Community Feed

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As we transition from the remote learning model and a week’s staged return to a full return of all year groups and classes on-site from Mon 25 October for the remainder of the year, I pray we can do so with a deep sense of gratitude and reverence for the ways in which God has enabled us to rediscover our dependence on Him and our ability to adapt and create new ways of teaching and learning that were familiar given similar events last year. 

To ensure the best student outcomes, we know face-to-face contact between students and teachers is vital. Our BCC students are valued and cared for, and we look forward to engaging with them on-site at last.

Primary School students will:

• use a class/Year-based/Stage-based cohort system at break times and for allocation of toilet usage
• have breaks at their normal times, however break spaces and cohort play areas and toilet facilities will be allocated to ensure year groups are kept separate as per NSW Health guidelines. Teachers will be allocated duties in approved areas
• drop offs at 8:20am at the Kiss and Drop Zone and pick-ups from 2.30pm at the Kiss and Drop Zone. PS students catching the bus will be supervised by teachers in classrooms until bus times. PS parents who are unable to make the 2:30pm pick-up at the Kiss ‘n Drop are asked to contact their classroom teacher for alternative arrangements
• be in their Summer Uniform

Secondary School students:

• will remain in year specific groups following their normal timetable. Please note, next week is Week 4 and is a Week A
• will have breaks at their normal times, but will be allocated year specific playground areas as well as year group specific allocated toilet facilities
• will start and finish at the regular time, however drop-off and pick-up for Secondary students who do not catch a bus is the carpark area adjacent to the oval
• catching the bus to be released to supervision in the Weathershed in year group lines until bus numbers are called. Students instructed to have masks on while waiting in year groups, and for travel on buses
• be in their Summer Uniform on the days when Sport Uniform isn’t required
• Year 12 will continue to have full access onsite for focused revision and study sessions with their teachers by appointment.

All of this, we must remember, will continue with recommended hygiene, cleaning, distancing, masks for Secondary School students while indoors and other advised control measures in place. Of course, students with increased health risks may keep learning from home.

Please be aware that this full return plan is subject to change due to government directives, health advice and local circumstances.

We look forward to welcoming our students back next week to face-to-face teaching and the all-important pastoral care programs that are offered at the College.

Please do not hesitate to contact the College if you have any questions.

Regards

________________________________
Steve Tidey
Assistant Principal/Head of Secondary

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Congratulations, you’ve done it! The time has come and finally, it is my absolute pleasure to be able to welcome some of you back on Monday 18 October and everyone else the following week, 25 October.

The staged return will be as follows:

Stage 1: 18 October 2021

Beginners, Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 11, and Year 12 by appointment with their Yr 12 teachers.

Stage 2: 25 October 2021

All other year groups.

As mentioned previously, our return is supported by a COVID-19 Safe Plan.

Please be assured that the College has conducted rigorous risk assessment and management processes to reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak at the College. These strategies include the Department of Education’s Health endorsed guidelines, and other strategies including:

• Physical distancing and separation of cohorts where possible
• Mask wearing (I understand that further discussions are underway on the wearing of masks in schools and as soon as this is clarified, you will be notified)
• The adequate provision of hand sanitiser and soap
• Enhanced cleaning schedules
• Ventilation
• Ensuring that staff and students do not attend the school with symptoms of COVID-19

This revised return to school schedule does not impact on the requirement for all school staff to be double vaccinated by 8 November 2021 as required by the Public Health Order. From 18 October, the overwhelming majority of all staff will have at least one level of vaccination. Please contact us if you have a concern about this or would like further information.

Please see below specific details for both the Primary and Secondary Schools.

PRIMARY RETURN TO SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Stage 1: Monday 18 October – Beginners, Kindergarten and Year 1

Stage 2: Monday 25 October – All other year groups

Primary Aged Children and Masks

The wearing of face masks for Primary aged students is not a requirement, rather a recommendation. Further information may follow pending NSW Health Advice.

Primary School Morning Drop-Off

8:20am onwards, Kiss ‘n Drop Zone. Parents to remain in cars where practicable; physical distancing and adult wearing of masks required.

Primary afternoon Pick-Up

2:30pm, Kiss ‘n Drop Zone. Parents to remain in cars where practicable; physical distancing and adult wearing of masks required.

