PRIMARY NEWS PRIMARY NEWS
TERM 1 / WEEK 2 6TH FEBRUARY 2026
A MESSAGE FROM MR JOHN LONGLEY
PRIMARY ASSEMBLY
Monday 9th February, 8:45am - 8:55am
Parents are invited to join the Primary School staff and students in the Courtyard to enjoy the Primary Assembly together.
Please be aware that Primary Assembly may be cancelled at the last minute if the weather does not allow us to meet outside.
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.
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.
ATTENTION ALL PREP – YEAR 2 PARENTS: CHANGE OF CLOTHES
It is important that all Prep – Year 2 students have a spare change of underwear (and shorts for boys) in their school bags.
While some students may not be prone to toileting accidents, it can happen for a variety of reasons. Being able to quickly and discretely change into fresh clothing can make such an experience less embarrassing and draw less attention to themselves.
SCHOOL PHOTOS AND SCHOOL PIX ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS
Wednesday 11th February
Please be reminded that all students will take part in Whole School Photos on Wednesday. Students must come dressed in their full Summer Uniform, even if they would normally wear their Sport Uniform on this day.
(The Preps will have their photos on Monday 16th February because they are at home for the first four Wednesdays of Term 1).
Any hair accessories must comply with the school colours. Only small stud earrings are permitted to be worn at school. Other jewellery items including rings, necklaces and bracelets should not be worn at school.
All families should already have their photo order forms.
Sibling Photos: Sibling photos will take place on Monday 16th February If you have ordered a sibling photo, please ensure your child comes to school dressed in their full Summer Uniform on that day.
If you need any further assistance please call Reception on 03 9467 2499.
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
SCHOOLTV RESOURCE: SCHOOL TRANSITIONS
Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents It means your children are growing up!
However, transitioning is an ongoing process. It can continue long after students have entered their new environment and may encounter difficulties at a number of different stages. These stressors may appear as anxiety and frustration and result in negative or disruptive behaviours. Such behaviours can become problematic making the transitioning process even more difficult for children and parents.
In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Here is the link to your Edition https://ncc.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/schooltransitions
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-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
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.
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 pick-up, 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 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
WEEK 5B
Monday 23rdFriday 27th February
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
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
Upcoming Events in Term 1
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
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
Upcoming Events in Term 1
WEEK 9B
Monday 23rdFriday 27th March
Monday 23rd March:
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 MarchWednesday 1st April
Monday 30th March:
Whole School Chapel
Wednesday 1st April:
Last Day of Term 1 Running Club
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Your OSHC by Camp Australia provides enriching experiences for children during term – before school, after school and on pupil free days. At Your OSHC we give children a supportive space to continue their development, build confidence and socialise with their friends.
Let the children get creative and make a self-portrait out of Lego
Celebrate each child’s individuality while building connections
Handball play solo or in a team and challenge your friends
Belonging -Children belong first to family children draw their family on the collect CA family sheet
Let's get creative, and make a healthy milkshake! Choose your favourite fruit and add some milk and food colouring!
Kids have the opportunity to share their knowledge and leaderships skills, with a group class of yoga followed by gymnastics
Chess is a critical thinking game that challenges your adaptability, focus and problem solving skills
Create desserts using Lego
Celebrate the change Autumn brings to Nature and hunt for a list of season specific items and enjoy all Autumn can bring!
Once registered, you'll be able to easily make and manage your bookings online via our Parent Portal
Please feel free to visit the program with your children to meet the team and see what happens in our great program each school day.
New articles are added each week for parents and cover various topics to help families
Giant Uno cards to play this traditional game
