PRIMARY NEWS PRIMARY NEWS
A MESSAGE FROM MR CHRIS DROWLEY
Dear Parents and Carers,
It has been great to observe students engaging in a variety of experiences that support their learning, growth, and development This week, several year levels participated in special events and programs that complemented their classroom learning in meaningful ways.
I am pleased to share a staffing update for our Primary STEAM Program. Mrs Gillian McDonnell has taken on the role of Primary STEAM Teacher for Semester 2 Gillian has had a long-standing association with the College, having served in various roles over the years We are delighted to have her developing and delivering a dynamic and engaging STEAM program for our students!
Our Year 5 students returned from their four-day camp this week at Adekate, near Creswick. I had the privilege of attending and we had a wonderful time. The program offered opportunities for students to develop independence, build peer relationships, and engage in a range of outdoor activities A key highlight was the visit to Sovereign Hill, where students deepened their understanding of Australia’s gold rush history. Staff were so impressed by the respectful and cooperative manner in which our students participated throughout the camp.
This week, our precious Prep students marked their 100th day of school, a notable milestone in their first year of formal education The day was acknowledged with a variety of classroom-based activities designed to reflect on learning and growth. Our Preps dressed to impress as either a 100-year-old version of themselves or in an outfit representing 100. It was encouraging to see the confidence and sense of belonging that has developed among our Prep students over the past two terms.
Our Year 2 students attended an excursion to the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, where they participated in structured activities linked to their Science Inquiry learning. The visit offered a hands-on experience that encouraged creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Thank you to staff and parent volunteers who supported this outing and helped ensure it ran smoothly
Selected students from our Upper Primary cohort represented Northside at the recent CSEN Netball Competition, held as part of the Christian Schools Events Network. Students played a series of matches against other Christian schools, demonstrating teamwork, resilience, and a positive attitude throughout the day. We are proud of how our students conducted themselves, both on and off the court
We continue to be grateful for the many ways in which students are engaging with their learning and contributing to a positive College environment. Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement.
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 3MS.
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.
UNWELL STUDENTS
A number of students have presented themselves to Reception with nausea, stomach aches and feeling generally unwell. Please keep any unwell children at home to prevent the spread of sickness across the classes
PARENT-STUDENTTEACHER 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 now closed.
Please ensure you arrive for your interview on time Often teachers have consecutive appointments which means that they are unable to accommodate late arrivals
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in your child’s learning.
Camp Australia will be available for onsite full-day care on this day.
SCIENCE WEEK DRESS UP
Monday 11th August 2025
To celebrate the beginning of Science Week, students are welcome to come dressed up like a scientist.
A scientist comes in many forms. Your child can be an astronaut, a botanist a marine biologist or a doctor for the day, there are many possibilities!
*Students who do not choose to dress up will need to wear their school uniform This is not a casual clothes day
*No gold coin is required.
VICTORIAN PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE
Northside students have recorded a total of 8,803 books read since the beginning of the Challenge. If we all read and record one book each next week, we will surpass 9,000 books.
Let’s work together to achieve this Northside!
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 year’s theme is Book an Adventure
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.
Please avoid costumes that are scary or inappropriate
Weapons of any kind, such as swords, guns, or other imitation weapons, are not permitted.
Students should be dressed modestly and appropriately
We strongly encourage creative, home-made costumes.
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).
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
Corner
FIGHT FOOD WASTE DESIGN COMPETITION
Calling all creative kids! Design an eye-catching poster and packaging for our Use It Up Tape® – the simple solution that helps families reduce food waste at home Winning designs will be featured on limited-edition Use It Up Tape® packaging distributed to schools nationwide in 2026 The winners will receive a merchandise pack, certificate, movie passes, and a $1,000 Woolworths voucher for their school.
Competition Period: Monday 21st July 2025 (9:00am AEST) to Monday 22nd September 2025 (5:00pm AEST)
Winners Announced: Thursday 16th October 2025
WEEK 3A
Jeans for Genes Day U 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
Tuesday 5th August
Student Free Day - Camp Australia available for onsite full-day care
Prep - Year 12 Parent Student Teacher Conferences Principals Day
Wednesday 6th August
Secondary School Information Evening
Thursday 7th August
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
Science Week WEEK 4B
Monday 11th - Friday 15th August
Monday 11th August
Science Week Dress Up Day
Tuesday 12th August
Years 5 - 6 Growing Up Online Cyber Safety with Susan McLean
Growing Up Online Parent Information Session
6:00pm - 7:30pm
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
U P C O M I N G E V E N T S : T E R M 3
WEEK 7A
Monday 1st - Friday 5th September
Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week
Monday 1st September
Whole School Assembly via ZOOM
Athletics Training 3:00pm - 3:45pm
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 3:00pm - 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
WEEK 8B
Monday 8th - Friday 12th September
Lamont Book Fair
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
WEEK 9A
Last Day to Withdraw to avoid paying Term 1 2026 fees U P C O M I N G E V E N T S : T E R M 3
Monday 15th - Thursday 18th September
Monday 15th September
Whole School End of Term Assembly
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
Elijah, Prep
Neighbourly Awards
Bethany, Prep
I love hearing that you know so many Bible stories! Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. May your love for God's word continue to grow each day so that your faith continues to grow too.
