P PRRIIMMAARRY Y N NEEWWS S A MESSAGE FROM MR CHRIS DROWLEY
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back to Term 3! We hope the holidays provided your family with some well-earned rest and special moments together. It has been wonderful to see our students return with enthusiasm, ready for another term of learning, growth and connection
This week, I’ve had the pleasure of walking through classrooms and outdoor spaces, watching students reconnect with their peers and dive back into their learning with energy and excitement. It’s been encouraging to see children collaborating, problem-solving, and enjoying their time back at school
Today we had a fantastic celebration with our Christmas in July Dress-Up Day! Classrooms were filled with festive spirit, sparkling hats, cosy scarves, and an array of Christmas-themed outfits. More than just a fun event, we are pleased to share that the funds raised will go towards supporting the postage costs of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes through Samaritan’s Purse. Thank you to all who contributed, it’s a beautiful way to remind our students of the joy that comes from giving to others
As we settle into this term, we kindly ask families to keep us informed regarding student attendance. If you are planning any extended absences for your children of five or more school days, we require a formal application to be submitted and approved by the Principal This process helps us to ensure we are maintaining our duty of care and meeting our attendance obligations Forms are available from the College Office or can be requested from your child’s classroom teacher.
We are looking forward to a wonderful term ahead, filled with learning, celebration, and community As we journey together, we are reminded of the words from Psalm 133:1 – “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” May this term be marked by harmony, kindness, and shared joy in our school community.
God bless you and your family!
Chris Drowley Director of Primary School Learning
PRIMARY SCHOOL CHAPEL
Friday 1st August 2025, 2:15pm – 2:50pm
Parents are invited to join our Chapel session in Room 412, accessible through the foyer of the Upper Primary Neighbourhood Please sign in at Reception before attending. Enjoy an item presented by Year 3AT.
Photos and videos of the students are not permitted during Chapel 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 Chapel Staff and Visitor toilets are located in the Administration Building (near Reception) or on Level 1 in the Middle School Building.
SPARE CLOTHES
More students are coming in after playtimes needing to change their socks, or even their pants.
Please keep a spare pair of socks and pants in your child’s school bag at all times, especially throughout winter
We understand that having multiple sets of the school uniform may not be feasible for all families. As a practical solution, students can keep a pair of plain black tracksuit pants in their school bag These can be used if a uniform change is needed due to an unexpected accident during the day.
WINTER UNIFORM REMINDER
The College wet-weather jackets are only allowed to be worn outdoors. Please ensure your child has their school jumper or rugby jumper if you want them to wear more than their shirt or polo t-shirt when in the classroom
SIBLINGS OF RUNNING
CLUB TRAINERS
Primary School-aged siblings who are not participating in Running Club cannot be left at school without parent/carer supervision before 8:15am.
If you are unable to supervise non-participating siblings, they must be enrolled with Camp Australia for before-school care.
PARENT-STUDENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES (PSTC)
Student Free Day: Tuesday 5th August 2025
Our next round of Parent-StudentTeacher Conferences (PSTC) will take place on Tuesday 5th August 2025. The booking portal is open until 10:00am on Thursday 31st July 2025. Information, including instructions on how to book, was sent to all families via SEQTA
We encourage you to save this date and begin considering your availability to meet with your child’s homegroup teacher
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in your child’s learning.
BOOK WEEK AND COSTUME SELECTION
Friday 22nd August 2025
As we look forward to celebrating Book Week together, we are excited about the opportunity to encourage a love of reading and creativity across our school community This is a special time where students can bring their favourite characters and stories to life through costume and imagination
This year’s theme is Book an Adventure, and we encourage students to explore books that inspire courage, curiosity, and character-building journeys. As we prepare for this fun and meaningful event, we would like to remind families of a few important guidelines to ensure that our celebration reflects the values of our Christian ethos:
Costumes should be positive, respectful, and in keeping with our Christian Values. We ask that students choose characters who embody traits such as kindness, bravery, honesty, and compassion.
