From the Principal

With only 3 weeks to go until the end of year, Northcote is still operating at full steam, with celebrations of student learning and confirmation of plans for 2019. I still can’t believe that I have been here for nearly a full year.

Introducing our new Business Manager – Sarah Burns

                         We are delighted to have a new Business Manager start with us this week. 

Sarah has been a Business Manager at South Melbourne Primary School and also Clifton Hill Primary School and she has a background and degree in Project Management. We will give her a few weeks to find her feet here at Northcote, but after that, for all your financial needs, please contact Sarah.

Art Show

Thank you to the Visual Arts and Food Studies teams for their fabulous exhibition opening on Thursday night. It was a huge success, with well over 200 visitors for the evening, awards, and stunning displays of work. Congratulations one and all.

Thank you – Tram works

Thank you to the community for your patience with the tram works last week. It went as well as could be expected. We are monitoring the situation now that it is in full operation to see what impact it has on us.

Big Week

This week is a big week with:

• Course Confirmation Days on Monday and Wednesday, where students can confirm their subjects for 2019.
• Students in Year 10 and 11 will receive Exam Feedback on Thursday and Friday, so that they can maximise not only their subject based learning, but also the learning about how to sit exams. It is also a fabulous opportunity for students to provide feedback to staff about their courses, so that refinements can take place for 2019.
• The music team will entertain us at Xmas Cabaret on Monday night.
• The Festival of Thinking this afternoon/evening showcases the exceptional learning that takes place every day, with presentations from Design Technology students, the City School Presentations, as well as the Year 7 Showcase.
• The final School Council of the year on Thursday evening. We will be looking for new School Councillors in 2019 – some of our longstanding and loyal Councillors are retiring, as their children graduate from school. If you’re interested, please contact the school to speak with me about the commitment required.

Building Northcote

Double Storey Portable:

Community members will have noted the construction of a new double storey portable at the back of the school, facing on to Merri Park. This is to accommodate increased student enrolments in 2019.

Performing Arts Centre:

The Performing Arts Centre is making great progress. The impressive building has been revealed, now that the scaffolding and gantry have been removed. We are expecting practical completion early in Term 1 and we will move in over the course of first term. We have gratefully received a number of donations for the instrumental music chairs that will be utilised in the new building. If you too would like to contribute to the purchase of these chairs, please contact the front office.

LED Lighting:

At present we are working on replacing all of the lighting in the school with LEDs to improve our sustainable practices and energy efficiency. This is a significant investment, but an important one.

Locker Bays:

We are constructing new locker bays in all available spaces to ensure all students have access to a locker.

Did you know that your contributions to the Building Fund go towards funding all of the improvements to the school? The Building Fund goes towards finishing off the Performing Arts Centre, the LED Lighting and Locker Bays, and much, much more.

Finishing off the year well

It is imperative that families (parents and students) know exactly what is expected as we finish off the year. Reading all school communications via email is vital.

We have high expectations about attendance and participation, as well as uniform and punctuality. We are seeking the support of parents/guardians to help us maintain the high expectations and standards right until the end.