Newsletter

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

~ Unity – in the BCC Community (Students/Parents/Staff); in homes (parents/caregivers and children)
~ Creative connection during this time of restricted social interactions. Connecting with those who are isolated and alone
~ Mental Health – a hope for the future and knowledge that there are professionals to help if this is needed; God is in control and to place our fear and anxiety at His feet
~ Our HSC Students – keep focussed for the HSC trials
~ Comfort – for those who are grieving or who feel sad
~ Healing – for those physically unwell
~ Protection from COVID-19 Delta variant
~ Naomi Carthew an ex staff member who is undergoing radiation treatment
~ Michelle Budden an ex staff member whose parents (step Dad and Mum) are in John Hunter battling COVID 19 Delta variant

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. However, due to current Covid-19 restrictions our meetings will be held via Zoom. For more information please contact Wendy Robinson wendy@wendyrobinson.com.au or phone 0409987939. Everyone is welcome to join in.

In the Newsletter a little over a year ago I wrote about the Covid-19 news saturation we were all enduring, and here we find ourselves again inundated with what seems like an ongoing news onslaught, and a lockdown that appears to be unending. I am very thankful to you, our parents and caregivers who do the difficult things each and every day to enable your children to persevere with this unusual mode of learning. My admiration also goes to the BCC staff whose alacrity and poise in switching so professionally and yet with attentive care to remote teaching and learning so our students, your children, access valuable and meaningful learning opportunities while maintaining their contact, albeit via a screen, with their teachers and at times with each other. 

I’m wondering if, like me, you are ready to hear better news, more life-giving announcements that affirm rather than undermine hope. If so, for your sake, and the sake of our children it might be time to switch off more often to be spared the daily dose of dread that seems to be on the news cycle menu. We don’t mind knowing what is going on, we often want to know, need to know. The news informs us what is happening in our communities, our countries, our world. We hear it, we watch it, we get updates on our devices. What I find interesting is that no matter where we get our information, we call it “the news.” “The news” like it’s the only news there is. And whether it’s the terrible situation in Afghanistan or Haiti, the plight of expats, the businesses suffering through lockdowns, friends and family separated, loved ones facing illness and even death, we should be buoyed by the promise of hope found in knowing that a sovereign, loving God is in control.

Just this morning I was reading a brief Insta post by musician Phil Wickham reflecting on the release of his song “Battle Belongs” almost a year ago. And I agree with him that “…this song carries more weight … now than ever.” He rightly suggests we need to remain “…beyond thankful that we sing to a God who is faithful, and able. We can cast our cares on Him because he cares for us.” 

As you listen to the song allow your soul to rise above the news of Covid, isolation, and the many things that tend to spark fear. Allow God’s peace and presence, protection and provision to be felt and known. Wickham continues imploring us as we listen to “…lift up those who are hurting and displaced … that we might humbly turn from ourselves and seek the face of God. That even in His justice, God’s grace and mercy might also roll … like an unstoppable mighty river.”

For those who are followers of Jesus I pray increased faith and courage to run this race with endurance, and that we will be active in our encouragement of others to know the life-source of true hope. Even in our lockdown and lack, let’s not forget the far-reaching power of the gospel, the ‘good news’ that does not succumb to physical limitation, but which overcomes as Jesus said to his followers, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

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.

Introducing…

Miss Monique Micallef – Learning Aide

Where have you come from? 
I discovered my passion for working with Primary age students through a previous position at C3 Victory OOSH. I have most recently come from a role at Hunter Christian School as a Kindergarten Teacher’s Aide. I am a second year student at the University of Newcastle studying Secondary teaching, majoring in Drama and English. I am also an ex-student of BCC graduating in 2018.

What church do you attend?
I attend Swansea Baptist Church where I am a part of the music team as a singer/vocalist. 

What are your interests?
I love anything to do with the creative and performing arts! I also like getting outdoors and enjoying the sunshine. 

A little bit about your new position at the College.
At Belmont Christian College I will be assisting the teachers in the Kindergarten classrooms as well as assisting students with their learning by getting to know each student’s individual personality and learning style. I am excited to be a part of a Christian focused school culture and to provide a positive, faith nurturing education experience.

