s life in Secondary School. It is a time when all the new students to Green Point Christian College have an opportunity to connect and become a part of our community. It is when new friendships are formed in a different environment other than school. It was great to be able to go down and spend a little bit of time at the camp on Thursday.
There was a lot of laughter and fun being had by students. The camp also includes a strong Christian focus lead by the Youthworks teams. I also saw some very tired Green Point staff who were enjoying this large cohort in Year 7.
It did remind me how hard it is to come together in a different environment and try to make new friends. The camp is a place where a lot of students are challenged, and their resilience is tested and also strengthened. It is resilience that we as parents often stifle in our children in our modern society, as we often see our goal as making life only about happiness. It was great to see children of all different personalities and backgrounds rise to the challenges that this type of camp brings. It is developing resilience that I want to focus on during this year in Secondary School.
Uniform
I am sure that word has now got around that Uniform is to be worn in accordance with the Uniform Policy. It should not need to be an issue. Students will be serving a Uniform Detention if their uniform is not meeting any of the expectations.
Years 11 and 12 Parent/Teacher Interviews
Please remember to book your interviews for these Parent Teacher Interviews coming up next Tuesday 22 February 2022 for Years 11 and 12.
Parents will need to use their mobile phone to scan the QR code in the MPC on arrival, and then check out when finished. Please also wear a mask when indoors.
Interview times will be 10 minutes and it is preferable for students to attend with their parent/s.
Parents of students in Year 11 and Year 12 can go to the Parent Lounge to book these interviews.
You can access the Parent Lounge by logging in with your Parent Code previously supplied.
Bookings for these interviews will close on Monday 21 February 2022 at 4:00pm.
If you are new to the College and have not used this facility before, please contact the office to get your Parent Code. If you have not already done so, you will need to set yourself a password by following the instructions.
The easiest way to learn how to book your appointments is to watch the short video once you have accessed your account, under 'School Links' tab, and select 'Help Videos'. Please take a few minutes to watch this video as it will make the process much easier for you.
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.
If you are feeling unwell or displaying any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay at home.
If you are unable to attend or prefer not to if you are vulnerable to COVID-19, you can email your child's teacher to request feedback on their progress.
GPCC Swimming Carnival
Our GPCC Secondary Swimming Carnival is coming up on Friday 25 February 2022 at Mingara. A reminder that this is a compulsory school event.
When: Friday 25 February 2022
Venue: Mingara Leisure Centre
Time: Carnival will begin at 9:00am and conclude at 2:30pm
What to wear/bring: House colours, sports uniform, recess and lunch
Transport: All students are required to make their own way to and from the carnival. If your child cannot make their own way to the carnival, there will be limited seating available on the College bus. Please note the bus will arrive at the carnival after the first event which commences at 9.00am.
If students require transport on the College bus, the first bus will depart GPCC at 8:30am (last bus will be departing at 8:50am) and return by 3:00pm.
Please indicate on Parent Lounge (not at the Office) by Tuesday 22 February 2022 if your child requires bus transport.
If your child requires bus transport you will need to log into your Parent Lounge and in 'Events and Payments' locate the events named:
- TRANSPORT TO 2022 GPCC SECONDARY SWIMMING CARNIVAL and/or;
- TRANSPORT FROM 2022 GPCC SECONDARY SWIMMING CARNIVAL
and tick the bus transport options.
Note: Once seating capacity is reached on the bus, we cannot accept any student requests for transport to and/or from the carnival.
Year 7 Meet the Teacher and Faculty Night will be held on Tuesday 8March 2022 in the MPC.
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:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccine
This is a single booster dose.
- 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).
Mr David Russell
Curriculum Co-ordinator (7-12) | Student Advisor (7-12)
This week’s Careers Newsletter has information about a Government website about careers called “Job Outlook”.
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.
Mr Stuart McSwan | K - 6 Sport Co-ordinator
On Thursday the Primary Zone Swimming Carnival was held at the Newcastle University pool. Stay tuned for a report in next week’s newsletter.
Primary Sports Teams and Trials
There are many sport events held throughout the year in Primary. We have a number of individual trials for students who play at a rep level; there are Gala Days for our GPCC Sport Teams to compete at; and then there are School Carnivals (Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics) where students can progress through to Zone, CSSA and CIS.
It is important that parents understand the process of each element of Sport at GPCC. Please click on this link for further details.
Individual Sport Trials for Primary CSSA and CIS Teams
Please email Mr McSwan before these dates if your child (Years 5 and 6 only) would like to be considered. They need to be currently playing in the sport and have several years experience (preferably at a Representative level):
CSSA Sport dates:
Friday 4 March - CSSA Primary Soccer Trials - Nominations close 25 February
CIS Sport dates:
Friday 4 March - CIS Primary AFL Trials - Nominations close 25 February
CSSA Tennis Trials
Congratulations to Bailey V and Max J who attended the Primary Boys CSSA Tennis Trials in Sydney. They represented the College well and had a wonderful day.
Please click on link below for Primary Sport Teams and Trials
Years 7 - 12 Sport Co-ordinator
Secondary Yearly Sport Overview Dates for 2022
Please click on link below to view dates.
Library Resources
Our students have access to many digital resources. Our Digital Library is located on the school portal.
