Newsletter

Welcome Back

Let me start with a question. What does it mean to be a Christian school rather than just a faith-based school? Faith is not just an added component or an underlying principle, instead, it is at the core of everything we do. In this newsletter, I’d like to look at the sense of community that is fundamental to our identity.

Every school does something well. For some, it’s their vocational program or their sporting achievements. As we take people around the College on our regular College Tours, one of the things we like to express is that we are a community rather than an institution. Institutions work in transactional arrangements, where one party pays a fee and gets a service in return. That’s not us. As we are a growing College, I have intentionally kept our internal structures smaller, for
example Connect groups, as we emphasise knowing every student individually.

But it’s more than just about the size of our structures. It’s about our engagement with families. Communities work in partnership. Communities communicate. They talk about issues and work together for resolutions. Communities look for the broader good rather than seeking wins for the individual at the expense of everyone else. Communities build relationships for the long term.

When communities flourish, all members have a sense of belonging and being cared for. When there is a transactional relationship, parents and children are treated as customers and the College is only a service provider. Sadly, many schools operate exactly like this. It’s not uncommon for new families to assume that all schools operate like this. But this isn’t the way we engage. We want to build a community that in turn creates a home. I think that’s something that makes us a little bit different.

As I close, I would like to welcome two new Executive members to our community. It is with pleasure that I welcome our new Deputy Principal, David Holland and New Business Manager, Rhys Tippett to the team. I am grateful for God’s provision and look forward to their contributions.

Sharon Sopher
Principal

At the start of a new term, and especially as new families are joining the College, it is good to revisit some of the parking and traffic matters that the College knows is important to keep our students safe, and our neighbours happy. We would be grateful for your consideration of the following:

– There is a 10 minute limit for cars stopping in the pick up zone outside of the office. This helps us keep this area clear for emergency services, and parents who need early pick up.  For that reason, we request that you delay coming into the College for afternoon pickup until 2.40pm at the earliest, or if you are here earlier, that you find a park, not wait in the pick up zone.

– When parking on roads adjacent to the college, please comply with all parking regulations, there should be no parking on the nature strip or footpath. Please be considerate of  our neighbours.

We are happy to advise that work on our council approved plans to upgrade afternoon pickup for all of our College families is well under way. In the meantime, we are very grateful for your cooperation with the above matters, that help us with traffic management and safety.  

Regards

Rhys Tippett

Business Manager

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:

• Community and Local State Schools: Pray for the wellbeing and success of our community and specifically for the state schools in our area. Pray that Scripture and spiritual guidance continue to be present in these schools and that God’s presence be felt among students and staff.
• New Families and Students: Lift up prayers for the new families and students joining our school community, that they may feel welcomed, embraced, and find a sense of belonging among us.
• Expecting Staff Mothers: Pray for the health, safety, and joy of our expecting staff mothers – Pip, Rochelle, Danielle, Celeste and Sarah. May they experience God’s peace and protection throughout their pregnancies.
• Student and Staff Wellbeing: Pray for the overall well-being of our students and staff members. Ask for God’s protection against illnesses and for strength and resilience as we enter the winter season.
• Protection of Christian Schools: Pray for the protection and prosperity of Christian schools everywhere. Ask for God’s guidance and provision so that these institutions can continue to thrive and provide a nurturing environment for students. Pray also for the ability to continue hiring Christian staff who can positively influence the next generation.

Upcoming Important Dates

Primary

10.05.24 | Kindergarten Mother’s Day Breakfast
16.05.24 | Year 1 Awabakal Excursion
27.05.24 | Primary Zone Girls Soccer
28.05.24 | Paul Kelly Cup AFL

Secondary

13.05.24 | Year 11 English Othello Excursion
15.05.24 | Theatre Sports Competition
16.05.24 | Year 10, 11 & 12 Careers Expo
22.05.24 | Secondary Athletics Carnival
23.05.24 | Year 7 & 8 Build ME a future day
24.05.24 | Secondary Zone Football (Soccer) Gala Day

Whole College

13.05.24 | CIS Rugby League Trials
21.05.24 | 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.

The College continues to partner with Restore Parent Coaching, and we encourage BCC parents and carers to investigate further by attending a free online information session with Shelby and Lil. There is a Zoom session coming up next week on Thursday, 16 May from 7:30pm. If next week does not suit, there are other dates available in the RSVP link below. Both Shelby and Lil would love to meet you and offer their support as you do the journey with raising your child.

