We received a huge number of entries from students for the 2022 Yearbook cover competition, demonstrating extraordinary artistic talent as they explored the theme of beach/lighthouse.
Year 11 student Chanelle W was judged the winner, with runners-up Larishia L (Year 9), Khloe dV (Year 1) and Kayla B (Year 5).
All students received a prize for their efforts, while Chanelle’s work will feature on the 2022 Yearbook cover.
The Yearbook will be made available for families in 2023.
Putting feet to faith to spread the gospel
Lizette Labuschagne
Year 10 Biblical Life & Worldview Teacher
Year 10 students are doing an amazing job sharing the message of Jesus to the Geraldton community by distributing copies of John’s gospel.
Gospels have been provided free by supporters of the Australian Christian Lobby, which is delivering one million gospels to households across the nation.
Students will continue to deliver gospels to the community in the few remaining weeks before end of term.
The students’ engagement in this activity has been amazing. They pray in small groups before and at the end of each session – and have also have reflected on how easy it is to spread the word of God today, compared to how hard it must have been for the disciples who did not have printed gospels.
They also recognise how blessed we are to have the freedom to express our faith and not be prosecuted, like Christians in some countries.
May God bless the homes that are receiving these gospels from our students.
‘As sweet as Mum’s kiss’: double scoop of writing fun!
Carmen Blay
Year 3 Teacher
Our class had a lot of fun with a creative writing exercise. I would like to share the work of one of our students, Bradley dB. I hope you enjoy it.
STEM: Seeking God to solve complex problems
Keith Roffman
Secondary Science Teacher
Geraldton Christian College is investing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) studies into next year and welcomes students, parents, and staff along on the journey of developing this aspect of education.
God wants to see His people actively seek Him to solve complex problems. We encourage students at the College to use their God-given creative minds to engineer solutions to serve people around the world. Subjects including Science, Technologies, Engineering and Maths help to develop these solutions.
Currently at the College, there are weekly Primary and Secondary Maths competitions, giving students the chance to win Canteen vouchers for their efforts.
Last term, 20 students and Science staff participated in the 2022 Science Week STEM Challenge. 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. Trophies were handed to Theresa S and Taylor A in the assembly this week (see picture above).
Next year, we are looking forward to STEM-related activities continuing to grow – including primary school STEM engagement, extension tasks, school projects and a new STEM elective. The College will also host the Midwest Round of University of New South Wales Science and Engineering Challenge, where 256 students will compete in problem solving activities.
College art to feature in Genesis 2022 schools exhibit
Annalise Edwards
Visual Arts Teacher
Congratulations to the following students whose work will feature in the upcoming Genesis 2022 Secondary Schools Art Exhibition at Geraldton Regional Library:
Imogen T – Year 12
Novalee C – Year 11
Nesaea F – Year 11
Chloe M – Year 11
Ben H – Year 10
Mia M – Year 10
Kelsey C – Year 10
Allysa P – Year 10
Amy M – Year 9
Denzel D – Year 9
You can see some of their entries above and below.
The exhibition, which is a collaboration between Geraldton Regional Art Gallery and Geraldton Regional Library, will open at the library on Saturday 3 December.
Exhibit curators describe it as an annual survey of the best and brightest Visual Art students in Geraldton, with particular focus on the graduating Year 11 and 12 emerging young artists.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for local students to have their work exhibited and displayed over the Christmas school holidays. It also celebrates those hard working art teachers out there!” say curators.
Primary students put their cricket skills to the test
Janelle Phillips
Secondary Health/Physical Education Teacher
On Friday 4 November, 35 Year 5 and 6 students went to GBSC Sports Park for a full day of cricket games against various other Geraldton and Dongara-based school teams. Students were split into four teams and played four games each. Each game lasted between 45 minutes and one hour. It was a sensational sunny, albeit windy, day – testing students’ skills, fitness and concentration. Overall, each team won at least one game and there were plenty of smiles all round!
Big shout out to Mr Boonzaier, Miss Brand and Mr Phillips (parent helper), as well as Year 11 student volunteers Georgie M and Liam S for all their help on the day.
