Week 7&8 Term 1 2026

Dear CNPS Families

As we enter the mid-way point of March, I wanted to reflect on what a busy first 8 weeks it has been in the 2026 school year. I would particularly like to acknowledge and celebrate the amazing Foundation students who have settled into CNPS with connection and embrace of their new school. Can I also acknowledge all new students in Year 1-6 and their families for how well you have settled into CNPS. It is a pleasure to welcome you into the community. As we approach Week 9, we also approach the CNPS Great Lee Street ‘Mini’ fete for 2026. I want to again thank the community for your generosity and spirit in the lead up to the event. I would particularly like to acknowledge Clare London who not only chairs the fete committee but also sits on school council and chairs the finance sub-committee. The CNPS team are looking forward to the fete and I look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday 29 March 2026 from 11am – 3pm.

Important Information – Update on Planned Industrial Action – Tuesday 24 March 2026

Regarding planned industrial action by members of the Australian Education Union (AEU) on Tuesday 24 March 2026, it is my understanding (although final confirmation will be communicated on Friday), that a significant number of CNPS staff will be participating in the planned industrial action. This will place significant constraints on school operations. Please look out for further communication on Friday 20 March 2026 regarding Tuesday 24 March 2026.

CNPS School Value – Respect

Giving and receiving respect from others is important because it helps us to feel safe and express ourselves. Being respected by other people in our lives, teaches us how to respect. Respect means that you accept somebody for who they are, even when they might be different from you. Respect in your relationship builds feelings of trust, safety and wellbeing.

Staff at Carlton North Primary School, including teachers, education support staff, office staff, the Assistant Principals and Principal are committed to providing a positive and supportive learning and wellbeing environment for all our students. Staff take their work very seriously and feel privileged to be able to play an important role in each child’s education.

All staff at Carlton North Primary School have a right to a safe and supportive work environment, and we expect that parents/carers and visitors behave in an appropriate and respectful manner at all times.

Professional Learning

Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0

Over the last two weeks teachers have engaged in professional learning sessions further dissecting the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 (VTLM 2.0). These sessions have been led by our Acting Learning Specialist Grace Hicks and Assistant Principal Erin Brown. The sessions have explored how teachers deliver their explicit teaching and ways students respond and express their knowledge and understanding. Can I again acknowledge the amazing CNPS teaching team for their enthusiasm and professionalism as we enhance and deliver the VTLM 2.0.

Soft Start for Foundation – Year 2 – Term 2 2026

At the start of Term 2, CNPS will be trialling a soft start for our Foundation – Year 2 students each school day. This will involve teaching teams being in classrooms from 8.55am and students in F-2 being invited to come into the classroom early to settle and set up for a positive day of learning. Please look out for more information about the soft start from teaching teams at the start of Term 2.

Fundraising Focus in 2026

Carlton North Primary School sees fundraising as an important aspect for growth and success as a small inner-city primary school. In 2026 fundraising revenue will be focussed on upgrading the school playground, investment in classroom infrastructure (furniture), maintaining manageable class sizes and supporting minimal splitting of classes. The school’s focus is on utilising fundraising revenue to benefit all in our community and make lasting impacts for students.

Support and celebrate neurodiversity

Neurodiversity Celebration Week, from Monday 16 March to Friday 20 March 2026, and Autism Acceptance Month in April are chances to celebrate and support diverse learners.

About neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is an inclusive term that recognises natural differences in how we all think, process information and communicate. Most children’s brains develop in ways that are seen as typical for their age and stage.

About one in 5 children has variations in their brain development. These variations include those seen in autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and dyscalculia. These children can be described as ‘diverse’ learners.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that celebrates the strengths and talents of people who think and learn differently. It reminds us of the importance of being kind, accepting and inclusive of everyone.

Autism Acceptance Month

Autism Acceptance Month in April is a chance to celebrate, support and include autistic students. It is an offshoot of the United Nation’s sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day, which is marked on Thursday 2 April 2026.

Cultural Diversity Week

Each year in March, Cultural Diversity Week brings together Victorians of all ages, cultural backgrounds and experiences to celebrate our state’s diverse multicultural communities.

This year, Cultural Diversity Week will run from Monday 23 March to Sunday 29 March 2026.

The theme this year is Culture Connects us all which highlights how sharig intercultural stories and experiences fosters understanding, belonging and connection.

Eid al-Fiter

Eid al-Fiter is a special time for members of our community. Eid al-Fiter is also known as ‘festival of breaking the fast’ and is a significant celebration in Islam. We hope all our students and families enjoy this special time from Friday 20 March – Saturday 21 March 2026.

Food Sharing

At Carlton North Primary School, food is not to be shared/swapped between children, however, we understand throughout the year there are occasions where sharing of food between students does happen, for example:

- Class Parties- Cultural Days- Sports Days- Fundraising Days- Class Rewards or Maths lessons- End of Year Celebration- Easter Eggs - Forgotten Lunch - Students provided rice cakes by school

If you are planning on sending food to school for one of the above reasons, please ensure you supply an ingredients list. This will support staff managing students with food allergies. Parents of students who have food allergies are encouraged to speak with classroom teachers about supplying alternate ‘special’ foods during celebrations.

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 as the term progresses.

Warm Regards

Matthew Ferguson

Principal

Carlton Community History Group