By Sophia de Lange
Acting Principal
It is with gratitude that we enter the Easter holiday, a time of rest, hope and reflection and spending time with our loved ones.
Jesus is the true message of Easter. Because of Him, mankind can have a relationship with their Creator and be with Him for eternity. Easter brings hope, new beginnings and eternal life, made possible by the One who loved us enough to die in our place on the cross, Jesus Christ.
No season lasts forever. Seasons come and go, but God’s promises last forever.
A highlight for me as Acting Principal is to spend time with students in the playground.
Our students are honouring you as parents with their friendliness, kindness and love.
They keep reminding me that every cloud has a silver lining and that we have hope for a great future with their zest for life, as the leaders of tomorrow.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our families and students for their support and for partnering with us in Term 1.
I want to thank our staff for their dedication and hard work this term and wish you all – families, students and staff – a well-deserved break.
There were many highlights this term. I can assure you that our executive team and staff are striving to provide your children with the best possible academic education we can offer, while creating a safe environment in which every student can flourish and develop their God-given potential and character.
We want our students to be change-makers in our community, bringing a message of peace, love, patience, kindness, self-control but and – above all – hope.
May the God of hope be with you this Easter.
Office hours during the holidays
Please note the College office will be closed during the first week of the school holidays, re-opening on the week beginning Monday 17 April. Hours of operation during the second week of the holidays are 9.00am to 3.30pm. For all College enquiries, please email admin@gcc.wa.edu.au (please note, this email will only be checked intermittently during the break).
Senior students share gospel at assembly
By John Tilinger
Secondary Biblical Life & Worldview Teacher
The Year 12 students put together a moving Easter assembly this week which focused on the significance of the cross, as described in Paul’s letter to the Romans. The assembly highlighted the message of the gospel: we are great sinners, but Jesus took the punishment for human rebellion upon himself on the cross. Now, all who trust in Jesus’ sacrifice are free from sin and can live in right relationship with God.
The message of God’s love was at the heart of the assembly, reminding us all that grace, peace and hope are found in Jesus Christ. The contributions of students included Bible readings, prayers, organising slides and acting out Jesus’ journey to the cross.
Alongside clear and engaging talks from Paul Spackman (St George’s Bluff Point) and Lachlan Edwards (Geraldton Anglican Cathedral), these components worked together to magnify the gospel message.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8, NIV.
Shipwrecks tell contrasting tales of sin and virtue
By John Tilinger
Secondary Biblical Life & Worldview Teacher
A group of Year 12 students recently embarked on a journey to the Western Australia Museum Geraldton.
The students were tasked with studying the museum’s exhibits through the lens of a biblical worldview.
The excursion centred on a comparison of two significant shipwrecks in Australian history – the Batavia and the Zeewijk. The Batavia, a Dutch East India Company ship, was wrecked at the Abrolhos Islands in 1629. The tragedy that followed was marked by mutiny, murder and, ultimately, a refusal by those in power to view others as God’s image bearers.
The Zeewijk was also wrecked off the Abrolhos Islands, but years later in 1727. This shipwreck is less well-known but fascinating in its own right. The crew hoped in God and prayed continually throughout their ordeal.
Reflecting the creative gifts and relational capacity given to them by God, the survivors worked as a team to construct a new vessel out of the Zeewijk’s wreckage.
Their prayers were answered when they sailed to Batavia, their original destination, in April 1728.
After the visit, the students shared their findings, and it was clear that they had engaged with the content thoughtfully.
They reflected on how being made in God’s image has far-reaching implications on how we use our power, relate to others, understand justice and act out of an eternal perspective.
It is amazing where conversations lead when all things are considered in light of God’s story.
Bus station improv comes to stage
By Shelley Cox
Drama Teacher
Year 6 students were invited to do a drama improvisation act on stage at last week’s Primary Assembly.
It involved the students using the elements of drama – mime, character, role and movement.
Each student was told to improvise being at a bus station while being in character form.
The performance was not scripted and purely played out with students acting and improvising on stage.
Students had a wonderful time adding their personalities and movements to play a part in the skit.
Well done.
In other news from Drama, Year 4 and 5 students have had a great time this term learning about puppetry.
