TERM 4 | WEEK 4 | 31ST OCTOBER 2025
A MESSAGE FROM MR CHRIS DROWLEY PRIMARY NEWS PRIMARY NEWS
Dear Parents and Carers,
This week our students have continued to work hard, and our teachers are reflecting on each student’s progress as they begin preparing reports for the end of the semester. It is so encouraging to see how much growth our students have made in their learning throughout the year.
Our Home Reading Program will finish on Friday 14th November 2025, when we ask that all books be returned. This will allow us to take stock, replenish, and repair items in preparation for next year. However this does not mean that reading should stop! I encourage you to ensure your child continues to have access to books at home especially over the longer school holiday break in December and January Local libraries are wonderful community resources that families can access to borrow books Continuing daily reading habits will help your child further develop their reading skills and nurture a lifelong love of reading.
This week I have also spoken with several students about the importance of taking responsibility for their actions It can be easy to shift blame or justify poor choices, but we want our students to recognise the role they play in conflict and to take ownership of their part This idea is a key focus in our PeaceWise curriculum, which provides a Biblical framework for resolving conflict. We remind students that while they cannot always control the actions of others, they can control their own responses. My prayer is that our students continue to grow in self-control, one of the Fruit of the Spirit, and learn to interact with others in safe, positive and respectful ways.
As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day on Friday 31st October 2025, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible dedication and care of our teaching staff. Our teachers consistently go above and beyond to create engaging learning experiences, nurture each child’s potential and model Christ-like character in all they do. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and the difference they make in the lives of our students every day.
Please remember we have our upcoming Mid Term Break this weekend and school will resume on Wednesday 5th November 2025 I pray it is a restful and peaceful long weekend for you and your family.
God bless you,
Chris Drowley Director of Primary School Learning
MID TERM BREAK
Monday 3rd - Tuesday 4th November 2025
The College will be closed on Monday 3rd November and Tuesday 4th November. We hope families enjoy a restful break together.
Camp Australia will be available for onsite full-day care on Monday 3rd November.
If you would like to use this service, please register your child by: Calling 1300 665 257
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.
Email care@campaustralia.com.au
Via the Parent Portal https://pp.campaustralia.com.au/ Downloading the Camp Australia app
PRIMARY SCHOOL CHAPEL
Friday 7th November 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 4SH.
Photos and videos of the students are not permitted during Chapel to protect the privacy of other students who may appear in the frame.
REMEMBERANCE DAY SERVICE
Monday 11th November
Our College community will pause to honour those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom during our Remembrance Day Service on Monday 11th November from 11:05am to 11:25am
Students are invited to wear a poppy, Remembrance Day, or ANZAC badge as a sign of respect. Families who have medals belonging to loved ones are warmly encouraged to allow their children to wear them during the service and share their family story in their Home Group.
Families are most welcome to attend the service. As it will be held on College grounds, we ask that visitors sign in at Reception upon arrival.
Lest we forget
PREP – YEAR 2
SWIMMING CARNIVAL
Friday 7th November 2025
ar 2 will travel by bus to Splash Aq g to enjoy their Swimming Carnival.
All students are expected to arrive promptly at the College by 8:40am as per a normal school day, and will return to the College by 3:05pm for dismissal
Students are to wear their Sports Uniform with their House Polo top.
What to bring:
Bathers *Girls should wear one piece bathers or a rash vest over two piece bathers, and boys are recommended to wear board shorts with a rash vest
Towel
Plastic bag for wet items
Hair brush/comb
Goggles if needed
Snacks, lunch and a water bottle for the day
*There will be no access to the canteen for students at this event
Please ensure that all items are clearly labelled.
Parents are welcome to attend as spectators. There are some opportunities to volunteer on the day. Please email Anna Venegas if you have completed all your volunteer requirements and you are available to assist on the day.
avenegas@ncc vic edu au
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.
