Principal’s Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to our first edition of The Vine for 2025!
“
The life of Northside Christian College is vibrant!
I want to personally thank our community for such a warm and supportive welcome to Northside. I have appreciated the genuine care and the authenticity of the collective faith of this community. It is tangible and something to greatly value and protect.
I felt God clearly lead me to our College theme for 2025 of Connection. There are many scriptures that bring life to God’s notion of connection. In Mark 12: 30-31 we see a three-dimensional view of connection captured:
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. There is no commandment greater than these.”
The breadth of this theme includes our connection with God our Father where we discover how loved we are, as well as who He is and the nature of His Kingdom.
Connection with our God-created self is the result of a close relationship with God. The importance of us seeing ourselves as God sees us is vital for our accurate growth as His children. Then as we freely receive the unending love in the most important relationship we have in this life, we have love for others. In giving this love to the people in our lives we complete the cycle of connection we are designed for.
This term we have commenced this journey and I do trust that as a community we experience a significant increase in loving connection in all three aspects of our theme for this year. Your prayers and participation are welcomed and valued!
The life of Northside Christian College is vibrant! Our staff come together with a very defined goal to see each of our students develop in every way to reach their full God-given potential. This is the flourishing we aspire to. Each day I see the heart and efforts of our staff and I wish to commend them as they partner with you.
Christian Education exists to partner with parents in their God-given mandate to raise their children to know God and His ways. Parents ask Christian schools to support them with this role, with the professional knowledge and expertise they provide. We only have authority to be involved in this vital task as it is given by parents at enrolment and during their child’s schooling. This is delegated authority and at Northside we are very aware of the trust given and the responsibility it carries before God.
It is my joy to serve God and the Northside Christian College community into greater connection and effectiveness to see each person experience the fullness of God’s love and purpose! God bless you!
Ms Jacqui Munro Principal
Prep students and Principal Ms Jacqui Munro
Year 6 Darebin Creek
Year 7 Camp
Year 8 Camp
Year 9 Camp
Year 9 Career Networking Expo
VCE Retreat
Literature Excursion State Library
Years 10 - 12 Psychology Excursion to Melbourne Zoo
Student Leadership Retreat
2025 CSA Primary Student Leadership
Conference
Epilepsy Day
Harmony Day
Harmony Day: Student Performance
Random Acts of Kindness
Ride2School Day
Shrove Tuesday
Scullin Christmas Card Competition
2024
Dates:
CSEN Primary Swimming
Championships
Primary School Swimming Carnival
Secondary School Swimming Carnival
Debating
Hosting GATEWAYS
Whittlesea Tech School Ambassador
Program
ICAS Competition for Years 2 - 12
Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge
Wellbeing
Guest Speaker Daniel Principe
SchoolTV: Cybersafety
Wellbeing Team
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Finance Team
New Uniforms to Buy
Winter Uniform Transition Reminder
Uniform Reminder
Loving Our Students on Purpose
Peacewise
Administration
Enrolments
Attachments
Primary School
First Day Of Prep
The pencil tubs were ready, our resources ready and the morning’s activity set up... we were just waiting for the Precious Preps to turn up for their first day of school.
As they flooded through the gate with their proud parents, we made sure that this special moment was captured with a family photo. Despite the hustle and bustle, we managed to gather the three Prep groups outside their classrooms and wave off the parents so that our day could begin.
We were so relieved to see the Preps getting through their first day so well. After lunchtime, they had a time of indoor play while we met with their parents to explain what to expect in the first year of school. There was a very happy moment when the Preps and their parents were reunited at the end of the day.
We had all survived the very first day of what we knew would become a beautiful journey with these dear children.
As we enter into our first set of school holidays, it is so amazing to see how far the Preppies have come in such a short time. They have grown in confidence and capability.
We are so grateful for this opportunity to spend our days nurturing and teaching these little ones who are so dear to God.
Ms Olivia Natoli Primary School Teacher
Exploring First Nations Culture Through Hands-On Learning
This term in Inquiry, we have been exploring Geography and its connection to cultures around the world, including those in Australia. Recently, we focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, beginning with an incursion from Didgeridoo Australia.
Audrey recalled, “Sean played the didgeridoo. He could make lots of different animal sounds, like a kangaroo, an elephant, and an owl.” Olivia added, “We learned so many things about Aboriginal culture and their way of life.”
To deepen our learning, students worked in pairs to make damper bread. Chloe shared, “We had three parent helpers, watched a video, and then started making the dough.” Shayan continued, “We added flour, salt, and water, mixed it, then baked it in the oven.”
This hands-on experience was a fantastic way to connect with our learning in a meaningful and engaging way
Garden Club
Our Garden Club is in full swing every Tuesday, with students eagerly preparing soil and planting seeds in anticipation of a thriving garden. With the assistance from Cameron from the Northside Maintenance Team, the garden beds are taking shape, complete with a sturdy potting table, a new fence to keep the chickens at bay, and a trellis ready for climbing beans.
It’s been wonderful to see students getting their hands dirty, learning about plant care, and working together to create a productive and welcoming space. We can’t wait to watch the garden grow. Thank you to staff members Hannah Rowse, Christie Vaughn and Teresa Connelly for student supervision and student leader Danielle for organising this club.
