Fiji Mission Trip
While most of us are looking forward to the school holidays for some relaxation, several of our staff and 15 of our students are planning to work hard in the schools and villages of Fiji.
The Fiji mission team began work months ago by planning their ministry, practicing presentations and fund raising for the trip. The team will be visiting schools, running after school clubs and youth groups as well as visiting the surrounding villages. During their time there, they will receive one day off to go snorkelling on one of the surrounding islands – a well-earned treat!
Hairlarious Day
National Hairlarious Day was a big hit at GCCC last Friday. The whole school threw themselves into the spirit of the day by sporting the craziest hair possible and raised $883.45 for the Childhood Cancer Association.
This year the Association is putting the funds towards its Home Tutor Scheme which tutors students who miss out on school because of cancer treatment.
Even students with the shortest haircuts possible managed a creative cut on the day. We had some very fancy inventions which had obviously involved much thought and time. Thank you to all the parents who plaited, parted, ponytailed, pigtailed, patched and pigmented their children’s hair for the day.
GCCC is now entered into the Childhood Cancer Association’s section for ‘Most funds raised by a regional school.” We will let you know how we go.
Grandparents’ Day
Grandparents’ Day is one of the biggest events in the College calendar with approximately 400 visitors expected. Due to publishing deadlines I have to write this article before the actual event. However, photos will be up on the website before the newsletter is sent out Friday afternoon so hopefully you will get a good idea of how things went from the happy smiles on both young and old.
We will have more information on how Grandparents’ Day went in the first newsletter of next term.
Congratulations Primary and Middle School Dance Troupe
Last Saturday morning the Primary Dance Troupe and Middle School Dance Ensemble participated in the finals of the Breakthru music and dance competition at Sunshine Plaza. After three weekends of heats, both groups received a place in the final against five other schools. Unfortunately we did not place, however we did receive some very encouraging feedback from the judges and we will be ready to compete again next year.
These achievements are not only due to the hard work of our students but also to Stacey Whyte. Stacey has given up her weekends and worked into the small hours of the morning to give our students these wonderful opportunities. Thank you Stacey.
Annual Report
Compiling an Annual Report and making its publicly available is a legal requirement but one that benefits us as a College as well as our families. The report gives a snapshot of the previous year highlighting some of the key improvements and shows how GCCC is changing and growing. Sometimes it is easy to lose sight of the big picture and the Annual Report helps prevent that from happening.
This year we are making the Annual Report available on our website as well as the magazine hosting site we use for our newsletter. I hope you have a chance to visit the report some time.
Congratulations Matt Beattie
Matt and Valerie Beattie are proud to announce the arrival of Mason Oliver Beattie. Mason was born on 16 June at 8.36am, weighing six pounds and six ounces (2.89kg). For those mums out there who want to know all the details – the labour was a magical 3.5 hours. Mother and baby are doing very well and the Beattie family want to thank everyone for their prayers.
Felicitations to Rochelle Thomas
Rochelle Thomas, our Primary Music Teacher, is getting married this Sunday 29 June on the beach and on behalf of the staff, students and their families, I’d like to wish her all the best for her new married life. Rochelle will be marrying Ken Harrison which means we will have two Mrs Harrisons on staff next term.
Welcome Kylie Birkwood
Many of you may have heard that our Art Teacher Patrice Cutlack, has needed some time off to take care of one of her children undergoing medical treatment. Unfortunately, what looked like a short term medical problem has become much longer so Kylie Birkwood will be job sharing with Patrice until her child is better. Kylie will be working two days a week beginning in Term 3. Please make her feel welcome if you see her on campus.
Farewell Simo McMinn
Simo McMinn is leaving us at the end of this term to spend more time with her parents and family. Simo has been a valued member of the Future Pathways Department for some time and she will be sorely missed by students and staff alike.
I have pleasure in announcing our very own Mel Parker as the successful applicant for the job. Mel will leave her Teaching Assistant duties to take on her new role for the beginning of Term 3.
Parent Handbook
The Parent Handbook will be undergoing some slight revisions and streamlining during the school holidays. I hope to have the updated handbook uploaded onto the website and connect by the first week back at school.
Term dates for 2015
For those of you planning your holidays for 2015, the term dates for this year are now on our website. Visit our home page and then scroll down until you see Calendar Dates on the left hand side. At the bottom of this list you will find the term dates for 2015.
Funfest
Funfest is just around the corner and only two weeks after students go back in Term 3. Please stay updated with the current needs for Funfest by visiting their page on our website and reading the latest newsletter. At the moment they are asking people to dig deep for articles or services that can be auctioned and there is also a pressing need for filler items for the mystery jars.
Happy Holidays
Our students and staff have been working hard and are looking forward to the upcoming holidays. I hope you are able to find some time to relax with your family and plan some quality time together during these holidays.
Please remember that Monday 14 July to Friday 18 July is a pupil free week so students don’t come back until Monday 21 July.
Mike Curtis, Principal