Term 3 has been another busy and exciting term at Northcote Primary. Some of the highlights have included our Year 3/4 Camp to Toolangi, Book Week Parade, Prep 100 Days celebration, Gala Day, Maths Olympiad, district and division athletics, the Year 3/4 Melbourne Museum excursion and today our 3/4 Poetry Picnic. Our Prep to Year 2 students have also been making a splash throughout the term with their swimming program, which has been a real hit. A huge thank you to our staff, students and families who have helped make so many of these experiences possible.

As the term comes to an end, I encourage you to have a chat with your child about their favourite moments from Term 3 and some of the learning they have particularly enjoyed. Be prepared for the answer to be “the monkey bars”, though, so it might be worth having a follow up question ready!

Grade 5/6 Bizarre Bazaar

Here is a reflection from 5/6C, sharing some of the learning they have been working on recently this term.

This week in 5/6C, we have been busy working away on our upcoming speeches and Inquiry projects. Every year the 5/6s get to write and present a speech in front of the cohort and the topic this year is "words can change the world."

In Inquiry, the students have been designing and making their own products to display at our "Bizarre Bazar" which is opening next week!

Talking the Talk

Next term, all students from Prep to Year 6 will take part in our annual Talking the Talk program. The program covers respectful relationships, human sexuality, consent and body safety, with the content tailored to be age appropriate for each year level.

Before the program begins, all staff will also take part in session with Vanessa Hamilton, an experienced educator and the designer of the Talking the Talk program.

As part of the program, Vanessa will be running an online information session for Northcote parents and carers on Wednesday the 14th of October from 7pm to 8:30 pm.

The session is a great opportunity to hear more about the program and get some practical advice about how to have age appropriate conversations with your children about topics such as respectful relationships and consent, body and online safety, puberty and development. Vanessa will also answer questions during the session.

Bookings are essential and can be made using the link:

The Zoom link will be emailed to registered participants.

Please note that the session is designed for parents and carers and is not suitable for children.

Mobile Phones and Smart Watches

A reminder that students who bring mobile phones or smart watches to school must have them switched off and securely stored during school hours. This means that all devices, including smart watches, must be handed in to the office by 9am each morning.

Recently we have found that some students are forgetting this step. We would appreciate your support in having a conversation with your child about these expectations if they bring a phone or smart watch to school.

Last minute reminder: Parent/Carer Opinion Survey

For anyone who used to leave their homework until the night before it was due, this reminder is for you! The Parent/Carer Opinion Survey closes tomorrow, Friday the 18th of September.

So far, we have only had a 17% response rate, so we would really appreciate hearing from more of our families. The survey is optional, but your feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can continue to improve.

The survey link and access code were sent to all families via email. If you have been meaning to get around to it, now is the time!

Moving house?

As we begin planning for next year, we ask families who may be moving out of the area and will not be returning to Northcote PS in 2027 to let us know as soon as possible. This information is important as we plan class structures, staffing and year-level numbers for next year. We appreciate families keeping us informed of any plans to relocate.

2027 Prep Enrolments

A reminder to families that enrolment offers for 2027 Foundation have been sent out and families have until Friday 28th August to confirm their place. We look forward to welcoming our 2027 prep students and beginning our transition program during Term 4.

I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing break and finds some time to recharge after another very busy term. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 4 on Monday the 5th of October. See you then!

Take care,

Shaun

Cyber Safety presentation from the Australian Federal Police on the 23rd of September