Principal’s Report

Today brings to a close another wonderful year of achievement and community at Northbridge PS. I would like to thank our staff, students and parents for the amazing contributions you have all made to our school this year. We are stronger together and that has never been more true at NPS than in 2025.

Last night we farewelled Year 6 at their graduation at Northbridge Golf Club. I had the opportunity to wish them well and tell them how proud of them all of us are and how hopeful we are for their bright futures. Here is my farewell to them:

For most of you, this week draws to a close seven wonderful years of primary school education at Northbridge PS. I know all of you have very fond memories of events, friends, and teachers, and hopefully, all of you have learned something along the way – not just in academic terms but about life: growing into the best version of yourself that you can be and generally being respectful, responsible, and successful.

In these seven years, you’ve not only gained knowledge but wisdom from experiences. You’ve learned about the importance of perseverance when faced with challenges, the strength of friendship in building a supportive community, and the value of respect, responsibility, and success as guiding principles.

Beyond that, many of you have demonstrated outstanding leadership within our school, serving as role models to your peers and embodying the values we hold dear. You have been great ambassadors for Northbridge, representing our community with pride, whether in sports, cultural activities, or academic endeavors.

This year, more than any other year during my time as Principal at Northbridge, there have been many challenges thrown your way as a Year 6 cohort. Very personal challenges for some of you and ones that have rippled through your whole group and our whole community. You and your families have faced these challenges with courage, and have opened your hearts and extended friendship, support and most of all love, to each other. The strong sense of community that you have as a Year 6 group has resulted in you developing resilience that will strengthen your character for the rest of your lives. It has been my privilege as your principal to watch you grow and develop over the last seven years at our school.

Carry the spirit of Northbridge with you. Remember the friendships you’ve forged, the lessons you’ve learned, and the values you’ve embraced. Life will present new challenges as well as many opportunities to you, and I have no doubt that you will face them with the skills you have learned along the way.

Congratulations on your graduation, Year 6 and best of luck in all your future adventures.

Thank you to our P&C
P&C meetings are always a place where our true sense of community is articulated and ideas for the betterment of our school are hatched and acted upon. They are a forum for respectful, healthy discourse and an opportunity to be with friends and like minds. Although our meeting attendance numbers are usually small, these don’t reflect the army of foot soldiers conducting the work at ground level. My gratitude and thanks go also to you who bring the amazing ideas to fruition through your tireless efforts. Our fundraiser along with every event held this year have provided the funds for us to move forward with with new technology in the hall in 2026. We have been enjoying the benefits of the 2024 fundraising with the aircon provided, over the last few weeks of the year! Thank you so much for keeping us cool!

Over the Bridge

I am extremely grateful to Annette Weir for once again doing an outstanding job of producing our Over the Bridge publication. This is a mammoth undertaking which Annette does with such skill every year. Congratulations also to our cover design winners for this year, Alisa Wong and Ayaka Loi. Your beautiful representations of ‘Wonder’, this year’s theme are WONDERful.

2026 School Leaders
Our new school leaders have been elected for 2026 and were announced on Presentation Day. We are all excited to see these 8 students grow and thrive in their positions next year.
CAPTAINS: Emily Thomas & Marco Hocking
VICE CAPTAINS: Amelia Debney & Julian Im
PREFECTS: Sophie Fallu,Taiga Howden, Alice Tracey and Nina Marelic

Please read the article later in this newsletter.

Staff Development Days

Following on with the structure of the school year begun in 2025, the staff development days and student commencement days are as follows:

SDDay 1 Tuesday January 27

SDDay 2 Wednesday January 28

SDDay 3 Thursday January 29

SDDay 4 Friday January 30

ALL STUDENTS (Kindergarten to Year 6) RETURN MONDAY FEBRUARY 2

Farewell

Today we are farewelling some staff:

Mrs Tessa Napper has accepted a transfer to a school closer to home and has been at our school most recently as Small Group Tuition teacher for two days per week. Mrs Howell is taking some maternity leave for the birth of her third child and Miss Byrne will be doing some travelling before returning home to Ireland. Our GA, Xavier Russell who has been relieving for Paul Hearn while he has been on leave has obtained a permanent position at a high school closer to home. Mrs Michelle Wineberg who very stepped into the Stage 2 Assistant Principal role after Lisa Skinner went on maternity leave is returning to her substantive school.

I would like to thank all of these people for the contributions they have made to our school while they have been with us at Northbridge.