RSVP link can be found here.

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 David Holland – Deputy Principal

Mr David Holland, a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience in the public-school sector, brings extensive leadership expertise, having served as Principal for 11 years across two local primary schools. Driven by his faith in Christ, he aims to be a beacon of light, embodying strong values and principles. With a commitment to evidence-based practices, David champions explicit instruction pedagogy, prioritising student progress and fostering strong partnerships with parents to achieve optimal educational, spiritual, and personal outcomes at BCC.

Mr Rhys Tippet – Business Manager

Mr Rhys Tippett, a dedicated Chartered Accountant with over 14 years of experience, brings a wealth of expertise in financial management to Belmont Christian College. With a strong commitment to nurturing a culture of care and value within the community, Rhys aims to optimise resources to support the College’s mission of holistic education. Drawing on his not-for-profit sector background, he implements strategic financial plans to align with the College’s vision. Outside of work, Rhys enjoys soccer and active involvement in his church community with his wife and children.

Mr Caleb Chatburn – Learning Enrichment Aide

Tell us about your photo.
I love all sports but I am a huge basketball fan.

What church do you attend?
Hunter Bible Church

What church ministries excite you?
Youth, young adults and anything community based which opens the door to spread the good news of Jesus.

What makes you look forward to working at BCC?
The supportive and caring culture between the teachers and students. The team uplifts one another through their love for Jesus and passion for enriching the lives of each student.

Mr James Giltrap – Secondary Teacher

Tell us about your photo.
I am a very enthusiastic, very average golfer. I love playing most sports, but golf has captured my heart over the last few years. Few things are more humbling than paying to spend four hours watching your ball sail into a bunker/dam/bush.

What church do you attend?
Belair Baptist Church

What church ministries excite you?
I love my small group and youth ministry / mentoring.

What makes you look forward to working at BCC?
The spirit of kindness and respect.

Mrs Kylie Grant – Primary Teacher

Tell us about your photo.

My running shoes and airpods. When I’m listening to music or a podcast and walking or running next to the water, it is both calming and invigorating. Another part of this is seeing others bask in the breathtaking views that God has created as they develop their relationships by walking and talking with loved ones. This is a constant joy for me. The combination of running and worship music or listening to the fascinating and inspiring truths revealed in the bible from a Tim Keller sermon is also incredibly soul restoring. I’ve thought about the running part and I guess it makes me feel powerful and free at the same time. I suppose that’s pretty deep but it is what it is 🙂

What church do you attend?
Eastlakes Salvos

What church ministries excite you?
Prayer Groups, helping the vulnerable and worship music

What makes you look forward to working at BCC?
The Godly, warm and supportive culture

In preparation for the upcoming Ronald McDonald House Charity Dinner (Friday, 16 August 2024), Primary students from our Learning Enrichment Program are actively engaged in a range of purposeful activities this term. Under the guidance of Mrs Walters and her team, the students are meticulously gathering donations, organising a series of fundraising initiatives, and curating unique items for the charity auction.

We’d like to thank those who have already supported this years dinner by donating items for our silent auction or funds for Ronald McDonald House:

The little Garden (Jessica Lumley)
Maureen Bullock
LR Hair Dressing (Lea-anne Ribeiro)
Baker Love Lawyer
Skin and Laser (Amy Lennox)
Steve Walters
Petstock

Thank you to these donors, your generosity will undoubtedly contribute to surpassing last year’s success, allowing us to make an even more substantial impact on the lives of those in need. Together, let us continue to provide vital assistance to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

To donate items for the silent auction please contact our student representative leilah.clarke@bcc.nsw.edu.au

Sponsorship of the event or donations to Ronald McDonald House can be made directly through our site here:

Year 12 HSC Music Day

Last Friday, students in Year 12 Music attended a HSC Music Day hosted by Newcastle University Conservatorium of Music. Year 12 students from across the region came together for the day. The day focused on the topic of Australian music and included performances by Encore nominees, local artists, valuable presentations by HSC markers and a selection of performance, composition, musicology and aural skills workshops.

One of our students, Joel Edwards, shared his thoughts on the day, stating, “I found it very beneficial to hear from several leading educators in HSC music, all of whom provided useful insights, advice, and motivation for the course.”

