Andre Steenekamp
Director of Sport and Outdoor Education
Our senior students have demonstrated once again that they have what it takes to overcome difficult challenges as proven during the Yr 11/12 Kalbarri National Park General Outdoor Education expedition in the Kalbarri National Park.
The expedition required students to plan for a three-day, self-sustained expedition in the gorge. Fears were overcome and courage and teamwork was on display. Activities after hiking down into the gorge with 18kg backpacks, included a 35m abseil, a 6km canoe to the ‘Loop’ and ‘canyoning’ the level 5 degree difficulty, Z-Bend.
It is always a privilege to witness our students displaying perseverance, teamwork and determination with the elegant touch of Godly edification to ‘lift’ individuals and the group when the going gets tough.
Every expedition presents its own challenges and this one was no different. Reflecting on the last night at ‘tribal council’ around the camp fire, students (and teachers) had nothing but praise for the way this group went about their business to get the job done with unity.
For teachers, the greatest reward is to witness how our students appreciate each other’s unique and individual characteristics and the work that God is doing in their lives to grow as people. Well done!
Student art wins $500 Chamber prize
Annalise Edwards
Visual Arts Teacher
Last Term the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted the first Mid West Aboriginal Business Forum in Geraldton.
In order to promote this, and support the arts and creative endeavours for students, the Chamber invited a number of schools to participate in a competition – the completion of an “Ocean to Outback”-themed work.
Year 11 Visual Art students Chloe M, Novalee C, and Jezarni B created various designs and collaborated to produce the amazing piece pictured.
We were notified that the evening was a huge success and all of the attendees loved the work. It also won a monetary prize of $500, donated to the Geraldton Christian College Art department!
Well done to these students. We appreciate them using their gifts and talents to bless the school and wider community.
Handy challenge for STEM learning
Keith Roffman
Secondary Teacher Science
Twenty students and Science staff participated in the 2022 Science Week STEM Challenge during three lunchtimes this term. The task was to build a working model of a prosthetic hand, using common items such as string, gloves and straws, to mimic God’s design of muscles, ligaments, bones and tendons.
The College is investing into STEM-related learning into next year and welcome students, parents, and staff along on the journey of developing this aspect of education.
GCC is investing into STEM related learning into next year and welcome students, parents, and staff along on the journey of developing this aspect of education.
We are looking forward to STEM-related activities continuing to grow.
STEM challenge results:
First: Taylor and Teresa Yr7
Second: Addison, Emmy and McKenzie Yr7
Third: Charlie Yr7
Checkmate for inaugural inter-house competition
Kiera Foster
Secondary Teacher Maths
Last Friday and this Monday were auspicious in our school calendar as they marked the inaugural Inter-house Chess challenge between our Secondary and Primary houses.
The Secondary Inter-house Chess challenge was held in the hall at lunchtime on Friday, and the Primary challenge was held on Monday. For each challenge, teams of three students from each house in each of three categories played head-to-head. Nine boards were set up around the hall so there was plenty to see for the many spectators.
On each day, the hall was filled with busy intensity and one could almost feel the cogs in players’ brains turning as they strategically planned and took down their opponents’ pieces. Congratulations to all of the players for representing their houses well!
The winning house on each day was determined based on points from the day as well as participation points calculated from attendance at lunchtime chess that has been running once a week for part of this term. The winning houses were:
Primary: Alpha
Secondary: Omega
Many thanks to all of the students who registered interest in playing, the volunteer staff and students who assisted on the day, and the spectators who came to watch. It was so exciting to observe the enthusiasm for Chess amongst our students expressed through the high levels of engagement by all of those involved. The interest in Chess in our school is growing and in many cases on both days, we saw that once games were complete, students played again or other students who had been spectating sat down to play.
With the great success of our lunchtime chess and these Interhouse Challenges, I am confident that Chess will continue to flourish at the College and look forward to hosting lunchtime Chess on Fridays again next term.
Lions the kings of the U/12 jungle
Mathew Adams
PE Assistant & Soccer Coordinator
On Sunday 18 September, Strath Lions U/12 Blue competed in the Geraldton Junior Soccer Association U/12s Knockout Cup final against La Fiamma FC.
The game was a thrilling encounter with the game going back and forth all the way to the final whistle. The Lions had the momentum for most of the game but went 0-1 down with 10 minutes to go. After a true showing of perseverance and resilience, the Lions fought back to win the game 2-1 with the final kick of the game.
Players were awarded their winners’ medals and the Knockout Cup which was brought back to the College for display in the PE Office.
A special mention to player Joshua W, whose winning goal saw him receive the individual award ‘Most Valuable Player’.
This is Strath Lions second knockout cup in the Under 12 division, with the first coming in 2019, and the second cup win in the club’s history.
Congratulations to Dean Solman and his team for bringing it home.
