Twenty primary students are honing their mental maths skills in a bid to be selected for the Interschool Numero Challenge in September.
The Challenge is part of the College’s Extension and Enrichment Program.
Numero is a maths card game that develops mathematical skills, including number recognition, number facts, speed of recall, combining operations and problem-solving.
The popular card game introduces fractions, percentages, decimals and other complex concepts.
Enrichment and Extension Coordinator Annette Kuhlmann said the game is an engaging way to learn maths, and practising for a competition added up to a lot of happy students.
“The students are highly motivated to master as many moves and tricks as they can, and they enjoy working together as a team to encourage each other.”
The College first entered teams of four in the challenge last year after the daughter of the game’s inventor conducted a training seminar on campus.
“One of the benefits of Numero is that you can make it as simple or as challenging as you like to ensure that every child involved is catered for,” Mrs Kuhlmann said.
“The competition comprises multiple rounds of games for teams and individuals and the students expect to make bigger strides this year.”
College honours ANZAC Day
Senior students were privileged to participate in the ANZAC Day ceremony in Geraldton, attended by thousands of locals.
On behalf of the College community, Head Boy Jean Mapurisa and Head Girl Joy Eze laid a wreath at the Cenotaph on Chapman Road to honour those who fought and died to protect the peace and welfare of our nation.
The ANZAC spirit is especially strong in Geraldton, with 5000 attending the 6.00am dawn service – the biggest ANZAC Day crowd in WA outside of Perth.
Another 1500 people turned out for the traditional parade and main service at the Geraldton RSL at 11.00am.
The crowd was told it was a day to honour those who died for us and to acknowledge those who suffer still from the effects of war; to remember the sacrifices of those willing to put themselves in harm’s way to defend and protect Australia; and to reflect on the contribution that servicemen and women have given over the years and are still giving.
Meet our new drama teacher
New Drama Teacher Mrs Tahlia Simpson had the perfect training ground before joining the College this year, with experience in Hollywood, at Geraldton’s Queens Park Theatre and directing musicals.
She has a passion for drama and musical theatre and says there has never been a better time for Australians to find work in the industry.
However, she cautions students who wish to work in the industry that they have a big responsibility.
“The average person now spends an extraordinary amount of time looking at screens. What we do in Drama has a big influence on the entertainment industry, and what people see on stage and screen is our responsibility,” she said of the role of actors and creatives.
“Demand for content on streaming giants such as Netflix, Stan, Binge and Disney+ has generated new opportunities for Australian theatre and movies, which are receiving more funding than ever before.
“The TV show Bluey created a massive interest in Australian culture, in how we do BBQs, schooling and even birthday parties,” she said.
“Australians have a good reputation for being well trained and easy to work with, compared with American actors. And so they are in demand.”
Mrs Simpson is a former student of the College who worked as the Stage Manager at the Queens Park Theatre and was Director of the College’s 2018 popular production of The Sound of Music.
In Hollywood, she met the agent for Ryan Gosling, star of Barbie and La La Land. After an audition, he offered her a role in a play production, but she needed to return home for visa and family reasons.
Mrs Simpson has no doubt she made the right decision.
“There is nothing glamourous about Hollywood. It is a work hard, play hard culture and the hours are insane,” she said.
Maths equations create artwork
In a unique maths project, Year 11 students each created a piece of art using equations.
Maths Teacher Mrs Kiera Foster said she challenged the Mathematics Methods students to draw a picture using lines and curves that are formed by graphical equations.
Adele A, who chose to depict a wren because that is her middle name, said she found the challenge ‘really interesting’. Mrs Foster was thrilled with the high standard of all the work, describing Adele’s piece as elegant and sophisticated.
Mackinnley O likes to play and listen to music, so he selected a very complex guitar image.
Pam E created ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ reflecting her passion for the character at the time.
Mapping the outline of Pam’s complex picture required a mind-boggling 60 equations.
Pam was proud of her creation, although the drawing wasn’t as accurate as she had hoped.
She said maths appealed because, unlike the arts, there was generally only one correct answer.
“There may be a range of different ways to find the solution but that doesn’t change the answer,” she said.
Poetry competition a slam dunk
A record number of students competed in the Poetry Slam to win points for their House these past 2 weeks.
Students from Pre-Primary to Year 9 presented a poem to the audience and were awarded marks for content, presentation and even costume.
English Curriculum Development Leader Mrs Aneke Smit said students in Years 4 to 9 wrote and presented their own poem, while the younger students chose a favourite poem to recite.
Mrs Smit said the judges were impressed with the enthusiasm, creativity and confidence of the youngest students.
“The competition revealed that we have a lot of children with a range of talents and judges were encouraged by the many students who were willing to move outside their comfort zone and ‘have a go’.”
There are plenty of opportunities for students to compete in sporting events, but the Poetry Slam was launched to give students a chance to compete in the Arts learning area and earn points for their House.
It gives them a chance to enjoy the team spirit and friendly rivalry that sports competitions generate.
Mrs Smit said the experience also boosted student confidence and ability to undertake public speaking.
Students star in Mark Drama
Two College students starred in local theatre that gained rave audience reviews after its debut in Geraldton recently.
Year 10 student Anna F and Year 9 student Emmy A were part of a cast of 14 locals who presented The Mark Drama, a 90-minute retelling of the Gospel of Mark as theatre-in-the-round.
The audience sat at the centre of the action as the energetic and powerful drama unfolded around them.
