PRIMARY NEWS PRIMARY NEWS
ORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE WEEKLY PRIMARY NEWSLETTER
Dear Parents and Carers,
Next week, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will take part in NAPLAN testing. NAPLAN is a national assessment designed to measure the literacy and numeracy skills of students across the country. The results of these assessments provide valuable data that helps guide improvements at the school, state, and national levels. While we encourage our students to give their best effort, we also want to ensure they do not feel overwhelmed by anxiety or stress Reassure your children that putting in their best effort is what matters most. If you would like to help your child prepare, the following article from Kids News offers useful advice, particularly on how to manage feelings about NAPLAN: Managing Big Feelings When Taking Big Tests
This term, our Years 3 - 6 students have enjoyed several swimming opportunities, including lessons at Mill Park Leisure Centre and the Years 3 - 6 Swimming Carnival held in February. Many of our students have made significant progress in their swimming skills through these experiences.
Several students from Years 3 - 6 have also been participating in early morning swim squad sessions in preparation for the upcoming CSEN (Christian Schools Event Network) Swimming Competition, which will take place in two weeks. We also have a number of Secondary School students involved. I would like to commend these students for their dedication and hard work in training, and we wish them all the best as they prepare to compete against other schools. A big thank you to our fantastic staff and parent volunteers who have been supporting these additional training sessions.
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This week, I also spoke with some of our students about the importance of kindness. While it can sometimes be easier to respond unkindly to others, we are reminded in the Bible, in Ephesians 4:32, to "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." We want our students to be people of peace, and to flourish in an environment where they are loved and cared for by one another.
I would also like to remind families that next Monday we have a student free day due to the Labour Day Public Holiday. This mid-term break is timely as I know our students and staff have been working hard and deserve a wellearned mini break. I pray that this day provides an opportunity for us to rest and recharge.
God bless you, and have a wonderful long weekend,
Chris Drowley Director of Primary School Learning
LABOUR DAY LONG WEEKEND
Monday 10th March 2025
The College will be closed on Monday 10th March 2025 for Labour Day. We hope our families enjoy a well-deserved long weekend.
Enjoy your long weekend
PRIMARY Years 3 – 6 FINAL SWIMMING LESSONS
Tuesday 11th March 2025
The last swimming lesson for the Years 3 - 6 classes will take place on Tuesday 11th March 2025.
Students are asked to bring clothing that they can wear in the water OVER their bathers as part of their Water Safety lesson.
Years 3 – 4: Shorts and a t-shirt
Years 5 – 6: Pants and a long sleeve top (or a pair of pyjamas)
Please be reminded that bathers MUST be worn under their clothing.
PRIMARY SCHOOL CHAPEL
Friday 14th March, 2:15pm – 2:50pm
Parents are invited to join our Chapel session in Room 412, accessible through the foyer in the Upper Primary Neighbourhood. Please sign in at Reception before attending.
Enjoy an item presented by Year 1FB.
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.
VICTORIAN PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE
Thanks to all families who have returned their permission forms for the Premiers' Reading Challenge. Details on logging in to the challenge have been sent to families via SEQTA. Students can now begin logging books that they read during the challenge dates. We will accept late permission forms if you would still like your child to participate in the challenge.
If you require another permission form, please email:
Mrs Kylie Drowley: kdrowley@ncc.vic.edu.au or
Ms Rachel Skerry: rskerry@ncc.vic.edu.au
VOLUNTEER INDUCTION AND PARENT HELPER TRAINING
Northside Christian College is most grateful for the support of our parents and volunteers.
If you would like to build up your Parent Participation hours in 2025 by helping in the classroom, on excursions, around the school grounds, in the Mini Movers Program, or any capacity, this training must be completed first.
Please refer to the link below to complete the Volunteer Registration (new volunteers) and Volunteer Induction: https://linksafe.com.au/ncc-volunteer/
Existing families are reminded that the Volunteer Induction should be renewed annually. If you have NOT renewed your Volunteer Induction in 2025, please renew this via the link above, as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for your willingness to volunteer at Northside.
