Newsletter

As the year moves into full swing, it has been encouraging to see so many positive things in our community. It was no better an example than at the College tour on Wednesday, where a bunch of new families got to experience our College, and commented on how blessed we are to have such a cohort of staff and students, and the incredible facilities that we enjoy. On Tuesday we’ll be joining together in the staff commissioning service, giving thanks for all things and to commit the year ahead to the Lord. It is important that we recognise that every good and perfect gift is fashioned by our Heavenly Father, to be utilised for the good works that He has planned for us to do (Ephesians 2: 10). Nothing is wasted in God’s economy, and it is important at this time to reflect on His goodness. God’s character and goodness is what compels and motivates our posture of thankfulness in response to Him. 

One such way we can demonstrate our engagement with Him is during learning activities, as well as the assessment of learning. In the coming weeks, your child will be moving into some of the formal components of assessment of learning. This includes assessment tasks and NAPLAN testing for years 7 and 9 in Secondary, as well as Assessment Schedules distributed this coming week. It is important to engage with these processes and documents, keeping track of tasks e.g. a calendar on the fridge, so your child is well prepared. Although given a few weeks’ notification from classroom teachers, family engagement is an additional measure supporting learning and preparing for assessment. A goal for our students this year is ‘every student engaged and growing, every lesson, every day’. Students’ spiritual, emotional and learning growth journeys are important at our College. Another goal for our students and staff is that all are ‘connecting well, feeling well and functioning well’. The balance is important for all learners (staff and students) and we will be working within these themes throughout the year. Please continue to pray for our College, and to give thanks for all of the rich blessing we have as a community.

Mr Alex Cameron
Head of Secondary

BCC Prayer Warriors

We are privileged to be able to run a monthly prayer morning. It’s a treat to pray for new families, students and staff, share some coffee and cake and enjoy great conversation. 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 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. 

Prayer Points:

1. That our upcoming College Commissioning Service is a fantastic community event, and is a time where God is honoured and our students continue to see the great value of being educated at a place like BCC
2. For any families in our BCC community who are doing it tough, whether that be physically, emotionally or spiritually
3. For our local public schools, that the start to their years have been positive for staff and families and that the students are both encouraged and engaged

Upcoming Important Dates

Primary

07.03.24 | Primary CSSA Swimming (Evening Event)

Secondary

06.03.24 | Secondary Zone Swimming Carnival
08.03.24 | Year 10 Visual Arts Excursion
08.03.24 | Student Vaccinations
11.03.24 | Secondary Zone Touch Football Gala Day

Whole College

27.02.24 | Staff Commissioning Service
12.03.24 | Parent Connect

SAVE THE DATE

03.12.24 | End of Year Festival

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.

For all major announcements regarding College Life, student reports & absences, calendar access, newsletters, excursion permissions, fee payments and much more, the College uses the Sentral Parent App. If you have not already, 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 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.

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 Lachlan Macintyre – Science Curriculum Leader / Secondary Teacher

Tell us about your photo.
I love all sports and grew up playing as many as possible. The prop represents this love. I’m still very active but mostly in a relatively straight line these days doing a mixture of road and trail running.

What church do you attend?
Grace Evangelical Church

What church ministries excite you?
I love ministries that involve developing relationships of Godly encouragement with other Christians. Bible studies, kids ministry, it’s all a great opportunity to glorify God and explore his word.

What makes you look forward to working at BCC?
How could I pinpoint one thing!!! The staff and students have been so welcoming and kind. You can tell that it’s a place that cares deeply about the students.

Ms Deb Taylor – Learning Enrichment Aide

Tell us about your photo.
I’m a Kiwi and I love chocolate. Nothing beats Whittaker’s. My Dad also loved Whittaker’s, he recently passed away so I am reminded of him when I have some.

What church do you attend?
Belair Baptist Church

What church ministries excite you?
Kids/Youth Ministry. Children are our future leaders, we must invest in them as a priority.

What makes you look forward to working at BCC?
We are united in our faith and our goal of seeing our kids thrive.

Mr Luke Fricker – College Chaplain

Tell us about your photo.
One of my favourite things on the weekend is smoking some type of meat and enjoying it with my family and friends.

What church do you attend?
Belmont Baptist Church

What church ministries excite you?
All things youth and young adults. I love seeing the next generation grow in faith and a love for church.

What makes you look forward to working at BCC?
I love the people in the BCC community. Always someone having a laugh and cheering each other on. It has a great feel about it which makes you feel very welcome.

Vaccination

 Year 7 & 10 vaccinations are happening on Friday 8th March & Friday 25th October. Provide your consent online with the information below:

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. 

Lake Mac Women in Sport Festival Event

On the Saturday, 9 March there is a Leadership and Careers Expo featuring former Australian Cricket Captain Belinda Clark AO, and Olympic Gold Medallist Chloe Dalton OAM at the Lake Mac Women in Sport Expo at The Place Charlestown. Clark and Dalton will share their personal and professional stories, focusing on leadership. There will also be representatives present from Cricket NSW, Tennis NSW and TAFE NSW. It is a great opportunity for students and sports enthusiasts to discuss leadership and meet sporting heroes! The event is completely free, you just need to register a spot here: Lake Mac Women in Sport Leadership and Careers Expo – Lake Macquarie City Council
you can read more about the event via the same link.

Career conversations at results time 

NSW Mining would like to remind you that due to their immense popularity, the 2024 NSW Mining Careers Dinners will be held across 2 locations in the Hunter Region.

May 1: Singleton Civic Centre

June 12: Newcastle City Hall

Just choose the Hunter location which is most convenient for you.

Registrations for both events open for students, careers advisers and parents on March 4. Put the date in your calendar!

As always, NSW Mining Careers Dinners are free events, including a 2 course meal, and an expansive industry showcase with displays and guest speakers from local mining employers, universities, and training providers.

Go to www.nswminingcareers.com.au for more information

UAC Information for Parents

University Admissions Centre (UAC) has a newsletter specifically for Year 12 parents to keep you informed about the application and university entry process. Please either subscribe by using the link below, or go to the ‘Parents’ page of the UAC website.

Subscribe to the UAC parent newsletter

UAC Digital

This year UAC will be running a number of LIVE webinars for Year 10 to 12 students and their parents. Dates and registrations will be released very soon. We will keep you up to date via our social media pages and the UAC Digital web page.

The first LIVE webinar will be aired on Wednesday, 27 March, at 6 pm; a session for parents with information about the application process and how to support their Year 12 student. This event will be live-streamed on Facebook and our webinar platform. Registration will open soon.

University of Sydney Central Coast Info Night

Discover the University of Sydney

Central Coast Info Night

Tuesday 26 March, 6 – 7:30 pm
The Entertainment Grounds

Register now

Discover why the University of Sydney is the right place for you at our Information Night for year 10 to 12 students on Tuesday 26 March at The Entertainment Grounds.  

You’ll have the chance to speak with current students and alumni from the Central Coast who have undertaken a variety of degrees from across the University.   

Learn about admission requirements, entry schemes, pathways, fees, scholarships, financial assistance and support services from our expert staff and UAC representative.  

Year 10 students joining us will take part in a separate interactive session that aims to help link personal interests and skills with careers and courses and has a specific focus on selecting the right subjects for senior high school. 

Light refreshments will also be provided.  

Support a cause that’s meaningful to you by purchasing a Membership to The Entertainment App and receive a bonus extension of up to four months!

Purchase a 12 or 24 month Single City Membership and receive a bonus two months.

Purchase a 12 or 24 month Multi City Membership and receive a bonus four months.

20% of each Membership purchase will go directly to your chosen Fundraiser.

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.