SECONDARY SNAPSHOT TE RM 3 , WE E K 6 | 2 1 S T AUGUS T 2 02 6
A MESSAGE FROM MRS REBECCA MATTHEWS We are officially past the halfway mark of what has already been a busy and fruitful term. This week, we celebrated Science Week and had the opportunity to marvel at God’s creation and the way He has made each of us so wonderfully different. Science allows us to explore, question and discover, and in doing so, we are reminded of the incredible creativity and order of our Creator God. It has been wonderful to see our students engage with curiosity and wonder as they explored the world around them. There is certainly no slowing down as we continue through the term. Next week, we look forward to celebrating Book Week, where we will celebrate the joy of reading, stories and imagination. All families are welcome to join us on Friday 28 August for our annual Book Week dress-up day. Following this, we will enjoy the much-anticipated College production of Mary Poppins Jr. These events are wonderful opportunities for students to step beyond the classroom, discover and develop their gifts and contribute to the life of our College community. I am grateful for the many staff who give so generously of their time and energy to create these opportunities for our students. As we move through another busy season of the College year, it is a timely reminder for all of us to consider how we approach the opportunities and challenges before us. Continued over page...
We encourage our students to run their race with honour, integrity and grace, making the most of the gifts God has given them and seeking to represent Christ in the way they learn, work and relate to others. May we continue to encourage one another to approach each day with purpose, gratitude and a willingness to grow. As we look forward to the many opportunities still ahead this term, we pray that our College community will continue to flourish in learning, faith and fellowship. Blessings for another wonderful week of learning and community ahead.
Mrs Rebecca Matthews Director of Secondary
ARE YOU LEAVING NORTHSIDE? Families that are not returning to Northside in 2027 must advise the College as soon as possible. Families must submit a completed withdrawal form before the last day of Term 3 (Thursday 17th September 2026). Families who withdraw late in 2026 may be required to pay a term's fee in lieu of notice. Families may choose to have an exit interview with the relevant Director of Learning. Please indicate your request on the form and an interview will be arranged on your behalf. These may take place by telephone or in person at the College. Withdrawal forms are available at Reception and emailed to enrol@ncc.vic.edu.au. Please contact the Enrolments team if you have any questions. SECONDARY SNAPSHOT
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BOOK WEEK PARADE 2026 Friday 28th August @ 8.55am
DRESS-UP DAY & MORNING COFFEE
Hot drinks and baked treats for adults will be available from 8.15am, weather permitting.
Everyone is invited to dress up! This includes our pre-school children, school-aged students and post-school attendees. Dress up for your chance to receive a ribbon from Ms Munro!
If you are planning to stay for the parade, please sign in outside Reception.
We look forward to seeing everyone dressed up and ready to celebrate!
UPCOMING SECONDARY EVENTS Term 3
WEEK 7B
BOOK WEEK Monday 24th August - Friday 28th August
Monday 24th August: Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsal ICAS Assessments - Mathematics Registered Students in Years 2-12 (Period 1&2) Athletics Squad Wednesday 26th August: Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsals CSEN Fortnightly Sport Years 7/8 Whittlesea Tech School Thursday 27th August Athletics Squad Year 7 Poetry in Action Workshop Friday 28th August: Book Week Dress-Up Day & Parade Worship Band Rehearsals VM PDS Toys 4 Kids Event
UPCOMING SECONDARY EVENTS Term 3
WEEK 8A
TEACHER AIDE APPRECIATION WEEK Monday 31st August - Friday 4th September
Monday 31st August - Friday 4th September: Mary Poppins Jr Production 2026 Athletics Squad Monday 31st August: Secondary Chapel Service Tuesday 1st September: VM PDS Toys 4 Kids Wednesday 2nd September: Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsals CSEN Fortnightly Sport Years 9/10 Years 7 - 8 Outdoor Education Excursion Thursday 3rd September Athletics Squad Friday 4th September: Parents and Friends Father’s Day Stall
UPCOMING SECONDARY EVENTS Term 3
WEEK 9B
CAREERS WEEK Monday 7th September - Friday 11th September
Monday 7th September Year 8 Chinese Museum Excursion Tuesday 8th September: SSV Division Athletics Year 9 Real Industry Job Interviews VSMF Choir Section Wednesday 9th September: Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsals CSEN Fortnightly Sport Years 7/8 Thursday 10th September: Engage 9 Urban Endeavour Day 5: Shrine of Remembrance R U OK? Day Friday 11th September: CSEN Secondary Athletics Championships Worship Band Rehearsals
UPCOMING SECONDARY EVENTS Term 3
WEEK 10A
Monday 14th September Friday 18th September
Monday 14th September: Whole School Chapel Tuesday 15th September: Footy Colours Day 2027 Year 9 Information Evening Year 10V SafeTalk Workshop Wednesday 16th September: Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsals CSEN Fortnightly Sport Years 9/10 Year 9 Wellbeing Sessions Thursday 17th September: Last Day of Term 3 Year 10B SafeTalk Workshop Last day to withdraw for 2027 Friday 18th September Student Free Day
For more upcoming Term 3 Secondary events, click HERE to access the College Calendar
SHOW PROGRAMME
AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE WEDNESDAY 26
TH
AUGUST
0 1 $
FROM E S A H PURC FINANCE THE E OFFIC
A musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia)
PERFORMED BY NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
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, bows & arrows or other imitation weapons are not permitted. Continued over page...
