PRIMARY NEWS PRIMARY NEWS
TERM 1 / WEEK 1
A MESSAGE FROM MR JOHN LONGLEY
ESSENTIAL ITEMS
If you have not already done so, please ensure your child comes to school on Monday with the following items so that they are prepared for learning.
Art Smock (Prep – Year 6)
An effective art smock needs to be waterproof with long sleeves.
An apron-style smock is not suitable.
The art smocks are not a uniform item and can be a unique colour or design so that your child can easily identify their own
All art smocks need to be clearly labelled with your child’s name.
Library Bag (Prep – Year 6)
Library bags are not a uniform item and can be a unique colour or design so that your child can easily identify their own.
All library bags need to be clearly labelled with your child’s name.
HEADPHONES (Years 1 – 6)
Headphones must be wired and clearly labelled with your child’s name.
VOLUNTEER INDUCTION AND PARENT HELPER
TRAINING
Northside Christian College is most grateful for the support of our parents and volunteers.
If you would like to build up your Parent Participation hours in 2026 by helping in the classroom, on excursions, around the school grounds, in the Mini Movers Program, or in any capacity, this training must be completed first
Please refer to the link below to complete the induction registration and modules: https://linksafe.com.au/ncc-volunteer/
Thank you in advance for your willingness to volunteer at Northside.
PRIMARY CHAPEL: NEW TIME, NEW DAY,
NEW VENUE!
Primary Chapel will now take place in the Encompass Auditorium fortnightly on Monday mornings. On the alternate weeks, there will be an outdoor Primary Assembly in the Courtyard during HomeGroup. Parents are invited and welcome to attend both of these times.
Please be aware that Primary Assembly may be cancelled at the last minute if the weather does not allow us to meet outside.
Monday Week A: 9:00am Primary Chapel in the Encompass Auditorium
Monday Week B: 8:45am Primary Assembly in the Courtyard (weather permitting)
Photos and videos of the students are not permitted at Chapel or Assemblies to protect the privacy of other students who may appear in the frame.
Please note that parents and pre-schoolers cannot access the Students ONLY toilets during Primary Assembly. Staff and Visitor toilets are located in the Administration Building (near Reception) or on Level 1 in the Middle School Building.
Parents are not required to sign in at Reception for Chapel or Assembly.
Please be aware that students must remain with their class and their teachers during these events.
YEARS 3 – 6 SWIMMING CARNIVAL
Wednesday 4th February 2026
The Years 3 – 6 Swimming Carnival will be held at Splash in Craigieburn All students will be bussed to this event at staggered times.
Years 3 - 4
* Students need to be at the College by 8:15am
* Students will return to the College at 1:40pm
* Students have classes in the afternoon and will be dismissed at 3:05pm, as per normal
Years 5 - 6
* Students to be at school by 8:40am as per normal
* Students will have classes in the morning, and will leave the College at 9:50am to travel to Splash
* Students will return to the College by 3:05pm for dismissal, as per normal
Parents wanting to spectate will need to collect a Centre Pass from Northside Reception to avoid paying an entrance fee Passes are now available at Reception
Parents wanting to volunteer can contact Mrs Venegas at avenegas@ncc.vic.edu.au. Please be aware that all volunteers must have completed the Volunteer Induction process. You can do this by clicking on the following link: https://linksafe.com.au/nccvolunteer/
Please check your email for the permission form from Consent2Go. It will be sent out shortly. All permission needs to be granted by Monday 2nd February.
Students are to wear their sport uniform with the House coloured t-shirt. It is helpful to already have their bathers on underneath.
Please send a separate bag with a towel, packed lunch, water bottle, fresh underwear and goggles (optional).
NEW FAMILIES WELCOME MORNING TEA
Friday 6th February, 8:15am - 8:45am
Parents who are new to Northside, you are invited to a Morning Tea in your honour!
Please make your way to the Courtyard (outside Reception), to mingle with other parents and to meet some members of the Parents and Friends Association who have kindly prepared this event for you.
HOMEWORK
Paper-based homework will be handed out on Fridays and will need to be returned the following Friday
Although students are not expected to complete homework on the weekend, having homework sent home on a Friday allows your family some extra time if you have a busy weekly routine.
Suggested Homework time allocation (per night)
Prep: 5 – 10 mins
Years 1 – 2: 15 – 20 mins
Years 3 – 4: 20 – 30 mins
Years 5 – 6: 30 – 45 mins
COLLEGE WEBSITE CALENDAR
The printed calendar has been replaced with an online College calendar. Please refer to the College calendar now available on our website for College event updates. Information on the calendar is subject to change, therefore it is recommended that this calendar be referred to on a regular basis.