Students worked in pairs to make damper bread
Miss Jessica MacDonald Primary School Teacher
Students feeding chickens and planting and cultivating seedlings.
Mrs Anthea Field Talent Development Coordinator
Teddy Bear Picnic
We (the Year 6 students) loved having the opportunity to meet our very special Prep ‘Buddy’ that we will help throughout the year.
The new Preps tackled the challenge of playing hide and seek with their Year 6 buddies and fuzzy, cuddly friends, the teddies! The Preps also enjoyed delicious teddy cookies with flavours that include chocolate chip, chocolate and honey. They devoured their teddy cookies as they enjoyed a story read by Ms Vaughn. The Preps also climbed to the top of the playground and made themselves the “King of the World”. Preps enjoyed running around and playing games. The Year 6 buddies enjoyed playing with their precious Preps.
The Preps needed a strong connection with their Year 6 buddies because they wanted help and attention from us, just like we need God. We need a strong connection with Him.
May God Bless,
Students brought their favourite teddy bears and spent time getting to know their buddies.
Children’s Week Council of Australia’s National Poster Competition
Keiko from Year 2, took part in the Children’s Week Council of Australia’s national poster competition during the school holidays, and her artwork was awarded first place. This year’s theme was ‘Everyone should know about Children’s Rights’, and her design was selected at the national conference held in Adelaide. Her artwork will be professionally adapted into a promotional poster for Children’s Week 2025, which will be showcased across all states and territories.
Keiko named her painting “Bubble Rights”. She expressed her thoughts on her artwork by saying, “I love to play with bubbles, just like all children do, and everyone knows that. This drawing represents children’s rights to feel safe and grow. They deserve to have a family, a safe home, the ability to play, to express their wants — even through a book (PECS) if they can’t speak - and to be heard. They should have access to a school, a warm bed, and food. I hope everyone understands this.”
Congratulations to Keiko on winning the competition.
Mrs Anthea Field Talent Development Coordinator
Motson, Year 6 Student
Keiko’s entry for the National Poster Competition.
Year 6 Darebin Creek Biological Science Excursion
On Wednesday 19th February 2025, the Year 6 students partnered together with local conservationists Peter and Talia from the Darebin Creek Management Committee to clean up Darebin Creek.
We had two challenges to face during this adventure: identifying if the Darebin Creek water was clean and stopping weeds from conquering the native plants that Year 6 students from previous years had planted.
The work of the Darebin Creek Management Committee has been focused on the revegetation plan from 2022 to 2025. A problem in the area is that larger birds like the Rainbow Lorikeet and Noisy Miner have chased away the superb Fairy-Wren, which needs shrubs and low bushes to live in. The new native bushes along the creek will give the Fairy-Wrens a home, and this will give the area better biodiversity.
We learned that biodiversity is important for the environment because if something is ruined, the whole ecosystem, including humans, will be affected. We participated in the Darebin Parklands Revegetation plan and cared for the plants planted by Year 6 students in 2022.
My classmates and I took water samples from the creek to learn to identify if the water was healthy or not (depending on the water bug population and biodiversity). This year, we had the most healthy and diverse collection of water bugs since 2022.
This also connects to our theme of the year, ‘Connection’. The water bugs and the plants along the creek depend on each other and connect to each other - just like the superb Fairy-Wren and the native shrubs, which need each other. We also need to have a strong connection with God and the people around us or it will impact our lives.
Students tending to native flora and testing samples of water collected from Darebin Creek.
Motson, Year 6 Student
Middle School Year 7 Camp
This year, our Year 7 camp was an unforgettable adventure to Camp Howqua that gave students the chance to experience the great outdoors, challenge themselves, and create lasting memories with friends.
One of the highlights of the camp was the horse ride through the trees. Students saddled up and set off on a scenic trail, horseback riding through lush, green forests. It was a wonderful way to see the campgrounds and for some of us, it was our first trail rides!
After the horseback ride, everyone had a go on the waterslide for some fun in the sun. The water splashed high as students zoomed down the slide, racing each other and laughing all the way. It was the perfect way to cool off after walking up the stairs to get to the slide.
For those who wanted to test their aim and precision, archery was a major highlight. Students took turns aiming their arrows at targets, focusing hard to hit the bullseye.
The flying fox was another favourite for some students. It was a mix of excitement and fear, but once they got the hang of it, they pushed past their fear and it was a great experience.
For those who enjoyed a real test of balance and bravery, the high ropes course offered an exciting challenge. Suspended high above the ground, students navigated through tightropes.
Overall, the Year 7 camp was a lot of fun. The students got to explore new friendships and begin their secondary school journey with a camp. It was a perfect mix of excitement and challenge for the students.
Miss Tahlia Wallison Secondary & Primary School Teacher
Students participated in a range of activities include horse riding, rock climbing and ropes courses.
Year 8 Camp
On Monday 17th March 2025, the Year 8 students left the wonderful school of Northside Christian College to go to The Summit Camp in Trafalgar East. They ventured through numerous exurbs to get to the camp, finding themselves in “Bungalow village”, where they would stay for the next 3 days.
