Northside Newsletter ~ 'The Vine' ~ Term 4 Issue 2, 2023

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2023 TERM 4 - ISSUE 2

\ Year 12 Graduation \ Year 9 & 10 BrainSTEM \ Year 2 Scienceworks \ Much more...

Northside Christian College - The Vine

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Principal’s Message As the school year comes to an end, it is lovely to be able to reflect on the achievements of our students throughout the year. Around the time of writing this article, our students are conscientiously completing learning activities, assessments, and exams while also preparing to participate in orientation programs to support their preparations for the new school year. I am grateful for the support of the staff at Northside that have implemented learning programs to assist our Prep to Year 12 students to flourish throughout the year. As a College community, we enjoyed celebrating and giving thanks to God for all the blessings we have received this year at the end-of-year Celebration events.

We greatly valued the opportunity to connect together as a College community at these events.

At Northside, we have an overarching theme every year that guides us as a College community in developing a deeper understanding of the character of God. This year, the College theme was ‘Goodness’. Focusing on God’s goodness has provided us with perspective and confidence. We give thanks to God for His constant source of love, protection, and provision throughout the year.

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“We are grateful to be part of a Christian school community where Christ is at the centre”

Our theme verse for 2023 was from Psalm 34:8 (NIV). The psalmist encourages us: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” This Bible verse provides us with a special invitation - to actively experience the Lord is good. The psalmist is calling us to draw closer to God. Throughout the year, we have reflected on how we can experience His goodness when we pray, read the Bible, learn about God in Bible studies classes, and worship Him. We are grateful to be part of a Christian school community where Christ is at the centre.

The school holidays have approached quickly. I pray we can actively prepare our hearts and minds for Christmas. Let us take time to appreciate once again the gift of God’s Son, Jesus. May we receive the joyful news with all of our hearts.

Mr Michael Bond Principal For those families leaving the College for various reasons, we pray that the Lord will watch over you in your future endeavours and continue to bless you.

We pray that all staff, students, and families return in 2024 refreshed and ready to work collaboratively to transform lives through Christ and the wonder of learning.

Working together, Michael Bond Principal

“And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Luke 1:30-33 Thank you to our College families for working closely with our staff throughout the year. We greatly value our partnership with you to provide Christian education for your children.

Gingerbread house made by a Year 9 Student.

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Northside Christian College - The Vine

2024 Term Dates: Term 1: 29/01/2024 - Prep, Year 7, 10, 11 & 12 30/01/2024 - 27/03/2024 Term 2: 15/04/2024 - 26/06/2024 Term 3: 17/07/2024 - 19/09/2024 Term 4: 07/10/2024 - 06/12/2024

Diary Dates: HOLIDAY EVENTS: • Tuesday 23rd January: Prep Play Date • Wednesday 24th January: Standardised Testing - New Students and catch up Students in Years 3 - 10 • Thursday 25th January: Meet and Greet - New Students WEEK 1A: • Monday 29th January: Students return: Prep, Year 7, 10, 11 & 12 VCE Launch Event • Tuesday 30th January: All students return • Wednesday 31st January - Friday 2nd February: Year 7 Camp • Wednesday 31st January: Prep home visits commence WEEK 2B: • Tuesday 6th February: Dedication Service • Wednesday 7th February: Prep Home Visits continue Years 9 - 10 CSEN Sport • Thursday 8th February: Year 7 - 12 Swimming Carnival • Friday 9th February: Years 5 - 6 District Sports WEEK 3A: • Monday 12th - Friday 16th February: Year 9 Coastal Camp • Wednesday 14th February: Prep Home Visits Years 7 - 8 CSEN Sport • Friday 16th February: Years 5 - 6 District Sport

Contents Principal’s Message 2 Term and Diary Dates 3 Year 12 Graduation 4-5 Year 6 Graduation 6-7 Primary Celebration 8 Secondary Celebration 9 Year 2 Scienceworks Excursion 10 Success Interstate 10 Prep Students Make Fairy Bread 11 Year 5 Genius Hour Project 11 Year 8 Civics and Citizenship 12 Visiting Bundoora Extended Care 13 Norris Bank Reserve Stage 2 Opening 13 INSPiRE: Year 7 & 8 Debating 14 INSPiRE: Year 9 & 10 12-week BrainSTEM Challenge 14 Sport: Year 9 Ice Skating 15 Notices 15 Parents & Friends New Committee Elected 15 Farewell and Thank You! 15 Finance Team 16 Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF) 16 Wellbeing Team 16 Enrolments 17 Administration 18 Northside Uniform Information 18 Seconda Hand Uniform Sale 19 Christmas Holiday Office Hours 20 PeaceWise 20 OSCH 21

Whole School Online Assembly Parents are welcome to join our Whole School Assembly every fortnight on Monday mornings (Week A) from 8:40am. Please refer to the link provided in the Primary, Middle or Senior School weekly emails.

