PRIMARY NEWS TE RM 3 , WE E K 7 | 2 8 TH AUGUS T 2 02 6
A MESSAGE FROM MR JOHN LONGLEY What a full and exciting week of learning we have enjoyed across the Primary School! Our Year 3 students extended their learning about Melbourne and changing communities at the Museum, while our Year 1 students put their growing independence into practice at Traffic School. We also celebrated students representing Northside at the District Athletics Championships, and completed final preparations for our College production of Mary Poppins. It has been wonderful to see and hear our young performers preparing for the stage. Many Primary students are involved throughout the production, and our Prep to Year 2 choir, directed by the very talented Mrs Kim, sounds beautiful as they prepare to perform during the evening performances. I look forward to being there to celebrate their creativity, courage and joy. There are still a few tickets remaining, and I encourage our community to come along and support our performers. Thank you to the many staff and families whose extraordinary investment of time has made this opportunity possible. Book Week has also provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the stories that capture our imaginations and shape our character. Great stories invite us to consider the kind of people we want to become. They introduce us to courage, responsibility, kindness, faithfulness and perseverance. As Ecclesiastes reminds us, God has “set eternity in the human heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Perhaps this helps explain why we are drawn to stories of good overcoming evil, sacrifice, redemption and people finding their way home. Ultimately, these echoes point us towards God's greater story and to Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
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Thank you to Mrs Kylie Drowley, our wonderful librarian, for continually placing great books into the hands of our students, to our Parents and Friends for helping make our Book Parade a genuine community celebration, and to our families for fostering a love of reading at home. In a world of instant entertainment, reading teaches our children to slow down, concentrate, imagine, wonder, persevere and turn another page. I pray that God may empower us as we seek to raise young people who love great books, develop great character and, above all, know their place in God's great story.
Mr John Longley Director of Primary
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.
PRIMARY ASSEMBLY Monday 31st August, 9:00am – 9:40am
Parents are invited to join our Chapel session at Encompass Church. Enjoy an item presented by the Year 2 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.
UPCOMING PRIMARY EVENTS Term 3
WEEK 8A
TEACHER AIDE APPRECIATION WEEK Monday 31st August - Friday 4th September
Monday 31st August: Primary Chapel – 9:00am in the Encompass Auditorium: Year 2 Item Athletics Squad Tuesday 1st September: Last day to upload VPRC books Thursday 3rd September: Athletics Squad Friday 4th September: Parents and Friends Father’s Day Stall CSEN Primary Athletics Championships Year 5-6 Community Service
WEEK 9B
Monday 7th September Friday 11th September
Monday 7th September: Primary Assembly - 8:40am in the Courtyard (Weather Permitting) Year 3/4 Hooptime Thursday 10th September: Year 2 Sleepover and Breakfast Friday 11th September: Year 5-6 Community Service
UPCOMING PRIMARY EVENTS Term 3
WEEK 10A
Monday 14th September Friday 18th September
Monday 14th September: Whole School Chapel Tuesday 15th September: Footy Colours Day Wednesday 16th September: Prep Bush Kinder Incursion 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
PRIMARY NORTHSIDE
EXCELLENCE AWARDS ELISE, PREP: IDENTITY For a fantastic start to your time here at Northside. You have settled into our class so well and made so many connections with your classmates. Well done!
JADON, PREP: IDENTITY You consistently do your work carefully and take the time to make sure it is neat and correct. It is wonderful to see the care and effort you put into your learning. Keep up the good work, Jadon.
JOCELYN, PREP: FAITH For being brave, for asking questions, for putting effort into your learning and for being a delight to teach. I am so proud of your progress Jocelyn!
LEONIE, YEAR 1: UNITY For being kind and compassionate to others by helping them tidy up when they are having a tricky time.
RACHEL, YEAR 1: UNITY
For being brave and courageous to speak the truth in love when it is needed. Thank you for helping others to be heard and safe inside and outside the classroom. Keep it up!
BEAU, YEAR 2: FAITH
You have always been proactive in offering prayers for your classmate during class devotion. I am so blown away by your willingness to show others what it means to 'walk by faith and not by sight'. Keep up the desire to be a prayer warrior wherever you go!