The Year 8 Summit camp was a camp like no-other, testing the limits of the students. They competed in orienteering, a “Bag Blitz” (where they had to jump off a building to hug a punching bag), and a “Monster Course” and many more fun activities.
The Monster course consisted of 10 gruelling activities, while all participants had to be linked up together. Then, without further notice, had to do it again. With a newfound determination, they strived more than ever to complete it with the fastest time.
The Year 8 Summit Camp taught the students about teamwork, being grateful for what they had, and to never give up.
Matthew, Year 8 Student
Students enjoying activities that tested their strength and perserverance.
Year 9 Camp
Students surfed, visited the Koala Boardwalks, pitched tents and enjoyed spending time building their resilience.
Year 9 Career Networking Expo
On the morning of 18th March, our Year 9 students attended the Career Networking Expo at the Plenty Ranges Arts & Convention Centre in South Morang. Hosted by the Hume-Whittlesea Local Learning and Employment Network (HWLLEN), the event brought together representatives from education, employment, and business sectors to help young people explore their future pathways.
The morning began with a presentation from one of the event organisers, who highlighted the importance of career exploration in Years 9 and 10 and encouraged students to take initiative in discovering opportunities. A representative from the Australian Defence Force then spoke about the various pathways available for students in Years 10, 12, and beyond.
Students had the chance to visit more than 30 stalls showcasing education and employment services, including local organisations from Whittlesea and surrounding areas. This hands-on experience allowed them to ask questions, gather insights, and consider different career options. To add to the excitement, students who visited multiple stalls were entered into a prize draw, with winning students set to receive gift vouchers.
The event was a fantastic opportunity for our students to broaden their horizons, connect with industry professionals and local organisations, and gain valuable insight into their future career journeys. They left feeling inspired and eager to explore the possibilities ahead!
Mrs Marissa Chui Secondary School Teacher
Students browsed exhibits on numerous different types of careers.
Senior School
VCE Retreat
The Year 11 & 12 student started their new school year at Camp Adanac for a thrilling two-day, one-night stay that included adventurous activities, delicious meals, and a late-night emergency alarm. Faced with an experience led by Mrs Lenna Waters and her team, we had an opportunity that extended beyond pure enjoyment to build team dynamics and begin the VCE journey on a solid basis.
Camp Adanac exceeded all expectations in terms of both accommodation facilities and culinary offerings. Beyond being comfortable, the facilities maintained a high level of maintenance and the dining options delighted everyone. The catering at the camp operated at an A+ level by serving tasty morning meals to keep us energised throughout the day and filling evening meals to unite our group during dinners. Food supplies ran in abundance at this camp which served as a major advantage for campers while the sweet treats were so savoury they made us request an additional day stay.
The camp was much more than amusement because students acquired vital life abilities such as working together alongside problem-solving and developing their communication skills. Despite this, the activities offered pure enjoyment.
• The 200-metre flying fox zipline experience is unique because it demonstrates how important it can be to simply take leaps.
• Multiple students raced down a 110 metre waterslide as they experienced the adrenaline rush of competitive speed while riding it. Enough said.
• Mountainboarding creates a mix between skateboarding and descending hills. Among the group, some people learned to use it well yet I along with others was more successful at falling than staying on the board.
• Target archery evaluated your endurance together with your shooting abilities and prevented accidents between players.
• Stand-up paddleboarding allows you to paddle across water while enjoying nature though you will likely fall into the water with less-than-ideal results.
• The water tower slide offers a team-based adventure that results in giant water splashes for all participants.
We later gathered attentively to hear a speaker from the Black Dog Institute talk about mental health as we entered the demanding phase of VCE. The session offered both openness and valuable knowledge which taught important methods for self-care and peer support. We appreciate the speaker’s commitment to speaking with our group.
Jewel, Year 11 Student
Literature Excursion to the State Library
On Tuesday 18th February, our Years 9 - 10 Literature class had the amazing opportunity to visit the State Library, where we explored an expansive collection of books, archives, and historical exhibits. Guided by library staff, we toured the beautiful building, saw an $18 million book, and discovered how publishing has evolved—from the church’s early monopoly on book production to private publishers and now independent publishing and zines. One of the highlights of the day was creating our own zines, which was not only a fun and creative process but also a great way to express ideas. The session gave us valuable insights into the power of information and self-publishing, leaving us inspired by the possibilities of publishing a book and creative storytelling.
Joseph, Year 10 Student
Years 10 - 12 Psychology Excursion to Melbourne Zoo
On Friday 21st March 2025, our Years 10 - 12 Psychology students braved the rain for a fieldwork trip to the Melbourne Zoo. The weather didn’t slow us down as we observed orangutans and spider monkeys, collecting data on their behaviour and interactions. It was a great chance to see Psychology in action—watching how different environments and enrichment activities influenced the primates’ actions.
We also explored the ethical side of keeping animals in captivity, considering how zoos balance conservation, welfare, and public education. Seeing it all first hand made these issues feel much more real than just discussing them in class.
