Newsletter

Christian Writing Competition – Call for Entries!

2021 Australian Christian Teen Writer Award

Explore and share your faith through writing! The Australian Christian Teen Writer Award is run by SparkLit. SparkLit advances God’s kingdom by empowering Christian writers and publishers worldwide.

Awards are given for the best unpublished manuscripts from both Primary and Secondary ‘teens’.

Free entry. First prize $1,000.

Entries close 31 May 2021.

If you are interested in entering please register below. Our English Coordinator, Mr Paul Hendriks, would also love to hear of your interest in entering so please email paul.hendriks@bcc.nsw.edu.au to advise.

As Term One races to a close I am again encouraged by the level of professionalism and dedication our teaching staff have exhibited after a year of relative turmoil that was 2020. It is also heartening to see evidence of that professionalism day in, day out, as it is mixed generously with genuine care and concern for their students’ social, emotional, spiritual and academic progress.

The College’s highly relational approach to all our practices, not just the teaching and learning opportunities, creates a vibrant, dynamic, positive space for our students. I want to keep developing a culture where students find and grow a strong sense of belonging, are encouraged on the journey to believing in and knowing a relational, loving God, and are then empowered on the way to becoming everything God has intended for them.

A range of opportunities for students to experience success and achievement continue to be on offer, particularly since the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), NSW Health and other agencies most recent lifting of some previous Covid 19 restrictions.

A major event that has returned to the College’s 2021 calendar is the Year 7-11 Camping Program which has undergone changes over the years. Students obviously benefit from their involvement in camps, and research reveals that a student’s psychological, social and emotional wellbeing is enhanced due to their participation and involvement in school camps. The various camp programs:

~ help encourage independence as the programs create opportunities for students to take on responsibility and manage decisions in a safe and nurturing environment
~ help build self-confidence as students participate individually and as part of a team in a wide selection of activities
~ stimulate creativity as students enter sometimes unfamiliar environments away from their digital devices and the overwhelming presence of social media
~ create memorable moments and milestones as students progress through their schooling with their peers and teachers

I pray the students attending camps during Week 10 have a wonderfully adventurous time away together that enriches their sense of who they are individually and who they are within this community. As well, I pray you all look in anticipation to the Easter break and can appreciate again the rich spiritual significance of Good Friday and the exultant victory shout that echoes out of the empty tomb of Easter Sunday.

Prayer over 2021 – a year of growth – for our community – in our personal lives, our spiritual walk, and in our expression of His love in and through our lives. And for a flourishing for our students in their endeavours…to His glory.

We are so blessed! I was on duty yesterday at lunchtime and couldn’t help but smile as I saw some of our youngest students socialising – they were laying down on the sun-warmed pavers, little heads nearly touching as they chatted and laughed together. They were in their own little world, in the middle of the bigger world of our school. At the same time I saw a child fall over and two friends helping them as they hobbled to sickbay while others were laughing as they played handball. For some reason it was like a short film of BCC life – literally hundreds of children and young people entrusted into our care, interacting with each other. In that moment it felt very special.

Mrs Rappeneker
Head of Student Services and Wellbeing

Prayer Points

Please continue to pray for :

~ Our very new students, new families and our new staff on team. Our growing BCC family.

~ For our students who don’t know Jesus and for our opportunities in CONNECT to invite them to consider who He is and what His life means for their life.

~ Mrs Vicki Quick and for Mrs Janine Ferreira as they both continue to recover and strengthen.

~ Our students facing personal and medical challenges, that they will know the mercy and blessing of God. We ask for His mercy and His tender love to minister into their hearts and minds.

~ Our Musical and for Camp preparations – it’s so good to have a sense that these big, very much anticipated, events may well go ahead this year.

~ Our parents who are going through troubling times, challenges with their health and some with finances. Please pray that our families will know His protection – His provision – and His presence in deeply personal ways.

Thank you for praying – for helping to weave a fabric of faith around our precious community.

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 Wendy Robinson wendy@wendyrobinson.com.au or phone 0409987939. Everyone is welcome to join in.

Primary Zone Swimming Carnival

33 students represented the College at Mingara Aquatics Centre 2 weeks ago, and produced some excellent results. With plenty of Personal Best times on the day, the swimmers secured the College 2nd place in both the overall standings and Challenge Cup.

More than half of the students who attended qualified for NSW CSSA Swimming.

We had some great individual achievements, in particular for the following students who received Age Champion medals.

Primary NSW CSSA Swimming Carnival

Just 4 days later, Belmont sent a team of 19 swimmers to Blacktown for the NSW Christian Schools State Carnival.

A tricky event for our swimmers, given that parents were unable to attend this carnival. Once again our students performed well, with more positive results and again, more than half of the team qualifying for the NSW CIS Carnival.

