Pick up/Drop off Zones

Under current COVID-19 regulations non-essential visitors are not permitted in schools. Some visitors are permitted in schools based on the guidelines that follow. Parents and 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.

Parents and Caregivers are welcome to park their cars in allocated car parks, and collect their children, whilst maintaining social distancing measures. However we encourage the use of our Pick up/Drop off Zone.

Please take note of our current drop-off and pick-up arrangements as we endeavour to make afternoon pick up as smooth as possible. This should be a quick and efficient process, to avoid traffic congestion. In the Pick up/Drop off line, parents should remain in their car. Staff will be available to assist young children. Please heed the direction given by the staff member on duty at the Pick up/Drop off zone if they ask you to move forward in the line.

The family surname signs we have provided to 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 the College office on deb.paardekooper@bcc.nsw.edu.au.

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

Road Rules in School Zones

We have had advice from the Lake Macquarie City Council Rangers that there is to be NO STOPPING on the road at the entrance to the College. Therefore once the College Pick up/Drop off Zone is full, cars need to start the queue on the Maranatha Close side of John Fisher Road at the ‘Keep Clear’ line. Once the queue is moving please wait briefly on the road at the entrance of the College.

The entrance gate to the College must also be left clear to allow traffic to go straight ahead. Please do not block this. The exit from the College is for exit only – do not attempt to enter the College through the exit as it may result in serious injury.

Also, a reminder of the road rules in School Zones are displayed in the infographic below. We ask that you understand your responsibility when driving in school zones and using John Fisher Road.

Thank you for helping us keep our students safe.

If you could choose one characteristic for your child, what would it be?

When I interview parents about what they most want for their child, in their years at school, the characteristic that most reoccurs is the desire that their child would be happy. However, happiness can be elusive. Parents on the whole do not say that they want their child to develop integrity, kindness, honesty, a willingness to serve, compassion and so forth. I think it’s a given that most parents want these things for their children. However, the overriding desire is that children are happy.

A far more powerful characteristic for children is resilience. Children (and adults) will encounter disappointment, unkindness and times of injustice in their lives. When a parent’s goal is only the happiness of their child, they have to try and remove or minimise everything that might make their child unhappy. A parent whose goal is the resilience of their child seeks to give strategies for managing those moments.

Building resilience starts with understanding that we can’t control circumstances or other people. We have been unable to control this pandemic and the Government regulations and restrictions that come with it. We can, however, control how we respond to our circumstances. The world is not always fair or kind. Learning to be gracious, confident and generous of spirit is the best way to deal with those pressures. Understanding which battles to fight and which to let pass leads to maturity and wisdom. Identifying feelings, both our own and others develops social intelligence. Having confidence in our own worth and that of others grows compassion. Knowing how to bring grace and forgiveness builds peace-making. Ironically, parents who build resilience in their children, inevitably end up with the happiest children.

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.

Prayer Points

~ COVID-19 and the impacts on students, parents and staff. Surround the nation- particularly those in the lockdown areas

~ Students and staff in our community who are unwell or who are dealing with and working through grief of loved ones

~ Mrs Naomi Carthew- ex member of staff who is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatment for a double mastectomy, which will be ongoing until March 2022

~ HSC students as they begin their trial exams

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

Prayer Warriors

Parents are invited to join our prayer group on Mondays at 8:15am and Fridays at 2:15pm. Meeting at the College flag pole after signing in at the College office. Current COVID-19 restrictions require parents to wear a mask. For more information please contact Wendy Robinson wendy@wendyrobinson.com.au or phone 0409987939. Everyone is welcome to join in.

Coins for Compassion

As a College, we sponsor six children from Compassion. The staff sponsors Byron from Uganda, the Primary students sponsor Chepkemoi Ruth from Kenya and Petrha from West Timor and our Secondary students sponsor three additional children from West Timor.

It is our desire that all of our students learn to develop ‘compassion’ for those less fortunate than themselves. We would like to help them genuinely understand what mercy is, and how we can all play a small part in showing love and compassion towards others.

We held our ‘Coins for Compassion’ day on the last day of Term 2. This was such a a fun day where the children were engaged in several activities to help raise the money for our Compassion children.

We are delighted to announce that the total money raised from our Coins for Compassion day was:

$10,124.14

What an amazing result! The money will cover the sponsorship of our Compassion children over the next 12 months, and will also be used to bless the children’s families and projects to which they belong. 

Many third world countries are still struggling with the effects of COVID so we are honoured to be able to bless our Compassion children’s projects with funds that will help them feed and bless many children in the community.

As a College we love that our students can look beyond themselves and put so much effort and enthusiasm into a day which blesses others. This whole school photo was taken on the day. We wanted to physically display our message of love to our Compassion children knowing that is the message Jesus has for us all.

A huge thank you to Mrs Fryer and Mrs Potapczyk for organising such an amazing day for not only our Compassion children but for our own students here at the College as well.

