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Newsletter of Green Point Christian College

Green Point Christian CollegeAvoca Drive, Green Point NSW 2251Locked Bag 1 Kincumber NSW 2251

P: (02) 4363 1266 F: (02) 4363 1082Absentee Line: (02) 4367 9950Excursion Line: (02) 4367 9900

Email: office@gpcc.nsw.edu.auOffice Hours: 8:30am - 4:00pm

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Mrs Debra Walls | Principal Be Always Gentle and Humble of Heart …

Gentleness is not a word used and even referred to much in our twenty-first century context, yet is one of the greatest distinctives of our Christian faith. In both the Old Testament and the New Testament examples of what gentleness “looks like” and its purpose are consistently narrated and referred to by many writers.

There are many metaphors that demonstrate how gentleness evidences itself in a willingness to yield to God’s desire for our lives. Whilst we are always encouraged to stand for the truths expressed through God’s Word, we are to do so with gentleness

– a composure and humility that understands that Jesus has promised never to leave us. It is this understanding that gives us strength to be gentle in the face of calamity.

The Bible speaks about Jesus as having a gentle and humble heart in Matthew 11:29, even though He knew what God had sent Him to earth to achieve. Being gentle does not mean being weak, but being considered and measured and possibly forthright. The purpose of gentleness is not about disarming those around us, it is about demonstrating the inner peace we have because we understand what God has given us, His children.

The College is committed to fulfil its vision of Excellence in Christ Centred Education through the expressing the Fruit of the Spirit, as revealed in the letter to the Church at Colossae:

Gentleness is founded on strength not on weakness, it is founded on gratitude and authenticity. If we are not gentle in Spirit which is prompted by love, then our Biblical understanding of the nature of God is skewed and this will affect all we do and say. Biblical thinking nourishes living in the way Jesus lived. Gentleness exults in understanding the gift of grace, it also demonstrates our humility and the cultivation of thankfulness with an understanding and gratitude for God’s past trustworthiness.

Jesus is the supreme and complete exemplar of gentleness and meekness as He cares for those that love Him, for when we are still and quiet we will hear the voice of God as a “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19) and we will have that claim of acceptance that engenders gentleness and a sensitivity to speak the truth in love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Blessings , Debra Walls

A Ministry of Green Point Baptist Church

In this issue:From the Principal ........................ 1Junior School News .....................2-4Secondary School News ..............5-6College/GPBC News ...................... 7Green Point Trader/Rosters ......... 8

PrayerPray for students undertaking NAPLAN tests next week.

Pray for Year 12 students to remain motivated and focused.

PraisePraise God for the learning experiences of Year 5 at the Bathurst excursion.

Praise God for a great Commendation Assembly.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

4 May 2017 WEE

K 2

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RM 2

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

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K 2 Junior School News

Mrs Kerry Paterson | Head of Junior School Welcome to Term 2, Week 2.

This week our Junior School Bible focus is “David follows God’s way”, focusing on 1 Samuel 24:1-13; and 1 Chronicles 11:1-3. The BIG idea is: Saul was a good king while he obeyed God, but he became a bad king by refusing to do things God’s way. David refused to go against God and even when Saul tried to kill him, he refused to retaliate.

Our verse for the next few weeks will be: God said, ‘People judge others by what they look like, but I judge people by what’s in their hearts’. 1 Samuel 16:7 (CEV).

Head of School Awardees plus Cupcakes, Chat and Celebrate

We congratulate the following students for achieving the Head of School awards for this week: Lachlan Hill, KDL; Chloe McKay, KG; Stephanie Reynolds, KP; Jaymin Turner, 1MM; Ethan Wilson, 1PB; Anna Kastelan, 1SM; Jacob Ghantous, 2B; Ava Pearce, 2D; Bronte Baldock, 2W; Kahlia Maxwell, 3P; Siena Del Casale, 3W; Timothy Swan, 3/4D; Bailey Chatman, 4H; Tirzah Harvey, 4S; Chloe Volegoff, 5B; Aiden Descas, 5M; Hamish Hall, 5/6L; Noah Hearn, 6M and Jennifer Bate, 6P.

Every Thursday awardees are invited to a special morning tea in the Staff Common Room.

Student Expectations – Respect, Learn, Excel

Junior School students continue to focus on our core Student Expectations.