Please avoid costumes that are scary or inappropriate, including witches (good or bad), wizards (good or bad), demons, vampires, zombies, or any that involve blood, gore, or horror themes These can be upsetting to our younger students and are not in line with our school values
Weapons of any kind, such as swords, guns, or other imitation weapons, are not permitted.
Students should be dressed modestly and appropriately, with costumes that allow for safe play and participation throughout the school day. Closed-toe footwear is required
Children who come dressed in costumes that do not align with these guidelines may be asked to change into their school uniform (parents may be contacted if there is no change of clothes available).
We strongly encourage creative, home-made costumes that reflect beloved characters from books and stories If you are unsure whether a costume is appropriate, please speak with your child’s Home Group Teacher ahead of time
Thank you for your continued support in making Book Week a joyful, inclusive, and values-aligned event for all students. We look forward to seeing the wonderful ways our students bring books to life through their costumes and imaginations!
PARENTZONE FAMILY PROGRAMS
ParentZone is running several online and face-to-face programs throughout Term 3 to support parents and carers.
Please see the attached flyer for topics, times and dates
PRAYER WARRIORS
Fridays 9:00am – 9:45am
Northside has a regular parent prayer team who gather together to pray for the College community every Friday from 9:00am – 9:45am.
Parents and grandparents of Northside students are welcome to join.
Please contact Reception or email prayer@ncc.vic.edu.au for more information.
LAPTOP DEVICES FOR YEAR 7 STUDENTS IN 2026
Students in Year 7 next year will need a College-designated device The new Secondary School ICT Device Program means that parents no longer need to source their own device. We will provide you with further information about this initiative shortly
U P C O M I N G E V E N T S : T E R M 3
WEEK 2B
Monday 28th July - Friday 1st August
Monday 28th July
Last day to register for ICAS
Tuesday 29th July - Friday 1st August
Year 5 Camp
Tuesday 29th July
CSEN Primary & Secondary School Netball Championships
Thursday 31st July
100 Days of Prep
Parent-Student-Teacher Conference booking portal closes 10:00am
Friday 1st August
Running Club 7:30am - 8:15am
Years 5 - 6 Kinder Partnership
Year 2 Science Excursion
Primary School Chapel – Item presented by Year 3AT
P C O M I N G E V E N T S : T E R M 3
Monday 4th - Friday 8th August
Monday 4th August
Whole School Assembly via ZOOM WEEK 3A
Tuesday 5th August
Student Free Day
Prep - Year 12 Parent Student Teacher Conferences
Principals Day
Wednesday 6th August
Secondary School Information Evening
Thursday 7th August
Jeans for Genes Day
Friday 8th August
Running Club 7:30am - 8:15am
Years 5 - 6 Kinder Partnership
Years 5 - 6 Lawn Bowls Training
Primary School Chapel – Item presented by Year 3MS
Monday 11th - Friday 15th August
Science Week WEEK 4B
Monday 11th August
Science Week Dress Up Day
Friday 15th August
Running Club 7:30am - 8:15am
Years 3 - 6 Down Ball Tournament
Years 5 - 6 Kinder Partnership
Years 5 - 6 Lawn Bowls Training
Primary School Chapel – Item presented by Year 2MH
P C O M I N G E V E N T S : T E R M 3
Monday 18th - Friday 22nd August
Book Week WEEK 5A
Monday 18th August
Whole School Assembly via ZOOM
Athletics Training 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Wednesday 20th August
Athletics Training 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Friday 22nd August
Book Week Dress Up Day
Years 5 - 6 Kinder Partnership
Book Week Parade
WEEK 6B
Monday 25th - Friday 29th August
Monday 25th August
Athletics Training 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Wednesday 27th August
Athletics Training 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Thursday 28th August
Write a Book in a Day Competition
Thursday 28th - Friday 29 August th
Year 2 Sleepover and Breakfast
Friday 29th August
Running Club 7:30am - 8:15am
Year 5 - 6 Hooptime
Year 5 - 6 Kinder Partnership
Year 5 - 6 Lawn Bowls Training
