Your child comes home from school and seems fine. Later that evening, you discover there has been drama in a group chat. Someone posted an embarrassing photograph. A few children added laughing emojis. Someone wrote, “It’s just a joke.” Your child did not start it—but they joined in. It is tempting to ask, “Why would […]
Kindness Behind the Screen: Why Good Kids Can Make Poor Choices Online Read More »
As we enjoy the final days of Term 3, it is a GREAT opportunity to help our children prepare to hit the ground running in Term 4. A little preparation now can make the first week back much smoother and help children develop the organisation skills they need to becomeincreasingly independent. Why not set aside
Our French students proudly represented Glasshouse Christian College at this year’s LTQ Sunshine Coast French Speech Competition, joining students from Years 5 to 12 from across the region. We were delighted to see five GCC students recognised for their performances: These results are a wonderful recognition of the students’ hard work and dedication. In the
Our Year 5 cohort recently returned from an unforgettable three-day adventure at Maranatha Boulder Creek camp. Set against the lush backdrop of the Gympie hinterland, the trip was packed with action, laughter and powerful moments of personal growth. Designed to foster teamwork and resilience, the camp offered students a valuable opportunity to step out of
Year 5 Step Out of Their Comfort Zone at Boulder Creek! Read More »
On Wednesday, 26 August, our Year 1 students enjoyed an exciting and unforgettable incursion with the incredible scientists from Street Science! Together with Harmony, a real scientist, students investigated Newton’s Laws of Physics through exciting demonstrations and hands-on activities. As part of our Science learning this term, students have been exploring push and pull forces
On Monday, 10 August 2026, Living History Australia set themselves up in the church. Lee and Alex were amazing as they depicted people from the 1700s and 1800s. The resources and props were very appropriate and authentic, as some of them were truly more than 100 years old. They talked about some of the conditions
Year 4 students recently enjoyed an exciting, hands-on maths incursion with World of Maths, where maths came to life through authentic problem-solving experiences. The session transformed maths into a fun, active and collaborative learning experience. Students worked in teams across 17 hands-on activities, using their mathematical thinking to investigate problems, test ideas, communicate strategies and find
Science Week went off with a bang at GCC! Our Primary students enjoyed an action-packed week filled with curiosity, wonder, laughter and plenty of exciting science. Science Week is a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate science, explore how things work, ask big questions and discover that science is all around us. This year, we
As part of our Science Week celebrations, our Primary staff had the wonderful opportunity to take part in a hands-on professional development session with science educator Jacob Strickling. The two-hour session was an engaging and practical opportunity for teachers to explore how simple tools, everyday materials and hands-on experiences can bring science to life for
Raising Wise, Kind and Confident Digital Citizens Introducing the series Technology is changing childhood faster than most adults can comfortably keep up. Online games have become social meeting places, group chats shape playground relationships, algorithms influence what children watch, and artificial intelligence is making it increasingly difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. While schools have
Parenting can be rewarding, but it can also come with moments that feel challenging, overwhelming or difficult to navigate. At these times, having someone to talk to can make a real difference. Parentline is a free and confidential support service for parents and carers. Their experienced counsellors provide support and practical guidance around a range
3… 2… 1… BLAST OFF! Grade 4 had an out-of-this-world time during our exciting Its Rockets incursion with Cran Middlecoat! The students were bursting with excitement as they launched their rockets soaring through the air. Students explored the science behind rockets and learned about aerodynamics, discovering how the shape and design of a rocket can
Although NAIDOC Week 2026 was officially celebrated during the school holidays from 5 to 12 July, our Primary School has enjoyed recognising and celebrating this important week together during our first week back. This has provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about, acknowledge and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as
SCISSA Friendly Competition As part of their preparation for the upcoming Gala Day, Year 4-6 students put their sporting skills to the test in a SCISSA Friendly match against NCC students earlier this term. From teamwork and determination to sportsmanship and skill, students represented the college with enthusiasm and energy across a wide range of
There was plenty of excitement in the Kitchen Garden recently as our Year 2 students enjoyed a special pizza-making experience using our new wood-fired pizza oven. The day brought together gardening, design learning, teamwork and, of course, some very delicious food! Students began by harvesting fresh basil straight from the Kitchen Garden. They carefully picked
Meet Coucou! Our Prep students have made a very special friend this semester: a cheeky little lorikeet named Coucou. There is just one challenge when Coucou visits our classroom… he only speaks French! Whenever someone accidentally speaks English to him, he throws up his wings and replies dramatically, “Je ne comprends pas!” (“I don’t understand!”).