The green Positive Behaviour slips reflect these core values, celebrating when students:

Respect: God, Others, Yourself, Property and Rules;

Learn: Be Ready, Be Responsible;

Excel: Colossians 3:23

We are seeing and celebrating success daily. Well done, Junior School students.

Congratulations to Kyne Baird – 4th in Australia in BMX Riding

Kyne competed in the National Championships last week in Brisbane, achieving 4th place Australia wide for his age group. He will now represent Australia at the world tournament in America. This is an outstanding achievement reflecting the core student value to “Excel” in whatever God has gifted you in. Well done, Kyne.

Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

Coloured T-Shirt Day – Friday 5 May

Students are encouraged to wear a coloured t-shirt tomorrow Friday 5 May as a reminder to bring in a donation for our Mothers’ Day stall. Alternatively, students can bring a $5 donation so a suitable present can be purchased for the stall by our volunteers.

This Friday our volunteers will be receiving, packing and wrapping gifts ready for the Mothers’ Day Stall next Wednesday 10 May.

Volunteers will be meeting in the Staff Common Room from 9.00am onwards after signing in at the front office. It is a wonderful opportunity for parents to work together, make new friends and to empower our children to bless their mums for Mothers’ Day. It is not too late to join by signing up through the volunteer sheet in the office or by simply turning up on the day.

Winter Uniforms – from Monday 15 May

From 2018 the Junior School girls’ winter tunic will be re-designed to include a zip, making it easier for girls to dress themselves without assistance.

In anticipation of new stock, we have reduced the current stock of girls’ winter tunics from $60 to $30. In addition, the girls’ white wide brimmed hat is also now selling for $25. Please feel welcome to visit Alex in the Uniform Shop for assistance with any of your child’s winter uniform needs.

Kindergarten 2018 – Applications and Kindergarten Readiness Assessments

If you are planning on enrolling a child or a sibling for 2018, please apply now. Kindergarten Readiness Assessments have been conducted all week with Mr Matthews and Mrs Pembroke. Following the assessments, interviews with the Head of Junior School will be conducted in Weeks 4 and 5. We want to ensure your child is booked in ready. Mrs Michele Drover, our Registrar, will be able to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

Cross Country Years 2 – 6

Years 3 and 4 competed last Friday afternoon in the Cross Country. Please note the times for the postponed Junior School Cross Country for Years 2, 5 and 6 tomorrow Friday 5 May 2017:

Years 5 and 6: Friday 5 May: 1.45pm – 3.15pm

Year 2: Friday 5 May: 12.00pm -1.00pm

All students are asked to wear full school sports uniform, including House Shirts. (This also fits with our Coloured T-Shirt Day). Students need to have their age (what they are turning/have turned in 2017) written on their right leg in black texta/marker.

If parents are available to assist, please contact Mr Nathan Lambert, our Junior School Sports Co-ordinator on 4363 1266 or via the office email: office@gpcc.nsw.edu.au

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K 2 Junior School News

Junior School Student Banking – Friday morning (volunteer position)

Thank you to Rianda Barnes for stepping up to join Karen Horton with our Junior School Banking each Friday morning.

We appreciate you both for providing this valuable service for our students.

It would be wonderful to have a back-up parent who can step in as needed. If you would like to be our back–up, please call the office on (02) 4363 1266 and talk to Mrs Margaret Butler.

Year 5 Excursion – Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves and Bathurst

It was a refreshing 1 degree when the children woke in Bathurst last Friday morning. Teeth were chattering but hearts and stomachs were full from terrific fellowship, food and faith filled discussions. Having both Junior School excursions earlier in the year enables teachers and students to move strongly into the year together.

I want to especially thank parents; your children were outstanding, reflecting your caring, considered parenting skills. It was an absolute joy accompanying the children and getting to know them better. Well done Year 5.

A special thank you also to Mrs Livette, Mrs Bourke, Mrs McKinnon, Mr McInnes and Mr Turner for enabling this great learning and relational excursion to take place.

