A MESSAGE FROM MRS REBECCA MATTHEWS
Dear Secondary Families,
In a Christian school setting, the partnership between parents and the school is foundational to the holistic development of each child. Working together in unity, both home and school seek to nurture not only academic growth, but also spiritual formation, character, and a deep sense of purpose. When parents actively engage with the life of the school, supporting expectations, reinforcing values, and maintaining open communication, they strengthen a shared commitment to raising young people who reflect Christ in their attitudes and actions. This collaborative relationship creates a consistent and supportive environment in which students can flourish, grounded in faith and guided by a strong sense of community.
As we continue to uphold high standards across all areas of college life, we would like to highlight recent updates to our Secondary school uniform ‘wardrobe’. These changes have been introduced to ensure greater student autonomy, practicality, and pride in presentation among our students. A well-maintained and correctly worn uniform reflects not only the individual student, but also the values and identity of our college community. We have been encouraged by the positive way students have responded to these expectations.
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The updated uniform guidelines provide clarity around acceptable items and presentation, helping students to feel a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose. Our staff have noted an overall improvement in consistency, which contributes to a focused and respectful learning environment.
We would like to sincerely thank our parents and carers for their ongoing support in reinforcing these expectations at home. Your partnership plays a vital role in helping students understand the importance of representing themselves and the college with pride. Ensuring uniforms are clean, complete, and worn correctly each day sets a strong foundation for positive habits and attitudes toward learning. Setting clear standards in how students wear their uniform is another way we steward their growth in responsibility and community.
I also warmly invite, and highly encourage, parents and carers to attend an upcoming session with Susan McLean, a highly regarded expert in cybersafety, on Monday 11th May. This educational and empowering presentation provides timely and important insights into the realities of the online world. Susan’s unparalleled knowledge, combined with her well-known no-nonsense approach, offers a wake-up call for even the most informed families. The session will explore both the positive benefits of technology and the risks young people face online, including a clear look at the digital landscape and what parents need to be aware of to best support their children. As a parent of young adults myself, I highly recommend joining us to grow your understanding of cyber awareness. (Please see further details about this event within the newsletter.)
Blessings for a lovely week of learning and community ahead.
Mrs Rebecca Matthews Director of Secondary
A fresh chapter for our College uniform has begun from Term 2 2026, with the introduction of a new “Wardrobe Suite” approach across Prep to Year 12.
This update provides greater flexibility for students and families, allowing approved uniform items to be worn in combinations that suit the weather, while maintaining a neat and consistent presentation.
Alongside this, families have received an updated Uniform Policy and a visual Uniform Wardrobe Guide to support clear expectations
Additional updates include the introduction of a new outerwear jacket, available from Term 2.
Transition timelines have been outlined for updates to shoes and boys’ shorts, giving families time to plan ahead, alongside a uniform recycling initiative
Further details, including key expectations and visual examples, can be found by clicking below:
VICTORIAN PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE
We have until Friday 4th September 2026 to record all of the books we have read on the VPRC website
So far we have read 2073 books. This is a huge jump since last week! We are so proud of our Northside readers!
If you have any queries or would like your child to join the challenge, please contact the Library team via SEQTA.
SCHOOL LUNCHES
As part of our commitment to supporting safe and consistent routines across the Secondary School, we would like to clarify expectations regarding student lunches.
Lunch meals must be ready to eat and should not require boiling water or microwaving. This privilege is reserved for our VCE students as they grow in independence. Due to burns risk and student safety, staff are not permitted to prepare or heat student lunches.
We ask that each lunchbox includes a healthy fruit or vegetable option for Brain Food, a recess snack, and a substantial lunch that will sustain students through the day.
Many families choose to preheat meals in the morning and store them in a thermos, allowing students to enjoy a warm meal at lunchtime without the need for reheating.
Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a safe and well-organised environment for all students
DO IT FOR DOLLY DAY FRIDAY 8TH MAY
Do it for Dolly Day is a day to highlight bullying and its impact. CLICK HERE to watch a special report that can assist you in how to support your children regarding bullying
UNIFORM FOCUS
Ties must be worn with long sleeve shirts.
Ties are available for purchase from Academy Uniforms.
Boys (College Pants/Shorts)
Girls (College Skirt/ Pants)
Girls (College Dress)
Anklet socks are not worn with the College uniform.
