Year 11 students heard words of wisdom about achieving your dreams when former West Coast Eagles champion player Mark Seaby visited the College this week.
Mark was the keynote speaker at the Geraldton Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast attended by 170 community leaders and members.
He made a special visit to the College to help inspire and challenge the group of young men and women who will be our student leaders in 2024.
Mark was part of the West Coast Eagles team which won the 2006 AFL Grand Final – a famous day in West Australian sporting history.
He is a Christian and told students about the importance of his faith in Christ Jesus.
“I loved footy and always dreamt of being a professional athlete. But I didn’t have all my hopes and dreams wrapped up in footy. It was never going to fulfil me completely and it was always going to come to an end. My faith in Jesus is the most important thing in my life.”
MARK SEABY, 2006 WEST COAST EAGLES PREMIERSHIP PLAYER
“I loved footy and always dreamt of being a professional athlete. But I didn’t have all my hopes and dreams wrapped up in footy. It was never going to fulfil me completely and it was always going to come to an end. My faith in Jesus is the most important thing in my life.”
Mark told the students about the importance of hard work and persevering. He encouraged them to make the most of every opportunity, no matter how small.
“You may only have a small role but do the best with every opportunity you get. God has you there for a reason to contribute.”
He told the students how failure can be important because it drives you to improve and leads to success. But he warned against slacking off.
“I saw that, even when you have talent to burn, it’s the extra hard work that enables you to achieve at the highest level.
“Even with all the talent in the world, if you take short cuts, it leads to a short career.”
The task that the coach asks of you, or that the teacher sets for you – this should be the minimum, not the maximum, he observed.
Scholarships open for 2024 (Years 7, 9 and 11)
We are pleased to advise that applications for Scholarships at Geraldton Christian College for students entering Years 7, 9 and 11 in 2024 are now open.
Scholarships are available to current Geraldton Christian College students, and prospective students.
Please visit the Scholarships page on the website to read the Scholarships document before completing the Scholarship Application Form online here.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 3.00PM MONDAY 2 OCTOBER (please note that the College Office will be closed from 25-30 September). Applications that are incomplete or received after the due date will not be accepted.
If you have any queries, contact the Enrolments Officer, enrolments@gcc.wa.edu.au, or phone 9938 9100.
Next week with Operation Christmas Child: craft and activities
By Tamicah Pettigrew
College Chaplain
Thank you to all who are generously supporting this appeal. Next week, we are seeking donations of craft and activities.
WHAT TO PACK
Fill the shoeboxes with quality, NEW ITEMS that will last. Think about what kids would like – pack items you feel they would enjoy. Remember that each box represents the free gift of God’s love so be sure to send gifts that will bring a smile. You can put your gifts in the box at Student Services.
Next week’s items are Craft and Activities. Here are some suggestions:
- Small adhesive tape
- Make-it-yourself craft kit
- Stickers
- Puzzles
- Chalkboard and chalk
- Binoculars
- Watercolour set
- Illustrated books, colouring books
- Play dough (store bought)
- Crayons
- Sewing kit (fabric 1-2 yards and ribbon)
- Tool set with work gloves
- Fishing kit
- Brightly coloured rope or twine
- Gardening kit/gloves (no gardening seeds)
- Magnets
- Card games
| Week | Category | Gift ideas |
| 4-8 Sep | Craft and Activities | craft kits, stickers, chalkboard and chalk, colouring books, puzzles |
| 11-15 Sep | Toys | Lego, hand puppets, plastic toys and toy figures, yo-yo small frisbee or kite, marbles, playing cards |
A.I. and plagiarism – new risks for students
With the emergence of ChatGPT and similar chatbots, artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to emerge as an issue in education.
Even if we agree that plagiarism to be intellectual theft, it’s easy to excuse the use of AI.
After all, it’s not really using the work of another person, is it? But actually it is, because AI can only regenerate ideas that have come from other people.
There’s more to it than that, though. If something was written by AI (or with the help of AI), it is not the original work of the person who claims it.
That means that claiming AI-generated work as our own still falls under the umbrella term of plagiarism and is considered cheating.
‘HIGH RISK’ OF GETTING CAUGHT OUT
Using AI can be tempting for students. It’s very accessible, and easy to use. Sometimes assessments are time-consuming and challenging, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
Using AI must seem like a convenient option, but it’s just not worth it. The risk of getting caught is high.
Teachers have seen students’ work before and know what to expect from them. If a student submits work that is noticeably different to their usual standard, it will raise concerns.
AI detectors are widely available online and Geraldton Christian College has recently invested in some very reliable detection software.
PLAGIARISM POLICY AND STUDENT PENALTIES
One of the goals shared by all schools is to prepare students for life outside of it – where plagiarism is considered theft and using AI for academic work is considered cheating.
At Geraldton Christian College, if a teacher is concerned about any submitted work, they will run it through the school’s AI-detector.