WEEK 4B: • Tuesday 20th February: Parent Student Teacher Conferences New Students Year 1 - Year 12 • Wednesday 21st February: Years 9 - 10 CSEN Sport • Friday 23rd February: 2025 Prep Enrolment Applications Close

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Year 12 Graduation

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Year 6 Graduation

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Primary Celebration

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Secondary Celebration

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Primary School Year 2 Scienceworks Excursion Our Year 2 students embarked on an exciting journey to Scienceworks in early November, delving into the enchanting realm of patterns in the sky. The day unfolded with a captivating planetarium show, where the students not only watched a movie about Tycho’s adventure to Mars but also marvelled at the patterns in Melbourne’s night sky.

The expedition continued with explorations in light and sound exhibitions, where interactive displays allowed students to manipulate these fundamental concepts. Additionally, in the sport and our bodies exhibition, our young athletes aimed to run faster than the legendary Cathy Freeman and jump as high as Mrs McDonald.

Mrs Anthea Field Primary Teacher

The Year 2 students enjoyed all the different displays at Scienceworkds

Success Interstate Year 2 student Isabel recently competed at the Fencing Mini Series State Championships. The competition was conducted by NSW Fencing Academy and was held in Sydney.

Well done, Isabel, on placing 2nd in her division and bringing home the Silver Medal.

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Prep Students Make Fairy Bread The Preps followed a recipe to make Fairy Bread! They have been learning that a procedure needs a heading, a list of what you need and instructions to tell you what to do.

Prep N sat around a long family table and had a great time ‘cooking’ and eating together.

Ms Olivia Natoli Primary Teacher

Prep students enjoying Fairy Bread

Year 5 Genius Hour Project Genius Hour is when every student thinks of a project that they want to do but never had the chance to do. When choosing a topic, they have to pick a project that they don’t know much about, and to complete, they can’t solve it with a simple search on the internet.

Here are some of the projects that the Year 5 students have chose to complete: ● ● ● ● ●

Learn Auslan Learn to code Make a game Build a market stall Design a 3D printed house

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Make sandals Design and create a dress Make fidgets Make perfume

And much more!

We gathered research and then began working on our projects. It was so fun completing our activities!

Genius Hour was not about the end result, it was about the process of how we got there. What did we do wrong?

What could we improve? Was this our best effort?

Genius Hour was also about us being the expert of a topic. It was a wonderful feeling teaching others about the thing that we were passionate about. Some of our projects didn’t turn out how we wanted them to. That was OK though!

That was not what it was about, Genius Hour was about failing and getting back up and trying it another way. Genius Hour was about the learning pit (see diagram).

Rachel, Year 5

Some of the projects students produced for Genius Hour.

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Middle School Year 8 Civics and Citizenship This Semester, the Year 8 students have been learning about Civics and Citizenship. They have discovered the importance of Rights & Freedoms, Democracy, Law, National Identity, and Religion.

To support their learning (and to have some fun), students went into the city to visit The Victorian Parliament House.

Inside we saw grandeur, which was explained to us as important because this was ‘Victoria’s house.’ We viewed history in the architecture of the building and the many portraits of important political figures hanging on the walls. We went into the Lower and Upper Houses and had the significance of symbols and colours taught to us. We sat in the chairs of politicians and Senators and imagined what it would be like to pass laws.

Students also completed the ‘Amazing Race,’ where they had to race against each other to find sites of significance, take a picture and then race back to the State Library to win a Slurpee prize. The Year 8s are super competitive so it was a real competition.

The day was a lot of fun. We were exhausted by the end of it but it was worth it.

A BIG THANKS to Mr Minty, Mr Zammit, Mrs Metcalfe, Ms Skerry and Chelsea for making this excursion a success.

Mrs Sharon Simic Secondary Teacher

Students at the County Cout and Parlament House.

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Student Leadership

Visiting Bundoora Extended Care

On Friday 24 November we had a wonderful morning at Bundoora Extended Care. Our Year 6 Concert Band students performed beautifully as many of the residents clapped along, sung and expressed feelings of joy. It was so special to see many faces light up as a result of the gift of Music.

Sapphire in Year 9 wrote a nativity play which Student Leaders then performed followed by, ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’. Students distributed gifts and mingled with the residents while others played the piano for the group.

It was a lovely morning and a joy to be back at Bundoora Extended Care.

Ms Christie Vaughn Primary Teacher

Students performed musical items and a nativity play for the residents.

Norris Bank Reserve Stage 2 Opening The Year 6 Concert Band and the Jazz Band performed at the Norris Bank Reserve Stage 2 opening on Friday 24th November. Despite the rain, students performed beautifully and the organisers were very impressed.