Primary School Chapel – Item presented by Year 1FB
WEEK 7A
Lamont Book Fair U P C O M I N G E V E N T S : T E R M 3
Monday 1st - Friday 5th September
Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week
Monday 1st September
Whole School Assembly via ZOOM
Tuesday 2nd September
Maths & Inquiry: Through Maths We Prove, Years 1 - 3
Wednesday 3rd September
Maths & Inquiry: Through Maths We Prove, Years 4 - 6
Athletics Training 3pm - 3:45pm
Friday 5th September
Running Club 7:30am - 8:15am
Parent’s & Friends Father’s Day Stall
Years 5 - 6 Kinder Partnership
Years 5 - 6 Lawn Bowls Training
Primary School Chapel – Father’s Day Focus
Athletics Training 3:00pm - 3:45pm WEEK 8B
Monday 8th - Friday 12th September
Tuesday 9th September
Year 2 Hooptime Day
Wednesday 10th September
Year 1 Breakfast and Pyjama Day
Thursday 11th September
R U OK? Day
Northside Festival of Arts Event
Friday 12th September
CSEN Primary School Athletics Championships
Years 5 - 6 Kinder Partnership
Years 5 - 6 Lawn Bowls Training
Primary School Chapel – Item presented by Year 2JM
U P C O M I N G E V E N T S : T E R M 3
WEEK 9A
Monday 15th - Thursday 18th September
Monday 15th September
Whole School End of Term Assembly
Years 3 - 4 Hooptime Competition
Tuesday 16th September
Prep Incursion
Wednesday 17th September
Years 5 - 6 Ethics Olympiad
Thursday 18th September
Last Day of Term 3
Prep - Year 2 Athletics Carnival
Last Day to Withdraw to avoid paying Term 1 2026 fees
Arielle, Prep
Neighbourly Awards
Gabriella, Prep
For showing love to your friend by making sure they didn't miss out on a reward. I was also very proud of the joy and effort you put into writing sentences this week!
You demonstrate the value of Service every time that you help a friend clean up their desk, put chairs away and all of the other ways you find to help others in the classroom.
Francis, Prep
For taking time to help a table partner with something they didn’t understand and showing them what to do. We really appreciate your servant heart, Francis.
Harper, Year 1
For showing God’s love through his kindness and understanding towards others.
Dokun, Year 1
For making some great choices in showing kindness to your classmates this week and working hard to complete your work.
You have also made some great contributions to our class discussions You have made a great start to Term 3! Keep up the great work!
Ariana, Year 2
For demonstrating the College value of Integrity You consistently look out for your friends and speak up when you see something that isn't right
Your actions show a deep sense of honesty, fairness, and courage living out God’s call to “do what is right and just” (Proverbs 21:3) in your daily life.
Olivia, Year 2
For the joy and warmth you bring to our classroom, Olivia. Your beautiful smile and kind heart brighten the day for everyone around you and demonstrates God's love for them. Keep it up!
Joleen, Year 3
You demonstrated great community spirit this week by showing gentle guidance to our new classmate in need of assistance. Thank you for being a role model of how we can all encourage and support our classroom community members.
Hugo, Year 3
For showing great perseverance in tackling challenging maths problems and demonstrated a strong willingness to keep trying until understanding was achieved.
Wilson, Year 4
For showing integrity during our English lesson this week. You wrote a great ‘PEEL’ paragraph during our persuasive writing lesson and shared this with the class. I love seeing you shining bright this term. Keep up the good work! You are awesome!
Jude, Year 4
Jude, your efforts this week have truly stood out. From helping classmates without hesitation to bringing a calm and caring presence to group activities, you’ve shown what it means to be part of a strong and supportive community.
Samuel, Year 6
For consistently showing respect to others, your learning, and the wider community. You have demonstrated integrity by applying yourself wholeheartedly in your work and faithfully standing up for what is right Thank you for being a trustworthy and principled peer who leads by example. Well done, we love seeing the gold in you shine.