Our swimmers helped ensure that for the first time in recent years, Hunter Zone were NSW Champions, with a massive points win.

Hamish Rae overcame some disqualification hurdles that cost him Zone Age Champion, to be named NSW CSSA 12yr Boy Age Champion for 2021.

A special mention to Luke Dalgety (3rd 8yr Boys), Joshua Dalgety (4th 10yr Boys), Harvey Lusis (2nd 11yr Boys) and Appin Paterson (3rd 11yr Boys) for their results in their respective Age Championships.

A team of 10 will compete at this week’s NSW CIS Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park, including 5 with individual races, and our Junior Girls and Senior Boys 4x50m Freestyle Relay teams.

Hunter Schools Mountain Biking

Following on from our story a few weeks ago regarding the washed out Mountain Biking competition in Singleton, the modified results have been sent through and named Joshua Foskett as riding the 2nd fastest lap on the day, well done Joshua!

Our Years 5/6 team consisting of Joshua Foskett and Henry Batchelor were in 4th place when the event had to be abandoned due to poor weather.

Our small number of teams finished in an excellent 7th position out of 24 schools.

Secondary Zone Swimming Carnival

Recently 25 students represented the College at the annual THACCCCSA Zone Swimming Carnival, everyone who attended should be extremely proud of their efforts. The team performed strongly throughout the day with 18 students qualifying through the CSSA State to be contested in Homebush at Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre. Belmont came 2nd in both the overall point score to Green Point Christian College, an agonising 2nd to Maitland in the Champions Trophy, the competition based on student enrolment numbers. Some outstanding results included:

Age Champion – Results
Zac Williams – Age Champion 14 Years Boys
Abbey Hemsworth – 2nd 13 Years Girls
Ellie-Sue Lusis – 2nd 14 Years Girls
Daniel Culjack – 2nd 15 Year Boys
Luke Hall – 2nd 15 Years Boys
Lachlan Rae – 2nd 17 Year Boys
Aidan Rae – 3rd 14 Years Boys

CSSA State Hockey Gala Day

Just over 2 weeks ago Mrs Carter took our Open Mixed Hockey Gala Team down to Macarthur in Sydney to contest the CSSA State Hockey Gala Day. There was much anticipation for the day as Belmont were defending champions from 2020, this was the last event contested before COVID-19 caused its mayhem. The team fought valiantly throughout the day, starting the game strongly winning 2-0 and 8-3 in the first two rounds. A doubleheader followed going down to Inaburra closely 3-2, then defeating William Carey 9-2. With two rounds to play Belmont was placed 2nd, they continued their dominance in the last two rounds winning 6-2 and 7-4. Bringing on Carinya in the Semi’s. It was a close well played game and Belmont prevailed in extra time sending them into the final against Inaburra. The team was exhausted but lifted themselves up off the turf, and played hard. They went down once again 3-2, but were able to hold their heads high being 2021 CSSA State Runners Up.

Congratulations to Sophia Hart for being selected into the CSSA NSW Under 16s Girls side, her older sister Olivia made the Open Girls CSSA NSW Team and Rohan Henderson made the Open Boys NSW CSSA State Team. Congratulations all.

Cross Country Carnival

The Cross Country Carnival will be held on Friday, 26th March off site at Croudace Bay Park for students from Years 2 – 12. Students will travel by bus to the park from 9:00am and return to school from 12:00 pm.

Parents are most welcome to attend, however you are asked to observe several regulations in order to assist the smooth running of the carnival, safety of the students and remain COVID safe.

~ Due to COVID restrictions there will be a designated parent/caregiver area. Parents/Caregivers will be asked to socially distance in the area. Please park near the boat ramp carpark at the Eleebana end of the park.

~ Parents/Caregivers will be required to COVID sign in via a QR code.

~ If you wish to attend please advise your attendance by completing this RSVP eform as the College needs to monitor numbers at the site. Any unauthorised individuals will be questioned by staff designated as Course Marshall.

~ No parents/caregivers are permitted to leave the designated parent/caregiver area, however, your child can visit, but not remain in your designated area. The course is a looped course around the park allowing for spectators to see the students run past at least twice. 

~ If you wish to take your child home from the carnival, please sign them out with their teacher who is their Bus Supervisor, so we can account for all children at the end of the carnival. Your child must have a written note, to leave with their supervising teacher upon departure even if you are physically present. If your child is leaving from the carnival with a family member or friend, your child must have a written note from their parent. However, it is encouraged that students return to the College after the carnival for a Sausage Sizzle and Connect.

The College Prefects and Student Council will be holding a Sausage Sizzle at the College for students when they return to the College at lunchtime. Funds raised on the day go to support representative sports students.

To place a Sausage Sizzle pre-order, log in to your Munch Monitor account then click on ‘School Shop’. If you have not yet registered for a Canteen Munch Monitor account register here, using school code: belmontcc and password: munch2280.