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!
Artwork by Briony Stewart © 2026 Children’s Book Council of Australia
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.
Artwork by Briony Stewart © 2026 Children’s Book Council of Australia
WHAT’S ON : EVENTS MONDAY 24TH AUGUST @ LUNCH
THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST @ LUNCH
LEAP, FOLD AND SHARE
NOTES TO NONNO
Come to the Library and make origami frogs sitting on lily pads.
Write a special letter to a grandparent in the Library, inspired by the book My Nonno Loves.
TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST @ LUNCH
FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST @ LUNCH
STORY SCULPTORS
WATERCOLOUR WONDER
Create air-dry clay characters inspired by the shortlisted CBCA books in the Library.
Join our art teachers in the art room to create beautiful watercolour paintings inspired by the book Dawn.
WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST @ LUNCH
FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST @ RECESS & LUNCH
LILY PAD LEAPS
THE GREAT BIBLE HUNT
Make your way to the oval to participate in relay races.
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.
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!
LOGIN INSTRUCTIONS Step one: Visit the following website Visit the following website Step two: the ‘Sign In’button under ‘School coordinator or student’.
Step three: On the ‘Student login’page, click on ‘VPRC login’.
Step four: Enter the username and passcode the Classroom teacher provided, then click ‘Login’.
You will then be directed to your child s challenge dashboard, where you can view how many books have been read and recorded so far. To enter a book, click the ‘Search Books’tab and enter the book title into the search bar. Sometimes you may also have to add the author’s name. Once you see the book, select it and click ‘add to my books’. Don’t forget to press ‘Finish’ underneath each book once it has been read. Writing a review is optional. Books that have been read will later be verified by a member of staff.
If you or your child are having issues logging in, it is recommended that you try a different internet browser. If you are still having problems, please contact the Library Team via SEQTA.
ELEVATE EDUCATION Dear Parents/Carers of Year 11 and 12 Students, I hope that you are doing well and successfully navigating both your own busy lives and the busy lives of your child/ren. You have a job with many challenges and we are here to support you. This update is just for you, our VCE parents/carers. In particular it is for those of you who have at least one child undertaking a Unit 3/4 VCE Subject and who is undertaking exams this year. Over many years we have used Elevate Education as an incursion resource to help students learn strategies to manage their time and study effectively. For the past three years we have also brought in Elevate through one of their 'branches' called Connect Education to help students revise for their end-of year VCE external exams. These have also been very helpful and will continue again during the September holidays. Elevate has a series of lectures online just for parents! This series of webinars is all about how you can support your students in Year 11 and 12 who are going through the exams and other stresses of VCE years. These webinars will help give you some 'tools' to help support them on this very important aspect of their journey. If you are interested in joining a webinar please see this link: https://go.elevateeducation.com/auparentwebinars Please let me know if you attend one of the seminars and find it helpful. And, as always, if you have any questions concerning your child's progress, please do not hesitate to contact me. We are here to support you. Have a wonderful Friday,
Mrs Lenna Waters Head of VCE and Student Pathways
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.
NEW GUIDE AVAILABLE Further details, including key expectations and visual examples, can be found by clicking below: UNIFORM POLICY UNIFORM WARDROBE GUIDE
7 TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING TO POSITIVE PARENTING So, you're tired of the disconnection and power struggles that traditional parenting techniques bring and you're ready to give positive parenting an honest go, like this mother did. But you're not sure where to start. If you're a newbie to positive parenting, these tips should help ease the transition.
Tip #1: Reframe Parenting Goals and Roles It's really helpful to get out of the mindset that you must control your child's behaviour. That's an exhausting endeavour, and a feat you'll never accomplish because, in the end, the only person you can ever really control is yourself. The goal of positive parenting is to raise thoughtful children with a strong sense of what is good and right and the inspiration and selfdiscipline to reach their highest potential. That means your role is model, encourager, and mentor. I like to say I went from punisher to healer. Rather than punishing my child when his behaviour got off track, I looked for the inner hurt that was causing his bad behaviour and did my best to heal that hurt, whether it was disconnection, tiredness, hunger, or frustration.
