Newsletter

Tests… assessments…. appraisals… diagnostics… benchmarking… COVID tests… evaluations… reports… they are all around us; in our sport, in our TV shows, in our jobs, in our schools and seemingly more so than ever before. We live in a world that looks to testing for many and varied things. Now don’t get me wrong, testing can be a very useful and helpful strategy for ascertaining what went wrong and what went right and what we can change for the future. The students and teachers of our College are in the midst of testing right now…testing the skills and knowledge gained throughout the year and much more. Our Year 12 students are presently sitting their HSC exams, which may help determine what they decide to pursue next year. These are important and significant tests that serve a definite purpose.

However, what a blessing and relief it is to look at how God sees us. We don’t need to reach a certain benchmark, pass a certain test or complete a set assessment to be loved and accepted by our Heavenly Father. When we come to faith in God through Jesus, He sees each of us as His children whom he loves. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, seen as redeemed and blameless, just as God sees Jesus. No tests to pass, just acceptance of His grace and mercy. What a blessing!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” Ephesians 1:3-6

Praise Points

~ Nate Miller, Mitch Forbes and Gail Vine recently spent three days on retreat with our Prefect Team. We have had such good reports of team building, of insights gained through the team looking at their Strengths Survey results and seeing how/why God has made them in a unique way to serve Him in Kingdom Ministry. Please pray that this team will grow even closer to Jesus as they prepare to lead the study body. 

Thank you for praying for our precious community. We would appreciate prayer for:

~ Our HSC students over the next three weeks and for the readers and writers for our students with Special Provisions would be appreciated.
~ Our students who have diagnosed anxiety – and for all our students who will be anxious at times – that they will sense the supernatural presence of their loving Heavenly Father around them, enabling them as they do their HSC study and exams.
~ Protection from illness for our HSC support team and for our HSC students during this time.
~ Year 11 Camp – we have a wonderful opportunity to take Year 11 away on camp this term. Please pray that it will be a time of community building and vision casting as they step into their Year 12 studies. 
~ Our counsellor Liz Roberts returned to us this week. Liz is transitioning back to work after a long absence due to some injuries she experienced earlier in the year. Please pray for continued healing and full restoration for Liz. 
~ Mrs Janine Ferreira as she awaits surgery to help relieve her from the pain and discomfort she is experiencing. Please pray that the surgery will be scheduled as soon as possible. 
~ Our students and families in our community who are experiencing challenging times – health challenges, financial challenges, relational challenges – that they will know God’s grace and provision in profoundly personal and meaningful ways. 

Prayer Requests

In deeply challenging times such as these, we find our rest in the unchanging nature and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.

As a Christian community we understand the significance and purpose of prayer. It is the heart-beat of our College. Together we boldly pray to our Father, through the work of His Son, in the power of the Spirit.

If you have a prayer request please complete the form here. We would love to pray for you specifically, and for your family, during this time of change.

‘We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express’ Romans 8:26b

Praying Parents

Parents are invited to join our prayer group on Mondays at 8:15am and Fridays at 2:15pm, meeting at the flag pole after signing in at the College office. For more information please contact Ang Proctor mailit2us@gmail.com or phone 0409 288 000. Everyone is welcome to join in.

At the moment we are covering the Year 12 students in prayer as they prepare for the HSC and their final months at BCC. COVID-19 has added an extra layer of complexity to their year, but we know that our God is faithful and He has a plan for each of them. We are praying for their studies, but also that they grow in revelation of God’s faithfulness and understanding that when we are weak, He is strong.

If you would like to volunteer to commit to covering two Year 12 students in prayer from now until the end of HSC exams (mid Nov), please email wendy@wendyrobinson.com.au.

