Easter is nearly here. It sometimes feels like hot cross buns appear in the supermarkets not long after the Christmas decorations disappear. There are chocolate eggs everywhere, endless flavours of hot cross buns, some rather unusual ones, family camping trips and time spent together. And many of those things are good gifts that God wants us to enjoy. But Easter is about something far deeper.

Currently, I am reading a book called The Cross of Christ by John Stott. As I read it, I find myself deeply overwhelmed by the radical and extraordinary love of God shown to us in Jesus. In the book, Stott reflects on the astonishing truth that God gave His only Son so that we could have a relationship with Him.

Throughout the Old Testament, we see people offering sacrifices to deal with sin and restore their relationship with God. Yet none of those sacrifices was ever enough. They all pointed forward to something greater, to Jesus. Jesus came as God’s Son, fully human and fully God. He lived a perfect life and willingly went to the cross in our place.

John Stott explains that the heart of both sin and salvation is substitution. This simply means someone stepping in to take another person’s place. Sin began when humanity tried to take God’s place. Salvation is the opposite. God stepped into our place through Jesus. On the cross, Jesus took the judgement for sin that we deserved. He faced the full consequences of sin so that we would not have to.

Because of what Jesus has done, we can be forgiven. We can be welcomed into God’s family. We are given the promise of eternal life with Him. This is why the cross is at the very centre of the Easter story and why Christians respond with deep joy, peace and gratitude.

As I reflected on this recently, I also thought about my sister’s new baby. Babies are so precious and vulnerable. They rely completely on those who care for them. And yet God willingly sent His own Son into the world, knowing the suffering that lay ahead, because of His great love for us. The Bible tells us that Jesus came as the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

So what does this mean for us today?

It means the Easter story is not simply something that happened long ago. It is the greatest invitation ever given, an invitation to know God personally through Jesus. The word ‘Gospel’ simply means good news. It is the good news that God loves us, that our sin separates us from Him, and that Jesus came to rescue us.

My prayer this Easter is that, whether you have heard the story many times or are exploring it for the first time, you might pause and read it again. My hope is that as you do, you will be overwhelmed once more by God’s incredible love, refreshed in heart and spirit, and filled with awe and gratitude for what Jesus has done for us.

And as you enjoy the good things of Easter, maybe time camping with family and friends, sharing seafood, and perhaps indulging in a hot cross bun, may you also be reminded of the deeper joy and hope we have in Jesus.

You might like to start by watching The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross, read the Easter story in the Gospels found in Mark 14–16 or John 13–21 as a family, or visit a local church on Easter weekend.

You may even want to attend church this Easter. Please feel free to chat with a staff member or me about a church in your area, or you might like to ask one of our Christian families where they attend.

Because at the heart of Easter is the greatest news the world has ever known, we have hope. Through Jesus, we can be forgiven, restored and walk in a relationship with God.

Bethany Armstrong - Principal

Term 2 - Hockey

Last year, it was wonderful to see so many Northern Christian School students enjoying the Southern Primary School Hockey Competition, developing skills, building teamwork and proudly representing our school.

We are looking forward to continuing in the 2026 season during Term 2, with Saturday morning games at Cornelian Bay. We hope to enter teams in Prep to Year 2, Years 3 / 4, and Years 5 / 6.

To proceed, we need sufficient player numbers and parent volunteers to assist with coaching or umpiring. If your child is interested, please return the expression of interest form that was sent home to the Office by Friday, 27 March. Team places will be confirmed once numbers are finalised.

This term has been filled with rich learning experiences, growth, and opportunities to reflect on the world around us as students have marvelled at God's amazing creation.

In Science, students have been exploring the fascinating concept of adaptations. We have learned how living things are uniquely designed to survive and thrive in their environments. From the camouflage of animals to the structural features of plants, students have developed an appreciation for the complexity and beauty of creation. Through this unit, we have also reflected on how these intricate designs point to a purposeful Creator, encouraging students to see God’s hand in the natural world and to consider our responsibility to care for it.

Our HASS studies have focused on climate change, prompting thoughtful discussions about the challenges facing our planet. Students have examined both the causes and impacts of climate change, as well as actions individuals and communities can take to make a difference. This has been an opportunity to explore the idea of stewardship - understanding that we are called to look after God’s creation. Students have engaged respectfully with different viewpoints and considered how faith can guide responsible and compassionate decision-making in caring for the Earth.

In Mathematics, students have been thoroughly enjoying Rocket Math, our new Mathematics fluency program. This engaging and fast-paced initiative has helped students build confidence and accuracy in their basic number skills. The enthusiasm in the classroom has been evident, with students celebrating their progress and encouraging their peers. It has been particularly rewarding to see how consistent practice and determination lead to growth - reminding us of the value of diligence and using our gifts to the best of our ability.

Beyond these learning areas, Year 5 students have continued to develop their social and emotional skills, showing kindness, respect, and a willingness to help others. These qualities are at the heart of our classroom community and reflect the values we strive to nurture each day.

