PRIMARY NEWS PRIMARY NEWS
A MESSAGE FROM MR CHRIS DROWLEY
Dear Parents and Carers,
This week our students enjoyed a wonderful variety of activities that brought both learning and community spirit to life
On Wednesday, our Year 1 students visited the Traffic School, where they learned important lessons about road safety through fun, hands-on activities. Riding bikes and scooters in a safe, simulated environment gave them the chance to practise being responsible road users while enjoying an engaging and memorable excursion.
On Thursday, our Year 2 students took part in their much anticipated Sleepover at school. For many children, this was their first time spending the night away from home, and it was a fantastic opportunity to build independence and strengthen friendships. The evening was filled with games, stories and plenty of excitement before everyone settled down for the night. The following day included an excursion to Hoopla. A big thank-you to our dedicated staff who made this special milestone such a success
Also on Thursday, a group of selected Years 5 and 6 students participated in the 12hour Write a Book in a Day competition. Working collaboratively, they planned, wrote, and illustrated an entire story within the day. We are incredibly proud of their teamwork, imagination and commitment.
Looking ahead, we are delighted to invite all families to the Northside Festival of Arts Event on Thursday 11th September from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. This special evening will celebrate the creativity and talents of our students across music, drama and the visual arts. It will be a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and enjoy the gifts God has given our students. We warmly encourage you to join us for this exciting event
I have been in recent discussions with staff and families about our car park situation We are aware of the congestion issues and at times, disrupted flow I do thank you for your ongoing patience and cooperation We are currently looking at ways to improve the situation. What is really important, is that all parents follow the direction of staff on duty and interact in respectful ways. Our staff are doing their best to ensure that the carpark is safe and have been asked to remind parents to adhere to our processes and carpark procedures.
There is significantly less congestion earlier in the day (from 8:15am) and also later when picking up (by 3:30pm). I encourage you to consider timing your pick up and drop offs to alleviate some of the demand on the car park at the peak times of 8:35am and 3:05pm.
We are blessed to be part of a community that can support and encourage one another I was reminded of the following verse from Ecclesiastes that reminds us of the benefits of partnership.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
God bless you and your family!
Chris Drowley Director of Primary School Learning
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
PRIMARY SCHOOL CHAPEL
Friday 5th September 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
Next week we will celebrate our amazing Premiers’ Reading Challenge readers, find out our Book Week competition winners and enjoy a Father’s Day inspired story.
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.
FATHER’S DAY STALL
Friday 5th September 2025
Each Primary Home Group will be given the opportunity to visit the Father’s Day Stall with their teacher on Friday 5th September 2025 Gifts range from $2 - $10.
Students are welcome to buy more than one gift if they would like to bless a grandfather or uncle.
TRAFFIC SAFETY ASSESSMENT
On Tuesday 2nd September and Wednesday 3rd September, a Traffic Safety Assessment (TSA) will be conducted regarding our school car park.
The traffic engineers filming the traffic flow will be wearing Hi-Vis vests
This footage is not shared with any third party and care is taken not to directly film students or parents where possible.
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
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL
ATHLETICS TRAINING - SIBLINGS
Primary School-aged siblings who are not participating in Athletics Training cannot be left at school without parent/carer supervision after 3:30pm. Parents are expected to collect siblings before 3:30pm or have them enrolled with Camp Australia for afterschool care
Similarly, Primary School-aged siblings who are not participating in the Running Club must be supervised by a parent or carer until 8:15am when teachers begin their duty. Camp Australia is also available to support parents who need before-school care
HE PREMIERS’ ING CHALLENGE
iers' Reading Challenge is n Friday 5th September
ase ensure that all books uploaded by Monday 1st
er 2025. This allows our aff time to verify the books have read, so that students out on receiving their official certificate!
Celebrating the students who completed the Challenge.
We are excited to share that we will soon be celebrating the achievements of our students who have successfully completed the Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge (VPRC) this year!
To recognise their commitment and love of reading:
Students who completed the VPRC Challenge will be invited to wear casual clothes to school on Thursday 11th September. Please contact your child's classroom teacher to clarify if your child has completed the challenge if you are unsure.