PRIMARY NORTHSIDE
EXCELLENCE AWARDS JAYDEN R, YEAR 2: UNITY For demonstrating Unity through your positive attitude and encouragement during group activities. You consistently cheers on your peers, celebrate their successes, and help to create an inclusive and enjoyable environment for everyone. ANASTASIA, YEAR 3: UNITY For demonstrating the College Pillar of Unity when helping to support her classmates with their work. You have shown that you are able to complete your own work and consider others and how you can be of assistance. ISAIAH, YEAR 3: UNITY For taking initiative to help others in the classroom with tidying up and showing kindness to your classmates. JOLEEN, YEAR 4: IDENTITY For demonstrating our school value of Identity through your diligent approach to all areas of your school work. You consistently give your best effort and show a positive attitude when learning. You are also a fantastic team member who works cooperatively and encourages others during group work. Well done, Joleen! KENNETH, YEAR 4: IDENTITY Your amazing work and effort this term show great focus. You stay organised, work hard, and finish tasks to a high standard. Excellent effort! KENNETH, YEAR 4: IDENTITY Your amazing work and effort this term show great focus. You stay organised, work hard, and finish tasks to a high standard. Excellent effort!
PRIMARY NORTHSIDE
EXCELLENCE AWARDS MYLO, YEAR 5: HONOUR You have worked so hard to strengthen your Mathematics skills and should be incredibly proud of the progress you have made. Your determination and willingness to keep trying, even when things are challenging, sets a fantastic example for your friends. JUDE, YEAR 5: IDENTITY Jude, it is so encouraging to see you approach your learning with a positive attitude this term. You show up for your learning tasks with creative problem-solving and without cmplaining to ensure that you can access learning while your hand heals. Your resilience is a great example to your peers about how to keep going and not let challenges pull you down. Well Done! KATHERINE, YEAR 6: HONOUR Thank you for always being a voice of reason and care for others, ensuring that those who may not feel brave enough to speak up are heard, and standing up for what is right. Your willingness to help others is such a valued character trait that does not go unnoticed. 6F is grateful for you, Katherine! ALVIN, YEAR 6: UNITY For working positively with others, stepping outside your comfort zone, and showing a willingness to connect and collaborate with your classmates.
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
SCHOOL MUSICAL : MARY POPPINS
Wednesday 2nd September – Thursday 3rd September 2026 THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE TICKETS TO SEE OUR STUDENTS SHINE IN MARY POPPINS.
SESSION TIMES Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Thursday 3rd September 2026
Matinee 1:00pm Evening 7:00pm
Matinee 1:00pm Evening 7:00pm
To purchase tickets, please click on the following link:
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE FATHER’S DAY STALL (For Mums/Grandmas to read only!) Friday 4th September
Each Primary class will be given the opportunity to visit the Father’s Day Stall with their teacher on Friday.
Gifts range from $2 - $10. They are welcome to buy more than one gift if they would like to bless a grandfather or uncle.
2028 PREP APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN Families with a sibling born between 1st January 2022 to 30th 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.
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
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 17/08, 31/08, 11/09, 14/09. Continued over page...
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
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!
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.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
SPECIAL REPORT
SMARTPHONE READINESS QUIZ Receiving a first smartphone is a significant milestone in a child's life. While there is no universally "right" age, deciding when the time is right involves much more than simply considering their age or whether their friends already have one. A smartphone brings greater independence, along with increased responsibilities, making it important to consider whether a child has the maturity and judgement to use it safely and responsibly. Most young people have already used tablets, computers, gaming consoles or shared family devices before having access to their own smartphone. This quiz is not designed to assess technical skills or how well your child uses technology. Instead, it explores the judgement, responsibility, self-regulation and social maturity needed to manage the greater independence that comes with having regular access to a personal smartphone. The Smartphone Readiness Quiz has been designed to support conversations about this important milestone. Rather than providing a simple yes or no answer, it encourages families to reflect on key areas of readiness, recognise strengths and identify opportunities to further develop the skills needed before taking this next step.
Is Your Child Ready for a Smartphone?
CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE QUIZ