Here are some suggestions for what ‘covering the two Year 12 students in prayer’ looks like:
(a) When praying for your own children, include a prayer for these two young people.
(b) Every time you drive into the school grounds, ask for God’s blessing and favour on them (can be prayed in your mind, doesn’t have to be prayed aloud).
(c) Every time you wash your hands, ask for God to give them a sound mind, the mind of Christ, and strength to do each day well.
(d) Ask God to give you a specific scripture to pray for them.
(e) Ask God what He wants you to pray for them.

Primary Athletics Carnival

It is exciting to be able to hold our annual Athletics Carnival this year. The carnival will be held at Hunter Sports Stadium, Glendale on Friday, 30th October (Week 3, Term 4).

Our carnival will look very different this year, with extra provisions made and changes to our usual format. Unfortunately, with current COVID-19 restrictions in place Kindergarten and Year 1 will remain at school for the day and parents unfortunately, are unable to attend the carnival.

We have recognised that this may make transport arrangements difficult for some families, so for 2020, students will be taken to and from the carnival by bus. Students will return in time for afternoon buses. Students are expected to attend the Carnival. There will be no classes at school for Years 2-6.

In 2020, students will not be able to leave the carnival early.

Please note, this year’s carnival may be cancelled should it be affected by poor weather. We will make a final decision before the day and advise via skoolbag.

Secondary Athletics Carnival

Exciting news: our Secondary School Athletics Carnival (Years 7-11) will be held on Thursday, 22nd October at Hunter Sports Centre Glendale from 8:30am to 2:40pm. Students are to arrive from 8:20am, and events begin at 9am. There are some restrictions in place due to COVID-19.  The main restriction affecting parents/caregivers is unfortunately that no parents or spectators are allowed to attend the carnival.

Attendance is compulsory for ALL STUDENTS. Carnival participation will be used as part of the Years 7 – 10 PDHPE Assessment. The greater the participation the higher the mark. If your child is absent they MUST provide a valid reason to the College Office.

We require student helpers, so if your child is not that fond of athletics they can assist with jobs on the day, and their non-participation in events will NOT affect their PDHPE Assessment.

College buses will be running from the College for those who cannot make their own way to and from Hunter Sports Centre. If you wish for your child to catch a College bus, have them place their name on the bus rolls at the Office. There are limited numbers available on the bus. These buses may arrive after the start of the carnival and will have to leave before the conclusion, so this may affect your child’s ability to compete in events in these time slots. Please consider this if your child is aiming for Age Champion.

Please also note that the finish time for the carnival is 2:30pm. Please arrange pick up by 2:40pm. If this isn’t possible, please have your child catch the bus back to the College to enable them to catch their normal school bus home. If your child has to leave early, they must have a valid note signed by their parent/caregiver and report to Mr Tidey and Mrs Evans at the recording desk near the exit.

Cancellation due to inclement weather will be advised through the Skoolbag app and possibly Rhema FM.

Staff Vs Student Soccer

The annual Yr 12 v Staff soccer game was able to go ahead with a Covid-19 plan in place for players and student spectators. The game was competitive, but played in a fantastic and God-honouring spirit.

Right from the kick-off, the students were on the attack and opened the scoring just 3 minutes into the game when a cross from the dangerous Isaac Smith was unable to be cleared effectively by goalkeeper Mr Sanchez, the ball falling to the feet of Clare Weimer who made no mistake from close range.

Just 2 minutes later, the students doubled their lead with a brilliant long range strike from Alex Crosher finding the top right corner, leaving Mr Sanchez with no chance at stopping the shot and the teachers wondering how they were going to get themselves back into the game.

But that moment would come, not long before halftime, when Mr Robins flicked a high bouncing ball through to Mr Hall, who was able to control the ball on the run and hit his shot past the student goalkeeper, Isaac Vromans, one-on-one. Vromans was having a big game in goals, and the teachers were relieved to be back in the game with the score 2-1 at halftime.

The teachers gained a slight wind advantage going into the 2nd half, and the momentum changed in their favour. The students, boasting about 25 players, were forced into a number of position changes throughout the game, which started to work against them. The staff picked up on this tactical advantage and looked to exploit it where possible.