SECONDARY RETURN TO SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Stage 1: Monday 18 October – Year 11 to full timetable (Wk B) and Year 12 by appointment with their teachers

Stage 2: Monday 25 October – All other year groups

Year 12 students will continue to be prioritised as they prepare to complete their final year of schooling, undertake focused study sessions, and transition to further education, training and work.

While at school, appropriate face masks are required indoors for all students in Year 7 and above. Students and staff travelling to and from school by public transport must follow NSW Health Advice, including mask wearing.

It has been a pleasure to partner with you particularly during this time of remote learning and I thank you for all you have done to support learning. Your unwavering support at this time is greatly appreciated.

“But we will trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

Regards,

____________________________

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I believe that after a change in Premier and the Return to School Roadmap, the NSW Government’s path out of lockdown and return to face-to-face teaching is now settled.

At 9.00 am Thursday morning, Premier Perrottet announced changes to the published return to school schedule. Pending changes to the Public Health Order and any guidelines applicable to our LGA, the new schedule will be:

Stage 1: 18 October 2021

Beginners, Kindergarten, Year 1, and Year 11

Stage 2: 25 October 2021

All other year groups (Yr 12 are already participating in revision and masterclasses)

Schools have the flexibility to determine their own schedule for the staged return so please realise this schedule varies slightly to the Department of Education. We have chosen to reintroduce Yr 11 onsite in the first stage of return. Our return is supported by a COVID-19 Safe Plan.

Next week, 11-15 October, remains a week for students of authorised workers only, and it is necessary for our community to adhere to this plan wherever possible.

Please be assured that the College has conducted a rigorous risk assessment and management processes to reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak at the College. These strategies include the Department of Education’s Health endorsed guidelines, and other strategies including:

– Physical distancing and separation of cohorts where possible

– Mask wearing (I understand that further discussions are underway on the wearing of masks in schools and as soon as this is clarified, you will be notified)

– The adequate provision of hand sanitiser and soap

– Enhanced cleaning schedules

– Ventilation

– Ensuring that staff and students do not attend the school with symptoms of COVID-19

This revised return to school schedule does not impact on the requirement for all school staff to be double vaccinated by 8 November 2021 as required by the Public Health Order. From the 18 October, all staff will have at least one level of vaccination. Please contact us if you have a concern about this or would like further information.

Please see below specific details for both the Primary and Secondary Schools. I trust this helps you plan for the next three weeks.

Primary Return to School Schedule

Stage 1: Monday 18 October – Beginners, Kindergarten and Year 1

Stage 2: Monday 25 October – All other year groups

Primary Aged Children and Masks

The mandatory wearing of masks for Primary aged students is not a requirement, rather a recommendation. Further information may follow pending NSW Health Advice.

Primary School Morning Drop-Off

8:20am onwards, Kiss ‘n Drop Zone. Parents to remain in cars where practicable; Physical distancing and adult wearing of masks required.

Afternoon Pick-Up

2:30pm, Kiss ‘n Drop Zone. Parents to remain in cars where practicable; Physical distancing and adult wearing of masks required.

Secondary School Return Schedule

Stage 1: Monday 18 October – Year 11 and Year 12

Stage 2: Monday 25 October – All other year groups

Year 12 students will continue to be prioritised as they prepare to complete their final year of schooling, undertake focused study sessions, and transition to further education, training and work.

While at school, appropriate face masks are required indoors and outdoors for all students in Year 7 and above. Students and staff travelling to and from school by public transport must follow NSW Health Advice, including mask wearing.

Thank you for your unwavering support at this time and may God bless you and this extra family time that you’ve been able to experience.

“But we will trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

Regards,

________________________________
Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

A reminder for Beginners through to Year 4 Parents & Caregivers. Online bookings are now open for the collection of Term 4 Student Learning/book packs

Bookings close on Friday 17th September and will be ready for collection on Tuesday and Wednesday, Week 1, Term 4. 

To book your spot, access the link on the Parent Portal on Sentral under ‘Parent Interviews/BCC Click and Collect.

Alternatively, click on the following link to book your learning/book pack pick-up time: https://sentral.bcc.nsw.edu.au/s-r0LyOn/portal2/#!/interview

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

It was announced in today’s press release that there will be a staggered return to face-to-face learning from October, HSC exams will be delayed until November and vaccinations for school staff will be mandatory based on the return to school plan released by the NSW Government.

