At Northern Christian School, we believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential for every child to flourish. This partnership is especially important when it comes to supporting learning beyond the classroom.

Research shows that homework in primary school has the greatest impact when it is purposeful, manageable, and focused on reinforcing learning rather than introducing new content. The most effective homework is short, focused, and supported by parents in an encouraging way. Research from the Grattan Institute highlights the value of reading and practising previously taught skills, while Dr Harris Cooper, best known for his influential research on homework and its effects on student achievement, emphasises that homework should be limited and manageable, allowing time for rest, play, and family life.

With this in mind, our approach to homework is simple, intentional, and evidence-informed. Homework at Northern Christian School is designed to reinforce classroom learning, strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy skills, and build important life habits such as responsibility, organisation, and perseverance. Just as importantly, it is designed to support positive family routines rather than add unnecessary pressure.

Reading is a key priority across all year levels. In the early years, this begins with parents reading to their child and nurturing a love of books. From Prep to Year 2, students participate in the Home Reading Program to develop decoding and fluency skills, while in Years 3 to 6, they engage in regular independent reading to build comprehension, vocabulary, and general knowledge.

Alongside reading, practising number facts is an important part of homework. When students develop automatic recall of basic facts, they can focus more deeply on problem-solving and reasoning in mathematics. Our students have access to NumBots and Times Tables Rock Stars to support this learning at home.

Homework is not only about academic learning. Developing independence and responsibility at home plays an important role in a child’s growth. Simple routines such as packing school bags, helping with household tasks, completing unfinished work, and reading daily all contribute to building strong habits that will support students throughout their lives.

We recognise that family life is busy. Our expectations are designed to be realistic, supportive, and achievable within the context of full afternoons and competing commitments.

As a Christian school, we see learning as part of God’s good design. Through simple, consistent habits at home and school, we partner together to help each child flourish as we walk together in providing a Christ-centred education that prepares and equips students for life.

Kerrie Prentice - Head of Teaching and Learning Enrichment

Mothers and mother-figures are warmly invited to join Northern Christian School students for a relaxed and casual Mother’s Day morning celebration.
This special time is for students to share with the wonderful women in their lives - whether that’s Mum, a big sister, Grandmother, Auntie, or a close family friend. Enjoy delicious muffins and Danishes, along with barista-made coffee.

We’d love to see you here!

The Community Engagement Committee would greatly value some help from our fathers or father-figures with setting up from 7.30am. Please email the Community Engagement Committee if you can help.

Prep to Year 6 students will participate in the Cross Country Carnival, which forms part of our Physical Education program; therefore, all students are expected to participate. This is a chance for students to give it their all and show perseverance by racing through the school and surrounding bushland.

Parents and families are invited to come along to encourage and support students. We seek volunteers to assist with marshalling and assisting at the finish line. If you can assist, please contact Peter Humphrey via email phumphrey@northern.tas.edu.au.

The Carnival is held in two sessions:

• Years 3 - 6 students start at 9.10am - 11.00am

• Prep - Year 2 students start at 11.30am - 1.00pm

Food orders submitted for the Athletics Carnival will be rolled over to the Cross Country Carnival (Hot Dog, Zooper Dooper, packet of chips). If you would like to confirm what you ordered, please refer to your QKR! App using this GUIDE to check your order history.

If you ordered additional food for family members (other than the student) who are unable to attend the Cross Country Carnival, please feel free to contact the office to arrange a refund.

If you have not yet ordered food for this event, you can place orders on QKR! App by 9.00am on Wednesday 20 May.

The Community Engagement Committee (CEC) will be organising the food and they would love some help with serving lunch from 12.40pm onwards. If you are available to assist, please email the Community Engagement Committee.