If you have any questions regarding the events that appear on the online College calendar, please contact your child’s Home Group teacher via SEQTA Engage.
SCHOOLTV
SchoolTV is a wonderful resource the College provides for not only teachers, but our families.
This resource is a one stop shop for all things pertaining to mental health, parenting, social issues and more.
The videos can be watched in Arabic, Mandarin and Hindi
There are many other language options for the written resources. For the latest catalogue list, please go to: https://ncc.vic.schooltv.me/category-latest-newsletter
Please note the link to receive new SchoolTV editions: https://ncc.vic.schooltv.me/subscribenow
SchoolTV is also embedded in our Northside website under the Wellbeing tab.
DROP OFF AND PICK UP PROCEDURE
3:05 All Worthy Warriors will need to be picked up from the Main Gate. 3:05 All Noble Knights will need to be picked up from the Oval Carpark.
3:15 All Courageous Conquerors will need to be picked up from the Oval Carpark.
Parents using the Drive-Through Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zones will need to remain in their vehicles for pick-up and drop-off. Students will be escorted to their vehicles by staff on Carpark duty.
Parents wanting to walk their children to the Oval gate in the mornings are welcome to park in the top gravel carpark, the main carpark, Norris Bank or the shopping centre.
*Please note there is limited car parking on site.
PLEASE CARE FOR OUR BOOKS
We kindly ask for your support in ensuring that home readers and library books sent home with students are treated with care
Please note that lost readers incur a replacement fee, and books that are significantly damaged will also need to be replaced We greatly appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain our resources for all students to enjoy
Thank you for your understanding and support.
LIBRARY UPDATE
We are excited to welcome students back to the Library! Weekly library visits are an important part of each student’s learning experience and help encourage a lifelong love of reading. To ensure that all students can enjoy our library resources responsibly, please review the following important information:
Students may borrow a book for up to two weeks.
To protect our books, Primary School students must bring a library bag to borrow books.
Overdue books must be returned before borrowing additional books. If a book is lost or damaged beyond repair, please inform the Library staff via SEQTA Engage so a replacement fee can be arranged.
Thank you for helping us take care of our Library books. We look forward to seeing your child in the Library each week!
Mrs Kylie Drowley Library Teacher
THE SCIENCE TALENT SEARCH (STS)
The Science Talent Search (STS) is a long-standing competition hosted by the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria (STAV) and provides an exciting opportunity for students from Prep to Year 12 who love science to explore their interests and ideas through an independent or small group inquiry project. Students in Prep to Year 2 must obtain approval from their class teacher before being permitted to enter the competition. Further information about STS can be found at: https://stav org au/sts-resources/
STS is a rigorous academic competition and requires a high level of commitment and personal capacity from each participating student. The responsibility to complete the project rests with the student, and all work must be undertaken in their own time, outside of school hours. While projects are student-driven, Mrs Field is available to provide feedback, and students are strongly encouraged to seek guidance early in the process.
Entries are due in Term 2, with judging likely to take place in August. Some students may be required to attend a judging day. Exact dates are to be confirmed once the 2026 STS Handbook is released
Please note that places are limited, as entries are capped based on the school’s student-to-entry ratio. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, firstserved basis, with priority given to students within the Inspire Program.
The 2026 theme is “Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All”. Students may work individually or in pairs (maximum two students) and may enter one of the following categories:
Posters / scientific wall charts
Experimental
Creative writing (picture book for Primary; storybook for Secondary)
Games
Interactive computer programs
Working models
Video productions
Inventions (approval required)
Photography (Secondary only)
Please complete this form by 9th February 2026. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeeHZ2ItKRdJZ7vhTsSoUCvU2G BnHTj s4smnxFK6voIYedJg/viewform?usp=header
ABSENCE NOTIFICATION IN SEQTA ENGAGE
Parent Notified Absences is available within the SEQTA Engage App, meaning you can notify the College of the absence of your child(ren) through the App by selecting ABSENCES from the Menu in SEQTA Engage.
Here are screenshots to help you locate this option, should you need it:
EXTENDED LEAVE OF ABSENCES FIVE DAYS OR MORE
We ask families to keep us informed regarding student attendance. If you are planning any extended absences for your children of five or more school days, we require a formal application to be submitted and approved by the Principal before you depart.
Forms are available from the College office or can be requested from your child's Home Group teacher.