Students designed and created their own sock puppets, worked in a small group, wrote a script and performed using the sock puppet theatre.
Training steps up a notch for dancers
By Shelley Cox
Country Week Dance Coach
Country Week dance has been up and running for the past few weeks, with participants training three times a week.
Students have been learning new moves, working in a team environment and building rapport with one another.
They are excited about competing at Country Week in Term 2.
It has been a great effort by the Country Week team and reserves, and extra girls who are just coming to rehearsals to practise and cheer the others on.
Well done.
Enrolments for 2024
By Fiona Davidson
Executive Assistant to Principal and Enrolments
fiona.davidson@gcc.wa.edu.au
Enrolments are open for 2024. Do you have a child who will be Kindy age next year (born before 30 June 2020)? Please complete an Expression of Interest Form so we have your child’s details and can follow up to have enrolment paperwork completed.
If you know families who may be interested in enrolling their children at the College for Kindy or other year levels, please tell them to give me a call on 9938 9100. We are always happy to do tours for interested families. Some of our year levels are quite full, so we would suggest that people get in early to avoid disappointment!
Uniform update
By Jackie Graham
Uniform Shop Coordinator
uniform@gcc.wa.edu.au
With the weather cooling down, you may wish to purchase tracksuit pants and jackets for your children. Jumpers are also available for Kindy & Pre-Primary students only. The Uniform Shop will be open during the second week of the school holidays (Tues 18 and Wed 19 April from 9am to 3.30pm) if you want to bring your children in for fittings.
Our preference is always for uniform orders to be done online through QuickCliq and we can fit children for items during the school day in term time if required – just write a note on your order. Please check our website for Uniform information which includes the Uniform Guide and Price List.
We are out of stock in Medium and Large hats at present. New stock should arrive before the start of Term 2.
A reminder that old jackets, with white collars, have been reduced in price and will be sold for $26 (child 4-14) and $29 (adult S-3XL) – only while stocks last. The older style jackets can be worn indefinitely.
Note: we have sold out of these sizes:
CHILD 6 tapered, 8 classic and tapered, 10 tapered, 12 classic
ADULT Medium classic and tapered, Large classic
Some of the larger adult sizes were not ordered in new stock – Large tapered, XL classic and tapered, 2XL and 3XL classic are only available with white collars at this stage (at the reduced pricing).
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any queries about uniform.
Cure olives … the easy way
By Kelly Harrington
Wholistic Land Management Coordinator
Year 4/5 students Anna, Azarya and Layla enjoyed learning how to cure olives the easy way as part of Sustainable Agricultural Management studies.
It’s done simply by layering salt and raw olives for a week or so.
The olives will be ready to eat next term.
Students shine at Solar Car Challenge
By Annette Kuhlmann & Joshua Arundell
Teams from Year 6 and Year 8 represented the College at the Synergy Solar Car Challenge hosted at Champion Bay Senior High School last week.
Eleven teams from across the Mid West joined us at the event and an excited and buzzing competition spirit was felt through the room.
Student teams had 40 minutes to build and test their cars. Our teams worked efficiently and with a fabulous team spirit. Our Year 8 team even won the ‘tidiest table’ bonus points.
The tournament was a knockout series of race heats. Heat winners were determined by the best of three, first past the finish line races.
The winners moved forward to the next round of heats. Because there wasn’t not enough solar power on the day, teams were asked to run their cars on the batteries provided.
Our Year 6 team came second in the Year 6 competition while our Year 8 students beat a few other teams home to finish a solid third in the Year 8 competition.
Students received certificates, a hat, and vouchers for their achievements.
Our teams should be very proud of their efforts.
Well done to Lawson, Lincoln, Nathan, Joshua (Year 6) and Emmy A., Emmy C., Addison and Lucas (Year 8).
Turn bread bags into sports equipment
By Caraline Harrold
Recycling Coordinator
Here’s an incentive to start recycling your bread bags – our school can win sports equipment and save the bags from landfill.
The rule of thumb is that if it has contained bread of some sort and is a soft plastic, then it’s a bread bag.
If it hasn’t contained bread, then it’s not a bread bag. So, any brand bread bag is acceptable. Or even wrap bags.
