PRIMARY NEWS PRIMARY NEWS
TERM 3 | WEEK 8 | 12TH SEPTEMBER 2025
A MESSAGE FROM MR CHRIS DROWLEY
Dear Parents and Carers,
This term we are saying farewell to one of our staff members, our Library technician Rachel Skerry who will be finishing her time at Northside Christian College. We thank Rachel for her contributions to our College over the past 9 years and wish her every success in her future endeavours
Our Library Team hosted the Lamont Book Fair throughout this week, which was a fantastic chance for students to explore a wide range of books and develop their love of reading. The excitement around choosing new stories to take home was a joy to see.
On Monday, selected Years 5–6 students proudly represented Northside in the Hooptime competition. The day was filled with energy and excitement as our students displayed fantastic teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship on the court. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to build their skills, encourage one another, and enjoy the spirit of the game. We are very proud of the way they represented the College.
Our Year 2 students took part in Hooptime Day on Tuesday They had a great time developing their basketball skills, working as a team, and enjoying the fun and energy of the day.
Wednesday brought plenty of smiles with our Year 1 students enjoying breakfast together at school and Pyjama Day. Coming to school in their pyjamas made the morning extra special and the shared breakfast was a lovely way to build community and start the day together. This experience is the first step for our Year 1 students to experience some independence in preparation for the Year 2 sleepover
On Thursday, the College recognised R U OK? Day, reminding us all of the importance of checking in with one another and offering care and support. This was a valuable opportunity for students to reflect on kindness, empathy, and the power of a simple question
Also on Thursday, we held our Festival of Arts Event. This was a true celebration of creativity, where families were treated to an evening of student performances, art displays, and musical showcases. It was inspiring to see our students share their gifts with such confidence and joy, and to witness the pride on the faces of families and friends A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making the evening such a vibrant and memorable celebration of the arts at Northside
Selected Primary School students proudly represented the College at the Christian Schools Event Network Primary Athletics Championships on Friday. These students showed incredible dedication in the lead-up to the event, training early in the mornings and after school over the last seven weeks to prepare. Their commitment, effort, and sportsmanship on the day were truly commendable, and we are so proud of their achievements
As we look back over the week, we are grateful for the many ways our students continue to learn, grow, and shine both within the College and beyond.
“Let all that you do be done in love ” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
God bless you,
Chris Drowley Director of Primary School Learning
ALLERGY SEASON
Just a friendly reminder that allergy season is around the corner!
We have found in past years, there have been a lot of students affected by the pollen and grasses. If required, we would encourage students to have their medication before coming to school or otherwise be prepared with any Medical or Allergy Action Plans
Please contact Reception for further information.
HOME READING PROGRAM
Home reading has now come to an end for Term 3
If your child still has a reader pack or booklets at home, please ensure they are returned on Monday 15th September 2025 to avoid paying an $8.00 replacement fee (per book).
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
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.
MULTILINGUAL VIDEOS NOW AVAILABLE ON SCHOOLTV!
Because wellbeing shouldn’t get lost in translation, SchoolTV has introduced a powerful new feature multilingual videos.
Until now, families could access written content in more than 60 languages. Now, expert-led videos are also available in Chinese, Hindi and Arabic, with more languages to be added next year
This new feature ensures every family can access trusted, practical guidance in a way that feels familiar, inclusive, and easy to understand.
Explore this feature for yourself by clicking the link below to view SchoolTV content in your preferred language http://ncc vic schooltv me/stv-multilingual-feature
VICTORIAN PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE SUCCESS
We are thrilled to announce the results of this year’s Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge and celebrate the wonderful efforts of our students!
A big congratulations to the 184 students who successfully completed the challenge. Together, they read a remarkable total of 11,160 books! What an incredible achievement and testament to their enthusiasm for reading.
Congratulations to our two prize winners, Catherine (Year 2) and Eva (Year 6), who were each awarded a $30 QBD Book Voucher in a lucky draw among all Primary students who completed the challenge.
We’re excited to announce that The Noble Knights had the most students sign up and complete the challenge They have been awarded 300 points towards their final House tally! In second place came the Worthy Warriors earning 150 points and in third place the Courageous Conquerors earned 50 points towards their overall tally for the end-of-year House competition.
Thank you again to all students who participated and to our families for supporting a culture of reading at home.
Neighbourly Awards
Harlee, Prep
For looking out for opportunities to help in the classroom, help your friends or help your teachers.
You are a blessing to us all!