STUDENT SAFETY AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
At Northside Christian College, the safety of our students is our highest priority.
Outlined below are the current guidelines and some helpful tips to support a smooth and safe experience for all families. We kindly ask that this information also be shared with grandparents or any other family members or friends who may be involved in collecting your children.
Strict Parking and Stopping Rules
• 2-Minute Drop-off/Pick-up: In the designated zones, vehicles may stop for a maximum of two minutes to pick up or drop off a child, but drivers must not leave the vehicle. Please move to the far end of the zone where possible, and ensure children are ready to exit promptly.
• Signage: Please observe and obey all parking signs and restrictions around the school.
• Speed: The entire car park is a 1 0km/h zone at all times
Speed and Awareness
• Reduced Speed Limits: Always slowdown in school zones and adhere to posted speed limits
• Watch for Pedestrians: Remain alert for children, pedestrians, and cyclists, and assume they may not see you
Tips for Parents and Drivers
• Allow Extra Time: Please allow sufficient time to arrive at school to avoid rushing. Students may arrive from 8:15am, so dropping off earlier can ease congestion For pickup, we recommend arriving between 3: 1 0pm and 3: 15pm to allow students time to reach the designated zones
• Supervise Children: Children must not walk through car parks unsupervised. • Use Designated Crossings and Drop-off Zones: Always use the marked crossing points
• Follow Staff Directions: Our car parking duty staff are there to ensure safety and efficiency We ask that you be respectful and follow their directions at all times
Upcoming Events in Term 1
WEEK 2A
Monday 2ndFriday 6th
February
Monday 2nd February:
Dedication Service
Wednesday 4th February:
Years 3 – 6 Swimming Carnival Prep – No School
Friday 6th February: New Families Welcome Morning Tea
WEEK 3B
Monday 9thFriday 13th
February
WEEK 4A
Monday 16thFriday 20th
February
Monday 9th February:
Primary Assembly - 8:45am in the Courtyard
Wednesday 11th February:
Years 1 - 12 School Photos Preps – No School
Monday 16th February:
Primary Chapel – 9:00am in the Encompass Auditorium Prep, Absentee and Sibling School Photos
Tuesday 17th February:
Swimming Squad – Select Students
Wednesday 18th February:
Preps – No School
Thursday 19th February:
Swimming Squad – Select Students
New Family Connection Meeting – By Invitation
Friday 20th February:
Prep 2027 Applications Close
Upcoming Events in Term 1
WEEK 5B
Monday 23rdFriday 27th
February
Monday 23rd February:
Primary Assembly - 8:45am in the Courtyard Years 1 – 3 GATEWAYS – Select Students
Tuesday 24th February:
Swimming Squad – Select Students Years 4 – 6 GATEWAYS – Select Students
BDSSA Swimming Competition – Selected Years 3 – 6 Students
Wednesday 25th February:
Preps first Wednesday at School
Thursday 26th February:
Swimming Squad – Select Students
WEEK 6A
Monday 2ndFriday 6th
March
WEEK 7B
Monday 9thFriday 13th
March
Monday 2nd March:
Primary Chapel – 9:00am in the Encompass Auditorium
Tuesday 3rd March:
Swimming Squad – Select Students
Wednesday 4th March:
Running Club
Thursday 5th March:
Swimming Squad – Select Students
Monday 9th March:
Labour Day Public Holiday – Student Free Day
Tuesday 10th March:
Swimming Squad – Select Students
Wednesday 11th March:
NAPLAN testing begins for Year 3 and Year 5 students
Thursday 12th March:
Swimming Squad – Select Students
WEDNESDAY 11TH MARCH – MONDAY 23RD MARCH: NAPLAN
Upcoming Events in Term 1
WEEK 8A
Monday 16thFriday 20th March
Monday 16th March:
Primary Chapel – 9:00am in the Encompass Auditorium
Tuesday 17th March:
Swimming Squad – Select Students
Wednesday 18th March: Running Club
Friday 20th March:
Northside Harmony Day
CSEN Primary Swimming Championships
WEEK 9B
Monday 23rdFriday 27th March
Monday 23rd March:
Labour Day Public Holiday – Student Free Day
Last day of NAPLAN testing for Year 3 and Year 5 students
Tuesday 24th March:
Parent Student Teacher Conferences – Student Free Day
Wednesday 25th March:
Running Club
WEEK 10A
Monday 30th March -
Wednesday 1st April
Monday 30th March:
Whole School Chapel
Wednesday 1st April:
Last Day of Term 1
Running Club
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