School Photo Day

School photographs have been re-scheduled and will be taken on Monday, 30th August 2021 for Primary, Secondary and Beginners #1 Students and on Thursday, 7th October 2021 for Beginners #2 Students. We will be taking Sibling photos on Monday, 30th August and any families with a Beginners #2 child on Thursday, 7th October.

Please note a reminder of our Winter Formal Uniform requirements for the day:
~ Kindergarten – Year 6 boys are requested to wear long sleeved shirts.
~ Kindergarten – Year 12 girls are requested to wear navy opaque stockings, not socks.
~ Year 11 and 12 must wear their shirts and blazers.
~ Kindergarten – Year 12 boys wear ties.
~ Kindergarten – Year 6 girls wear bows.
~ Hair needs to be off the face, tied back or up.
~ Plain surgical studs or sleepers and one watch only.

An envelope has been distributed to students. It is our preference that ordering be completed online to reduce administration and potential security issues related to the return of cash and envelopes. If ordering online is not possible, order envelopes and cash can be returned to the photographer on photo day.

Orders can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using our school’s unique 9 digit advanced order code: P5L NEY LXP. Portrait and group package orders are due on photo day. Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, the order must be placed no later than 26th August. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed.

Should you have any queries concerning school photographs or online ordering, please email to enquiries@advancedlife.com.au.

ORDER NOW, go to: www.advancedlife.com.au and enter the code: P5L NEY LXP

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.

Sport Caps in Stock

The uniform shop now has Sports Caps back in stock.

NEW Uniform Shop Hours

Sign in at the Uniform Shop

You are 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.

Instrument Trial

On Wednesday, 4th August we will be holding an Instrument Trial for our Year 2 and Stage 2 students. An Instrument Trial provides students with an opportunity to try out the melodic instruments that make up our BCC Music ensembles. These instruments include violin, saxophone, flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tuba, drums/percussion, and bass guitar. On the day, your child will bring home an info pack with further details about joining our College Music program in Stage 2.

When: Wednesday, 4th August, Periods 3 – 4
Where: College Library
Who: ALL Year 2 Students. Any Stage 2 wanting to attend must have parent permission via this Google Form.

Music Tuition

Our wonderful Music Tutor team continue to offer lessons available at the College during school hours.

FOR MUSIC TUTOR CONTACT DETAILS, head to our website here.

Music Ensembles

BCC are proud to offer a range of Music ensembles for our students. For information and enrolment for all our Creative Arts and Music ensembles, please follow the relevant links below. Also check out our Hot tips and Instrument Hire Form.

Our timetable for Music ensembles are as follows:

Postponements and Cancellations due to COVID-19

The Sporting Events listed below have been either postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Further information will be advised as needed.

Primary

~ Zone Athletics Carnival

Secondary

~ Zone Boys Basketball
~ Girls Futsal
~ Zone Athletics Carnival

For further information please contact our Secondary Sports Coordinator, Mr Mark Hall, at mark.hall@bcc.nsw.edu.au or Primary Sports Coordinator, Mr Ben Robins, at ben.robins@bcc.nsw.edu.au.

Primary AFL Grand Final

The excitement of our Coins for Compassion day finished with our annual Primary AFL Grand Final. The undefeated Booth Angels were hot favourites against the Liddell Bobcats who were missing some key players for the big event. A hefty wind greeted the players as they ran through their team banners and lined up for the National Anthem, led by their captains Joshua Dalgety (Angels) and Jayden Mace (Bobcats).

The Angels won the toss and made the important decision to run with the wind. The Angels took full advantage of the wind, racing out to a 26-1 lead at half-time. The Bobcats had no answers to the Angels onslaught and every attempted clearance in the wind led to a turnover and the ball coming back into the Angels’ attacking area. However, after a chat with their Yr 11 coaches, and now with the wind at their backs, the Bobcats kicked 2 quick goals immediately after the resumption of play. 

Buoyed with a new-found confidence and a crowd cheering their comeback, we had a game on our hands. The Bobcats got back to within 4 points and the stress on the Angels team was palpable as they looked to stem the run of points. A tactical move to place Player of the Match, Charlotte Campbell, into a fullback position proved to be a masterstroke. The Bobcats started to struggle to get clean shots on goal and all of a sudden were missing their opportunities to put points on the board. Led by Captain Dalgety, the Angels were able to somehow get the ball to the other end of the field and kick an important goal into the wind.The Angels held on to record an exciting 34-25 win, the first Booth win since the Ravens took the title in 2012. Congratulations to both teams for putting on a tense and entertaining game.

Alumni Sporting Success

We are proud of our students past and present and we like to highlight the success of some of our Alumni students in the sporting arena.

Former student and Rugby Union player Nic Benn attended the College from 2011 to 2019, where he completed his HSC.  During his HSC year Nic was selected into the NSW Country side and regularly played in Lake Macquarie’s First-Grade side. Nic was invited to train with Western Sydney Two Blues, training for the sevens version of the game. He played six tournaments with the Two Blues. Playing with the Two Blues put Benn in the eye of Australian selectors. His performances during the various sevens tournaments made an impression, he was selected in the under-18 Australian squad, who toured New Zealand and Fiji. Nic is currently playing for Manly in the Shute Shield Premier Club competition in NSW.

