senior students, it provides an important opportunity to build consistency, resilience and purposeful habits, but the light at the end of the tunnel can seem far for many students.
As educators we know that regular, consistent check in’s by parents with their children, provides connection and a deeper understanding of the organisational structures our students need to thrive and build a balanced lifestyle. I use the word ‘build’ intentionally, as adults in our students’ lives help guide and construct frameworks to support healthy educational balance and fruitful personal lives grounded in faith.
For our VCE students, this term marks a critical phase of preparation. We encourage families to support steady routines at home that prioritise revision, organisation and wellbeing. Small, consistent efforts over time make a significant difference For our younger secondary students, this is a valuable season to strengthen study habits, remain curious in learning and continue developing character through both challenge and success.
As a Christian community, we are reminded in Galatians 6:9 to “not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ” This term, we are encouraging students to persevere, whether in their academic work, relationships, or personal growth, trusting that diligence and faithfulness bear fruit over time.
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing partnership with the school Your support at home plays a vital role in shaping not only academic outcomes, but also the character and faith of our young people.
Mrs Rebecca Matthews Director of Secondary
LOST PROPERTY
Our Lost Property collection has grown again this term, with many unnamed uniform items, lunch boxes and drink bottles waiting to be reunited with their owners. If your child has lost something of value, please contact Reception in Term 3.
atches, jewellery and headphones kindly ask families to please ensure uniforms, lunch boxes and drink ickly, while unnamed items often responsibly recycled if they remain school holidays.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Operation Christmas Child is a great way for our College community to come together and bless children less fortunate than us with a special gift for Christmas.
Each class has been assigned gift items to collect so that our gift boxes can be filled. Please refer to the attached flyer.
All items must be new and handed in to your child’ s Home Group teacher by Friday 31st July 2026.
Understanding the VCE Years
Help for those who have never had a child undertake VCE
Do you want to understand more about VCE in Australia? Do you want to know more about all the pathways available to Victorian students?
Join us for our Understanding the VCE Years Information Evening, designed for parents of students in Years 6–10 who have not previously had a child complete the VCE 11th August 2026
How and when do students choose subjects?
What meaning do exams have in the scope of the study score?
What if a student doesn’t feel called to do one of the Big 4 professions – Medicine, Law, Engineering or Teaching?
What do all of those V’s mean (VTAC, VCAA, VCE, VM, VSL, VSV, and VET) and how do they influence the senior years of schooling?
6:30pm-7:30pm I Pathway Forge
BOOK WEEK & COSTUME SELECTION
Friday 28th August 2026
As we look forward to celebrating Book Week together, we are excited about the opportunity to encourage a love of reading and creativity across our school community. This is a special time where students can bring their favourite characters and stories to life through costume and imagination.
This year ’ s theme is Symphony of Stories and we encourage students to explore books that inspire courage, curiosity and character-building journeys. As we prepare for this fun and meaningful event, we would like to remind families of a few important guidelines to ensure that our celebration reflects the values of our Christian ethos:
Costumes should be positive, respectful, and in keeping with our Christian Values We ask that students choose characters who embody traits such as kindness, bravery, honesty and compassion.
Please avoid costumes that are scary or inappropriate, including witches (good or bad), wizards (good or bad), demons, vampires, zombies, or any that involve blood, gore, or horror themes. These can be upsetting to our younger students and are not in line with our school values.
Weapons of any kind, such as swords, guns, bows & arrows or other imitation weapons are not permitted.
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Students should be dressed modestly and appropriately, with costumes that allow for safe play and participation throughout the school day. Closed-toe footwear is required.
Children who come dressed in costumes that do not align with these guidelines may be asked to change into their school uniform (parents may be contacted if there is no change of clothes available).
We strongly encourage creative, home-made costumes that reflect beloved characters from books and stories. If you are unsure whether a costume is appropriate, please speak with your child’ s Home Group Teacher ahead of time.
Thank you for your continued support in making Book Week a joyful, inclusive, and values-aligned event for all students. We look forward to seeing the wonderful ways our students bring books to life through their costumes and imaginations!
