MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTERS
Another busy week has flown by here in Middle School, soon the term will be almost halfway through! Our Year 9 students are currently packing and getting ready for their coastal camp, participating in team-building activities, surfing, coastal walks and making lasting memories.
The energy was high at our recent Swimming Carnival, with fantastic participation and impressive displays of sportsmanship Congratulations to all our students who contributed to a wonderful and connected day!
I would like to acknowledge and congratulate all students who have been earning house points for their positive contributions in and out of the classroom – keep up the great work. A special mention to our students nominated for Values awards this week Values award recipients will be announced at our Whole School Assembly on Monday morning
In our Middle School Assembly on Monday, we looked at how we can show excellence in all we do unpacking together that excellence means striving to be the best version of yourself in all areas of life, as God intended. It is not about perfection but about continuous growth and improvement The verse from Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for man" is our guide
As we move into the coming week, let's ensure we maintain our high standards, particularly regarding school uniforms. A reminder that jewellery, with the exception of simple stud or sleeper earrings and watches, is not permitted. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated as we strive to create a focused and respectful learning environment for all.
Thank you to Mrs Simic and Mr Woolan and their team who are braving the great outdoors with the Year 9s on Monday We will be praying for you and look forward to hearing all the amazing stories.
Blessings,
Ms Jo Westland Director of Middle School Learning
YEAR 9 COASTAL CAMP REMINDERS
Just a few reminders to help our Year 9 students prepare for the upcoming camp
Pack smartly! There is limited space in each tent to store your belongings, so pack lightly and smartly.
Park warmly! The nights can be very cold at Phillip Island The tents are not powered, so Mrs Simic suggests bringing your Oodies and warm socks to sleep in A 0-degree rated sleeping bag is recommended.
Be at school on time! We will be packing the bus from 8:30am and will leave at 9:00am SHARP!
Bring your lunch for Day 1! Make sure you have a small bag with snacks, lunch and water bottle for the trip.
2025 NAPLAN
The NAPLAN tests will be conducted later this term. These tests are conducted online and can only be accessed using a Locked Down Browser (LDB) The LDB is a custom browser that increases the security of the exam environment, preventing students from accessing other applications such as spell-check, web pages, software and hardware features. This will be installed on each Year 7 student’s Chromebook Plus laptops by the College IT department before NAPLAN starts
A few other benefits of introducing the Chromebook Plus laptops to the Year 7 cohort since 2024 and during NAPLAN are:
Our IT department will install the LDB application on these laptops remotely and with the latest version of the software,
Students can use their own Chromebook Plus laptops instead of borrowing Chromebooks from Primary School classes
Students are already familiar with their own Chromebook Plus laptops and hence, would need less time to familiarise themselves with a borrowed device. Spare Chromebooks will be made available to students in Year 7 who do not have the LDB installed on their laptops Our Year 9 students will use school sets of Chromebooks for each of the sessions
Students are reminded to bring wired headphones/earphones. Please inform Mrs Serene Eng if you have further questions.
UNIFORM REMINDERS
We appreciate students making an effort to wear the correct uniform each day and represent our College positively. To maintain College standards, and promote consistency in Middle School, students are reminded of the following:
Please wear the correct socks and shoes according to your uniform requirements. Black socks are not permitted with the summer uniform or sports uniform.
The College Blazer is to be worn to and from school when the academic uniform is required. Blazers can be stored in the lockers throughout the day. All students must wear the College hat outdoors during Terms 1 and 4
Clear nail polish on natural nails only. No acrylic (or similar) nails are permitted.
Hair at shoulder length or longer must be tied back, and all hair must be kept off the face.
Summer Dress Uniform: girls' summer dress and boys shorts must be kneelength
JEWELLERY:
A maximum of one pair of plain gold or silver studs (3mm pictured) or plain small sleepers (8mm pictured) is permitted. No other jewellery is permitted, including rings, bracelets, and necklaces Smartwatches with built-in cellular connectivity are not permitted on school grounds.
For more details, please check the Uniform Policy excerpt in the 2025 Student Diaries or the College website. Parents will be contacted by Ms Westland if students are not complying with the dress code. Thank you for your cooperation!
WHAT’S IN YOUR SCHOOL DIARY
Uniform Policy
All of the reminders in this newsletter can be found on pages 155 - 159 in your student diary, along with other important information relating to uniform expectations at Northside
ICT and Internet Acceptable Use Policy
An excerpt from the ICT and Internet Acceptable Use Policy for Northside Christian College is found on pages 149-151. Here you will read how to respect yourself and others and also protect yourself and others while safely using the internet and computers at Northside.
Homework Schedules
Our dedicated Middle School teachers have been busily preparing the homework schedules for Term 1 These will be sent to all students via Seqta very soon!
When you receive your Homework schedule, make sure you utilise your diary to help plan for success.
COLLEGE CAR PARK PROCEDURES, RULES, TIMES AND ZONES
With over 350 families accessing the College car park during drop-off and pick-up times every day, it is important that families follow all directional signage in and around the car park, including instructions from staff. Some quick reminders:
The maximum speed in the car park is 10km/h, but the safety of students, parents, visitors and staff should dictate the speed of cars at all times
Entry to the car park is via the main car park only between 8:00am – 9:30am and 2:30pm – 4:00pm.
The oval car park driveway is exit only between 8:00am – 9:30am and 2:30pm –4:00pm.
Please collect your children from the designated gates if you are using the drivethrough pick-up option:
3:05pm: All Worthy Warriors need to be collected from the Main Gate
3:05pm: All Noble Knights need to be collected from the Oval Car Park
3:15pm: All Courageous Conquerors need to be collected from the Oval Car Park. Primary School students must not walk through the car park unless they are accompanied by a parent, carer or Secondary School sibling McLeans Road has “No Standing” signs along parts of the road during school times –these restrictions are enforced by the City of Whittlesea and are not drop-off or pickup zones.
Cars must always give way to pedestrians walking on the footpath of McLeans Road. When exiting the car park, please stop at the gate and ensure the path is clear of pedestrians before exiting – whether they are students or members of the public. In addition, please do not approach staff on car park duty to discuss any student issues that have arisen during the day as this impacts their ability to perform their car park duty Instead, contact staff via SEQTA to make an appointment to discuss any issues that you have so that you can have their full attention.
If you have any questions regarding the car park rules and procedures, please contact us at the College
VALUES AWARDS NOMINATIONS
Congratulations to the following students who have been nominated by their teachesr for displaying the College values of Humility, Integrity, Perseverance, Community, Grace, Service, Hope, Faith and Love. All nominated students will receive House points for their positive contributions and efforts as noted by their teachers:
Jeremy Z
Arad T
Annabelle S
Atara R
Matthew M
Rachel Y
UPCOMING EVENTS
Year 9 camp starts on Monday 24th February, followed by a Reflection
Day at the College on Thursday 27th February
CSEN Swimming Squad training invitations have been sent via Consent2Go. Please take note of the times and venues for your training schedule. The CSEN Swimming Competition is on Thursday 20th March. Daniel Principe Workshop for Parents is on Tuesday 4th March.
Labour Day Public Holiday / Student Free Day - Monday 10th March
The 2025 Naplan starts on 12th March
Year 8 Camp - information will be sent shortly.