It wouldn’t be long before a lovely through-ball from Mr Melcum found Chaplain, Mr Mitch Forbes, who was able to run through, finish the play and tie the game at 2-2.

The staff were relentless, and with space starting to open up, the students had to look to change their structure in order to hold on.

Student hopes were dealt a further blow when Forbes and Melcum combined again through the middle and this time found an open Mr Robins on the edge of the box, who was able to take a touch and bury the ball in the same top corner that Crosher had found earlier in the game to give the staff a lead for the first time in the game.

As staff bodies became weary, the students started to climb back into the game with a few late opportunities, including one which saw Sanchez tip a shot from Sam Nowland’s ball onto the crossbar before the ball was cleared off the line by Mr Armsberry. Some desperate defence late in the game from Mr Gribble, Mr Fryer and Mr Quick helped thwart the students attacks.

Relief for the teachers as the fulltime whistle sounded; a come from behind 3-2 win to win back the title that they had lost last year. Congratulations to the students, who played a great game and came so close in 2020.

Primary Aerobics

Our new formed Aerobics teams entered their first competition just before the holidays.

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the competition had to be held online, with teams sending in a video entry.

Our 3 teams are made up of girls from K-2, Yr 3-4 and Yr 5-6. They admitted to being quite nervous during their filming but have worked hard throughout the year and produced some great performances.

The girls have been practicing twice per week at school and have worked hard on producing excellent routines.

In regard to the competition, it was the NSW FISAF State Championships. All 3 teams came away with Bronze medals which was a great result for the girls’ efforts in their first competition.

The hard work didn’t end there, with the teams filming again last week for their next competition. This next event is the National Championships, which were to be held in Brisbane. The teams will receive a national ranking after this event.

Aerobics will continue in 2021 for anyone (Boys or Girls) wishing to join the teams in the future.

If you have any queries about the College uniform, make sure you visit our dedicated Uniform page on the College website. Alternatively, get in touch with our uniform partner, Alinta Apparel.

Sign in at the Uniform Shop

You are now able to sign in at the Uniform Shop. Using your mobile phone you are able to scan a QR code for quick sign in. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping inline with Covid-19 Government regulations.

Senior Secondary Blazer fitting appointments

The Uniform Shop will be holding blazer fittings and change of uniform for all current Yr 10 students starting Yr11 in 2021. These fittings will be by appointment only on:

Thursday, 12th Nov 8am – 11am and
Friday, 13th Nov 8am – 12pm

Special Sizing fitting appointments

Any student that may require special sizing are required to be fitted and order by 31st October 2020 to avoid disappointment.

To book fitting appointment, parents should call the uniform shop 0403 587 385 during opening hours or email belmontchristian@alinta.com.au to request a fitting appointment. Layby payments available in store.

Full uniform fitting appointments

In January 2021, we will be open for order collection (for lay-by collection, exchanges and late enrolments). January shop hours can be found online by logging into the Alinta customer portal.

Year 7 2021 Orientation Day & Virtual Information Night

The dates for our Year 7 Orientation 2021 schedule are as follows:

Tuesday, 10th November – 6.30pm | Information Evening (Virtual)
Tuesday, 17th November – 8.50-11am | Orientation Day morning (Kiss n drop)

Further information and support material will be shared throughout Term 4 in the lead-up to these events.

BCC Beginners 2021 Orientation Schedule

The dates for our BCC Beginners Orientation 2021 schedule are as follows:

Tuesday, 17th November – 9:30am to 11:00am – Orientation Morning #1 (Kiss n drop)
Friday, 20th November – 9:30am to 11:00am – Orientation Morning #2 (Kiss n drop) 

Further information regarding the Beginners Orientation Program has been sent via email and in the post throughout Week 9, Term 3.

