Hope in an ever-expanding, tech-saturated world…

Weekly, parents reach out to me with the same question: How do we guide our children through this ever-expanding, tech-saturated world? It’s a challenge that feels worlds apart from the days of Walkmans and Discmans, which many of us remember when technology was simpler and far less integrated into daily life. As a parent shared with me recently, God knew what the world would look like in this present day, and none of it takes Him by surprise. She reminded me that we have the assurance of a true and living hope in Jesus, and we can look to God’s Word for guidance and reassurance in navigating this ever-evolving landscape. We are reminded in Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  

Striking the right balance between embracing today’s digital conveniences and protecting our kids from potential distractions and dangers is a common concern for many families. At Northern Christian School, we recognise the challenges and opportunities this digital age presents and are committed to supporting our families through it. To assist in navigating the intersection of faith and technology, we offer a special resource to our school community.

Daniel Sih, a Christian parent and acclaimed author (and now a TEDx speaker), has developed short videos that can be accessed online based on his latest book, Raising Tech-Healthy Humans. This course is valued at $97, but Daniel has generously made this available to families with children in all CST schools FREE of charge. Filmed with the support of Christian Schools Tasmania, the course features fifteen insightful videos covering vital topics such as:

• Encouraging healthy screen time limits

• Understanding the impact of interactive media on your child's brain

• Deciding when and how to give your child a smartphone

• Engaging in meaningful tech-related conversations

• Viewing technology through a faith-based lens

• Encouraging outdoor activities and fun

• Supporting each other in raising tech-healthy, wholehearted children

These videos are designed to spark thoughtful discussion among family members and within our school community. Daniel Sih’s videos are deeply rooted in his Christian faith and pastoral experience, offering practical advice and spiritual enrichment.

To access this valuable course, please refer to the accompanying email sent today to Northern parents. As this course is usually a paid offering, we kindly ask that you refrain from sharing the sign-up link on public social media platforms. We encourage you to find a quiet moment to listen to these videos, as many families have found them relatable and helpful. All families were provided a copy of the book earlier this year; however, please contact the office if you would like another free copy; it took me less than two hours to read it!

“Let’s enjoy the best of the online world but not be diminished by too much technology, and raise a generation of healthy, faith-filled kids who love God and love others in beautiful, life-giving ways.” (Daniel Sih)

Bethany Armstrong - Principal

In Civics and Citizenship, students have explored the different levels of government in Australia, gaining an understanding of federal, state, and local government. They have also been learning about the rights and responsibilities of participating in a democracy, fostering an early appreciation for active citizenship.

As part of our STEM studies, we covered many topics in Science. We started with volcanoes and their destructive power. We built model volcanoes and then watched them explode using chemical reactions. We then explored light and investigated the differences between artificial, natural, and reflections. We also created shadow shows to learn how light interacts with other objects.

The Robot Games is where students design and build robots to complete as many challenges on the games table in under 3 minutes. We are excited to see how our teams will do in the competition later in Term 4.

Jackie Baines and Peter Humphrey - Year 5 Teachers

Arrangements and Supervision of Students

You are Special: The Musical is nearly upon us! Every student from Kindergarten to Year 6 has a role to play, whether in the main cast, ensemble, backstage, or in technical support. All students are expected to participate in You Are Special as part of our Arts curriculum. This is a wonderful opportunity for all students to shine and showcase the gifts they have been given by God.

Monday, 23rd September
Whole School Dress Rehearsal (9.30am - 11.00am)
Normal school day

Tuesday, 24th September
Matinee for CST schools and residents of Derwent Waters Retirement Village
Normal school day

Wednesday, 25th September
Afternoon Performance (4.00pm - 5.00pm)
Students are expected to stay at school under staff supervision. Afternoon tea will be provided. No buses or PCYC service will be operating on this day in the afternoon.

Thursday, 26th September
Evening Performance (6.00pm - 7.00pm)
Normal school day; however, students are expected to return to school between 5:00pm - 5.30pm for costumes, hair, and makeup. No supervision will be available for students between 3.00pm - 5.00pm.

Evening Performance on Thursday 26th September: Students must be at school no later than 5.30pm to get into costume for a 6:00pm curtain-up. Parents are not required to stay with students, so you may drop your child at school and collect them after the performance, as staff will be available to supervise students from 5:00pm until 7:30pm. Upon arrival, students are to meet a staff member outside Year 1 and Prep on the steps to be directed to the changerooms.

End of afternoon and night performance: Children can be collected from the flagpoles at the end of the performances.

Kinder Students: Kinder students have been cast in ensemble roles and are welcome to participate in all performances; however, attending the Thursday evening performance is optional. Mr Whittle will be available to supervise those who attend the Thursday evening performance from 5.00pm until 7.30pm.

Filming and Photography: We will be comprehensively photographing the cast, crew and show, with the photos available for viewing after the event via Facebook. After each show, there will be a 10-minute window for families to take photos with cast members in costume. With this in mind, please be courteous to those around you if you want to take any photographs or film during the show. Cameras should not interfere with people’s vision behind or to the side of you. Please remain in your seat during the performance. You will not be permitted to stand around the side or rear of the PAC to take photos or film during the performance. Please remember, as outlined in our Parent Code of Conduct policy, “Posting a photo or video recording of a child who is not their own on social media without obtaining prior consent from that child’s parent is prohibited.” Please follow any instructions from staff regarding photography or filming during the performances.

An email with this information and other important details regarding the performance has been sent to all families. Please refer to the email for additional information.

Tara Williams - Production Director

Last Day of Term 3
Friday, 27 September

What an amazing term this has been; we still have some events to come. With so much to celebrate, we have two special events planned for the last day of term.

Celebration of Production

The Community Engagement Committee is providing a FREE LUNCH for all students on the last day of Term 3 as a thank you for their incredible efforts in the 'You Are Special' production. Students will receive a sausage sizzle, a packet of chips, and a Freddo Frog.

Footy Colours Day

Fight Cancer Foundation’s ‘Footy Colours Day’ is a national fundraising campaign that helps kids with cancer.

Students are invited to wear their favourite footy team colours or a free dress, and fun activities will be held throughout the day.

We encourage you to make a fundraising donation to the Fight Cancer Foundation via QKR! before 3.00pm on Friday, 27th September.

Uniform Survey

As previously communicated, Northern Christian School is considering changes to our school uniform based on valuable feedback from students, parents, and staff. In Years 3 to 6, many have suggested wearing the sports uniform daily due to its comfort and practicality. While uniforms foster community and equality, they must also be practical for students' needs and comfort.

We are also updating our summer dress as the current style is no longer available. We have sourced a new option and would love your input.

Please take a moment to complete our survey and share your thoughts before 4.00pm on Friday, 13th September. It only takes 5 minutes!

We're proud to announce that Sophie Herring has been awarded the Tasmanian Individual Finalist for the 2024 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.

Since joining Northern Christian School in 2020, Sophie has been an invaluable asset, excelling in roles from Kindergarten support to running literacy programs like MiniLit. Her dedication to student success and positive impact on our community have earned her deep respect and admiration. Sophie's commitment and versatility make her a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.

Congratulations, Sophie!