If AI content is found, the plagiarism policy (which has been updated to include AI) will apply.
According to the policy, if a student is found to have plagiarised their work, they will receive a formal letter home to inform families that a policy has been breached.
The student will then need to redo the assessment in detention. They will be able to receive a maximum of 50% for this second attempt, which will most likely result in a failing grade.
IMPLICATIONS FOR ATAR AND EXAMS
Senior students should also consider:
• Using AI may get you out of writing some assessments, but those assessments directly correlate with your exam and help you to develop skill that you will need to do well.
• You won’t have a computer in your exams.
• If your exam mark is significantly lower than your class mark, you are likely to scale down significantly.
LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES
Schools take plagiarism very seriously – partly because it just isn’t fair, and partly because the consequences get bigger after school and it’s best that these lessons be learnt now.
At university, violating the ethical code of conduct is likely to result in expulsion and there are situations where plagiarism can result in charges being laid.
The stakes get higher as you go. It’s just not worth the risk.
Interest sought for 2024 student exchange – Germany
Expressions of interest are invited from potential host families and participants for a six-week student exchange with Germany’s August Hermann Francke Schule (AHFS) in mid-2024.
The College’s exchange with AHFS (a State-recognised Christian private school in the city of Giessen) has been ongoing for five years now, with a COVID pause in the middle.
It is of Protestant character with the branches of primary school, secondary school and grammar school.
The latter Grammar is a three-year program, equivalent to Australia’s Year 11 and 12, but with a 13th year.
Several German students have previously taken up the exchange opportunity, staying with the families of students who come to the College.
This is traditionally called a reciprocal exchange. However, there is no expectation to reciprocate.
Participating in an exchange as either a student or a host is a life-changing experience.
The city of Giessen came into being as a moated castle in 1152, built by Count Wilhelm von Gleiberg, although the history of the community dates back to 775.
Giessen is an educational city, with the University of Giessen at the centre of its economic activity.
Founded in 1607 as a Lutheran university, it is among the oldest institutions of higher education in the German-speaking world.
Giessen is rich in history, set in the beautiful German countryside surrounded by forests, farmland and small interconnected villages.
This is a full-emersion experience. The language of school life is German, although almost everyone in Germany speaks English as a second language. This in itself is a significant stretching experience for our students going abroad.
Students coming to Australia from this school are already fully fluent in English. They seek to sharpen their vocabulary – and to see beaches they only dream about!
We are seeking expressions of interest from families to host a 16 or 17-year-old German student in 2024 – and from students who would like to participate in the exchange.
It is a six-week exchange beginning on June 17.
To express interest please email Principal Gavin Hirschhausen.
Eden rediscovered in unique learning space
By Brenda Pattenden
Pre-Primary Teacher
Our school’s Wholistic Land Management gardens were affectionately named the “Garden of Eden” by my then Year 2 class a few years ago.
The name has proven to be apt as this enchanting space blossoms into a realm of education, care, and spiritual enrichment.
The visionary behind this remarkable transformation is in a large part due to Wholistic Land Management Coordinator Kelly Harrington, an impassioned employee who embarked on a journey to create a space where children could immerse themselves in hands-on experiences while also fostering a deep appreciation for God, nature and beauty.
Over time, the “Garden of Eden” has become a cherished gem in the school community.
Students from various year groups eagerly look forward to visiting the gardens, their eyes wide with wonder as they step into a place that genuinely feels like a slice of paradise.
The serene atmosphere seems to resonate with a sense of God’s profound light and presence, enveloping all who enter.
Nestled within this special garden, children are presented with a unique opportunity to learn through direct experiences.
Beyond textbooks and classroom lessons, they discover the magic of crushing wheat to create flour and the joy of squeezing, mixing, and measuring oranges to produce cordial.
However, these lessons extend far beyond practical skills. They instill a sense of responsibility for the world around them – a responsibility to care for God’s glorious creation.
One of the garden’s most treasured aspects is the chance to witness life unfold firsthand.
From observing eggs being tenderly incubated to the marvel of newborn chicks emerging into the world, children are intimately connected to the cycle of life.
They engage in the nurturing of animals, providing them with love and attention that not only heals anxious little hearts but also deepens their empathy and compassion.
Mrs Harrington, Kathryn Jones and the rest of the Wholistic Land Management team stand as pillars of dedication and commitment.
Their efforts have transformed a mere vision into a majestic reality that radiates God’s love to all who step foot within its borders.
Each child, in each class that visits, is met with personalised attention, a testament to the boundless care that has gone into curating this exceptional space.
As you can see, my own little learners enter the gardens with anticipation and delight every week!
Pot plants grow seeds of compassion
By Nateeka White
Kindy Teacher
We have been learning about the lives and needs of the children in Manançial Church Sunday School, East Timor.
My deep hope is that the Kindy children will consider others outside of themselves and develop compassion for the children in the Sunday school.
The Kindy children have responded beautifully and so generously.
