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Godly in Character
In the last week we have paused and celebrated Easter and remembered the death and resurrection of Jesus on the cross.
This week as I explore the element of our learner profile Godly in Character, it is helpful to consider Jesus and the example he gives us.
The concept of character itself is quite nebulous. We often struggle to define 'good' character and a good definition can seem just out of reach, but we do know it when we see it.
As parents and teachers, we all desire the young people in our care to develop ‘good’ character and to live ‘good’ and virtuous lives. What does this look like? What are the characteristics that we should instill into our young people.
Here at Green Point Christian College, we narrow our definition by saying that we are seeking to develop students that are Godly in character. Our framing statement is;
We are designed in God's image and fulfil our humanity most when we reflect His characteristics.
So, when we consider character, we begin with the reality that our students are made in the image of the creator God. For us at GPCC this means that all students have inviolable dignity and worth. It is this reality that is our starting point.
This dignity provides a solid foundation on which to begin to build our character and we fulfil our humanity most fully when our character reflects the characteristics of God. This brings us back to Jesus because we see the characteristics of God most clearly articulated in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, Gods one and only son.
Jesus embodied character traits such as love, humility, mercy, and grace. He called His disciples to love one another as I have loved you. It was a love that put on the nature of a servant. These kinds of character traits remain largely counter cultural in our world today. Yet it is these traits that we continue to build into our students here at GPCC, because we know that it is the people with these kinds of traits and particularly those that also choose to follow Jesus, that actually have a very real, very deep redemptive and healing impact on this world.
Joel van Bentum
Principal
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Year 6 Canberra Excursion
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
Mother's Day Breakfast Invite
Mother's Day Stall
K - 6 Mufti Day
Thanks to all our Primary students for taking part in our K - 6 Mufti Day to raise $1,346.80 for our Baptist World Aid sponsor children. Well done.
Primary Choir in Term 2
From Term 2 our Primary Choir rehearsals are moving to Tuesday Lunch time commencing on 30 April.
Students are to meet staff and will be escorted down to CAPA 5 with their food straight away at the beginning of lunch for choir rehearsals.
They will be dismissed at 1:35pm to head back to class.
Students of the Week
Congratulations to the following students:
Joel D; KDL, Bryson R; KK,Sofia D; KS, Isla T; 1C,Carla R; 1G, Lucas G; 1PS,Judah N; 2J, Griffith T; 2G,Archer H; 3B, Levi D; 3D,Finn A; 3M, Bram N; 4H,Hannah K; 4M, Lavinia S; 5B,Avalon R; 5L, Zoey N; 5P,Jansen V; 6B, Willow H; 6B,Isla C; 6SH, Zander M; 6SH,Israela O; 6S, Isabella T; 6S.
Infants Science
This week KK have been experimenting with celery. They observed that Xylum are like straws and transport the water to the top of the leaves.
All Kindergarten classes created some playdough pets. They know that pets are living things, and what they need to survive.
2G have been investigating seeds in fruit and vegetables and producing some amazing scientific drawings from direct observations.
Secondary Winter Uniform – White Long Sleeve Under-shirt
As we head into the cooler months, we want students to stay warm and keep comfortable. This year we are again allowing students to wear a plain white long sleeve T-shirt or thermal shirt under their school shirts. This is designed to be an extra layer to be worn under the student’s soft-shell jacket (Years 7-10), blazer (Year 11) or Year 12 jacket (Year 12). It is not to be worn instead of the jacket/blazer.
If a student decides it is warm enough to remove their jacket/blazer they also need to remove their under shirt. An exception will be in class, where a student can remove their jacket/blazer and we do not want to interrupt their learning by requiring students to leave the classroom to change out of their under shirt. As they leave class, they are to wear their jacket/blazer and at that time can choose to get changed if they wish.
This temporary change to our policy is relating to plain white t-shirts only. Students are not permitted to wear non-school jumpers, jackets or hoodies underneath or instead of their school jacket/blazer.
Future Enrolments at GPCC
We are currently experiencing very high demand for enrolment at GPCC. To assist with our planning, we recommend families apply two years prior to intended start date. If you have a child due to commence Kindergarten or Year 7 in 2026 would you kindly complete an enrolment application via the following link; Enrolment Application | Green Point Christian College (gpcc.nsw.edu.au)
Please note: If your child is currently enrolled in Year 6 at GPCC you are not required to apply for Secondary School. As noted in our Enrolment Policy, if your child will not be continuing at the College in 2025, you are required to give ten weeks’ notice. Kindly advise our Registrar in writing - registrar@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.