Finally, I hope everyone is able to have a restful, joyful and peaceful holiday break. We are well prepared for 2026 and are looking forward to another wonderful year at our fabulous school!

Christine Smith
Principal

TONIGHT! Schools Spectacular on TV

Don’t forget to tune in to Channel 7 this Friday night 19th December from 7pm to watch the REMARKABLE Schools Specacular!

10 Northbridge girls alongside 2500 other dancers are part of this spectacular show; 9 of them in a segment called Remarkable Creativity and 1 in a special ensemble segment titled ‘Return to Narnia’.

We hope you love the show!

Here’s a photo of the girls in costume so you know who to look out for!

Thank you again to all dancers for their spectacular participation again this year.

Elizabeth Bulgin

Presentation Day

What a wonderful day we had last Friday to celebrate our students many and varied achievements with our annual Presentation Day. Many parents and important dignitaries including Sharon Sands Director Educational Leadership, Tim James MP Member for Willoughby and Nicolette Boele MP Independent for Bradfield, turned out to honour our current students. Our new student leaders were announced for 2026.

Thank you to all the parents and carers that attended our Presentation Assemblies we trust you enjoyed the day.

Congratulations to all award winners. A big congratulations to our new school leaders and we know you will do a fine job representing our school next year.

CAPTAINS Emily T Marco H

VICE CAPTAINS Amelia D Julian I

PREFECTS Sophie F Taiga H Alice T Nina M

My address to the community follows:

In this small school in the beautiful northern Sydney suburb of Northbridge is nestled a school where the children are happy and the community are strong.

Where our teachers provide rich opportunities for students to explore, grow, and embark on new journeys. Through these experiences, they unlock doors to a fulfilling and happy life.

Today, we can reflect proudly on the journey we have all taken this year. Our parent community driven by our small but mighty P&C, has been central to this effort. Through events, initiatives, fundraisers, and endless volunteer hours, they have changed the rhythm of school life and brought back the joy of shared experiences. Their work has strengthened our community in ways that are felt every day in the playground, at assemblies, and in our classrooms and it provides the underlying momentum for student success.

In 2025, this success has shone through a range of initiatives and programs, showcasing their diverse talents and passions. Here are just a few highlights of their achievements:

The Connecting to Country experience, which provided invaluable cultural learning for our Indigenous students and their teacher
Our selection for the Schools Spectacular for the second time
Impressive Zone, Regional, and State representation in both team and individual sporting events
Outstanding results in NAPLAN, reflecting our students’ academic growth
Our esteemed music program, which saw students excel at Band Eisteddfods, and the Festival of Children’s Music, where our senior choir was selected as a featured item
The highly anticipated musical production Shrek Jr., which highlighted the exceptional creative talents of our students • And just this week, our Stage 2 and K-2 Celebration Concerts, featuring the all-singing, all-dancing talents of every Hero and Villain in those grades.
And finally, Our State Winner of the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Award Stage 2 Division Maaliya Dey.

Of course, these are just a snapshot. Our fortnightly newsletter overflows with photos and written accounts of all the amazing achievements credited to our students this year.

These accomplishments are a testament to our students’ dedication, and the vibrant learning opportunities we offer here at Northbridge Public School. We are proud to be a shining example of public education and this has been supported by our tight-knit learning community bound by the shared mission of nurturing our children.

This year I would like to acknowledge some leadership and and longstanding service to our school by acknowledging, first of all Michelle Moss, who today marks the end of an extraordinary 15-year connection with Northbridge Public School. Michelle has served this school in many capacities, most notably through multiple stints on the P&C as both President , Vice President and canteen coordinator.

When I first arrived at Northbridge, Michelle was one of the first to offer her unwavering support. Her commitment to the betterment of our school, her advocacy for children, and her deep care for this community have been exceptional. More than that, the kindness and friendship she has shown to so many parents, staff, and students has helped shape the warm, inclusive culture we are so proud of today.

Michelle, we thank you sincerely for everything you have contributed over so many years to Northbridge PS.

This year also marks an important milestone for someone who has been a constant presence in our school and across our network of schools. Our Director, Sharon Sands, who is with us today recently announced her retirement after more than ten years of unwavering dedication to the schools in our Network and 40 years with the NSW Department of Education.

Sharon, we are deeply grateful for your leadership, your guidance, and your steadfast commitment to supporting our students, staff, and school communities. Your contribution has shaped Northbridge Public School in meaningful and lasting ways, and we wish you every joy in the years ahead. Thank you for everything you have given to us.

