Greetings from Shaun
Education Week
Last week we celebrated Education Week, with a focus on Mathematics and the many ways it helps us think, explore and solve problems. One of the highlights was our Maths Games Expo, where students shared a range of engaging games and challenges. It was fantastic to see so many families join in, playing alongside their children and celebrating the joy of learning through games. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the week such a positive and memorable experience.
National Reconciliation Week
Northcote Primary School acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, learn, work and play. They were the first to walk this land and to care for it. For tens of thousands of years, they maintained a deep connection through culture, language and story. We honour that enduring relationship and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
This week, Northcote Primary School acknowledged National Reconciliation Week (27th of May to 3rd of June), an important time that invites all Australians “to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to reconciliation in Australia” (Reconciliation Australia). Throughout the week, students engaged in meaningful classroom activities designed to deepen their understanding and reflect on how we can all contribute to reconciliation in everyday life.
Reconciliation Week coincides with National Sorry Day on the 26th of May. Students across the school engaged in age-appropriate learning experiences to explore its meaning and significance. In the junior years, students explored what it means to say sorry and how it helps heal relationships. Older students looked deeper into the history and why recognising past wrongs matters.
Kevin Rudd’s 2008 moving apology speech can be viewed here: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apology speech
Burndapil Points
We are excited to introduce our new school-wide acknowledgment system: Burndapil Points. This approach is designed to recognise and celebrate students who demonstrate our school values of Respect, Collaboration and Community-Mindedness. The name Burndapil comes from the Woiwurrung language and means having goodness, being positive, reflecting the spirit of the system and our commitment to fostering a culture of positivity. The process of naming this system began last year with input from our Junior School Council (JSC) students. Building on their ideas and staff feedback, we selected a name in the Woiwurrung language to honour local culture and deepen our shared community values.
As part of our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support program, teachers keep an eye out for students showing the behaviours we expect across the school. When they notice these, students earn a Burndapil Point which we track through ClassDojo. This means that individual students and classes can see how they’re going and track their progress. Each year level has co-constructred their own rewards menu, giving stiudents the chance to “cash in” or redeem their points for some exciting options.
5/6 Camp Update- Lord Somers
Our Year 5 and 6 students are currently having a fantastic time at Lord Somers Camp down on the Mornington Peninsula. They’ve thrown themselves straight into a range of outdoor activities, all designed to build teamwork, perseverance, confidence and a deeper connection with nature (read that as: they’re getting wet and muddy!). It’s great to hear they’re embracing new challenges and enjoying their time together outside the classroom. We can’t wait to welcome them back tomorrow afternoon and hear all about their adventures.
Thank You to Our Education Support Staff
Last week, we recognised and celebrated the incredible work of our Education Support (ES) staff. Some ES work alongside students in classrooms, others support literacy and numeracy programs, manage the library, or help keep everything running smoothly in the office. No matter their role, each member of our ES team plays a vital part in supporting our students and helping our school thrive.
They make a real difference in the lives of our students every day — often in ways that go unnoticed but never unappreciated.
On behalf of our whole school community, Donna, Sarah, Caterina, Susi, Carol, Dusty and Moz, thank you for all that you do. Northcote Primary would not be the same without you.
Prep Enrolments- 2026
Do you or someone you know have a child starting school in 2026?
We are now accepting enrolments for next year. Weekly tours have already commenced, alternating between Tuesdays and Thursdays, the specific dates are on the website and can be found here:
Take care,
Shaun.