As we approach the end of the school year, please note that the last day to borrow books from the Library will be Friday 7th November. Additionally, we kindly ask that all borrowed books be returned by Friday 14th November, to facilitate our upcoming stocktake. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
For any enquiries or concerns regarding Library materials, please remember that you can easily contact Library staff through SEQTA. Simply type ‘Library’ in the SEQTA messaging platform and send your message.
Thank you for your support and happy reading!
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
2013 COLLEGE LOGO
REMINDER: Uniforms with this logo can only be worn in 2025. From 2026, uniforms with this logo can no longer be worn
ALLERGY SEASON
Allergy season is here!
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 also note that the Thunderstorm Asthma Risk forecast runs from 1st October until 31st December. If your child is at risk of Thunderstorm Asthma or has developed Thunderstorm Asthma in the past, please contact the College Reception for further information.
WANTED: PAPER/CARDBOARD ROLLS
We need over 100 paper/cardboard rolls* of all different sizes and lengths: from rubbish bags, paper towels, food wraps, wrapping paper, bolts of material/fabric.
Rolls can be left in a box at Reception or in the office on the ground floor of the Middle School building until mid-November.
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.
Later this term, our Year 8 Mathematics classes will be designing marble runs to learn about functions and graphs.
*No toilet paper rolls
WEEK 5B
Home readers will not be sent home after today – all home readers need to be returned U P C O M I N G E V E N T S T E R M 4
Monday 3rd - Friday 7th November
Monday 3rd November
Mid Term Break – Student Free Day *Camp Australia will be available for onsite full-day care on this day.
Tuesday 4th November
Mid Term Break – Student Free Day
Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Thursday 6th November
Years 1 and 2 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 Swimming Lessons
Thursday 13th November
Years 1 and 2 Swimming Lessons
Friday 14th November
Years 5 – 6 Goodstart Kinder Partnership
Primary School Chapel – Item presented by Year 5 classes
WEEK 7B
Monday 17th - Friday 21st November
Monday 17th – Thursday 20th November
Year 6 Interstate Camp
2026 College Musical Auditions - 2026 Years 5 - 12
Tuesday 18th November
Prep 2026 Orientation Session #2
Thursday 20th November
Year 1 and 2 Swimming Lessons
Friday 21st November
Primary School Chapel – Item presented by the Prep classes
WEEK 8A
Monday 24th - Friday 28th November
Tuesday 25th November
Prep and Year 2MH Swimming Lessons
Year 6 Graduation 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Wednesday 26th November
Student Free Day
Thursday 27th November
Orientation Day: Prep - Year 6
Friday 28th November
Primary School Chapel – Item presented by the Year 6 classes
WEEK 9B
Monday 1st - Friday 5th December
Monday 1st December
Primary School Celebration Event 12:00pm - 2:30pmPlease check Seqta message for details. U P C O M I N G E V E N T S T E R M 4
Thursday 4th December
Year 6 Fun Day
Friday 5th December
Last day of Term 4 – 12:45pm early dismissal
Neighbourly Awards
Eric, Prep
Leonie, Prep
It has been beautiful to see your confidence grow this term. I have loved seeing you contribute and shine in your learning.
For always showing a big, kind heart! You give the best smiles, share your help, and make everyone feel special. Your love makes the world a brighter, happier place!
Elyse, Prep
For working so hard in developing your skills in story writing. You wrote an amazing narrative! Keep up the great work, Elyse.
Steffany, Year 1
For showing compassion to others and encouraging them.
Kallum, Year 1
For working hard on your Maths work in our class assessments You have worked hard to follow the instructions and do your best work. Keep up the great work!
John, Year 2
For demonstrating outstanding perseverance and determination in learning. Your consistent effort and a never-give-up attitude have enabled you to make incredible growth this year. John, you have shown that hard work and faith truly lead to growth and success.
Eli, Year 2
For showing integrity and commitment to his learning by thoughtfully applying the OREO structure to write a convincing paragraph about opening the box.
