Newsletter

Prayer Points

~ Students who are new to BCC, that they would develop strong friendships
~ Students who don’t know Jesus, that they would seek to find and know Him
~ School camp preparations, that they may go well and that there will be a record number of children attending camp this year
~ Protection, provision and comfort from flooding in Australia
~ Those in Ukraine and Russia experiencing the war
~ Staff and students who are unwell or have unwell relatives
~ Those who are experiencing grief at this time
~ Students who have exams in the coming weeks, that they are working and studying hard in preparation
~ Continued protection from COVID-19
~ Our students know a real sense of belonging, are led to believing in Jesus as the Life-Giver, and are becoming all He has purposed for them
~ Our leaders – State and Federal leaders, the College Board, Principal & Executive

Praise God for His faithfulness and the prayers that He is answering, for our College and the wider 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

Prayer Warriors

Parents are invited to join our prayer group on Mondays at 8:15am and Fridays at 2:15pm. We meet at the College flag pole after signing in at the College office. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions our meetings can also be held via Zoom. For more information please contact Wendy Robinson wendy@wendyrobinson.com.au or phone 0409987939. Everyone is welcome to join in.

It is always a privilege to visit Primary classrooms to observe and interact with our beautiful students and hard-working teachers as they learn. Teachers plan ‘explicit’ lessons with precision and routine; high expectations are communicated and understood, observed in student responses and their innate confidence. Frequent checking via whiteboard responses and verbal questioning are examples that teachers use to check their students’ understanding. Differentiated extension and enrichment opportunities are provided for students who require deeper learning challenges and need extra support. Our teachers delight in giving each student meaningful and valuable feedback. It’s wonderful to see our students’ tangible progress in our Primary classrooms!

Primary’s Rise Up, our fortnightly ‘prayer and praise/chapel time’, is now back in its regular format, following a long period of COVID-19 restrictions with students meeting and celebrating the love of God together. Praise God for this opportunity to further explore our Christian distinctive at BCC.

Another fantastic focus we have is our upcoming Primary School Musical. Students in Years 3 to 6 will be immersing themselves in exciting opportunities and involvement in a memorable and meaningful experience. Mr Stewart, K-12 Creative Arts Coordinator and Mrs Selina Stewart, our K-6 Stage Arts teacher (Dance and Drama), are working with our students and all teachers to prepare them for what we know will be a unique and memorable production. Anticipation and excitement are high on all levels!

I ask that our College Community pray for the protection, health and sustainability of those who the floods have impacted on the East Coast of Australia. Pray also for the overseas conflicts in the Ukraine and Russia and the very real, ongoing COVID 19 issues; for the health, safety and healing of all. Finally, please pray that those who do not know Jesus Christ will realise and submit to His love and sovereignty overall. 

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my Saviour; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psalm 18:2

Current COVID-19 Regulations

As you know, COVID-19 continues to have an impact on our society, and so, maintaining the health and well-being of our students, staff and College community is a priority for us all.

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

Staff Update

We are pleased to have many new staff that have recently joined us here at the College.

Mrs Jessica Brown – Secondary Science / Maths Teacher
Miss Maisey Chaffe – Primary School Teacher
Mrs Beverly Eastaway – Finance Officer
Mrs Celeste Gill – Learning Enrichment Aide
Mrs Anna Gray – Learning Enrichment Aide
Mrs Laura Ioannides – Receptionist
Miss Trinity Maurer – TAS Aide
Mrs Rayanne McLean – Learning Enrichment Aide
Mr Joel Procter – Secondary Music Teacher
Mr Benjamin Prozinski – Secondary English Teacher
Mrs Rochelle Scoular – Secondary TAS Teacher
Miss Emily Shield – Secondary Music Teacher
Miss Sarah Taylor – Learning Enrichment Aide
Mrs Tahlia Todd – (Temporary) Secondary PDHPE Teacher

Over the term you will have the opportunity to learn more about them in our Newsletter.

You may also like to read the Our People page on the College website to find out a little more about all of our staff.

Introducing…

Mrs Anna Gray – Learning Enrichment Aide

Where have you come from? 
Prior to starting in Learning Enrichment I was running the BCC Community Playgroup and at home raising my two boys. I have a son in Year 2 here at BCC and a five year old who has just started Beginners. Before moving to Newcastle three years ago we were in Sydney and I worked as a Teacher’s Assistant at Abbotsleigh Junior School. 