START PRESS RELEASE

HSC IN NOVEMBER AND ALL STUDENTS TO RETURN TO SCHOOL IN TERM 4

The Department of Education has developed a plan to bring students back in a COVID-safe way while stay at home orders are still in place – ensuring continuity of education, and protecting student, teacher and community safety.

A staggered return of students to face-to-face learning will begin on Monday 25 October.

Students will return to face-to-face learning with NSW Health approved COVID safe settings on school sites in the following order:

• From 25 October – Kindergarten and Year 1
• From 1 November – Year 2, 6 and 11
• From 8 November – Year 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10

Discussions are underway in regard to how we can bring Yr 12 back on site earlier. From 25 October, Year 12 will have full time access to school campuses and their teachers.

If stay at home orders are lifted in an LGA or region before 25 October, all students living or learning in that area will return to face to face learning under the Department’s COVID-safe schools framework.

If cases in certain LGAs increase significantly, learning from home will resume for that LGA until case numbers drop.

HSC exams will be delayed until 9 November with a revised timetable and guidelines for a COVID-safe HSC to be released by NESA in early September. Importantly, the delay of the HSC exams will not disadvantage NSW students when applying to university.

Vaccinations for all school staff across all sectors will be mandatory from 8 November. A recent survey of the public school workforce indicated the majority of staff already had at least one dose of a vaccine. All students eligible for a vaccine will be strongly encouraged by the government to book an appointment. Students aged 12-15 will also be a priority if they become eligible for a vaccine. All parents who have not been vaccinated are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine as soon as possible.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government is prioritising the safety and education of students through a sensible and managed return to school. “The return to school plan provides parents, teachers and students with certainty and a path forward for the return to face-to-face learning,” Ms Berejiklian said. “We know the last few months have been tough on the school community and we are deeply grateful to parents, teachers and students for the sacrifices you have made. Please continue to protect our students by getting vaccinated as quickly as possible.”

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the education and safety of our students is essential. “The classroom is where students learn best and I thank the entire community for playing their role in this return by getting vaccinated,” Ms Mitchell said.
END PRESS RELEASE

Thank you all and please be praying for how this last update will affect our community. It is a time to love and support one another. As usual, please let me know if you have any concerns or need assistance.

“But we will trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7

Regards,

____________________________

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Parents and Caregivers

The Premier has announced this morning, 26 August that our lockdown will be extended through to 10 September. Routines and expectations, particularly with regard to visitors on site and the wearing of masks, all remain the same. The Public Health endorsed advice for schools is that parents and caregivers, unless they are authorised workers, must keep children at home.

Whilst we recognise that this will be disruptive and inconvenient for all families, it is important that we don’t tire of following the NSW Health advice.

If your child exhibits any symptoms they must get tested immediately. NSW Health requests anyone who has been unwell or develops any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting or extreme tiredness to be tested at one of the COVID-19 testing clinics.

The College continues to work with health advice and will continue to communicate with parents as information comes to hand. As usual all Government updates and major College communication will be posted on our website at the following location: https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/covid-1…

Further information about COVID-19 is available on the NSW Government website.

Thank you again for your patience, understanding and prayers as we work together to protect our community during the current pandemic.

“But we will trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7

Regards,

____________________________

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Secondary School Parents and Caregivers,

Well, what a very unusual time we are currently experiencing! All of us have had to adapt to new restrictions, behaviours and routines. Our lives have been transformed in a few short weeks.

At the College, we are aware of how challenging this may be for our students. We want to be proactive in supporting our students’ wellbeing and ensure that we journey through the Remote Learning phase as sustainably as possible.

In order to support student wellbeing, each Wednesday will have a more intentional wellbeing focus where we implement strategies which should reduce the use of digital devices and help enhance students’ physical activity, mood and coping mechanisms.

From 25 August 2021, we will have the first of our ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’. On these ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’ the normal daily routine will be much the same for students, however Secondary School teachers will implement the following strategies in their lesson planning:

• Reduce the amount of time spent in front of devices
• Minimise Zooms and online activities
• Increase offline activities which engage with the home and surrounding environment
• Provide time to read a book, catch up on missed work or revise previous material

Learning activities will continue to be provided by teachers, however they will be tasks designed to be mostly completed offline. Teachers will still be available to support students if they have concerns and some online classes may continue if an assessment is due. However, we want Wellbeing Wednesday to be a circuit breaker from a technology focused schedule, and most lessons will require students to be away from their devices.