Important Dates for Terms 2, 2017 are listed to assist families in planning:

�� Friday, 5 May

Coloured T-Shirt Day

Year 2 Cross Country 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Years 5 and 6 Cross Country 1:45pm - 3:15pm

�� Tuesday, 9 May - Thursday, 11 May

NAPLAN (Years 3 - 5)

�� Wednesday, 10 May

Mothers' Day Stall

�� Friday, 12 May

K - 6 Athletics Carnival

�� Tuesday 30 May - Friday 2 JuneYear 6 Canberra Excursion

�� Wednesday 7 June Junior School Musical 1:30pm (matinée performance) and 7:00pm (evening performance)

Blessings, Kerry Paterson

CSSA Primary Gymnastics Competition

Any students wishing to participate in the CSSA Primary Gymnastics Competition this year which is held on Thursday 8 June at the Sydney Gymnastics Centre (Rooty Hill), please contact Mr Lambert on nlambert@gpcc.nsw.edu.au before the end of Week 4.

Basketball Player Needed

Seeking a female Basketball player (or someone willing to learn), for the Green Point Christian Collge Cheetahs U/14s Team. (Year of Birth 2004/05/06).

Games are held Tuesday afternoons (rare Friday game) at Terrigal Stadium.

Training is currently Thursday mornings at 7:15am in the MPC, with a scheduled change to Monday afternoons, pending availability.

Parent transport can be arranged for players to attend games and training, if needed.

Excellent friendly community of players, parents, managers and coaches, with social team building events held each term.

Please contact Mr Lambert on nlambert@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.

Photos: Years 3 and 4 Cross Country

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K 2 Junior School News

Photos: Year 5 Bathurst Excursion

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K 2 Secondary School News

Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary School

How Parents Can Help Students in the Senior Years of School By Andrew Fuller

When you have a student completing the Senior years of school, everyone in the family is doing Year 11 or 12. Here are a few ideas for coming through these years flourishing, and having everyone’s dignity intact. Parents have a vital role in helping students:

• Manage time;

• Manage energy;

• Manage stress;

• Manage to get everything in at the right time and in the right place.

In addition to this you have to manage yourself.

Developing the System

Regular planned times for study throughout the year creates better results. Short regular sprints of learning are more effective than long study marathons. To create this you need to work out a system.

Sit down with your student and map out an ideal week including:

• Times for sleeping (at least 8 hours a night);

• Times for unwinding and relaxing;

• Best breakfast foods;

• The best times for study;

• The best time of the week for consolidating notes and extending memory;

• Time to catch up with friends;

• Required school hours;

• Time for part time work (less than 10 hours a week);

• How to handle invitations around exam times.

Study sprints should be ideally 20 minutes long and never longer than 50 minutes with a ten minute break between study sessions.

Usually on the weekend, have some time set aside for organising information and testing memory of new information.

Patiently, talk through the system until you all feel that you have the best plan. Ask them how often you should remind them of the system when they don’t seem to be following it.

You may also need to discuss minimising distractions - excessive social media use, listening to music while studying, multi-tasking or chatting with friends online is not compatible with studying. Multi-tasking is just splitting your attention and means you’ll need to study four times longer than you need to.

As a parent of a Senior School student, keep yourself informed. Come to information sessions and parent-teacher meetings yourself. Stressed students don’t always store detailed information well so take notes of key dates and requirements.

Steering students back to the system

It is hard to get through Year 11 or 12 with out some meltdowns. When a meltdown occurs, rather than starting a long conversation about it or providing a motivational pep talk, think about what your student needs – Food? Rest? Exercise? Some social time? Try to quietly arrange for this to occur.

How to deal with the catastrophic thinking

Pacifying or reassuring the unsettled Senior School student is a fine art. Acknowledge to yourself in advance that anything you are likely to say is probably going to be heard as the “wrong thing”.

Generally what you do is more important than what you say. Providing meals, comfort and for some, reassuring hugs is often more powerful than words.

Some teens “freeze up with fear” and want to avoid schoolwork completely. Try to avoid getting into lengthy debates about the merits of the current educational system or their own intellectual ability. Instead, go back to basics. Feed them. Hydrate them. Rest them. Then gently bring them back to the topic. Ask them to tell you what they do understand about an issue. If they will initially reply with, “I know nothing’ say, “Well, tell me what you think you know”. Slowly rebuild confidence.

What to do when the system breaks down

When you are planning the system develop a rule of “never miss twice”. We know there are days when even the most well thought through system falls into tatters. Accept this but also plan never to miss twice. For example, I can take a complete break from my study routine for one day but not for two days in a row.