What church do you attend?
My family and I attend the morning service of Hunter Bible Church which is at Lambton High School.

What are your interests?
I love being creative. This takes form in a variety of ways. My recent obsession is gardening. I love putting together colours and textures in the garden and watching everything grow. I also find gardening really relaxing and therapeutic. I now have a bad habit of coming home with a new plant every time I go to Bunnings! My other interests include reading and spending time with my family at the beach. 

A little bit about your new position at the College.
As a Learning Enrichment Aide I work with Classroom teachers to maximise student learning in the classroom. This might be one on one instruction with a student or working in small groups. I really love being able to support teachers and students in this way. I am also continuing to run the BCC Community Playgroup on Thursday mornings. I really enjoy meeting new parents and making them feel welcome.

Any other information you’d like to share?
I’m really looking forward to this new role at the College and am excited to be part of a Christian community that loves Jesus and the students that come to BCC.

Mrs Jessica Brown – Secondary Science/Mathematics Teacher

Where have you come from? 
I grew up in Newcastle, but was born in Sydney. My parents moved to Newcastle when I was 2 years old.

What church do you attend?
I go to Grace Evangelical church.

What are your interests?
I enjoy playing video games and eating all different kinds of food.

A little bit about your new position at the College.
I am a Science/Mathematics teacher

Primary CSSA Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to our 12 representative swimmers on some outstanding performances at NSW CSSA Swimming this week. Every swimmer either swam faster that their Zone time, or were within 1 second of that time.

We already have 3 relay teams who had automatically qualified for NSW CIS, and on top of that, 7 students will also have individual events at the next carnival.

After being crowned Zone champions a few weeks ago, our BCC team anchored the Zone team brilliantly, with the Hunter Zone winning the NSW CSSA Championship!

Congratulations to Zirk Lombard (9yr – 4th), Blair Gillon (10yr – 4th), Joshua Dalgety (11yr – 3rd), Appin Paterson (12yr – 3rd) who all finished in the top 5 of their respective Age Championships.

Congratulations again to our team pictured here (Stella O’Toole missing) and we look forward to witnessing your opportunities at NSW CIS in 2 weeks time.

Secondary Zone Swimming Carnival

Last week saw the annual running of the THACCCSA Secondary Swimming Carnival and it was a huge day. The Carnival was held for the second time at the new venue, Peninsula Leisure Centre in Woy Woy. BCC was represented admirably, with the outright lead see-sawing back and forth all day long with us and Green Point Christian College. As the carnival came to a close, Green Point came up with the overall win. A great effort all round.

However, BCC was awarded the Challenge Shield for points scored based on overall school size. The team has vowed to keep up the training and come home in 2023 with both the Challenge Shield victory and Outright Points victory.

Congratulations to the following students on being awarded Age Champions:
13 Years Boys – Aleksander Gillon
14 Years Boys – William Neppl
17 Years Boys – Taylor Donaldson
18 Years Boys – Lachlan Rae

SportAUS Sporting Champions

Congratulations to Luke Hall (Triathlon) and Colby Robins (Fencing) for recently receiving a SportAUS Local Sporting Champions Funding Grant from the Australian Federal Government. Both boys were presented their grant from the Hon. Pat Conroy MP. This elite sports grant will help support the both of them in their chosen sports. Well done Luke and Colby!

Pop Up Blast Cricket

BCC Sport Website

For all Belmont Christian College event information, announcements, 2022 sports dates and results throughout the year visit: http://www.tinyurl.com/bccsport.   

2022 Sports Dates

Our Sports Coordinators are pleased to provide the current confirmed 2022 College Sporting Dates. As more dates become available the document will be updated on the College Sport website.

Hear from our Alumni

We are proud of our student’s past and present and we like to highlight their successes. This month the Avondale alumni magazine featured one of our BCC alumni, Grace O’Toole.

She represents her Sydney campus classmates as president of the Avondale Nursing Students’ Association. Hear some of Grace’s experience here.

National Careers Institute Little Ripples 

The National Careers Institute in association with CICA, have developed an information page for parents within the ‘Your Career’ website. The page is called Little Ripples. It is about having conversations about career options with young children. Click here for further information.

UTS Parent Information

Are you a parent of a prospective local undergraduate student?