Noah, Prep
For making good choices, not allowing yourself to be distracted by others and using your time effectively to complete tasks. It is so lovely having you in my class Noah!
Christopher, Prep
You demonstrate community through your willingness to help those around you. You are so often helping to pack up activities before I even ask for helpers, and you are quick to help friends in need.
Micali, Prep
You have tried hard to concentrate during learning time and to complete work. You have also been willing to rub out mistakes and try again without complaining. Keep up the good work, Micali.
Evelyn, Year 1
For showing care for your classmates by helping them with making their toys in Inquiry this week. You demonstrated a willingness to help your friends succeed. Keep up the great work!
Graceson, Year 1
For showing perseverance when trying his best at all his classwork.
Dante, Year 2
For showing great dedication in living out the school value of Faith. Your commitment to memorising the books of the Bible shows your love for God’s Word and your desire to grow in your faith
Ivana, Year 2
For your positive attitude and encouragement of others at the Year 2 Hooptime Basketball Day, Ivana. You gave every part of the game a go and supported your teammates with enthusiasm, showing wonderful community spirit.
Terrance, Year 3
You demonstrated great community spirit and consideration this week in our R U OK? Day discussion with our class You contributed great suggestions for conversation starters to help us all 'check in' with our friends Thankyou for being a role model of how we can all encourage and support our classroom community members.
Lehti, Year 3
For demonstrating love through leading her classmates in her Readers Theatre group to do an amazing performance. Well done Lehti!
Jonathan, Year 4
For your Big Write this week about children using devices whenever they want. I am proud of you for the growth you have shown this term in Writing. You have developed strong reasoning skills to convince your audience of your point of view. You are awesome! Keep it up!
Max, Year 4
For putting in effort and care with your work this week. You did a great job slowing down and taking your time to make something that you are proud of. Keep up the good work!
Evelyn, Year 5
For showing courage and resilience through personal challenges, while continuing to share love and kindness with friends and sisters. Your strength inspires others, and I encourage you to keep seeking and holding onto the good in life.
Mark, Year 5
For delivering an wonderful speech about your chosen historical figure, Peter Lalor. You humbly presented with an interesting insight to his life in Gold Rush era. Well done, Mark!
Angelica, Year 6
You reflected Christ’s love on R U OK? Day by offering conversation starters and joyfully greeting our community at the Main Gate with kindness and compassion, ensuring each member who walked through knew they were valued and cared for All these without even being asked! Well done, we love seeing the gold in you shine!
Nathanael, Year 6
You reflected Christ’s love on R U OK? Day by offering conversation starters and joyfully greeting our community at the Main Gate with kindness and compassion, ensuring each member who walked through knew they were valued and cared for. All these without even being asked! Well done, we love seeing the gold in you shine!
Judah, Year 6
You reflected Christ’s love on R U OK? Day by offering conversation starters and joyfully greeting our community at the Main Gate with kindness and compassion, ensuring each member who walked through knew they were valued and cared for. All these without even being asked! Well done, we love seeing the gold in you shine!
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 U P C O M I N G E V E N T S T E R M 4
Monday 15th - Thursday 18th September
Monday 15th September
Whole School End of Term Connection Assembly
Years 3-4 Boys Finals Hooptime Competition
Years 5-6 Lawn Bowls District Sport Competition
Tuesday 16th September
Prep Incursion
Footy Colours Day
Wednesday 17th September
Years 5 - 6 Ethics Olympiad
Thursday 18th September
Last Day of Term 3
Prep - Year 2 Athletics Carnival
WEEK 1B
Monday 6th - Friday 10th October
Monday 6th October
Term 4 commences
Thursday 9th October – Friday 10th October
Semper Dental check-up
Friday 10thOctober
Prep Fire Ed
Years 5 – 6 Goodstart Kinder Partnership
Primary Chapel – Welcome to Term 4
WEEK 2A
Primary School Chapel – Item presented by Year 1SL U P C O M I N G E V E N T S T E R M 4
Monday 13th - Friday 17th October
Monday 13th October – Wednesday 15th October
Year 3 Burnside Camp
Monday 13th October
Whole School Assembly via ZOOM
Tuesday 14th October
Prep and Year 2MH swimming lessons
