PRIMARY NEWS PRIMARY NEWS
TERM 4 | WEEK 5 | 7TH NOVEMBER 2025
A MESSAGE FROM MR CHRIS DROWLEY
Dear Parents and Carers,
We have enjoyed a short week following our Mid Term Break. This final term of the year is racing by isn’t it! As the weather starts to warm up, please continue to remind your children to stay well hydrated and to wear their hats whenever they are outdoors.
Our Prep - Year 2 students took part in our annual Swimming Carnival at Splash in Craigieburn on Friday. The day was filled with energy, excitement, and plenty of team spirit. It was fantastic to see students challenging themselves, cheering on their peers, and celebrating each other’s efforts and achievements. Events like these build confidence, community, and joy among our youngest learners A heartfelt thank you to our PE staff for organising the day and to our teachers and parent helpers who supported the event and ensured everything ran smoothly
This week, I have been reflecting on the privilege of being part of a Christian school community, one where faith is not only expressed freely but is woven into every part of school life I was reminded of these powerful words from 1 Peter 2:9:
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light ”
As believers, we are reminded that we are chosen for a purpose to live as God’s people and shine His light in all we do May God continue to guide and bless our Northside community as we seek to follow His leading in every area of our lives.
I pray you have a wonderful and refreshing weekend with your family
God bless you,
Chris Drowley Director of Primary School Learning
REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE
Tuesday 11th November 2025
Our College community will pause to honour those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom during our Remembrance Day Service on Tuesday 11th November 2025 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
PRIMARY SCHOOL CHAPEL
Friday 14th 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 the Year 5 classes.
Photos and videos of the students are not permitted during Chapel to protect the privacy of other students who may appear in the frame.
NO MORE LIBRARY BORROWING
As we approach the end of the school year, please note that today was the last day to borrow books from the Library. Additionally, we kindly ask that all borrowed books be returned by Friday 14th November 2025, to facilitate our upcoming stocktake Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
For any inquiries 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!
HOME READING
Home readers will be sent home for the last time next week. After Friday 14th November 2025, please make use of your local library until readers are sent out again in the new year.
pre-schoolers cannot access the Students ONLY toilets tor toilets are located in the Administration Building (near he Middle School Building
It is extremely important that daily reading habits are maintained throughout the Summer.
IENDS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Thursday 27th November 2025
Parents and Friends will hold their Annual General Meeting at 9:00am on Thursday 27th November 2025. All visitors and parents are welcome and must sign in at Reception.
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 2025 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.
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.
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 6A
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
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
Home readers will not be sent home after today – all home readers need to be returned
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
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 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Wednesday 26th November
Student Free Day
Thursday 27th November
Orientation Day: Prep - Year 6
Parents and Friends Annual General Meeting
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.
Thursday 4th December
Year 6 Fun Day
Friday 5th December
Last day of Term 4 – 12:45pm early dismissal
Neighbourly Awards
Maddison, Year 2
For showing the value of Grace When conflicts arise, you take the time to sit with your peers and work through challenges using the PeaceWise tools. You listen carefully, speak kindly, and seek to make things right. Your thoughtful actions help create a classroom where everyone feels respected and valued.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Chloe, Year 2
For approaching challenges with determination and grace, showing kindness and encouragement to others along the way.
Sibella, Year 3
For showing service & courageous faith by leading our class in prayer and inviting God’s presence into our classroom. Your confidence and devotion inspire others to trust in God and to share His love through prayer and kindness each day
Lea-Rose, Year 3
For working so hard in developing your persuasive text writing skills in your Big Write. Well done Lea-Rose!
Mylo, Year 4
For making great choices and using good strategies to help you learn the best way possible in class. Thank you for trying your best and well done on setting an excellent example for others.
Kosi, 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.
Yuhao, Year 5
You are a dedicated and humble person who carries great responsibility with strength and grace. Your loyalty to family, kindness to all, and respectful nature inspire those around you. With your great humour, strong work ethic, and generous heart, you will achieve great things and positively impact many lives
Dora, Year 6
Gabrielle, 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, Ellie!
For showing respect, thoughtfulness, and a willingness to learn from others, inspiring her peers through her selfless and considerate actions. Well done, we love seeing the gold in you shine.
Khushi, Year 6
For an outstanding presentation on government structure, featuring a polished slide deck, demonstrating thorough understanding and effort. Well done, we love seeing the gold in you shine.
Terrance, Year 6
For treating others with kindness, patience, and understanding, and reflecting a caring heart in all of his actions. Well done, we love seeing the gold in you shine
Emelia, Year 6
Emelia, you show hope through your positive outlook and strength, encouraging others to trust and keep going.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31 (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.
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
are added each week for parents and cover various topics to help families