The students said they were amazed at the positive reaction of guests as they became part of the action, watching the miracles of Jesus, hearing his teaching and witnessing Jesus’ journey to death in Jerusalem and resurrection.
Anna is studying drama and is considering whether to pursue theatre as a career.
“It was a creative and cool way to tell people the story of Jesus and I loved seeing how people reacted,” she said.
Emmy was excited about the possibility for the drama to present the good news about Jesus with people who didn’t know much about the Christian faith.
At first, she had doubts about whether acting was for her, but she threw herself in wholeheartedly during rehearsals when she understood how powerful and convincing the dramatisation was.
“It’s a wonderful way for people to be introduced to the gospel.”
The reviews described the production as ‘powerful’, ‘sensational’ and ‘ticked all the boxes’.
Helping reshape Geraldton’s foreshore
Student Council representatives have been asked to help the City of Greater Geraldton redevelop the youth precinct at the foreshore.
The Council invited student leaders to join the Working Party that will create a masterplan to transform the popular youth space which has been damaged by exposure to salt, sun, sand and wind.
Deputy Head Girl Terri Tukutukuivalu, Year 11 Student Jack Cowan and Deputy Principal Student Welfare Mr Hayden Scally attended the first workshop last term for a briefing from Council planners, architect and designers.
Terri said: “I’m excited by the project because the planners are asking us our point of view instead of making something up.”
She recommends more social areas and games for teens.
Mr Scally said the College was excited that the Working Party had chosen to visit the College on 21 June to hear directly from the Student Council about their ideas and hopes for the ageing site, which is used by thousands of young people.
Half the equipment has already been removed and more will soon reach its use-by date, according to the Council.
Instead of replacing the equipment, the City is looking to develop a modern hub that features exciting opportunities and activities for young people.
View and order Kapture group photos
Following our recent school photography by Kapture, you can view and order any special group photos taken this year (Student Council, House and Country Week Captains, Year 12 muck up photo).
When visiting https://kapture.com.au/School-Sports-and-Events-Gallery you will need to enter our school code under the Sports & Event tab to access the gallery: QTN7E6
Families that ordered group photos directly through the College have been contacted to collect their photos from school.
If you have any queries, please contact Fiona Davidson, Community Relations Officer, fiona.davidson@gcc.wa.edu.au.
Policy updates
The College has recently reviewed the following Policies:
- Mobile Device – Student Use Of (on the College website)
- Drugs (Illicit) – Student Use of
- Expulsion Policy
If parents/guardians are interested in viewing these policies, please contact Mrs Fiona Davidson, Executive Assistant to the Principal, fiona.davidson@gcc.wa.edu.au.
Secondary Teacher – Science and Physical Education
Full-time 1.0 FTE
Due to significant growth, Geraldton Christian College has an exciting opportunity for a qualified secondary school teacher to join our team. The successful candidate will join a vibrant community of educators and staff working together to honour God through excellence in education.
Essential Criteria
- Hold academic teaching qualifications that meet the Teachers Registration Board of Western Australia requirements and experience in the appropriate subject area, delivering the Western Australian Curriculum
- Committed to teaching each subject’s curriculum from a Biblical worldview
- Demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and further education
- Able to demonstrate inter-personal and problem solving skills, effective communication and conflict resolution skills in dealing with students, parents and staff
- Demonstrate familiarity with a variety of teaching and learning strategies to meet students’ needs and course objectives
- Demonstrate ability to function and work collaboratively with other staff members
- Have a range of professional strengths, abilities and interests, able to enhance the learning program
- Willing to be involved in extra-curricular activities offered in the College.
You must hold or obtain a Working with Children Check.
Apply online.
Applications close at 3.00pm on Friday 17 May 2024
Food Technology Assistant
Full-Time Position (FTE 1.0)
Due to continual growth in enrolments at Geraldton Christian College, we are seeking applications from experienced Education Assistants for the role of Food Technology Assistant.
With a pursuit of excellence in education, our students are provided with opportunities through academic, sporting, and cultural learning, which supports an enriching whole of life education.
The Food Technology Assistant’s role is to support teachers in teaching Food Technology Class. Duties will include food ordering, purchase and storage, laundering and cleaning of equipment cupboards, benches and sinks, together with set up of the class and ingredients and the assistance in supervising students.
The successful candidate will have:
- Relevant qualifications as an Education Assistant;
- A current Working with Children Check;
- Previous experience working with students in small groups and individually;
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Current First Aid qualifications would be highly regarded
- Food Handling Certificate
Please include the following in your application:
- A covering letter addressing your suitability for the role based on the skills, knowledge and experience requirements outlined in the advertisement
- Your current CV
- Copies of relevant qualifications and any registrations
- Completion of all fields of the Staff Application Form – Non-Teaching
Apply online.
Applications close at 3.00pm on Friday 17 May 2024
Relief positions are also available for cleaners, teachers, education assistants and in administration. For more information, visit the employment page of our website.
Noticeboard
The College is proud to be a sponsor for bringing Colin Buchanan – one of Australia’s greatest children’s entertainers – to Geraldton.
Colin’s kid’s Christian music is loved by many Aussie kids and families. His songs speak biblical truth with catchy tunes and memorable lyrics and his concerts are full of singing and dancing FUN. The College has partnered with the Anglican Cathedral to launch Colin’s Aussie Tour right here in town.
Tickets available here Colin Buchanan | Australian Singer / Songwriter and Entertainer
