Principal's Report

We are already at the mid-point of Term 1, with learning routines embedded after a successful ‘start-up’ program across the first fortnight of the Term. This program promoted the setting of a positive classroom culture, as well as the learning of procedures and routines that support highly effective learning. A key part of this has been the use of ‘circle time’ and mindfulness as student wellbeing strategies, ensuring all students are in a positive mindset for learning. 

NAPLAN 2025

Beginning March 12th, students in Years 3 and 5 will complete the suite of national assessments in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions and Numeracy. From the beginning of the year, each cohort has focused on preparing their students for this style of testing, particularly for the benefit of building confidence and reducing anxiety regarding the testing style. 

Whilst the tests provide a consistent measure for students Australia-wide to be assessed against, it is also simply a ‘snapshot’ of your child’s capability at this time. Our teachers use many measures daily to assess the progress of our students, with this being used on an ongoing basis to ensure that the learning program we are delivering caters to the diverse abilities of all students. 

Please note the testing schedule for students in Years 3 and 5 as per below:

Term 1 Parent-Teacher Interviews

You will have noticed that the traditional ‘you tell us’ interviews that have historically run in the opening weeks of each year have shifted to a late Term 1 date for this year. The feedback we received both from our families and staff was that it would be more beneficial to provide a more comprehensive learning and wellbeing update at the mid-point of the semester, versus the more informal introductory chats that were held previously. 

Bookings for this event will open shortly, with the interviews to be held on Tuesday 25th and Thursday 27th March. We look forward to sharing this opportunity with you at this time. 

CSPS Parents’ Association 2025

We recently held our 2025 CSPS Parents’ Association (PA) Annual General Meeting, attended by over twenty of our parents. Congratulations to Melinda Reid, who was confirmed as President for 2025, with Gabi Crafti continuing as our Treasurer. We are still looking for a Secretary; please reach out to Melinda via our School Office (email address here) if you are interested in taking on this role. 

Our first PA event for the year is our annual welcome picnic, to be held on the school oval on the evening of Thursday 20th March. Food trucks will be onsite for this event, and we invite you to bring along a picnic blanket and basket and enjoy the company of our wonderful community. 

CSPS Dads’ Group

Our CSPS Dads’ Group was formed in 2023 and we look forward to getting together for the first time this year as follows:

Date: Wednesday 12th March @ 7:00pm

Venue: The Camden Hotel

The formation of this group led from the tragic loss of a member of our community in 2023, and the commitment I made to that family was to ensure we had a legacy of a Dads’ Group who would spend time together, support each other and enjoy each other's company. Please make sure you prioritise this event, bring a mate and enjoy the company of the great people in our community. 

Another initiative from this group is the now annual participation in the ‘2XU Wellness Run’, a fun run event held each December out of Catani Gardens. There is a strong culture of participation in events like this and is a particular passion for many of our staff. I was a participant a couple of weeks ago in the ‘Carmen’s Fun Run’ out of Elsternwick Park, and it was great to see and hear of many of our students participating in the event, despite the inclement weather. 

These events are great for our fitness and for our mental health, with fundraising efforts going towards important causes. Another of these events coming up soon is the ‘Run for the Kids’, a fundraiser for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Thanks to Shelly and Ron Yomtovyan for reaching out to me, letting me know that they are running this event and sending through their fundraising links (Shelly and Ron). Best wishes to you both and all others running this fantastic event. 

Thanks for your ongoing support and keep doing your best.

Rohan Cooper

Principal