God has clearly made us for relationship. From the very beginning, He has said it is not good for us to be alone (Genesis 2:18). While technology has been helpful in maintaining social distancing, it can also make us feel isolated and disconnected from the world.

We want our students to excel in all aspects of their lives. We have been impressed with our students’ resilience and want to continue to build an environment where our students thrive.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards,

____________________________

Nate Miller
Head of Wellbeing 7-12

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Parents and Caregivers

The Premier has announced this morning, 19 August that our lockdown will be extended through to 28 August. Routines and expectations, particularly with regard to visitors on site and the wearing of masks, all remain the same. The Public Health endorsed advice for schools is that parents and caregivers, unless they are authorised workers, must keep children at home. Dr Kerry Chant has explicitly expressed that sending children to school because parents are working from home and need a break is not a reasonable excuse. As this particular strand of the virus is so highly contagious amongst adults and children, could I please urge you to keep your children at home to help keep our community safe. We have had an increase of Primary aged children attending the College, however, this trend will need to be reversed.

Whilst we recognise that this will be disruptive and inconvenient for all families, it is important that we don’t tire of following the NSW Health advice.

If your child exhibits any symptoms they must get tested immediately. NSW Health requests anyone who has been unwell or develops any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting or extreme tiredness to be tested at one of the COVID-19 testing clinics.

The College continues to work with health advice and will continue to communicate with parents as information comes to hand. As usual all Government updates and major College communication will be posted on our website at the following location: https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/covid-1…

Further information about COVID-19 is available on the NSW Government website.

Thank you again for your patience, understanding and prayers as we work together to protect our community during the current pandemic.

“But we will trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7

Regards,

____________________________

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Hear from our Prefects as they share devotions on the Fruit of The Spirit.

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

In keeping with our Premier’s announcement this morning, Thursday 12 August, our lockdown is extended for another week. Routines and expectations, particularly with regard to visitors on site and the wearing of masks, all remain the same. The Public Health endorsed advice for schools is that parents and caregivers, unless they are authorised workers, must keep children at home. This includes both Primary and Secondary students.

Whilst we recognise that this will be disruptive and inconvenient for all families, it is important that we don’t tire of following the NSW Health advice. In particular, please be mindful of, and prayerful for, our Yr 12 students who will need to complete their Trial HSC exams at home. Specific information regarding these exams will be communicated to Yr 12 students directly.

If your child exhibits any symptoms they must get tested immediately. NSW Health requests anyone who has been unwell or develops any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting or extreme tiredness to be tested at one of the COVID-19 testing clinics.

The College continues to work with health advice and will continue to communicate with parents as information comes to hand. As usual, all Government updates and major College communication will be posted on our website at the following location: https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/covid-1…

Further information about COVID-19 is available on the NSW Government website.

Thank you again for your patience, understanding and prayers as we work together to protect our community during the current pandemic.

“But we will trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7

Regards,

____________________________

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Primary Families and Caregivers,

At Belmont Christian College, we are committed to supporting all of our students and families. We strive to fulfill the needs of all students in all areas of their learning and wellbeing.

Facing remote learning again and having experienced it last year, we recognise that many students love and thrive on learning from home. However, the reality is that some may not respond as positively in the home learning environment and so we would like to help facilitate this for both students and parents.

To assist in supporting all students’ learning and motivation in a healthy and balanced way, we are offering an additional, ‘optional’ program called ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’ which will start on Wednesday, 18th August, 2021.

The program aims to fulfil each child’s academic needs, as well allow them to enjoy their daily undertakings in unique, creative, thought-provoking, wholesome and active ways.

In accordance with the ‘Primary School Remote Learning Guide’ that was emailed to parents last week, teachers will upload school work each day. The platforms used are Seesaw or Google Classroom in Primary and classwork delivery remains as per the guide.

