Welcome back! Due to the two public holidays last week, we postponed our first newsletter for Term 2 to this week. It has been a jam-packed fortnight!

Anzac Day Field of Remembrance

In the lead up to Anzac Day we once again created a Field of Remembrance near our flagpole so students could reverently ‘plant’ a poppy in memory of those who had sacrificed for their country. This year was extra special as all the poppies had been hand crocheted by volunteers among our staff and families. The poppies looked beautiful and were carefully taken up at the end of the week for use in the future. Thank you to everyone who helped with these poppies.

Anzac Service at GCC

On Wednesday we held our traditional GCC Anzac Day service in the Sports Centre which has become an ideal venue for our whole of College events.

This year we were privileged to have Mr Daniel Sercombe as our guest speaker. Dan was a television journalist in Toowoomba before becoming fascinated with documentaries and war history. In 2012 Dan travelled to Egypt, Turkey and Israel as producer of the documentary called ‘The Charge of the Anzacs’. The documentary followed in the footsteps of the Australian Light Horse Brigade, visits the horrors of Gallipoli and retells the victory at Beersheba in Israel. Dan is now a Pastor at Cannon Hill Baptist Church and I want to thank him for taking the time out of his busy schedule to be our guest speaker this year.

We were privileged to have many distinguished guests at our service including Federal Member for Fisher Mr Andrew Wallace, State Member for Caloundra Mr Mark McArdle, representing State Member for Glasshouse Mountains Mr Andrew Powell was Miss Rebekah Atkins, Division One Councillor Mr Rick Baberowski, Beerwah and District sub-branch RSL Membership Officer Mr Leo Petrie, Eleven Engineer Regiment Captain Martin Wilshire, Mrs Renee Leitch on behalf of the College Board, and P and F Representatives Mrs Lisa Moyle and Mrs Tracey Charleson.

I would especially like to thank Mr Leo Petrie for his thoughtful words and special gifts to the College. The beautiful book, medallion and certificate were given on behalf of the Beerwah RSL in recognition of the important part that GCC has played in the community Anzac Day commemorations. We were delighted to be recognised in this way.

I was very proud of our College and students during this event and especially pleased with the youngest of our students who sat quietly and respectfully during the ceremony.

Beerwah Anzac Parade

This year the weather played havoc with the planning but we enjoyed a beautiful sunny day for the parade in Beerwah. The ground in Turner Park was too wet for the service so thanks to everyone who braved the cramped conditions in The Beerwah Community Centre.

Thanks also to all the parents, friends and caregivers who supported the march and brought their children along to participate. I’d also like to thank our College Band and the students who took part in the service.

I’m very proud to be part of a school which honours the tradition of Anzac Day by participating in the community parade in such large numbers. It is a special time when we remember all Australians who served and died in military service for our country, past and present.

Primary Cross Country Champions

Our GCC Primary Cross Country team are now Glasshouse District Champions! Congratulations to Jasper Menkens, Lily Breen, Hayden Cullen, Breanna Aldridge and Flynn Lewis for their hard work and dedication in representing GCC so well.

Kingaroy Dance Eisteddfod

The accolades keep coming in with the achievements of our Middle and Senior Dance troupes from the Kingaroy Dance Eisteddfod over the weekend.

We had eight dances entered and all eight placed. This eisteddfod was our highest achieving start to a competition season. Please be sure to congratulate Stacey Marshall and dancers if you see them around the College.

Here are the results:

Secondary Schools Contemporary:
– Senior Troupe 1st place
– Middle School Troupe 3rd place

Secondary Schools Other Style:
– Middle School Ballet 2nd place

Secondary Schools Jazz:
 – Senior Troupe 2nd place
– Middle School Troupe 3rd place

Secondary Schools Hip Hop:
 – Combined Team 1st place

Secondary Schools Musical Theatre:
– Senior Troupe 1st place
– Middle School Troupe 3rd place

Open Day

Open Day is only two weeks away and I’m looking forward to seeing many of you there. We’ve just heard that the DeLorean car will be here on the day providing the perfect backdrop for a new profile picture or family photo.

We will be releasing the program of timed events next week so you can plan your day around your child’s involvement. It’s going to be exciting seeing the new Music building being fully utilised and there will be guided tours for those who are interested.

Open Day will be a fun day out for the whole family with a combination of free activities, excellent performances, yummy food and the opportunity to learn more about the College.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Mike Curtis, Principal