From our Head of Wellbeing (7-12), Mr Nate Miller
Building Resilience through Discomfort
In class, when asked to give a speech, most students experience familiar sensations: sweaty palms, a lump in the throat, and a swirling sickness in their stomach. Many students dread public speaking, and let’s be honest—most adults would rather avoid speaking in front of people as well!
Although we may always feel a bit uneasy about speaking in front of a crowd, there are ways to make it less daunting. However, this isn’t a quick or easy fix. We need to gradually face our fears to overcome them, as discomfort is essential for building resilience.
Many years ago, I taught James (name changed), a Year 8 student who had recently transferred to our College. James hated speeches so much that he would take sick days to escape it. If he did attend, he would hide in the bathroom or make excuses for why he wasn’t ready. James’ fear of public speaking was so intense that whenever he had to speak in front of the class, you could see him physically crumple into his seat, almost willing the earth to swallow him whole.
We gradually encouraged James to take more risks in class. He started by raising his hand once or twice each lesson, then progressed to presenting his speech to his teacher, then to his friends, and finally to the entire class. It took two years and some setbacks, but eventually, James felt comfortable speaking in front of his peers.
One of the key ways to build resilience is to experience appropriate levels of discomfort through challenges. Children need to face some discomfort to develop resilience. While avoiding difficulties and challenges may have short-term benefits, it can have negative long-term effects and compound feelings of learned helplessness. Accepting challenges, despite their difficulty, is the key to moving forward.
This is no easy feat, so it’s better to challenge yourself gradually. We also have inexhaustible support in God. Personally, I have found comfort in the Psalms when facing challenges. I know He is my refuge and strength, always there to help me through.
Over the term break, my encouragement to all our students is to identify an area in which they would like to challenge themselves—whether academic, social, creative, or athletic—and to ask God for help through the discomfort so they may continue to grow.
Let’s not avoid challenges but embrace them as opportunities.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Prayer and Praise
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 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:
- Staff and student sickness: Pray for healing and strength for all staff and students who are unwell. May they recover quickly and completely.
- Coins for Compassion (Week 10, Friday): Pray that students develop empathy and understanding for poverty. May the day be one of unity and generosity, raising significant funds for the cause.
- Rest for the holiday: Pray for rest and rejuvenation for all students and staff during the holiday break.
Prayer for HSC Students
It’s that time of year again when we ask people to volunteer to pray for the 2024 HSC students. Our goal is for each HSC student to have at least one person from the College community committing to pray for them each day from the beginning of Term 3 until when the HSC exams finish on 8 November. We are asking people to commit to praying for two specific HSC students, the names of whom we will provide to you.
Why start specific prayer in Term 3? Well, in Term 3 the HSC gets more real for the students as they have their HSC Trials in August, Major Works (Art and D&T) are due towards the end of August, and Drama and Music performances, along with Language Oral Exams in September. The HSC Exams start on 14 October.
As part of our wider community focus, we also ask that you please pray for the HSC students at Belmont High School. It can be a challenging time for so many young people.
If you are interested in committing to praying for two of our HSC students, please contact us via prayerwarriors@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Upcoming Important Dates
Primary
06.08.24 | Zone Athletics Carnival
07.08.24 | Year 3 Tree Tops Excursion
23.08.24 | Primary School Disco
Secondary
01.08.24 | Zone Athletics Carnival
Whole College
06.07.24 | School Holidays
29.07.24 | Back to School
Save the date
12.09.24 | Primary Show
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.
Save the Date – Primary School Disco
GoFundMe honouring Amelia and supporting Alex Kotze
As we continue to mourn the tragic loss of Amelia Kotze from Year 10, our hearts and prayers remain focused on her family. We are so encouraged to see the many ways in which communities bind together in moments such as these. Alongside other College-led initiatives, work colleagues and close friends of Amelia’s mother Alex have established a practical way to support Alex through this very difficult season. To this end, we commend the BCC community to consider donating towards the attached financial assistance initiative set up specifically on behalf of Alex Kotze.
Please continue to join our College in prayer for the Kotze family.