Technology is an important part of our children’s world. Laptops, iPads and phones provide incredible opportunities to learn, create and communicate. However, while digital skills are essential, research suggests that the qualities which help children truly flourish are often the “soft skills” that cannot be developed through a screen alone. Dr Brené Brown reminds us
Screens, Soft Skills and Raising Children for the Future Read More »
Many families at Glasshouse Christian College will already know me. For the past seven years, I have had the privilege of serving our College as Assistant Head of Primary, working alongside our wonderful staff, students and families to help shape the vibrant Primary community we enjoy today. It is with great excitement and gratitude that
The words we use with children matter more than we often realise. Research consistently shows that positive, specific encouragement helps children develop confidence, resilience, motivation, and a healthy sense of self-worth. While every child needs guidance and correction at times, they also need to hear that their effort, kindness, persistence, and growth are noticed and
One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the opportunity to experience a wide variety of activities, interests and learning opportunities throughout their primary school years. As parents, it is natural to encourage our children in the things they enjoy and excel at. We love seeing them succeed, gain confidence and experience
Year 4 students recently took part in an engaging Colonial Incursion, where they learned about the arrival of convicts from England and what life was like in early colonial Australia. During the interactive incursion, students discovered why convicts were sent from England to Australia and the difficult journey they faced travelling by ship. They explored
Year 4 Students Explore Australia’s Colonial Past Read More »
On Wednesday, 13 May, Year 1 had a very exciting incursion with Make + Meld. Make + Meld was founded by two mums with backgrounds in Industrial Design, Art, and Environmental Science. The philosophy behind Make+Meld is about providing students with opportunities for learning across disciplines—melding creative arts and design with principles of science, engineering,
Family afternoons and evenings can often feel like a race against the clock. Dinner needs cooking, lunches need packing, homework and assignments need checking, sports runs need organising, emails are still waiting, and somehow the kitchen is messier than it was before it was ever properly clean. For many parents, the hours between school pick-up
On Tuesday, 5 May, twelve of our students travelled to Suncoast Christian College to compete in the SCIPHA Chess Tournament. We entered three teams of four players and were excited to see how they would perform across the day. Students competed in seven rounds, taking on a range of opponents and putting their strategic thinking
Mud, teamwork, laughter, and just a little exhaustion! Year 6 returned from Emu Gully with stories to tell and memories to last a lifetime. Our three-night camp at Emu Gully was packed with adventure, challenge, and opportunities for students to grow in confidence, resilience, and teamwork. From the moment we arrived, students embraced every experience
At the end of last term, three teams of avid readers from Years 6–8 represented Glasshouse Christian College at the Sunshine Coast Regional Heats of the Kids’ Lit Quiz, held at Pacific Lutheran College. This exciting competition challenged students’ literary knowledge across ten themed rounds, each drawing on a wide range of texts and genres.
A Hat-Trick of Success for GCC at Kids’ Lit Quiz Read More »
This term, our students have been deeply engaged in exploring how we can care for God’s creation through purposeful and thoughtful learning across the year levels. Our Year 3 students examined what life is like near a quarry, considering both the benefits and the environmental challenges such developments bring. Through rich discussions and Visible Thinking
Caring for God’s Creation: Design Centred Learning Across the Primary school Read More »
A new year always begins with fresh energy, new routines… and one very familiar question from students: “Why do we have to learn French?” It is a fair question – and one we hear every year. Learning French isn’t just about memorising words or repeating phrases (though there’s a little of that too). It’s about
Our Prep classes enjoyed their first school excursion. We went to The Events Centre, Caloundra, to see the stage show “Where is the Green Sheep?”, based on the well-loved children’s book by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. It is a beautiful multimedia production that combines colour, movement, and audience participation. That green sheep was so
There is something special about a child’s first night away from home. For many students, school camp is one of the first times they experience sleeping somewhere new without their family, managing their own belongings, and navigating a full day of activities with their friends and teachers. While camps are filled with fun and adventure,
At the start of this year, our students embarked on an exciting musical journey with two passionate music teachers and musicians: Mrs Ina-Marie Nel (full-time) and Mrs Tanya McFadyen-Bandera (part-time). Choirs Our three choirs have begun rehearsing enthusiastically in preparation for performances in Term 2. Rehearsals have been full of energy and creativity. Students in
Our Year 4 students recently enjoyed an unforgettable camp at Luther Heights in Coolum, filled with adventure, learning and plenty of fun. With beautiful weather throughout the camp, students were able to make the most of the wonderful outdoor environment and all the activities on offer. One of the highlights of the camp was learning
Recently, three of our Year 6 students had the privilege of attending the SCIPHA Visual Arts Excellence Day hosted by Coolum Beach Christian College. Our hosts described it as a joy to welcome such enthusiastic and talented young artists, noting that our students were thoroughly engaged, demonstrated impressive creative flair, and represented Glasshouse Christian College
Creativity in Full Colour: SCIPHA Visual Arts Excellence Day Read More »