Of course, we couldn’t resist checking out other animals while we were there. From the giraffes to the butterfly house, we made the most of the day, rain and all. Despite getting a bit soggy, it was a great experience with plenty to bring back to our studies. Thanks to the Melbourne Zoo staff for an enriching experience!
Mrs Sharon Halden Secondary School Teacher
Students visiting the State Library.
Student Leadership
Student Leadership Retreat
In late January, just before school started, our Student Leadership Team from Years 6 – 12 gathered for a leadership retreat. We were delighted to be joined for the day by Jon from Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) and his wife, Sam.
The retreat was a fantastic way to start the year. Through a range of fun and engaging activities, we had the opportunity to work within our teams, build connections across year levels, and strengthen our leadership skills. I can happily say my team even won a few of the hands-on games!
Throughout the day, we took part in several sessions where we explored what it means to be a leader, how to serve others, and the importance of communication. We also reflected on our own strengths and weaknesses. To cap it off, we brainstormed an action plan for a future project, incorporating many of the skills we had developed.
It was also inspiring to learn more about Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) and the incredible work they do. Their mission to serve isolated communities by providing essential transport and sharing God’s love through aviation left a lasting impression on us all.
Vanessa, College Captain
Jon and Sam from Mission Aviation Fellowship.
2025 CSA Primary Student Leadership Conference
We kicked off the day with a lively ride to Donvale Christian College for a leadership conference, filled with excitement and laughter. Upon arrival, we were greeted with high-fives from friendly high schoolers. The event began with worship and a powerful session from Nathan Dubsy, who inspired us with lessons on leadership, putting others first, and standing out.
After a break for some fun on the grounds, we returned for an intense Mario Kart tournament, where the winner took home $150 headphones. Next, Michelle Mitchell shared insightful tips on managing conflict and the importance of kindness and space in difficult situations.
Sam Ramsden, creator of the Silly Stories for Kids podcast, shared a heartwarming story about friendship and the power of embracing our unique talents. After lunch, Justine Flynn, co-founder of Thankyou, shared her incredible journey of building a social enterprise to fight extreme poverty. Her story encouraged us to take the initiative and pursue our passions with faith and determination.
By the end of the day, we were inspired and motivated, ready to apply the leadership lessons we’d learned.
Anaia and Darren, Primary School Captains
Purple Day for Epilepsy Action Australia
Our College came together to support Purple Day, raising awareness and funds for those living with epilepsy. Through our fundraiser, we sold over 320 wristbands, raising over $260 in proceeds which will go to Epilepsy Action Australia, helping fund research, support services and advocacy for individuals affected by epilepsy. Thank you to everyone who participated, whether by purchasing a band or spreading awareness. Your joint support has made a real difference in our community!
Ms Christie Vaughn Student Leadership Co-Ordinator
SRC sold purple bracelets to raise money for the Epilepsy Action Australia.
Harmony Day
Harmony Day was celebrated on Friday 21st March at Northside with a variety of multicultural activities held throughout the College. Students had the wonderful opportunity to wear their cultural attire, showcasing the diversity and beauty of different traditions.
The day’s engaging activities included an African drumming class, an Asian music performance, a Harmony Day - themed Blooket session, and a dedicated space for colouring harmony-related drawings. It was a fantastic celebration of cultures, showing that our differences make us unique and bring us together.
Overall, Harmony Day at Northside was a memorable and meaningful experience for all who took part.
Harmony Day: Student Performance
To celebrate Harmony Day, Year 7 students Olivia, Hannah, Mandez and Sophie performed the traditional Chinese folk song “Jasmine Flower” ( , mò lì huā), accompanied by beautiful instruments including the guzheng (Chinese zither), violin, and flute. This performance brought together Eastern and Western musical elements, highlighting the beauty of cultural harmony and connection. Students also learned to sing the song and sang along during the performance. Through this blend of music and culture, students were reminded that diversity is something to be celebrated.
Neriah, Middle School Captain
Mrs Tracy Xu Chinese Teacher
Random Acts of Kindness
On Monday 17th February, it was Random Acts of Kindness Day. The student leadership team decided to give out stickers with Bible verses on them as part of celebrations before school. There were two groups of student leaders stationed at the Main Gate and Oval Gate. Both groups came back with no leftover stickers which was a wonderful sign that the students loved the event. It was a great time before Home Group with students and families coming in delighted to have a Jesus sticker. Because we ran out of stickers, we gave out high fives instead. Students still enjoyed the opening of their day with a big high five. It was a wonderful way to show kindness to the Northside community that day, and celebrate the day of Random Acts of Kindness.
Ride2School Day
On Thursday 20th March, student leaders hosted Ride2School Day. After arriving at 8:10am, they set up the activity track in the basketball court, went to the Main Gate and Oval Gate with a box of apples and a multitude of ‘official’ Ride2School stickers. Once students arrived by scooter, bike, on foot etc., they received either a piece of fresh fruit or a sticker at the gate. It was great to welcome several parents who also rode to school on bikes and skateboards. Many students participated in doing laps for their House of the activity track and there was a real buzz as students of all ages rode for their House. It was a wonderful morning had by all and a great way to start our day! Thank you to all who participated in this wonderful community event!