Social Media

Insight into the heart and soul of College life across all grades is best engaged with via our Facebook and Instagram social media feeds. We encourage you to join both groups and stay up to date with the latest from BCC.

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

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

2022 Term Dates

The 2022 term dates are available on our website https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/term-dates/

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

Parents’ Directory

We understand that communication between your family and the College forms a crucial part of the education journey. Our website hosts a Parents’ Directory. The Parents’ Directory is an up-to-date online directory summarising key communication channels and links. This includes a recently launched live link of key dates on our College Calendar! 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.

Shark Tank

In the last week of Term 3, Year 11 Business Studies students participated in our annual Shark Tank Young Entrepreneurs competition.  The students were tasked with pitching a new business idea to a group of local business ‘sharks’ along with a detailed business plan.  They also had the opportunity to exhibit their business idea to Secondary students in the College Library. A huge congratulations to Lachlan Hales for winning the Shark Tank pitch and Alleluya Hamisi for winning the People’s Choice Award. We are so proud of all of these students for their hard work and dedication, their ability to remain focused despite setbacks, plus their passion for business.

Mr Ross Urane
Year 11 Business Studies Teacher

Upcoming Parenting Webinars

ReachOut Parents One-on-One Support

ReachOut Parents One-on-One Support, a free service for parents of 12 to 18-year-olds that includes up to four sessions over the phone and online with a professional, experienced in supporting families.

Parents/caregivers will be supported to:
·         clarify goals
·         find solutions
·         make a plan to move forward
·         put the plan into practice.

The ReachOut Parents One-on-One Support program may be helpful for parents and carers when:
·         their teenager is going through a tough time and they are unsure of how to help them through it
·         they are worried about the relationship they have with their teenager
·         they want to better understand and communicate with their teenager
·         their teenager has stopped confiding in or being open with them
·         their teenager has become moody and irritable
·         their teenager has been having difficulties with school, such as low attendance, study stress or peer pressure
·         their teenager is spending more time online than usual, especially on social media.

More information, eligibility and access to the program here: ReachOut Parents One-on-One Support

Understanding Gaming – A guide for Family and Friends

Games are an integral part of human behaviour. It is normal and healthy for young people to engage in play as a part of their daily lives, including playing games online.

Online communities are providing more opportunities to feel socially connected and gaming can help young people feel a sense of belonging. At healthy levels, gaming can increase self-esteem and social acceptance. It can also provide an opportunity for a structured daily routine and can be a fun and relaxing activity.

However, any behaviour, when taken to the extreme, can have a negative impact on a young person’s everyday life.

Click here for some great information on Gaming provided by Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation.

eSafety’s Parent Guide to Popular Apps

This webinar is designed for parents and caregivers of young people aged 8-13 and focuses on how to help young people safely use popular apps including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.

It will cover: 
~ an explanation of the popular apps used by young people
~ case studies, research, and targeted advice 
~ ways you can support the young people in your life to have safe, enjoyable online experiences.

Dates available:
Monday 16th August 12.30 to 1.30 pm 
Tuesday 31st August 7.30 to 8.30 pm

eSafety also have a very good short recorded video for parents and caregivers on cyberbullying and online drama:  https://vimeo.com/566359070

More information and registration here

Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshops

Upcoming Careers Webinars

TAFE NSW for Schools

TAFE NSW has just launched TAFE NSW FOR SCHOOLS at https://www.tafensw.edu.au/schools. This website is designed for high school students, as well as parents or caregivers.

The Career Information for High School Students includes:

At School                                                                                                  Leaving school

TAFE NSW at school (TVET)                                                                      Apprenticeships and Traineeships
TAFE NSW Schools Launchpad (virtual TVET)                                        Degrees
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships                                 TAFE NSW University Pathways
Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC)                                                   Need career advice?
HSC                                                                                                           How to enrol
Bradfield Senior College
Under 17 Years Old?

The Career Information for Parents includes:

Year 10 – Student Pathways

TAFE-delivered Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Courses​​​​​​​
TAFE NSW Schools Launchpad (virtual TVET) Courses​​​​​​​

Parent Events

Pathways for your child
Virtual Tour
Webinars

InspirationED

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/

Current COVID-19 Regulations

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.

Our website will be kept up -to-date with the current COVID-19 regulations. Parents and caregivers will continue to receive all official communication via Skoolbag and email as well.

‘Olympic’ Mufti Day this Friday, 30th July

Beginners to Year 12 students are invited to wear Mufti this Friday, 30th July.

Please bring a donation that will go towards making our Year 12 Formal special for our students.

Appropriate dress rules apply. 

The Canteen will be also be holding a ‘RED’ day where there will be lollies and soft drink available. Purchases can be made by having funds available on their Munch Monitor account or via EFTPOS only.

Home Tutor Program 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 their website

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 their website

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.