All VPRC finishers will have their names entered into a draw, and two lucky students will be randomly selected to win a $30 QBD book voucher!
We will also be announcing which House had the highest number of students who signed up for and completed the challenge. Each of the three Houses will receive points that will contribute to their overall tally for the end-of-year House competition
We are incredibly proud of all the students who took on the challenge and developed their reading skills along the way. Thank you for your continued support in encouraging a love of learning and literature at home.
JUNIOR ENGINEERS
Arcade Game Development in Term 4
Did you love Arcade Games like Space Invaders growing up? Does your child love gaming? Well, why not empower them to code and create their own games!
Your children will love our fun and engaging Arcade Game Development course, where they will:
Design and code their very own games
Upload them to a hand-held gaming device to play with friends! Build problem-solving and logistical skills
Learn brand new coding challenges and digital projects
Learning to code requires consistency - and our courses are a brilliant way to build necessary future-fit STEM skills
Sessions will take place onsite at the College every Wednesday after school from Wednesday 15th October 2025 to Wednesday 3rd December 2025.
These sessions are available for students in Years 2 – 6.
Please click on the LINK for more information or to register your child
Neighbourly Awards
Zakaryah, Prep
For putting time and effort into the presentation of your work. I hope you felt as proud of your work as I was proud of you.
Eliana, Prep
For trusting me when I tell you, “You can do it.” I am so proud of your efforts when reading and writing. You have come so far!
Jerusha, Prep
Jethro, Prep
Your commitment to telling the truth is admirable and demonstrates the College value of Integrity.
You are so quick to help friends when they need a hand, and you are a fabulous part of our class community.
Ruth, Prep
You showed love to a classmate by giving up your playtime to sit with them outside when they could not run around. Thank you for showing the love of Jesus to others.
Tania, Year 1
For showing kindness to others and helping others to look after their belongings in the classroom.
Howard, Year 1
For showing perseverance in new challenges this week, including bike riding at our excursion and working on your English tasks.
Keep up the great work!
Rena, Year 2
For showing God’s love by being a caring and supportive friend when others were feeling worried about the Year 2 Sleepover. You reflected Jesus’ kindness by bringing comfort, reassurance, and joy to your classmates, reminding them that God is always with us.
Annette, Year 2
For the thoughtful contributions you make during class discussions, Annette. Your questions and reflections show a genuine desire to grow in understanding and faith, inspiring others to think deeply too Keep shining in your learning journey!
Eason, Year 3
For demonstrating love through your patience and thoughtfulness when encouraging your classmates to also do their best.
Alexander, Year 3
For showing perseverance in his learning when concepts are challenging him.
Zoe, Year 3
For always giving your best even when challenged. What a great demonstration of commitment and perserverance you show to our classroom community. Well done Zoe!
Emma, Year 4
For demonstrating a polite and positive nature. You care for those in need and you set a good example for others. Thank you for being so responsible and encouraging others to make good choices.
Jonah, Year 4
For demonstrating the You Can Do It attitude of organisation and the College value of Service by ensuring the classroom resources are sorted and the room is tidy. Thank you for your servant heart.
Manxin, Year 4
For doing a great job of performing your speech for class councillor this week. You spoke clearly, confidently and you projected your voice well so that everyone could hear you. I’m really proud of you for the growth you’ve shown. Keep it up!
Yuhao, Year 5
For showing perseverance when faced with challenges and choosing love and faith even when others may be frustrating. Your example inspires others to respond with patience and kindness. You are a born leader. Don’t stop being you.
Darion, Year 5
For coming to school each day with renewed hope. Your positive attitude towards each day is so encouraging to those around you. You are shining so brightly for Jesus. Well done, Darion!
Yohan, Year 5
For being a quiet achiever in our class. You always strive to improve without boasting about your accomplishments. You remain humble, emphasising collaboration and teamwork over personal recognition Well done, Yohan!
Marvella, Year 6
Thank you for being a shining example of Christ’s love, selflessly giving up playtime to comfort and care for a younger student in need. Well done, we love seeing the gold in you shine.
