2025 Primary News, Term 4, Week 9

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A MESSAGE FROM MR CHRIS DROWLEY

This week, it was a joy to celebrate our Primary and Secondary School Celebration Events These moments allowed us to recognise student achievement, applaud growth and give thanks for the blessings of the year. It was wonderful to see our students shine and to celebrate together as a community

On Thursday, our Year 6 students enjoyed a memorable day at Funfields as part of their final days of Primary School. Their excitement and joy were contagious, and it was a privilege to celebrate the milestone of their transition into Secondary School As we conclude another rich and rewarding year, I pray that the upcoming Christmas and New Year break brings your family rest, joy and wonderful time together We look forward to welcoming our students back in 2026 for a new year of learning, connection and growth

God bless you and your family,

COLLEGE CALENDAR

In 2026, the College will be using an online Google calendar, instead of a printed calendar. This calendar is for College families and is already available online here. Families are encouraged to use this calendar for information regarding term dates and College events

Please note, this calendar is a live calendar and event information is subject to change for operational reasons

CHANGE TO THE COLOUR OF BOYS’ SHORTS

Beginning in 2026, the colour of the boy’s shorts will change from light grey to dark grey, making it consistent with the colour of the boy’s dark grey trousers.

Families who have already purchased light grey shorts may continue to use them until the end of Term 2, 2026. From Term 3 onwards, students who wear shorts as part of their academic uniform must wear dark grey shorts.

The approved dark grey shorts are now available at Academy Uniforms in Thomastown It is our preference that shorts are purchased from Academy Uniforms for continuity of style and colour

JANUARY EVENTS

Thursday 15th January

Leadership Retreat Day 1

Friday 16th January

Leadership Retreat Day 2

Wednesday 21st January

Catch Up Standardised Testing

Prep – No School U P C O M I N G D A T E S I N T E R M 1 : 2 0 2 6

Thursday 22nd January

2026 Prep Play Date (Final Orientation Session)

9:30am – 10:30am

2026 Years 1 – 12 New Student Meet and Greet

WEEK 1B

Tuesday 27th - Friday 30th January 2026

Tuesday 27th January

Prep, Year 7 and VCE first day of 2026

Wednesday 28th January

Remaining Students Commence 2026

Preps – No School

WEEK 2A

Monday 2nd - Friday 6th February

Wednesday 4th February

Years 3 – 6 Swimming Carnival

Friday 6th February

Dedication Service

New Families Welcome Morning Tea

WEEK 3B

Monday 9th - Friday 13th February

Wednesday 11th February

Years 1 - 12 School Photos

Preps – No School

WEEK 4A

Monday 16th - Friday 20th February

Monday 16th February

Prep, Absentee and Sibling School Photos

Wednesday 18th February

Preps – No School

Thursday 19th February

New Family Connection Meeting

Friday 20th February

Prep 2027 Applications Close

Monday 2nd - Friday 6th March 2026 U P C O M I N G D A T E S I N T E R M 1 : 2 0 2 6

WEEK 5B

Monday 23rd - Friday 27th February 2026

Wednesday 25th February

Preps first Wednesday at School

WEEK 6A

WEEK 7B

Monday 9th - Friday 13th March 2026

Monday 9th March

Labour Day Public Holiday – Student Free Day

WEEK 8A

Monday 16th - Friday 20th March 2026

Friday 20th March

Northside Harmony Day U P C O M I N G D A T E S I N T E R M 1 : 2 0 2 6

WEEK 9B

Monday 23rd - Friday 27th March 2026

Friday 24th March

Parent Student Teacher Conferences – Student Free Day

WEEK 10A

Monday 30th March - Friday 3rd April 2026

Wednesday 1st April

Last Day of Term 1

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS + OSHC

Monday 8th December to Tuesday 9th December 2025

Office hours 9:00am to 3:00pm

OSHC open

Wednesday 10th December 2025

College closed

OSHC open

Thursday 11th December to Wednesday 17th December 2025

Office hours 9:00am to 3:00pm

OSHC open

Thursday 18th December 2025 to Friday 19th December 2025

College closed

OSHC open

Monday 22nd December 2025 to Friday 2nd January 2026

OSHC closed for Christmas/New Year

Monday 5th January to Friday 16th January 2026

Office hours 9:00am to 3:00pm

OSHC open

Monday 19th January 2026

College closed

OSHC open

Tuesday 20th January to Friday 23rd January 2026

Office hours 8:00am to 4:00pm

OSHC open

Monday 26th January 2026

Australia Day Public Holiday

College closed

OSHC closed

Tuesday 27th January 2026

Term 1 starts for Prep, Year 7 and VCE students

Office hours 8:00am to 4:00pm

OSHC open

Wednesday 28th January 2026

Office hours 8:00am to 4:00pm

Term 1 starts for all other students

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.

There’s something for everyone at Rocketeers

Take the stress out of the school holidays with Rocketeers. Featuring over 500 wonderfully unique experiences that will ensure your child’s school break is extraordinary!

From The Pickleball Open featuring our yummy Peachy Dreams desserts, to DIY Tie Dye Bags and Cookie Jars (filled with cookie mix!), and creating beautiful collage art inspired by Jeannie Baker’s book Window at Big Art Day – and everything in between!

You don’t have to attend the school where we operate to use our awesome holiday programs. Simply book into any of our convenient locations.

Child Care Subsidy available for eligible families.

With hundredsofclasseseveryweek acrossAustralia,Junior Engineershelps kidsturn their love of technology into powerful coding, robotics, and problem-solving skills.

Why Join Our Term Programs?

Consistent Learning Journey

Our term-long programs give students regular practice to strengthen their coding foundation and boost confidence week after week.

Building Essential Skills

We leverage your child’s passion for gaming and transform screen time into valuable STEM learning creativity, critical thinking, and logic.

Diverse Curriculum

From Minecraft and Scratch, to Python and JavaScript, we have programs for all experience levels from beginners to budding developers!

Plan Ahead with Ease

Our 2026 School Term schedule is ready plan your child’s after-school learning year in advance!

NEW 2026 Content Available!

Fresh projects, exciting challenges, and new coding adventures are waiting for your child this term!

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