PRIMARY NEWS PRIMARY NEWS
TERM 2, WEEK 10 | 25TH JUNE 2026
A MESSAGE FROM MR JOHN LONGLEY
As we come to the end of Semester 1, it is a fitting time to reflect with gratitude on all that God has done in and through our Primary School community. This week has provided a wonderful conclusion to a semester filled with learning, growth, friendship and opportunity.
Our Years 5 and 6 students participated in a special Growing Up Day on Wednesday. We were privileged to welcome well-known Christian author Sharon Witt, whose wisdom, humour and encouragement helped students navigate this stage of life with confidence and understanding. Throughout the day, students were reminded that growing up is part of God's good design, and that each stage of life brings opportunities to grow in wisdom, character and responsibility. It was also wonderful to see our Year 9 students demonstrating hospitality and service as they prepared and served a delicious hot lunch for the Years 5 and 6 students.
Our Year 3 students enjoyed an exciting day of Science learning, as a group of Year 10 students served our younger learners by leading a series of experiments in the Science laboratory. It was wonderful to see students experiencing the wonder of scientific discovery together, while also witnessing older students demonstrating leadership, service and encouragement. Thank you to Ms Pasztetnik, our VCE Chemistry teacher, and the Year 3 team for providing our students with this opportunity.
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As families enter the holiday period, I encourage you to spend time together around the dinner table reflecting on the past six months. Consider sharing moments of challenge, growth and gratitude. While you look over your child's Semester 1 report together, I encourage you to talk about who your child is becoming. Where have they shown courage? When did they persevere through a challenge? How have they grown as a friend, learner, servant or member of the community? What has God been teaching them this semester? These conversations help remind our young people that their identity is not found in a result or achievement, but in being known and loved by God, and that true success is measured not only by what we accomplish, but by the character and faith we develop along the way.
The Primary staff and I prayed on Tuesday afternoon for a safe, restful and refreshing holiday period for all of our students and families, and we will continue to uphold our community in prayer over the coming weeks. We would appreciate your prayers for our Primary staff as well, that this break would provide refreshment and quality time with family and friends as they spend some time away from the College and prepare for exciting learning to come in the second half of the year. We look forward to all that God has planned for our community in the remainder of 2026!
May God bless you and your family, and thank you for your partnership throughout Semester 1.
Mr John Longley Director of Primary
LOST PROPERTY
Our Lost Property collection has grown again this term, with many unnamed uniform items, lunch boxes and drink bottles waiting to be reunited with their owners.
If your child has lost something of value, please contact Reception on Friday 26th June, Monday 29th June or in Term 3. Valuable items such as reading glasses, watches, jewellery and headphones have been put aside for safe keeping.
our child's name is clearly marked ttles before Term 3. Named items d items often remain unclaimed. ycled if they remain uncollected holidays.
STMAS CHILD
Operation Christmas Child is a great way for our College community to come together and bless children less fortunate than us with a special gift for Christmas.
Each class has been assigned gift items to collect so that our gift boxes can be filled. Please refer to the attached flyer. All items must be new and handed in to your child’s Home Group teacher by Friday 31st July 2026
BOOK WEEK & COSTUME SELECTION
Friday 28th August 2026
As we look forward to celebrating Book Week together, we are excited about the opportunity to encourage a love of reading and creativity across our school community. This is a special time where students can bring their favourite characters and stories to life through costume and imagination.
This year’s theme is Symphony of Stories, and we encourage students to explore books that inspire courage, curiosity, and character-building journeys. As we prepare for this fun and meaningful event, we would like to remind families of a few important guidelines to ensure that our celebration reflects the values of our Christian ethos:
Costumes should be positive, respectful, and in keeping with our Christian Values. We ask that students choose characters who embody traits such as kindness, bravery, honesty, and compassion.
Please avoid costumes that are scary or inappropriate, including witches (good or bad), wizards (good or bad), demons, vampires, zombies, or any that involve blood, gore, or horror themes. These can be upsetting to our younger students and are not in line with our school values.
Weapons of any kind, such as swords, guns, or other imitation weapons, are not permitted.
Students should be dressed modestly and appropriately, with costumes that allow for safe play and participation throughout the school day. Closed-toe footwear is required.
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Children who come dressed in costumes that do not align with these guidelines may be asked to change into their school uniform (parents may be contacted if there is no change of clothes available).
We strongly encourage creative, home-made costumes that reflect beloved characters from books and stories. If you are unsure whether a costume is appropriate, please speak with your child’s Home Group Teacher ahead of time.
Thank you for your continued support in making Book Week a joyful, inclusive, and values-aligned event for all students. We look forward to seeing the wonderful ways our students bring books to life through their costumes and imaginations!
COLLEGE HOUSE POLOS
The College is currently reviewing the quality of a number of uniform items and is aware that many sizes of the coloured College House polo tops are currently out of stock
During this review period, students are welcome to wear their red Sport polo tops instead of their College House polo tops on specified days.