Around August is the most common time for students to become disheartened and lose motivation. However the work done in August and September probably adds more to the final results that any other stage of the year.

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K 2 Secondary School News

The reason is that by this time most of the basics have been covered and we are now able to add the higher order thinking and deepen understanding.

If taking on new information seems too much at this time, go through the process with them of organising information, drawing up flow charts, making memory aides and consolidating notes.

What if my teenager won’t listen to me?

Have a confidential chat with one of their key teachers so that they can have a conversation with your student directly about their progress and study strategies.

How to deal with the build up to exams:

Here is the time to trust the system. Keep things as calm and consistent as you possibly can. Ensure that your student has enough sleep, good food, exercise and social time.

Consider ceasing part time work in the lead up to exams. Also discuss not using or at least, lessening the use of social media sites.

If your family has major birthdays during this period it may be worth delaying celebrations until after the exam period.

It is not the end of the world

Your student’s Year 12 result is not their future. There are many other more important and powerful determinants of success and happiness in life.

Many people who did not get the Year 12 results they wanted find careers where they thrive.

Above all, remain calm and believe in your student. Adding an anxious parent to a panicking teenager is always a recipe for disaster.

Year 10 Work Experience

Just a reminder that if your child is going to undertake work experience, this is the term to organise that week out of school. Documents are available from Mrs Rochford.

Family Tip from Focus on the Family - Tech at the Table

A big helping of “technology” at the dinner table is bound to wreak havoc on your family’s communication.

Studies have shown that children who come from families that eat dinner together five nights per week are more likely to succeed in school, have a positive relationship with their parents and peers, and are less likely to pursue risky or destructive behaviours.

Family meals seem to serve as a shield against many negative cultural influences, however if parents or kids are using technology at the dinner table, all bets are off.

When they watch TV, talk on the phone, send text messages or play video games, the family meal appears to provide little or no protective factor for the kids.

So disconnect from technology at dinner time and connect with each other instead.

Turning those devices off can be a perfect time for great conversation, where everyone has a voice.

NAPLAN

A reminder that NAPLAN is coming up in Week 3. It is nothing to be worried about, but some students do get stressed about these tests.

Uniform

Just a few reminders regarding uniform for this term:

1. Blazer weather is upon us and a blazer is our first layer of warmth for Years 11 and 12 students. Students are not to wear non-school pullovers, jumpers and sweat shirts just because the weather is colder.

2. Sport uniform is only to be worn by students to school if students have PE practical.

3. Please make sure to purchase the new required style of black leather shoe so that your child is in correct uniform.

4. Make up is to be applied lightly.

5. Girls' skirt length is to be at the knee.

6. All students are to have a hat at school.

Dancing all the way to a National Title

Congratulations to Brooke Macgregor of Year 12, who came 1st at the National Dance Championships in Queensland. She is the national champion in the mixed Latin. This is a great achievement Brooke. You are a very worthy champion; truly humble and dedicated.

NSW School Vaccination Program – Year 7, Second Visit and Year 11 and 12 students Meningococcal ACWY Vaccinations

Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program.

Year 7 had their first round of injections on 29 March 2017. The second visit for Year 7 will be on Wednesday 31 May, and this will also be a time when those who missed the first round can do catchup injections, or any students in Year 8 who still need to catch up on their HPV vaccinations.

Also on Wednesday 31 May, NSW Health is offering the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine to all Years 11 and 12 students. Parent Information Kits for Years 11 and 12 will be sent home within the next two weeks and need to be returned before Monday 29 May.

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K 2 College News

Upcoming dates

�� Thursday, 4 May 2017Junior College Band 8:00amPrimary CSSA Girls SoccerSecondary School Cross Country CarnivalSelected Year 10 students SRE Teaching at East Gosford Primary SchoolDays for Girls Service Activity 3:15pm�� Friday, 5 May 2017

College Band 8:00amJS Northern NSW Central Coast FutsalJS Coloured T-Shirt DayYear 2 Cross Country Carnival 12:00pmYears 5 and 6 Cross Country Carnival 1:45pmSecondary Central Coast Futsal ChampionshipsYears 11 and 12 Music ExcursionYear 12 Digital Discipleship Course during Year Meeting�� Monday, 8 May 2017