Encouragement from God’s Word: failure is never final
Acting Principal SOPHIA de LANGE spoke to Secondary students this week about the importance of resilience in life – and about how God’s Word encourages us all in this area.
You should never give up, but instead trust God, believe in yourself, your future, your hopes and dreams.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV says:
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Boldly go about life, remembering you can overcome every setback by trusting in God. When you fall, find a reason to get back up again. Never give up on making a difference in the lives of others. Hold on to what you have learned.
Try, try and try again. If all else fails, try and then try again. Meditate on God’s promises when you are challenged. Your thoughts will determine your attitude. Attitude will determine success. Success in life is not based on what people think of you, but rather how God sees you.
Each of you have your own unique gifts and talents. A different calling is on each and every life. Seek God’s will for your life and everything else will fall into place. Failure in some areas of your life will be part of your journey.
Romans 5:3-5 NIV states:
3 … we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Remember, the only way you can fail is if you give up. Every time you fail, you come one step closer to success. Find solutions to problems, do not become part of the problem. You will face challenges and moments of celebration.
When you face challenges God’s word reminds us in James 1:2-4 NIV
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
You don’t have to be scared; you can be courageous. You are not weak; you are powerful. You are not ordinary; you are remarkable, because you are created in God’s image. Therefore, do not back down, do not give up. Do good in all you do.
1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV says:
11 Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Do not rely on your own understanding, but trust in God. Following your dreams can be both terrifying and exciting. Courage is facing fear. Overcome one mountain at a time. Be a blessing by being kind to others and seek to make the world you live in a better place, to the glory of God.
Wellbeing Corner: Reflecting back and looking ahead
Student Wellbeing Team
As we near the end of the school year for 2022, we thought we would highlight some activities we have held this year, as well as share our plans for next year.
Our ‘Monday Milos’ have had 30-40 Primary students attending, with students coming to grab a Milo and have a chat before the school week officially begins. Our ‘Toastie Tuesdays’ continue to be popular with the Secondary students, with at least 30 Secondary students accessing a bite to eat as well as students turning up early to help make toasties and muesli cups. Both Monday and Tuesday mornings have built a wonderful sense of community and belonging for our students. These programs will continue to run in 2023.
NAIDOC Week was a wonderful chance for our school community to come together and celebrate our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We learnt about the history, culture and achievements of our First Nation peoples through lessons, activities, crafts and yarning. Many of our Indigenous students stepped up and led group activities, and we can’t wait for the celebrations again next year.
A number of our year levels participated in the ‘In Real Life’ Program (for girls) and the ‘Equip’ Program (for boys) this year for eight weeks. Students learnt how to build healthy friendships, have difficult conversations, and stay safe online. These programs will run again in the future, as well as other programs which encourage resilience, help students build friendships, set healthy boundaries, and support general student wellbeing.
The ’Push-Up Challenge’ was well received from Years 7 to 10 and was an opportunity for the students to get fit, learn about mental health and have fun. Mrs Hardy is keen to run this initiative next year and may even convince Mr Scally to participate.
Mrs Pomery and Mrs Dhu have both begun running lunchtime activities for Primary and Secondary students in the library once a week. Activities range from craft to colouring-in and yarning. These sessions will continue in 2023.
Next year, Mrs Hardy is looking forward to running the ‘Rhythm to Recovery’ (R2R) drumming program with the different year levels. This will involve students participating in drumming circles to explore concepts such as listening, taking turns, leadership, friendship, conflict resolution and general wellbeing.
We would like to thank all the students and families we have had contact with this year. Thank you for your support and engagement in what we do here. We look forward to working with you all next year.
From the Wellbeing Team – MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Our Wellbeing Team is here to assist you on your wellbeing journey. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you think we can be of assistance.
