From the Principal

Expected Behaviour at Northern

At Northern Christian School, we expect all children to behave in an appropriate and acceptable manner. We believe that the quality of students’ learning and time at school will be enhanced and enriched through continual promotion and maintenance of high standards of behaviour. We aim to establish a caring and supportive environment where students, staff and caregivers feel secure, respected and valued. We endeavour to provide our students with love, grace, kindness and forgiveness in their day-to-day life at Northern. Our students are also taught the consequences of uncaring, unsafe behaviour, always with the aim of restoring broken relationships and encouraging respectful behaviour.

At Northern, we expect our students to take responsibility not only for their actions, but also to be aware of the actions and needs of others. We also expect students to respect and look after the classrooms and grounds. Expectations are communicated regularly to students. Students are affirmed by staff when they show positive behaviour by being caring and courteous to other students and staff.

We have a restorative approach to behaviour management. Staff will ask the student/s the following ‘Restorative Questions’ to resolve situations involving conflict and misbehaviour:

  • What happened?

  • What were you feeling / thinking at the time?

  • What do you think / feel about it now?

  • Who has been affected by what has happened?

  • In what way have they been affected?

  • What impact has this incident had on you and others?

  • What has been the hardest thing for you?

  • What do you think needs to happen to make things right?

These questions are neutral, non-judgemental and open-ended (require an answer other than yes/no). They highlight the wrongdoer’s behaviour and its effect upon others. The questions are designed to take everyone from the past (what happened) to the future (repairing harm), and require the wrongdoer to reflect on who has been affected.

We believe that parents and caregivers have the primary responsibility for the education of their child/ren, and we pray that we will continue to work closely to partner with our parents and caregivers to promote a transforming and biblically-authentic approach to expected behaviour and discipline.

Miss Bethany Armstrong - Principal
 

All adults including staff, parents, carers, visitors and contractors are reminded to ensure they still maintain the legal social distancing requirement of keeping 1.5 metres apart when visiting the campus, and adhere to the signs at the entrance to each of the rooms indicating the number of adults permitted. Our staff have been reminded about staying home if they are unwell, and we ask our community to also ensure they do not enter campus or send children to school who are unwell.
 

Kinder Update

We have enjoyed being back in the classroom for the second part of the term. During this time, we have been building on some of the things we learned about earlier in the year. We have also been developing new skills and knowledge.

In particular, we have been creating a town. There was plenty of work to do before we could get to the task of designing and decorating, including painting up boxes in different colours. Once we had our main buildings and some larger spreads with roads, train tracks and lakes constructed, we then began to create the things that we thought a town might need. We have used a range of craft materials such as Mobilo, Duplo and wooden blocks for various animals, vehicles, plants and other town essentials.

One of the great aspects of this project has been the opportunity for students to contribute in ways they felt comfortable, while observing additional ideas and skills other students have brought to the task. We (yes, the adults in the classroom are contributing as well) are also gaining a lot, in different areas, from working on a joint project together.

This has been a fantastic opportunity to develop our cooperation and collaboration skills. It has provided an opportunity to role-play various social interactions within the setting of cardboard boxes, with toys and puppets taking the lead. As we engage with each other and learn more, we are helping to set ourselves up for future success, while also having a great deal of fun.

Mr Samuel Whittle - Kinder Teacher

 

SRC News

Each term, we take the opportunity to bless a community, a small group or individual, either in Tasmania, interstate or internationally.

Wednesday July 1 is Pyjama Day to raise money for Wellington Christian School. Monies raised will be used to help them buy a new keyboard with weighted keys that costs approximately $2,000.

Students can wear their jammies or trackies to school, and please make sure they have suitable outdoor shoes for the playground. After lunch, we will have a movie afternoon. Students will be given popcorn and an ice cream, and watch Farmageddon, starring Shaun the Sheep.

Parents and caregivers are asked to make a $1 or $2 donation (per student, but total can be combined for family into one transaction) via Qkr! at any time from today up to the end of the term, as we are unable to collect money at this time.

Thank you for your support.

Student Representative Council
 

Important Announcements

We have an online payment option for school purchases - Qkr!. The app can be used for fundraising, uniform purchases, and from Term 3, Subway lunch orders will only be available by Qkr! Registration is easy so download today!

Farewell Skoolbag

We have recently reviewed the way we communicate with our parents and carers, and as an outcome of this review, we are ceasing use of the Skoolbag App at the end of Term 2. All communications are to now be via email, Facebook Consent2Go and our Newsletter.

For families using Skoolbag to report absences, this can be done via our Parents page, and the Newsletter is also available via our website. 

You may find it convenient to bookmark these pages for easy access. You can access instructions for how to do this for Apple devices and Android devices.

The Newsletter will continue to be emailed directly to each parent and carer and posted to our Facebook Page each week. Printed copies of the Newsletter are available from the School Office.

If you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to contact us.
 

Employment Opportunity

Applications are invited from suitably qualified practising Christians for the position of Maintenance Coordinator at Northern Christian School. The position is full-time commencing in Term 3.

To APPLY or learn more please visit the Christian Schools Tasmania website.
 

School Calendar

JULY
1st | Pyjama Day and Year 3 Virtual Assembly
3rd | Last Day of Term 2

TERM 3
JULY
27th | Term 3 commences

AUGUST
3rd | School Photos
24th - 28th | Book Week
26th | Book Character Day
 

From the Office

All School Absentees

For absentees please fill-out our Absentee Form OR email us before 9.30am.

  • An SMS will be sent to parents for unexplained absences.

  • Please ensure late students who arrive after 9.00am are signed in at the office.

  • If students are leaving early they are required to be signed out at the office.

  • A doctor’s certificate is required for more than three days’ absence.

  • Please notify the office before 2.30pm for any messages your children need before leaving school.

Newsletters

If you've missed a copy of the Newsletter you can also view previous editions on the Newsletter Page.

Parents Page

Don't forget our Parents Page, with Handbooks, Homework Policies, Term Dates, Medical Forms, a Feedback Form and lots more!