OSHC provided by Camp Australia

Belmont Christian College are pleased to offer a before and after school care program on site through Camp Australia. The service is available from 7.00am to 8.40am and 2.50pm to 6.00pm each school day.

Register, book and manage your before and after school care bookings at www.campaustralia.com.au or call the Customer Service Team on 1300 105 343. Further information is also available on our website https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/oshc/

Home Tutor Subscriptions

Mathseeds

Mathseeds is a comprehensive online Mathematics program for children aged 3-9. It offers a huge range of carefully structured lessons and activities that build mathematical skills over a broad range of number, shape and measurement topics. The Mathseeds program is packed full of enjoyable child-focused activities that makes learning a rewarding and meaningful experience. It teaches fundamental concepts in a fun, motivating and engaging way, whilst rewarding children for their efforts.

The benefits of Mathseeds include: 

~ A wide variety of lessons and activities that have been created by educational experts. Each lesson is carefully structured to build early mathematical skills.
~ Once a lesson is complete, it can be repeated as many times as needed.
~ Mathseeds provides parents with a simple “dashboard” to show each child’s mathematical progress.
~ Children can progress at their own level.
~ Each child can create their own avatar/online character.
~ Golden Acorns rewards can be used to add items to the child’s online treehouse or avatar.
~ Children love collecting the Pets – a new pet hatches at the end of every lesson.
~ Children receive a certificate after successfully completing the quiz at the end of every map.

If you would like extra information please refer to the website at https://mathseeds.com.au/?_ga=2.131044809.739665369.1583202549-294607997.1583202549. 

Registration and payments can be made by contacting Mrs Deborah Paardekooper at the College Office on 4922 8300 Ext 521 or deb.paardekooper@bcc.nsw.edu.au. A yearly subscription is available at a discounted price of $25.  

Reading Eggs

Learning to read is one of the most important skills children can learn. ABC Reading Eggs makes the learning to read journey fun, interactive, and highly rewarding for ages 2-13. ABC Reading Eggs was created by a highly experienced team of Australian Primary School teachers, writers and developers to help children become fluent and proficient readers. The multi-award winning early learning resource supports your child’s learning to read journey with carefully designed online reading games and activities that are easy to follow, self-paced, and highly engaging for young learners.

~ The lessons use colourful animation, fun characters, songs, and rewards to keep children motivated.
~ The program is completely interactive to keep children on task.
~ When children start the program, they can complete a placement quiz to ensure they are starting at the correct reading level.
~ Parents can access detailed progress reports as well as hundreds of full-colour downloadable activity sheets that correspond with the lessons in the program.
~ The program includes over 2000 online books for kids – each ending with a comprehension quiz that assesses your child’s understanding. 

If you would like extra information please refer to the website at https://readingeggs.com.au/.   

Registration and payments can be made by contacting Mrs Deborah Paardekooper at the College Office on 4922 8300 Ext 521 or deb.paardekooper@bcc.nsw.edu.au. A yearly subscription is available at a discounted price of $25.

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 parents and caregivers 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.

Tuition Fees Calculator

As previously advised there will be no increase to our fees for 2021.

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/

College Tours

Do you have friends and family who may like to check out the College on a 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 personal or virtual College tour. Or perhaps join our next group tour coming up on Tuesday, 1st June at 9am. For more details and to book a tour, click here

Parents’ Directory

Our website now hosts a Parents’ Directory. The Parents’ Directory is an up-to-date online directory summarising all of our key communication channels and links need-to-know information between the College and families. Communication between your family and the College forms a crucial part of the education journey. Click here to view the page and keep informed https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/parents/

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.

School Holiday Virtual Code Camp

CSA Survey Reminder

Dear Parents/Caregivers

It would be very much appreciated if you could be sure to complete the Christian Schools Australia Christian School Community Profile Survey by 1 April 2021.  The details of how to do so has been emailed to you.

If you have already completed the survey, I’d like to thank you for doing so. If you have not yet completed the survey, please read the rest of this message and complete the survey in the time remaining.

The survey is conducted online and takes 15-20 minutes to complete. Your responses to the survey are anonymous and confidential. Only one parent from your family is asked to complete the survey.

~ If you need any support with the survey, please refer to the following help resources:If you have any queries about accessing or completing the questionnaire, please contact the College Office on 0249 228300 or via email college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
~ If you experience technical issues with the survey website, please contact Kathryn Lumicisi from ORIMA Research at surveys@orima.com
~ If you would like more information about the purpose of the survey or other aspects of Christian Schools Australia’s work, please contact Dr Darren Iselin, Director of Research & Innovation via DIselin@csa.edu.au

Thank you for taking the time to participate, your input is greatly appreciated.

Regards

Ms Sharon Sopher
Principal