PRIMARY NEWS PRIMARY NEWS
TERM
1, WEEK 6 | 6TH MARCH 2026
LONGLEY
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we move into the coming week, our Years 3 and 5 students will begin their NAPLAN assessments, commencing on Wednesday These assessments provide one snapshot of how students are developing in literacy and numeracy, and they can be a helpful tool for schools as we reflect on teaching and learning across Australia
It is important for us to remember something that sits at the heart of who we are as a Christian learning community; our students are far more than a test score or a number on a page The measure of a young person’s worth is not found in an assessment result, but in their identity as children of God, created with purpose, dignity and great potential.
Our hope for the week ahead is simple. We are praying for students to have good sleep, calm and focused classrooms, and fair opportunities to demonstrate what they know Most of all, we hope our Years 3 and 5 students will feel a sense of confidence and pride in the effort they bring to these assessments.
As a community, I invite you to join us in praying for and encouraging our students this week. Let us model to our young people that in moments of uncertainty or worry, we bring our needs to Jesus. A few simple words of reassurance can go a long way in helping young people approach these moments with calm hearts and steady confidence; bits 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
LABOUR DAY LONG WEEKEND
The College will be closed on Monday 9th March for Labour Day. We hope our families enjoy a well-deserved long weekend. Monday 9th March 2026
SCHOOL TV SURVEY
The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an invaluable tool for schools, providing critical insights into the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This annual survey identifies areas of concern, highlights resilience and adaptability in students, and emphasises the importance of preventative strategies to promote positive outcomes.
The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an invaluable tool for schools, providing critical insights into the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This annual survey identifies areas of concern, highlights resilience and adaptability in students, and emphasises the importance of preventative strategies to promote positive outcomes.
Participation in this survey is strongly encouraged, as it offers a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements. By capturing a detailed understanding of young people's experiences, the survey supports a tailored approach to enhancing their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. It helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement, as well as pinpoint opportunities for early intervention.
The survey is part of an ongoing longitudinal study, and we encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children. Responses remain anonymous and should be based on your observations over the last 12 months. By working together, we can reduce the long-term impact of mental illness and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our young people for a brighter future
Survey link: 2026 Wellbeing Barometer Survey
Should this topic raise any specific concerns you wish to discuss in relation to your child, please contact a wellbeing team member at your school.
Kind regards The Team at SchoolTV
NO CHEWING GUM REMINDER
Parents and carers are reminded that students must not chew gum at school. We ask for your help in reminding your children.
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.
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. National Mathematics Competitions: 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
EZEKIEL, PREP: UNITY
For being so quick to support your classmates with a positive, kind and generous attitude.
ARIYAH, PREP: UNITY
For always looking out for others and serving your classmates with such love and thoughtfulness.
SOFIA, PREP: FAITH
For choosing to be brave and having faith that new experiences might be fun! I am so proud of your strength Sofia!
ELIJAH, YEAR 1: UNITY
For showing kindness to others and helping them when they need it. Your compassion makes our classroom a joyful space to learn together!
HARLEE, YEAR 1: FAITH
For sharing your insights on the story of Noah with the class and showing such enthusiasm towards reading the Bible together in class.
ASHER, YEAR 2: UNITY
For consistently offering to help others and contributing to our classroom in such a positive way. You complete your own work efficiently and then generously support those around you. Thank you Asher for helping build a caring and connected classroom.
RUSSELL, YEAR 2: HONOUR
For showing the value of honour through your growing commitment to writing. You have worked hard to overcome challenges, taking responsibility for your learning, and you have started approaching writing with a positive and resilient mindset
EXCELLENCE AWARDS
JOHN, YEAR 3: IDENTITY
For growing in confidence and belief in yourself when completing learning tasks, and seeking assistance when needed to help you learn and grow
JEDAIAH, YEAR 4: HONOUR
For living out our class values by putting others first and showing honour through your helpfulness in tidying shared spaces.
MIA, YEAR 4: HONOUR
For demonstrating our class values and honouring those around you by frequently offering to help tidy up class resources after lessons.
ISAAC, YEAR 5: HONOUR
You have joined our school with such kindness and genuine enthusiasm. You smile with warmth, speak with care, uplift those around you, and show honour to your teacher each day You are truly a wonderful addition to our class. Keep it up!
HARVEY, YEAR 5: IDENTITY
For embracing the values in our class verse by developing the courage to ask and answer questions, the self control to listen carefully and stay on task, and the love to support your new classmates with their learning in the classroom and at sport. We are so blessed in 5M to have you in our class Keep slamming goals!
MEERA, YEAR 6: HONOUR
For consistently showing honour through the way you speak, act, and treat others As a loyal and kind friend, you make those around you feel included and valued. You always look for ways to help your teachers and peers, and be the hands and feet of Jesus in all environments.
EXCELLENCE AWARDS
ISRAEL, YEAR 6: IDENTITY
For taking on the responsibilities of being in Year 6 with respect and diligence You embrace who you are as a child of God and demonstrate that responsibility with pride. You are a role model for your peers and you are a joy to have in our classroom.
JODARI, YEAR 6: HONOUR
For consistently showing honour through the way you speak, act, and treat others As a loyal and kind friend, you make those around you feel included and valued. Your willingness to stand up for what is right and support your peers reflects strong character and a heart that seeks to honour God in all you do
UPCOMING PRIMARY EVENTS
Term 1
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
5/6 District Sport
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 - Select Students
Thursday 19th March
SSV Primary Swimming – Regionals
Friday 20th March
Ride 2 School Day
CSEN Primary Swimming Championships
5/6 District Sport
UPCOMING PRIMARY EVENTS
Term 1
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
Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsals – Select Students
Tuesday 24th March
Parent Student Teacher Conferences – Student Free Day
Thursday 26th March
International Day for Epilepsy – Purple Day
Friday 27th March
5/6 District Sport
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