Perth lessons for Curriculum Camp 2022
Hayden Scally
Deputy Principal Student Welfare
There was much excitement evident amongst the Year 6 cohort as they visited Perth for their Curriculum Camp in Week 7. Students and their teachers headed off to Perth, leaving first thing Monday 5 September. Students were challenged to develop and foster a sense of belonging, community, cooperation, friendship and leadership during the camp. The camp program is complementary to the Year 6 curriculum and provided students with opportunities to extend their learning in a relevant, practical and supportive environment. The students are to be commended for their behaviour and attitude on the camp!
Bikeathon raises almost $4000
Marianne Brits
Bikeathon coordinator
On Saturday 3 September we held our annual Bikeathon. The event was a great success and almost $4000 was raised. Every student who made a donation was entered into a draw to win a bicycle that was kindly donated by our Local Member of Parliament; Lara Dalton. The lucky winner of the bicycle was Thea P, a Year 2 student.
Book Week 2022: Dreaming with open eyes
Library Staff
You could tell Book Week was abuzz in our Library with the installation of our displays shaped by this year’s theme ‘Reading is… Dreaming with open eyes’.
With the Primary Book-Week Assembly and morning tea to follow there is much excitement in the air this week.
If you haven’t been in yet we welcome you to come next term and be inspired to pick up a book from our Series Display.
Book Week Assembly winners.
Kindy – each student received a participation certificate & lollipop
Pre Primary – Audrey E & Indi O
Year 1 – Erica W & Sebastian C
Year 1/2 – Esmae W-S & Ellie T
Year 2 – Victoria K & Ava C
Year 3 – Hosanna P
Year 4 – Layla E-S & Winter C
Year 4/5 – Coco H & Sarah C
Year 5 – Charley H & David S
Year 6 – Stella B & Jet P
Each class received a Picnic Box for morning tea to celebrate Book Week.
Yee-ha … Year 10 students get into barn dancing
Kate Wheat
Secondary Music Teacher
Year 10 Music students have been studying country music in class. We have also looked at the other social activities associated with the music, such as barn dancing. On Friday last week, Whitney and Glenys from the Casablanca Dance Centre came to the College and held a barn dancing and line dancing workshop with the students. With many a heel-and-toe and yee-has, I think they all secretly had a lot more fun than they thought they would!
Year 3 students do their bit to care for environment
Year 3 students recently spent some time in the playground picking up litter.
Teacher Carmen Blay said the class was amazed at how much there was.
Let’s all do our bit to care for the school and the environment by making sure rubbish lands in school bins.
Primary Athletics Carnival results
House Results
1st Place Alpha – 1035
2nd Place Omega – 978
Individual Results
Year 1 Male
1st Jarvis B
2nd Harrison S
3rd Ethan H
Year 1 Female
1st Liv L
2nd Michaela L
3rd Indiana B
Year 2 Male
1st Isaac V
2nd Jacob M
3rd William S
Year 2 Female
1st Ahrora R
2nd Esmae W-S
3rd Sienna O
Year 3 Male
1st Bradley dB
Joint 2nd James S & Pieter L
3rd Chad dV
Year 3 Female
1st Abigail R
2nd Hosanna P
3rd Olivia T
Year 4 Male
1st Carter B
2nd Izaiah H-B
3rd Arno M
Year 4 Female
1st Gypsy-Lynn W-S
2nd Chayla S
3rd Jaymea-Lee R
Year 5 Male
1st Brax R
2nd Braydon F
3rd Leon S
Year 5 Female
1st Coco H
2nd Micah G
3rd Addison P
Year 6 Male
1st Hamish E-S
2nd Zachary M
3rd Mitchell D
Year 6 Female
1st Leah-May L
2nd Zeeva B
3rd Emmy A
Secondary Student Accolades
5th Accolade award winners:
Year 7
Isabella C
Noah H
Sahba H
Tommy H
Archie R
Jordan James W-S
Rhys C
Mackenzie D
Lucas S
Reuben B
Jye P
Year 8
Isabella B
Heidi K
Stephen P
Ray K
Maggie-Flo C
Jasper E-S
Year 9
Mackinnley O
Amy M
Anna E
Year 10
Jasmin P
Lalani M
Nickey M
Devine M
Allysa P
Noah A
Will H
Rania S
Joy E
George G
Danika E
Kelsey C
Year 11
Chanelle W
Year 12
Oliver E
Maddi B
10th Accolade Award Winners
Year 7
Leilani Taylor
Year 11
Jadryn Smith
Year 12
Loren Edwards
Isaac Harrington
15th Accolade Award Winners
Year 12
Jess Kain
Clare Wheatley
Enrolments 2023 and survey 2022
Fiona Davidson
Executive Assistant to Principal | Enrolments
ENROLMENT 2023
As we come towards the end of the year, a reminder for families that if your child/ren will not be returning to the College in 2023, you must submit a Withdrawal Form by Wednesday 2 November to satisfy the 5 weeks’ notice before the end of a term to avoid being charged a $500 fee in lieu of notice. Withdrawal Forms are available from the Front Office or on the website.