You demonstrate the College value of Community in the way you care for your classmates and our school spaces
Jayden, Year 1
Ariel, Prep
You persevered when asked to redo your work and did so without complaining. I love the way you are working hard to do your best. Keep persevering, Ariel!
For showing perseverance in his learning when concepts are challenging him.
Maya, Year 1
For showing great listening and sharing your great ideas in our group discussions this week. You have helped our class to learn together by sharing your ideas with others Keep up the great work!
Laura, Year 3
Reuben, Year 3
For showing integrity,fairness and inclusivity in our classroom community. You bring joy,kindness and sparkle to our class. Your helping hand is appreciated by all.
For showing a strong sense of faith and understanding of Bible versus in relation to the holy spirit. Well done Laura!
Hugo, Year 4
From the start of this term, you have shown determination and perseverance in your efforts to complete all learning tasks to a high standard. It is great to see you putting in your best effort. You are awesome! Keep it up!
Erica, Year 4
For the beautiful way you bring kindness and compassion into every moment in the classroom. Your open heart and gentle spirit create a space where students and colleagues alike feel seen, supported, and truly valued.
Jasper, Year 6
For consistently including others, offering help without being asked, and creating a warm, welcoming environment for all thank you for living out the value of Community each day. Well done, we love seeing the gold in you shine.
Colin, Year 6
Thank you for encouraging your teammates and lifting up others in tough games at the Netball Championships. You are a great leader and encourager; you’d be a great coach! Thank you for serving the community. You exemplify our college value of community and set a good standard for others.
Thank you, Colin!
Be encouraged by Hebrews 10:24-25.
Judah, Year 6
Your reflections and goal-setting tasks demonstrated your commitment to growth and excellence. I am excited to see God’s work in your life as you dedicate yourself to make the most of every opportunity. You exemplify our College value of Perseverance and are setting a strong example for others.
Thank you, Judah!
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.
GROWING GROWING
MEETOURGUESTSPEAKER:
SusanMcLeanisoneofAustralia’s foremostexpertsoncybersafety andyoungpeople. Shehasworkedwithschools, governments,mediaand familiesacrossthenationand bringspowerfulinsightwitha practical,engagingstyle.
TUESDAY12 AUGUST
6:00PM-7:30PM TH
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 Ms 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
ompetition Time @ Recess ome to attend the Library to on their competition entries.
float Bookmarks @ Lunch
ary to weave paper bookmarks, racters in Afloat come together
Thursday 21st
Clay Art Activity @ Lunch Drawing Activity @ Recess der, come along to the Library to ome bugs for him to try to catch
Drowley, to make your own 3D tion Inspiderd by the Noteable book Dinosaur in my Pocket
Friday 22nd Tuesday 19th
ress up Parade @ 8:55 am yard as we all come together to our favourite books in costumes Photo Booth @ Recces
me to come along and get their e our Northside 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
Word Search: Emotions! The
and educational word
lesson Kids have the opportunity to share their knowledge and leaderships skills, with a group class of yoga followed by gymnastics
New articles are added each week for parents and cover various topics to help families
DONATIONS DUE: Friday 29th August
Eg;Softtoys,dolls,tennisballs,bouncyballs, smallfootball,smallsoccerball(withpump), smallmusicalinstrument,skippingrope
YEAR1
ACCESSORIES
Eg;Sunglasses,hairaccessories,hat,scarf, mittens(nocamouflagecoloursorskullimages)
YEAR2 YEAR3
Eg;Puzzles,illustratedbooks,colouringbooks, playdough(storebought)
Eg;Lego,handpuppets,plastictoys,toyfigures, yo-yo,smallfrisbee,smallkite,marbles,playing cards(notoysaboutwarorfighting)
YEAR4
SCHOOLSUPPLIES
Eg; Colouredpencils,pens,markers,exercise books,erasers,highlighters, gluesticks, rulers, crayons(CrayolaBrandonly-non-toxic)
YEAR5
PERSONALCAREITEMS
Eg;Facewasher,soap(packaged), toothbrush,comb,brush
YEAR6
CLOTHING
Eg;Dress,t-shirt,top,pants,shorts(no camouflagecoloursorskullimagesplease)
*Please ensure items are NEW
DONATIONSDUE: riday29thAugust HomeGroupteachers)