After School Drama Club Game Training Workshop (Years 7 and 8) 3:30pm in C1�� Tuesday, 9 May 2017

NAPLAN Testing for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9JS After School Art Club�� Wednesday, 10 May 2017

NAPLAN Testing for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9JS Mothers' Day Stall Year 9.1 PASS to Clip and Climb�� Thursday, 11 May 2017

Choir 8:00amNAPLAN Testing for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9Selected Year 10 students SRE Teaching at East Gosford Primary SchoolYear 9.2 PASS to Clip and ClimbDays for Girls Service Activity 3:15pm�� Friday, 12 May 2017

College Band 8:00amJunior School Athletics CarnivalNSW All Schools Secondary Swimming ChampionshipsTHACCCSA Zone Secondary Soccer Gala DayYear 12 Uni of Newcastle Talk during Year Meeting

Green Point Baptist Church

Sunday Service 9:30am

Youth and Young Adults Service 5:00pm

Visit: www.gpbc.net.au

Green Point Baptist Church

Uniform ShopThe Uniform Shop will be open for limited service only on Monday 8 May and Tuesday 9 May 2017.

Enquiries to Alex Ritchie, Uniform Shop Manager.

Telephone: 4363 1266 or email uniform@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.

term 2 2017this term at thrive

May

Thrive is for Years 5 & 6 @ 5:00 – 6:30For more information contact Louise Eccleston

on 0425 239 414 or at louise@gpbc.net.au

Launch party Scavenger hunt

Game show

Slime time

June

0209162330

Superhero

Winter wonderland

intencity

Movie night

05121926

Big games night

NEW!

from Sunday

7 May

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K 2

Green Point Trader

Term Dates Term 2, 2017 �� Wednesday 26 April 2017 to

Friday 30 June 2017

Term 3, 2017 �� Monday 24 July 2017 to

Friday 22 September 2017

Term 4, 2017 �� Monday 9 October 2017 to

Thursday 7 December 2017

Uniform ShopOperating TimesMonday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday during the School Term: 8:30am - 11:00am (Closed Wednesdays)

Afternoons by appointment only.

Alternate ways to make purchases:

1. Write items on a lunch order bag, enclose cash or cheque and lodge through the Canteen.

2. Lodge order and payment through Reception.

3. Phone order to Uniform Shop and pay by credit card.

4. Email uniform@gpcc.nsw.edu.au

Always include your child’s name and Year group for delivery.

Credit card slips and a receipt are always issued.

Green Point Christian CollegeAvoca Drive, Green Point NSW 2251 | Locked Bag 1 Kincumber NSW 2251

P: (02) 4363 1266 F: (02) 4363 1082 | Absentee Line: (02) 4367 9950 | Excursion Line: (02) 4367 9900Email: office@gpcc.nsw.edu.au | Office Hours: 8.30am - 4.00pm

The Messenger

Firewood For Sale: $130 per cubic meter delivered, or receive a $20 discount if you pick up. Phone Brian 0404 478 341.

Years 11 and 12 Tutoring: Are you seeking tutoring that will improve your grades and increase your confidence going into crucial exams? Recent graduate of the College offering tutoring for Years 11 and 12 students in English (Advanced), Mathematics (including Extension 1), Physics, Chemistry and Economics. A range of days and times available; meeting at a location near you. For more details or to book, call Josh on 0479 109 026.

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 VolunteersWeek 3 Term 2Monday, 08.05.2017

Pat Masters

Tuesday, 09.05.2017

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Wednesday, 10.05.2017

Bev Kennedy

Thursday, 11.05.2017

Jo Summergreene

Friday, 12.05.2017

Kylie Scott

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.

6 May 2017

Volunteers from Coast Shelter

13 May 2017OIC: Penny WilliamsFood Pickup: Penny WilliamsHelpers: Alex Smith, Amy Connolly, Di Smith, Jackie Bolger, Tosca Brand, Vicki Wickert

20 May 2017OIC: Stephen HayFood Pickup: Arthur PickersgillHelpers: Jess Noble, Jo Schofield, Sonia Dawes, GPCC Youth x 2

27 May 2017OIC: William ArnotFood Pickup: Tony HerbertHelpers: Gaynor and Eric Rodgers, Karin Hensley, Lyn Gollan, Rentia Morgan, GPCC Youth x 2