Secondary Accolades
Congratulations to the latest recipients of Secondary Accolades:
Yr 7.01
Hamish P 7
Dustyn H 5
Sariah J 5
Cassie R 7
Marnie M 5
Sahba H 12
Charlotte R 10
Amy T 10
Year 7.02
Indi A 10
Emmy C 7
Zoe L 6
Taylor A 7
Matthew S 5
Jacob S 5
Yr 8
Heidi K 10
Lysander F 5
Delilah S 8
Ma T 5
Nathan K 5
Yr 9
Denbi H 5
Sariah S 5
Izabelle W 6
Nichola S 6
Joshua DK 5
Yr 10.02
Sunny G 11
Jaida B 5
George G 10
Mia M 11
College gets behind Salvation Army Christmas appeal
Geraldton Christian College is once again partnering with the Geraldton Salvation Army Corps in its annual Christmas Appeal.
Families are encouraged to support the appeal by donating non-perishable food items and groceries (please see graphic attached for more information).
Each Primary classroom (Kindy to Year 6) and Secondary (Year 7 to 10) Biblical Life and Worldview class have received a basket ready for donations. Students will collect donations over the next few weeks.
The final day to drop off donations is Monday 28 November.
Donations will be used to prepare hampers for those in need in Geraldton.
Please be aware, there is no expectation that everyone must participate or give beyond what they are able.
For further information, please email Kate Gibson, Chaplain, at kate.gibson@gcc.wa.edu.au.
Portraits and class groups, sports and/or special team photos taken at Geraldton Christian College this year are still available for purchase from Kapture Photography.
Sports and or special group photos will not be available for viewing and purchase after this school year.
To make a purchase, visit www.kapture.com.au using school code 2Y9LJT
College Calendar
Nov 18
WACE Exams
08am – 3pm. Yr 8 S&R Kalbarri abseiling
1:30pm – 2:35pm. Pre-Primary in-term swimming at Aquarena
Nov 19
7pm – 11pm. Year 12 Ball in College Hall TICKETED EVENT
Nov 21
Year 7 to 9 Exams
Nov 22
Year 7 to 9 Exams
3:30pm – 5pm. Homework Club in Library (in-Term and Years 3 and above only)*
Nov 23
Year 7 to 9 Exams
08:40am – 10:27am. Yr 10.1 and Yr 10.2 BLW gospel letterbox drop
Nov 24
Year 7 to 9 Exams
3pm – 4pm. Maths Support in College Library (in-Term and Years 7 and above only)*
3:30pm – 5pm. Homework Club in Library (in-Term and Years 3 and above only)*
Nov 25
Year 7 to 9 Exams
12:30pm – 3pm. Primary SRC thank you lunch – off-campus
Nov 28
Yr 9 S&R Surfing Camp
08:30am – 11am. IMMUNISATIONS Yr 7
Nov 29
Yr 9 Aspire UWA Camp
Yr 9 S&R Surfing Camp
3:30pm – 5pm. Homework Club in Library (in-Term and Years 3 and above only)*
Nov 30
Yr 9 Aspire UWA Camp
08:40am – 10:27am. Yr 10.1 and Yr 10.2 BLW gospel letterbox drop
09:30am – 12:45pm. Debating excursion CBSHS – Yr 8, 9 and 10
Dec 1
Last day of Kindy
Yr 9 Aspire UWA Camp
9.30am to 10.30am: Early Learning Years Presentation (Kindy to Year 2)
10:30am – 12pm. Early Learning Years Celebration – Kindy morning tea
3pm – 4pm. Maths Support in College Library (in-Term and Years 7 and above only)*
3:30pm – 5pm. Homework Club in Library (in-Term and Years 3 and above only)*
Dec 2
Yr 9 Aspire UWA Camp
7pm – 8:30pm. Sing Noel Performance at Anglican Cathedral
Dec 5
6.00pm to 7.30pm: Primary Presentation (Year 3 to 6)
Crazy Activities and Crazy Colours Dress-Up Day PP to Yr 6
Dec 6
6.00pm to 7.00pm: Secondary Presentation (Years 7 to 11)
Dec 7
Last day of Term 4 (PP to Year 10)
* 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
City invites students to share Christmas art message
*𝑯𝑬𝒀 𝑲𝑰𝑫𝑺: 𝑾𝑯𝑨𝑻 𝑫𝑶𝑬𝑺 𝑪𝑯𝑹𝑰𝑺𝑻𝑴𝑨𝑺 𝑴𝑬𝑨𝑵 𝑻𝑶 𝒀𝑶𝑼?*
The City of Greater Geraldton invites students to drop into the Civic Centre, 63 Cathedral Avenue, with a drawing of what Christmas means to them.