‘Wellbeing Wednesday’ provides the option of a less demanding work expectation and output for students on that particular day. This will be guided by parents at home. It should be clearly understood that the day’s schoolwork will always be provided by teachers to students and parents on a daily basis. Parents may choose to continue with this daily pattern, or take advantage of Wellbeing Wednesday at times that suit the family.

Please note that important assessment tasks will not be set on Wellbeing Wednesday. These will be uploaded on other school days as per the classroom teacher’s guidelines.

Students who attend school may bring their own activities such as art, craft, board games etc. as well as being provided with school resources. Students will be fully guided and supported by teachers.

Further, we are acutely aware that there is a concerning amount of screen time that children are now exposed to, and we would like to help reduce this time where we can.

Here are some ideas/options from which students may choose. Parents and children may like to select a variety of these different options depending on what suits each one’s fancy for the day:

1. Write grandparents or relatives an ‘I love you’ letter
2. Read the Bible and write a personal devotion that means something to you and or your loved ones
3. Play outside – skip, kick a ball, run laps around the garden – skipping, hopping, jumping then take your pulse after each lap and write the readings down. Do the same thing on another day and compare the readings and talk about why they may be different
4. Collect leaves or stones or shells and make a collage
5. Doodle/colour in – mindful colouring books?
6. Read a book of interest/choice
7. Cook with mum or dad – make pizza for lunch?
8. Journal – write and draw about everything they are grateful for (at least five things); pray about these things and thank God
9. Sketch a scene sitting in a chair in the garden and post it to a friend with a letter
10. Do a small job around the house that you wouldn’t normally do (pick out of the hat – created by parent) eg. clean out the cutlery drawer
11. Sew or create
12. Just simply play with toys/Lego
13. Puzzles
14. Draw a cartoon strip about what they did on the weekend
15. Video family or siblings singing a song together, or ask parents to video
16. Create a play or write a song
17. Learn to use chopsticks to pick up small items
18. Draw a picture for a sibling or parent to colour in
19. Write a speech about what they are grateful for and try to memorise it (record and send to teachers or friends).
20. Play schools with dolls/toys and teach them how to add and subtract (parent to video) – send to teacher
21. Count the number of items in the living room or bedroom or garden beginning with the first letter of their name, and write these in a list
22. Pull out five weeds from the garden, including the roots!
23. Water the garden!
24. Dress up in a fun outfit/character, take a photo and ask classmates to guess who they are – competition with classmates
25. Make up a one-minute dance & video it
26. Blindfold a family member and do a taste test (using 3-4 different ‘safe’ foods)
27. Read a devotion to a family member and talk about it
28. Make a fancy collar for your family pet
29. Make a cubby – inside or out
30. Draw your family pet doing their favourite thing – send it to your teacher and friends with a written explanation
31. Play with your pet with their favourite toys
32. Do your mum’s makeup!
33. Join a paper plane challenge (your teachers can provide details)
34. Read a book and ask a parent to video you reading. Playback and repeat to see if you can make improvements to your expression and enunciation
35. Make a mud pie & decorate it (outside!)
36. Rearrange your bedroom (or talk to your teacher about the classroom!)
37. Create a Merit Award Certificate for a member of your family and present it to them in your own special way
38. Free choice (approved by parents or teachers!)

As always, teachers are available for contact throughout Monday to Friday within the usual College hours.

I trust that this helps Primary families during this time of remote learning. Please know that you are in our prayers daily, and we are here to support you however we are able.

Kind regards

___________________________
Leoni McNeill
Head of Primary

Belmont Christian College
Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

If you are an authorised worker and require your child to come to school next week (from Monday 9th August, 2021), the following will apply for drop-off in the mornings and pick-up in the afternoons. Note that the same COVID regulations apply including social distancing, no gathering of adults, quick/safe entry and exit to and from the school grounds and the wearing of masks if parents need to get out of the car.

For drop-off in the morning: (8:20 to 8:40am)On Monday, Mrs MacNamara and I will be present to greet and direct your child from the Kiss ‘n Drop Zone. For younger children, we will escort them to designated classrooms.

Designated classrooms are:

Beginners and Kindergarten – Kinder Green classroom (Mrs. Fryer and Mrs Urane’s classroom).

Year 1 and 2 – S1Blue (Mr Pearson’s classroom)

Stages 2 and 3 – S3Red (Mrs. Morris/Mr Watt’s classroom).

