PRIMARY NEWS PRIMARY NEWS
TERM 3, WEEK 3 | 31ST JULY 2026
A MESSAGE FROM MR JOHN LONGLEY
One of the great joys of Primary School is celebrating the milestones that remind us just how much our students grow in such a short time. Today we celebrated a very special milestone as our youngest learners marked 100 Days of Prep. From building friendships and developing confidence to growing in independence, resilience and experiencing the wonder of learning, we had a lot to celebrate and we have so much to thank God for. Praise God for learning! Well done 2026 Preps!
I would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank and honour our outstanding Prep Teaching and Learning Assistant Team for the patience, care and love they demonstrate each day as they nurture and encourage our youngest learners. Thank you!
Today, it was exciting to join our Property Services Manager, Mr Stephen Nelson, to officially open the first stage of the Junior Primary standing sandpit area as a special gift on the Prep' s 100th day of school. We are sure that the space will provide opportunities for imaginative play, collaboration and hands-on learning for many years to come.
In the Upper Primary, students represented Northside with distinction through a range of sporting opportunities in the past fortnight. Congratulations to our Year 5/6 Girls AFL Team on winning Silver at the CSEN Gala Day, our Year 5/6 Boys AFL Team on securing Bronze, and our Year 5/6 Mixed Netball Team on winning the SSV Division Championship and progressing to the Regional Finals.
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We look forward to hearing about the experiences of our Mandarin GoodTalk Bilingual Speech Competition Team, who will represent the College in competition over the weekend. Xie xie, Xu Laoshī, for your dedication in preparing and supporting our students as they work towards this opportunity.
Next week we look forward to our Parent, Student, Teacher Conference Day on Thursday. These conversations are an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning, celebrate their strengths, identify areas for continued growth and share their progress. We are grateful for the partnership we share with parents as we work together to support each student to become all that God has created them to be.
May God bless you and your family too,
Mr John Longley Director of Primary
PRIMARY ASSEMBLY
Monday 3rd August, 9:00am – 9:40am
Parents are invited to join our Chapel session at Encompass Church. Enjoy an item presented by the Year 1 classes.
Photos and videos of the students are not permitted at Chapel or Assemblies to protect the privacy of other students who may appear in the frame.
Parents are not required to sign in at Reception for Chapel or Assembly.
Please be aware that students must remain with their class and their teachers during these events.
PRIMARY CHAPEL REMINDER
Week A Only
On Primary Chapel mornings (Week A), any Primary student arriving at school after 8:55 am should be taken directly to Encompass Church, rather than to their classroom or the usual school entrance.
This arrangement applies only on Primary Chapel mornings (Week A). On all other mornings, students should continue to follow the normal arrival procedures. As Primary Chapel and Assembly alternate throughout the term, please check the weekly newsletter for reminders about each week' s schedule.
Thank you for your support in helping us ensure a smooth and safe start to the day for all students.
