SECONDARY SNAPSHOT SECONDARY SNAPSHOT
TERM 2, WEEK 6 | 29TH MAY 2026
A MESSAGE FROM MRS REBECCA MATTHEWS
‘Give me a boy at ten, and I will give you the man at eighteen.”
This well-known Jesuit maxim captures a profound truth: the formative years of a child’s life are not just important- they are decisive.’ As I participated in the VCE information night this week, the well-known Jesuit maxim above captures a profound truth: the formative years of a child’s life are not just important- they are decisive.
Today, as parents and educators, we stand in a far more complex world than the one in which this statement was first spoken. Our children are growing up in an age of constant noise, digital influence, shifting values, and competing truths. Yet the heart of the Jesuit insight remains unchanged: who a child becomes is deeply shaped by what they are given, what they are shown, and what they are consistently taught in those school years.
From a Christian perspective, this truth resonates strongly with Scripture. Proverbs reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Formation is not accidental, it is intentional. It is the daily, quiet, faithful investment into a child’s heart, mind, and spirit. Parenting today can feel overwhelming.
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There are pressures we cannot fully control-social media, peer influence, cultural messages that often run counter to Christian values. But the quote above reminds us of something deeply encouraging: influence begins at home, and it begins early.
By the age of ten, children are already forming their understanding of identity, belonging, right and wrong, and purpose. They are watching far more than they are listening. They are absorbing what we as adults prioritise, how we respond to stress, how we treat others, and how we live out our faith.
This means that parenting is not simply about correction-it is about formation. It is about modelling a life anchored in Christ. When children see prayer not as an obligation but as a lifeline, when they see forgiveness lived out in the home, when they experience grace alongside truth, they begin to understand the character of God in a deeply personal way.
In today’s challenging times, this formation requires both courage and consistency, particularly with teenagers. Courage to set boundaries that protect rather than conform.
Courage to have difficult conversations about identity, truth, and faith. And consistency to show up day after day, even when progress feels slow or unseen.
It also calls for partnership. Schools, churches, and families must work together, recognising that raising a child is not an individual task but a shared calling.
As educators and leaders, we do not replace parents—we walk alongside them, reinforcing the values and foundations being built at home.
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The promise within the quote is not about control, but about influence. It is not suggesting we can determine every outcome, but it does affirm that early investment matters deeply. By eighteen, a young person is stepping into adulthood carrying the imprint of what they have been given -habits, beliefs, character, and faith.
So, the question for us is not whether we are shaping our children, because we are. The question is how intentionally are we doing so. Are we pointing them toward Christ in the ordinary moments of life? Are we helping them build resilience grounded in faith rather than circumstance? Are we giving them a foundation strong enough to stand when the world around them shifts? Because in the end, the goal is not simply to raise successful adults, but to raise young men and women of character, conviction, and faith- people who know who they are because they know whose they are.
“Give me a boy at ten, and I will give you the man at eighteen.” May we take that challenge seriously, not with fear, but with hope, trusting that as we faithfully plant seeds, God is at work in ways we cannot always see, shaping the hearts and lives of the next generation.
Mrs Rebecca Matthews Director of Secondary
EXCLUSIVE PARENTS & CARERS NIGHT
WEDNESDAY 10 JUNE TH
Live Q/A
Learn how to support your child as they navigate relationships, identity, online culture and the pressures shaping young people today.
Faith, Respect and Relationships in Today’s Culture
A 2025 NSW Australian of the Year nominee, Daniel is a dedicated youth advocate and educator focused on healthy masculinity, consent, and respectful relationships. Through his various board and ambassador roles, he empowers young Australians to challenge cultural norms and flourish with courage and empathy
DANIEL PRINCIPE Special Guest
Lenna Waters
Head of VCE and Student Pathways
Northside Christian College
ELEVATE EDUCATION
THANK A FIRST RESPONDER DAY
Wednesday 10th June 2026
Sausage Sizzle:
To honour our First Responders, Northside families and students are invited to a sausage sizzle in the Courtyard from 8:00am – 8:30am.
Sausages will be sold fo
Dress-up for gold coin donation:
Students wanting to come dressed in blue or as a first responder (for example, firefighter, ambulance officer, police officer, nurse, doctor) will need to bring a gold coin donation.
Students not wanting to dress in blue or as a first responder will need to come to school in their full school uniform.
All proceeds from the Sausages will go to Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). Gold coin donations will go to For st Responders.
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:
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.
6 students can wear either this new Soft Shell Jacket OR the Year 6 Graduation jacket.
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
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.
As the weather cools down, please note that black long sleeve tops are not worn with the Sports uniform.
For additional warmth, students are encouraged to wear the College rugby jumper.
REMINDER:
Please ensure white socks are worn with the College dress, while black socks or tights are worn with the College skirt, in line with Uniform Guidelines.
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
ar C sc su 3: If pa en be
VICTORIAN PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE
OUR NEW TOTAL IS: 3801 BOOKS!
Last week you read almost 700 books We are so proud of you!
If you read 700 books this week, we will reach a total of 4500. Can we do it?
If you have any queries or would like your child to join the challenge, please contact the Library team via SEQTA.
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
Thursday 4th June:
Whittlesea Tech School
SSV Cross Country Division
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
Daniel Principe Parent Session
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:
Stud
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