For pick-up in the afternoon: (2:50pm). Students will be escorted by teachers to the Kiss ‘n Drop Zone ready to be picked up by parents or caregivers. COVID regulations apply.

From Tuesday onwards, students are able to make their way to nominated classrooms as they normally do. For Beginners children or any child who requires extra supervision will be greeted and escorted by either Mrs Mac, Miss G or Miss McCauliff to nominated classrooms.

Please ensure that you have registered your child’s attendance from the link sent to all parents and caregivers on Friday. If for any reason parents are required to talk to any staff member, they are to sign in and out using the Service NSW COVID QR code at the front office, as well as the regular sign in and out on the IPad.

Many thanks for your support and please know that you are in our prayers as we navigate through this challenging time together.

Regards,
________________________________
Leoni McNeill
Head of Primary / K-12 Teacher Accreditation

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Parents & Caregivers,

Please find below the link for this year’s eform for authorised workers’ students needing to do online learning at the College:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctZNJ42vwt4gyGPolTvlxLluq0hLcxyrGUs5njXyGDtAcDPQ/viewform

Regards,

____________________________

BCC Admin Team

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

PLEASE CHECK YOUR NOMINATED EMAIL ADDRESS TO ACCESS THE TWO ATTACHMENTS THAT ARE REFERRED TO IN THE NOTE BELOW.

Dear Parents and Caregivers

As the College is located in an LGA that has moved into lockdown, we as you know will head into another week of remote learning. Our desire is to support you as much as possible during this remote learning season. A reminder that the Government has asked that if you are working from home, to please keep your children at home. There will be minimal supervision on site next week for those students of authorised workers only.

Please find attached two relevant documents that will assist you during remote learning. The first document is a Support Guide that will explain our protocols and expectations for remote learning and the second document is the Remote Learning agreement that we would like to establish with you as we partner together in providing a continuum of learning for our students.

I would like to thank all of our families for your support during this time. Please reach out to your teacher or Stage Leader if you have any additional needs or concerns.

I invite you to join with me in praying for safety and protection of not only our community, but the nation and the world at large.

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

____________________________

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

COVID ALERT

As you may have heard on the news last night and this morning, there are now confirmed cases and school closures in the Lake Macquarie and Maitland LGAs.

Further to the Premier’s announcement late this morning, Lake Macquarie LGA will be in lockdown from 5pm today.

Our preparation day for remote learning will occur tomorrow and remote learning will commence on Monday. That means tomorrow, Friday 6 August, will be a pupil free day.

Specific information regarding remote learning in Primary and Secondary will be communicated tomorrow, Friday 6 August. Remote and Online Teaching and Learning Procedures for both parents and students will be posted on our College website tomorrow at the following location: https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/covid-1… 

Whilst we recognise that this will be disruptive and inconvenient for families, it is important that we follow NSW Health advice and take all necessary precautions to minimise the risk of further transmission to support our community.

As usual, if your child exhibits any symptoms, they must get tested immediately. NSW Health requests anyone who has been unwell or develops any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting or extreme tiredness to be tested at one of the COVID-19 testing clinics.

The College is currently working with health advice and will communicate with parents as information comes to hand. As usual all Government updates and major College communication will be posted on our website at the following location: https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/covid-1…

Further information about COVID-19 is available on the NSW Government website.

Thank you again for your patience, understanding and prayers as we work together to protect our community during the current pandemic.

“But we will trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7

Regards,

____________________________

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As you know, COVID-19 continues to have an impact on our society, and so, maintaining the health and wellbeing of our students, staff and College community continues to be a priority for us all.

Parents/caregivers, students and staff are keen for a return to school, and we are blessed to be able to continue to attend school, albeit with some restrictions on certain activities. The most recent NSW Health advice for schools outside of Greater Sydney (13.7.21) is that, under the current health orders:

• all students are expected to be at school unless they have even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms
• students should not attend school if unwell, even with mild symptoms of COVID-19
• any person with any COVID-19 symptoms will be sent home and should not return until they have received a negative test result and are symptom-free
• in circumstances where children have other medical reasons for recurrent symptoms a letter from their GP is sufficient to negate the requirement for a negative test
• students and staff should reduce traveling to geographical areas with higher levels of COVID-19 restrictions in place

Coming to school is important for students’ social, emotional and academic wellbeing. We are also committed to socially responsible action to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

The College’s position is that school is safe, and we will continue to manage the risks with the safety procedures we have in place. Please understand that this plan is subject to change due to government directives, health advice and local circumstances.

