Rugby WA officials applaud College kids

By Johan Boonzaier
Primary PE Coordinator

The College was privileged to host a Rugby WA clinic last week. All of the students who participated enjoyed the experience, despite the scorching heat.

Rugby WA and the Western Force are committed to delivering two more clinics during the year. They are dedicated to developing rugby in regional areas among schools and understand the importance of clear pathways for students interested in the sport.

The kids were amazing to teach and really polite the whole time
Rugby WA development officer

Rugby is one of the few sports codes that accommodate student participation of all abilities.

One of the development officers had this to say about his time with our students:

“Thanks for yesterday. It was really good to see all the kids having so much fun during the clinic, and how much a lot of them have improved over the last few years I have been coming to Geraldton. The kids were also amazing to teach and really polite the whole time.”

Artist Hazel Edwards and College Head of Physical Education Andre Steenekamp with
Hazel’s Alpha and Omega-inspired paintings. The painting on the far right is incorporated in the design of the College’s new House shirts.

NEW HOUSES

‘Alpha and Omega’ inspires Aboriginal art

Locally-produced Aboriginal artwork, rich in Biblical symbolism, will be unveiled to the College community with the anticipated arrival this year of new House shirts.

Following a consultation period with students and staff last year, the College decided to move to a two-House system in 2022.

The names of the Houses are Alpha and Omega, borrowing from references to Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation which point to his eternal being.

Local Christian artist and Naaguja woman Hazel Edwards was commissioned to create “Alpha and Omega” inspired artwork that captured the themes of diversity and unity (both in the Godhead and in His people).

The beautiful design features two predominant colours for each of the College Houses:

Alpha – purple, representing royalty and priesthood.

Omega – teal, representing sanctification and restoration.

There are also three large circles. Each circle represents the Godhead in unity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).

Hazel explained that the smaller dots represent God’s people coming together “in unity, on country”, with God at the centre — sweeping lines demonstrating “how God draws us to Him”.

“He is the Beginning and the End. You can’t have one without the other,” she said.

Director of Sport, Andre Steenekamp, said the artwork demonstrated beautifully God’s plan for His people — in this case two College Houses – to be distinct and also come together in unity in Him.

The College has been advised by its supplier that the shirts should arrive by May.

DELIGHTED MUM

‘She talks about Jesus every day!’

Here’s a little story to bring some joy to your heart.

A College mum talks about her girl’s first week at Kindy (story shared with mum’s permission):

“H. has had an amazing first week – a little anxious on day 1 but each day she has come home singing new songs and talking about Jesus being in her heart. So H. has been listening intently to Nateeka! How beautiful it was. H. even had a drawing in her bag from another little friend at Kindy. It was very sweet.”

KINDY NEWS

‘Jesus helps us be strong and courageous’

Kindy Teacher Nateeka White said she and her team were having a beautiful time with the children, who were settling in well land making new friends.

“We have enjoyed our first painting, making collage, building tall towers, entering imaginary worlds, dancing, singing and talking to Jesus,” she said.

“We have learnt that Jesus is always with us and will help us to be strong and courageous when we are feeling scared.”

Miss White has shared some photos with you here, to show how the children are learning through play.

NEW TEACHING STAFF

We’re delighted to introduce the following new members of our teaching staff for 2022:

Gavin Marcus: Deputy Principal Teaching
Helen Ferguson: Primary Teacher (Year 5)
Jeanine Evers: Secondary Teacher (Maths, Science, Biology, Biblical Life & Worldview)
Joanne Baird: Primary Teacher/Music

We hope you enjoy reading our profile of Dr Marcus, below.

STAFF PROFILE

Dr Gavin Marcus, Deputy Principal Teaching

Where and when did you obtain your qualifications? Flinders University – Doctor of Education (Ed D) 2019 and Masters in Business Administration (MBA) 2014; University of the Western Cape – B Sc (Ed)

When did you take up your position at Geraldton Christian College? 1 February 2022.

For those who don’t know you, tell us a bit about yourself. How would you describe yourself? I’m a big softie. Too often I cry when I watch movies with my girls. But generally, I love the outdoors and the beach and could not live anywhere other than the coast.

What is your background and what did you do before you came to Geraldton Christian College? I started out as a teacher but later left to pursue a career in corporate IT. I immigrated to Australia on a skilled visa as an IT professional. But teaching drew me back in and I’ve been active in schools in various capacities for the past 20 years.

Where were you born and where have you lived before coming to Geraldton? I was born in Cape Town in South Africa, before moving to Adelaide for 20 years and now to Geraldton.

In a nutshell, what has been your journey of faith? I grew up in a Christian home and really became involved at school as part of the Christian fellowship. Christ became real to me around age 24 and I’ve been actively involved in the church since then. I’ve lived out my faith in Christian schools with like-minded staff for the past 20 years.

Greatest joy of your life? My family and feeling the cool wet sand between my toes walking on a beach.

Toughest time of your life and how God helped you through it? The birth of my middle daughter at 25 weeks – premature. It was incredible the peace I had as she was confined to critical care for more than 100 days at birth. Christ is/was my rock and refuge.

Recreation/hobbies/interests? Taking long, solitary hikes; walking on the beach; reading a good book and doing life with friends. When I have more time, trying to hit a few balls on the golf course.

A little known thing about you? I love country music.

POLICY REVIEW

Student Behaviour Management Policy

The Student Behaviour Management Policy has been revised at the start of this year. Year Group Coordinators have been replaced by a Year Group Administrator, which is the only change in the Policy. The revised document can be read on the College website. If you have any queries, please contact Mr Hayden Scally, Deputy Principal Student Welfare, hayden.scally@gcc.wa.edu.au.

COLLEGE CALENDAR

Feb 15

3.30pm – 5.00pm. Homework Club in College Library (in-Term and Yrs 3 to 12 only*)

Feb 17

3.00pm – 4.00pm. Maths Support in College Library (in-Term and Yrs 10-12 only*)

3.30pm – 5.00pm. Homework Club in College Library (in-Term and Yrs 3-12 only*)

Feb 22