From the PrincipalÂ
CONCERT 😊
Rocks Pops and Doowops!
We were so lucky to be able to enjoy our concert in the comfort of Robert Blackwood Hall. Our students all learnt so many skills during the singing lessons that took place over the course of the term. Thank you to the teachers who ensured all of our students knew the lyrics and movements of their song. A big thank you to Ms Bolger for coordinating the concert on so many levels. We hope you all enjoyed the evening and went home singing some of the songs.
STAFFING NEWS – Saying Farewell to Carnegie Primary School
I wish to let our families know that I have made the decision to retire and relinquish my position, as principal of Carnegie Primary School, at the end of term 3. It has been an absolute privilege to be the principal of CPS since 2008 and I do know in my heart it’s the right time to say farewell to CPS but saying farewell brings me very mixed emotions. I am looking forward to embarking on the next chapter of my life but saying farewell to all I value and love about CPS will also be so very hard.
I have informed the Department of my intentions and the process of appointing the next principal of Carnegie Primary School will commence shortly and we will keep the community informed. Karen, our wonderful Assistant Principal and the school’s leadership team, are looking forward to supporting the newly appointed Principal when they join this unique CPS community.
For now, I am very much looking forward to a lovely last term with the CPS community.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GUITARISTS
At the end of term two, Karen and I were fortunate enough to join Stephan, the school’s guitar teacher and many of his students for an evening concert. The students shared their talents with families which was rather special given we haven’t had an opportunity to come together for many months due to covid restrictions. The guitarists should be very proud of their achievements and growth as musicians. We would like to thank Stephan and our other instrumental music teachers who offer extra curricula opportunities for some of our students.
NEWS ON OUR TOILET UPGRADE
Towards the end of term 2 discussions took place with students, staff, PFA and school councilors and a decision has been made to ask the architects to progress with a design that includes areas to be equally divided amongst female, male and unisex toilets with an ambulant toilet in the unisex section. Moving forward we are very much hoping the design will allow for a more open space with shared washing and drinking taps. We have liaised with the architect and once we have design options we will share with you further.
STUDENT FREE DAYS / PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE DAYS 2022
For Semester 2, 2022, the Department of Education and Training has provided schools with the option to hold each teacher’s allocated professional practice day on the same day for all staff. This is to enable the most effective and efficient use of this day.
As a result, we have scheduled our professional practice days for Wednesday, 7th September and Friday, 9th December. Students will not attend school on this day. Youth Leadership Victoria will run a program on these two days. If you have any questions about these dates, please do not hesitate to speak to Linda or Karen.
COFFEE & CHAT INVITE
Karen and I would like to invite interested parents to the staffroom for a cuppa and a chat on Monday 8th August following our Monday morning assembly. At this time we are available to answer general questions, further discus our school programs and practices, our goals and priorities and our hopes for the future.
RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING
We received information from the Department of Education earlier this week that the Rapid Antigen Testing program will continue for the remainder of the 2022 school year. We will receive and distribute three packs of five RATs for every student and staff member per term. Please use these if your child or family member show any signs of covid 19 or daily, if a family member tests positive, to ensure your child can continue to attend school during this time. We will distribute these tests as they arrive at school.
PREMIERS READING CHALLENGE
The 2022 Premiers’ Reading challenge is now open and Carnegie Primary School is very excited to be participating. The challenge is open to all Victorian schools and closes on September 2nd, 2022.Â
Children from Prep to Grade 2 are encouraged to read or experience ‘shared reading’ of 30 books (20 books must be included from the PRC booklist) and children from Grade 3 – 6 are to read at least 15 books (10 books must be included from the PRC booklist). Each child will receive a certificate upon completion.Â
Students are automatically registered to take part and usernames and passwords will be given to students this week via their classroom teacher. If you would like to take part in the challenge, once the student has read a book, they need to enter the title onto the website using their login details (see website below).Â
To read the Premiers’ letter to the parents, view the booklists, login page and for any other information please visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/prc Â
If you have any further questions, please see your class teacher. Â
PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS AND OUR STUDENT LED CONFERENCES
Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th August. Parents will once again be able to select a suitable time via an online booking platform. Further information will be sent to all families shortly.Â
All students will play a role in their interviews. At Carnegie Primary School we aim to give our students increasing responsibility and ownership for their learning so they can develop into independent, life-long learners. We strongly believe one of the best ways we can involve the students in their own learning is to have them conduct and participate in a ‘Student-Led Conference’
A ‘Student-Led Conference’ is an authentic way to encourage the students to take responsibility for their own learning, actions and decisions. This process also demonstrates to the students that we positively support their learning and acknowledges the value we place on their views and the respect we have for their opinions. It also demonstrates that, together, we will support their learning and celebrate their achievements. Time is made, if necessary, should there be some matters that parents particularly want to discuss without their child’s presence.
HELPING CHILDREN MANAGE ANXIETY
This excellent web link was recently shared with me by one of our parents. The information provided may assist your child/children to manage anxiety and become more emotionally resilient. This link provides an extensive toolkit of tips and ideas. You choose what works for you – adapt to suit your family, your values.
Â
CHILD SAFETY AND WELLBEING AT CARNEGIE PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Victorian Government has announced new Child Safe Standards to further strengthen child safety across organisations, including schools. The new standards recognise the critical importance of families and the broader school community in maintaining and promoting child safety and wellbeing.Â
Here at CPS we have been in the process of reviewing and updating our child safety policies and procedures to ensure they meet the requirements of the new standards. These are available to view on our school’s website with paper copies available on request at the school’s front office.
We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to child safety and wellbeing and welcome feedback from families and members of our school community on ways we can further strengthen our child safety policies, procedures and practices.Â
As valuable partners in promoting and maintaining child safety and wellbeing at Carnegie Primary School we welcome and encourage your feedback.Â
WORDS OF WISDOMÂ
Linda Jones & Karen Bentata-Grimm