Newsletter

It has taken some time but I’ve finally watched the documentary The Last Dance. It is the tale of the Chicago Bulls basketball team and the dynasty that was created by a team who were, at the time, an average team but went on to become world beaters. As I watched this I was taken back to the 90’s. A time when I was a teenager. I reminisced on how influential Michael Jordan was considering there was no social media or even internet. Everyone knew who he was. Everyone wanted to be like Mike. The perceived pressure of wearing the shoes and clothes of Mike was heavy. He was a superstar and just one small example of how the media culture creates the pressure to fit in and assimilate with the buying of products and adopting lifestyles.

We now live in a time where the media has become overwhelmingly invasive. The primary aim being to grab the attention of our young people and shape them into whatever companies want them to be. The pressures from the media can be overwhelming making it difficult to know what is true and can cause confusion. To add to this the teenage brain is still very much in the body building phase and not so much on rational ordered thinking. It is a tough journey for them. 

Our human desire to identify with a group of common interests, to fit in and to be part of a tribe, remains the same. It is the natural process of a young person. They are figuring out who they are, leaving the safety of their parents and becoming the adult they want to become. As Stage 5 Leader, I’m often challenging our young people with the idea that growing up is only small steps and daily decisions toward the adult they want to be. I often ask them if they are a better version of themselves today than yesterday?

In Galatians 5 Paul speaks of the fruits of the Spirit. Fruits of love, joy, peace, patience…and more. These fruits are what I hope for Stage 5 to grow in and to have adults in their worlds that are modelling those small steps to becoming more loving, generous and kind. What teenagers need most are adults who can delight in them and to be a voice of encouragement that is louder than the media. Adults that will champion them into growing in the fruits of the Spirit and to steer them away from following people that are just good at sports and wear cool sports shoes.

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.

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
~ Zone Oztag

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 BCC Olympics

For the past six weeks, Years 2 – 6 have been feeling ‘very Olympic’, competing in the BCC Olympic Games during PE lessons. Beginners, Kindergarten and Year 1 also had an Olympics event last week.

Students were assigned to represent one of 4 countries within their class. They competed for both team and individual medals in Basketball, Hockey, Olympic Handball, Newcomb Ball, Soccer and Athletics.

At the end of each event, our athletes were awarded bronze, silver and gold stickers, they raised their country’s flags, and the class all sang the national anthem of the winning nation.

The combined medal tally was updated each day on the sports noticeboard, with Great Britain holding a slight lead over the USA going in to the final few events. 

Pictured here is our S2 Gamma class lined up at their medal ceremony, preparing to sing ‘O Canada’, after Canada defeated Great Britain in the Handball final. The other picture features Beginners students in their lanes ready for the Men’s Sprint final after qualifying in their heats.

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.

Tokyo Olympics saw the introduction of Sports Rock Climbing. One of our former students Ben Abel who attended the College from 2007 to 2013 has been strongly representing Australia all over the world for several years. Ben wasn’t selected to represent Australia this time around, but with Sports Climbing confirmed in Paris in three years hopefully we will get to see him make the team and climb for gold. 

Instrument Trial

Last week, Year 2 participated in a Music Instrument Trial, a chance for students to try out the various instruments that make up our Music Ensembles here at BCC. There was a huge level of excitement as students made wild and wonderful sounds for the first time.

Many thanks to the amazing senior Primary and Secondary students who assisted in the trial!

If your child is interested in hiring an instrument from the College please complete this Instrument Hire Form. Also check out our Hot tips. Please contact our Creative Arts Coordinator, Mr Chris Stewart, on chris.stewart@bcc.nsw.edu.au for further information.

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.

Online Orders Only

Whilst our region is in lockdown our Uniform Shop will be closed on-site. However, online orders are available.

Sport Caps in Stock

The Uniform Shop now has Sports Caps back in stock.

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. This service is available for children of ‘authorised workers’ during lockdown.

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/

Subscriptions Now Discounted

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

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.

Subscriptions are now available until the end of the year at a discounted price of $35 for both Reading Eggs and Mathseeds. Or if you have already subscribed to either Reading Eggs or Mathseeds you can subscribe to the other for $15 until the end of the year.

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.

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/

Virtual College Tours Available Now

Do you have friends and family who might be interested in joining our College? 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 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/

BCC Library Remote Borrowing Available Now!

Due to the majority of our students currently remote learning, the BCC Library is now offering a Pick-&-Collect service for students and families who would like to borrow books from our Library collection.

Library staff will pack your selection into a book bag and notify families via email when they are ready for collection. They can be picked up from the Student Reception (back entrance) at the College between 8:30am and 3:30pm, Monday to Friday, during Term time.

Returned books can also be left at Student Reception. You will be able to borrow up to SIX (6) books at a time.

To borrow, simply click below to complete an online form and we will contact you via email when they are ready to collect from student reception!

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Library staff at library@bcc.nsw.edu.au

“That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.” Jhumpa Lahiri, The Namesake

Free ebooks through Work Book online

Click below to access BCC’s subscription to World Book online and Word Book Early Learning. World Book student encyclopaedia enables students to listen to text being read. Enjoy!

Staff Update

Mathematics teacher, Mr Fraser Hannam has been struggling with his health for sometime. He has decided to take the time to look after himself and leave his teaching position at the College. Please keep Fraser in your prayers as he seeks medical care. We are thankful for Fraser’s knowledge of subject matter and care for our students and pray that he will know God’s provision and healing. This opened up a teaching position and we are pleased that Mrs Bethany Clothier has transferred to this position from our Student Services team.

Also, with Mrs Rappeneker leaving last term the very capable Mrs Liz Cameron will be taking her English classes for the rest of the year.