Our Year 6 students recently had the exciting opportunity to welcome Dr David Midgley from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation(CSIRO) to our college. As part of their current studies in microbiology, students were inspired by Dr Midgley’s engaging presentation on the hidden world ofmicrobes and the vital roles they play in ecosystems, health,
Dr Midgley talks to the Year 6 classes about microbes Read More »
On Wednesday, 25 March, Year 1 had a visit from the amazing Ang at Eco-Bugs. Our students enjoyed an exciting and hands-on learning experience as they explored the fascinating world of insects and their vital role in the garden ecosystem. Throughout the session, children discovered why insects are so important for healthy gardens. They learned
Year 1 Wiggly Worms and Creepy Crawlies Incursion Read More »
Going to the GRIP Leadership Day was a really fun and inspiring experience for us as Year 6 captains. As soon as we arrived, there was lots of energy in the room and we could tell it was going to be a great day. We learned that leadership isn’t about doing what’s easiest, it’s about
There was great excitement today as the Primary Chess Club began again at Glasshouse Christian College. Held during first break and open to students from Year 1 to Year 6, the club welcomed players of all abilities. With 40 students attending the first session, it was a very successful and encouraging start. One of the
The beginning of a new school year is a powerful moment. Children have entered new classrooms, they are establishing new routines and building new friendships. With the Open classrooms and the opportunity to meet the teacher this past week, this has been a fresh opportunity for parents and teachers to meet and to touch base
Strong Starts: Why Parent–Teacher Partnerships Matter Read More »
What an incredible year of reading we had at GCC in 2025. Literacy Pro continues to be one of our key programs supporting reading growth across the College. The program helps assess students’ reading abilities, match them with books that are “just right,” and motivate them through tracking progress and celebrating milestones. Students choose books
Looking Back and Looking Forward: Literacy Pro at GCC Read More »
The first week back at school has been an exciting and joyful time for Year 4 students during Significant 72! After the holidays, they spent their first week settling in, reconnecting with friends, and building strong relationships within their classrooms. They enjoyed a range of fun activities that helped them get to know one another
Year 4 – Significant 72 – A Joyful Start to the Year Read More »
Learning to read is one of the most exciting milestones in the early years of school. In the Early Years, children are building the foundational skills that will support their reading, spelling and writing for years to come. A key part of this learning is phonics. At Glasshouse Christian College, we use the InitiaLit program
Supporting Early Reading at Home: Phonics in the Early Years Read More »
What a fun and productive term it has been in French across all year levels! Our Year 7 students have been learning key vocabulary and structures related to school life, enabling them to describe their subjects, timetable, and daily routines with growing confidence. In Year 8, students explored the theme of places in town, learning
What a fantastic term it has been in French. Our classrooms have been buzzing with language, laughter, and the excitement of seeing long-running projects finally come to life. One of the biggest highlights was our Au café role play, followed by a delicious French food tasting that had students discovering new favourites and comparing flavours
Earlier this year, our Year 4 English Honours group embarked on an inquiry into Conflict and Resolution as part of the National History Challenge. Through a historical lens, students explored the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, focusing their research on the story of Uluru — its naming and renaming, its cultural significance,
National History Challenge – State Awards Success Read More »
What a creative and imaginative year it has been in Design Technology! Our students have embraced the challenge of learning new skills, exploring new technologies and reflecting deeply on God’s amazing design for the world around us. Year 3 students were captivated by the possibilities of Augmented Reality (AR). As part of their integrated unit,
Designing, Creating and Problem-Solving in Years 3 and 5 Read More »
As the final three weeks of the school year approach, the pace of life seems to accelerate. Concerts, reports, assemblies, graduations and Christmas concert preparations often collide in a swirl of lists, deadlines, and endless to-do lists. It’s easy for adults and children to feel swept up in the rush, but it’s in these very
Laughter, music, and fun filled the air as best-selling author, musician and performer, Deano Yipadee visited GCC to share his award-winning stories and songs with our Prep – Year 2 students. Deano’s interactive, comedy-filled performance had everyone smiling as he took us on a musical storytelling adventure like no other! The Preps were especially excited,
Ethan Doyle at State Athletics Congratulations to Ethan Doyle, who competed at the State Athletics Championship in Townsville. Ethan qualified for the finals of the 1500m and 800m events, gaining the following placings: Prep PE Swimming Intensive Prep students made a splash this term during their four-day swimming intensive! From Tuesday to Friday, each class
This year, our Prep, Year 2, and Year 3 classrooms have been buzzing with excitement as students dive into Talk for Writing. It has been wonderful to see how naturally they have taken to the program and just how much they are enjoying the process of becoming more confident writers. Teachers frequently comment on the
Spotlight on Learning: Talk for Writing at Glasshouse Christian College Read More »
On Wednesday, 29 October, our Year 1 students took part in an exciting MiniBot Design Incursion. The day was filled with creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning as students became real-life designers and engineers. Using the design process, students imagined, planned, and built their very own MiniBots using simple electronic components. They carefully followed each step
