PRIMARY NEWS TE RM 3 , WE E K 8 | 4TH S E PTE MBE R 2 02 6
A MESSAGE FROM MR JOHN LONGLEY What a “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” week it has been at Northside! After months of preparation, our College production of Mary Poppins finally took to the stage, with more than 150 Primary students involved across the cast, ensemble, dance troupe and Prep to Year 2 choir. It has been wonderful to see our young people “step in time” together, demonstrating courage, creativity, teamwork and plenty of joy along the way. Learning and growth happen in so many different ways. For some students, simply stepping onto the stage requires enormous courage; for others, it is an opportunity to discover and develop gifts they may carry for years to come. As Mary Poppins reminds us, “anything can happen if you let it” and it has been a privilege to see students embrace the opportunity placed before them. A huge thank you to the staff, parents and volunteers who have given countless hours to help make the performances “practically perfect”! Your investment has created memories our students will treasure for a long time. This Friday, our Parents and Friends also provided another wonderful opportunity for students through our Father's Day Stall. Thank you to the team for the time and care invested in helping our students choose something special. As Father's Day approaches, we honour the fathers, grandfathers and significant male role models within our College community. Continued over page...
In Mary Poppins, Mr Banks begins with a very clear idea of what it means to provide for his family, but his journey reminds us that some of the greatest gifts a father can give cannot be measured in pounds, shillings or pence. Time, presence, encouragement, guidance and love matter enormously in the life of a child. Perhaps sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply “go fly a kite” together! We are grateful for the many men who faithfully encourage, guide, protect, serve and love our young people. Our prayer is that, through our words and actions, we might increasingly reflect something of the faithful and unconditional love of God, our Heavenly Father, to the children entrusted to our care. May God bless you and your family too,
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 Hosted by Year 6F Monday 7th September, 8:40am – 8:55am Parents are invited to join the Primary School staff and students in the Courtyard to enjoy Primary Assembly together. Please be aware that Primary Assembly may be moved to Encompass Church or cancelled at the last minute if the weather does not allow us to meet outside. 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. Please note that parents and pre-schoolers cannot access the Students ONLY toilets during Primary Assembly. Staff and Visitor toilets are located in the Administration Building (near Reception) or on Level 1 in the Middle School Building.
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 9B
Monday 7th September Friday 11th September
Monday 7th September: Primary Assembly hosted by Year 6F 8:40am in the Courtyard (Weather Permitting) Year 3/4 Hooptime Thursday 10th September: Year 2 Sleepover and Breakfast R U OK? Day
To see Term 3 Primary events, click HERE to access the family calendar
Friday 11th September: Year 5-6 Community Service
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.
PRIMARY NORTHSIDE
EXCELLENCE AWARDS LUCCA, PREP: IDENTITY For persevering with sounding words out and blending the letters together even when it is tricky. Your reading muscles are getting stronger each day!
MENORAH, PREP: IDENTITY For working so hard to learn your heart words! Your reading muscles are getting stronger!!!
RESHEL, PREP: HONOUR You noticed a classmate needed help with their lunchbox, and you went to help them. Thank you for noticing and caring enough to help without being asked.
EMANUEL, PREP: HONOUR For honouring those around you. You are a good friend to the other Preps, you are wonderful learner and you contribute to making our classroom tidier and happier. Thank you for all you do!
MIKAELA, PREP: UNITY For honouring your friends by listening to their presentations closely and asking questions that show them you care about what they have shared. You are a great encouragement Mikaela!
RUTH, YEAR 1: HONOUR For encouraging other students when it is tricky and helping them when they need it. Thank you for showing honour to those around you with your love and care.
SOPHIE, YEAR 1: IDENTITY For showing perseverance at Traffic School and trying again when it was tricky to move up hills.
PRIMARY NORTHSIDE
EXCELLENCE AWARDS GABRIEL, YEAR 1: FAITH For learning about the word of God and applying it to your life. It is so encouarging hearing you quoting scripture and then doing as it says. Keep growing and trusting in God! JERUSHA, YEAR 1: UNITY For always trying your best with any situation that comes your way. You are always working your hardest on every work task and always showing love to those around you. Keep at it! EVA, YEAR 2: HONOUR For demonstrating Honour by consistently approaching your learning with dedication and purpose. You take pride in your work, strive to do your best, and demonstrate strong character through your commitment to completing every task to a high standard.
HOWARD, YEAR 2: UNITY For demonstrating Unity by trying new things, forming new friendships, and including others in your play. Your positive and welcoming attitude helps everyone feel a sense of belonging. ZOE, YEAR 3: UNITY For being true to yourself and your wonderful uniqueness. You have shown how you can be strong in challenging situations and remain a caring and kind classmate. MIRRA, YEAR 3: IDENTITY For being a helpful, kind and considerate classmate to all. You have grown in your confidence of who you are and how you can help others both inside and outside the room. Your generosity and willingness to help are great gifts.
