A warm welcome to all our families as we begin the 2026 school year! Whether you are returning to our community or joining us for the first time, we are delighted to have you as part of Northside Christian College. A new year always brings fresh opportunities to learn, to grow, and to deepen our shared commitment to nurturing hearts and minds in Christ
The start of a new school year is a moment of anticipation and renewal. Classrooms fill with energy once again, students reconnect with friends, and staff prepare with great care and prayer for the year ahead Together, we look forward to building on the foundations of faith, character, and learning that define our school community.
As we embark on this journey together, may we be reminded of the words from Isaiah 43:19: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” May this year be one in which God continues to do new and wonderful things in the lives of our students, families, and staff
In our fortnightly newsletter updates, you will find important information, key dates, and updates from across the secondary school as we settle into routines and look ahead to the opportunities this year will bring. We remain committed to providing a learning environment where students are challenged academically, supported pastorally, and encouraged to grow in their faith and character
As we commence the new school year families are encouraged to discuss with their children ways in which they will be organising their time, establish a good homework routine, imbed healthy recreational activities into their week and ensure that students uniforms are in order for the year ahead.
Families are reminded that all false eyelashes and fake nails will need to be removed by Monday 2nd February We work in partnership with parents to ensure all students are wearing their uniform to an expected standard and in line with our uniform policy.
We pray that 2026 will be a year marked by purpose, joy and growth for every member of our school community. With blessings,
Rebecca Matthews Director of Secondary
2026 DEDICATION SERVICE
Monday 2nd February
All Secondary students are required to attend this service. Please wear your College Blazer. Year 12 students are reminded they also need to wear their College Blazer - not their Year 12 Jacket.
SAVE THE DATE
Senior Formal (Years 11-12) Thursday 2nd April. More details to follow.
YEAR 10 STUDENTS
Year 10 Work Experience forms are due on Friday 6th February. Forms can be handed in at the Secondary Administration Office.
VET STUDENTS
All VET classes will start in Week 2. Please be prepared for the day. VET Travel Forms have been sent home. Please return these important forms to the Secondary Administration Office by Monday 2nd February at the latest
YEARS 7 - 12 SWIMMING CARNIVAL
Thursday 5th February.
Students in Years 7 - 12 are invited to the 2026 House Swimming Carnival. The day will include swimming races, novelty events, water polo and inflatables Students will have use of the waterslides and aqua park during the event, and the canteen will be open for students to use.
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.
In the interest of student safety, all students will be transported to and from this event by bus.
Staggered times are as follows:
YEARS 7 and 8
Students need to be at the College by 8:15am, and will return to the College at 1:30pm.
Students have sports rotations in the afternoon.
YEAR 9
Students need to be at the College by 8:40am, as a normal school day Students will return to the College by 1:45pm.
YEARS 10, 11 and 12
Students attend classes for Periods 1 and 2. Students will leave the College at 10:10am.
All students will be dismissed at the end of the day at 3:05pm, as per normal.
Students will need to wear their Sports Uniform with their House polo top and are encouraged to wear their House colours.
The canteen will be made available for students to purchase food if needed Please note only cash or card is accepted, no mobile phones permitted.
DAV DEBATING
DAV Debating for Years 9 - 12 is now open, and registrations are ASAP! This is a fantastic opportunity for students to sharpen their critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills through competitive interschool debating
Debates are held at Loyola College, in the evenings, and run for approximately one hour per round. Students compete in teams of four, so grab your friends and form a team, or I can put you in a team with other keen students
The competition dates are:
Round 1 – Monday 23rd February 2026
Round 2 – Monday 23rd March 2026
Round 3 – Monday 11th May 2026
Round 4 – Monday 15th June 2026
Round 5 – Monday 10th August 2026
To register your interest, please complete the form HERE.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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-toentry ratio. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served 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 BnHTjs4smnxFK6v oIYedJg/viewform?usp=header
ABSENCE NOTIFICATION IN SEQTA
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.