WHAT’S ON : COMPETITIONS
COLOURING COMPETITION
Competition entries due Friday 28th August
Students are welcome to start collecting colouring sheets from the Library Once completed, please return to the Library for your chance to win
THE GREAT BIBLE HUNT
Running @ recess and lunch on Friday 28th August
Collect your clue sheet from the Library to search for teachers dressed as Bible characters or Bible objects around the College. Use the clues to help find each teacher Submit completed sheets to Mrs Drowley by the end of lunchtime. The team with the most correct answers in the fastest time wins
PRINCIPAL’S CHOICE AWARD
Dress Up Parade Friday 28th August @ 8.55am
Join us in the courtyard as we all come together to celebrate our favourite books in costumes
Be dressed up for your chance to receive a ribbon from Ms Munro. A large number of students and parents will have the chance to receive a ribbon
WHAT’S ON : EVENTS
MONDAY 24TH AUGUST @ LUNCH LEAP, FOLD AND SHARE
Come to the Library and make origami frogs sitting on lily pads.
TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST @ LUNCH STORY SCULPTORS
Create air-dry clay characters inspired by the shortlisted CBCA books in the Library
WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST @ LUNCH LILY PAD LEAPS
Make your way to the oval to participate in relay races.
THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST @ LUNCH NOTES TO NONNO
Write a special letter to a grandparent in the Library, inspired by the book My Nonno Loves.
FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST @ LUNCH
WATERCOLOUR WONDER
Join our art teachers in the art room to create beautiful watercolour paintings inspired by the book Dawn
FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST @ RECESS & LUNCH THE GREAT BIBLE HUNT
Collect your clue sheet from the Library to search for teachers dressed as Bible characters or Bible objects around the College Use the clues to help find each teacher Submit completed sheets to Mrs Drowley by the end of lunchtime The team with the most correct answers in the fastest time wins.
THE PREMIERS' READING CHALLENGE
The Premiers' Reading Challenge is finishing on Friday, 4th September. Please ensure that all books read are uploaded by Tuesday, 1st September.
This allows our Library staff time to verify the books students have read, so that students don’t miss out on receiving their official certificate!
Thanks for being part of the Premiers' Reading Challenge. We can ’t wait to celebrate students' reading success!
ELEVATE EDUCATION
Dear Parents/Carers of Year 11 and 12 Students,
I hope that you are doing well and successfully navigating both your own busy lives and the busy lives of your child/ren You have a job with many challenges and we are here to support you. This update is just for you, our VCE parents/carers. In particular it is for those of you who have at least one child undertaking a Unit 3/4 VCE Subject and who is undertaking exams this year
Over many years we have used Elevate Education as an incursion resource to help students learn strategies to manage their time and study effectively For the past three years we have also brought in Elevate through one of their 'branches' called Connect Education to help students revise for their end-of year VCE external exams. These have also been very helpful and will continue again during the September holidays.
Elevate has a series of lectures online just for parents! This series of webinars is all about how you can support your students in Year 11 and 12 who are going through the exams and other stresses of VCE years These webinars will help give you some 'tools' to help support them on this very important aspect of their journey. If you are interested in joining a webinar please see this link: https://go.elevateeducation.com/auparentwebinars
Please let me know if you attend one of the seminars and find it helpful And, as always, if you have any questions concerning your child' s progress, please do not hesitate to contact me We are here to support you
Have a wonderful Friday,
COLLEGE UNIFORM UPDATE
WARDROBE SUITE
The new approach to our uniforms is to have a “Wardrobe Suite” This means that on cooler days, students can wear warmer uniform pieces, and on warmer days students can wear lighter uniform pieces, irrespective of the time of year.
Alongside this, families have received an updated Uniform Policy and a visual Uniform Wardrobe Guide to support clear expectations.
As you consider uniform options, please be reminded that the Sport uniform can only be worn on allocated Sport days
Please be advised that the new shirt with the black piping is for girls only.
If you are buying a boy’ s shirt, please ensure there is no black piping.
