Reflecting on Easter…

It’s hard to believe we are almost at the end of Term 1. It’s been a great term; however, I think many of us (especially our students) have felt the stretch of these last few weeks without the additional Easter break! That said, we are incredibly proud of how our students have embraced the term and settled so well into new routines, particularly around learning expectations.

This term has marked an exciting shift in our explicit teaching practices across literacy and numeracy. We’re already seeing the fruit of these changes reflected in our student data, which is very encouraging.

A real highlight in these final weeks was our Athletics Carnival on Friday. What a joyful community event it was! I was so impressed by the level of sportsmanship, the enthusiastic cheering from students, and the incredible support from our families. As we look ahead to the Easter holidays, our thoughts naturally turn to why we pause at this time of year. While shops fill with hollow eggs and hot cross bun varieties (including those new Vovo ones!), it’s easy to miss the deeper meaning of Easter.

At the heart of Easter is the resurrection of Jesus.

But what does resurrection mean? Simply put, it means that Jesus, who was crucified and died, came back to life three days later. This was not just a moment of comfort for His followers but a turning point for history. Jesus’ resurrection showed that He had conquered sin and death, and it confirmed that He truly is the Son of God. For those who believe in Him, it means hope, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life.

As Scripture reminds us:

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (1 Peter 1:3)

The resurrection is not just a once-a-year celebration. It’s a daily reality that changes everything. I recently read in Matthew 21, where Jesus enters Jerusalem not on a mighty stallion but on a young donkey, fulfilling prophecy. The crowds shouted, “Hosanna!” (which means “God save us!”), hoping for a king who would rescue them from Roman rule. What they didn’t realise was that Jesus came not just as a temporary ruler but as the eternal King, defeating sin and offering us a restored relationship with God.

This week, students have explored the Easter story by asking meaningful questions, reflecting on Jesus’ death and resurrection, and sharing what Easter means to them. I suggest asking what they have been learning, as I believe you will find it very encouraging.

At Northern, we are grateful that we can confidently proclaim that we are a Christian school. During enrolment tours, I clearly express our hope and intention for the gospel to shape and influence everything we do. The Bible isn’t just tacked on at the end of the day or a subject we teach. Instead, we want our students to grow in their understanding of God’s world, to be encouraged in their faith, and to see that talking about God is normal. More and more families are choosing Northern for these reasons, expressing a desire for quality Christian education where Jesus is central.

Recently, I heard someone describe God’s grace as being like a fresh hot cross bun: not dry or stingy, but soft, generous, filled with warmth and smothered with good Duck River butter. That’s the nature of His love: undeserved, overflowing, and available to all who believe in Jesus.

So, as you enjoy a hot cross bun smothered with butter and exchange Easter eggs with your family, may these small joys at this time of year point you to the greatest joy we celebrate every day: new life in Jesus. Let’s not confine Easter to a single weekend but continue to remind each other of the truth of the resurrection daily.

I encourage you to watch 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. If you’re unsure of a church you can attend, I would love to provide you with some suggestions, so please feel free to chat with me or email me.

May the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection renew your hope and remind you of the generous and gracious gift of eternal life offered to all who believe in Him.

From all the staff at Northern Christian School, may you and your family enjoy a restful, joy-filled Easter centred on Jesus, full of grace, and rich in the true, living and everlasting hope!

Bethany Armstrong - Principal

Year 5 completed some of their learning in Term 1 through integrated units of work, combining various subjects to achieve their learning goals. Mr Humphrey incorporated elements of Technology, STEM, and Art to guide Year 5 through a significant project.

Students were given the opportunity to be the creators God made them to be and design their own fidget spinners. They began by researching what a fidget spinner is and its purpose. Once they had a clear understanding, they explored design inspirations for their own creations. They sketched their designs and then built prototypes using cardboard.

Students then developed their 3D models on computers, which will be printed using a 3D printer. They have been highly engaged throughout the process and have enjoyed the various steps involved in bringing their designs to life.

In Science, we have been exploring how God created Uluru. We have investigated how He uses weathering, erosion, and deposition and how these processes have contributed to its formation. Students looked for evidence of these effects around the school and discovered examples of weathering and erosion in Forest School.

Earlier this term, Year 5 visited Gunn St Park in Bridgewater with Year 6, as part of our Health unit. As well as assessing the various pieces of equipment for how they contribute to the community's health, Year 5 relished the opportunity to play and celebrate the life that God gave them. The class was also asked to select a piece of equipment they would like to see added to the school playground. They then used persuasive writing strategies they have been learning in English to convince Miss Armstrong of the ‘need’ for a zipline, hamster wheel or low ropes course; just some examples of the persuasive requests made. Miss Armstrong may have difficulty deciding based on their convincing arguments.

Peter Humphrey and Jackie Baines - Year 5 Teachers

ANZAC Day Friday 25 April

Northern Christian School students and families are warmly welcome to attend the ANZAC Day Service at Brighton Remembrance Park at 11.00am on
Friday, 25 April. Our School Captain and School Vice Captains, accompanied by our Principal, will lay a wreath at the ceremony.

We encourage students to dress in their school uniform to represent our school at this community event.

Cross Country Carnival
Tuesday 6 May

Kindergarten 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.

The Carnival will be held in two sessions:

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

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

  *Kinder’s will be racing at 11.35 and then return to classroom.

All students will be required to wear sports uniform for this event and are encouraged to wear a top in their house colour.

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 me. All volunteers must have a valid Working With Vulnerable People card.

Peter Humphrey - Physical Education Teacher

Community Engagement Committee Lunch

The Community Engagement Committee will be hosting a fundraiser lunch for students at the Cross Country Carnival. Hot Dogs are $4.00 and Zooper Doopers are $1.00. Orders must be placed by 3.00pm on Friday, 2nd May, via the QKR! app.

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

Community Engagement Committee