U P C O M I N G E V E N T S : T E R M 1
WEEK 7A Monday 10th - Friday 14th March
Monday 10th March
Student Free Day – Labour Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 11th March
Years 3 - 6 Last Swimming Lesson
Wednesday 12th March
Swimming Squad 7:00am – 8:00am at LaTrobe
NAPLAN commences for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 (12th March25th March)
Thursday 13th March
NAPLAN
Friday 14th March
Swimming Squad 7:00am – 8:00am at LaTrobe
NAPLAN
Primary School Chapel – Year 1FB presenting
WEEK
8B Monday 17th - Friday 21st March
Monday 17th March
NAPLAN
Tuesday 18th March
NAPLAN
Wednesday 19th March
NAPLAN
Thursday 20th March
NAPLAN
Ride2School Day
Friday 21st March
NAPLAN
Harmony Day
CSEN Primary School Swimming Championships (Please disregard paper calendar which says 20th March)
Primary School Chapel – Year 1SL presenting
WEEK
9A Monday 24th - Friday 28th March
Monday 24th March
Student Free Day – ANZAC Day U P C O M I N G E V E N T S : T E R M 1
Whole School Assembly via Zoom
Last day of NAPLAN (Please disregard paper calendar which says 25th March)
Friday 28th March
Primary School Chapel – Jared presenting
WEEK 10B Monday 31st March - Friday 4th April
Tuesday 1st April
Student Free Day: Prep – Year 12 Parent Student Teacher Conference (PSTC)
Thursday 3rd April
Last day of Term 1
TERM 1 HOLIDAYS
Friday 4th April - Monday 21st April
WEEK 1A Monday 21st - Friday 25th April
Monday 21st April
Student Free Day – Easter Monday
Tuesday 22nd April
First day of Term 2, 8:40am
Thursday 24th April
Student Free Day
Friday 25th April
Neighbourly Awards
Eliana S, Prep
nts u h Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zones will need to remain in their cars for pick up and drop o will be escorted to the car by staff at the end of the day.
For your enthusiastic attitude towards learning. Thank you for coming into the classroom each morning with a big smile on your face that spreads joy to us all!
ents using the Drive-Through Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zones will need to remain in
drop o Students will be escorted to the car by staff at the end o Leo, Prep
You quietly go about completing your work to a high standard, and rather than call attention to the fact that you finished your work, you start tidying up your table and helping those around you.
Elyse A G, Prep
using th h Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zones will need to remain in their cars for pick up and drop off. S escorted to the car by staff at the end of the day.
For persevering in learning your sounds and working hard at all you do.
Audrey, Year 2
Thank you for beautifully demonstrating the College value of Faith by being an inspiring role model during our Praise and Worship sessions, as well as while preparing for our assembly item last week. Your praises not only uplift those around you but also rise to God, blessing others every day.
ents using the Drive-Through Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zones will need to remain in th drop Students will be escorted to the car by staff at the end of the
Anthony, Year 2
For choosing the right way every time, Anthony You showed great integrity by speaking up when something was wrong and seeking help instead of holding onto it. Your honesty and responsibility set a great example for others well done!
using t op-Off and Pick-Up Zones will need to remain in their cars for pick up and drop off. S escorted to the car by staff at the end of the day.
Sibella, Year 3
Congratulations, Sibella! This week, you have shown the power of hope through your positive attitude and unwavering perseverance. No matter the challenge, you approach each day with optimism and a belief that good things are ahead. Your encouragement lifts others up, and your determination inspires those around you. Thank you for being a shining light in our classroom Keep spreading hope wherever you go!
Well done, Sibella!
Parents using the Drive-Through Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zones will need to remain d dr Students will be escorted to the car by staff at the end o
Lea-Rose, Year 3
ren gh Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zones will need to remain in their cars for pick up and drop will be escorted to the car by staff at the end of the day.