This year we also say farewell to numerous longstanding families whose youngest child is now in Year 6 and completing their journey at Northbridge. Many of you have been with us for a decade or more, giving generously of your time and support.

You have cheered at carnivals, attended countless assemblies, volunteered at events, sat through P&C meetings, and shared the highs and lows that come with primary school life. Your contribution has helped shape the school we have today.

To all those families: thank you. Your legacy will remain with us, and you will always be part of the Northbridge community.

Finally, today is ultimately about our students. Presentation Day is our opportunity to recognise excellence in all its forms: academic achievement, resilience, citizenship, creativity, collaboration, and leadership.

To our students, whether you receive an award today or not, your hard work, your curiosity, and the way you support one another are what makes this school such a special place. We are proud of each and every one of you.

To our Year 6 students: as you prepare for high school, know that you carry with you the values and spirit of Northbridge Public School. We cannot wait to see where your next steps lead.

Thank you to our teachers and staff for their professionalism, care, and dedication. To Mrs Dobbin, our Assistant Principal who I cannot thank enough; To our P&C and parent community, thank you for helping us to move forward with strength as a robust and kind community.

Enjoy the celebration, and congratulations to all our award recipients.

Thank you.

Christine Smith

Principal

Sustainability Report

We’re here with a simple purpose – to protect what we love. Every sustainable change we make today will create a safer future for our children.

CREATE LESS WASTE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Whether it’s the gift wrap, the food, or the dreaded plastic packaging, there is a lot of unnecessary festive “stuff”. We’ve come up with a few simple ideas to help you leave a lighter footprint these holidays.

1.Tsutsumu wrapping

Tsutsumu is the Japanese practice of wrapping with cloth (Furoshiki). It’s easy, sustainable, elegant and functional. You can use what you have or buy sustainably – vintage scarves (e.g. from Lifeline Northbridge) or some lightweight cotton can be cut into squares and reused, year after year. You can swap wraps with family and friends, so the fabric keeps circulating.

If you prefer paper, use brown packing paper – it’s recyclable because it doesn’t have the plastic coating most wrapping paper does. You can swap plastic sticky tape for washi or brown paper tape, which is usually made from natural materials.

2. Choose linen for tableware and napkins

Paper napkins might seem convenient, but they’re single-use – all that energy, water and transport to make something that you use once and toss into landfill.

Linen, on the other hand, is among the most sustainable fabrics on the planet. Best of all, you can reuse linen all year round – for every party, lunch, and gathering.

3. Shop local

When you shop small, you are going directly to the creative source, supporting individuals and your community, rather than retail giants. Try the Grassroots Eco Store in Castlecrag (within the Glenaeon primary school grounds) or Kirribilli Markets, which is hosting their next market this Saturday 20 December.

4. Source decorations second-hand

Preloved Christmas decorations are easy to find in charity stores like Lifeline Northbridge or Vinnies in Crows Nest. You will get unique pieces with a history, and you’ll support a good cause, rather than retail chains like Kmart.

5. Think ahead to next year

Save what you are given this year for next. Ribbon can be reused over many years; wrapping paper and festive bags can be stored and reused; and cards can be cut into gift tags or made into festive collages on next year’s Christmas cards.

Inclusion Report

Kindergarten and Year 6 Arcade Extraordinaire!

Last week, our Year 6 students embarked on a creative adventure inspired by the famous viral sensation, Caine’s Arcade. Using their imagination and a variety of crafty materials, groups designed and built their very own arcade game to be played by their Kindergarten buddies. Each game was unique, showcasing the amazing innovation and teamwork of our Year 6 students.

On Friday, both KA and KC got to experience this arcade extravaganza. The buddies spent time joyfully exploring a fantastic variety of games, with prizes awarded and fun had by all. It has been wonderful to see such strong connections developed by Kindergarten and their Year 6 buddies throughout the year and we know they will miss one another as our Year 6 students move into their next exciting chapter in 2026.

K-2 Party Day

Our K–2 students enjoyed a fantastic end-of-year celebration, marking a wonderful year of learning, growth and hard work. The day was filled with excitement, laughter and teamwork as students took part in a range of fun, hands-on activities designed to celebrate their achievements and teamwork.

Throughout the day, students rotated through a series of engaging team challenges facilitated by Ranger Jamie Tours. Activities included air rockets, a water bucket challenge with tug-of-war, a blanket volleyball challenge and a tower-building challenge. These activities encouraged cooperation, problem-solving and plenty of positive energy, with students enthusiastically cheering one another on.

