Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.Philippians 2:3-4
Looking out for the interests of others and being intentional with how we spend our time does not necessarily come naturally to us. It takes an act of the will to speak thoughtfully to others, stick to our goals and use our time wisely for not just getting what we should get done for ourselves but also something truly altruistic for others.
At GCCC in our Middle School this attitude is at the heart of where our teachers want students to be. From using their gifts and talents to be their absolute best, to giving students opportunities to build awareness of the plight of other people in the world less fortunate than themselves. As well, growing in independence so that one-day students can be functional, mindful adults.
Read about the Year 9 Excursion to the city in this newsletter, which not only was a trip to a cultural awareness event, but also an activity in using public transport and negotiating their way around the city – growing in independence.
Awards Night – 5 November, 6.30pm, Caloundra Events Centre. Please remember to book this important school event in your diaries. All students are expected to attend. Year 9s will be welcomed into Senior School and will receive a certificate for completing Middle School. There will be awards for: the top 10 Academic students in each year level (based on the first three terms of this year); Encouragement Awards for the top five students of each year level who are recognised for their consistent effort and outstanding improvement; GREAT awards for the top five students from each year level who have displayed consistent application of the GREAT values in their school life; a Middle School All Rounder award for one student from Year 7, 8 or 9 and; a Dux of Year 9 trophy.
Walk to Water – 20 September. This is an Open Doors fundraising event that Year 8s are participating in. This event raises money for wells to be built for villages in Nigeria so that local people will have better access to clean drinking water. All Year 8s will be participating in the ‘Walk’ component.
Operation Christmas Child Boxes due at the school by 28 October. This is another opportunity for your family to help children in developing nations have a small slice of the type of ‘Christmas’ we are so accustomed to. A shoebox of gifts is put together with the donation of $9.00 to help send this gift overseas to its destination. Please feel free to put your own box(es) together as a family or help your child contribute via their class joint venture boxes.
Messy Games – 18 September. Our Year 9 leaders have been planning a HUGE fun afternoon of messy activities for Wednesday, Week 10 of this term. It will be held after second break. Students are to wear sports uniform to school and then get changed into casual, appropriate, sun-safe clothing for the Messy Games. At the end of the day, all students will be expected to change back into their sports uniform – which will be clean and dry for the journey home on buses or in cars.
Jacqualina Vreeling, Head of Middle School