2025 Primary News, Term 3, Week 3 by Northside Christian College

PRIMARY NEWS PRIMARY NEWS

A MESSAGE FROM MR CHRIS DROWLEY

Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been a great week. The highlight for me came earlier this week when we held our Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences These are always valuable opportunities to strengthen the partnership between home and school in support of your child’s learning. I am proud of the achievements of our students, as well as the dedication of our teaching team.

We kindly ask that all Learning Journals be returned to the College as soon as possible so students can continue adding to them during their next semester of learning Please also remember that you are welcome to contact your child’s Home Group teacher at any time during the term if you have any questions or concerns about their progress. If needed, appointments can be made to speak with them directly.

This week, we also celebrated Principals’ Day It was a special opportunity to acknowledge and thank our College Principal, Ms Jacqui Munro, and our Deputy Principal, Mrs Serene Eng, for their outstanding leadership and commitment to our College community. They were blessed with gifts from our students and received words of appreciation for all they do.

On Thursday, we proudly supported Jeans for Genes Day It was a wonderful chance for students to wear jeans and raise awareness and funds for children’s genetic research.

Looking ahead, next week is Science Week! To kick off the celebrations, students are invited to take part in Science Week Dress-Up Day on Monday 11th August 2025.

Students are encouraged to come dressed as a scientist, this could be an astronaut, botanist, marine biologist, doctor, or any other scientific professional they can imagine! Students who choose not to dress up will need to wear their school uniform as usual. Please note this is not a casual clothes day, and no gold coin donation is required

We are also pleased to invite all parents and carers to an exclusive Cyber Safety Information Session titled "Growing Up Online", taking place on Tuesday 12th August 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Our guest speaker, Susan McLean, is one of Australia’s leading experts on cyber safety and young people. She brings a wealth of experience and insight into navigating the online world safely and responsibly This is a valuable opportunity to learn practical strategies for supporting your child’s online wellbeing. Information on how to book your ticket is included within this Newsletter.

Recently, I have become aware of a number of students expressing that they have been spoken to unkindly by their peers. This is happening within friendship groups and is often seen as acceptable banter I am challenging this culture and letting our students know that these behaviours are not OK

While friendships naturally come with ups and downs, it is important that we consistently encourage our students to use their words to build one another up, rather than tear each other down. As a Christian community, we are called to speak with love, respect and grace The Bible reminds us in Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” Similarly, Proverbs 16:24 teaches, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” I kindly ask parents and carers to take a moment to speak with their children about the power of their words and the importance of treating others well May the words of our students reflect the values we hold as followers of Christ

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our College community. May God bless your family this weekend.

Mr 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 2MH.

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.

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. This year’s theme is Decoding the Universe.

Your child can be an astronaut, a botanist, a marine biologist or a doctor for the day, there are many possibilities!

Science Week will feature many exciting initiatives including an art competition and lunchtime activities.

*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.

EXTENDED LEAVE OF ABSENCES - 5 DAYS OR MORE

We 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 before you depart.

Forms are available from Reception or can be requested from your child's Home Group teacher. Please return completed forms to Reception or via email to attendance@ncc.vic.edu.au

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 b k d t h i t th i h l if ( t b t t d if there is no

BOOK WEEK DRESS UP PARADE AND COFFEE

Friday 22nd August 2025

As part of our Book Week celebrations, we warmly invite all parents and carers to attend our Book Week Dress-Up Parade on Friday 22nd August 2025.

Enjoy a complimentary coffee (one per adult) from 8:15am onwards in the courtyard, before watching our students proudly showcase their costumes at 8:55am

If you are staying for the parade, please remember to sign in at Reception upon arrival We look forward to sharing this joyful celebration of reading with you.

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.

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

Book Week Parade U P C O M I N G E V E N T S : T E R M 3

Monday 11th - Friday 15th August

Science Week WEEK 4B

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

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

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S : T E R M 3

WEEK 6B

Monday 25th - Friday 29th August

Monday 25th August

Athletics Training 3:00pm - 3:45pm

Wednesday 27th August

Year 1 Excursion

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

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

Parents & 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

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

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

Neighbourly Awards

Alex, Prep

For being a good friend to those around you. You are a safe person for those who need someone fun and kind!

Leo, Prep

For your perseverance in decoding new words that you find in books, even when they are hard. Persevere, never give up!

Gabriel, Prep

You have been trying so hard to concentrate and complete work on time. I am proud of the way you have also persevered in improving your handwriting and are taking pride in the way you present your work. Keep persevering, Gabriel!

Kimberley, Year 1

For showing perseverance by continuing to try your best in challenging activities.

Allegra, Year 1

For consistently showing kindness to your friends and helping others in our class Keep up the great work!

Joyce, Year 2

For showing amazing perseverance in your spelling! You didn’t give up, even when it got tricky! Just like it says in Hebrews 12:1, you've run your race with determination and heart Well done!

William, Year 2

For showing persistence and a strong desire to improve your learning, Will. You’ve been asking thoughtful questions, staying focused, and not giving up when things get tricky. Your determination is helping you grow and succeed, keep it up!

Melorine, Year 2

For showing humility by thoughtfully following the PeaceWise principles, Melorine. You take the time to reflect on others' perspectives and respond with kindness and understanding. Your gentle and respectful approach helps build a peaceful and caring classroom community.

Aalia, Year 3

What great perseverance you have shown in completing your work. Even when some work got tough, you tried your hardest Congratulations Aalia

Kenneth, Year 3

For your amazing perseverance in your mathematics work, even with some challenging problem solving. Well done Kenneth!

Sienna, Year 4

Sienna, your quiet grace shines in the way you treat others with kindness and respect You work diligently and bring calm, care and compassion to our classroom each day Thank you for being such a gentle and inspiring presence.

Jana, Year 5

For facing mathematics challenges with determination, applying yourself instead of guessing, and showing that hard work leads to growth. Keep going, you should be proud of your improvement and attitude.

Amyra, Year 5

For demonstrating a high standard of integrity at school. You believe in doing the right thing, even if you stand alone God sees your beautiful heart, Amyra!

Olivia, Year 6

For demonstrating outstanding perseverance in mathematics this week, consistently working hard to retain new concepts and applying them thoughtfully in both group and individual tasks. A fantastic effort! Well done, we love seeing the gold you in shine.

Elena, Year 6

Your artistic and detailed ‘Wrinkle In Time’ novel study workbook shows your commitment to excellence. Your hard work encourages us all to do our best and value persevering through challenging tasks. Elena, thank you for inspiring our classroom community! Be encouraged by Hebrews 12:1.

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