A MESSAGE FROM MR JOHN LONGLEY PRIMARY NEWS PRIMARY NEWS
What an exciting week it has been across the Primary School!
Our Year 5 students enjoyed a wonderful excursion to Hanging Rock, where they explored the unique geography, history and beauty of God's creation.
We were also proud to see Clara, Michael and Isaac represent Northside Christian College at the Regional Cross Country Finals (our highest competition level for running achieved in College history!), demonstrating perseverance and determination as they competed against some of the region's best runners.
Our students have also been busy showcasing their learning. Year 6 students presented their products to guest judges as the culmination of their Shark Tank Business and Economics Unit, while Year 5 students shared their sustainable inventions and creative solutions to real-world challenges.
Wednesday brought an opportunity for parents and families to join the Prep students for an Open Afternoon - I really enjoyed singing praise and worship with each group! On Thursday afternoon, our Year 4 students welcomed families and visitors to view the Australian History artefacts that they had created (and shared their line-dancing skills), bringing their learning to life through a wonderful open afternoon experience.
And last, but certainly not least, our Prep students enjoyed their very first school excursion to Bundoora Park Farm. It was a joy to see their excitement as they explored, learned and experienced life on the farm together.
I would like to sincerely thank our teachers, learning assistants, parent helpers and volunteers who contributed to making these experiences possible. These opportunities require significant planning and preparation, and reflect our commitment to providing learning experiences that inspire curiosity, growth and a deep appreciation for God's world.
I would also like to acknowledge our students for the diligence and effort they have shown as they complete their final assessment pieces for the semester. We are proud of the way they have embraced learning opportunities, challenged themselves and persevered through the busy end-of-semester period.
Mr John Longley Director of Primary
OPERATION CHRISTMAS 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
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.
We kindly ask families to check Lost Property and collect any belongings over the next two weeks, before the end of Term 2. Lost Property is located outside the Harbour toilets, near the Year 1 classrooms.
To help us return items promptly, please ensure your child's name is clearly marked on all uniforms, lunch boxes and drink bottles. Named items can be returned quickly, while unnamed items often remain unclaimed. Unclaimed items will be responsibly recycled if they remain uncollected during the school holidays. Thank you for your support.
HOME READING PROGRAM
Home reading has now come to an end for Term 2.
If your child still has a reader pack or booklets at home, please ensure they are returned on Monday to avoid paying an $8 00 replacement fee (per book).
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!
NO PRIMARY CHAPEL NEXT WEEK
In the place of Primary Chapel, students and teachers will spend time reflecting on Term 2 together at a Whole School Chapel
We look forward to welcoming parents to Primary Chapel and Assembly in Term 3.
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
Students may wear a watch and one small pair of gold or silver round studs or sleepers in each ear. Other piercings are not worn at school.
The following items are NOT part of the permitted jewellery items at school:
Rings
Hoop earrings
Drop earrings
Multiple earrings in one ear
Coloured or shaped studs, or studs containing a stone.
Necklaces
Bracelets
Anklets
Smart watches with built-in cellular connectivity
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.
ZIVAH, PREP: IDENTITY
For being a dedicated and hard working reader!
NORAH, PREP: FAITH
For growing in courage to stand up in front of the class to pray during Devotions. Thank you for praying for us and asking God to protect us.
SAGE, PREP: IDENTITY
For putting time, effort and energy into your learning I’m so proud of your hard work Sage.
EMMANUEL, YEAR 1: HONOUR
For showing integrity and owning his part of conflicts. Well done!
JETHRO, YEAR 1: IDENTITY
For showing positive choices in helping your classmates at your table and using your learning time well Keep up the great work!
BENJAMIN, YEAR 2: FAITH
For confidently reading your selected Proverb during our Bible lesson this week and correctly identifying the chapter and verse. Well done on your thoughtful engagement with God's Word.
KEIRA, YEAR 2: UNITY
For consistently demonstrating the value of Unity through your willingness to serve others with a joyful and helpful attitude. Thank you for being such a positive example of servant-hearted leadership and teamwork within our school community.
BENTLEY, YEAR 3: IDENTITY
For showing great improvement in your focus and attention during learning opportunities You have demonstrated that you value your own learning time and have attempted challenging tasks and achieved success Well done!
ANNA, YEAR 3: HONOUR
For demonstrating her persistence in improving herself in learning opportunities, honouring herself and her teachers She has taken on feedback and used this to help her achieve her best in a range of learning tasks Amazing work Anna!
ZOE, YEAR 4: IDENTITY
Zoe, for demonstrating our value of Identity throughout camp. By encouraging your classmates, including others, and leading by example, you helped create a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone
MADELEINE, YEAR 4: FAITH
For being an amazing example of faith in action by confidently saying grace for all the Grade 4's while on camp, and approaching all our camp activities and duties with a sense of fun and a positive attitude.
SAIYAN, YEAR 5: IDENTITY
For the significant improvement you have made in your maturity, showing greater responsibility, resilience, and focus in your work recently. You have worked hard to apply yourself to your academic learning, and the quality of your work has been consistently outstanding. Keep it up!
CALEB, YEAR 5: UNITY
For encouraging others from a pure heart, cheering them on when they do well, and looking out for their wellbeing. You live out the example of how a healthy, caring community should act You are a good friend who brings joy to our classroom and we are so blessed to have you in 5M
ZAC, YEAR 6: IDENTITY
For showing improvements in your handwriting, and recognising the importance of taking pride in your written work. You have demonstrated an increase in the importance of knowing your identity as a creative child of God, and remembering the right time to let it be expressed. Zac, your improvement in your ability to slow down and focus should be celebrated- we are so proud of your efforts, keep it up!
ISAAC, YEAR 6: HONOUR
For demonstrating honour through your growing leadership and willingness to actively participate in school opportunities. Your involvement in both Cross Country and Shark Tank showed courage, commitment, and a positive attitude towards new challenges As you continue to step forward as a leader, you set a positive example for your peers through your effort, and determination to give your best Well done Isaac!
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.
Monday 22nd June - Friday 26th June
Monday 22nd June:
Whole School Chapel Service
Thursday 25th June:
Last Day of Term 2
Casual Dress Day (Gold coin donation)
Friday 26th June:
Student Free Day
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To see Term 3 Primary events, click HERE to access the family calendar
CASUAL CLOTHES DAY
Your OSHC by Camp Australia provides enriching experiences for children during term – before school, after school and on pupil free days. At Your OSHC we give children a supportive space to continue their development, build confidence and socialise with their friends.
Once registered, you'll be able to easily make and manage your bookings online via our Parent Portal.
Please feel free to visit the program with your children to meet the team and see what happens in our great program each school day
New articles are added each week for parents and cover various topics to help families
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