Zane, Year 6
Your passion to learn (particularly about History and Science) and dedication to complete detailed notes has been inspiring You exemplify our College value of Perseverance and are setting a strong example for others
Thank you, Zane!
Be encouraged by Hebrews 12:1.
JEANS FOR GENES DAY
ThursdayAugust7th
JeansforGenesDaywillbeheldonThursday,August7,inWeek3ofTerm3.
Students are encouraged to wear jeans or denim clothing and bring a gold coin donation to supportgeneticresearchforchildren,withallproceedsgoingtoJeansforGenesAustralia.
2025 BOOK WEEK COMPETITIONS
MONDAY 18TH – FRIDAY 22ND AUGUST
Colouring Competition
Competition entries due Friday 22
Students are welcome to start collecting colouring sheets from the Library Once completed return to the Library, for your chance to win.
There will be a chance during Book Week to work on your entry at the Library
Picture Book Challenge nd
Competition entries due Friday 22 nd
Create your own thrilling adventure by yourself or with a friend
Once completed bring your picture book to the Library for all to enjoy! Mrs Drowley will run a workshop early in Term 3, to give you tips on how to make a fantastic book.
Principal’s Choice Award Dress up Parade Friday 22nd @ 8:55am
Join us in the courtyard as we all come together to celebrate our favourite books in costumes. Be dressed up for your chance to receive Mrs Munro’s special Principal’s Award
A large number of students and parents, will have the chance to win a ribbon
2025 BOOK WEEK EVENTS
MONDAY 18 – FRIDAY 22
Competition Time @ Recess
Students are welcome to attend the Library to work on their competition entries.
Afloat Bookmarks @ Lunch
Come along to the Library to weave paper bookmarks, just like the characters in Afloat come together
Thursday 21st
Spiro’s Menu Drawing Activity @ Recess
Spiro is a hungry spider, come along to the Library to create some bugs for him to try to catch
Modelling Clay Art Activity @ Lunch
Book in with Mrs Drowley, to make your own 3D modelling clay creation Inspiderd by the Noteable book Dinosaur in my Pocket
Friday 22nd
Dress up Parade @ 8:55 am
Join us in the courtyard as we all come together to celebrate our favourite books in costumes Photo Booth @ Recces
Students are welcome to come along and get their photos taken inside our NCC ship Listen out on the day for where to find us
SUPPORT&TRAINING
Term3:
Tuning in to Teens (Mill Park, starts 22 July)
Build connection and support your teen’s emotional wellbeing.
Circle of Security Parenting (Thomastown, starts 29 July)
Understand and meet your child’s emotional needs.
Living with Autism (Epping, starts 31 July)
Practicaltoolsandsupportforparentingachildonthe autism spectrum.
Tuning in to Kids for Dads (Online, starts 31 July)
Emotion coaching strategies, especially for fathers.
Tuning in to Kids (Online, starts 6 August)
Strengthenemotionalskillsandresilienceinyounger children.
Tuning in to Teens (Online, starts 14 August)
Improve communication and connection with your adolescent.
OpentofamilieslivinginWhittlesea, Hume,Nillumbik,Banyule, Darebin,Merri-bekand Yarraareas.
Your OSHC by Camp Australia provides enriching experiences for children during term – before school, after school and on pupil free days. At Your OSHC we give children a supportive space to continue their development, build confidence and socialise with their friends
Once registered, you'll be able to easily make and manage your bookings online via our Parent Portal
Please feel free to visit the program with your children to meet the team and see what happens in our great program each school day.
GROWING GROWING
MEETOURGUESTSPEAKER:
SusanMcLeanisoneofAustralia’s foremostexpertsoncybersafety andyoungpeople. Shehasworkedwithschools, governments,mediaand familiesacrossthenationand bringspowerfulinsightwitha practical,engagingstyle.
TUESDAY12 AUGUST
6:00PM-7:30PM TH
