Newsletter

Welcome Back

Welcome back to all our returning families and an enormous welcome to those who are new. We have been waiting with eager anticipation to hear stories of holiday adventures, to share learning adventures and to journey together in growing more like Jesus.

Belmont Christian College is an exciting place to be! As I wander around the grounds there is a lovely air of anticipation and excitement as last week, we gladly welcomed 141 new students and 18 new Staff to the College community. I love meeting new families and sharing in their hopes and expectations for their children and I am confident that you will make all our new families and staff very welcome. I pray that this marks the beginning of an exciting partnership filled with joy and blessing.

Our maintenance and cleaning team have been working hard over the holiday break to have the property and grounds ready for our students to enjoy. We have made significant improvements to the appearance of the College which includes our routine program of painting maintenance, reconfigured office spaces for our growing number of staff, a lovely outdoor garden area near the canteen and loads of new classroom furniture to keep our classrooms looking fresh. Our IT department have also worked hard to have all Wi-Fi access points replaced.

I hold much anticipation for the Secondary School musical, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and the many wonderful learning opportunities planned for our students in 2023. My hope is that we can work with you in partnership in ways that are characterised by humility and encouragement.

It is my privilege to welcome the following new staff members:

1. Ciara Atherton – Learning Enrichment Aide
2. Alison West – Learning Enrichment Aide
3. Edward Helliwell – Learning Enrichment Aide
4. Mishell Smith – Beginners and Community Playgroup
5. Simon Brown – Marketing and Content Manager
6. Gavin Carter – Food Technology and Hospitality Aide
7. Philippa Richards – Primary Teacher
8. Amy Crawford – Primary Teacher
9. Abby Baartz – Primary Teacher
10. Sarah Morris – Maternity Primary Position
11. Jonathan Morrison – Temporary Primary Position
12. Victoria Bonsor – Secondary PDHPE Teacher
13. Jordan Peters – Secondary TAS Teacher
14. Emily Cooper – Secondary English/History Teacher
15. Alla O’Regan – Secondary Mathematics Teacher
16. Stephen Laurie – Secondary Mathematics Teacher
17. Gerdi De Jager – Secondary Mathematics Curriculum Leader
18. Tom Carlson – Secondary Science Curriculum Leader

I would also like to; congratulate Miss Maisey Chaffe on her recent marriage to Brayden Burgess; welcome back Mrs Nyssa Potapczyk after the birth of little Zahli and thank Mrs Anna Gray for heading up and growing the Community Playgroup over the last few years.

We are committed to building close-knit communities, where a sense of belonging is evident in the relationships of the College. If you have any concerns, or just want to drop an email to tell us we’re doing a good job, can I encourage you to do so. Good communication is at the heart of good communities.

Looking forward

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Staff Update

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

Mr Stephen Laurie – Secondary Mathematics Teacher

Tell us about your photo.
I really enjoy my sport, especially football (soccer). I’ve played, refereed, coached and watched many a game of football and now I particularly enjoy playing in the backyard with my two year old.

What church do you attend?
Calvary Chapel Newcastle.

What church ministries excite you?
Kids ministry. It’s awesome playing a small part in their lives as they learn more about Jesus.

What makes you look forward to working at BCC?
The friendly, respectful and supportive atmosphere from the moment you enter the College gates.

Miss Amy Crawford – Primary Teacher

Tell us about your photo.
Sunflowers depict my bright and happy personality and remind me to live life in thankfulness.

What church do you attend?
I have recently relocated and was attending Parkes Generosity Church. I am now looking for a new church family around here.

What church ministries excite you?
Singing songs of praise with the worship team.

What makes you look forward to working at BCC?
The welcoming and loving support of all staff.

Mr Tom Carlson – Science Curriculum Leader / Secondary Teacher

Tell us about your photo.
I love playing soccer and have played for the last 21 years. I also love plants, there is something special about seeing something grow!.

What church do you attend?
HopeUC Charmhaven

What church ministries excite you?
Youth ministry and fellowship that brings people together.

What makes you look forward to working at BCC?
I love the mission of the College community. I love how everyone collectively builds our students up to be all that they are called to be.

• Contacting students via the College office rather than calling or messaging during the day, interrupting learning and adding unnecessary temptation
• Helping your children to make wise choices outside of school hours to reduce their overall usage. This might include keeping their bedrooms device free, reducing interruptions and improving sleep patterns
• Enjoying a screen free sabbatical one hour a day, ideally around the dinner table. You might be surprised how much fun it will be for the family, chatting or playing board games while withdrawing from tech
• Challenging your own dependence on mobile devices, reducing where possible. How might you benefit from a one hour sabbatical a day? 

Together, we are embarking on a significant culture shift at BCC. I have appreciated the support from our community so far and ask that we continue to give our permission to tap out of the reliance on these devices during learning. Please continue to pray for our students and families in this space.