Please contact your child’s Home Group teacher if you have any questions.
In response to feedback received from our College community, the black collars on the Sports rugby jumpers have been improved to reduce fading.
These jumpers will be available from Academy Uniforms.
UNIFORM FOCUS
Students needing additional warmth in the cooler months may wear the Northside beanie and scarf while outside.
Families can buy the beanie and scarf over the holidays in preparation for Term 3 from Academy Uniforms
2028 PREP APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Families with a sibling born between 1 January 2022 to 30 April 2023 are invited to apply now for 2028 Prep entry. Applications are received online.
Students in Year 7 next year will need a College-approved device.
The Secondary ICT Device Program means that parents no longer need to source their own device. We will provide you with further information about this Program shortly Please do not purchase a device for Secondary School.
The new approach to our uniforms is to have a “Wardrobe Suite”. This means that on cooler days, students can wear warmer uniform pieces, and on warmer days students can wear lighter uniform pieces, irrespective of the time of year.
Alongside this, families have received an updated Uniform Policy and a visual Uniform Wardrobe Guide to support clear expectations
As you consider uniform options, please be reminded that the Sport uniform can only be worn on allocated Sport days.
Please be advised that the new shirt with the black piping is for girls only.
If you are buying a boy’s shirt, please ensure there is no black piping
Further details, including key expectations and visual examples, can be found by clicking below:
A reminder that the Northside Christian College School Building Fund is open to tax-deductible donations
These funds will greatly benefit Northside, enabling the provision of quality education to current and future students, as well as benefiting the donor with a tax deduction.
School Building Fund donations may be used for the following:
Capital improvements and refurbishments
Repairs, painting, plumbing and general maintenance
Replacing floor coverings
Heater/Cooler repairs and/or replacement
Cleaning a school building
Building insurance
Security costs
All contributions to the Building Fund are tax deductible and will be gratefully accepted.
Donations can be made through our Finance Office between 9:00am - 3:30pm Monday to Friday.
For further information on donating funds, please contact the office on 9467 2499
Monday 22nd June - Friday 26th June
Monday 13th July - Friday 17th July
Monday 13th July:
Student Free Day - Camp Australia available for full-day onsite care
Tuesday 14th July:
Student Free Day - Camp Australia available for full-day onsite care
Wednesday 15th July: Start of Term 3, 8:40am
Monday 20th July - Friday 24th July
Monday 20th July: Primary Chapel – 9:00am in the Encompass Auditorium
Tuesday 21st July – Friday 24th July: Year 5 Camp
Wednesday 22nd July: Year 1 Breakfast and Pyjama Day
Saturday 25th July: Scholarship Exam
Monday 27th July - Friday 31st July
Monday 27th July:
Primary Assembly - 8:45am in the Courtyard (Weather Permitting)
Tuesday 28th July:
Secondary School Information Evening for Primary families
Friday 31st July:
Prep 100 Days of School
Years 5 – 6 Hooptime District Day
Monday 3rd August - Friday 7th August
Monday 3rd August:
Primary Chapel – 9:00am in the Encompass Auditorium: Year * Item
Wednesday 5th August:
Principal’s Day
Thursday 6th August:
Student Free Day - Camp Australia
available for full-day onsite care
Prep – Year 12 Parent Student
Teacher Conference (PSTC)
Monday 10th August - Friday 14th August
Monday 10th August:
Primary Assembly - 8:45am in the Courtyard (Weather Permitting)
SCIENCE WEEK
Monday 17th August - Friday 21st August
Monday 17th August:
Primary Chapel – 9:00am in the Encompass Auditorium: Year * Item
Science Week Dress-Up Day
Friday 21st August:
Hot Chocolate Sales for Bundoora Extended Care Fundraiser
BOOK WEEK
Monday 24th August - Friday 28th August
Monday 24th August:
Primary Assembly - 8:45am in the Courtyard (Weather Permitting)
Wednesday 26th August:
Bundoora District Primary Athletics
Thursday 27th August:
Year 1 Traffic School Excursion
Friday 28th August:
Book Week Dress-Up Day
TEACHER AIDE APPRECIATION WEEK
Monday 31st August - Friday 4th September
Monday 31st August:
Primary Chapel – 9:00am in the Encompass Auditorium: Year * Item
Friday 4th September:
Parents and Friends’ Father’s Day Stall
CSEN Primary Athletics Championships
Monday 14th September - Friday 18th September
Monday 7th September:
Primary Assembly - 8:45am in the Courtyard (Weather Permitting)
Thursday 10th September:
Year 2 Sleepover and Breakfast
Monday 14th September - Friday 18th September
Monday 14th September:
Whole School Chapel
Tuesday 15th September:
Footy Colours Day
Thursday 17th September:
Prep – Year 2 Athletics Carnival
Last Day of Term 3
To see Term 3 Primary events, click HERE to access the family calendar
NEW OUTERWEAR SOFT SHELL JACKET
KEY BENEFITS
GENERATIONAL DESIGN
One jacket for Prep-Year 12 No need to buy new colours (red/ black) for Primary and Secondary
SUSTAINABLE APPROACH
DESIGN FEATURES
Designed for superior warmth, comfort and a durable modern fit Makes passing jackets to siblings simple
WHEN TO WEAR
PRIMARY STUDENTS
SECONDARY STUDENTS With Sports uniform only. With Formal & Sports uniforms.