PRIMARY NORTHSIDE
EXCELLENCE AWARDS AUDREY, YEAR 3: HONOUR For demonstrating leadership skills during Sport games and learning rotations. Thank you for representing Northside with integrity and leading others by behaving in a Christ-like manner. EVA, YEAR 3: HONOUR You consistently treated others with kindness and respect during our Melbourne Museum excursion, always putting the needs of those around you before your own and making a positive impact on our class community. Your outstanding academic achievements reflect your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence. NICOLE, YEAR 4: UNITY For demonstrating unity through excellent teamwork during the balloon-powered car experiments and producing thoughtful written analysis and accurate graphing. Well done, Nicole, on showing such care and commitment to your learning! JEREMIAH, YEAR 4: IDENTITY For demonstrating Identity through your positive contribution to the balloon-powered car experiments. You worked well as part of a team and showed responsibility and care when completing your written analysis and graphing. Well done, Jeremiah! HUGO, YEAR 4: UNITY For excellent teamwork and outstanding concentration on your work during our self-powered car Inquiry project, and during graphing and analysis of the results. You worked so well with your teammate! STEPHANIE, YEAR 4: UNITY For being so helpful and working so well with your teammate during our self-powered car Inquiry project, especially in showing patience and taking turns to share your thoughts and ideas. What a great teammate you are!
PRIMARY NORTHSIDE
EXCELLENCE AWARDS RAYMOND, YEAR 5: FAITH For always encouraging your friends with your kind and caring words. Your love for others is evident in the way you treat those around you and reflects the beautiful, kind heart you have. Well done for excelling in love and faith and being such a wonderful example in our school community! EVIE, YEAR 6: IDENTITY For demonstrating identity through your determination and commitment to learning. You are consistently striving to improve and achieve your best, while setting a wonderful example for your peers on how to be respectful and responsive in a classroom environment. You are so loved, Evie! DARION, YEAR 6: FAITH Your perseverance and growing faith in yourself have been wonderful to see, especially in Literacy, where you continue to push through even when the work feels challenging. Your determination is seen and acknowledged, and you should be so proud of yourself.
R U OK? DAY CHOOSING CONNECTION The second Thursday of September marks R U OK? Day—a national day that reminds us of the importance of slowing down, noticing those around us, and asking a simple but powerful question: "Are you OK?" Students, staff and the wider community are invited to wear a 'splash of yellow' on this day - this could be yellow socks, a yellow ribbon in hair, a yellow tie etc. The goal is to remind our community that checking in on one another matters every day. At Northside Christian College, we believe every person is created in the image of God, deeply loved by Him, and designed to belong in community. As a College, we want to continue building a culture where students know they are seen, valued, and safe to share both their joys and their struggles. R U OK? Day provides a wonderful opportunity for families to intentionally connect with their children. Taking time to ask how they are really going, listening with empathy, and reminding them that they are loved by both their family and by God can have a lasting impact. Often, the greatest gift we can offer is our presence—listening without rushing to solve every problem and creating space for honest conversation. As followers of Christ, we are called to "carry each other's burdens" (Galatians 6:2) and to encourage one another with love, compassion, and grace. May R U OK? Day be more than a single event on the calendar; may it remind us to intentionally choose connection every day, reflecting the heart of Jesus in our homes, our College, and our wider community.
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 11/09 and 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
FOOTY COLOURS DAY GOLD COIN DONATION Students are not obliged to wear footy colours. Should they choose to though, please ensure they have a gold coin ready. This event is to raise money for a worthy cause: Fight Cancer Foundation where thousands of Aussies come togeter and raise money so that children don't fight cancer alone.
THE ART SHOW COLLECTIVE
Artwork by: Vince W, Year 6 6TH OCTOBER, 2026 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM LOCATION: LIBRARY & GYM
FREE EVENT VOTING & AWARDS INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE
LIVE BAND FOOD & DRINK FUNDRAISING
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION WEEK 12TH – 16TH OCTOBER, 2026
Northside Christian College is excited to launch our very first Inclusive Education Week - a special community awareness week celebrating the unique way God has created each one of us with purpose, value and gifts. Throughout the week, students, staff and our college community will have the opportunity to learn more about inclusion (disability and giftedness) and how we can create a school where everyone feels welcomed, valued and supported to flourish. Together, we will explore what it means to show the love, compassion and kindness of Jesus in our everyday lives.
“The King will reply, ’Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Get ready for an exciting week filled with:
Interactive sensory experiences
Fun lunchtime activities and challenges
Inspiring biographies of individuals who have embraced their unique abilities
Personal stories and testimonies
Unique Socks Day Our colourful Unique Socks Day, celebrating the wonderful uniqueness of every individual
PARENT & STAFF INFO NIGHT Tuesday 13th October On Tuesday after school, we will host a joint staff and parent information session. There will be a panel sharing information, followed by booths and an opportunity for questions and conversations.
Let’s celebrate together that we are all uniquely and wonderfully made.
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
In today's world, where distractions are abundant and the pressure to excel is high, guiding children to develop healthy study habits is more important than ever. As students aspire to achieve academic success, the cornerstone of that achievement lies not just in their intelligence or drive, but in the study habits they cultivate. It's essential for students to recognise that good study habits aren't merely about spending extra hours hitting the books. It's more about quality over quantity and having a more balanced approach. Emphasising the value of a routine is essential. Consistent study times establish a sense of structure and discipline, turning studying into a natural part of their daily routine rather than a burdensome task. Additionally, how students approach their study sessions is equally important. Taking regular breaks is a crucial part of this process in maintaining focus and preventing burnout. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and consistent physical activity are indispensable elements that will significantly impact your child's ability to study effectively. Fostering these healthy habits is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer children, paving the way for a lifetime of learning and achievement. This Special Report will help you support your young person as they embark on studying for exams. Click the link below to find out more information: http://ncc.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/speci al-report-healthy-study-habits-au