Mr Stuart McSwan | K - 6 Sport Co-ordinator
CIS Primary Swimming
Congratulations to both our Junior Girls and Junior Boys 4x50m Freestyle Relay teams who competed at the CIS Swimming Carnival in Sydney last Thursday. This is a wonderful achievement for these teams to even qualify for this event and they did our school, Zone and CSSA proud.
Junior Girls Team
Cleo M, Taya K, Bella L and Chloe L
Junior Boys Team
Archer H, Moses P, Kyle M, James C
Well done to both these teams on a huge effort and thank you to the parents for travelling down to Sydney for this event. A special mention and thanks to Emily R and Jake B who were unable to attend on the day but played a big part in the qualification.
CSSA Triathlon/Duathlon
On Thursday seven super-fit athletes from GPCC Primary competed at the CSSA and HZSA Schools Triathlon/Duathlon in Penrith. We were represented by 2 teams made up of Nate R, Andrew S, UIrich E from Year 6 and Alex K and Javier G from Year 3 as well as two individual competitors Evie N and Owen B both from Year 6.
In extremely wet conditions, all of these students performed astonishingly well with all finishing inside the top 10. They can be very proud of their effort and represented the College with pride. Thank you to the parents who travelled with the students for the day.
Teams Event
- Andrew S, Nate R and Ulrich E- 1st place overall in the 5/6 Boys Relay (200m swim, 5km cycle, 2km run)
- Javier G and Alex K- 2nd place overall in the 3/4 Boys Relay (1km run, 3km cycle, 500m run)
Individual Event
- Owen B- 9th overall in the Primary Boys individual event (200m swim, 5km cycle, 2km run)
- Evie N- 10th overall in the Junior Girls individual event (200m swim, 5km cycle, 2km run)
Primary Athletics Carnival
We are looking forward to our Primary Athletics Carnival on Friday 3 May. Please refer to Parent Lounge for more details.
During PE lessons over the last few weeks, we have been practicing skills for shot put, discus, sprinting and long jump.
I still require many parent helpers for the day so if you can assist then please let me know.
Please see below an important announcement from the Mingara Athletics Centre regarding use of debit cards at the canteen:
We have an important update around the use of Junior debit cards. Unfortunately, as we are linked to a licensed facility banks are declining these cards. We are working with Spriggy at the moment to see if we can get an exception however until then, these types of cards will decline.
Once we have an update, we will communicate the outcome and apologies for the inconvenience. This is currently out of our control, and we are working hard to try and rectify this issue.
Thank you for your understanding on this matter.
Dates for your Calendar
School Carnivals
TERM 2
Friday 3 May - GPCC Primary Yrs 2-6 Athletics Carnival (Mingara)
TERM 3
Wednesday 21 August - GPCC K-2 Athletics Carnival (GPCC grounds)
TERM 4
Friday 25 October - GPCC K-2 Swimming Carnival (Peninsula Leisure Centre)
Representative Carnivals
TERM 2
Friday 31 May - CSSA Primary and Secondary State Cross Country Carnival (Sydney Equestrian Centre)
Thursday 6 June - CIS Primary and Secondary Cross Country
TERM 3
Tuesday 6 August - THACCCSA Zone Primary Athletics Carnival (Glendale)
Friday 23 August - CSSA Primary State Athletics Carnival (Blacktown)
Friday 6 September - CIS Primary Athletics Carnival
GPCC Sport Teams
We are looking forward to sending our teams to a number of Gala Days and competitions in Primary this year.
Students will have a chance to trial for certain school teams over the coming terms and will need to keep a close eye on the notices and listen out for Assembly announcements for when trials will be held.
The protocol for team selection is as follows:
- Teams have at least 2-3 trials before final selection.
- Unfortunately, it is simply not possible for all children who trial to be included in final teams. It is not uncommon for up to 60 students to trial for a team that only has 10 spots available. Due to these limited spots, it is highly likely that students will miss out on making the team. We acknowledge that we have a number of skilled athletes who trial for these representative teams and we strive to give opportunity during trials for students to demonstrate their skills.
- Once teams have been chosen, they will aim to have at least one training session each week before a competition.
Individual Sport Trials for Primary CSSA and CIS Teams (NOT GPCC teams)
These trials are not for GPCC school teams that we trial for here at school to play at certain gala days throughout the year (as mentioned above). The CSSA or CIS trials are usually held in Sydney and students will be trialling against students from either other Christian Schools (CSSA) or other Independent Schools (CIS) and are usually recommended for those students that compete at a representative level.
Please email Mr McSwan before these Nomination 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): Parents are required to transport students to and from these trials.
CSSA and CIS Sport trial dates: Please note these are not for GPCC school teams.