All socks should be at least crew length.
VICTORIAN PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE
We have until Friday 4th September 2026 to record all of the books we have read on the VPRC website.
So far we have read 2073 books. This is a huge jump since last week! We are so proud of our Northside readers!
If you have any queries or would like your child to join the challenge, please contact the Library team via SEQTA.
Monday 4th May:
Cross Country Squad
Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsals
Tuesday 5th May:
CSEN Soccer Championships
Wednesday 6th May:
Year 7 Howqua Camp (6th May - 8th May)
Year 10 Standardised Testing
Year 7/8 CSEN Fortnightly Sport
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsal
Cross Country Squad
Thursday 7 May: th
Da Vinci Competition
Year 10 Holocaust Excursion
Friday 8th May:
P&F Mothers Day Stall
VCE Top Design Excursion
Cross Country Squad
Senior Worship Band Rehearsals
Monday 11th May:
National Careers Week (11th May - 15th May)
Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsals
Cross Country Squad
Susan McLean Student Sessions and Parent Evening
Debating
Tuesday 12th May:
Secondary Public Speaking Championship
Wednesday 13th May:
National Receptionist Day
Cross Country Squad
Year 9/10 CSEN Fortnightly Sport
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsal
Friday 15th May:
Years 7 - 12 Secondary Athletics
Carnival
Senior Worship Band Rehearsals
Monday 18th May:
Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsals
Tuesday 19th May:
CAT Competition
Wednesday 20th May:
Outdoor Ed Unit 1 & 2 - Field Trip 2 (Wed 20th - Fri 22nd)
Whittlesea Tech School
Cross Country Squad
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsal
Year 7/8 CSEN Fortnightly Sport
Friday 21st May:
Cross Country Squad
Senior Worship Band Rehearsals
Monday 25th May:
Secondary Chapel Service
Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsals
Cross Country Squad
Tuesday 26th May:
2027 Years 11-12 VCE Information Evening
Wednesday 27th May:
BDSSA Cross Country Competition
VCE Legal Studies Excursion - Magistrates Court
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsal
Year 9/10 CSEN Fortnightly Sport
Thursday 28th May:
Year 10 Standardised Testing: (Absentee Placement)
Year 9 VET Expo
Friday 29th May:
Cross Country Squad
Senior Worship Band Rehearsals
Monday 1st June:
Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsals
Cross Country Squad
Tuesday 2nd June:
2027 Year 10 Information Evening
Wednesday 3rd June:
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsal
Year 7/8 CSEN Fortnightly Sport
Cross Country Squad
SSV Cross Country Division
Thursday 4th June:
Whittlesea Tech School
Friday 5th June:
Cross Country Squad
Year 9 Perseverance Challenge
Senior Worship Band Rehearsals
Monday 8th June:
Kings Birthday (Student Free Day)
Tuesday 9th June:
Student Free Day
Student Leaders Retreat Day
Wednesday 10th June:
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsal
Daniel Principe - Parent Evening
First Responders Day
Years 10-11 Revision Week
CSEN Year 9/10 Fortnightly Sport
Thursday 11th June:
CSEN Cross Country Championships
Daniel Principe Student Workshops (Years 7, 8, 11 & 12)
Friday 12th June:
Senior Worship Band Rehearsals
Monday 15th June:
Years 9 -11 Exams
Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsals
Debating
Tuesday 16th June:
General Achievement Test (GAT)
Wednesday 17th June:
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsal
Year 7/8 CSEN Fortnightly Sport
Thursday 18th June:
Year 7 Lego Workshop Day
Friday 19th June:
Senior Worship Band Rehearsals
Monday 22nd June:
Whole School Chapel Service
Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsals
Wednesday 24th June:
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsal
Thursday 25th June:
Last Day of Term 2
Beanie Day
Year 10 Showcase
Friday 26th June:
Student Free Day
BEHIND BEHIND
MONDAY11THMAY 6:00PM-7:30PM
Missed the SchoolTV webinar, Anxiety and Depression to Foster Resilience?
The recording is available until Monday 4th May via the link below or on the Webinar Series tile on our SchoolTV homepage. Don’t forget to download the KEYpoints flyer to support conversations at home.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH
We look forward to delivering Part 2 of the Webinar Series in Term 2, with further details to be shared in early Term 2.
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-
Privacy collection 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