Hubert, College Captain
Darren, Primary School Captain
Shrove Tuesday
A sweet aroma of hot pancakes and syrup wafted through the College on Shrove Tuesday, a memorable morning marking the last day before Lent. On Tuesday morning, the College’s Student Leaders, led by our Chaplain Jared, and the Encompass Youth Team joined forces to set up a free pancake breakfast for staff, students, and families. Delicious food filled countless stomachs thanks to the Encompass volunteers, College staff, and the Student Leadership team. What a wonderful way to bring our community together! And as Lent commences, let us remember in our physical hunger and cravings that “Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” (John 6:35).
Art
Scullin Christmas Card Competition 2024
Natalie from Year 6 won the Scullin Christmas Card Competition 2024.
This competition was held by the Hon. Andrew Giles MP and all schools had the opportunity to enter their students’ artworks.
Natalie won first place and will receive $600 worth of books for our College.
Lyvia, Deputy College Captain
Mrs Annie Bennie Art Teacher
Sport
CSEN Senior School Rally Day: Basketball
On Monday 31st March, a group of Years 11 and 12 students went to the CSEN 3v3 Basketball Tournament. Overall, a good effort by everyone that participated. Division 1 Boys finished 3rd, Division 3 Boys finished 4th, Division 2 Boys finished 11th and Division 1 Girls got 6th. In the game playing for Division 1 3rd, Salvatore scored a mid range which tied the game. Alex scored a layup to take the lead. Hubert and Richard ended the win with 3s. Very nice effort by the Division 1 Boys. The rest of the teams put in hard work and finished off strong. Overall, a good day for the Years 11 and 12 students.
CSEN Secondary School Swimming Championships
During the 2025 CSEN Swimming Championships on Thursday 20th March, our Secondary School students at Northside had a wonderful time, completing in a diverse range of events and accomplishing great individual and team achievements.
Students all received their appropriate medals. Josiah was awarded the King of the Pool trophy, achieving the most points in his age group across the schools in the division. The swim team’s Under 16 students were B Division champions, and Northside came 4th overall in B division, receiving a pendant of acknowledgement.
Josiah, Year 10 Student
Hubert, College Captain
CSEN Primary School Swimming Championships
On 21st March, the great CSEN Primary School Swimming Championships took place at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatics Centre! Northside dove right in, just like we do every year. This time, we levelled up to A Division after snagging the B Division trophy last year. It was an unforgettable day filled with some truly amazing performances!
The day kicked off with a lively warm-up that revved everyone up for their races. Next up, we dove into the medley relays, and with a lot of gold and some silver, we were off to a spectacular start! Then came the thrilling 50s, including freestyle and backstroke. In them Abigail did an amazing race by breaking the 50m backstroke record by an impressive 1.8 seconds!
Just as the 13 and under backstroke 50m was about to start, an announcement came from the speakers informing us about the leaderboard; Northside was leading A Division! Race after race Northside kept getting great results. At the end of the day, two of our students, Micah and Elena, went down to the pool deck to receive the awards the College had earned. Northside had won A Division! And to top things off, one of our very own students had earned King of the Pool! He took home not only five golds but also a really sharp trophy. Congratulations to Micah for such a spectacular achievement!
Shaygan, Year 6 Student
Primary School Swimming Carnival
On 5th February 2025, all Years 3 – 6 Primary School students went to Splash (Craigieburn) for the swimming carnival. Everyone had trained hard and was excited to compete. The Noble Knights, Courageous Conquerors and Worthy Warriors were all performing well in the races, and there was great sportsmanship across all College Houses.
The Year 6 races were intense, with the Year 6 boys’ freestyle almost being a tie, and the Year 6 girls’ backstroke was fast and powerful. Even those not racing cheered on their friends and College Houses.
The highlight was the slides and water games. People enjoyed games like Octopus and Fetch the Pegs, and water polo, with lots of effort to score points. The slides were scary but fun, and everyone patiently waited their turn.
At lunch, some were exhausted, while others still had energy. Afterward, we enjoyed delicious treats at the canteen. On the bus ride home, some were tired, while others remained energetic. Though the Noble Knights won, everyone had a fun day with their friends, making the carnival a success for all.
Noble Knights - 1068 Courageous Conquerors - 1046 Worthy Warriors – 787
Congratulations Noble Knights!
Abby, Year 6 Student
Secondary School Swimming Carnival
The Secondary School Swimming Carnival was a day of competition and House spirit as students from Years 7 to 12 came together for a range of events. With swimming races, novelty events, water polo, and waterslides, there was something for everyone. At the end of the day, the Courageous Conquerors took home first place, the Worthy Warriors followed closely behind in second place, and the Noble Knights finished third after a strong effort from all participants. Overall, it was a day of friendly competition and House pride, making it a very memorable carnival!
Courageous Conquerors - 1158 Worthy Warriors – 988
Noble Knights - 885
Congratulations Courageous Conquerors!