Kindergarten 2021 Orientation Schedule

The dates for our Kindergarten Orientation 2021 schedule are as follows:

Thursday, 22nd October – 9:00am to 10:30am – Orientation Morning #1 (Kiss n drop)
Monday, 2nd November – 9:00am to 10:30am – Orientation Morning #2 (Kiss n drop) 
Tuesday, 17th November – 9:00am to 10:30am – Orientation Morning #3 (Kiss n drop)   

Further information regarding the Kindergarten Orientation Program has been sent via email and in the post throughout Week 9, Term 3.

Keep Informed with the BCC Website

The College website continues to grow and evolve as a fantastic resource for parents and students. Make sure you take a look at our Community Hub. Why not share the weblink with friends and family and give them a look inside the BCC Community. 

BCC also communicates home to parent/caregiver’s via the Skoolbag App. Skoolbag provides an easy and convenient means of communication of essential information including the College Newsletters, notices and alerts which are communicated directly to parents and caregivers through the Skoolbag Mobile App on your iPhone, iPad or Android device. We encourage parents to download the Skoolbag App and check-in to the App on a regular basis for any announcements to keep you informed.

2021 Tuition Fees Calculator

As previous advised there will be no increase to our fees for 2021. The fee schedule used for 2020 will remain the same for next year. We pray that this decision will bless our families who have all faced the challenges and uncertainty of this year. 

To assist with budgeting for 2021 we have a fee calculator available on our College website https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/fees/ 

2021 Term Dates

The 2021 term dates are now available on our website https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/term-dates/

Virtual College Tours

Do you have friends and family who cannot make it onsite to check out the College on a personal face-to-face tour? Maybe you know of folk who are considering a relocation to the Hunter region? Why not encourage them to join our College Registrar, Ms Teena Knott, on a Virtual College Tour. For more details and to book a face-to-face or virtual tour, click here

Entertainment Book Available Now

Entertainment Memberships are now 100% digital. Saying goodbye to the iconic Book wasn’t easy but the new Entertainment Memberships start anytime and are valid for 12 months from activation. Packed with thousands of substantial savings to delight and inspire, an Entertainment Membership is your pass to exclusive offers and quality experiences, activities and benefits. The digital membership is easy to download to start using instantly. New offers are added weekly for ongoing value all year round.

Benefits of the App include:

• User-friendly: Instantly search and redeem offers or check out the Near Me tab to find offers, wherever you are.
• Memberships start anytime: Flexible start date, Memberships are valid for 12 months from when you activate (16 months if you take advantage of the Early Bird offer now).
• New offers automatically added: As soon as a new offer is available, you get access to it. No more waiting for the next print run!
• Multiple devices: You can still share your Membership with your family. Encourage your partner and kids to download the App so they can access valuable savings when out.
• Convenient: The App means that as long as you have your phone, you have your Membership too (no more lugging around the book).
• Easy gifting: We’ve made it simpler than ever to gift an Entertainment Membership – simply purchase from your chosen fundraiser and the gift Membership will be delivered instantly to your inbox.

Safety around the College

A reminder that the entry and exit road (John Fisher Rd) to the College has a 50km/hr speed limit, and in School Zone hours 40km/hr. The College grounds/carpark speed limit is 10km/hr. We would appreciate if you could be mindful of these to keep our community safe.

Drop-off & pick-up zone

Thank you for your ongoing patience during drop-off and pick-up time.

As we continue to maintain government directed standards throughout this COVID-19 season, please take note of our current drop-off and pick-up arrangements.

What remains the same?
~ 2.40pm car pickup for Primary school students (and their Secondary siblings) AND separate Secondary School pick-up zone

~ Parents and Caregivers are welcome to park their cars in allocated car parks, and collect their children, whilst maintaining social distancing measures

~ Parents and Caregivers may physically collect their children from the path outside the black gate

What is changing?
~ In the pick up/drop off line, if necessary, parents may assist their child getting in/out of the car by getting out of the car themselves and helping with seat belts etc. This should be a quick and efficient process, to avoid traffic congestion.

