A SHREKTACULAR PERFORMANCE!

Wow! What a night! As a spectator and newbie to CPS production I was blown away by the skills and talents of our Carnegie students at last night's production. As I said after the event, it's a credit to all who were involved. Beautiful to see was a group of students, teachers and community coming together as a team, supporting each other to showcase talents and skills. Our students certainly embraced their roles and characters, and entertained an audience for the hour.

Congratulations to all who were involved.

A beautiful piece of feedback from a couple from our community:

“Just a quick note to say thank you for all your efforts in putting on such an awesome night. I know you guys are seasoned producers - having done this for so many years- but thank you for the amazing energy, creativity and commitment you find each year to give the kids an opportunity to shine (individually and collectively). The kids had such a fantastic time. My son loved it - and is sad it's over! ….

Thanks again. Hope you can enjoy a quiet day celebrating the success and reflecting on the night with the kids today. They're all beaming.”

GRATITUDE

As the academic year draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude. This year has been filled with both success and challenge and your support and guidance has been welcomed.

To our Carnegie PS staff for their professionalism and dedication to our students and families throughout the year. CPS is a great place to learn and grow and our community is incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful team of teachers and support staff.

To our students for their focus on leaning, achievement, and wellbeing learning throughout the year. You should be very proud of yourselves. Thank you for your dedication and positive attitude towards learning. It has been a real pleasure to watch you supporting one another and encouraging your peers.

I would like to personally acknowledge our School Councillors for their continued work and dedication, including:

The tremendous work of Alley Peck who has stepped into our Finance role. There have been some challenges, but her calmness and insight; her measured approach has been welcomed.
The diligent work of Verity Walker, who is both compassionate and efficient and ensures our meetings run efficiently and effectively. She has warmly welcomed me to CPS as principal and regularly lends her ear for a check in.
The efficient minute taking of Sandra Michela at each school council meeting. Your dedication is so appreciated.
The wonderful work of Miranda Welham (and Marina) who work behind the scenes to ensure the success of our Uniform Shop.
The work of every one of our councillors for being present at meetings and providing insights, as well as supporting school decisions and providing positive energy throughout our school.

To our Parents and Friends Association, for their efforts to remain connected, raising funds, and providing opportunities for our families. We look forward to further community events throughout 2024.

To the parents and members of the school community who have supported our school throughout the year. Carnegie Primary School truly embodies its values or ‘welcoming, engaging, achieving’, and every member of the community plays a role in bringing these values to life.

STUDENT FREE DAY REMINDER

Students are not required at school this coming Friday 8th December. Our teachers and support staff will be planning for 2024. A program is being offered by Youth Leadership Victoria OSHC. Please ensure you book if you require care for your child(ren).

2024 STAFFING

We are still in the process of finalising staffing for 2024.

We acknowledge the amazing work of many staff and wish them well in their future pursuits.

We farewell:

Teachers

Rebecca Batten (Family leave) early 2024.
Alicia Parker (Family leave) early 2024.
Symone Tonkin, who is returning to her base school.
Amanda Dowsett, who is taking a temporary transfer to Southmoor PS for 12 months.
Stephanie Lipson, who is taking a temporary transfer to Nepean Special school to broaden her skills for 12 months.

Education Support

Amber Stelling
Kana Kumara
Marg King

We will also welcome new members to our CPS team and returning staff:

Teachers

Kate Lawerson who returns from Family Leave as a part time Learning specialist.
Penny Bradley who has recently graduated as a teacher.
Angus McCracken who also joins our CPS team.
Keren Freeman who is returning from Family Leave as a part time teacher.

Education Support

Georgia Lydeamore
Mark McKinnon
Vivian Papasotiriou

We also welcome a SCHOOL NURSE, a first for Carnegie, who will work in Sick Bay and undertake a plethora of administrative and educative tasks and opportunities.

There is opportunity for a lot of growth and new learning in 2024.

STUDENTS AND FAMILIES - FAREWELLS

I want to take the opportunity to wish our year six students the very best as they transition to Secondary College.

We also wish those students and their families who are moving to new schools in 2024 all the best for their future. We know several of you are moving house at the end of this year, and we hope you settle into your new schools happily.

STEP UP PROGRAM

At Carnegie Primary School the ‘Step Up’ program is our whole school approach to transition which supports students transitioning from one grade level to the next throughout their years of schooling.

Step Up aims to prepare each student for the next stage in their educational journey, as we know successful school transition is vital to a child’s educational, social and emotional development.

Our Step Up program covers three levels: Kinder to Prep, Year to Year level and Year 6 to Secondary College.

Each transition stage enhances a child’s independence and supports successful participation in school life.

Parents can support their child through the transition process by asking positive questions such as:

What are you looking forward to the most next year?
What things are you really good at?
What would you most like to improve in next year and how can we help you achieve this goal?

The first session will be taking place Monday 11th December (in place of assembly). The final session will take place with the students’ 2024 teachers in their 2024 classrooms Wednesday 20th December.

Here’s hoping to a terrific end to our school year.

Stay safe

With gratitude

Karen Roberts

Family Maths Challenges