Support Ronald McDonald House through Learning Enrichment
In preparation for the upcoming Ronald McDonald House Charity Dinner (5.30pm – 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.
Some tickets are still currently available.
We’d like to thank those who have already supported this year’s 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
Estetiko Skin and Laser (Amy Lennox)
Steve Walters
Petstock
Caves Beach Butchery
The Newcastle Knights
The Newcastle Jets
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 representatives charitydinner@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Sponsorship of the event or donations to Ronald McDonald House can be made directly through our site here:
Uniform Shop News
Uniform Shop closed during July School Holidays
The uniform shop will be closed during the July School Holidays. Any online orders will need to be placed first week of the holidays to allow for postage in the second week if needed before school returns in Term 3.
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.
BCC Business Directory
Our Parent’s Business Directory is available on the College website via the Community Hub. It is so great to see many BCC parents get on board with this initiative and share their business details with the wider BCC community.
If you are keen to join this Business Directory, which is exclusive to current BCC parents, please enter your business.
Restore Parent Coaching Information Sessions
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 on Tuesday, 13 August 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.
Download the Sentral Parent App today!
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.
Sport News
Belmont Christian College Girls’ Basketball Teams Shine at Basketball Gala Day!
By Mr Ben Boyce, BCC Basketball Correspondent
Last week, our talented girls basketball teams from Belmont Christian College showcased their skills at the Hunter Zone Girls Basketball Gala Day. Despite the ups and downs, these young athletes demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship that made our school proud.
The Senior Girls Team displayed Grit and Determination. The team faced formidable opponents, and although they didn’t secure any wins, their performance was commendable. Their hard work and positive attitude on the court were evident throughout the day.
The Junior Girls Division 1 team had a solid showing. They battled fiercely and secured an impressive 4th place. Their precision passes and strong defence showcased their dedication. These young players exemplified true integrity, supporting each other through every game.
The Junior Girls Division 2 team were the undefeated champions. Cheers erupted as our Division 2 Junior team clinched victory, without a loss all day! Their teamwork and determination led them to the top spot. Congratulations to these outstanding athletes—they’ve set a high standard for future teams.
Let’s celebrate the efforts of our girls’ basketball teams. As they continue to grow, we look forward to more exciting moments on the court. Go, Belmont Christian College!
FUTSAL Indoor Soccer Gala Day
The FUTSAL Indoor Soccer Gala Day was held on Thursday, 27 June. The junior boys played with great energy and enthusiasm. They had mixed results on the day, marginally missing out on the final.
The open boys FUTSAL team played well, remaining undefeated in the pool games. The boys won the semi final comfortably 4 – 1 against Charlton before a nerve wracking final against Green Point. The final finished 1-1 at the conclusion of regular time. The game went to golden goal and unfortunately, a few minutes into extra time, Green Point scored to win the final. All of the boys represented BCC with pride and played with courage and respect.
External School Sporting Success
NSW Spearfishing Representation
Congratulations to Philip Green (Year 12) who has been selected to represent in the NSW State Team at the Nationals Spearfishing Titles. Some recent results which qualify him include:
Jan 24 – 2nd in Juniors at the South Australian Championships – Kangaroo Island, SA.
Feb 24 – Junior Champion – Big Fish Comp – Nelson Bay, NSW
Mar 24 – 2nd in Juniors at the South Coast Championships – Ulludulla, NSW
Mar 24 – Junior Champion – Australian Pacific Coast Championships – Nelson Bay, NSW
Apr 24 – Junior Champion and 8th overall at the Far South Coast Championships – Narooma, NSW
Jun 24 – Junior Champion Eden Challenge – Eden NSW
NSW State Aerobics
Recently, several students represented their clubs at the NSW State Aerobics FISAF Competition. Congratulations to Ruby Henerson and Lillian Stewart who competed in the Elementary Juniors Pairs, placing 1st in the division.
Congratulations to Imogen Prentice who competed in the Youth Female placing 2nd overall.
Parent/Carer Information and Support
Future Choices Transition Expo
Careers News
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
Fundraising with Entertainment Book
Entertainment Book Available Now
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 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.