Upcoming Parenting Webinars

The Exam Stretch

Elevate Education is providing parents/caregivers free exclusive access to their Parent Webinar Series. The final webinar for term 3 is: The Exam Homestretch – how your child should approach exam preparation and what they should be doing.

The webinar is run live online from 7pm – 8pm where the presenter will share Elevate’s key research and skills, and will conduct a live Q&A so you can ask them questions directly.

Date:
Wednesday, 1st September 7pm

Register

Young People’s Mental Health

Headspace National are hosting a free online mental health education session for parents and caregivers of young people.

The session aims to:
~ Strengthen understanding of mental health and mental health literacy.
~ Strengthen understanding and skills in how to cope and where to find help.
~ Build skills and strategies to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people, including their transition to work and study.
~ Build awareness of local, state and national supports available to young people.

This session will be delivered live online and will not be recorded. Registration is essential. Once registered, participants will receive an automated email confirmation from Eventbrite that contains the Zoom Meeting link and passcode to join on the day. Participants will receive a digital information pack following the conclusion of the session.

Date:
Wednesday, 1st September from 12pm – 1pm.

Register

Parents’ Guide to Popular Apps

Does your child use TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat or YouTube? Register for the Office of the eSafety Commissioner’s Parents’ Guide to Popular Apps webinar to see how you can support your child to enjoy safe online experiences. The webinar is designed for parents and caregivers of young people aged 8-13 and there are two sessions available.

Dates available:
Tuesday, 7th September 7.30pm
Friday, 10th September 12.30pm.

Register

Careers Information

Career planning and transition for young people on the autism spectrum webinar

In this 60 minute live and interactive webinar, presenters, Associate Professor Marina Ciccarelli, Cheryl Mangan, and Brendan James will provide information for parents about:

~ The Better Outcomes and Successful Transitions for Autism (BOOST-A) research;
~ The role of parents and supporters in youth focused, strengths-based career planning; and
~ How myWAY Employability career planner can support young people on the autism spectrum to build a customised profile and goals to plan for future career pathways.

Based on six years of research, myWAY Employability is a smart web platform that helps autistic individuals plan and prepare for working life. Autistic individuals co-produced content, design, and usability of the website. myWAY Employability matches an individual’s interests and strengths to relevant careers and pathways. It encourages users to create big dreams, and smaller goals and tasks to track progress. 

Date:
Thursday, 2nd September 4.00pm

Register

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 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.

School Photo Day

School photographs have again been re-scheduled and pending Covid-19 restrictions will now be taken on Tuesday, 5th October 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 Tuesday, 5th October and any families with a Beginners #2 child on Thursday, 7th October.

Please note a reminder of our Summer Formal Uniform requirements for the day:
~ Kindergarten – Year 6 boys are requested to wear short sleeved shirts.
~ Year 7 – 12 girls are requested to wear white striped socks, not stockings.
~ Year 11 and 12 must wear their shirts and blazers.
~ 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 1st October. 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

National Science Week

We were able to focus on National Science Week with lots of experiments for our students to take part in despite online learning. Our Science faculty busily created learning materials and opportunities for students to continue their practical learning, while at home. We hope to feature National Science Week again when we return to face-to-face learning.

Our Lab Technician, Mr Mazzantini and the rest of the team have been constructing and delivering learning kits for Year 10 students to conduct their Rocket Student Research Project at home. iStem students have also received a model plane construction kit. Although unorthodox, practical learning is still a great priority as we wait patiently for the return of on-site learning.

Beginners students recognised the body senses of sight, smell and hearing as they investigated the reaction between oil, vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.

Watch as Mr Boyce explains the energetic properties of carbohydrates and fats.

Year 11 Physics students have been conducting experiments to observe constructive interference and superposition, resonance and energy transfers. Using their smartphones and access to speakers, students have been generating and analysing sound, producing and visualising resonance and superposition.

HSC Student Care Packages

Our Year 12 students had their HSC Trial exams this week. Like many schools in our area, this is the first time we’ve had to run online exams. We’re so proud of the way our students have responded to this change. To support these fantastic young men and women, the amazing Mrs Fraser and Mr Miller, organised care packages that were (safely) delivered to front doors by staff. We’re praying for you Year 12, that you’ll draw on God’s peace, love and kindness in these turbulent times.

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.

Updated Pricelist

Please find below a copy of the updated pricelist, effective as of 3rd September 2021.

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!