We give thanks for all that has been learned and experienced. We are proud of the students’ efforts and look forward to continuing this journey of learning, faith, and growth in the term ahead.

Tara Williams - Year 5 Teacher

Recently, we conducted a review of our Safeguarding Children and Young People Statement with key members of our school community, including two Year 6 students and a parent representative from our Community Engagement Committee.

This process provided an opportunity to revisit the Statement together, ensuring it remains clear, inclusive, and reflective of our shared commitment to student wellbeing. Feedback indicated strong overall agreement with the Statement, with suggestions for minor wording adjustments to improve clarity and accessibility.

As a result, to incorporate these updates, we combined our existing safeguarding posters into a single, clear, student-friendly version for Kinders to Year 6.

Thank you to those who contributed their time and insights to this important process.

Luke Lamont - Head of Students

Students and their families are warmly invited to join us in the library to enjoy reading together before school.

Our second Read Together Morning is Thursday 26 March from 8.30am - 9.00am.

We are looking forward to a lovely opportunity to explore our library, share stories, and begin the school day together.

Prep - Year 6 Easter Assembly
and Activity Afternoon

Parents and carers of Prep - Year 6 students are invited to attend the Easter Assembly on Thursday, 2 April at 1.40pm in the PAC followed by Easter Activity Afternoon in classrooms. Students will hear the Easter Story and explore and celebrate the good news of Jesus through a range of activities.

Easter Buns and Hot Chocolate at Recess

The Community Engagement Committee will be selling hot cross buns and hot chocolate for students' recess, with pre-purchases to raise funds for our school community events and initiatives, such as gifting every Kindergarten student with a Bible. If you can assist with serving on the day between 10.00am and 11.30am, please email the Community Engagement Committee.

Place orders on QKR before 3.00pm Tuesday 31 March:

• Hot Chocolate $2.00

• Hot Cross Buns $2.00 (Traditional, Choc Chip or Gluten-free)

Please be reminded that no cash is accepted at the school, and no late food orders will be processed if you have difficulty making your purchase via the QKR! App, please contact the Office PRIOR to the order cut-off time.

Meals on Wheels Easter Egg Drive

Providing a crucial role nationally in supporting the health and wellbeing of thousands of older Tasmanians each year, Meals on Wheels visits and delivers meals to people who are elderly, live alone or are unable to make meals for themselves.

The SRC has chosen to continue to support Meals on Wheels by providing Easter eggs, encouraging messages and cards to help others in our wider community know that they are loved.

Donations of Easter eggs can be made to the Office until Friday, 27 March.

It is our goal to provide Meals on Wheels with enough Easter eggs to show our support to over 200 people. Please help us reach this goal.

Student Representative Council 

Athletics Carnival - Friday 10 April

This event is for all students from Prep to Year 6. With the event starting at 9.15am, most running races will be held in the morning, between 9.20am and 11.00am. After recess, Years 1 to 6 students will move through the field events until the end of the day, with a lunch break. Prep will complete all their field events between recess and lunch. However, we do not have a set schedule for events; we run the activities according to organisational requirements on the day. Therefore, we are unable to provide specific times for events and encourage families to attend for the entire day.

Students must wear sports uniform items or clothing in their house colours suitable for participating in sports events. There will be some events where parents are invited to participate. Please ensure you are wearing appropriate footwear if you would like to participate in events or volunteer on the day. Shoes must be worn in all events.

We welcome parent help on the day, especially for the class field events. If you are available to help, please let the class teacher know.

Parents and families are welcome to attend this event to support the students throughout the day. Some seating will be provided; however, feel free to bring your own chair or picnic blanket.

Peter Humphrey - Athletics Carnival Organiser 

Community Engagement Committee Hosting Lunch

The Community Engagement Committee will be fundraising by hosting lunch for students at the Athletics Carnival. 

Hot Dog $4.00
Small packet of chips (various flavours) $0.80
Zooper Dooper $1.00

All funds raised will go towards purchasing Bibles for our new Kinder students, our Year 6 students when they graduate, and new families. Additionally, proceeds will support upcoming school community events this year. 

Orders must be placed via the QKR! app by 3.00pm on Thursday, 2nd April. No late orders will be accepted and no cash on the day. Families are also welcome to order food items by simply adding names to the order.

We would love some help with serving the lunch from 12.40pm onwards. Please email the Community Engagement Committee if you would like to help.

Community Engagement Committee

Parents and carers are welcome to attend our Christian Schools Tasmania Primary Cross Country Carnival.

Students from Years 3 - 6 from Northern Christian School, Emmanuel Christian School, Calvin Christian School and Channel Christian School will be gathering at Calvin to enjoy a day of cross-country racing!

Join us at the Sophia Street oval on the Secondary Campus from 10.00am. Free hot drinks will be available from an onsite coffee van (for adults only).

See Consent2Go Excursion Notification for more information.