Week 7&8 Term 2 2025

Dear CNPS Families,

As we close out Week 8 of Term 2, I have been looking back at what has already been a busy term. From Semester 1 assessment and reporting (including pending parent/carer–teacher interviews), teacher professional learning in phonics education, excursions, incursions, CNPS, district and divisional cross country and the beginning of our building journey, Term 2 is shaping up as a big term in the life of Carlton North Primary School. When there is a lot happening and change is occurring quickly, it is possible some students can become overwhelmed by what is happening to their school. Over the remaining weeks of the term, students will be discussing the building project, including viewing a social story, to support the transition into Semester 2. Can I please acknowledge the students of CNPS for your thoughtful approach to embracing the current works that are taking place at school.

TeamKids Winter Vacation Program

Last week I met with Alex Guthrie, our TeamKids partnership manager, to discuss the pending winter vacation program. During our discussions it was decided that due to two building programs (maintenance and capital works) being on-site during the mid-year holiday break, TeamKids CNPS winter vacation program will not operate in July 2025.

I have been advised that CNPS families will be able to access TeamKids winter vacation programs at the following locations:

Princes Hill Primary School
Brunswick South Primary School
Clifton Hill Primary School
Flemington Primary School

CNPS and TeamKids apologise for the inconvenience, and we anticipate the vacation program returning in Spring.

Learning

Mid-Year Parent/Carer Teacher Interviews

From today (Thursday 12 June 2025), parents/carers will be able to log into Compass and book a parent/carer mid-year interview with classroom teachers. The interviews will be held in Week 10: Monday 23 June – Friday 27 June 2025.

Government Schools Principal Conference

On Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 June 2025 Jane, Erin and I attended the government schools’ Principal Conference for 2025. This two-day event brought Principal class officers together from across the state to immerse themselves in professional dialogue related to system reforms and a progressive education agenda moving into the next quarter of the century.

The conference keynotes and workshops explored the following:

Teaching and learning (including implementation of the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0)
Student wellbeing and engagement
Cultural inclusion
School leadership
Engaging and working with community

It was a great opportunity to come together with colleagues to explore these topics and hear from schools from across the state about the evidence informed practices they are implementing in their settings.

Framework for Improving Student Outcomes - FISO

FISO 2.0 is the Department of Education’s policy that outlines the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes and refers to the continuous improvement framework for all Victorian government schools. FISO 2.0 comprises of:

1. the outcomes of learning and wellbeing

2. the 5 core elements of leadership, teaching and learning, assessment, engagement, and support and resources, underpinned by 10 dimensions that indicate priority areas of practice to improve students’ learning and wellbeing. By understanding the learning and wellbeing needs of students with reference to the five core elements, schools can better identify what is working and what practices need to change and be improved. Schools use FISO 2.0 to inform development of their School Strategic Plans and Annual Implementation Plans. Our next school review (which will capture the next school strategic plan) is scheduled to take place in 2026.

Special Smoking/Cleansing Ceremony

Next Tuesday 17 June 2025 at 9.15am CNPS students, staff and community (all are welcome) will participate in a special smoking/cleansing ceremony conducted by local elders to farewell the karawun and marnerlong buildings as we currently know them. The theme is ‘seeing out the old’ as we close parts of the school buildings. In recent months we have been on a learning journey, understanding that smoking ceremonies also have a strong place in cleansing in times of change. The ceremony will take place in our normal assembly location.

Refugee Week

Refugee Week is an annual celebration to recognise and showcase the contributions of refugees in enriching our communities and culture. The week runs from 15-21 June 2025. This year’s theme is ‘Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community’. Diverse communities bring people together, showing that our differences make us stronger, more united, and capable of facing challenges. We encourage you to celebrate our inclusive school, as we continue to provide a welcoming, safe and empowering environment for members of the CNPS community.

Foundation Enrolments

If you have a child starting Foundation in 2026, please complete and return their enrolment form to the office as soon as possible. This will support the school to know how many sibling-based enrolments we have entering CNPS next year. If you have any questions regarding enrolment, please contact Gaby or a member of the office team.

Roof Maintenance UPDATE

The roof maintenance works continue in earnest. This week has seen the finalisation of gutter replacement across the two buildings, and today (Thursday 12 June 2025) has seen roof replacement commenced on the outer building above the art room entrance, office and senior toilet block. Thank you to the community for your support and flexibility during these works.

UPDATE On-Street Parking

There have continued to be complaints about vehicles parking illegally on Lee Street and O’Grady Street during peak times. Tomorrow (Friday 12 June 2025) I will be meeting with Yarra City Council to discuss these concerns. Parents/carers are encouraged to park their vehicles legally, observing council regulations. CNPS does not enforce parking restrictions around the school, however, we do continue to engage with council regarding improvements to pedestrian safety.

REMINDER Dogs in Buildings

It has been evident since I arrived at CNPS that many in our community have a deep passion for our canine friends. At CNPS dogs are allowed on school grounds (outdoors) when on a leash and supervised by their owners. During Term 1, there was an increase of parents/carers or other visitors taking dogs into school buildings. I would like to remind the community that dogs (other than fully certified therapy dogs) are not allowed in buildings. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact the office.

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

Foundation Inquiry