Zach, Courageous Conqueror House Captain
Debating
On Monday 24th February, our Year 10 Debating team attended the Debating Association of Victoria’s Watsonia Debate at Loyola College. Our team debated against Ivanhoe Grammar School (Plenty) on the topic “All sporting events should be free”. We were on the negative side and won. Congratulations Moyo, Aneeqa, Lawton, and Jasdeep.
Hosting GATEWAYS
On 18th and 19th of March, we had the privilege to host GATEWAYS (Victoria), welcoming young learners from local schools to engage in handson exploration and discovery of science with teachers specialising in gifted education. Students had the opportunity to meet other like-minded peers. Selected students from Years 1 to 3 took part in interactive workshops, investigating the fascinating world of sound by creating their own musical instruments and exploring the structure and function of flowers.
Students in Years 4 to 6 also participated in two sessions. One focused on engineering and earthquakes, where students designed and built towers to withstand simulated tremors using an earthquake machine. The other session delved into chemistry and chocolate, allowing students to explore the periodic table, atoms, and the science behind their favourite treat.
It was a pleasure to welcome guests to our College. They all felt valued and cared for by our College community.
Mrs Anthea Field INSPiRE Talent Development Coordinator
Whittlesea Tech School Ambassador Program
On Wednesday 5th March 2025, Michael, Sean, and Eric from Year 7 attended the Whittlesea Tech School Ambassador Program, an initiative designed to foster critical thinking and creativity through hands-on learning. This year’s theme, Play & Games in the 21st Century, encourages participants to explore the role of games in everyday life, from digital and tabletop experiences to game development and literacy. Our students engaged in discussions, interactive activities, and collaborative problem-solving with peers from other schools, gaining valuable insights into the broader applications of game design and play. We look forward to seeing their contributions as they continue through the year-long program.
ICAS Competition for Years 2 - 12
Northside Christian College is hosting the ICAS competition in August this year.
What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge their higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee, and Digital Technologies. Every student who participates is celebrated and recognised with a printed certificate in each subject area, and an online results report to track development each year. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.
To learn more about this year’s exciting ICAS competition, please read the attached letter. It contains the Privacy Collection Statement and how to sign up in the Parent Portal to pay.
This year we are offering the following:
• Maths - Years 2 - 12
• English - Years 2 - 12
• Science - Years 3 - 12
• Digital Technology and Spelling Bee - Years 3 - 7
• Writing - Years 3 - 12
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We know our students are amazing, so we’re giving them the opportunity to showcase and celebrate their talents in the world-renowned ICAS competition this year.
What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge their higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee, and Digital Technologies.
Every student who participates is celebrated and recognised with a printed certificate in each subject area, and an online results report to track development each year. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.
To learn more about this year’s exciting ICAS competition, visit: (icasassessments.com/productsicas/)
How to participate in ICAS
If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:
1. Read about ICAS subjects and prices here: (icasassessments.com/products-icas/)
2. Read the Privacy Collection Statement below.
3. Read the terms and conditions here: (icasassessments.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/04/2023-ICAS-Assessments-Schools-TsCs_S2023.V6-1.pdf)
4. Go to the Parent Portal to sign up to chosen subject areas here: https://shop.icasassessments com/pages/parent -payment/XPQ902
5. Enter our school’s access code – XPQ902
6. Enter your child’s details, select the subject areas your child would like to participate in, then proceed to payment.
Please note that the ICAS subject areas shown for selection are at the school’s discretion. After payment is made via the Parent Payment System, you will receive an order confirmation email, please keep this for your records.
ICAS results and certificates
All assessments will be conducted online, at school. We will notify you of the date(s) that we will run ICAS assessments, and when your child’s ICAS results are ready. Your child’s ICAS certificates will be delivered to school. Once we have received them, we will present them to your child to bring home. The back of the certificate will show your child’s ICAS results and the login details, “TAP ID and Pin”. - Use these to enter the Results Portal orti.icasassessments.com/ortiStudent.
Privacy collection statement
The following information is a privacy notification about how your child’s data is kept private and secure.
ICAS Assessment is owned by Janison Solutions Pty Ltd ( We, Us, Our).
To deliver assessment products, Janison will require your child’s School to obtain your consent to provide Janison with certain personal information of students. Janison will collect, store, use, disclose and otherwise deal with such personal information i n accordance with its privacy policy (below). We are aware of our responsibility to protect personal information related to children and students from being disclosed when we deliver an ICAS Assessments product. Unless you, as the child’s legal guardian consents, we will not:
• collect any personal information or data of children other than the information we need for the successful completion of an assessment, test, or exam.
• transfer any personal information we obtain from a child in the delivery of assessm ents and tests to any jurisdiction outside of Australia.
• share any personal information relating to children with any third parties (except for those third parties necessary for us to carry out our Services or provide our Products e.g., medal engraving).
• use any personal information or data relating to children for marketing purposes.
You can view our full privacy policy at https://www.janison.com/privacy-policy/.
We may retain personal information and data relevant to a child for their future purposes or for research purposes by Janison for the duration of the school life cycle of the child. However, if you or your child at any time wish to have their personal info rmation or data removed from our systems, they or you may opt out by simply contacting our Privacy Officer at privacy@janison.com or by contacting icasassessments@janison.com.