From Term 2, Primary students are invited to bring empty bread bags to their class, while Secondary students can bring empty bread bags to Student Services.
Please ensure bags are turned inside out, breadcrumbs shaken out and bags wiped clean.
Wonder bread’s recycling partner, APR Plastics, manages the recycling process for us. APR Plastics empty the cartons and recycle the boxes. The plastic is then processed into an oil that can be reused to create food grade packaging, creating a circular economy.
You can learn more about what they do by visiting their website aprplastics.com.au.
Wellbeing Corner: Looking back and looking forward
By the Student Wellbeing Team
Well, here we are at the end of term 1 for 2023! What a busy and blessed term it has been. Here’s a quick recap on what the Wellbeing Team have been doing with students so far this year.
Some of the team had the privilege of getting beside the Year 9 students during their service camp week.
Everyone had fun serving others and being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.
The breakfast programs and lunchtime crafts have continued to be a success every week and the Wellbeing Team love these opportunities to connect with students.
We are also looking forward to some new programs beginning in Term 2, including a lunch time Bible Study for Secondary Students.
Finally, as we head into the Easter holiday break, we pray for blessing and peace on each family as we all take some time for family – and remember Jesus’ death and resurrection, which offers us the hope of eternal life.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. John 3:16-17
Our Wellbeing Team is here to assist students on their wellbeing journey. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you think we can be of assistance.
Parents invited to share their stories
We love our Christian teachers — and we value their genuine faith. However, the Australian Law Reform Commission has released a consultation paper which would prevent schools like ours from choosing staff for their active lived faith. It’s time they heard from some actual parents—like you!
If you value the contribution of Christian staff and teachers, this is your opportunity to have your voice heard. Please visit MyChristianSchool.au and send a message to your MP about the difference Christian teachers and staff make in our school.
Calendar
Thursday Apr 6
LAST DAY OF TERM 1
Homework Club (in-term only and not on public holidays)*
Friday Apr 7
Good Friday – public holiday
Monday Apr 24
First day of Term 2 for ATAR students.
Optional Pupil Free Day – non-ATAR students
Tuesday Apr 25
PUBLIC HOLIDAY: ANZAC Day
11am – 12pm College Head Boy & Girl participating in ANZAC Day service
Wednesday Apr 26
First day of Term 2 for non-ATAR students
3:10pm – 4:30pm. Primary after school netball training
3:20pm – 4pm. Maths Support – Years 7 to 12 (in-term only)*
Thursday Apr 27
Homework Club (in-term only and not on public holidays)*
Friday Apr 28
07:15am – 08:15am. Country Week before-school hockey training in Wonthella
08:40am – 3pm. Yr 9 Science and Engineering Challenge
Sunday Apr 30
Yr 10 Sport and Rec camp
Monday May 1
Yr 10 Sport and Rec camp
08:30am – 11am. OLNA Writing: Yr 10 – Yr 12
3:10pm – 4:30pm. Country Week boys volleyball training – after school
3:15pm – 4:15pm. Country Week after school Girls Volleyball Training
Tuesday May 2
3:20pm – 8pm. Primary Parent-Teacher Meetings
3:30pm – 5pm. Homework Club (in-Term only and NOT on public holidays)*
Wednesday May 3
3:10pm – 4:30pm. Primary after school netball training
3:20pm – 8pm. Secondary Parent-Teacher Meetings
3:20pm – 4pm. Maths Support – Years 7 to 12 (in-term only)*
Thursday May 4
Homework Club (in-term only and not on public holidays)*
Friday May 5
07:15am – 08:15am. Country Week before-school hockey training in Wonthella
Sunday May 7
Yr 11/12 Outdoor Ed expedition
* Parents/guardians must complete an online consent form for their child to participate in after school Homework Club or Maths Support. Please email gavin.box@gcc.wa.edu.au to request a consent form.
Noticeboard
WORLDVIEW LECTURE SERIES
Worldview Australia is live streaming an online Christian worldview lecture series, from 7.30pm Thursdays fortnightly.
The series is aimed at training Christian students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to think and live Biblically.
To register for the livestream, or for more information, visit the Worldview Australia website.