PARENT/GUARDIAN SURVEY 2022
Every year, we like to obtain feedback from parents/guardians about the College. The annual survey link has been emailed to families this week. Please take the time to complete the survey, which helps us to examine our practices and make changes/improvements, as required. There are a few miscellaneous questions at the end of the survey, one being for possibility of a 3 Year Old Program at the College. It’s also been over a year since the new GCC uniform was introduced so we would also value your feedback on how you (and your children) are finding it.
If you have any queries, please contact Fiona Davidson, Executive Assistant to the Principal, fiona.davidson@gcc.wa.edu.au. Survey responses will close on Wednesday 5 October 2022.
Entries invited for 2022 Yearbook art competition
A reminder that students from Kindergarten to Year 12 are invited to enter an art competition to design the cover of the 2022 Geraldton Christian College Yearbook. Our theme this year is “beach/lighthouse”.
Designs must be either:
• Two A4-sized pages of portrait orientation (one for the front cover and the other for the back cover).
• Or one A3-sized page, of landscape orientation, which would wrap around the front and back of the Yearbook. The left side of the design would appear on the back and the right side of the design would appear on the front.
Please be aware the College will superimpose the Yearbook title and the school logo on the front page design.
Designs can be made with pencils, coloured marker pens, paint or computer-generated. Creativity and colour are the keys (and minimal white space)!
The student with the winning entry will receive art materials to the value of $100 and have their name printed on the cover art work.
Entries must be received at Student Services by 3.00pm on Wednesday 12 October 2022 (first week of Term 4).
A form with entrant details will need to be attached to artwork on submission at Student Services (forms available on request).
If you have any questions, please email Gavin Box, Communications Officer, at gavinjbox@tpg.com.au.
Terms and conditions: One entry per student. Entries will be judged by Geraldton Christian College Senior Executive staff, on the criteria of originality, creativity and overall design appeal. Entry implies consent to be published in the Yearbook and in online versions of the school newsletter.
College Calendar
Oct 10
College Calendar
Oct 10
First day of Term 4
Year 12 Mock Exams
Oct 11
Year 12 Mock Exams
3:30pm – 5pm. Homework Club in College Library (in-Term and Yrs 3 to 12 only)*
Oct 12
Year 12 Mock Exams
2:06pm – 3pm. Primary Assembly – Yr 1 presentation
Oct 13
Year 12 Mock Exams
3pm – 4pm. Maths Support in College Library (in-Term and Yrs 7 to 12 only)*
3:30pm – 5pm. Homework Club in College Library (-in-Term and Yrs 3-12 only)*
Oct 14
Year 12 Mock Exams
* Parents/guardians must complete an Operoo eForm giving permission for their child to attend Homework Club or Maths Support. Please email gavin.box@gcc.wa.edu.au
Noticeboard
HOSPICE FUNDRAISER
Fundraiser organised by Lighthouse Church for Ruma Hospice in India.
Please EMAIL fiona.davidson@gcc.wa.edu.au to place orders – advise how many box/es you would like.
Payment will be cash on delivery when fruit arrives in mid-October/November. Feel free to share details with family and friends.
Collection will be from Geraldton Christian College, 15 Cedar Crescent, Strathalbyn.
GOSPELS FOR GERALDTON
Saturday 1 October is a big day … it’s when the Australian Christian Lobby Gospel of John Campaign gets under way in Geraldton!
You will be asked to complete a short online form with your home address. You will then receive a confirmation email with your assigned pick-up point for the gospels, along with the map showing households allocated to you.
All volunteers are invited to gather at their allocated pick-up point at 9.30am on Saturday 1 October to start the day in prayer.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Gavin Box at gavinjbox@tpg.com.au.
CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION
Steve Martin MLC for the Agricultural Region invites students to enter a Christmas card design competition.
Winning art works will feature of the Agricultural Region’s Christmas Card which is sent across the region to hundreds of residents.
There are three different age group categories, with a fabulous prize for the winner of each category. Along with this, there is a prize for the winning school library.
See entry details here.
Do you know someone who makes your community a better place?
Every community has local heroes. Auspire – Australia Day Council WA, Community Citizen of the Year awards is your opportunity to acknowledge those making an outstanding contribution to your local community.
Outstanding contribution and community service includes areas such as; education, health, fund-raising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts, the environment, social inclusion or any other area that contributes to the advancement and wellbeing of a community.
We encourage you to provide as much information as possible about your nominee to provide them the best opportunity for consideration during the shortlisting and selection process.
Reflect, Respect and Celebrate community contribution across our state on Australia Day. We’re all part of the story.
Nominations for 2023 Citizen of the Year Awards are now open at the following link: Citizenship Awards