WEEK 4A
Monday 3rd August:
IMARY EVENTS
Monday 3rd August - Friday 7th August
Primary Chapel – 9:00am in the Encompass Auditorium: Year 1 Item
PSTC booking portal closes at 4:00pm
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)
Friday 7th August:
Casual Clothes Day - Toys for Kids Fundraiser ($2 Donation)
Running Club
WEEK 5B
Monday 10th August:
Monday 10th August - Friday 14th August
Primary Assembly - 8:40am in the Courtyard (Weather Permitting)
Athletics Squad
Thursday 13 August: th
Athletics Squad
Friday 14 August: th
Running Club
WEEK 6A
Monday 17th August:
SCIENCE WEEK
IMARY EVENTS
Monday 17th August - Friday 21st August
Primary Chapel – 9:00am in the Encompass Auditorium: Musical
Production Focus
Science Week Dress-Up Day
Athletics Squad
Friday 21st August:
Hot Chocolate Sales for Bundoora Extended Care Fundraiser
Running Club
WEEK 7B
BOOK WEEK
Monday 24th August - Friday 28th August
Monday 24th August:
Primary Assembly - 8:40am in the Courtyard (Weather Permitting)
Athletics Squad
Wednesday 26th August:
Bundoora District Primary Athletics
Thursday 27th August:
Year 1 Traffic School Excursion
Athletics Squad
Friday 28th August:
Book Week Dress-Up Day
Running Club
WEEK 8A
Monday 31st August:
IMARY EVENTS
TEACHER AIDE APPRECIATION WEEK
Monday 31st August - Friday 4th September
Primary Chapel – 9:00am in the Encompass Auditorium: Year 2 Item Athletics Squad
Tuesday 1 September: st
Last day to upload VPRC books
Thursday 3 September: rd Athletics Squad
Friday 4th September:
Parents and Friends Father’ s Day Stall
CSEN Primary Athletics Championships
WEEK 9B
Monday 7th SeptemberFriday 11th September
Monday 7th September:
Primary Assembly - 8:40am in the Courtyard (Weather Permitting)
Thursday 10th September:
Year 2 Sleepover and Breakfast
WEEK 10A
IMARY EVENTS
Monday 14th SeptemberFriday 18th September
Monday 14th September:
Whole School Chapel
Tuesday 15th September:
Footy Colours Day
Thursday 17th September:
Last Day of Term 3
PREP - YEAR 2 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL: Thursday 8th October
To avoid a muddy Athletics Carnival, the Prep - Year 2 Athletics Carnival will be moved to early in Term 4.
To see Term 3 Primary events, click HERE to access the family calendar
PARENT STUDENT TEACHER CONFERENCES (PSTC)
Thursday 6th August
The PST Conferences will take place on Thursday 6th August Primary teachers will be located in the Discovery Centre and specialist teachers will be in the Pathway Forge. Please login to our online booking portal to arrange a time to meet with your child’ s teacher.
https://northsidechristianau.schoolcloud.co.uk/auth/parent
The portal will close at 4:00pm on Monday 3rd August. No further appointments can be booked after this time.
For more information, please refer to the SEQTA DM from Mr Chris Gatt sent out to all families this morning.
For your convenience, Camp Australia will be available for onsite full-day care on this day. If you would like to use this service, please register your child by:
Calling 1300 665 257
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.
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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.
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!
WHAT’S ON : COMPETITIONS
COLOURING COMPETITION
Competition entries due Friday 28th August
Students are welcome to start collecting colouring sheets from the Library Once completed, please return to the Library for your chance to win
THE GREAT BIBLE HUNT
Running @ recess and lunch on Friday 28th August
Collect your clue sheet from the Library to search for teachers dressed as Bible characters or Bible objects around the College. Use the clues to help find each teacher Submit completed sheets to Mrs Drowley by the end of lunchtime. The team with the most correct answers in the fastest time wins
PRINCIPAL’S CHOICE AWARD
Dress Up Parade Friday 28th August @ 8.55am
Join us in the courtyard as we all come together to celebrate our favourite books in costumes
Be dressed up for your chance to receive a ribbon from Ms Munro. A large number of students and parents will have the chance to receive a ribbon
WHAT’S ON : EVENTS
MONDAY 24TH AUGUST @ LUNCH LEAP, FOLD AND SHARE
Come to the Library and make origami frogs sitting on lily pads.
TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST @ LUNCH STORY SCULPTORS
Create air-dry clay characters inspired by the shortlisted CBCA books in the Library
WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST @ LUNCH LILY PAD LEAPS
Make your way to the oval to participate in relay races.
THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST @ LUNCH NOTES TO NONNO
Write a special letter to a grandparent in the Library, inspired by the book My Nonno Loves.
FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST @ LUNCH
WATERCOLOUR WONDER
Join our art teachers in the art room to create beautiful watercolour paintings inspired by the book Dawn
FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST @ RECESS & LUNCH THE GREAT BIBLE HUNT
Collect your clue sheet from the Library to search for teachers dressed as Bible characters or Bible objects around the College Use the clues to help find each teacher Submit completed sheets to Mrs Drowley by the end of lunchtime The team with the most correct answers in the fastest time wins.