Darius, Year 3
For contributing so willingly to our classroom prayers this year You consistently show courage in sharing what is on your heart It is so encouraging for your classmates to witness Blessings, Darius
Jeshurun, Year 3
For showing perseverance in his learning and trying his best this week with his concentration and focus.
Isabel, Year 4
For demonstrating a high level of integrity with everything you do. Thank you for being such a good leader in the way you behave and in the way you work diligently on your learning every day.
Victoria, Year 4
For showing a kind and caring attitude toward others. Your polite and positive nature sets a wonderful example for your classmates and encourages everyone to make good choices
Jayden, Year 5
For a remarkable ability to take responsibility for your learning, make positive choices, and set a strong example for others. Your focus, consistent effort, and respectful attitude have made a noticeable difference in both your own progress and the classroom environment. Your commitment to doing your best and approaching challenges with a positive mindset is something to be proud of. Congratulations on the maturity and dedication you’ve shown recently!
Meera, Year 5
Your efforts to include and support your classmates have helped create a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels valued Your leadership in fostering collaboration and mutual respect truly strengthens our classroom community
Marvella, Year 6
For showing deep sensitivity and compassion towards others, and for stepping up in your understanding and appreciation of people’s differences with kindness, empathy, and respect. Well done, we love seeing the gold in you shine.
Olivia, Year 6
For showing deep sensitivity and compassion towards others, and for stepping up in your understanding and appreciation of people’s differences with kindness, empathy, and respect. Well done, we love seeing the gold in you shine.
Jasper, Year 6
For showing deep sensitivity and compassion towards others, and for stepping up in your understanding and appreciation of people’s differences with kindness, empathy, and respect. Well done, we love seeing the gold in you shine.
Nathanael, Year 6
For showing deep sensitivity and compassion towards others, and for stepping up in your understanding and appreciation of people’s differences with kindness, empathy, and respect. Well done, we love seeing the gold in you shine.
Elena, Year 6
Elena, you demonstrate unwavering integrity, setting a standard of honesty and kindness for others to follow. Thank you!
“Walk with integrity, for you are secure.” Proverbs 10:9 (NIV)
Positive Parenting Group
A free online four-session supported parenting group for parents of children aged 5-10years. Open to parents living in the Cities of Darebin, Yarra, Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea
The positive parenting group supports parents to learn strategies they can put in place to support their child to:
• Manage their emotions,
• Build emotional resilience,
• Build self-esteem and independence,
• Develop problem solving skills,
• Develop life and communication skills, and
• Build healthy relationships.
The group will address common parenting challenges and provide strategies to put in place to support the wellbeing of their child and the family Each family attending will receive a free resources pack.
Dates: 10/11/25, 24/11/25, 1/12/25, 8/12/25*
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Location: Online via Zoom
*Pleasenote availability for all sessions is required
How to make an enquiry:
Contact Georgia from the Triple P Team by emailing us at triplep@berrystreet.org.au with your full name and contact number. Enquiries must be made by 5pm on 27/10/25.
Please note that enquiries do not guarantee an enrolment in the group and that capacity for the group may be reached prior to this date As such, we encourage you to reach out ASAP to avoid disappointment
Social media age restrictions
What you need to know
From 10 December 2025 Australian young people under 16 will not be allowed to create or hold accounts on certain social media platforms.
Delaying account access allows more time for young people to build digital literacy and greater resilience.
How will it work?
Under the law, the responsibility lies with the age-restricted platforms to find and deactivate existing accounts held by under-16s and to prevent under-16s from creating new accounts.
There are no penalties for under-16s who access an age-restricted social media platform, or for their parents or carers
Social media platforms
The age restrictionsarelikely to apply to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube, as well as other platforms See the latest list.
Most standalone gaming and messaging apps, as well as many services that support health and education, will not be affected by the new law.
Information and resources
Visit eSafety’ssocialmedia agerestrictions hub to find out what’s happening and how to prepare.
The hub includes practical guidance for parents and carers and young people, including get-ready guides and actions plans to prepare the for the change.
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.