The recently erected black gate will be locked from 8:40am. Any student arriving after 8:40am must enter via the canteen side entry and sign-in at the student office before going to class.

The family surname signs we have provided to Primary School parents for display on the car sun-visor or windscreen has helped the process flow reasonably well, with all things considered. Cars without this display make it difficult to identify during pick up, which does slow the process considerably. We kindly ask that parents remember to display the signs every afternoon at pick up.

If you have lost or require a sign to be made for you, please contact Deb Paardekooper on deb.paardekooper@bcc.nsw.edu.au or 4922 8311.

Stage 4 Homework Club

Does your child need help preparing for exams & completing assessments?

BCC Learning Hub is trialling an after school Homework Club for Stage 4 students on Thursday afternoon’s from 2:50pm to 4:00pm.

Staff will be available to provide support with homework, assessment tasks, exam preparation, organisational skills and developing good study habits.

Students will have access to technology and other resources in an environment that encourages students to be focused and productive.

If you would like your child to attend please fill out the e-form below to register your child. For further information please contact our Teacher Librarian, Mrs Louise Osborn, at library@bcc.nsw.edu.au.

Canteen Volunteers

The Canteen Volunteer roster is up and running and Volunteers are needed. If parents would like to volunteer please contact Virginia in the Canteen on 4922 8346 or canteen@bcc.nsw.edu.au.

Online Ordering System

Our Canteen now uses a new improved online ordering system called MunchMonitor. For the remainder of the year purchases will be online and EFTPOS only, there will be no cash purchases.

Orders need to be placed by 9.15am.

Using MunchMonitor Online Ordering
~ You can place orders online up to 4 weeks in advance
~ Top-up your account online using VISA/MasterCard
~ List allergies to alert canteen staff
~ You can order anytime you want using web browsers such as Chrome or Safari on your desktop, laptop, tablet or smart phone.
~ No sign-up fee
~ No transaction fee
~ Give your children Snack Money Allowance, Daily Allowance
~ Ban food items from the menu
~ View what your child has ordered

Snack Money is a daily or weekly allowance you set for each Student on your account. This will allow your child to purchase at the canteen window without using cash. Your child can spend up to the dollar amount you enter in their Student Profile and only on the days of the week you specify. Snack Money is a “cashless” way of purchasing at the canteen window during recess and lunch. 

It only costs $ 3.65 (inc. GST) per school term for a family account. However for this term only, the fee will be waived.

If you held an account with our former online ordering system, School24, we are able to transfer the balance of this account over to MunchMonitor. Please register with MunchMonitor and then email canteen@bcc.nsw.edu.au with your name, your eldest child’s name and class and your email address used for your MunchMonitor registration.

Register now with our new Online Ordering System

If you require further assistance call Munch Monitor on 1300 796 190 or email at help@munchmonitor.com. Our Canteen staff are also happy to help and can contacted on 4922 8346 or canteen@bcc.nsw.edu.au.

InspirationED HSC Kickstart Seminars for new HSC Students and Parents 

In an effort to support Year 11 students who are transitioning to Year 12 this term, the University of Newcastle has partnered with InspirationED to deliver a series of free HSC Kickstart Seminars.  

These webinars will provide students with an opportunity to connect with experienced teachers and HSC exam markers to cover a range of curriculum areas. Students will gain advice on how to prepare effectively in their respective subjects and will be provided with an overview of the skills and strategies proven for success.   

The series commences on Monday, 26th October at 7:30pm with a ‘Setting Up your HSC’ session, followed by a Parents session the following evening. The parent session aims to provide advice on how best to support their young person through the HSC. 

For further information please contact our Careers Advisor, Mrs Susan Carter, at careers@bcc.nsw.edu.au