TERM 2
Monday 13 May - CIS Primary Boys and Girls Hockey Trials (select students)- Nominations close Monday 6 May
Monday 13 May - CIS Primary Rugby League Trials (select students)- Nominations close Monday 6 May
Tuesday 11 June - CSSA Primary State Gymnastics Levels 3+ Only (select students) All competitors are required to have an accredited gymnastics coach from their club attend on the day- Nominations close Tuesday 28 May
Wednesday 19 June - CIS Primary Rugby Union Trials #1 (select students) - Nominations close Wednesday 12 June
CSSA (Christian Schools Sports Association) Child Protection training and Risk Warning
CSSA have recommended that all adults (teachers, volunteers, parents) complete the following module on Child Protection before attending any CSSA event (trials, gala days or carnivals). Thank you
https://www.cssa.net.au/child_protection/index.html#/
Below is a link for the Risk Warning that accompanies all CSSA run events
https://cssa.net.au/risk-warning.html
U15 Boys Soccer Team
On Thursday 4th April, 13 students arrived at Sydney’s International Regatta Centre to represent GPCC in the CSSA Triathlon. We had multiple students compete in the individual races as well as a few students creating teams to compete in the teams’ event. First up, we had the Junior individual races. Xavier W had an absolute ball out on the course and finished 13th in the Junior Boys, whilst in the same race, Jason P had a great race to finish 4th. Following the juniors, was the intermediate girl’s race. Where we saw Ariella N have a very strong race to claim 2nd place. Finally, it was the senior boys. And we had the pleasure to witness one of the great battles between Owen P and Liam Ab. The two pushed each other to their limits to finish 9th and 10th. Also in the same race, Caleb N had a near perfect race to claim 3rd place.
Now it was time for the team’s event. We had three teams that consisted of – Junior Boys: Reef M Xavier W & Levi S. Junior Girls: Isabelle R, Alex H & Quinn L. And finally, our Intermediate Girls: Felicity R, Ariella N & Zoe H.
All three teams were extremely confident and nervous to race but had their best race faces on. Our Junior Boys had a very strong race against some tough competition to finish in 11th place. Reef M had a very strong swim exiting the water in the top 5 who then passed on the responsibilities to Xavier W who ventured out onto the bike course to put in a solid time to finally pass the baton to Levi S who had a very strong run to finish the race.
Our Junior Girls had an outstanding race to just edge out their competition by 12 seconds to win gold! Isabelle R was in the lead group of swimmers and exited the waters in third to then outsprint her competition in the transition area before tapping in Alex H to set out on the bike. Alex had a great ride before finally passing off to Quinn who had a very strong run to hold onto first place and consolidate the gold medal.
Finally, our Intermediate Girls. Felicity had a clear game plan and knew what she needed to do in the swim. From the siren, Felicity took off with purpose and found herself in the lead group. Just narrowly behind first and second, Felicity exited the water in third and passed on her duties to Ariella N. Ariella had another strong bike leg, holding her speed and making moves throughout the field. After a quick 10km, it was time for Zoe H to run the team home. Zoe had a face of determination like no other and ran like it may be the last time she ever ran. The three crossed the line together and all the spectators were checking times franticly until the results were confirmed and the girls had won gold by an emphatic 3 minutes and 40 seconds.
Mr Read and Mr Partridge were extremely proud of all the students and their efforts, especially those who were out of their comfort zones for the first time. Hopefully this is the dawn of a new triathlon era at GPCC.
Mr Partridge
New Sport Calendar Addition:
Parents please note these new trials for Rugby League.
Can you please email me by the end of term if you would like to attend these trials for CIS.
CIS trials will be held at:
Kingsway Playing Fields, The Kingsway, St Mary's
SECONDARY GIRLS 16&U RUGBY LEAGUE TRIALS
Nomination Details Due: Wednesday 1 May 2024
Event Details: CIS 16&U Girls Rugby League Trials Date: Wednesday 8 May 2024
SECONDARY GIRLS 18&U RUGBY LEAGUE TRIALS
Nomination Details: Due: Thursday 9 May 2024
Event Details: CIS 18&U Girls Rugby League Trials Date: Thursday 16 May 2024
SECONDARY BOYS CIS 15&U RUGBY LEAGUE TRIALS
Nomination Details Due: Wednesday 1 May 2024
Event Details: CIS 15&U Boys Rugby League Trials Date: Wednesday 8 May 2024
CIS 18&U RUGBY LEAGUE TRIALS
Nomination Details: Due: Wednesday 8 May 2024
Event Details CIS 18&U Rugby League: Date: Wednesday 15 May 2024
GPCC Sport Calendar 2024
Term One
SASSA/CSSA Secondary 16&U Boys Rugby Union Trials: Wednesday 10 April
CSSA Calendar
Download CSSA CALENDAR 2024
Mrs Nicole van Wyk and Mrs Judi Hurst | Teacher Librarian
Digital Library
With the holidays starting at the end of next week, a reminder of the books and information you can access at home. We have many online resources for students, please find below an information sheet with library resources that can be used for personal reading and study over the holidays.
