Newsletter

Once again we have had a very encouraging start to the new school year. Last week as a whole school we came together in our annual Commencement Assembly acknowledging our community and with student leaders praying for God’s guidance and protection over staff, students and parents. I prayed at the conclusion of the assembly from Ephesians 3 that “…God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, will accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think for today and the coming year.”

Staff have also attended the 2019 Commissioning Service at Belmont Baptist Church last Sunday morning, and we were challenged by Pastor Phil’s message about being alive in the freedom of the grace of God.

The three ideals: Belong, Believe, Become that were my focus last year continue to be vital as we work together to develop in each of our students their God-given abilities and talents. I want BCC to continue to be a place that equips them to realise their potential as ‘influencers’ of a generation for Jesus Christ.

Last week, the beautiful Mrs Lesley Betterridge was farewelled in a very special memorial service. Her husband, Mr John Betterridge, faithfully led the College as Assistant Principal for 21, years officially retiring at the end of 2017. We honour the Betterridge family and pray that God will continue to uphold them in the days ahead.

Introducing Mr David Gray – Director of Mission & Community / HSIE Coordinator

Where have you come from? 
My family and I recently moved from Mona Vale on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. I have previously worked at Covenant Christian School within the Secondary School (started 2009) and my most recent position was Director of the National Institute for Christian Education, a postgraduate training arm for teachers and administrators in Christian schools. Prior to my involvement in education circles, I worked in magazine distribution and publication.

What church do you attend?
Together with my wife Anna and two young boys, Darcy and Jude, we are currently looking for a new church family. We have recently settled into the area just south of Warners Bay and are in the process of making that decision. Your prayers are appreciated as we visit local churches with a goal to put down roots in a church community as soon as possible. 

What are your interests?
I love surfing, running, camping, reading, gardening and spending quality time with my family. 

A little bit about your new position at the College.
My role at the College is multi-faceted. Alongside teaching young people (which I love to do) and leading the HSIE faculty in Secondary School, I am tasked with working alongside the College community in ensuring that we remain on mission. As a Christian College, we have a mission and vision to grow young people up into Christ. What does that look like in the day to day? How are we going about that? What messages do we share with students each day around what it means to be in Christian community? How is a biblical worldview being applied to our education strategies, College processes, team structures, College celebrations, wellbeing, discipline? Once we reflect on these things, my other role is to consider how we then promote the College to the wider community in an authentic and appropriate manner. I am privileged and honoured to join the BCC community and look forward to meeting many of you in the coming months.

Any other information you’d like to share.
My eldest son Darcy has thoroughly enjoyed joining the BCC Prep class. It has been such a warm and welcoming community and together with my wife Anna, we want to thank you for having us.

Primary

Last week, students competed in the Primary School swimming carnival at Charlestown. The day ran very well, with students having the option of competing in 50m events or 25m novelty races. Year 11 Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation class ran the 25m races which included Freestyle and Breaststroke, along with pool noodle, cork collecting and kickboard races. Students won ribbons and points for their House. The 50m pool saw students compete for Age Champion points and places on the school team for the Zone Carnival next week.

Well done to Victoria Robinson who smashed her previous records in the Multi-class 50m Freestyle and Breaststroke and set a new record in Backstroke.

Congratulations to Robinson House, who were named Swimming Champions for the 3^rd consecutive year, and looking to win their 4^th consecutive overall House competition.

Congratulations to the following Age Champions:

Secondary

The annual Secondary Swimming Carnival was once again held at Charlestown Pool last week, the weather was HOT, so was the racing and the House competition. Well done to Booth House for taking out the carnival, after a close battle with Cuthbert House for most of the day.

Final House Points:
1st Booth – 1795,  2nd Cuthbert – 1504,  3rd Liddell – 1438,  4th Robinson – 1084

Congratulations to following Age Champions:

The Council has sent us information relating to traffic that may impact you. Please read the flyer here and note particularly a couple of implications.
1. The turnaround that looks like a roundabout outside the College property is a median strip and not a parking area. The penalty is $183 and two demerit points.
2. The houses on the left immediately outside the College gate have No Stopping signs. If you stop here, even for a brief moment, the penalty is $330 and two demerit points.  
In the afternoons if you have to wait to enter the College gates please do so to the left before the Keep Clear area at Maranatha Close. This is to keep the College entrance gate clear for College buses as they return at the end of the day, for Prep parents and emergencies.

• Last Sunday the staff of our College were blessed to meet together with the members of Belmont Baptist Church for our Commissioning Service where we reaffirmed our commitment to serve Jesus through the ministry He has called us to at BCC. Please continue to pray for us as we seek to honour Him through our work with our students.  
• Please continue to pray for John Betterridge and his family. The service to celebrate Lesley’s life was testimony to God’s faithfulness and John shared afterwards that he has felt the tangible comfort of Jesus and strength through the prayers lifting him up. Please continue to pray for this precious family. 
• Praise God for every child He has entrusted into our care this year. We are blessed. Please pray for a covering over the College, that our students will flourish and that they will grow in knowledge of who Jesus is, and who they are in a Him.  Praise God for the start of a new year. Our God is a God of new beginnings.