Transforming Learning Through
Explicit Instruction

One of my favourite times to walk through our school is just after recess. No matter the classroom, you’ll see every student engaged in structured, evidence-based Mathematics lessons. Each session starts with Daily Review to reinforce previous learning, followed by explicit instruction through PR1ME Mathematics, and finishes with number fluency activities through Times Tables Rockstars and Numbots. It’s been inspiring to see both staff and students fully embrace this approach, and the results are clear - students are gaining confidence and building their skills every day.

At Northern, we believe every child is created in God’s image with unique gifts and talents. Our school’s Mission is to nurture these abilities by providing high-quality, Christ-centred education that equips students for life. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God’s handiwork, created with purpose to do the good works He has prepared for us. As educators, we take this responsibility seriously, striving to help each child reach their full potential.

Explicit instruction is a key part of working towards this mission. This research-based approach ensures students receive clear, structured teaching with guided practice and immediate feedback. Studies show that students taught explicitly develop stronger comprehension, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking, leading to better academic outcomes and lifelong learning success. We maintain consistency across all grades with evidence-based programs, providing structured lessons and repeated practice to master key concepts. The impact is clear. Our students are achieving higher results, engaging more deeply in learning, and growing in confidence.

This progress is reflected in national testing, including the Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) and Prep BASE assessment. Last year, our students exceeded national averages in several areas, demonstrating the strength of our approach. This success reflects the hard work and support of our staff, students, and families. While test scores are just one measure of success, our focus remains on equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and faith to embrace their God-given purpose, and we can't wait to see our students continue to flourish this year.

Kerrie Prentice - Head of Teaching and Learning Enrichment

This term in Science, Year 6 has been exploring Earth and Space! We have been investigating how the Earth moves on its axis and how this movement creates different observable phenomena, such as day and night, the changing seasons, and the apparent movement of the sun across the sky. As part of our investigation, we built a sundial in Forest School to track the ‘apparent’ movement of the sun and prove that the Earth does, in fact, spin.

Alongside our scientific studies, we have been reading the Book of Genesis in the Bible, reflecting on the story of creation and how God has entrusted us with the responsibility to care for the world. We have discussed how we are created by God to be stewards of His creation, and the students have been considering practical ways to honour this calling.

In our Health unit this term, Year 6 has been exploring the concept of community - what it means, why it’s important, and how we can contribute to building strong and supportive communities. We have centred this learning around our biblical thread: Building Community, encouraging students to be active contributors and encouragers as they help to build up and strengthen the world around them.

As part of our learning, we teamed up with Year 5 to conduct a park survey at Gunn Street Park, Bridgewater. Students evaluated the different pieces of play equipment, considering how they encourage physical, social, or cognitive play. They looked at how the equipment supports movement and exercise, how it brings people together to interact, and how it challenges the mind through problem-solving or imaginative play. Seeing students engaging in meaningful discussions and applying their critical thinking skills in a real-world setting was fantastic.

Luke Lamont - Year 6 Teacher

Athletics Carnival
Friday, 4 April

This event is for all students from Prep to Year 6. Most of the running races will be held in the morning between 9.15am and 11.00am. After recess, Years 1 to 6 students will be moving through the field events until the end of the day, with a break for lunch. Prep will complete all their field events between recess and lunch. However, we do not have a set schedule for events and run the activities according to the organisational requirements on the day. Therefore, we are unable to provide families with specific times for events and encourage families to attend for the whole day.

Students must wear Sports Uniform or clothing in their house colours suitable for participating in sports events. There will be some events where parents are invited to participate. Please ensure you are wearing appropriate footwear if you would like to participate in events or volunteer on the day. Shoes must be worn in all events.

We welcome parent help on the day, especially for the class field events. If you are available to help, please let the class teacher know.

Parents and families are welcome to attend this event to support the students throughout the day. Some seating will be provided; however, feel free to bring your own chair or picnic blanket.

Peter Humphrey - Physical Education Teacher

Community Engagement Committee Hosting Lunch

The Community Engagement Committee will be fundraising by hosting lunch for students at the Athletics Carnival. Hot Dogs are $4.00, and fruit boxes are $1.00.

All funds raised will go towards purchasing Bibles for our new Kinder students, our Year 6 students when they graduate, and new families. Additionally, proceeds will support upcoming school community events, such as the Light Festival later in the year.

Orders must be placed via the QKR! app by 4.00pm on Wednesday, 2nd April. No late orders will be accepted and no cash on the day. Families are also welcome to order hotdogs by simply adding names to the order.

All students will also receive a free Zooper Dooper.

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

Community Engagement Committee

Wednesday, 9 April from 8.30am - 9.00am

Come and join us as we share our love of reading in our Library!

Families are warmly invited to come and enjoy a FREE hot chocolate and start the school day reading with their child in our fantastic Library.

We would love to see you there!

Meals on Wheels Easter Egg Drive

Providing a crucial role nationally in supporting the health and wellbeing of thousands of older Tasmanians each year, ‘Meals on Wheels’ visit and deliver meals to people who are elderly, live alone or are unable to make meals for themselves.

The SRC has chosen to continue to support Meals on Wheels by providing Easter eggs, and encouraging messages and cards to help others in our wider community know that they are loved.

Donations of Easter eggs can be made to the Office until Friday, 4 April.

It is our goal to provide ‘Meals on Wheels’ with enough Easter eggs to show our support to over 200 people. Please help us reach this goal.

Student Representative Council