Modelling healthy conflict in front of our children
My children are reaching that age where they’re becoming increasingly aware of the emotional dynamics in our household – whether mum is happy, whether dad is stressed, and whether a sibling is having a hard day. They seem to pick up on the energy in the room even more than adults do.
This awareness also applies to conflict Children can sense when mum and dad are having a disagreement, even if we think we’re being subtle.
Let me preface this clearly – if a disagreement is sensitive, complex, or deeply personal, of course, it should remain private. What I’m talking about here is everyday conflict – the small, ordinary frictions of life.
The missed bin night
The washing left in the machine too long. Stresses that seem to rest on only one person’s shoulders.
In the “young kids” season of life, it can feel easier to sweep these little conflicts under the rug. After all, time is precious. Why spend what little energy we have talking through minor frustrations when we could simply enjoy being together?
But this is the trap of an escape response to conflict – every minor annoyance that gets ignored doesn’t actually disappear. Over time, those small unresolved moments often grow into one large conflict that feels far bigger than it ever needed to be.
The other temptation is the opposite response – an attack response. A sharp word when something is forgotten A frustrated sigh A raised voice when exhaustion is already high These reactions are understandable in tired seasons, but they teach our children something too – that conflict is something to fear, avoid, or win.
Often, couples genuinely want to talk things through, but there simply isn’t the space. Children are always present. Someone needs a snack, a piece of lego found – and no matter how many questions you answer, there is always one more!
Yet in this limitation, my husband and I have found an opportunity – everyday conflict gives us another opportunity to be more like Christ. As Paul writes,
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Within our school community there are students who shine brightly, displaying exemplary dedication and academic talent. They deserve to be recognised and this year we are giving them the opportunity to showcase and celebrate their talents in the world-renowned ICAS competition
What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge theirhigher orderthinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, SpellingBee,and Digital Technologies.
ICAS results are in-depth and meaningful, and ICAS evaluates student performance against other competition entrants across the state and nation. The data reveals student strengths and weaknesses and can help you recognise and support your child's academic journey.
Learn more about ICAS here:(icasassessments.com/products-icas/).
ICAS results and certificate
Every student who participates is celebrated and recognised with a printed certificate in each subject area, and an online results report to track development each year Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.
Your child’s ICAS certificates will show their results and the login details, “TAP ID and Pin”. - Use these to enter the Results Portal (https://orti.icasassessments.com/ortiStudent).
How to participate in ICAS
If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please go to the Parent Portal to register for your chosen subjects.
You can do this in one of two ways:
1. Direct login link – faster!
Use this link to log directly into the shop and start registering: https://shop icasassessments com/pages/parent-payment/XPQ902
2. Log in using the PPS code
Visit our shop and use our PPS code to log in:
Shop link: PPS code:
https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps XPQ902
Registration for all subject areas closes on Monday 27th July at 11:59pm. This year, our students can elect to sit the following assessments:
Please note, we cannot facilitate refunds or make alterations as all money is paid directly to ICAS Assessments.
Read the terms and conditions here: ( conditions/#icas-parents).
https://www icasassessments com/icasa-terms-and-
Privacycollection statement
The following information is a privacy notification about how your child’s data is kept private and secure
ICAS Assessment is owned by Janison Solutions Pty Ltd (We, Us, Our).
To deliver assessment products, Janison will require your child’s School to obtain your consent to provide Janison with certain personal information of students Janison will collect, store, use, disclose and otherwise deal with such personal information in accordance with its privacy policy (below). We are aware of our responsibility to protect personal information related to children and students from being disclosed when we deliver an ICAS Assessments product. Unless you, as the child’s legal guardian consents, we will not:
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• collect any personal information or data of children other than the information we need for the successful completion of an assessment, test, or exam. transfer any personal information we obtain from a child in the delivery of assessments and tests to any jurisdiction outside of Australia. share any personal information relating to children with any third parties (except for those third parties necessary for us to carry out our Services or provide our Products e g , medal engraving) use any personal information or data relating to children for marketing purposes
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You can view our full privacy policy at https://www.janison.com/privacy-policy/. We may retain personal information and data relevant to a child for their future purposes or for research purposes by Janison for the duration of the school life cycle of the child. However, if you or your child at any time wish to have their personal information or data removed from our systems, they or you may opt out by simply contacting our Privacy Officer at privacy@janison com or by contacting icasassessments@janison com
We are proud to be offering ICAS to our students this yearand encourage you to consider entering your child Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions
Kind regards,
Anthea Field Talent Development Coordinator