Join UTS on Wednesday, 8th June to find out more about course content, admission requirements, student life and more. Sign up here to be notified when registrations are open.

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/

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.

Music Tutors

At Belmont Christian College we have an amazing music tuition team who provide one to one private lessons on site here at the College throughout the day. Learning an instrument or learning to sing with trained musicians is a fantastic opportunity for children to develop cognitively, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Learning an instrument also provides a pathway into the many Music Ensembles in our College.

Lessons can be arranged with the tutor in consultation with classroom teachers, contact details are on our website https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/music-tutors

We have a star in our midst

One of our Year 6 students, Mia Benn, is starring in Hunter Drama Headquarters’ production of Oliver, the Musical.

We love to support and encourage our students’ performing arts endeavours. We are so excited for you Mia and wish you all the best.

If you are interested in seeing the show and supporting Mia, the streets of Victorian England will come to life in the grand staging of the Civic Theatre from 10th – 13th March. Tickets available here.

Opal Cards Tap On and Off

We would like students and families to understand the importance of tapping on and off with their Opal card every time they travel to and from school. When students receive their Opal card, it is a condition of use that students must tap on at the beginning of a trip and tap off at the end of a trip at an Opal card reader. Although school travel is free, this provides NSW Transport with very important information that allows them to better plan bus services for us by helping them to know how many services need to be provided for our College. We do not want any current services cancelled.

We would appreciate if parents could ensure their children have and are using their Opal card.

Click here to apply or replace an Opal card.

Bus Numbers on Opal Cards

To assist us and your child to ensure that your child catches the correct bus home, could we please request you write your child’s bus number in texta on the front of your child’s Opal Card. As well, the best contact parent mobile number would help too, in the case of parents needing to be phoned (this is optional, however). A separate see-through wallet type attachment could be used if preferred. It is most important for your child to be aware and refer to this information when catching the bus.

This information will provide your child, teacher or bus buddy the correct information should your child need assistance quickly, particularly for Infant age students who may sometimes forget their bus number.

Drop off/Pick up Zone

Thank you for your ongoing patience during drop-off and pick-up time as we maintained government directed advice throughout this COVID-19 season. We are now able to revert back to normal drop-off and pick-up arrangements.

What is changing?
~ 2.50pm car pick up for Primary and Secondary School students from the Drop off/Pick up Zone

What remains the same?
~ Parents and Caregivers are welcome to park their cars in allocated car parks, and collect their children

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

The family surname signs we have provided to Primary School parents for display on the car sun-visor or windscreen helps the process flow reasonably well. 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 8300 Ext 521.

To further facilitate traffic flow parents are kindly asked to drive to the end of the Pick up Zone to collect your children, and not stop along the path where it can cause delays.

Safety around Schools

To keep our children and community safe please note the road rules around the College.

There is an area on the left prior to entering the College which has “No Stopping” signs.  In order to avoid stopping in this area please wait before the marked “keep clear” area just before Maranatha Close when you are not able to enter the College fully.

“Bus Zone” areas must be kept clear during the marked times to ensure smooth operation of the Government buses.

The main entrance gates to the College need to remain unobstructed for through traffic. If you cannot clear this area please proceed straight ahead to find parking.

Under no circumstances should a vehicle enter through the College exit.

Fiver for the Flood Appeal

Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program. Immunisations are held at the College at the beginning and end of the year for Years 7 and 10.

The following vaccines are part of the program:
Year 7 – 1 dose Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis; 2 doses 6 months apart Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Year 10 – 1 dose Meningococcal 

Please be assured that these are the only vaccines that are given at the College and that a signed parent consent form is essential.
 
Due to Covid-19 the vaccination program was been postponed for the 2021 visits. However teams are now returning on Friday, 25th March for the routine School Vaccination Program for Years 7 & 10 and any Year 8 or 11 vaccinations that were missed last year can be caught up.

ALL students in Year 7 (2022) and Year 10 (2022) will receive further information and consent forms next week. Students are required to have a consent form to be eligible for vaccination. Please sign and return the consent form to Mrs Evans in the College office by Tuesday, 22nd March.

ANY students in Year 8 (2022) and Year 11 (2022) who missed vaccinations have the opportunity to catch up vaccination. Parents must have completed a consent form in 2021 to be eligible for catch up vaccination. These students DO NOT need to be directed to their GP to receive missed vaccine doses.