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.
ATTENTION YEAR 6 PARENTS: CHROMEBOOK PROGRAM
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
SPORTS UNIFORM UPDATE
We are pleased to advise that the new NCC school track pants are now available from Academy Uniforms in Thomastown. The updated design provides a comfortable and consistent sports uniform option for all students from Prep to Year 12
Please note:
Only the approved NCC track pants are to be worn as part of the sports uniform Plain black track pants and other styles are not permitted.
Students who already have a coloured House sports polo may continue to wear it. However, House polos are no longer compulsory and will not be restocked as sizes sell out
When a new or replacement sports polo is required, families should purchase the general NCC red sports polo
The new softshell sports jackets remain available, and the current red (Primary) and black (Secondary) wet weather jackets will continue to be sold until the end of 2027.
Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a consistent College uniform.
COLLEGE UNIFORM UPDATE
WARDROBE SUITE
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:
5/6 STEAM OZHARVEST FEAST PROGRAM
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Greetings parents,
As part of the 5/6 STEAM program in Term 3 students will be participating in a program called FEAST (Food Education and Sustainability Training) where they will learn about food, food waste, nutrition and develop basic cooking skills.
The students are very excited about this unit of work after its huge success last year and are looking forward to learning all new curriculum and all new recipes that they are encouraged to try at home! There will be 5 cooking sessions in total - 4 that will take place every Week A Monday starting 3rd August until the end of term and a 5th session on Friday 11th September.
The practical nature of the cooking classes requires additional adult supervision. We are looking for 4-5 volunteers to assist with the cooking sessions each week.
If you are able to assist with all 4 classes you would be required from 10:40am until 3:15pm.
Otherwise we would love your help for a 2 hour slot, either with:
Year 5s from 10:45am to 12:45pm
Year 6s from 1:15pm to 3:15pm
The dates are 03/08, 17/08, 31/08, 11/09, 14/09.
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During the lesson you will be required to do the following:
Wear enclosed shoes (no thongs, sandals or high heels) and suitable clothing such as long pants and a comfortable top
Arrive 15 minutes prior to the lesson starting to help set up
Lead a small group of 5 children through preparing their set recipes and make sure they are being safe and handling all food properly
Monitoring safe food handing and working conditions including; trip hazards (power cords), knife safety and hygiene
Electric fry pans must be supervised closely
Assist with clean up and re-packing all equipment
If you are able to Volunteer, you must have completed the School Volunteer Induction which involves having a current Working with Children Check.
Please DM Mrs McDonnell through SEQTA indicating the dates and times that you would be able to help us out. On behalf of the students, your assistance in helping this program be a success is greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
Gillian McDonnell STEAM Teacher
Understanding the VCE Years
Help for those who have never had a child undertake VCE
Do you want to understand more about VCE in Australia? Do you want to know more about all the pathways available to Victorian students?
Join us for our Understanding the VCE Years Information Evening, designed for parents of students in Years 6–10 who have not previously had a child complete the VCE 11th August 2026
How and when do students choose subjects?
What meaning do exams have in the scope of the study score?
What if a student doesn’t feel called to do one of the Big 4 professions – Medicine, Law, Engineering or Teaching?
What do all of those V’s mean (VTAC, VCAA, VCE, VM, VSL, VSV, and VET) and how do they influence the senior years of schooling?
6:30pm-7:30pm I Pathway Forge
THE PREMIERS' READING CHALLENGE
The Premiers' Reading Challenge is finishing on Friday, 4th September. Please ensure that all books read are uploaded by Tuesday, 1st September.
This allows our Library staff time to verify the books students have read, so that students don’t miss out on receiving their official certificate!
Thanks for being part of the Premiers' Reading Challenge. We can ’t wait to celebrate students' reading success!