Students were then treated to ice creams and fun activities together. The Hon Colin Brooks MP spoke with our Primary Captains and congratulated them on their efforts.

Thank you to those staff who came along for the afternoon to support our students.

Ms Christie Vaughn Primary Teacher

The Jazz Band and Year 6 students performing at Norris Bank Reserve Stage 2 Opening

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INSPiRE

Year 7 & 8 Debating We’re thrilled to share the fantastic achievements of our Year 7 and 8 students in the recent Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) competition during Term 4.

The competition served as an excellent platform for our students to enhance their debating skills. Regular practice sessions led to improved articulation, logical arguments, and confident public speaking. Topics this term included, that we should ban the sale of non-food animal products (e.g. bone china, leather, ivory, etc); that we care too much about test scores and grades; and that we should tax drinks based on the amount of sugar they contain.

Mrs Anthea Field INSPiRE Coordinator

Beyond individual accomplishments, the DAV competition strengthened teamwork, fostering a supportive environment and collaborative practice.

One team won 2 debates and the other unfortunately had a bye and then a team forfeited, so only formally debated once. Congratulations to Moyo and Marcus who both earned Best Speaker Awards in a debate, showcasing their exceptional communication and critical thinking skills.

Well Done to all our Year 7/8 debaters for their dedication and passion.

Year 9 & 10 12-week BrainSTEM Challenge I am thrilled to share the exciting accomplishments of six outstanding students who recently completed the Year 9/10 12-week BrainSTEM Challenge. Working collaboratively, these students had the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from Dr Nhi Tran who is a postdoctoral scientist from the Hudson Institute of Medical Research. Throughout the challenge, they applied their skills in design, research, and development to create a real-world application.

In alignment with the UN Sustainability Development Goals, the students focused on addressing fast fashion’s environmental and health impacts.

Through diligent research, they discovered that education could be a potent solution. Their innovative project involved creating posters tailored for various audiences and developing an informative website (https://doyoufastfashion. wordpress.com/). We commend these students for their dedication, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact on our world.

Mrs Anthea Field INSPiRE Coordinator

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Northside Christian College - The Vine

Sport

Year 9 Ice Skating Last term, students had some roller skating sessions in Eltham, and as a skill progression, ice-skating was next. On Wednesday, 29th November the Year 9 Sport group went to IceHQ in Reservoir as part of their elective sport program.

Students had an introductory safety session and then were given ample time to practise their skill and technique on the ice. It was great to see Josh, Noah and Reuben display their experience in gliding on the ice. Overall, it was a great time and a new experience for some of the students.

Students ice skating

Mrs Anna Venegas Sports Coordinator

Notices

Parents & Friends New Committee Elected Following the Parents & Friends AGM earlier today, here is the list of newly formed Parents & Friends Committee members for 2024: President: Mrs Christine Kostov Vice President: Mrs Maria Venuto Treasurer: Mrs Georgina Chai Secretary: Mrs Daniella Durik & Mrs Deanna Goh

Farewell and Thank You! At Northside, we are saying goodbye to some of our staff at the end of the year. We wish to thank them for their service to the College and acknowledge their contribution to Christian education. We acknowledge Sam Gorfine, Craig Minty, Reena Thomas, Susan Varghese, and Fleur Wedding. We are so grateful for the valuable contribution of each of these colleagues and we will be praying for them as they prepare for the next season in their life.

We also extend a farewell to Linda Conn, who has been supporting more recently as a tutor after previously serving for many years as an employee at the College. Many thanks for your long service at Northside, Linda.

Sam Gorfine

Craig Minty

Reena Thomas

Susan Varghese

Fleur Wedding

Linda Conn

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Finance Team

If you need to contact our Finance Team you will likely speak to one our the following staff:

Leigh Adcock Business Manager

Bee Yew Assistant School Burser

Suni Harun Accounts Office

Amelia Hill Accounts Office

Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF) Information for Parents and Concession Card Holders The Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund (CSEF) funding is made available by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of camps, sports, and excursions, which are included in fees that are billed to your school account.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card, (e.g. Centrelink Health Care Card), or you are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF funding.

The annual CSEF amount per student is: 1. $125 for Primary School students 2. $225 for Secondary School students For more information about the CSEF, and to download the CSEF application form, visit Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund at: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund/guidance/submittingapplication. An application form may also be obtained from the College Finance Office. Application forms must be lodged with the College by the 1st March 2024.

Please note that the College is required to sight any relevant concession cards that you may hold to support eligibility for the CSEF. Therefore, please either bring your concession card with you, if you are dropping off your application at the College Finance Office or email a copy of your concession card to the Finance Team with your application to accounts@ncc.vic.edu.au.