We are delighted to provide our students with such enriching opportunities to enhance their musical education.

School photographs will be taken for Primary and Beginners #1 on Tuesday, 11 June 2024 and for Secondary and Beginners #2 on Friday, 14 June. We will be taking class group photos as well as individual and pre ordered sibling photos.

ALL students are asked to wear their full FORMAL WINTER uniform to school on the day. Any students that normally wear Sport uniform on this day will do a lower intensity lesson in their formal uniform. 

Please note a reminder of our formal Winter uniform requirements:
~ Kindergarten – Year 12 boys are to wear shirts tucked in
~ Kindergarten – Year 12 girls are to wear navy opaque stockings, not socks
~ Kindergarten – Year 12 boys are to wear their ties
~ Kindergarten – Year 6 girls are to wear their bows
~ Year 11 and 12 are to wear their blazers
~ Hair needs to be off the face
~ One pair of plain surgical studs or sleepers and one watch only, no other jewellery
~ Girls optional pants are permitted

Orders can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using the College’s unique 9 digit Advanced Order Code: P5L NEY LXP. Photo orders are due on Photo Day. 

Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph, the order must be placed no later than 10 June. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed. Pre-ordered sibling photos will be taken at lunch time, please ask your eldest child to collect their siblings and line up at the Hall.  

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. Envelopes are available at the College Office.

Should you have any queries concerning this year’s 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  

CSSA Netball Representative

Congratulations to Elysia Terbeeke in Year 5 who was selected to play Centre in the NSW CSSA Netball team.

Elly will represent the side in the upcoming NSW CIS Netball Selection Championships next week.

Primary & Secondary CSSA Triathlons

Last term during Week 10, a team of over 30 students represented the College at the annual CSSA Triathlon at International Penrith Regatta Centre. While conditions were trying with some torrential rain during the teams event, our students represented the College admirably. Primary and Secondary results below:

Primary CSSA Triathlon

Our Primary triathletes were amazing at the CSSA competition, with the majority involved in their first Triathlon/Duathlon.

Syanna Unwin was our sole representative in the Individual Triathlon, finishing in a very commendable 10th place. This was Syanna’s first triathlon.

In the teams Duathlon events, BCC was represented by 8 teams who rode and ran their way in the very testing conditions.

Eva Terbeeke and Esther Jenkins combined to take Gold in the Junior Girls event with Kora Croxford and Kristin Kearney taking Bronze in the same event.

In the Senior Primary division, Blair Gillon, Elijah Morris and Josiah Bell pushed hard to take the Silver medal in a very hotly contested event.

Congratulations to all of our Duathlon and Triathlon athletes.

Secondary CSSA Triathlon

Congratulations to Hamish Rae one of our Year 9 talented all-round athletes, who came 1st in the Intermediate Boys 15-16 Yrs Division. State Champion!

Secondary CSSA Swimming

Last Term in Week 9 a strong team of nearly 30 students represented the College and Hunter Christian Zone Sports at the annual NSW CSSA State Swimming Championships. All competed admirably, well done to all. Special mention goes to the following students for outstanding results:

Age Champions 

Victoria Robinson – Female Multi-Class Champion 

Aleksander Gillon – Under 15 Boys 2nd Age Champion by 1 point

Outstanding Individual and Relay Results

Estella Bonsor – 2nd 200m Individual Medley 15-16 Female

Lewis Davies – 2nd 50m Breast stoke – 18 Boys

Aleksander Gillon – 1st – 15 Yrs Boys 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly, 50m Backstroke, 2nd – 100m Freestyle, 2nd 200m Individual Medley, 100m 15 Yrs Boys 100m Free

Skylar Moore – 2nd 12-14 Year Girls – 200m Individual Medley, 3rd 12-14 Years 200m Freestyle, 3rd 13 Years – 50m Butterfly,  100m Freestyle

Victoria Robinson – 1st Female Multi-class 50m Backstroke, 2nd Female Multiclass 50m Freestyle and 50m Breaststroke

Intermediate Boys 4x50m Freestyle Relay and 4x50m Medley Relay came 2nd in both events. Team Members included: Liam Boyce, Hamish Rae, Hamilton Dobson, Aleksander Gillon.