Tip #2: Reframe Discipline I've come to think of discipline in a different way. As I was trying to set a daily rhythm for our homeschool, my plans kept failing. I'd start the school year off with a bang, but several weeks in, our routine would slip, I would be less consistent with sticking to my predetermined schedule, and frustration would creep in. I realised I needed more discipline to keep a tight, consistent routine for the long haul. Did this mean I needed someone to come and sit me in a corner when I got off schedule? Of course not! What I needed was inner motivation and better time management skills, not punishment. I think of discipline in the same way now for my children. My goal is always to teach them how to govern themselves – their emotions, spaces, time, behaviour, etc. Therefore, I ask "what does he need right now to build self-discipline?" The answer has never been an arbitrary punishment.
Get Ahold of Yourself This is probably the most challenging aspect of positive parenting, controlling your own thoughts, words, and actions. Old patterns are difficult to break, and you may find that you slip back into negative thinking, yelling, or a desire to punish often. Like everything, practice makes you better. The more you choose a helpful or positive thought over a toxic thought or to step away and take a deep breath when you're angry, the easier it will become for your brain to take that new pathway.
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7 TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING TO POSITIVE PARENTING
Tip #4: Get Your Partner On Board This is such a huge subject that I wrote a whole book about it. (Go ahead and pre-order it!) You can't control your partner either, but you can inspire and influence him/her. Explain the brain science behind your change of parenting, your goals, and your new plan. Make sure your partner understands that this is not permissive parenting (a common worry I hear). Start by having a discussion to answer the following questions: 1. I feel that my partner is a good parent because____. 2. I feel that my role as a parent is to ___. 3. My parents were ___ and I feel that was ___. 4. It's most important to me for my child to be ___. These questions provide a good jumping off point to find your common ground. I recommend posing the question and taking turns answering each one and then letting the conversation flow.
Tip #5: Learn How to Decode Behaviour Understanding what's driving your child's behaviour is key in coaching her toward improvement. You'll have to become quite a good detective. We often want to punish children for simple immaturity and childish behaviour that we find inconvenient. While blatant disrespect for people and property should not be tolerated, rowdiness, tears, overwhelming emotions, and poor ability to handle difficult situations don't need punished so much as they need worked through. Time takes care of many "misbehaviours" because it allows your child's brain to grow and mature. Example and mentoring take care of the rest.
Tip #6: Become a Problem-Solver I've said before, "Look for solutions rather than punishments. Children need to learn how to fix their mistakes, not just pay for them." Sometimes the solution might look like a consequence (taking away a toy that keeps getting thrown or making a child earn money to pay for a broken or wasted item) but the intent behind the lesson – and the empathy that accompanies it – will mean the difference between a punishment and a solution. The goal is to empower and encourage children to right their wrongs and fix their mistakes, and this should feel good, not bad. If it is attached to shame – "You naughty child!" – it will feel bad. If it is presented in a positive light – "Oops, mistakes happen. I know you'll think of a fantastic way to fix this, and I'll help you if you need me"- this facilitates learning.
Tip #7: Grace for All Children need to be given grace while they learn and grow. Parents do, too! As you embark on this new journey, there are bound to be a few hiccups along the way. Don't beat yourself up. Be your own gentle, encouraging friend.
A NOTE FOR FAMILIES
Much of what Mr. Nelson gathers from around the college remains untouched
At Northside, we are passionate about caring for God's creation and being wise stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us. Recently, we have been collecting food and organic waste and have noticed a significant amount of food being thrown away each day. The property services team has been collecting large quantities of uneaten sandwiches, rolls, yogurt pouches, milk, and fresh fruit from around the College, much of which has never even been touched. We would love to partner with our families to help reduce this unnecessary waste. We encourage you to have a conversation with your child about the importance of eating the food packed for them and being honest if there are items they regularly don't enjoy. Rather than quietly placing food in the bin, we encourage students to respectfully speak with the person who prepares or provides their lunch so that, together, you can find solutions that work for everyone.
REDUCE WASTE
SAVE MONEY
TEACH GRATITUDE
These simple conversations can help reduce waste, save money, and teach our students valuable lessons about gratitude, stewardship, and respectful communication. Thank you for partnering with us as we seek to care for one another and for God's creation.
NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE’S Production of
A musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia)
! T U O D L O S T S O M L A PURCHASE TICKETS HERE Plenty Ranges Arts & Convention Centre 35 Ferres Blvd, South Morang
NOW AVAILABLE ON SCHOOLTV - ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental condition that affects how children regulate attention, impulses and activity levels. While many children can appear restless, distracted or forgetful at times, ADHD involves ongoing patterns that may impact learning, behaviour, organisation and relationships. These challenges can sometimes lead to frustration at home and school, particularly when a child is trying hard but struggling to meet expectations. For families, understanding ADHD means recognising that these behaviours are not simply a matter of effort or discipline. ADHD is influenced by a combination of neurological, biological and environmental factors that affect how a child’s brain processes information and manages self-control. With the right support, structure and strategies, children with ADHD can develop the skills they need to succeed and thrive. This edition of SchoolTV explores how families can better understand ADHD and support children to build confidence, strengthen emotional regulation and navigate everyday challenges more successfully. Here’s the link to this week’s topic on ADHD: http://ncc.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/adhd-au
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