We are excited to be offering ICAS to our students this year and look forward to celebrating their achievements. Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions.
Kind regards,
Anthea Field
Talent Development Coordinator
Library
Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge
We are thrilled to announce that the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge has officially begun, and our students are off to a fantastic start! 273 students from across the school have signed up for the challenge and have read a combined total of almost 2000 books. Also, 37 very eager readers have already completed the challenge. With so many enthusiastic readers already diving into their books, the excitement is building across the College.
This challenge is more than just a fun activity it’s a wonderful opportunity for students to develop lifelong reading habits, build literacy skills, and foster a love of learning. Thank you to all the parents and carers who are supporting their children through this challenge. We look forward to announcing in September how many students complete the challenge and how many books have been read!
Mrs Kylie Drowley Library Teacher
Wellbeing
It has been an extremely busy term for your Wellbeing team.
1. Between us, we have attended four camps., 2. Hosted The Black Dog Institute who delivered Mental Health fitness workshops to our Middle School students. 3. Hosted Dan Principe, Youth Advocate and Educator, delivered workshops to all our Secondary School Students and conducted a parent workshop. He challenged our students to think critically about what they see and engage with within the digital space and discussed how to navigate this well.
Guest Speaker Daniel Principe
This term, we had the privilege of welcoming back youth advocate and educator Daniel Principe for another round of powerful conversations with our Years 7-12 students. Building on last year’s discussions, Daniel encouraged students to reflect on the pressures and expectations placed on men and women in today’s culture, helping them think critically about what healthy relationships, identity, and respect look like in today’s world.
These sessions were not about providing simple answers but about equipping students with the critical thinking skills to challenge unhealthy norms, recognise positive role models, and advocate for themselves and each other The conversations were honest, thought-provoking, and deeply relevant to the realities students face every day. We are so proud of the students who engaged thoughtfully, asked insightful questions, and participated in a healthy and constructive way.
Alongside these student discussions, we also hosted a dedicated parent session where Daniel shared practical insights on supporting young people in a rapidly evolving digital world. Hearing the statistics on what young people are navigating today was confronting, but these conversations are more important than ever
As a College community, we are deeply grateful for Daniel’s commitment to engaging both students and parents in these crucial discussions. We remain committed to fostering a culture of awareness, respect, and digital wisdom. If you are looking for a speaker who is trustworthy, knowledgeable, and able to engage young people and parents alike in meaningful digital conversations, we highly recommend Daniel. His expertise in connecting with students and families on these important topics is invaluable.
SchoolTV: Cybersafety
In today’s digital world, young people are more connected than ever, using technology for education, social interaction, and entertainment. While the internet offers incredible opportunities, it also presents significant risks, including cyberbullying, online predators, exposure to inappropriate content, and excessive screen time. Cybersafety is about equipping children and adolescents with the skills and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. This includes fostering open communication between parents and children, implementing appropriate parental controls, educating young people about privacy and online etiquette, and encouraging a balanced approach to technology use. By promoting digital wellbeing and responsible online behaviour, we can help young people harness the benefits of technology while staying safe in an increasingly connected world.
Read more about this topic here
Wellbeing Team
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019). Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:
• year of schooling
• category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
• level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.
This information assists schools to:
• formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
• consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
• develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.
The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.
The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy)
Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au)
If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school.
Finance Team
If you need to contact our Finance Team, you will likely speak to one of our the following staff:
Leigh Adcock Business Manager
Bee Yew Assistant School Burser
Jasmine Chan Accounts Office
Suni Harun Accounts Office
Uniforms
New Uniforms to Buy
College families can purchase new uniforms from Academy Uniforms.
Winter Uniform Transition Reminder
During the first two weeks of Term 2, students may wear either their full summer uniform or full winter uniform (not a combination of both). From Monday 5th May, all students must wear their full winter uniform.
Uniform Reminder
From Term 1 2026: all students may only wear uniforms that bear the 2016 logo and/or the 2022 logo. This includes school bags for Primary School and Secondary School students.
From Term 1 2028: all Primary School and Secondary School students may only wear uniforms that bear the 2022 logo. This excludes the school bag and hat for Primary School students.
From Term 1 2029: all items of uniform including the College bag and hat must bear the 2022 logo.
Further information regarding this change is available on the College website
2013 College Logo
Uniforms with this logo can only be worn in 2025. From 2026, uniforms with this logo can no longer be worn.
2022 College Logo
From 2029, all students must only wear the College uniform with this logo. All previous logos will no longer be permitted.
2016 College Logo
Uniforms with this logo can only be worn until the end of 2027, with the exception of the College bag and Primary School hat, which can be used until the end of 2028.
Loving Our Students on Purpose
In 2023, our College embarked on a journey to embed Loving Our Students on Purpose into the very fabric of life at Northside. Key leaders undertook intensive learning with Bernii Godwin, author of Loving Our Students on Purpose, deepening their understanding of how to foster meaningful connections within our school community. Over the past two years, this culture has continued to grow as more staff have engaged in training modules, strengthening healthy relationships across the College.
