Term 3 has started off really well, and I’d like to take a moment to thank our staff for their hard work in creating calm, focused classrooms. Their efforts have helped students return feeling settled and ready to learn, which is great, because this term is shaping up to be a busy one.

Landscaping Update

The first of our new playgrounds was officially opened on Friday the 8th of August. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, our dedicated landscaping crew received an award from our JSC representatives in recognition of their hard work and commitment. It was such a special day, and the students had a fantastic time exploring and getting reacquainted with the new play space.

The crew is currently putting the finishing touches on several timber constructions around the playground, which are looking incredible and will provide great opportunities for a variety of activities and imaginative play.

This week, we’re expecting a small load of semi-advanced trees to be delivered. These will be planted in various locations across the front of the school, with the hope that they will grow to provide shaded play areas over the next couple of years. Meanwhile, the crew is preparing the site for extensive concreting work planned over the next few weeks. Just a heads up, the mini-golf course at next years fete is going to look VERY different!

Even though we aren't quite finished just yet, I just wanted to say a special thank you to everyone for your support throughout this project. Your understanding and patience has made this special moment possible, and we’re thrilled to see our students enjoying the new equipment.

Bullying No Way

The National Week of Action against Bullying ran this week, from the 11th to the 15th of August. It’s a valuable time for schools to come together, build a shared understanding of bullying behaviours, and promote kindness and inclusion. This year’s theme, “Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.”, encouraged students to take a stand and support others who may be experiencing bullying.

It reminded us all that standing up for each other and showing empathy helps create a safer, more supportive community.

Book Week

Children’s Book Week is just around the corner!

Our annual Book Week Parade will be held on Monday the 18th of August at 9am. This year’s theme is “Book an Adventure.” It’s a wonderful chance for all students to dress up as their favourite book character and celebrate our collective joy of reading.

We encourage everyone to join in, whether you choose something simple from home or get creative with a costume. The parade is a low-key, fun event with no pressure or need to spend money. It will take place outside, weather permitting, and promises to be a great way to start the week of celebrations.

We will also be voting for our favourite Northcote PS Picture Book from the 2025 CBCA Book of the Year shortlist during Book Week. Students will have the chance to choose the book they like best, and we look forward to seeing which one gets the most votes.

If you are curious to know what made the list this year...

Safe behaviours at our school crossings

Now that we are using the Helen Street gates again, it’s a good time to remind everyone about safe behaviours at our school crossings. These crossings are active on weekdays during Victorian school terms between 8am–9.30am and 3pm–4pm — the busiest times of the day for students, families and neighbours moving through our streets! Following the road rules at our crossings not only keeps our kids safe, it’s also the law.

We’re lucky to have our crossing supervisor, Helen, keeping watch before and after school. Many of you will know Helen’s friendly wave and welcoming smile, and the way she makes sure every child gets across safely. Please help Helen do her job by following the rules and modelling safe behaviours for our students.

To help keep our kids safe, drivers should:

Slow right down when approaching a school crossing so you can stop safely if needed.
Stop if the handheld “Stop” sign is displayed, and give way when the school crossing flags are out.
Wait until the crossing is completely clear of pedestrians (including Helen) before moving off.
Stop if a child or adult is about to cross, even if there is no supervisor present.
Never overtake a vehicle that is slowing or stopped at the crossing.
Never allow children to get in or out of the car while stopped on the crossing.
Show respect to Helen, our school crossing supervisor — she is trained to keep our children safe.

For pedestrians and cyclists: Always stop at the crossing, look both ways and make sure approaching drivers have seen that you and are stopping before stepping onto the road.

Even when Helen is there, it’s important to be alert and aware of your surroundings.

Identifying school crossings:

Even though we have just three crossings close to our school — one at the front of Northcote Primary, one on Herbert Street and one on Westbourne Grove — there are 112 school crossings in Darebin Council alone. The same rules apply at every one of them.

Here’s how to recognise a crossing:

-Red and white posts on each side of the road with orange children’s crossing flags.

-Parallel lines painted across the road.

-Children’s crossing yellow signs and flashing twin yellow lights.

-A crossing supervisor in high-visibility clothing with ‘Supervisor’ on their hat.

School crossings are operational when the orange flags are displayed or the twin yellow lights are flashing. If you’re driving in a school zone, it’s a good sign that a crossing will be close by. Speed limits are usually 40km/h or 60km/h (when the original limit is 80km/h or higher) during these times.

Thanks for helping to keep our school community safe.

Don't forget- Trivia Night

Our annual Trivia Night is back. It’s a relaxed evening with plenty of laughs, a little friendly competition, and a great chance to meet other parents and connect with the NPS community.

All funds raised will support new ICT equipment for our middle and senior students.

➡️ Book now: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1382212

Take care,

Shaun.

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