From the  Principal 

EXCITING MAINTENANCE UPDATES FOR OUR SCHOOL

I am thrilled to share some fantastic news regarding upcoming improvements to our school. After extensive collaboration with the Victorian School’s Building Authority (VSBA), we've made significant progress in addressing key maintenance needs to enhance our school's environment.

WHAT'S COMING UP?

Forefront Architecture was appointed to scope out the necessary works, and I’m delighted to announce that the plans have been approved and are ready to be sent to tender. Here’s a breakdown of the exciting upgrades we can expect:

Window Replacements: We will be replacing 386 windows with new aluminium single glazed windows and awnings. This will not only improve the aesthetic appeal but also enhance energy efficiency.

New Motorised Awnings: The exterior of our school will benefit from new, motorised awnings, providing better shade and protection.

Joinery Upgrades: The old joinery on level 2 will be replaced with new, modern joinery, ensuring a more functional and visually appealing space.

In addition to these major improvements, there will also be important maintenance work on the east side of the building. This includes:

Window Maintenance: Windows on the east side will be ‘puttied’ and painted to ensure they remain in top condition.

We will commit school funds to further enhance the external facade, including painting and rendering.

I will keep you updated on this project’s  progress as information is received.

WE ARE SO EXCITED THAT OUR OLD SCHOOL WILL BE NEW AGAIN!

What’s Else?

Added to this I have been liaising with painters, builders and landscapers to realise our school’s vision. The planned works for our school  are important to elevate our school into a more functional, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all. One of the key enhancements involves the refurbishment of the front garden, a necessary step to address current safety concerns by removing the existing front fence. With this barrier removed, our entrance will be transformed into an inviting gateway, complemented by new exposed aggregate pathways. As part of this renovation, we plan to install garden beds, topsoil, turf, and mulch, creating an inviting space that sets the stage for future landscaping initiatives. While the specific plant selections will be determined later, the revitalised front garden will undoubtedly enhance the aesthetic appeal of our school grounds and provide a serene outdoor retreat that shouts, ‘Welcome’.

In addition to the front garden renovation, we are embarking on foundation work on the eastern side of building 2, which promises to unlock new possibilities for our school community. This undertaking includes the construction of a new concrete pad to accommodate a maintenance/storage shed, essential for storing equipment and supplies. Adjacent to this, synthetic turf will be installed to serve as the foundation for a sensory garden—a thoughtful addition that caters to students' diverse needs and sensory experiences. Simultaneously, compacted gravel will be laid to create a shared outdoor space for staff, fostering collaboration and relaxation.

Furthermore, the existing bike shed will undergo a transformation, repurposed into a shared barbecue facility with the addition of a new concrete pad. Plans are underway to relocate the existing bike shed to the rear of the current Grade 3 double portables, potentially by 2025, complete with a new shelter to protect the bikes. (Parents and Friends Association) 

Moreover, as part of our efforts to enhance security and define our school boundaries, new fencing has been installed along the boundary fence between 4 Graceburn Avenue and our school premises. These newly refurbished areas will serve as the foundation for future additions to our school's vision, ensuring an inclusive play space that caters to the needs of all students, particularly those facing challenges associated with self-regulation and socialisation.

Lastly, we will pour concrete to address areas where grass struggles to grow in front of the Prep building, creating a more durable and accessible space for outdoor activities.

Additionally, as part of our school’s maintenance schedule, we will be revisiting our school’s painting schedule that will see a ‘face lift’ for Buildings 1 and 2 (old buildings) - Stage 1, with completion of stage 2 planned for 2025. Further to this, the emergency exit stairs on the exterior of Building 2 are currently under repair and will be repainted.

All of these works will be scheduled and I will share details when I receive Work Orders.

The landscaping and painting works will mainly be undertaken during the school holidays.

We can’t wait to see the finished product.

EDUCATION WEEK

Education Week is an annual celebration.

This year, Victoria celebrated from Monday 13 May to Friday 17 May. 

This year’s theme, Spotlight on STEM, highlights the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in our everyday lives, in the classroom and beyond.

EVENTS TO CELEBRATE

Open Morning

I would personally like to ‘shout out’ the amazing efforts of Amanda Miller, our school’s Numeracy Leader / Assistant Principal in leading the open morning: “Putting the M in STEM”. She worked behind the scenes and with the students to plan and prepare, purchase and distribute, all materials and supplies to the teachers and students.

Feedback about the morning was really positive. Our community love being able to visit and share with their children in the learning spaces. I witnessed first hand families engaging with their children, sharing ideas and experimenting with designs.

Maths Day

What a fabulous opportunity it was for our students to work in multi-age groups to experience a range of learning. Once again, Amanda Miller worked industriously behind the scenes with our school’s  maths leaders to ensure the success of the day. Much gratitude to our fabulous Numeracy Leader!

Student Reports and Three Way Conferences

All our teachers have commenced working diligently, finalising assessments and moderating student work to produce individual student reports. Ongoing formal and informal assessment of students is an integral part of our teaching and learning.  All areas of the school have a very strong team focus with children often working with their homeroom teacher but also working with other teachers and Education Support Officers. 

Student Led Conferences are scheduled for Term 3, Wednesday 17th July. A reminder that semester reports will be available to download from Compass on Wednesday 26th June.

LOST PROPERTY

We have an “oversupply” of lost property and it continues to grow daily. Please check the lost property tub if you are missing any items. Please ensure that all children's belongings are clearly labelled with their name (not just initials) and grade. Sometimes items are not returned to their rightful owner because they are not labelled correctly or clearly. If your child is using a hand me down item from a student no longer at CPS, please remove that name and add the current name. If you find named belongings in your child's possession, could you please return them to the school office?

EVERY DAY COUNTS

A good education gives a child the best possible start in life. At Carnegie PS, we want all students to attend school on a regular basis to make the most of the learning and well being opportunities. To achieve this, it is important that each child attends school regularly and punctually. When a child does not attend school regularly and on time, they may have difficulty keeping up with their learning and social interactions. Regular attendance is vital for students to make connections with each other and with their teachers. 

Carnegie PS recognises that parents/ carers have a vital role to play in supporting and encouraging good attendance and punctuality. We work together to ensure the children’s right to a rich, effective education. 

It is very important for all students to attend school every day and to arrive on time. To have the best possible beginning to the school day we have a soft start, which works as follows:

• The gates open at 8.45am each morning and parents/carers are welcome to bring their children into the playground from this time.
• All children in the playground make their way to their classrooms independently from 8.55am when the music begins.
• Staff members open the doors at 8:55am to welcome the children and start them getting ready for the day.
• Lessons start promptly after roll call at 9.00am.
• Please note that any child arriving after 9.00am, must enter via the school office and be marked late on the Compass terminal.

Attendance is a significant factor in influencing your child’s academic and social outcomes. In 2023, 28% of CPS students were absent for 20 or more days across the school year. Whilst this is a reduction from 38% missing 20 or more days in 2022,  a child with a rate of more than 20 days per year could miss over 2.5 years of schooling between prep and year 10.   

We strongly encourage you to keep your child home if they are unwell and understand that sometimes there are other reasons your child misses school. We ask you to consider the cumulative impact of unnecessary time off. Our goal is to work in partnership with our families to have all Carnegie students at school each day.

Please contact either Liz Harley or Karen Bentata-Grimm if you have any concerns regarding your child’s attendance or punctuality.

Karen Roberts

 I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this is being read and pay my respects to elders past present and emerging. I wish to acknowledge our First Nations people and pay respects to them. I note further that these lands were never ceded and are, and always will be, Aboriginal Lands.