Olivia, Year 6
Thank you for being a shining example of Christ’s love, selflessly giving up playtime to comfort and care for a younger student in need. Well done, we love seeing the gold in you shine
Karanbir, Year 6
The way you are honest, hardworking and try to understand the perspective of others is inspiring. You show integrity in the way that you show honesty in assessments and continually strive for excellence in sports and the classroom. Thank you for being honest and becoming a leader in what you say and do.
A great verse for you is Proverbs 10:9.
WEEK 7A
Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week U P C O M I N G E V E N T S : T E
Monday 1st - Friday 5th September
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 5:00pm - 8:00pm
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
E N T S : T
U P C O M I N G E
WEEK 9A
Monday 15th - Thursday 18th September
Monday 15th September
Whole School End of Term Connection 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
Chocolate Cake Dad’s Best Competition
Think you’ve got the winning recipe?
At this year’s Festival of Arts, we’re giving all the dads (and father figures!) the chance to shine, not with paintbrushes or guitars, but with flour, cocoa and creativity!
Bake it. Show it. Win it.
Fill in the simple entry form HERE.
Bring along your homemade chocolate cake on festival day
Don’t forget to bring:
A list of ingredients (to keep everyone safe!)
A photo of you making your masterpiece (proof of creation!)
Judging: Cakes will be scored on taste, texture & presentation
Date: Thursday 11th September 2025
Where: Bring to the Home Economic room by 5:15pm on the festival day
Who Can Enter: Dads, Stepdads, Granddads and Father Figures
Let’s see who will be named the best Chocolate Cake Champion for 2025!
AN INVITATION TO OUR BOOK FAIR!
Northside Christian College
Inside the Library
Monday 8th - Friday 12th September
8:15 - 8:40am & 3:05 - 4:00pm
Northside
You are invited You are invited
COIN OPERATED MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
WITH A SINGLE COIN DONATION, INFLUENTIAL SCIENTISTS,INVENTORS AND ARTISTS WILL ‘COME TO LIFE’ AND SHARE THEIR STORY!
RAISING FUNDS FOR SAMARITAN’S PURSE OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
WEDNESDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER 2025
STUDENT GUESTS = 1:25 - 2:10 PM
ADULT GUESTS = 2:15 - 3:00 PM
UPPER PRIMARY NEIGHBOURHOOD
PARENTS, PLEASE SIGN IN AT THE RECEPTION AS A VISITOR
Raising Body Bright Children
With a focus on preventing body dissatisfaction and serious eating issues, this session provides information and practical tips to help parents better understand and promote positive body image and healthy relationships with eating and physical activity in the home. It provides practical strategies to be a positive role model, reduce the impact of risk factors in a child's environment. The session also explores when to be concerned and what you can do, including referral and support information.
Date: Monday 1st September 2025
Time: 7:00pm – 8:15pm (AEST)
Via ZOOM (time-limited recording available)
Register: HERE
Cost: $15pp
Northside Christian College
E-waste collection
Take youre-waste to a better place!
To make recycling e-waste easy, we will be hosting an e-waste recycling skip from Thursday 28th August - Wednesday 16th September Bin will be located next to rubbish skips opposite oval basketball courts
E-waste refers to any household appliance with a battery or cord. You can put any small household electrical items with a cord or battery into it, such as:
•television
•computers
•
• laptops tablets
•printers
•faxes
•scanner •copiers
•
• •monitors
•modems keyboards speakers
•gaming consoles
•set top boxes
•
•
•hair dryers
•hi-fi equipment
•
• video and DVD players electronic toys
•vacuum cleaners
•toasters routers server
What WILL be accepted:
•and other household electronic appliances.
Any small household electrical or electronic items with a cord or battery, for example: computers, televisions, vacuum cleaners, printers, toasters, hair dryers, video and DVD players, hi-fi equipment, stereo equipment, digital cameras and video cameras.
What will NOT be accepted:
Any whitegoods (refrigerators, freezers, dish washers, washing machines, clothes dryers and microwaves) and solar panels.
Please note that no items may be removed from the e-waste bin
