As I write this, our Year 4 students are enjoying a wonderful History and Adventure Camp experience. Despite some wet weather, we are having a great time, and I can personally attest that my waterproof boots have been worth every cent! This evening, we will be dressing up for our Colonial Australian Dinner Dance, which promises to be a memorable highlight of the camp.
It has been a joy to watch friendships strengthen, memories being made, and students embracing new challenges with enthusiasm and courage. One of the most special aspects of camp has been gathering together each day for Cowboy Chapel, where students have had the opportunity to reflect on God's truth and sing together in a unique setting (an authentic 1800s church from country Victoria!). Experiences such as these remind us that some of the most meaningful learning takes place beyond the classroom.
As we move into the long weekend, I am praying that our students, families and staff enjoy a restful and refreshing break. On Tuesday, our teachers will be working diligently to prepare Semester reports, and we look forward to welcoming students back on Wednesday for our special First Responders Day. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognise those
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who serve our community, while also raising funds to honour our local service men and women in Bundoora.
I would also encourage families to consider attending the upcoming parent evening with Daniel Principe on Wednesday night, who will be sharing practical insights into supporting young people as they navigate relationships, identity, online culture and the pressures facing them today. As parents and educators, we are strongest when we work together.
May God bless you and your family over the long weekend,
Mr John Longley Director of Primary
LONG WEEKEND
Monday 8th June –
9th June 2026
We hope parents have started thinking ahead to the upcoming long weekend and ways that you can enjoy this time with your family. Tuesday will also be a student free day, allowing you an extra day together.
For families who need to work on Tuesday 9th June, Camp Australia will be available for onsite full-day care for your convenience.
If you would like to use this service, please register your child by: Calling 1300 665 257 Via the Parent Portal care@campaustralia.com.au Downloading the Camp Australia app
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
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.
SAUSAGE SIZZLE
8:00AM - 8:30AM
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!
VICTORIAN PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE
OUR NEW TOTAL IS: 4149 BOOKS! Last week you read almost 700 books. Let’s keep reading!
If you have any queries or would like your child to join the challenge, please contact the Library team via SEQTA.
SAFE DRINK OPTIONS
Soft drinks in a can or bottle are not to be sent to school. Glass bottles or containers are a danger to other students in the event that they are broken.
Please send drinks to school in plastic or metal bottles, or juice boxes.
We thank you for helping to keep our College safe.
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:
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
The College Sports uniform includes sports pants with the College logo. These are the only pants that are worn with the Sports uniform and are available for purchase from Academy Uniforms.
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.
SIBLINGS OF CROSS COUNTRY TRAINERS
Primary School-aged siblings who are not participating in Cross Country train cannot be left at school without parent/carer supervision before 8:15am or after 3:30pm.
If you are unable to supervise nonparticipating siblings, they must be enrolled with Camp Australia for before school or after-school care.
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 School 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.
Monday 8th June:
King’s Birthday Public Holiday – Student Free Day
Tuesday 9th June:
Report Writing Day – Student Free Day
Camp Australia will be available for onsite full-day care on this day
Wednesday 10th June:
Thank a First Responder Day
Daniel Principe: Parent Evening
Thursday 11th June:
CSEN Cross Country Championship
Friday 12th June:
Years 1 – 2 PIT Gymnastics
Years 5 – 6 District Sport
Monday 15th June:
Primary Assembly - 8:45am in the Courtyard (Weather Permitting)
Year 5 Hanging Rock Excursion
Friday 19th June:
Years 1 – 2 PIT Gymnastics
Prep Excursion to Bundoora Farm
Years 5 – 6 District Sport
Monday 8th June - Friday 12th June
Monday 22nd June:
Whole School Chapel Service
Thursday 25th June:
Last Day of Term 2
Beanie Day
Friday 26th June:
Student Free Day
Camp Australia will be available for onsite full-day care on this day
To see Term 2 Primary events, click HERE to access the family calendar
THOMAS, PREP: IDENTITY
For showing wonderful bravery by giving things a try even when you are unsure. You have been willing to take risks, learn from mistakes, and keep going with a positive attitude Well done!
LEVI, PREP: FAITH
For the way you listen so carefully during class devotions and love to talk about the things we have learned in the Bible The way you are always willing to pray in front of the class encourages others to do so too Keep growing in your love for God, Levi
BRYAN, PREP: HONOUR
For encouraging your friends, encouraging your teachers, working hard and being an absolute delight to teach. Thank you for honouring the people around you in so many different ways.
GISELLE, YEAR 1: IDENTITY
For your perseverance when facing challenges and the excellence you demonstrate in all of your work.
MIA,
YEAR 1: IDENTITY
For your persistent efforts to improve your reading and in putting your best effort into your writing work. Keep up the great work!
EVELYN, YEAR 2: HONOUR
For consistently showing great care and attention to detail in your work and quietly staying focused on your learning without needing reminders. Your dedication and responsibility are wonderful to see.
ENOCH, YEAR 2: IDENTITY
For consistently demonstrating the College Value of Identity through making positive choices, encouraging others, showing kindness to peers, and displaying a high level of engagement in all learning tasks. Your positive attitude and leadership help create a supportive and respectful classroom environment. Well done!
JUDD, YEAR 3: HONOUR
For demonstrating persistence and resilience in completing tasks, attempting to keep your work to a high standard You have shown how you can be honourable when completing your work and following classroom expectations
LACHLAN, YEAR 3: IDENTITY
For your persistence in practising your writing skills and showing amazing growth in your writing. Great job checking your work!
AYDAN, YEAR 4: IDENTITY
For helping others and looking after your friends when they are upset. Your kindness and compassion shine through in those moments, showing just how amazing you are.
SIBELLA, YEAR 4: HONOUR
Sibella, for demonstrating honour and integrity while preparing your Explorer poster and presentation. Your commitment to producing high-quality work and helping others shows kindness, responsibility and teamwork. You are such a blessing to our class!
SAPPHIRA, YEAR 5: HONOUR
For completing your work to a high standard with excellence in quality and aesthetic appeal. Well done for valuing the opportunity to represent the Warriors in the Go Kart competition by participating with humility and courage. We honour you for the positive atmosphere you bring to our classroom and are so blessed to have you in 5M!
MINULI, YEAR 5: HONOUR
You consistently demonstrate maturity through the way you honour and respect your friends and the adults in your life. You have been given gifts of confidence, kindness, and trustworthiness, and you lead by positive example in all that you do.
ZOE, YEAR 6: HONOUR
Zoe, you consistently show respect and work hard in the classroom. I am truly grateful to be your teacher, students like you make a the job a joy to do. God bless you and keep up the good work!
JAYDEN, YEAR 6: IDENTITY
For being a supportive and collaborative partner during Shark Tank and for confidently showcasing your skills in creating and managing a business. Your creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking contributed to your group and the work you have completed. Well done!
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
