Message from the Principal 

Week 5&6 Term 4 2025 

Dear CNPS Families,

I again wanted to remark on what a wonderful inclusive community CNPS is. Often as I wander the school grounds (or across at Curtain Square) during recess and lunch, I see students from different year levels interacting with one another. It always impresses me (as it has since my very first day at CNPS) to see the students of Carlton North embracing and accepting one another. Can I thank the students of CNPS for upholding and demonstrating our school value of inclusion.

Capital Works Project 

Over the last two weeks CNPS has seen many new trades on-site as the internal works in the administration/staff facilities and new library take shape. CNPS attend regular meetings with the VSBA, architects and FIMMA to review current project timelines and plan for the eventual hand back of upgraded facilities to the school. At this stage the project team is advising that CNPS can look to take possession of the new library by the end of the 2025 school year and the administration/staff facilities in late January 2026. 

TeamKids Summer Vacation Care 2026

On Wednesday (29 October 2025), I met with Alex Guthrie of TeamKids partnerships to discuss the summer vacation program. I advised Alex that CNPS has been informed that during the January school holidays external ground works will be occurring across the school. TeamKids with CNPS have decided in the interest of student safety to again not operate a vacation program at Carlton North Primary School. CNPS and TeamKids apologise for any inconvenience. If you have any questions, please contact TeamKids or the CNPS office. 

CNPS families will be able to access TeamKids summer vacation programs at the following locations: 

Princes Hill Primary School

Brunswick South Primary School

Clifton Hill Primary School

Flemington Primary School 

Jordan from TeamKids at CNPS will be stationed at Brunswick South Primary School across the summer. 

Remembrance Service 

On Tuesday 11 November 2025, all staff and students at CNPS came together for a special remembrance service. This important day allows staff and students to remember those who have served, died or suffered in all wars and peacekeeping operations. The assembly was led by our student leaders and Jesse. Thank you to all students for your attention during this important assembly. 

Pay It Forward (Community Engagement) Fund 

The Carlton North Primary School community is incredibly generous with its time and financial support of the school and local community. Each year when the voluntary parent/carer payment contributions are sought, families have an opportunity to contribute to a school based Pay It Forward (Community Engagement) Fund. The fund has been running for several years. This year the School Council requested the Education sub-committee to create a local policy that ensures strong governance and equal access to the fund for those community members who may be experiencing financial hardship. Please see attached to this message the endorsed local Pay It Forward (Community Engagement) Fund policy.  Can I please acknowledge the hard working Education sub-committee for their work on this important policy. If you have any questions pertaining to the new policy, please contact the office. 

2026 Foundation Transition 

Last week the 2026 Foundation cohort attended CNPS for the first in their three-part transition program. These special days allow our youngest incoming students to meet their new peers, have a look at the amazing Foundation classrooms and get to know CNPS staff. Congratulations to all the 2026 Foundation students and their families for coming into CNPS and embracing the exciting adventure ahead. Next Thursday 20 November 2025, both transition groups will come together for their final session and parents/carers will be on-site for an information forum about all things Foundation and Carlton North Primary School. 

School Planning 2026 (Further Reminder) 

A further reminder to the community that CNPS is immersed in planning for 2026. If any families of students in Foundation – Year 5 are planning to exit the school at the end of the year, please contact the office. This important information will support the school in planning for student and teacher placement in 2026.

Foundation – Year 4 Swimming Program 

We are pleased to announce that the Swimming in Schools Program is back for Foundation to Year 4 students. It will again be held at Carlton Baths, beginning 24 November 2025. The program will run for 2 weeks and be held every day, except for Fridays (8 sessions in total). The Swimming in Schools Program is designed to increase opportunities for students to learn how to swim and develop lifelong skills in swimming and water safety to reduce their risk of drowning and injury. Please visit Compass Events for more information. 

Thank You – Voluntary Contributions 

The families of Carlton North Primary School are amazing. School Councillors would like to acknowledge the generosity of CNPS families when making voluntary contributions for the 2025 school year. These funds support the learning and wellbeing programs that operate throughout the year. Thank you to all the families who have made voluntary contributions in 2025. Please look out for information regarding voluntary financial contributions for 2026.  

Year 5/6 Summer Gala Day

Last Thursday 6 November 2025 students in Year 5 and 6 participated in the summer gala day. This was an exciting opportunity for students to participate in different sports, representing themselves and Carlton North Primary School. Congratulations to the Year 5 and 6 cohorts for your efforts and displaying the CNPS values throughout the event. These sporting events cannot occur without the hard working team in the background. Thank you to Chris, Year 5/6 teachers, Gaby, parent volunteers and the wider CNPS team for all your efforts.  

Hats/Sunscreen 

As we are now into Term 4 and the sun is beginning to shine, 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. 

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 Jane, Erin, Trish or I should you have any questions or queries. 

Warm Regards 

Matthew Ferguson

Principal