We are grateful for God’s provision and may He help our staff and students settle into these changes quickly .

Introducing…

Mrs Nicole Walters – Learning Enrichment Coordinator

Where have you come from? 
I have had 10 years at Lakes Grammar as Gifted Education Coordinator & time as Teaching and Learning Coordinator, was Head of Campus at a Years 3 – 12 Special Education School, and have most recently come from a role at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College where I coordinated Gifted Education and Learning Enrichment.

What church do you attend?
Northlakes Salvation Army 

What are your interests?
My interests include long bushwalks with my husband and dogs, catching up with my 4 grown children, pastoral care and hospitality. 

A little bit about your new position at the College.
At Belmont Christian College, I will be leading our very capable and experienced Learning Enrichment Team. I love God and am very excited that He has brought me to Belmont Christian College where my gifts will be utilised in a strong Christian environment. 

HSC Live QnA with NESA

NESA and NSW Education is holding a Facebook Live QnA Session for HSC students on Thursday, 12th August at 4:30pm. You can watch the conference and QnA session here

Year 8 into 9 Virtual Information Night

The Year 8 into 9 Information evening, where Year 8 students choose their Stage 5 – Year 9 and 10 in 2022 elective subjects, will be held virtually on Tuesday, 24th August from 6:30pm. Families will have the opportunity to Zoom teachers and ask more questions about the various subjects on offer in 2022. We encourage you to save this date.

An Stage 5 Elective Subject Information Booklet has been emailed home this week. Please take some time to look through the information with your child and start discussing the options that best suit them.

In addition, a support website will be shared next week to help students and parents make the subject choices. Keep an eye out for the link in your nominated email inbox.

Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 Work Experience week will be held in Term 4, Week 7 15th – 19th November. We are proceeding with preparations in good faith that Work Experience will still be able to go ahead. We will work with the relevant Covid-19 restrictions as they come to hand.

Students have been set the task of organising their own Work Experience. They will need to think about where they would like to gain some work experience, contact the employer and supply all the required documents.

Students have been provided information to help get them started in the organising of their work experience. This information can be found on the BCC Careers page which all students have access to with their Jobjump password. This includes:

A Cover letter (explaining about work experience for the prospective employers) 
Work Experience Agreement Form (which needs to be signed by the employer, student and parent/caregiver before being returned to the College for signing),
Copy of our Insurance Certificate of Currency (will expire in September but a new one will be issued as soon as received)
Work Experience Evaluation Form (to be completed by supervisor at end of work experience and returned to the College).

We encourage students to take advantage of this fantastic program and great opportunity to gain valuable insight into the possible career paths they are interested in. Students will also receive more information closer to the date. If you have any questions in the meantime please contact our Careers Advisor, Mrs Carter on susan.carter@bcc.nsw.edu.au.

Upcoming Parenting Webinars

eSafety’s guide to online sexual harassment and image-based abuse

This webinar will help parents and caregivers to understand online sexual harassment and image-based abuse, (non-consensual sharing of intimate images). It is designed for parents and caregivers of young people aged 13-18.

It will cover: 
~ the difference between online sexual harassment and image-based abuse
~ how to report online sexual harassment to social media companies
~ how to report image-based abuse to eSafety and when to report to police
~ where to get support if you feel upset or worried about something that has happened online.

You can choose to attend the webinar with your teen or share resources with them afterwards from the webinar package.

Dates Available:
Tuesday, 24th August 12.30 to 1.30 pm
Tuesday, 7th September 12.30 to 1.30 pm
Thursday, 9th September 12.30 to 1.30 pm

REGISTER NOW

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
Monday, 6th September 12.30 to 1.30pm

REGISTER NOW

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

Navigating your Teen’s Mental Health – Black Dog Institute

Normal mood swings or clinically depressed – can you tell the difference?

Understanding mental health is a minefield for many of us, but that’s where we can help. This presentation developed by experts has been designed to help you answer questions like this and gives you the knowledge and practical advice to:
~ Identify depression from normal mood swings
~ Understand the types of mental health concerns
~ Recognise the symptoms of depression and anxiety
~ Know when professional help is needed
~ Understand the range of treatment options
~ Have open, meaningful conversations
~ Spot and monitor the warning signs

This free, 45 minute session is presented by community members with a lived experience of mental illness. The presenters speak from the heart, sharing their personal story as well as our expert knowledge.

This presentation is held completely online. A link will be provided to the webinar upon registration, 24 hours and 1 hour before the start time. This webinar requires a computer and stable internet connection.

Date: Tuesday, 24th August 7:00pm

REGISTER NOW

Academic Support Programs

Studiosity

Students, parents and caregivers may be interested in Studiosity, an online tutoring service for students in Years 3 – 12 available through Newcastle Libraries.

~ Online tutors are available for one-on-one assistance daily from 3pm to midnight.

~ For writing feedback, users can submit a draft at any time of the day or night. Studiosity will endeavour to return it with expert feedback within 24 hours.

~ Study quizzes are available 24/7. This includes hundreds of Australian Curriculum-based practice tests for Years 3 – 12, including NAPLAN.

For more details see the Newcastle Libraries website.

Study Skills – Elevate Education

Elevate Education is providing parents and caregivers exclusive access to their Parent Webinar Series for Term 3, 2021. The webinars are on online from 7 – 8pm.

This webinar is run live online where the presenter will share Elevate’s key research skills, and will conduct a live Q&A so you can ask them questions directly.

Dates available:
Wednesday, 18th August – Note taking skills to help your child deepen their revision.
Wednesday, 1st September – Exam homestretch and how to support your child in the final weeks.

REGISTER NOW