Northern Newsletter

From the Principal

The Easter Story…

It’s hard to believe that we are at the end of Term 1. What a wonderful start to the year it has been!

I want to begin this newsletter by thanking every member of our Northern community. Thank you for your flexibility, support, patience and communication in these COVID-19 times. We have had many students and staff away, and there have been minimum interruptions to students’ learning. I can confidently say that it has been a fantastic term, and we are very excited for Term 2! We are also thankful that we will be looking forward to the continued relaxing of restrictions and having parents back onsite for different events. We have dearly missed our parents and their support at events!

This week, students are exploring the Easter Story in their classes and will explore what Jesus’ death and resurrection mean for us. May you be encouraged as students were asked to share the message of Easter in their words:

“Easter is Easter eggs and Jesus!” -Alistair, Kinder

“Jesus dies on the cross because God loves us.” - Harvey, Prep

“Easter means that Jesus has been so good to us.” - Ellie, Year 1

“Jesus died for our sins, He took the sacrifice for us. It is good news, Jesus rose!” - Hayes, Year 2

“Jesus dies and rose again. He defeated death and sin.
We praise Him.” - Ethan, Year 3

“Easter is so special because Jesus came to save us because God loves us no matter what and I have fun with my family.” - Ellie-Jean, Year 4

“I celebrate Jesus with my family with chocolate bunnies and hot cross buns.” Kailyn, Year 5

“Jesus has forgiven us on the cross. This means to me that I need to put my trust in Jesus every day.” - Holli, Year 6

As you eat your delicious hot cross buns, unwrap your Easter eggs and enjoy time with family and friends, let us remember that hot cross buns and Easter eggs are merely symbols of Jesus’ new life and resurrection. Instead, let us put Jesus at the centre! I encourage you all to remember to reflect upon Easter by reading the Easter story in the book of Luke, watching the Easter Story, or visit a local church as a family and reflect on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and the gracious gift of eternal life that is offered to every person who believes in Him.

May God bless you and your family this Easter as you celebrate God’s grace expressed to us in Jesus!

Bethany Armstrong - Principal

School Calendar

TERM 1 - APRIL

14 | Prep to Year 6 Interim Reports sent home
14 | LAST DAY OF TERM 1

TERM 2 - MAY

4 | FIRST DAY OF TERM 2
6 | Welcome Back Afternoon: 3.30pm - 5.00pm
10 - 20 | NAPLAN
23 | School Photos

A list of Term Dates for 2022 can be found on our Parents Page and also on the School Calendar.

VIEW FULL SCHOOL CALENDAR

Year 2 Update

Year 2 has been excited to learn new things and build on their abilities this term. I am impressed to see how our class is growing in their confidence to try their best and celebrate each other’s work.

Students answered the question “Who is Jesus?” as we look at the miracles and power of Jesus in the gospel of Mark. We have loved learning new songs and singing praise to God, reminding us of the saving power of Jesus, the amazing miracles Jesus did, and how we can tell God that we love Him! In Art, we have explored how self-portraits highlight an individual’s personality. Each student drew their self-portrait with a personalised background that reveals something about themselves.

We have explored different places around Australia, including the Daintree Rainforest and Sydney Harbour. We have imagined visiting these places to write an imaginative recount. Each student is showing pleasing progress in their writing and creativity. In Science, our class has asked some excellent questions about water, rain, and dams.
We have considered ways in which water is filtered to become clean, and ways we can save water.

We had a wonderful time with our Year 5 Buddies during the National Day of Action Against Violence and Bullying. We explored the impact that kind and hurtful words have on each other’s hearts as we listened to the storybook ‘Chrysanthemum’ by Kevin Henkes.

Alison Grynglas - Year 2 Teacher

STEM

This term, STEM lessons focused on creativity, resilience and students’ understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. We have been looking at Rube Goldberg machines which are machines that complete a simple task in a complicated way.

Students have looked into how we can use different forces to move objects around the classroom using many different materials and techniques. These forces include pushing, pulling, swinging and gravity. Examples of force that students have used are rolling balls from heights, using dominos to knock objects over and using Lego swings to start dominions.

We have used these forces and materials in different parts of our machines to make them interesting and creative. Recently, students have been working in pairs to create a big Rube Goldberg Machine to film. We have had to test the machine to make sure that it works and come up with creative solutions to a problem that have come up.

Students have shown they can work as a team to overcome problems.
I have seen many students persevere and been rewarded with a creative and interesting machine that reflects their hard work and creativity.

Peter Humphrey - STEM Teacher

Ukulele Bags

Do you love sewing?

The Music Department needs you! Many of our students are wanting to take Ukuleles home for practice. This is very exciting, because home practice is so important to rapidly develop your skills on any instrument or voice.

To keep the precious instruments safe during travel and storage, we are asking anyone who loves the needle and thread to consider making one or more Uke bags for the Music Department.

If you are interested, please let Mr Lawson know or drop by the Office and collect a pattern (happy for this to be customised to improve it). If you would like to borrow a ukulele so that you can measure and design your own bag, please contact Mr Lawson.

Term 1 Interim Reports

Prep to Year 6 Term 1 Interim Reports will be sent home with students tomorrow. Kinder reports were sent home today.

The Interim Report is a brief indication of your child’s start to the school year.
A more detailed report will be issued at both the middle and end of the year.
If your child was not present at school today, or your child does not return to your household today, any remaining reports will be distributed at the start of Term 2.

If you have any concerns regarding the report and your child’s progress, please contact their class teacher to discuss further. Parent / Teacher Interviews are held later in the year after the Semester Reports are sent home.

From the Office

Long Service Leave - Mrs Julie Weeks

In Term 2, Mrs Julie Weeks heads off on a well-deserved long service leave break. We pray that Mrs Weeks and her husband will have a wonderful and refreshing time away.

Our Chaplains, Mr Dan Meehan and Mr Malcolm Lacey, will continue to be available, partnering with parents and teachers to support children to grow and develop holistically.

Christian Schools Tasmania Office Closure

Please be advised that the CST office will be closed for Easter from Good Friday, reopening on Tuesday, 26 April 2022. We wish you all a blessed Easter and a safe and refreshing holiday break.

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Policies and Parents Page

Please ensure you are aware of our latest Policies and don't forget our Parents Page with Handbooks, Term Dates, Medical Forms, and lots more!