Storytime 2024
Please register your interest with Nicole van Wyk: nvanwyk@gpcc.nsw.edu.
See the flier below for more information on Term 2 themes.
Scholastic - Issue 2
Book club orders for Issue 2 are back this week. Please let us know if there are any problems with your order. Happy holiday reading.
HSIE Teaching Position (Part time) https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/hsie-teacher
Casual ICT Assistant
https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/ict-assistant-casual
Casual Teachers Primary
https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/employment/casual-teacher_secondary
This week our staff member of the week was awarded to Mrs Agatha O'Keeffe.
Agatha goes above and beyond in her position as Lab Manager, she is able to respond to the incredibly diverse range of requests by Science faculty, from preparing brains for dissection, to radio active materials for observation or preparing safe solutions from hazardous concentrations – all with a smile and competency that deserves recognition. She is always early and often late to leave, she is prepared for the unexpected and unflustered by the occasional chaos of Science practical work.
An incredibly valued member of Team Science.
String Lessons and Ensemble Program
Green Point Christian College now has two wonderful string tutors Marina and Monica teaching violin and cello at the school. The school would like to build this string program to a size that we can begin a string ensemble featuring violin, viola and cello. Students that are interested would begin with private lessons in either violin, viola or cello as we build toward an ensemble program in the future. The school will have instruments available to hire in Term 2.
Enquire now to begin in Term 2 or contact Daniel Friend the Music Tutor Administrator (daniel.friend@gpcc.nsw.edu.au) with any further questions.
Uniform Shop
2024 Uniform Shop Trading hours
Monday: 8:00am - 10:30am
Wednesday: 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 10:30am
Friday: 8:00am - 10:30am
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 Menu
Click on link to access: THE MUNCHERY MENU
All students are strongly encouraged to order online. However, over the counter sales will also available.
Please visit the GPCC website for the link to The Munchery portal: https://www.gpcc.nsw.edu.au/community/the-munchery-canteen
Munch Monitor Account Settings
To assist the staff at the Munchery Canteen in serving your children, if you have a Munch Monitor account you may indicate your preferences for snack money, a daily or weekly limit, and if your child has any allergies.
Please note that The Munchery Staff are under strict instruction to follow these preferences. Please log in to your account and update these settings if required.
Please download document below for more information.
GPCC OSHC Provider - Camp Australia
Out of School Care is available at the College, offered by Camp Australia.
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
Free Fun with the Parliament of NSW - April School Holidays
School Holiday Activities for students with a NDIS plan
School Holidays at the Arthouse Theatre
Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW Autumn School Holidays Program
Super Camp Sports Festival in School Holidays
Firewood for Sale
Contact Brian Shaw at the College on 0404 478 341.
If you would like to place an community advertisement in the Green Point Community Notices, please email details to our Messenger Editor, Justine Collins at newsletter@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
Green Point Baptist Church
Services: 9:30am Worship Service, 6:00pm Service
Services continue to be available online each week.
Coming Up this Week
Monday 8 April
Years 10 - 11 Coast Shelter Service opportunity
Year 2 Excursion to Henry Kendall
Tuesday 9 April
Year 9 Visual Arts Fieldwork Excusion to Pearl Beach
Years 9 - 12 Youth in Performing Arts (YIPA) Audtions - music elective
Wednesday 10 April
CSSA Secondary 16&U Boys Rugby Union Trials
Thursday 11 April
Year 11 Study Skills Day
Primary NSW PSSA All Schools Swimming Championships Day One
Primary Central Coast Futsal Gala Day (Years 3 - 6)
Friday 12 April
Primary NSW PSSA All Schools Swimming Championships Day Two
Last day of Term 1 2024
Dates for Your Calendar
Monday 29 April
Students and staff commence Term 2
Wednesday 1 May
Anzac Day Chapel - Secondary
Anzac Day Chapel - Primary
Friday 3 May
THACCCSA Secondary Netball Gala Day
Year 11 Music excursion to Newcastle Uni
Years 8 and 11 French International Cooking Incursion
Years 9 Child Studies visit to Little Coasties
Primary (Year 3-6) Athletics Carnival - Mingara
TERM 1 DATES 2024
Friday 12 April - Last Day of Term 1
TERM 2 DATES
Monday 29 April - Students commence Term 2
Monday 10 June - King's Birthday Public Holiday
Frday 5 July - Last day of Term 2
TERM 3 DATES
Monday 29 July - Students commence Term 3
Friday 27 September - Last day of Term 3
TERM 4 DATES
Monday 14 October - Students commence Term 4
Wednesday 11 December - Last day of Term 4