The celebrations concluded with a much-loved Teddy Bear’s Picnic, followed by a relaxing afternoon movie.

It was a joyful and memorable way to wrap up the school year, and a well-earned celebration of the effort, resilience and enthusiasm our K–2 students have shown throughout 2025. A big thank you to our teachers and to Ranger Jamie Tours for helping make the day such a success.

Stage 2 Digi-Ed incursion

It was a fun-filled day for Stage 2 students taking part in the Digi-Ed incursion on Thursday 18th December… a great way to spend the second last day of the school year!

Students use the Stopmotion / Claymation process to storyboard, build characters, animate (using the latest digital software), edit and upload their movie for digital download.

Check out some of the photos of the students’ progress below.

If you would like to view the students’ creations, follow these steps:

Head to the website www.digied.com.au
Click on the Download Your Movie button on the home page.
This takes you to the DigiEd Google Drive. Find your school Folder and Movie.
Double click to play.

We hope students in Years 3 and 4 had a fun time creating their Claymation project!

Elizabeth Bulgin, Tim Haines, Michelle Wineberg, Jo Savage, Takashi Ogawa

Stage 3 Beach Day

On Tuesday, our Stage 3 students enjoyed an exciting and educational Beach Day at Collaroy Beach. Students from Years 5 and 6 ventured down to participate in a Surf Life Saving education program designed to build confidence, teamwork and water safety awareness, as well as have an enjoyable day outside the classroom with their friends.

Throughout the day, students worked in small groups and rotated through a variety of fun and engaging activities. These included boogie boarding, beach soccer, water relays, flag competitions, CPR and First Aid training, as well as important water safety exercises. Although the weather was not the warmest, our students showed great determination and enthusiasm, embracing the cooler conditions and making the most of their time outdoors. The day was a wonderful opportunity for students to challenge themselves, learn new skills and enjoy a fun day down at the beach!

たんけん(TANKEN) Photo Album

Following the previous article about TANKEN Japanese Centre Visits, I would love to share lovely photos of Year 6 students having a great time! I am hoping that this photo album could be one of the gifts for celebrating Year 6 graduation.

Year 6 students, keep enjoying different cultures and Languages at high schools!

<6L>

<6H>

そつぎょう(SOTSU GYOU)、おめでとう(OMEDETOU)！(Congratulations on your graduation!)

あくつ先生 (AKUTSU SENSEI)

Thanks from the Salvation Army and SRC

A big thank you to all parents who donated gifts for our Angel Tree located in front of the office. We ended up with three big boxes from our generous community. These have been picked up by the Chatswood arm of The Salvation Army to support children who would otherwise go without a gift at Christmas.

Thank you from the Cancer Council

Our P&C recieved a thank you from the Cancer Council this week. The Cancer Council were our charity of choice this year to receive a portion of the funds raised from our Year 2 FUNraiser. Thank you to everyone that donated and please know that your funds not only went to supporting our school but also went to support the Cancer Council.

2025 Teacher Librarian for a ‘day’

This year as part of her Librarian for a Day role, Emily M has shown outstanding leadership and responsibility in the school library. She has confidently presented certificates to students, helped select prize winners, and made clear and engaging announcements to the school community. Emily has also spent time reading to our Kindergarten students, sharing her love of books and helping younger students feel welcome and excited about the library. Her positive attitude, organisation, and willingness to help others have made her a wonderful role model and a valued member of the Library Leaders team.

“This year I have really enjoyed being a library monitor as well as librarian for a day (week… year!). I have loved working alongside Mrs Parker and the other library monitors, from watching the growing book club in Year 2 to reading to the kindies, as well as helping out in the library each day. Another highlight was going to Lunch with the Stars where we got to hang out with authors and illustrators for the day. Working in the library has given me so many opportunities – I would encourage everyone to get involved!” – Emily Moss

It’s been a busy year for Emily!

Meeting authors:

Presenting certificates:

Making school announcements:

Selecting PRC book winners:

Reading to Kindy students:

Attending ‘Lunch with the Stars’ with fellow Library Leaders:

2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge

The students at Northbridge have had an excellent year of reading!

Every student who commenced at the beginning of 2025 have completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge this year – Well done all!

Over the last few weeks we have celebrated the Gold (4 years completed) and Platinum (7 years completed) certificate recipients. In total 79 students received these special awards sent from the Premier’s office. All other students will receive a certificate of participation.

Roll on 2026 and let’s keep this 100% completion rate up!