Literacy Curriculum Day

Last Friday, during our Curriculum Day, teachers worked with literacy consultant Riss Leung to explore three key components of the Big 6 of Literacy: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, and Vocabulary. Riss’s engaging and knowledgeable approach made the session both insightful and enriching, providing valuable new learning while also reinforcing many of our existing practices.

We explored the various elements of phonemic awareness and analysed student assessments to deepen our understanding. Phonics was a major focus of the day, with Riss emphasising the importance of a systematic and consistent scope and sequence, as well as the key components of an effective phonics lesson. We also explored what a literacy block could look like within a structured literacy approach and discussed strategies for integrating reading and writing more cohesively.

We are looking forward to implementing what we have learned over the next two terms and will welcome Riss back for our Curriculum Day at the beginning of Term 3.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Routine + Kiss and Go

While supervising the gates, I have noticed several students crossing the road unsafely. A reminder that school crossings are the safest place for all students to cross the road, as they are manned by a crossing supervisor. Gate staff will continue to direct students toward the crossing to ensure everyone's safety.

We ask for the community's support by using the crossing with your child or regularly reminding your child to use it if they walk home independently.

It’s important that parents, carers, and families observe the road rules, especially on our many one-way streets, and avoid double parking when picking up children, as this puts students' safety at risk.

The Kiss & Go sections, located on Hawthorne Road and Henry Street, are designed for quick drop-offs and can be used effectively if everyone follows the correct procedures:

Cars should remain for no more than two minutes.
Drivers must stay near their vehicles and not lock the car or leave the vicinity.
Please be patient when finding a drop-off spot, especially along busy Helen Street, Hawthorne Road, or Henry Street.

Important Reminder: School Saving Bonus

Thank you to our Northcote PS families who have already allocated their School Saving Bonus (SSB). If you haven’t yet, please do so as soon as possible.

For those families considering using their School Savings Bonus for camps, below are the confirmed dates for 2025 and approximate costings.

Grade 1/2 camp to Mt Evelyn Overnight Camp departs on the 23rd of October 2025 and returns on the 24th of October 2025. Approximate cost $260.00
Grade 3/4 camp to Phillip Island 2 night camp departs on the 13th of August 2025 and return on the 15th of August 2025. Approximate cost $390.00
Grade 5/6 camp to Lord Somers Camp 2 nights departs on 28th May 2025 and return on the 30th of May 2025. Approximate cost $450.00

If you’d like to use your $400 SSB for an event, please email northcote.ps@education.vic.gov.au to arrange payment.

Your email will need to include:

-Your child’s name(s)

-The event name

Once we have recieved your email, we will aim to allocate funds within 48 business hours. Please note, that but consent is still required via Compass for the event.

For any questions, contact Sarah or Caterina in the office—they’re happy to assist.

Anaphylaxis, allergies and the sharing of food

At Northcote Primary School, we prioritise student safety, including managing anaphylaxis—a severe allergic reaction requiring immediate treatment. We have procedures in place to manage anaphylaxis, including individualised management plans for students with known allergies, staff training in emergency response, and readily available EpiPens on-site.

While we are not a nut-free school, we take precautions when a student in a class has a diagnosed nut allergy. This includes encouraging nut-free snacks in that classroom and promoting safe food-handling practices. To ensure the safety of all students with allergies, we do not allow the sharing of food at Northcote PS, including birthday cakes or cupcakes. Instead, if parents wish to commemorate their child’s birthday, they are encouraged to donate a book to the school library as a thoughtful alternative. This helps foster a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

Athletics- Parent volunteers are needed!

On Wednesday, the 26th of March, we will be hosting our annual House Athletics Day. If you're interested in helping, please contact Dale at Dale.McLean@education.vic.gov.au

Please note that all parent volunteers must have a current Working With Children Check and have completed a Parent Helper Induction this year. The next induction session is tomorrow, Friday the 7th of March, at 2pm.

Fete- Working with Children Check and Induction

Don't forget, if you have volunteered for the fete (or are thinking of volunteering), you will require a Working with Children Check. It’s a 15 minute job that can be done from a phone and the link is-

To volunteer at the fete, you will need to complete a brief 2-minute, fete-specific volunteer induction. If you have time before the event, feel free to drop by the office, where Donna, Sarah, or Caterina can walk you through the process and sign you off.

Ride 2 School- 21st March

Ride2School Day is an annual event that encourages students across Australia to ride, walk, or scoot to school to promote physical activity and sustainable transport. It's a fun and healthy way to start the day, with schools and communities coming together to celebrate active travel and its benefits for students' health and the environment. To learn more and get involved, visit the official Ride2School Day page.

Division Swimming

Congratulations to our Division swimmers, Elke Moller, Sienna Moore, and Charlie Jackson, on their incredible achievements!

Charlie placed 1st in the 50-metre butterfly and will advance to the regional competition.
Elke placed 2nd and will also compete at regionals.
Sienna placed 3rd in breaststroke, showcasing a fantastic performance.

Well done to all three swimmers for their outstanding results!

NAPLAN 2025

Just a reminder that NAPLAN for our Grade 3 and 5 students is coming up next week, starting Monday, the 10th of March 2025 (Week 7). The assessments are online , except for the Year 3 writing test (which is paper-based).

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.

NAPLAN Test Schedule:

Wednesday, 12th March – Writing (9:15am)
Thursday, 13th March – Reading (9:15am) and Language Conventions (11:40am)
Friday, 14th March – Numeracy (9:15am)

Playground Construction

As you may know, construction of the playground and landscaping will soon begin, leading to changes in access points and adjustments to recess and lunchtime arrangements (further details will be shared in the next newsletter). Parents will still be able to access the office via the main gate on Helen Street during the day. However, drop-off and pick-up for all students will need to occur through the Hawthorne Road or Henry Street gates.

While the general drop-off and pick-up process on the Block will remain unaffected, on the days when the Grade 3/4 class begins on the main site (instead of meeting on the front turf), the meeting point will be near the Hawthorne Road gate.

We will keep everyone updated on the revised procedures to ensure a smooth transition during this exciting development.

Take care,

Shaun.

Premier's Reading Challenge - coming soon!