TERM 1, WEEK 5, 2026 PRIMARY NEWS

PRIMARY NEWS PRIMARY NEWS

TERM 1, WEEK 5 | 20TH FEBRUARY 2026

A MESSAGE FROM MR JOHN LONGLEY

How small choices shape culture

Dear Parents and Carers,

As a College community, we often speak with our students about how small choices shape culture

In the Primary years, one of the most significant habits a child can develop is the daily habit of reading. While fifteen minutes of reading at home each evening may not seem like much, over the course of a year this adds up to more than 90 hours Across the seven years of Primary school, this becomes more than 600 hours spent building vocabulary, strengthening comprehension, deepening knowledge and growing confidence as learners.

Small, faithful investments of time have a powerful long-term effect. Students who read regularly are not only strengthening their literacy skills, but are also developing focus, imagination, empathy and the capacity to engage with increasingly complex ideas across all areas of learning

In the same way that fifteen minutes of daily reading can have a profound impact over the years, we are reminded that small, consistent rhythms also shape our spiritual lives. Developing the habit of setting aside time each day to read Scripture, pray, and draw near to Jesus may feel simple, yet these daily moments form the foundation of a deep and enduring personal relationship with Him

Romans 12:10 calls us to be devoted to one another in love Part of this devotion is seen in the habits we cultivate together as families; habits that prioritise growth in learning and growth in faith

Thank you for your continued partnership as we build strong habits that support both the academic development and spiritual formation of our students.

God bless you and your family too, Mr John Longley

Director of Primary

PRIMARY CHAPEL

Monday 2nd March 2026, 9:00am – 9:45am

Parents are invited to join our Chapel session at Encompass Church.

Enjoy an item presented by the Year 3 classes.

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.

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.

HARMONY DAY

Friday 6th March 2026

To celebrate our beautiful and diverse cultures, students are invited to dress in traditional cultural attire, colours representing your culture, or orange, the colour representing harmony.

Students not wanting to dress up need to come dressed in their College uniform.

Students who choose to dress up need to bring a gold coin donation.

VICTORIAN PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE

The Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge (VPRC) begins on Monday 2nd March 2026 and will run until Friday 4th September 2026. It is open to all Victorian children up to Year 10 This is a challenge that encourages students to develop strong reading habits, not a competition.

As part of the challenge, students in Prep – Year 2 are required to read or experience 30 books with the support of parents, carers or teachers. At least 20 of these books must be from the VPRC list. Students in Years 3 - 6 will need to read 15 books, with at least 10 of these books coming from the VPRC list

There are hundreds of books on the VPRC list, and these books in our College Library have special stickers on them so your child can easily identify them

Participation is not compulsory, but is highly encouraged. Permission must be provided via Consent2Go for your child to participate in the challenge. By providing consent, your child will be registered on the Victorian Premier's Reading Challenge website. All children who complete the challenge will receive a certificate of achievement. If you have multiple children, you may find all requests for consent in one email thread

If you would like your child to participate, please ensure you provide consent as soon as possible via Consent2Go.

Student login details will be handed out shortly once the VPRC website is back up and running. The site is currently unavailable due to scheduled maintenance. Once your child receives their login details, they will need to log books read in their own time Younger students will need assistance from parents/carers.

For more information, including the Premier's letter to parents and the booklist, please visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Library via SEQTA.

MATHEMATICS COMPETITION OPPORTUNITIES

1.Maths Talent Quest (MTQ) 2026

The Maths Talent Quest (MTQ) is a long-standing competition hosted by the Mathematical Association of Victoria (MAV). It provides an exciting opportunity for students from Prep to Year 12 who enjoy mathematics to explore real-world mathematical ideas through an independent or small group investigation

MTQ encourages students to apply mathematical thinking creatively and rigorously, developing skills in problem-solving, reasoning, communication and investigation Further information about the competition can be found at: https://www.mav.vic.edu.au/Student-Activities/Mathematics-Talent-Quest

Maths Talent Quest is a rigorous academic competition and requires a high level of commitment and personal responsibility 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.

Please note:

Form due: Friday 13th March 2026

Projects due date: TBC around Friday 17th July 2026

Selection Process (Two-Stage Submission)

Stage 1 – Internal Judging (School Level)

Students will submit their completed projects to Mrs Field. Projects will be judged internally using the official rubric criteria Only students who fully meet the criteria and rubric standards will be eligible for submission to MTQ.

From this process, two projects per year level will be selected to represent the College at Maths Talent Quest

Selected projects will then be submitted to MTQ for external judging.

Important Notes

Places are limited, as entries are capped according to the school’s student-toentry ratio.

Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to students within the INSPiRE Program.