1. Health and Safety

NSW Health advice continues to be that schools are safe places for students, teachers and staff. The College will continue to implement good hygiene measures to make our College as safe, clean and secure as we can. This includes:

• Regular professional cleaning has increased yet again using high-strength anti-viral disinfectant
• Regular hand washing protocols and the provision of hand sanitizer throughout the College, with messages about health and hygiene practices displayed prominently
• Physical distancing within the practical limitations of the College environment, including the cancellation or postponement of large gatherings, Interschool sporting events, excursions, and avoiding close-proximity queuing
• Floor markings will be made at Reception and Student Services and when orders are picked up from the College canteen
• Students will continue to use their lockers periodically under supervision

It is critical that any student who feels unwell does not attend school. This is of vital importance if they have cold or flu-like symptoms. Parents/caregivers are asked to continue to follow health advice to keep your children at home if they are unwell. Similarly, parents/caregivers of children with complex medical needs are encouraged to seek medical advice from their health care professional to make an informed decision about a return to school.

2. Masks and Face Coverings 

Masks are mandatory on public transport. This applies to students aged 12 years and over, and staff when travelling to and from school, and during school excursions by public transport or by chartered or private transport services.

While at school, masks or face coverings are recommended in all indoor settings  for: 

• all students  in Year 7 and above
• all staff in school settings

3. Drop Off and Pick Up

The greatest risk of transmission in the school environment is between adults. It is of upmost importance that teachers and parents/caregivers maintain physical distancing between themselves and each other.

All parents/caregivers are asked to remain in their vehicles at all times. Staff will be on hand from 8.20am to assist young children from cars and to guide them to their classrooms as needed. Staff will also be on hand to assist Kindy students and Beginners to meet their parents/caregivers at pick up.

Non-essential visitors are not permitted in schools. Some visitors are permitted in schools based on the guidelines that follow. Parents/caregivers should:  

• maintain physical distancing by avoiding gathering outside of school gates
• remain outside of school grounds (note some exceptions may apply regarding schools for specific purposes, vulnerable students or students with disability)
• follow mask-wearing requirements and sign in using the Service NSW QR code when and if entering the school

4. QR code sign-in process for all staff and visitors

The NSW Government have introduced mandatory QR codes across a range of additional settings, including schools.

Parents/caregivers permitted on school sites for specific purposes are required to check in using the QR codes available and check out once they leave the school site.

We appreciate your support in responding to these government restrictions as we endeavour to keep our community safe.

Yours Sincerely,

____________________________

Ms Sharon Sopher

Principal

Mr Steve Tidey

Assistant Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Join adolescent and family psychologist Asher Morrison for a discussion on managing screen time and Internet use with your children.

It’s a pleasure to share with you a live recording of our Secondary Concert Band performing the song ‘In a Sentimental Mood’ by ‘Duke Ellington’. Our Secondary Concert Band has been showing steady development over the past few years, and despite the challenges of 2020, the band was still able to expand its skills and enjoy a diverse range of repertoire. We’re excited about what’s in store for our Secondary Concert Band, and we know that we’ll see them go from strength to strength this year. Enjoy the performance!

Our prayer for our students is that they are drawn into something bigger than themselves. Hear from our College Chaplain, Rev Mitch Forbes, as he shares our desire to explore Christianity in its entirety.

Welcome to our 2020 Belmont Christian College Year 6 Graduation Ceremony being held on Wednesday 2 December from 11:30am. It is great to have you join us here

Explore our virtual Spotlight 2020. In 2020, Year 10 students were given the topic “My Story”. They practiced a range of film making techniques and then applied a range of these to making a short 2-3min film. Each student concentrated on a topic of personal interest, film techniques, Genre and Misen scene. You can watch all of their films here.

Sarabi Sponza – a Torres Strait Islander woman and one of our Year 11 students – recently conducted an interview with Bianca Manning, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Coordinator at Common Grace. Common Grace is a Christian organisation which aims to amplify the voices of Indigenous Australians, form friendships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and seeks to proclaim God’s justice and love to our society.

