Primary Homework: Building healthy learning habits together
Dear Parents and Carers,
This year in Primary, we are transitioning to a paper-based homework program This change is designed to provide families with greater visibility of what students are learning in class, and to create stronger opportunities for parents and carers to engage in meaningful conversations about learning at home.
A paper-based approach also supports a reduction in recreational screen time and digital distractions, while helping students to develop important skills such as organisation, independence and responsibility.
At times, teachers may still ask students to use subscription-based digital learning programs as part of homework. When this occurs, it will be purposeful, limited and timed, and clearly connected to classroom learning.
The heart of our Primary homework program is to build healthy, consistent habits of reading and learning beyond the classroom. Regular reading and short learning tasks support academic growth and positive routines that benefit students in the future.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s homework, I encourage you to connect with your classroom teacher so that we can continue to partner together. You are also very welcome to contact me at any time
I look forward to welcoming our community to our first Primary Chapel for 2026 this Monday. We would love parents and members of our extended community to join us at Encompass Church from 9:00am to 9:40am as we gather for worship, celebration and learning together as a Primary School.
God bless you and your family too, Mr John Longley
Director of Primary
PRIMARY CHAPEL
Monday 16th February, 9am - 9:45am
Parents are invited to join our Chapel session at Encompass Church. Enjoy an item presented by the Year 2 classes
Preps will not be attending Chapel this Monday due to school photos.
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.
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.
SCHOOL PHOTOS: PREPS, ABSENTEES AND SIBLINGS
Monday 16th February
Prep students will have their school photo taken on Monday 16th February.
SchoolPix will also take sibling photos for families with a Prep student, as well as photos of any students who were absent on Wednesday 11th February.
Please note that all students having their photo taken must wear their full Summer Uniform, even if they would normally wear their Sport Uniform on this day
Hair accessories must comply with College colours. Only small studs or sleepers may be worn. Rings, necklaces and bracelets should not be worn at school.
If you need further assistance, please call Reception on 03 9467 2499.
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.
RUNNING CLUB: YEARS 3 – 12
Running Club is open to students from Years 3 – 12. It will take place at the College and will commence in Week 6.
Students wanting to participate will need to put their name down at the PE Office. A Consent2Go invitation will then be sent out.
Training Dates: 7:30am – 8:15am
Tuesday 3rd March 2026
Tuesday 10th March 2026
Tuesday 17th March 2026
Tuesday 24th March 2026 (no training on this day – Student Free Day)
Tuesday 31st March 2026
SIBLINGS OF RUNNING CLUB TRAINERS
Primary School-aged siblings who are not participating in Running Club cannot be left at school without parent/carer supervision before 8:15am.
If you are unable to supervise non-participating siblings, they must be enrolled with Camp Australia for before-school care.
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.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS Term 1
WEEK 4A
Monday 16th - Friday 20th February
Monday 16th February
Primary Chapel 9:00am in the Encompass Auditorium
(Item presented by the Year 2 classes)
Prep, Absentee and Sibling School Photos
Tuesday 17th February
Free Pancake Tuesday at Northside 8:00am – 8:30am
Wednesday 18th February
Preps - No School
Swimming Squad - Select Students
Thursday 19th February
New Family Connection Meeting - By invitation
Friday 20th February
Prep 2027 Applications Close
Swimming Squad - Select Students
WEEK 5B
Monday 23rd - Friday 27th February
Monday 23rd February
Primary Assembly - 8:45am in the Courtyard
Years 1 - 3 GATEWAYS - Select Students
Tuesday 24th February
BDSSA Swimming Competition – Selected Years 3 – 6 Students
Years 4 – 6 GATEWAYS – Select Students
Wednesday 25th February
Preps First Wednesday at School
Swimming Squad - Select Students
Friday 27th February
Swimming Squad - Select Students
UPCOMING EVENTS
Term 1
WEEK 6A
Monday 2nd - Friday 6th March
Monday 2nd March
Primary Chapel - 9:00am in the Encompass Auditorium
(Item presented by the Year 3 classes)
Tuesday 3rd March
Running Club
Wednesday 4th March
Swimming Squad - Select Students
Thursday 5th March
Swimming Squad - Select Students
WEEK 7B
Monday 9th - Friday 13th March
Monday 9th March
Student Free Day: Labour Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 10th March
Running Club
Wednesday 11th March
NAPLAN testing begins for Year 3 and Year 5 students
Swimming Squad - Select Students
Friday 13th March
Swimming Squad - Select Students
Wednesday 13th March - Monday 23rd March
NAPLAN
UPCOMING EVENTS
Term 1
WEEK 8A
Monday 16th - Friday 20th March
Monday 16th March
Primary Chapel - 9:00am in the Encompass Auditorium
(Item presented by the Year 4 classes)
Tuesday 17th March
Running Club
Swimming Squad at Watermarc - Select Students
Friday 20th March
Northside Harmony Day
CSEN Primary Swimming Championships
WEEK 9B
Monday 23rd - Friday 27th March
Monday 23rd March
Primary Assembly - 8:45am in the Courtyard
Last day of NAPLAN testing for Year 3 and Year 5 students
Tuesday 24th March
Parent Student Teacher Conferences – Student Free Day
WEEK 10A
Monday 30th March - Friday 3rd April
Monday 30th March
Whole School Easter Chapel
Tuesday 31st March
Running Club
Wednesday 1st April
Last Day of Term 1
Running Club
Monday 16th February
TUESDAY 17TH FEBRUARY 2026 8AM - 8:30AM
Join us in the main courtyard for pancakes, —
fellowship, and celebrating Jesus the greatest sacrifice.
MUSIC PANCAKES TOPPINGS
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