Upon approval by the Victorian Government, the allowance will be paid to the College, which will then be applied to your school account.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Finance Teamby email accounts@ncc.vic.edu. au, or by telephone at 9467 2499. Click here for the CSEF Application Form.

Northside Finance Team

Wellbeing Team

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Heather Cootee Head of Student Wellbeing Northside Christian College - The Vine hcootee@ncc.vic.edu.au

Jared Stocks Chaplain jstocks@ncc.vic.edu.au

Chelsea Weeks Student Wellbeing cweeks@ncc.vic.edu.au

Enrolments

Prep 2025 applications Applications for Prep 2025 are now open. All Northside families that have a child due to commence Prep in 2025 must submit their enrolment applications by Friday, 23rd February 2024 to secure a place for their child next year. Children born between 1st January 2019 and 30th April 2020 are eligible to commence Prep in 2025.

Apply online via the College website.

Applications close on Friday, 23rd February 2024. Families must apply by the due date to ensure a place for Prep siblings in 2025.

Are you leaving Northside?

Families that are not returning to Northside in 2024 must advise the College as soon as possible. Families who withdraw late in 2023 may be required to pay a terms fee in lieu of notice.

Withdrawal forms are available at the College Reception, from the Enrolments team or by completing the online form.

Alumni Join the Northside Alumni by completing the online form to be notified of upcoming events.

Media Permissions Forms If you want your child to appear in the Yearbook, families must provide their permission preferences. Students that do not have their preferences provided will not be given the opportunity to be photographed for the Yearbook.

You can provide us with permission by logging into Consent2Go and updating the Media Permissions listed.

VISA Changes If your child has been granted a new visa, permanent residency or obtained Australian citizenship since 1st January 2023, please provide a copy of the grant notification to our Enrolments team via email, or leave a copy with our College Reception.

Principal’s Tours Did you know we hold Principal’s Tours? The Principal’s Tours are a fantastic way to experience the community at Northside Christian College and to also get a better sense as to whether Northside is the right fit for your family.

If you have a friend or family member that is interested in checking out Northside, please let them know to check for tours on the Northside Enrolments page on our website. https://ncc.vic.edu.au/book-a-tour

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Administration Update your details Have you recently....

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Moved house?

Got a new phone number?

Need to change you child’s emergency contact ....

You can update your details in Consent2Go or email the office to update your details ncc@ncc.vic.edu.au.

Follow Northside on Facebook and/or Instagram

Absences

If you’re on Instagram or Facebook, please follow the Northside Christian College pages.

attendance@ncc.vic.edu.au

Instagram Facebook

Please remember to email any absences to:

If you’re picking up your student early or dropping them off late, please remember to email attendance@ncc.vic.edu.au or fill in one of our green Student Absence forms at Reception.

Uniforms New Uniforms to Buy College families can purchase new uniforms from Academy Uniforms.

Second Hand Uniforms to Buy and Sell College families have the opportunity to sell their second hand uniforms directly to other families via the Facebook group; NCC Second Hand Uniforms and Textbooks Buy, Swap Sell.

Please ensure you read the group rules; only Northside uniforms and textbooks may be sold in this group.

All sales and purchases are directly between families, not with Northside.

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Second Hand Uniform Sale INFORMATION

Date: Thursday, 18th January 2024.

Time: 9am arrival time for registered sellers.

Doors open at 9:30am to 11:30am.

Location: Rooms 203 - 204 (Middle School ground floor).

All sellers must pre-register.

SELLING UNIFORMS

BUYING UNIFORMS

College families have the opportunity to sell their second hand uniforms directly to other families on this day.

The College does not stock or sell second hand uniforms. All sales and purchases are directly between families on a CASH ONLY basis.

REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. Please register online by Tuesday 16th January 2024 if you intend to sell your second hand uniforms on this day. Each registered seller will be allocated a table to sell their items from.

Those buying can come along and buy directly from other families, but we recommend you get in early to avoid missing out.

Families are welcome to bring their children along to check sizing. If this is not possible, please take note of the size of your existing College uniform.

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PeaceWise have provided Northside staff with their framework to come along side our students during conflict, to equip them to resolve conflicts and move forward in Biblically minded ways.

PeaceWise have allowed us to share with our community the principles behind their framework.

Please see the attachment for the PeaceWise Peacemaking Principles. Should you wish to have further information please contact Ms Christie Vaughn Nothsde’s PeaceWise representative.

For many years, Camp Australia have run their After School and Holiday Programs on Campus.

This year, the holiday program they have put together is packed full of exciting activities.

If you require care over the holiday period, consider booking in with Camp Australia.

To see the full holiday program, please click here.

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Northside Christian College - The Vine

Merry Christmas from

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6

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Ph: (03) 9467 2499 Email: ncc@ncc.vic.edu.au www.ncc.vic.edu.au Northside Christian College 2023 ©