Further details, including key expectations and visual examples, can be found by clicking below:
NEW OUTERWEAR SOFT SHELL JACKET
KEY BENEFITS
GENERATIONAL DESIGN
One jacket for Prep-Year 12 No need to buy new colours (red/ black) for Primary and Secondary
SUSTAINABLE APPROACH
DESIGN FEATURES
Designed for superior warmth, comfort and a durable modern fit Makes passing jackets to siblings simple
WHEN TO WEAR
PRIMARY STUDENTS
SECONDARY STUDENTS With Sports uniform only. With Formal & Sports uniforms.
6 students can wear either this new Soft Shell Jacket OR the Year 6 Graduation jacket.
UNIFORM FOCUS
SCARVES AND BEANIES
Students needing additional warmth in the cooler months may wear the Northside beanie and scarf while outside.
Families can buy the beanie and scarf over the holidays in preparation for Term 3 from Academy Uniforms.
JEWELLERY
Students may wear a watch and one small pair of gold or silver round studs or sleepers in each ear. Other piercings are not worn at school.
The following items are NOT part of the permitted jewellery items at school:
Rings
Hoop earrings
Drop earrings
Multiple earrings in one ear
Coloured or shaped studs, or studs containing a stone
Necklaces
Bracelets
Anklets
Smart watches with built-in cellular connectivity
COLLEGE HOUSE POLOS
The College is currently reviewing the quality of a number of uniform items and is aware that many sizes of the coloured College House polo tops are currently out of stock.
During this review period, students are welcome to wear their red Sport polo tops instead of their College House polo tops on specified days.
Please contact your child’ s Home Group teacher if you have any questions.
In response to feedback received from our College community, the black collars on the Sports rugby jumpers have been improved to reduce fading. These jumpers will be available from Academy Uniforms.
TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS TO THE SCHOOL BUILDING FUND
A reminder that the Northside Christian College School Building Fund is open to taxdeductible donations
These funds will greatly benefit Northside, enabling the provision of quality education to current and future students, as well as benefiting the donor with a tax deduction.
School Building Fund donations may be used for the following:
Capital improvements and refurbishments
Repairs, painting, plumbing and general maintenance
Replacing floor coverings
Heater/Cooler repairs and/or replacement
Cleaning a school building
Building insurance
Security costs
All contributions to the Building Fund are tax deductible and will be gratefully accepted. Donations can be made through our Finance Office between 9:00am - 3:30pm Monday to Friday.
For further information on donating funds, please contact the office on 9467 2499
WEEK 3B
Monday 27th July:
ONDARY EVENTS
Monday 27th July - Friday 31st July
Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsal
Tuesday 28th July:
Thriving Minds Years 7 - 8
Wednesday 29th July:
Engage 9 Urban Endeavour Day 2: Big Issue Excursion
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsals
Year 7 School Based Immunisations
CSEN Fortnightly Sport Years 7/8
Thursday 30th July:
Thriving Minds Years 9 - 10
Friday 31st July:
Engage 9 Urban Endeavour Day 3: City Visit
Running Club
Worship Band Rehearsals
UPCOMING SECONDARY EVENTS Term 3
WEEK 4A Monday 3rd August - Friday 7th August
Monday 3rd August:
Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsal
Secondary Chapel Service
ICAS Assessments - Digital Technologies (AMC 4th; Period 1&2 and PSTC 6th)
Tuesday 4th August:
Australian Maths Competition
Tuesday 4th August - Friday 7th August
Outdoor Ed Unit 1 & 2 - Field Trip 3
Wednesday 5th August:
Principals Day
Engage 9 Urban Endeavour Day 4: Homelessness Documentary Making
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsals
CSEN Fortnightly Sport Years 9/10
ICAS Assessments - Writing Registered Students in Years 3-12 (Period 3&4)
Thursday 6th August:
Prep – Year 12 Parent Student Teacher Conferences (PSTC)
Student Free Day
Friday 7th August:
Running Club
Worship Band Rehearsals
UPCOMING SECONDARY EVENTS
Term 3
WEEK 5B
Monday 10th August:
Monday 10th August - Friday 14th August
Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsal
Debating
ICAS Assessments - English Registered Students in Years 2-12 (Period 1&2)
Tuesday 11th August
Senior Moot Competition
Understanding the VCE Years
Wednesday 12th August
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsals
CSEN Fortnightly Sport Years 7/8
Wednesday 12th August - Friday 14th August
Year 10 Mid Year Boost Camp
Thursday 13th August
Write a Book in a Day
Whittlesea Tech School
Friday 14th August
Running Club
Worship Band Rehearsals
UPCOMING SECONDARY EVENTS
Term 3
WEEK 6A
Monday 17th August:
SCIENCE WEEK
Monday 17th August - Friday 21st August
Science Week Dress-up Day
Secondary Chapel Service
ICAS Assessments - Science Registered Students in Years 3-12 (Period 3&4)
Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsal
Tuesday 18 August th
ICAS Assessments - Spelling Bee Registered Students in Years 3-7 (Period 3&4)
Wednesday 19th August:
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsals
CSEN Fortnightly Sport Years 9/10
Thursday 20th August:
CSEN Netball Championships
Friday 21st August:
Student Leadership - Hot Chocolate sales for Bundoora Extended Care (Fundraiser)
Running Club
Worship Band Rehearsals
UPCOMING SECONDARY EVENTS Term 3
WEEK 7B
Monday 24th August:
BOOK WEEK
Monday 24th August - Friday 28th August
Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsal
ICAS Assessments - Mathematics Registered Students in Years 2-12 (Period 1&2)
Wednesday 26th August:
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsals
CSEN Fortnightly Sport Years 7/8
Whittlesea Tech School
Friday 28th August:
Book Week Dress-Up Day & Parade
Running Club Worship Band Rehearsals
WEEK 8A
TEACHER AIDE APPRECIATION WEEK
Monday 31st August - Friday 4th September
Monday 31st August - Friday 4th September:
Mary Poppins Jr Production 2026
Monday 31st August:
Secondary Chapel Service
Wednesday 2nd September:
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsals
CSEN Fortnightly Sport Years 9/10
Years 7 - 8 Outdoor Education Excursion
Friday 4th September:
Parents and Friends Father’ s Day Stall
UPCOMING SECONDARY EVENTS
Term 3
WEEK 9B CAREERS WEEK
Monday 7th September - Friday 11th September
Tuesday 8th September:
SSV Division Athletics
Year 9 Real Industry Job Interviews
Wednesday 9th September:
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsals
CSEN Fortnightly Sport Years 7/8
Thursday 10th September:
Engage 9 Urban Endeavour Day 5: Shrine of Remembrance
R U OK? Day
Friday 11th September:
CSEN Secondary Athletics Championships
Worship Band Rehearsals
UPCOMING SECONDARY EVENTS
Term 3
WEEK 10A
Monday 14th SeptemberFriday 18th September
Monday 14th September:
Whole School Chapel
Tuesday 15th September:
Footy Colours Day
2027 Year 9 Information Evening
Year 10V SafeTalk Workshop
Wednesday 16th September:
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsals
CSEN Fortnightly Sport Years 9/10
Thursday 17th September:
Last Day of Term 3
Year 10B SafeTalk Workshop
Last day to withdraw for 2027
Friday 18 September th
Student Free Day
For more upcoming Term 3 Secondary events, click HERE to access the College Calendar
LOGIN INSTRUCTIONS
Step one: Step two: Visit the following website Visit the following website the ‘Sign In’button under ‘School coordinator or student’ .
Step three: On the ‘Student login’ page, click on ‘VPRC login’ .
Step four:
Enter the username and passcode the Classroom teacher provided, then click ‘Login’
You will then be directed to your child s challenge dashboard, where you can view how many books have been read and recorded so far. To enter a book, click the ‘Search Books’tab and enter the book title into the search bar. Sometimes you may also have to add the author’ s name
Once you see the book, select it and click ‘add to my books’ Don’t forget to press ‘Finish’ underneath each book once it has been read Writing a review is optional
Books that have been read will later be verified by a member of staff
If you or your child are having issues logging in, it is recommended that you try a different internet browser. If you are still having problems, please contact the Library Team via SEQTA.