Go to: https://gpcc.sharepoint.com/sites/Library and select the Library tab.
World Book
Thousands of interactive, non-fiction texts, for all levels and other free ebook access.
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.
Story Box Library
This is an online resource with recordings of picture books being read by authors
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/icdl/SimpleSearchCategory?ilang=English
Central Coast Libraries
As well physical borrowing our central coast 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
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 newsletter@gpcc.nsw.edu.au for consideration of inclusion in The Messenger.
GREEN POINT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A ministry of Green Point Baptist Church
Our motto is “Equipped for Life”
PERMANENT PART TIME COUNSELLOR
(2 days per week during school terms)
GPCC seek an experienced and dynamic Counsellor primarily with experience in working with children and adolescents.
Please refer to the College website for a prospectus and application form at https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/work-with-us/employment-opportunities.
It is a requirement under the Public Health (COVID-19 Vaccination of Education and Care Workers) Order 2021 dated 23 September 2021 that all relevant workers are required to have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccination.
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 Friday 18 February 2022 and are to be submitted online via the application form
Private Music Tuition and Bands
GPCC offers private music tutoring in a range of instruments. Tutoring occurs on site during school hours.
We have a new Piano Tutor starting soon. Expressions of interest are currently sought for students interested in learning the piano. Please fill out the application form available on the College website if you are interested.
Private Music Tuition and Bands are now up and running for 2022.
Please click on link below for more information: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/education-learning/co-curricular-activities/music-tuition
Advancedlife 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)
For information on how to order please download PDF below.
Open Day - 31 March 2022
Click on link to register: Open Day Registration
Kindergarten 2023
We have commenced enrolments for 2023 and already have keen interest for places in Kindergarten. If your child is due to commence Kindergarten in 2023 kindly apply now via our website. You are welcome to contact our Registrar if you have any questions about enrolment registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
Parenting Generation Alpha - Online Parent Seminar
As members of the Excellence Centre we invite parents to attend this online seminar on Parenting Generation Alpha.
Ashley Fell, author of the book Generation Alpha, will help us to better understand, engage with and parent Generation Alpha, the global, digital and mobile generation.
Please follow the link below for an outline of the content of the event, and to register your attendance. NOTE that non Pacific Hills Christian School parents can register as OTHER and note our school name in the text box.
Collection Notice for Parents/Guardians 2022 Student Residential Address and Other Information
The Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment (the department) would like to notify you that a request has been made for your child’s school to provide residential address and other information as required under the Australian Education Regulation 2013.
Please see the attached information bulletin for further information.
School Opal Cards - NSW Transport
Bus Complaints
We have had a number of enquiries/complaints about the 2567 Bus to Umina in the afternoon.
If you have a complaint regarding late buses, please lodge with Transport NSW at the link below. They will track the bus for two week and report directly back to you. https://transportnsw.info/contact-us/feedback/bus-feedback
There is also an transport App that you can download: https://nextthere.com/
Term 1 2022 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
The Munchery Canteen Operations and Updated Menu
The Munchery Menu - Term 1, 2022
Online orders are required for all PRIMARY students, with orders being picked up to consume in Primary cohort designated areas at each break.
SECONDARY students are strongly encouraged to order online. However, over the counter sales will also available in separated cohort lines. After purchasing all students will need to immediately return to their designated cohort areas.
Please visit the GPCC website for the link to The Munchery portal: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/community/the-munchery-canteen
EXTEND (Before and After School Care)
For details click on link below:
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
AFL - Saratoga Hawks Recruitment Drive
The Saratoga Hawks are currently looking for Boys and Girls aged between 5-17 and would love to see plenty of new faces enjoy everything that playing AFL has to offer! They are targeting new participants in the local region and appreciate support from their local schools.
If you would like to place an advertisement in the Green Point Community Notices, please email details to Justine Collins at
Green Point Baptist Church
9:30am Worship Service
6:00pm Service
Services continue to be available online each week.
Attendees must check-in using the QR code (or with Welcome Team)
We are updating our Facebook page regularly with what's happening, so check it out: https://www.facebook.com/greenpointbaps/
Coming Up this Week
Monday, 21 February
11 & 12 VA and PVDM Artexpress AGNSW
CIS Primary Boys & Girls Tennis Trials - CIS Primary Boys & Girls Tennis
Trials
Tuesday, 22 February
Years 11 & 12 Parent/Teacher Interviews - To be held in MPC from 4.00pm to
8.00pm
Wednesday, 23 February
Year 7 Immunisation First Visit
Friday, 25 February
GPCC Secondary Swimming Carnival - Years 7 - 12 at Mingara
Dates for the Diary
Monday, 28 February
Clean4Shore Excursion (selected Years 9 -11 students)
Tuesday, 1 March
Primary School photo day in CAPA5
Wednesday, 2 March
Secondary Zone Swimming Carnival - Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy
Secondary Open Boys and Girls Tennis Trials
Thursday, 3 March
Secondary Youth Leaderships Conference - Years 12 Prefects
Friday, 4 March
Year 10 Your Choicez Student Seminar
CSSA Primary Soccer Trials
CIS Primary ALF Trials
Tuesday, 8 March
Secondary Photo Day
Year 7 Meet the Teacher & Faculty Night
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