We have so many resources and so we want to bless the children in Timor.
We have been busily potting up jars with small succulents to sell so that we can help buy art supplies for their Sunday School.
Please consider supporting us with your donations. We are selling these pot plants outside of the Kindy room on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week and next, straight after school.
Recipe for fun – join our Canteen volunteers
Our Canteen service to the children and staff is in need of some extra parent/guardian or grandparent volunteers.
If you have two hours to spare on either a Wednesday or Friday for a couple of times during the school term, we would love to meet and invite you into our team.
No experience is necessary as we train, encourage, laugh and serve you coffee. Please email our Canteen Manager, Jenny, at canteen@gcc.wa.edu.au so she can connect with you.
Calendar
Saturday Sep 2
Yr 9 S&R Rogaine Camp
Yr 11/12 Outdoor Education Camp – Margaret River
Yr 10 Carnarvon Mission Trip
Sunday Sep 3
Yr 9 S&R Rogaine Camp
Yr 11/12 Outdoor Education Camp – Margaret River
Yr 10 Carnarvon Mission Trip
Monday Sep 4
Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child appeal
Yr 11/12 Outdoor Education Camp – Margaret River
Yr 10 Carnarvon Mission Trip
08:30am. OLNA Writing: Yr 10 – Yr 12
09am. Numero Challenge Primary
09am. Kindy Come and Play Day
09:45am. Midwest Numero Challenge Primary – Years 3 and 4
7pm. Association Information Evening – Nick Goiran speaker
Tuesday Sep 5
Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child appeal
Yr 11/12 Outdoor Education Camp – Margaret River
Yr 10 Carnarvon Mission Trip
09:30am. Yamatji On Country Workshop
2:05pm. Secondary Assembly (Maths)
3:10pm. Homework Club (in-Term only and NOT on public holidays)*
Wednesday Sep 6
Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child appeal
Yr 10 Carnarvon Mission Trip
09am. Yr 9 TAFE Career Taster – Beekeeping | Agriculture | Meadery
3:15pm. Drama rehearsals – all roles – TP&TP (in term only)
3:20pm. Maths Support – Years 7 to 12 (in-term only)*
Thursday Sep 7
Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child appeal
Yr 10 Carnarvon Mission Trip
3:10pm. Homework Club (in-term only and not on public holidays)*
Friday Sep 8
Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child appeal
Yr 10 Carnarvon Mission Trip
09am. Primary Interschool Cross Country – Yrs 3 to 6
Saturday Sep 9
3pm. Mountain Bike Festival
Monday Sep 11
Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child appeal
08:30am. OLNA Reading: Yr 10 – Yr 12
Tuesday Sep 12
Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child appeal
3:10pm. Homework Club (in-Term only and NOT on public holidays)*
Wednesday Sep 13
Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child appeal
08:30am. OLNA Numeracy: Yr 10 – Yr 12
09:30am. Primary Interschool Athletics Carnival – Yr 1 to 6
3:20pm. Maths Support – Years 7 to 12 (in-term only)*
6pm. Yr 6 Canberra Curriculum Camp final information night
Thursday Sep 14
Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child appeal
11am. The Prince and The Pauper – matinee performance
3:10pm. Homework Club (in-term only and not on public holidays)*
Friday Sep 15
Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child appeal
09:30am. Primary Interschool Athletics Carnival – Yr 1 to 6
6:30pm. The Prince and The Pauper – evening performance
Saturday Sep 16
6:30pm. The Prince and The Pauper – evening performance
Monday Sep 18
Book Week
Tuesday Sep 19
Book Week
3:10pm. Homework Club (in-Term only and NOT on public holidays)*
Wednesday Sep 20
Book Week
09am. Book Week Assembly and Morning Tea
09:30am. Yamatji On Country – Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal corporation
2:06pm. Primary Assembly PP to Y6 in Hall (Yr 1 item)
3:20pm. Maths Support – Years 7 to 12 (in-term only)*
Thursday Sep 21
Book Week
09:30am. Yamatji On Country – Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal corporation
3:10pm. Homework Club (in-term only and not on public holidays)*
5:30pm. Games Night Year 1 and Year 2
Friday Sep 22
Book Week
LAST DAY OF TERM
*Parent/guardian consent is required for student participation in after school Homework Club or Maths Support. For a consent form, please email gavin.box@gcc.wa.edu.au
Noticeboard
Primary school
Enrolments are now open for VacSwim swimming lessons during the summer school holidays. VacSwim offers fun lessons at beach or pool locations. They are a great school holiday activity and they teach valuable safety skills to help keep your child safe in the water.
Enrol at education.wa.edu.au/vacswim
Secondary school
If your child has turned 14 years old, or will be turning 14 years in the same calendar year of the course, you can enrol them in VacSwim so they can get their Bronze Medallion during the summer school holidays. They’ll learn advanced survival, rescue and resuscitation skills to help keep them and others safe in the water.
Enrol now at education.wa.edu.au/vacswim