Thursday 16th October
Years 1 and Year 2JM swimming lessons
Friday 17thOctober
Standardised Testing: Years 2 – 5
Prep Fire Ed
Years 5 – 6 Goodstart Kinder Partnership
WEEK 3B
Monday 20th - Friday 24th October
Monday 20th October Ensembles Extravaganza
Tuesday 21st October
Year 12 Final Day Activities
Prep and Year 2MH swimming lessons
Thursday 23rd October
Years 1 and Year 2JM swimming lessons
2026 Prep Parent Information Evening
Friday 24thOctober
Years 5 – 6 Goodstart Kinder Partnership
Primary School Chapel – Item presented by Year 4KC
WEEK 4A
Monday 27th - Friday 31st October
Monday 27th October
Whole School Assembly via ZOOM
Tuesday 28th October
Prep and Year 2MH swimming lessons
Thursday 30th October
Years 1 and Year 2JM swimming lessons
2026 Year 7 Information Evening
Friday 31stOctober
Standardised Testing: Years 2 – 5
Prep Fire Ed
Years 5 – 6 Goodstart Kinder Partnership
Primary School Chapel – Item presented by Year 1SL U P C O M I N G E V E N T S T E R M 4
WEEK 5B
Monday 3rd - Friday 7th November
Monday 3rd November
Mid Term Break – Student free day
Tuesday 4th November
Mid Term Break – Student free day
Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Thursday 6th November
Years 1 and Year 2JM swimming lessons
Friday 7th November
Prep – Year 2 Swimming Carnival
Years 5 – 6 Goodstart Kinder Partnership
Primary School Chapel – Item presented by Year 4SH
WEEK 6A
Monday 10th - Friday 14th November
Monday 10th November
Whole School Assembly via ZOOM
Prep 2026 Orientation Session #1
Tuesday 11th November
Remembrance Day
Prep and Year 2MH swimming lessons
Thursday 13th November
Years 1 and Year 2JM swimming lessons
Friday 14th November
CSEN Years 5 – 6 Multisport Championship
Years 5 – 6 Goodstart Kinder Partnership
Primary School Chapel – Item presented by Year 5 classes U P C O M I N G E V E N T S T E R M 4
WEEK 7B
Monday 17th - Friday 21st November
Monday 17th November – Friday 21st November
Year 6 Canberra Camp
Tuesday 18th November
Prep 2026 Orientation Session #2
Thursday 20th November
Years 1 and Year 2JM swimming lessons
Friday 21st November
Primary School Chapel – Item presented by the Prep classes
U P C O M I N G E V E N T S T E R M 4
WEEK 8A
Monday 24th - Friday 28th November
Tuesday 25th November
Prep and Year 2MH swimming lessons
Year 6 Graduation
Wednesday 26th November
Student Free Day
Thursday 27th November
Orientation Day
Friday 28th November
Primary School Chapel – Item presented by the Year 6 classes
WEEK 9B
Monday 30th November - Friday 5th December
Monday 30th November
Primary School Celebration Event
Thursday 4th December
Year 6 Fun Day
Friday 5th December
Last day of Term 4 – 12:45pm early dismissal
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.
Register for Your OSHC
Once registered, you'll be able to easily make and manage your bookings online via our Parent Portal
Stop by and say hi!
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.
New articles are added each week for parents and cover various topics to help families
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
Operation: The Smile Mission
Join us for a day of smiles and thankfulness! Let’s spread kindness, share what we’re grateful for, and see how many smiles we can create together
Bring a big smile to your friend, family or co-workers with this ‘smiling’ bouquet You have the option to either cut the black features of their face, draw them with a pen tool, or print and cut! Just choose whatever
It’s time to throw-it-back in style! Design your own canvas shoes with a retro twist Use colour, shapes, and patterns that pop think 70's swirls, 80's neons, or 90's fun The past never looked so fresh!
Can you crack the emoji code? We've turned awesome retro things like old-school gadgets, fashion, music, and games into tricky
What makes my heart happy
Let's explore what makes your heart happy by drawing your favourite things
Mayhem Join Trail Blazer the brave explorer as they collect all the Pulse Points across the maze! But watch out the sneaky Drifters are on the loose! Grab a Power Pellet to outsmart them and dash to safety!
Once registered,you'll beableto easily make and manage your bookings online via our Parent Portal.
and book
Step
Excursion: Live Show A live show excursion lets children experience the excitement of real-time performance, sparking creativity and offering a fun, educational outing
Operation: Cosmic Quest Blast off into a day of discovery! From twinkling stars to distant planets, today’s all about exploring outer space and letting your imagination soar
Join us for an exhilarating excursion into the world of gymnastics!
Children decorate cups to look like chicks, creating fun, personalized treat holders for special occasions