Message from the Principal
Edition 13 2026
Dear CNPS Families
As we come to the end of Term 3, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what has been another busy and rewarding term across our school. Our students have continued to demonstrate curiosity, resilience and a commitment to learning, both in and out of the classroom. It has been wonderful to see their growth, achievements and willingness to embrace new opportunities in Term 3. I would also like to acknowledge and thank our dedicated staff for their ongoing commitment to supporting every student to thrive. To our families, thank you for your continued partnership, encouragement and support of our school. As we head into the holiday break, I hope all members of our community have the opportunity to rest, recharge and enjoy time together. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for a positive and productive final term for 2026. A reminder to families that school commences on Tuesday 6 October 2026.
REMINDER Tell Us What You Think - Annual Parent / Carer / Guardian Opinion Survey 2026
Our school is conducting the annual Parent / Carer / Guardian Opinion Survey offered by the Department of Education and is seeking your feedback. The survey is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour, and student engagement. The survey is optional, but we encourage and appreciate your participation. Our school will use the survey results to assist in identifying areas for improvement and professional development needs in the school, to target school planning and improvement strategies.
The Parent / Carer / Guardian Opinion Survey will be open online from Monday 17 August to Friday 18 September 2026.
The survey will be conducted online, only takes 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed at any convenient time on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones. The online survey will be available in English and other languages including Arabic, Cantonese, Chinese, Filipino, Hakha, Russian, Somali, Sinhalese, Swahili and Turkish. Resources are also available in additional languages to assist parents / carers who speak a language other than English at home. To access the survey, please login to Compass or contact the office.
Wear it Purple Day 2026
The annual Wear it Purple Day was held on Friday 28 August 2026. The day aims to foster safe and inclusive environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer, questioning and asexual (LGBTIQA+) young people. It was also a chance for the school community to acknowledge and celebrate LGBTIQA+ diversity and inclusion. This year’s theme was ‘Colours of courage’. It acknowledges that: ‘Courage is not just expressed in big moments, but in everyday choices to live proudly and invite others into understanding, acceptance and celebration’. Thank you to all community members who contributed to the cake stall and or purchased goods. All money raised was donated to the charity ‘Minus18’.
Consent Education (Body Safety Australia)
After community consultation in 2025, CNPS has been working with Body Safety Australia to organise consent education classes for students from Foundation - Year 6. The sessions will be led by external educators who are passionate about creating safer, more respectful communities for children and young people. Body Safety Superstars empowers children with the knowledge and skills to understand their right to bodily autonomy, communicate boundaries and seek help when they need it. The program is tailored to each age and year level, with content becoming more detailed as children grow. Through games, stories, group activities and guided discussion, children explore ten key learning objectives designed to build body safety knowledge, confidence and help-seeking skills. The sessions will commence from Monday 12 October 2026.
R U OK Day 2026
R U OK? Day is today – Thursday 10 September 2026. This year’s theme is, ‘Ask R U OK? Any Day’.
The theme emphasises that every day is the right day to check in with people around you.
By starting this conversation, you can change a life. If the person says they are not okay, you can follow conversation steps to:
show them they’re supported
help them find strategies to better manage the load.
If they are okay, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask.
This article outlines ways to get involved in R U OK? Day, as well as wellbeing supports for school leaders and wellbeing supports for you to share with school staff.
Photography / Filming and Recording at Carlton North Primary School
I am writing to the community regarding the CNPS policy pertaining to photographing, filming and recording of students.
The policy stipulates the following:
Carlton North Primary School permits parents/carers, students and invited guests to photograph, film or record school performances, sporting events and other school-approved activities. Carlton North Primary School requests that parents/carers, students and invited guests who photograph, film or record school activities only do so for their own personal use and do not publish the images in any form, including on social media, without the prior consent of persons whose children also appear in the images. Neither the school nor the department own or control any images of students taken by parents/carers, students or their invited guests at school activities.
Community members are reminded they are not permitted to take photos or film/record students on-site, outside the approved activities.
I thank the community for your support in implementing this important policy which reflects CNPS focus on Child Safe Standards. For more information regarding the photographing, filming and recording of students policy, please visit the school website.
Newsletter Update
If you are reading this edition of the CNPS newsletter, no doubt you are doing so via Compass. CNPS have made the decision to move our newsletters from the school website. Current families will be able to view editions of the newsletter via Compass. We invite other community members who enjoy reading the newsletter to contact the school to be added to a verified distribution list.
SunSmart - Hats/Sunscreen
As we enter spring, it is important that students have a hat to wear during recess and lunch. If you would like to purchase a hat, please contact the office. We also ask that families ensure students apply sunscreen at home before attending school. We do have some sunscreen supplies at school should students need to reapply during the day.
Leaving CNPS? Moving House? Moving Overseas? Visa Expiring?
If you have any intention to unfortunately leave CNPS in the next 5 months, please let the school office know. Your decision doesn't need to be definite but giving us a heads up is very helpful. This information is vital for the school to budget and plan for staffing in 2027. If you suspect you may be moving house, travelling overseas or you know your visa is expiring, please inform the school via email: carlton.north.ps@education.vic.gov.au at your earliest convenience.
School – Home Partnership
The hallmark of a strong school-home partnership is open and respectful dialogue, that embodies the school values. Please feel free to reach out to Erin, Jane or I should you have any questions or queries.
Warm Regards
Matthew Ferguson
Principal