Small but loud voices 2014
Voices on the Coast have just published their book, ’Small But Loud Voices 2014,’ in which GCCC features a range of articles from our young and older students.
There are sweet little stories, in-depth poems, adventure tales and even a thriller (with a happy, safe ending). My favourite section is ‘The world in a twist’ where students put a reverse spin on situations with a funny result. There are pictures of kebabs barbecuing humans, a light bulb inventing Thomas Edison, a gold fish tapping on a human bowl and an umbrella using Mary Poppins as a flying partner.
Well done to all the students who had their submissions accepted.
Young Achiever of the Year Award
Way back in February Jesse Woods was named as the first Schultz Toomey and O’Brien Young Achievers Award for 2014. On Monday 24 November there was a gala event to celebrate all the 2014 award winners and to announce the finalist. Unfortunately Jesse wasn’t the finalist but it was an amazing achievement to be nominated as one of eight monthly winners.
It was also great to see Noah Smerdon receive an encouragement award on the night. Congratulations to two very deserving young men.
Year 10 Dinner Dance
This was an awesome night and I found it all the more enjoyable as I was able to attend as a parent rather than just as the Principal. All of the students looked fabulous and had a lovely time laughing and dancing together. It was good to see so many parents supporting their teenagers and enjoying their company. The set up at Caloundra Events Centre was very beautiful and could have easily been used for a Year 12 formal.
For more photos, please click here.
Primary Carols by Candlelight and Concerts
Last year for the first time we held the Prep to Year 2 end of year celebration as a Carols by Candlelight on the oval. This event was such a success that the format was repeated this year for both Primary celebrations with the Prep to Year 2 event on Monday and the Years 3 to 6 event on Tuesday night.
The atmosphere on both nights was festive and the weather was perfect. A big thanks to the P and F who organised stalls, food and drinks so many families made a dinner picnic of the night.
Year 6 Graduation
This auspicious occasion was celebrated in style and dignity. The service included a special citation, graduation certificate and GCCC pen for each graduating student. Congratulations are due to Madeleine Roulston who won the Primary Dux award.
Outgoing captains, Patrick McKenzie and Madeleine Roulston did a commendable job hosting the event and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for all their service in 2014. There was bated breath before the announcement of the new Primary Captains for 2015. Congratulations to Kiana Reeves and Tate Doneathy who were awarded this honour. I look forward to seeing how they will lead in 2015.
Leaving staff
It is that time of the year where I have the sad duty to let you know about staff who will not be with us next year. I’m sure you will join with me in wishing them well in their future.
Emma Buchanan-Jeffs (Year 4 teacher). Emma is having her first baby next year which coincided with the end of her contract.
Danni Bassett (Chappy Danni). Danni is also leaving us to pursue motherhood.
Brian McDonald (Industrial Design and Technology Teacher). Although Brian is not technically leaving us his role will be significantly changed as he will be one of the Industrial Technology Aides alongside John Vreeling. The reason for this change is due to the growth of the Industrial Technology. Brian’s role has moved from part time to full time. Brian felt he could not commit to a full time load as he will be enjoying some of the perks of semi-retirement. Brian is one of our longest serving staff members.
Sam Law (Drama teacher). Sam has come to the end of her contract and we wish her well in her future pursuits. Sam helped us during a difficult situation when we found ourselves without a Drama teacher in the middle of 2013.
Ainslee Robinson (Year 4). Ainslee has decided to resign so she can pursue her Masters study next year.
Fiona Schefe (Year 2/3). Fiona has only been with us a brief time and has been fulfilling a contract for two days a week in Primary.
Abe Andrews (Year 2). Similarly Abe has only been with us a brief time and has been fulfilling a contract of two days per week in Primary.
Baby News
Renee Newman and her husband Jason have just announced the safe arrival of Emma Lisa Newman. Emma was born on Thursday 20 November at the very reasonable time of 2.21pm but at the very unreasonable weight of 8.8 pounds. Congratulations to Renee and Jason on their new baby girl.
Office times during Christmas holidays
Monday 22 December to Friday 2 January Closed
Monday 5 January to Friday 16 January Open
Monday 19 January Closed
Tuesday 20 January to Friday 23 January Open
Gift giving at Christmas
As a parent I am very aware of how children (and adults) love gifts. They love the joy of opening and exploring them and it is very special watching the expressions of delight on their faces on Christmas Day.
This Christmas I would like to remind everyone of the greatest gift ever given – God’s gift to us of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Jesus we have the gift of eternal life and forgiveness of our sin. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Some of you may have doubts about the reality of Jesus but there is a heap of historical evidence besides the very clear message of the Bible. Without even opening the Bible we can learn from historical proofs: His name; the place and time of his public ministry; the name of his mother and one of his brothers; the mystery of his birth; Jesus’ fame as a teacher and miracle worker; that He was called Messiah and Christ and given a kingly status by some; the time and manner of his death plus the Jewish and Roman leaders involvement in it; and Jesus’ appearances to followers after His death.
This Christmas, I encourage you to take another look at the Bible and think about what your response is to the greatest gift ever given. Make the time to take your family to a Christmas Day service near you. You won’t be the only visitor and you will be very welcome.
If you live in or around Beerwah, the Christmas Day service at Glasshouse Country Baptist Church (next to the College) begins at 8am and will be finished by 9am. Most churches have signs up with their Christmas Day service, so keep an eye out for them.
As another year draws to a close, I am thankful for all that God has done at GCCC in 2014 and can’t wait to see what He does in 2015.
Mike Curtis, Principal