In Term 1 2025, a dedicated group of 20 staff participated in an after-school course on Friday afternoons called Relationships 101 by Danny Silk. Through this course, staff explored how to cultivate connected and life-giving relationships by applying key relational practices—boundaries, connection, and communication. By embracing these principles and learning to show value for both others and ourselves, we continue to build heart-to-heart connections that are healthy, vibrant, and life-giving.
Bernii Godwin, inspired by her work with Danny Silk—author of Loving Our Kids on Purpose—has brought these transformative principles into the educational space. Danny, alongside his daughter Brittney and son-in-law Ben, leads Loving on Purpose, an organisation dedicated to strengthening relationships across all aspects of life, including family, leadership, and education.
Northside Christian College and Encompass Church are excited to be hosting Ben, Brittney, and their children over the weekend of 23rd 24th May. This exclusive event is designed to empower individuals, couples, parents, and educators with transformative relationship tools. Complementing the Loving Our Students on Purpose initiative, this weekend offers a unique opportunity to develop skills in relationships, marriage, and parenting.
Ben and Brittney Serpell will be making their only Australian appearance in 2025, bringing their wealth of knowledge and experience from Loving on Purpose. Their insights will further equip our community in fostering strong, thriving relationships.
As a valued member of our Northside community, we warmly invite you to be part of this incredible weekend of learning and connection. Stay tuned for more details—we look forward to sharing this journey with you!
Ms Christie Vaughn Student Leadership Co-Ordinator
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:9
As Easter approaches, we remember Jesus’ ultimate act of peacemaking—His sacrifice on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, He reconciled us to God, bringing hope and restoration. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this same heart of peacemaking in our daily lives.
A peacemaker brings peace to conflict, restores relationships, and shares the hope of Jesus. Through the PeaceWise curriculum, at Northside we equip students with biblical principles to handle conflict constructively. Peacemakers not only resolve conflicts but also reconcile others to Christ and each other
Jesus taught us: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind” and “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:34-40). Instead of avoiding conflict, we can see it as an opportunity to love others well. In PeaceWise, students learn biblical peacemaking:
● Put God first (1 Corinthians 10:31)
● Own your part in a conflict (Matthew 7:3-5)
● Talk it over with the other person (Galatians 6:1)
● Make it right (Matthew 5:23-24)
At Northside, we also teach the 5 A’s of Apology:
1. Admit your part - without saying if, but or maybe
2. Apologise specially for your poor choices
3. Accept the consequences
4. Ask for forgiveness
5. Alter your behaviour and attitude
This Easter, let’s reflect on Jesus, the ultimate peacemaker, and encourage these principles at home. May His peace, love, and hope guide us all.
Ms Christie Vaughn Peacewise Representative
Administration
Update your details
Have you recently....
• Moved house?
• Got a new phone number?
• Need to change you child’s emergency contact ....
You can update your details in Consent2Go or email the Office to update your details: ncc@ncc.vic.edu.au
If you’re on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn please follow the Northside Christian College pages.
Absences
If your child is absent please email attendance@ncc.vic.edu.au with your child’s name, year level and reason they are absent.
If you’re picking up your student early or dropping them off late, please remember to email attendance@ncc.vic.edu.au or fill in one of our green Student Absence forms at Reception.
Enrolments
Prep 2027
Applications for Prep 2027 are now open. Families with a child born between 1st January 2021 to 30th April 2022 are invited to apply for Prep 2027 enrolment online. Applications will close on Friday 20th February 2026.
Please note that applications for Prep 2026 have now closed. If you have a child due to commence Prep next year, and you have not applied please contact the Enrolments Team as soon as possible by email at enrol@ncc.vic.edu.au or by calling 9467 2499.
Year 7 2027
Families with a sibling expecting to commence at Northside in Year 7 in 2027 are encouraged to submit an online enrolment application by 30th June 2025. Unfortunately the College cannot guarantee a place for siblings as places are limited; submitting an early enrolment application will assist the College with its planning for 2027.
VISA Changes
If your child has been granted a new visa, permanent residency or obtained Australian citizenship since 1st August 2024, please provide a copy of the grant notification to our Enrolments team via email, or leave a copy with our College Reception. The College is required to keep a copy of all current visas (permanent and temporary) on student files in order to demonstrate eligibility of enrolment at Northside. Families that do not provide a current visa when requested may need to have their enrolment reviewed by the Principal.
Are you leaving Northside?
College Tours
Did you know we hold College Tours? The College Tours are a fantastic way to experience the community at Northside Christian College and to also get a better sense as to whether Northside is the right fit for your family.
If you have a friend or family member that is interested in checking out Northside, please let them know to check for tours on the Northside Enrolments page on our website.
https://ncc.vic.edu.au/book-a-tour
Families that are not returning to Northside in 2026 must advise the College in writing by Thursday 18th September 2025 (last day of Term 3). Families who withdraw late in 2025 may be required to pay a term’s fee in lieu of notice.
Withdrawal forms are available at the College Reception, from the Enrolments Team or by completing the online form Alumni
Join the Northside Alumni by completing the online form to be notified of upcoming events.
Email: ncc@ncc.vic.edu.au www.ncc.vic.edu.au