It is that time of the year when the teachers and I thoroughly examine our data, analysing and commemorating student progress. Witnessing the academic growth achieved by our students in 2024 has been truly encouraging and inspiring, serving as a testament to the dedication of our students and the profound commitment of our teachers to our Vision and Mission. Moreover, it's heartening to observe firsthand the growth of our students, not only academically but also in all aspects of school life at Northern Christian School. As I write this, I overhear one of our older students who is patiently, generously and with great kindness and care helping one of our younger students who is upset. These intentional acts of kindness, demonstrated in the immense care and compassion from students I see daily, remind us all that as a transformational Christian learning community, we are not a school that merely celebrates academics. Most importantly, we celebrate the people God created our students to be with their unique identities, personalities, gifts, and achievements.

As we approach the end of the school year, it is fitting for me to reflect on this year's happenings and, concurrently, look forward to what awaits us in 2024! It is hard to believe that nearly a whole year has gone by. It feels like only yesterday when parents hugged and waved goodbye to our Kinder students on their first day. We have just had our 2024 Kinder students excitedly finish their orientation sessions.

In 2023, God has continued to bless our school, and I honour Him for all He has done this year. I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences we have shared this year and give thanks for this chapter that has now been added to the ongoing story of Northern Christian School.

This year, we celebrated our 30 Year Anniversary. It has been such a significant year in our school community’s life. We commemorated this milestone of providing Christian education in the northern suburbs with many celebrations, from Heritage Day organised by the SRC, to the Service of Thanksgiving celebration with the wider community. Throughout these occasions, I was constantly reminded that God was at the centre of Northern Christian School before it started and that still today, God continues to be central to our school. Our size, facilities, students, families, and even the location have all changed, but God has not changed, and He has continued to bless Northern.

This year's theme was ‘Transforming our Heads, Hearts, and Hands’. Based on the teachings in Romans 12:1-2, this theme formed our 2023 school direction as we continue our journey as a transformational Christian learning community. Our teachers tirelessly work on reviewing and revitalising all their lessons to ensure they deliver the Australian Curriculum and the Early Years Framework explicitly through a Christian worldview lens. At Northern, teaching the Bible is not a standalone subject. Therefore, transformational learning has developed the mind, captivated the heart, equipped the hand, and encouraged students to be curious and courageous to explore God's world.

Our school continues to build on its practices, achievements and opportunities. In 2023, we introduced a more robust academic program with new earlier interventions in lower primary. Our academic rigour continues to strengthen, evidenced by our results in NAPLAN and PAT. Additionally, we saw high participation in our sports teams, growth in student character, increased participation in sporting carnivals, strong attendance, a more positive culture promoting the high expectations of our school’s values and expected behaviours, and greater ownership by students of their learning. We also embarked on the exciting challenge of entering two teams into the FIRST Lego League (FLL) Competition in Tasmania. This was an incredible learning opportunity for those students, the future STEM leaders! This competition required students to work creatively, use critical thinking, and collaborate throughout the year in the lead-up to the event's Championship competition held in late November.

Passionate students, staff, and parents shared the importance of Northern maintaining our distinctive Christian ethos in a challenging climate with local politicians and senators. Our Christian distinctive has allowed our families to choose this type of school for their children, and we were overwhelmed by the support and genuine interest in Northern from these politicians. After hearing so many stories this year of what Northern was like in the beginning, with the incredible sacrifice and dedication of parents and staff to establish a Christian school in the northern suburbs of Hobart, I am so appreciative and thankful that our staff and families share that same level of dedication and sacrifice as our founders.

Reflecting on this school year fills me with gratitude towards God for His unwavering goodness and faithfulness to Northern Christian School. I invite parents and carers to join our Thanksgiving Service, where we will celebrate students' accomplishments, reflect on the remarkable year we've experienced as a school community, and express thanks to God for His faithfulness, kindness and goodness. Instead of slowing down, let's conclude the year by depending on God's love, strength, and wisdom and continue to walk in His light. Through God's grace, let's pray for a successful and strong end to 2023 for our students, staff and families!

Bethany Armstrong - Principal

Tuesday, 19 December 9.30am - 11.00am

We are thrilled to once again be hosting our Thanksgiving Service in the Performing Arts Centre. This is a special opportunity to celebrate students' achievements, reflect on the wonderful year we have had as a school community, and thank God for His faithfulness!

The service will include:

• Celebrating our Kinder students and Year 6 students as they graduate

• Announcing our 2024 School Leaders

• Awarding excellence in student learning and character

• Enjoying performances from students

A time of fellowship and morning tea will conclude the service.

Tickets are FREE and essential. Due to seating capacity, tickets are limited to TWO per family. Current students and children 5 years old and under do not require a ticket.

If you would like to reserve a disabled parking spot, please contact the Office.

Just a reminder that the SRC’s Food Donation Program finishes this week.

Thank you to all the families who have already donated. This week we are asking for donations of biscuits, spreads, shampoo / conditioner and Christmas Pudding.

On Wednesday, 20 December (last day of Term 4), we will be having a picnic at New Norfolk, and the Student Representative Council (SRC) will be hosting a ‘Christmas’ themed Free-Dress Day. Students are invited to dress up in Christmas colours, Christmas costumes or free dress to raise money for additional donations to St Vincent de Paul. Donations for the ‘Christmas’ themed Free-Dress Day can be paid via QKR!

We warmly invite you to come and celebrate the fantastic year we have had at NCS by joining us from 10.30am for a picnic lunch and activities at Tynwald Park. Please ensure that your child has a water bottle and a packed lunch. We will be providing a special treat for the afternoon.

We look forward to seeing everyone getting into the Christmas spirit.

 Student Representative Council