Welcome to all of our new families and welcome back to those who have been part of the GCCC community for some time. I hope you had a good relaxing break and were able to spend quality family time together.
Keeping contact
Communication is very important to us as a College and I do recommend you take a few moments to look at the GCCC Newsletter when it comes out each fortnight. We don’t expect everyone to read the whole thing but you will find it helpful to keep an eye on the calendar dates and visit the school section that is relevant to your children. If you are reading it online, it is even easier to go to the section/s you are most interested in from our home page or the links provided.
Our GCCC Facebook page is also a good way to keep up to date and it also provides an extra insight into some of the College happenings that don’t make it into the newsletter. Another benefit of following us on Facebook is that you will be privy to photos and events as they happen without having to wait for the fortnightly newsletter.
We recently achieved 800 Facebook followers and will be celebrating with a big cake on Monday 9 February at 2.30pm in the Junior Undercover Area. If you are one of our Facebook followers please join us for a piece of celebratory cake. If you really like cake but aren’t one of our Facebook followers, you still have time; just click here.
Building update
Many of you will be watching the new building construction with interest and keeping up to date with the progress photos on our Facebook page. Everything is on track for moving into these buildings over the upcoming school holidays.
The three new Year 1 classrooms have beautiful views and modern multipurpose zones including a lovely shaded undercover area adjacent to the classrooms. There will be an opportunity for Year 1 parents to view the finished buildings closer to completion and everyone else will be able to take a tour on our Open Day, just a couple of weeks later on Saturday 16 May.
For parents who don’t have students in Year 1, the most exciting thing will be the long awaited new car park!
Parking courtesy
We still have a little while to wait before the extra parking area is completed so I would like to take this opportunity to ask you all to be patient, kind and courteous towards each other, especially during the afternoon pick up time.
There are a few things that I shouldn’t have to ask but will do so because these rules have already been violated so often this year. Don’t park in the disabled park unless you qualify and have the relevant sticker/authority visible. Don’t park people in – only use the designated car parks. Practice the GCCC core value of respect – respect each other and the rules of the road (and car park).
P and F Family Fun Day Saturday 21 February 10.45 to 2pm
This annual event is especially for families new to GCCC to meet families who have been with us for some time. In other words, everyone is welcome. It is a fun time and a good opportunity for parents and their children get to know each other a little better. The P and F are providing a free barbeque and cold drinks will be on sale for a nominal price.
You would have already received a letter about the event with a tear off RSVP slip. If you don’t want the hassle of printing off the slip and returning it feel free to email Admin on [email protected] if you are attending so the P and F know how many sausages to purchase.
Don’t forget that the P and F meet on the first Tuesday of each month (unless stated otherwise) at 7pm in the library. Everyone is welcome.
Sad news
Many of you may know that Pastor Mick Spann’s little baby girl Norah, was born with serious health issues just over two months ago. We are saddened to tell you that, after a very brave fight, Norah went to be with her Lord Jesus on 29 January. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mick and Anne and their little daughter Alayna, as they mourn the passing of Norah.
Thank you to all of you who have been praying for the family over the past few months. Mick and Anne have really appreciated your kindness and thoughtfulness.
New staff
Due to the continued growth of the College we have a few new staff members. Some of them are introduced in this newsletter and others will be in following newsletters. When you see the new faces around campus I hope you will give them a big smile and warm welcome.
Farewell to familiar faces
Cameron Hall has sadly left GCCC to become the Youth Pastor at his local church. This call has been on Cameron’s heart for many years and we wish him all the best in his new role. Taking on the Head of Christian Studies position is Bert Kesselman who will begin on Monday 16 Feburary. We will tell you more about Bert in an upcoming newsletter.
Kathy Hopson has also left us and has taken on the position of Librarian at another school. We will miss Kathy’s cheerful face in the library but know she will enjoy the challenge of her new role.
How to help your children be better students
I recently came across ten simple ways to children become better students and I want to share one with you each newsletter. They are from Principals’ Digests and I thought they were very helpful and easy to apply. What do you think?
Let your child see you making mistakes: Parents are their child’s first teacher and their lifetime teacher. Part of being a teacher is teaching your child how to deal with making mistakes. Let them see that you can make mistakes and deal with it so they will understand it’s not a big deal and they can cope when they trip up.
Mike Curtis, Principal