It’s a privilege to hear Bianca’s insight and passion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice.

Each year, NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 2020, BCC is recognising NAIDOC Week as we learn about our Indigenous heritage, celebrate the uniqueness of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and encourage all staff and students to learn from and respect cultural diversity.

Explore our virtual HSC Showcase. HSC Showcase is a celebration of both design and the creative arts at BCC. Take a moment to enjoy the many God-given gifts, skills and talents of these amazing students.

Welcome to our 2020/21 Belmont Christian College Prefect Induction. It is great to have you join us.

Well done to one of our BCC Alumni, Miss Hannah-Kate Procter, for being selected for this years ARTEXPRESS with her sculpture ‘Detachment from her origin’. Recently the Newcastle Weekly caught up with Hannah-Kate to find out more. Read the article here.

Something to brighten your day from our BCC Beginners and Primary school staff and students!

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Please note a slight change in term dates brought about by a sudden shift to remote learning at the end of Term 1. As students were learning from home that week, instead of being on site at the College or away on camps, we will bring students back two days earlier at the start of Term 3. Please note that the first day of Term 3 for students is now Thursday, 23rd July. This week will be known as week 0 and will be a week A. Week 1(B) will start as expected on Monday, 27th July and the last day for Term 3 is the expected Friday, 25th September.

Week 0 (A) – Thursday, 23rd July
Week 1 (B) – Monday, 27th July
Week 2 (A) – Monday, 3rd August etc

For a detailed schedule of 2020 term dates, please go to: https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/term-dates/

Regards

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Hear from our Creative Arts Coordinator, Mr Chris Stewart, as he takes us Mountain Biking, all whilst delving in to God’s word.

Hear more from our Head of Sport, Mr Mark Hall, as he takes us through BCC’s inaugural ‘virtual’ cross country, launching on a running track near you – Week 6, Term 2

Hear from our Business Manager, Mr Bill Truscott, on what extra health and hygiene measures the College has taken as students return to school. A big thanks to both you and your team Mr Truscott!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5c940u6LSw&feature=youtu.be

Dear Parents & Caregivers,

Be sure to check your nominated email inbox and the following link for important information regarding our Term 2 back to school plans.

College Office

A helpful article from ABC LIFE…as things start to look a bit different….again

https://www.abc.net.au/life/getting-to-the-end-of-homeschooling-during-coronavirus/12210588#

Whilst this is from the US, there are some helpful hints & tips for Australian based parents in this following article from Parent Cue.

https://theparentcue.org/parenting-and-teaching-a-special-needs-child-during-covid-19/

Join our College Chaplain Mitch Forbes, as he delivers his latest Connect talk on Philippians 1. Be encouraged. When life gives you COVID…make meringues!!

Need some more tips for getting the most out of Remote Learning? We’ve put together a simple presentation summarising Remote Learning and how to make it work for you. See our Student Survival Guide.

Hear from our Head of Primary, Mrs Leoni McNeill, as she addresses our BCC Primary parents and students for Term 2.

Welcome back! Hear from our Director of Teaching & Learning, Miss Melanie Melcum, as she addresses our BCC Secondary students in the lead-up to Term 2.

The following link from the Australian Federal Government eSafety Commissioner is a helpful support for parents as they navigate increased technology use by their children throughout this current season.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/skills-advice/taming-technology

Hear from our Director of Teaching & Learning, Miss Melanie Melcum, as she addresses our BCC Secondary students in the lead-up to Easter and Term 2.

Hear from our Head of Primary, Mrs Leoni McNeill, as she reflects on the previous fortnight of Remote Learning and encourages BCC Primary School families in the lead-up to Easter and Term 2.

Join our College Chaplain Mitch Forbes, as he delivers his Connect talk on New Creation. Be encouraged! The story does not end in tears but in comfort, love and newness.

Listen to our Director of Student Services and Wellbeing Mrs Bronwyn Rappeneker, as she talks about how to find rest amidst a disruptive season.

“How do we explain the coronavirus and the various social distancing measures to our kids without freaking them out?” If you are wondering how to educate your children about COVID-19 in a calm and reassured way, then you might find this article from the ABC helpful.

https://www.abc.net.au/life/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-coronavirus-covid-19/12084666?utm_source=abc_life&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_content=link&utm_campaign=abc_life