Drawings will be displayed in Rocks Laneway during Christmas on the Terrace!
Some drawings will be selected by Mayor Shane Van Styn and will be projected during the festivities.
Entries close Friday 25 November.
𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛𝑜 𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝐴4 𝑠𝑖𝑧𝑒 𝑠𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑑.
𝐴𝑙𝑙 𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑐 𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑚𝑎𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑇𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒.
For any queries, please email the City of Greater Geraldton Events Team on events@cgg.wa.gov.au.
CAROLS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The 2022 Geraldton Carols by Candlelight Committee is seeking volunteers to help at the Carols on Sunday 11 December
Three or four extra people are needed to help with activities for older youth as part of the the Carols Youth Activity. People who are fairly active would be best suited to this role.
Two or three extra people are also required to assist with setting up the grounds for the event – anytime from about 9am, for as long as they can. This will involved setting up marquees and marking out grounds, etc.
Helpers are also sought to assist in keeping the grounds clean and packing up afterwards.
To volunteer, or for further information, please contact Nena Hunter, Committee Secretary, at geraldtoncarols@gmail.com or 0407 389 228.
STREET CHAPLAINCY VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY
Street Chaplains WA is seeking volunteers for its Geraldton outreach. The vision of Street Chaplains WA is to provide a safe environment for people, whether they be patrons enjoying a night out, or rough sleepers seeking help on the streets. The aim is to be ‘Good Samaritans’ to those in need, not preaching at people, but to care, protect and ensure people get the assistance they need. The simple agenda is to love and care. Street Chaplains respect the range of cultural traditions, affiliations and religious views in the community and are approachable by people of all beliefs.
Street Chaplains are Christians who are actively involved in a Christian church. When a person applies to do the training to become a Street Chaplain, references are required from their church leaders. Currently more than 20 denominations are represented in the Street Chaplain community.
For further information on becoming a Geraldton Street Chaplain email geraldton@streetchaplain.com or visit www.streetchaplain.com.
CENTACARE CHRISTMAS APPEAL
It is fast approaching that time of the year where our thoughts turn to those in our community facing hardships or challenges. As part of its annual Christmas appeal, Centacare Geraldton seeks donations of non-perishable food, treats and new (for COVID reasons) toys for families in need.
Donations will be used for programs and special projects including:
• Community Christmas Day Lunch, which relies on the generosity of sponsors and volunteers who give of their time on Christmas Day to celebrate with people in need of some hope and good cheer. A willing band of volunteers, many of whom have been volunteering for numerous years, serve a traditional Christmas meal with all the trimmings, spreading the Christmas spirit and fellowship.
• Christmas Food Hampers and Gifts, provided for families experiencing hardship due to changes of circumstances and the increased cost of living. This is especially appreciated by families with small children who may not otherwise enjoy the excitement of a gift from Santa.
• Food Hampers for families and individuals who receive assistance through Centacare Emergency Relief Service
For more information, contact Chamari Liyanage on 9921 1433 or email projectsuser@centacaregeraldton.org.au.
YOUTH ARTS PROJECT
Geraldton Regional Library is a collection point for the Sketchbook Project run by Propel Youth Arts.
Online registrations for this project are now open for people aged 12 – 26 years. Registrations close on December 19 2022.
The Sketchbook Project is a collaborative and visual experience that provides opportunity for young people to share their own personal stories and passions with the wider community across Western Australia.
Tell your own story using a sketchbook provided free of charge by Propel Youth Arts WA.
Fill your sketchbook with drawings, paintings, sketchbooks, intricate math formulas, recipes, origamis, poetry or collages.
For more information visit www.propel.org.au/sketchbook-project-2022.