Only high-quality projects that fulfil all rubric requirements will be submitted to MTQ

Students may work individually or in small groups (recommended group size is 2-3 students).

Register Interest HERE

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Field via SEQTA or email.

We look forward to seeing creative, thoughtful and mathematically rich investigations in 2026!

2.Expression of Interest Open

We are pleased to invite students to register their interest in two upcoming national mathematics competitions: the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) Competition (Years 5–12) on Tuesday 19th May, and the Australian Mathematical Competition (AMC) (Years 3–12) on Tuesday 4th August.

These competitions provide an excellent opportunity for students to extend their computational and mathematical thinking, problem-solving skills and perseverance. Both are designed to challenge students beyond the standard classroom curriculum and are best suited for those who enjoy tackling complex, unfamiliar problems and are currently above the expected standard for mathematics

Cost: $9 per competition

(Students in the INSPiRE program may participate at no cost.)

At this stage, we are seeking expressions of interest only. No payment is required yet, and further details will be shared with registered families.

Register interest HERE

If you have any questions, please contact Anthea Field at afield@ncc.vic.edu.au.

We look forward to supporting our enthusiastic mathematicians as they embrace this exciting challenge!

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

ISLA, PREP: HONOUR

You show all of Prep P honour in the way you listen carefully to instructions and help others without being asked

KEILAH, PREP: UNITY

Keilah, you are a great table leader. You make sure books are handed out and put away, and always check that the table is left tidy. Thank you for serving your classmates with consistent love and care

SEBASTIAN, PREP: UNITY

For sweeping the floor after the class has finished eating without being asked to I am so grateful for your willingness to keep our classroom clean.

CLARA, YEAR 1: HONOUR

For honouring her classmates with her patience and kindness in caring for them. Well done in showing God's love in your compassion!

JUDE, YEAR 1: HONOUR

For putting a great effort in with your Inquiry work this week and consistently showing great listening to others.

REUBEN, YEAR 2: HONOUR

For showing great responsibility by putting effort into tasks without needing to be asked. Your dedication and commitment to your learning are impressive — keep it up!

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EMMA, YEAR 2: IDENTITY

Your curiosity and persistence in learning new words are helping you grow as a confident reader, reflecting your identity in Christ as someone who seeks wisdom and understanding. Keep using the gifts God has given you to deepen your thinking and shine in your learning.

JEROME, YEAR 3: UNITY

For being a role model and support to others in the playground, making sure students are being safe, demonstrating your caring and helpful nature.

RYAN, YEAR 3: HONOUR

For consistently demonstrating outstanding initiative by approaching every task with diligence and care. You are an excellent example to those around you

JOANNA, YEAR 4: IDENTITY

For the integrity you have shown this week through your responsible attitude and thoughtful effort in all your learning You are a positive role model to your peers.

JAMES, YEAR 4: HONOUR

For acting with honour and respect by applying yourself to your work and to following instructions, even when others around you were not as focused as you The effort you are putting into being a respectful part of the classroom is impressive and much appreciated!

SHEKINAH, YEAR 5: IDENTITY

For showing consistent kindness to others, speaking with gentle and uplifting words, and always trying your best. I encourage you to continue to grow confidently in your faith identity and inspire others to do the same.

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

CAITLIN, YEAR 5: HONOUR

Cailtin, you consistently treat teachers and your peers with respect, approach your learning tasks with patience and integrity by doing your best, and set the standard for readiness to learn by setting up for learning quickly. You are a role model to emulate, and we are so blessed to have you in 5M!

MARK, YEAR 6: UNITY

For showing initiative in beginning a new lunchtime comic club, and being inclusive in allowing anyone who was interested to join in. We are so proud of your positive start to Year 6, Mark.

JOANNA, YEAR 6: UNITY

For showing a wonderful example of unity within our Year 6 community. You actively include others, encourage teamwork, and help create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Your actions reflect a heart that seeks peace, kindness, and togetherness Thank you for being apart of our community.

UPCOMING PRIMARY 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)

CSEN Basketball Championships - Years 5 – 12

Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsals – Select Students

Tuesday 3rd March

Running Club

Wednesday 4th March

Swimming Squad - Select Students

Thursday 5th March

SSV Division Swimming Competition – Select Students

Friday 6th March

Swimming Squad – Select Students

Harmony Day

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

Wednesday 13th March - Monday 23rd March

NAPLAN

Friday 13th March

Swimming Squad - Select Students

UPCOMING PRIMARY 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)

Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsals – Select Students

Tuesday 17th March

Running Club

Swimming Squad at Watermarc - Select Students

Thursday 19th March

SSV Primary Swimming – Regionals

Friday 20th March

Ride 2 School 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

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.

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.

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