CSSA State Team

Congratulations to the following students for making the NSW CSSA State team for:

Open Girls Touch Football Team – Kathryn Leyshon

Under 15 Girls Touch Football Team – Willow Barry

Open Boys Hockey Team – Hamilton Dobson

Out of School Sporting Success

Australian Surf Life Saving Titles

During the recent school holiday break, two of our students, Aidan Rae from Year 11 and Hamish Rae from Year 9, ventured to Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast to compete at Aussies 2024 Australian Surf Life Saving Titles, where they showcased their talent among representatives from 314 surf clubs across Australia. It was a remarkable opportunity for Aidan and Hamish to showcase their skills and dedication on a national platform.

Hamish, competing in U15, secured a Gold medal in the Board Relay race and clinched Bronze in the Board Rescue alongside his teammate. Hamish’s skills led him to the semi-finals in both the Ironman and Board Race events.

Aidan teamed up with his older brother and former student Lachlan Rae to tackle the U19 Double Ski event. Despite challenging conditions, they demonstrated remarkable teamwork and secured a silver medal. Aidan’s individual prowess shone brightly as he not only made it to the finals in the individual U17 Ski Race but also brought home a Silver medal. Adding to his achievements, Aidan and his mates triumphed in the Ski Relay, claiming a Bronze medal in that event as well.

NSW State Hockey Team

After three try outs, William and Jacob Cunningham have been selected to represent NSW in the State Hockey Team, competing for the Ginsberg Cup at Nationals. The tournament will be held at Warners Bay Ice Hockey Rink from 17 to 22 July. Jacob’s selection is particularly noteworthy as he is playing up an age group in the under-13s team. Both boys currently play rep hockey for the Newcastle North Stars U13, involving extensive travel due to limited rinks in the state. We applaud their dedication and hard work in achieving this significant accomplishment.

NSW State Dirt Track Titles

Amelia Kotze recently competed in the NSW State Titles for Dirt Track and won the 12-16 Yrs Girls Division. State Champion Well Done!

The following activities and services are offered by external providers and 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. 

Primary After School Auskick AFL

Primary Auskick AFL is coming up this term. The 5-week program will start on 17 May and operate for five Friday afternoons, from 3:15pm to 4:15pm on the College Oval. Auskick is open to all K-6 students.

Please see the below for details, including cost and further information and use the QR code to register.

Importantly, this is an external activity and College staff will only assist the AFL staff in getting students to the oval, but will not be present during or after the session.

If you require further information, please contact Matt Haines from AFL NSW on the email address supplied.

Made @ the Place

Good for kids good for life

Griffith University Tertiary Prepatation Workshop

Monday, 24 June – Friday, 28 June 2024

Get ahead of the audition process for Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.

Tertiary Preparation Workshop (TPW) participants have the opportunity to learn more about requirements for tertiary entry, skills required for auditions and interviews, tools for enhancing executant skills, and theory and aural fundamentals. There will also be sessions on overcoming stage fright, warm-up methods, practicing effectively and introductions to tertiary courses – My Life as a Musician and Exploring Music.

TPW is open to students in years 9 – 12, and adults, who are considering auditioning for a tertiary music institution.

Parents and caregivers will also be given the opportunity to join Queensland Conservatorium Heads of Area as they discuss the Bachelor of Music degree and the future of the working life of a musician.

TPW 2024 Schedule

TPW 2024 includes practical sessions in the following:

Classical: Winds, Strings, Brass, Percussion, Guitar, Piano, Voice

Jazz: Winds, Strings, Brass, Percussion, Guitar, Piano, Voice

Popular Music: All Instruments and Voice

Composition: All genre

Important Information

Dates: Monday 24 June to Friday 28 June 2024

Venue: Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, 140 Grey Street, South Brisbane

Fees: $515 incl GST

Schedule: 2024 Program Information

Contact: open-conservatorium@griffith.edu.au for more information.

REGISTER NOW

2024 Apprenticeship/Traineeship & Jobs Expos

Central Coast Apprenticeship/Traineeship & Jobs Expo
Tuesday, 13 August 2024 – 3pm to 7pm
Mingara Recreation Club, 12/14 Mingara Dr, Tumbi Umbi NSW

Newcastle & Hunter Apprenticeship/Traineeship & Jobs Expo
Tuesday 20, August 2024 – 3pm to 7pm
NEX – Newcastle Exhibition & Convention Centre, 309 King St, Newcastle West NSW

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.