Bus Stalemate

Does your child catch a bus to and from the College? Do they have an Opal card? Are they using it? A quick survey of buses in this past week has revealed the following:

– The 862 and the 847 seem to be on the limit of capacity in the afternoon

– Less than half the students are scanning Opal cards when boarding

– Some students could catch an alternative bus that’s not overcrowded, but are choosing the crowded bus

These factors combined are the perfect ‘storm’ to affect a stalemate. Without Opal card usage, Newcastle Transport has no objective measure regarding passenger loading. So when we raise concerns regarding overloading, you can imagine how they respond. What’s the solution? Applying for and using Opal cards will send an immediate and undeniable message. Scanning every time demonstrates when capacity is reached, and if a bus is overloaded we have grounds for another service. Also, parents and carers should investigate our bus routes, which may help to alleviate unnecessary overloading, should there be a suitable alternative. Teachers will be monitoring the situation and may need to start turning away students who do not have Opal cards. 

We have noticed that a number of students are attempting to board the bus with expired Opal cards. Please ensure that these are renewed at your earliest convenience.

Please note, if students have a visa/debit card, they may use this instead of an Opal card. It will be charged a nominal fee e.g. 1 cent. (students must tap off not to incur additional fees)

You can find out the bus routes, including all of the stops, and apply for an Opal card on our website at https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/transport/ . If you’re having trouble applying for an Opal card, please contact the College office. Let’s make bus congestion a thing of the past and not settle for a stalemate. 

BCC Prayer Warriors

What a treat it was to gather together at our first prayer morning for 2023. We were privileged to pray for new families, students and staff. Coffee, cake and great conversation flowed. Everyone is welcome to join us on the first Monday of each month from 8:45am – 9:30am to pray alongside parents and local churches. Come for a bit, or come for the whole time. 

Please sign-in at the College Office. We meet just over near the Weathershed in the newly created College Garden. Simply follow the signs. 

For more information or to ask for personal prayer, please email prayerwarriors@bcc.nsw.edu.au.

Check out the prayer focus areas and upcoming dates in the image below. 

Praise Points

~ Praise for new staff and families that they feel welcomed
~ Praise for a positive start to the new year for both Primary and Secondary as they settle into 2023
~ Praise and prayer and protection for swimming carnivals in both Primary and Secondary schools

Prayer Points

~ Prayer for those students who are anxious or unsettled to begin the new year, that they will settle quickly into their new environment and feel safe and connected at BCC
~ Prayer for those who are struggling with their health, learning or home situations and adjusting to change
~ Prayer for Year 12 as they enter their final year of schooling

Upcoming Important Dates

Primary

16.02.23 | Primary Zone Swimming
23.02.23 | Rise Up

Secondary

10.02.23 | OnStage (Year 11 & 12)
01.03.23 | Secondary Zone Swimming

Whole College

21.02.23 | Parent Connect
28.02.23 | Parent Connect

Our College Calendar is available on our website where you can be kept up-to-date with events throughout the year. Closer to the event parents and carers will receive communication via the Sentral Parent App and/or email.

Meet the Teacher Night is an important event that kicks off the start of a new school year. It’s an opportunity for parents and carers to get acquainted with their child’s teachers and learn more about the expectations for this upcoming school year in Primary School at Belmont Christian College. Meet the Teacher Night allows parents to start building relationships with their child’s teachers so they can be involved with their learning throughout the year. It’s an important event to attend, as it can help your child obtain the most out of their educational experience. Meet the Teacher Night is a great way to gain insight into what Primary School at Belmont Christian College offers and learn more about how parents can work closely with teachers. It’s also an excellent opportunity to discuss wellbeing, as we believe all students should feel supported and cared for in order to achieve.  Belmont Christian College is committed to providing our students with a safe, caring, Christian environment.

We look forward to welcoming you at Meet the Teacher Night to celebrate the start of a new school year.  If you have any questions or concerns before the evening, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s classroom teacher or Leoni McNeill, Head of Primary.

Sessions:

Beginners – 4:30 – 5:00 pm

Kindergarten – 5:05- 5:35pm

Year 1 – 5:40 – 6:00pm

Year 2 – 6:05- 6:25pm

Year 3 – 6:30 – 6:50pm

Year 4– 6:55 -7:15pm

Year 5 – 7:20 -7:40 pm

Year 6 – 7:45 – 8:05 pm

Download the Sentral Parent App today!

The College uses the Sentral Parent App as our main means of communication with parents and carers. Please note that the SeeSaw App will continue to be used for lower Primary in-class learning updates.

So to ensure that you are kept up-to-date with College communications, please download the Sentral Parent App by searching ‘Sentral for Parents’ in the App Store on your smartphone and ensure that notifications are enabled within the App. Set up instructions for the Sentral Parent App can be found here. If you have any trouble registering, please email the College on sentral@bcc.nsw.edu.au and our friendly IT department will support you through the process.

Secondary Swimming Carnival

For the first time in about 4 years, Mr Hall slept soundly the night before the annual Secondary Swimming Carnival, the predicted fine weather meant he could sleep easy, waking to a beautiful sunny morning. The day got hot inside and outside the pool, many races were hotly contested and house points remained close all day. Eventually, Booth house won out supreme, congratulations Booth. All who attend should be congratulated on their participation and enthusiasm. 