For showing love to your peers around you with your kindness and the way you include and help them.
Georgia-Lee, Year 4
For showing great effort with your Sound Waves and procedure writing this week. You rose to the challenge and completed your work to a great standard. I love seeing you work so diligently on your learning. Keep it up!
ents using the Drive-Through Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zones will need to remain in their nd drop Students will be escorted to the car by staff at the end of the da
sing
Saiyan, Year 4
op-Off and Pick-Up Zones will need to remain in their cars for pick up and drop off. Stu escorted to the car by staff at the end of the day
For showing kindness through your caring attitude at swimming and during the bus trip this week. You looked out for others and encouraged them. Awesome effort Saiyan!
rents using the Drive-Through Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zones will need to remain in d drop Students will be escorted to the car by staff at the end of t Grace, Year 5
Grace you have incredible love for your peers and have shown kindness in our Year 5 classroom. Continue to work hard being the best version of yourself. Never be shy to lend your loving hand out to those in need. Well done!
us
Aaron, Year 6
Melcah, 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, Melcah!
-Off and Pick-Up Zones will need to remain in their cars for pick up and drop off. S ill be escorted to the car by staff at the end of the day.
For writing an engaging diary entry during Big Write this week, using sophisticated vocabulary like traversing to enhance your work. You also consistently maintain neat and tidy bookwork at all times Well done, we love seeing the gold in you shine.
arents using the Drive-Through Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zones will need to remain in th nd dro Students will be escorted to the car by staff at the end of the
Ella, Year 6
The way you serve the community through physical things like setting up for Chapel or spiritual support through praying for the class, sets a good standard for others to follow. You exemplify our College value of Service. Thank you Ella.
usin ff and Pick-Up Zones will need to remain in their cars for pick up and drop off. St escorted to the car by staff at the end of the day
Be encouraged by Colossians 3:23-24.
The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an invaluable tool for schools, providing critical insights into the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This annual survey identifies areas of concern, highlights resilience and adaptability in students, and emphasises the importance of preventative strategies to promote positive outcomes.
Participation in this survey is strongly encouraged, as it offers a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements. By capturing a detailed understanding of young people's experiences, the survey supports a tailored approach to enhancing their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. It helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement, as well as pinpoint opportunities for early intervention.
The survey is part of an ongoing longitudinal study, and we encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children. Responses remain anonymous and should be based on your observations over the last 12 months By working together, we can reduce the long-term impact of mental illness and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our young people for a brighter future.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help
Click HERE to access the Wellbeing Barometer 2025 survey.
2025 Northside's RIDE2SChool
Walk, Ride, Skate or Scoot to school!
Thursday 20th March 2025
Everyone that rides to school receives house points and a piece of fresh fruit.
Activity track run by Student Leaders on the basketball courts from 8:15am - 8:30am
Harmony Day Everyone belongs
cultural dress can wear orange or their school uniform
Please note that apparel from sporting teams does not qualify as 'cultural dress' and is not considered an appropriate choice for Harmony Day
21st March 2025
Login Instructions
Step one: Step two:
Visit the following website https://vprc.eduweb.vic.gov.au Click on the ‘Sign In’button under ‘School coordinator or student’
Step three: On the ‘Student login’page, click on ‘VPRC login’.
Step four:
Enter the username and passcode the Classroom teacher provided, then click ‘Login’.
You will then be directed to your child’s challenge dashboard where you can view how many books have been read and recorded so far
To enter a book, click the ‘Search Books’tab and enter the book title into the search bar Sometimes you may also have to add the author’s name Once you see the book, select it and click ‘add to my books’ Books that have been read will later be verified by a member of staff.
If you or your child are having issues logging in, it is recommended that you try a different internet browser. If you are still having problems, please contact the Library Team via SEQTA.
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