House Points

Age Champions 

Record Breakers

Lewis Davies – 17 Yr Boys – 50m Breaststroke – 35.62, 17+ Yrs Boys 200 IM – 2:47.09

Taylor Donaldson – 18 Yrs Boys – 50m Backstroke – 35.00, 18 Yrs Boys 200m Freestyle – 2:22.53

Alex Gillon – 14 Yrs Boys – 50m Freestyle – 27.89, 50m ButterFly – 31.31, 50m Backstroke – 34.56, 100m Freestyle – 1:03.00 , 12-14 Yrs Boys 200m Freestyle – 2:28.56

William Neppl – 16 Yrs Boys – 50m Breaststroke – 37.03

Hamish Rae – 14 Yrs Boys 100m Freestyle – 1:05.53

Victoria Robinson – Multi-Class Athlete – 50m Backstroke – 57.84

Primary Music Ensembles

At BCC, we provide many avenues for students to grow in musical ability and appreciation. 

Enrolment for our key extracurricular music ensembles is now available through our brochure here. Or to enrol your child, please fill out the google form here.

Music Tutors

You may also like to see the details for our wonderful music tutors here. This includes our new guitar and bass tutor who is excited to take on new students. We have a wonderful tutoring team ready to teach your child one of the following instruments:

• Vocals
• Piano
• Guitar/Bass
• Clarinet/Saxophone
• Flute
• Violin
• Drums/Percussion
• Brass- Trumpet, Trombone

Secondary Musical Band

College Office Hours

The College Office hours are 8am – 4pm.

College Office Contacts

Our Administration Team can be contacted by phoning the College on 4922 8300 and following the prompts or by using the email format firstname.lastname@bcc.nsw.edu.au.

• Primary Administration Assistant: Mrs Debbie Paardekooper – Primary enquiries, absences, medical information etc.
• Secondary Administration Assistant: Mrs Kathy Evans – Secondary enquiries, absences, medical information etc.
• Registrar: Ms Teena Knott – enrolment enquiries
• Receptionist: Mrs Sarah Bell & Mrs Laura Ioannides – payments, general enquiries
• Assistant Business Manager: Mrs Michelle Mazzantini – school fee enquiries

Bus Transport

A range of buses service the College. Information on the catchment area, routes and timetables can be found by visiting our Transport page on our website.

Bus pass applications and updated information need to be completed online. The application will be endorsed by the College and then the Opal Card is mailed directly to the address provided on the application.

Medical Action Plans

If your child has a medical action plan, please contact the Administration Assistant for your Primary or Secondary school student at the College Office so that the management plan can be implemented or updated for your child.

Manage Your School Fees

Belmont Christian College uses our Student Management System, Sentral, to manage our school fees. School fees statements and further information has been emailed this week allowing you to register and set up your payment plan via the Sentral Parent Portal. The Portal gives you payment options and flexibility to break up your payments over the course of the year. For further information on fees and payment options you can visit our website, or email Michell.Mazzantini@bcc.nsw.edu.au and she will be happy to assist.

Parent Volunteers

Parents/Carers have many opportunities to assist the College in a variety of ways. Opportunities for parent/carer help include sports coaching, community garden, working bees and excursions. Notices requesting help regularly appear in the College Newsletter.

Please note that all volunteers who assist at the College must complete a Volunteer Booklet which is available at the Office.

When volunteering parents need to sign in and out at the College office.

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/

An introduction to myfuture (for parents and carers)

Wednesday 08 March 2023, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

This webinar will be an introduction/refresher to the myfuture career information service. The presenter will demonstrate how the platform can be a useful tool in career and transition planning, highlighting resources that are most relevant to your child/ren. This will include reference to myfuture’s psychometric career interest test (My career profile), the occupation and course information, videos, pathway infographics, and resources mapped to the Australian Curriculum Work Studies sub-strands. This webinar aims to provide attendees with confidence to support their child/ren with their career exploration. 

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.

Uniform Requirements and Pricelist

Please click below to view the uniform requirements and current pricelist.

Uniform Shop Hours

Primary Parents and Carers of K-6 girls

In preparation for the coming school year in the Winter months of Terms 2 and 3, this is to inform you in advance that we are introducing ‘optional’ girls slacks to the Winter uniform for K-6 girls. These are to be worn with the normal BCC Winter uniform blouse.

Slacks are currently available to purchase at the Uniform Shop. However, due to rapidly growing children and possible size increases, parents may decide to hold off buying slacks until closer to the time. This is obviously a parent/carer choice, but we wanted to let you know that the slacks are available for purchase.

Please note that it still remains that for formal occasions and school photographs, it is expected that the full Winter uniform is worn.

The following activities and services are offered by external providers which may be beneficial to your family. These services focus on strengthening student wellbeing or academic capacity. While these services are not explicitly from a Christian worldview, they do provide insights based on human wisdom and evidence based research. However, personal discretion as to whether these services align with your own beliefs will be required. Such services are NOT fully endorsed by the College, but are made available for families to make their own judgement and decision. 

Headspace Webinars

Child Safety Handbook

The “NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook” is a comprehensive and free resource to assist parents, carers as well as teachers on a range of topics essential to child safety.

Click here to download the Child Safety Handbook

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.

~ 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.