Message from the Principal 

Week 1&2 Term 2 2026

 Dear CNPS Families 

Welcome back to Carlton North Primary School for Term 2 2026. We hope all members of the community managed some downtime across the recent holiday period. On Friday 24 April 2026 at our Friday assembly, students across CNPS commemorated ANZAC day. Students heard statements about what ANZAC day symbolises to our nation. The Ode was read and a minute silence observed. Thank you to our student leaders for leading the special commemoration. This term promises to be another busy one, alongside the school review which will occur in late May. On behalf of the entire CNPS team, I wish every student a successful term of learning and wellbeing.  

Capital Works Update 

We are getting there! You may have heard me use these words at our most recent assembly. The school is really starting to take shape. FIMMA have now moved exclusively to the west end of the school and are working on finalising the new hall, upgraded classrooms and outdoor facilities (including the entrance on Lee Street). CNPS has been advised that once the power connection is completed to the hall, we can begin to transition our many items that require storage into their new homes. We are feeling more confident that from the start of Semester 2 (Term 3) we should be mostly operating in our new normal. 

Celebrating Families 

In 2026 CNPS is celebrating our amazing diverse families. First in May, which coincides with ‘National Families Week 2026’ and again in September. After community consultation in 2025, the school via the School Improvement Team, decided to broaden our focus on celebrating ‘families’ during the traditional Mother’s/Special Persons Day and Father’s/Special Persons Day. The classroom led celebrations aim to acknowledge all the different and wonderful family combinations we are so lucky to have at CNPS. 

Foundation – Year 2 – Soft Start Trial / Accessing Classrooms in the Morning 

From Day 1 of Term 2 2026, CNPS has introduced a soft start trial for our students from Foundation – Year 2. The trial is designed to monitor whether a decrease in congestion on the deck outside the marnerlong building and around the Year 2 classrooms, supports our youngest students with a smoother transition into class each morning.  The soft start will see F-2 classrooms open from 8.55am with members of the teaching team present to commence supervision. We also hope the soft start supports all students to be in the classroom and ready to commence the day of learning promptly at 9am. A reminder to students and parents/carers that access to the buildings/classrooms begins at 8.55am (F-2) and 9am for Year 3-6 students. This expectation is in place as supervision begins at the times outlined above. There is no change to the external on-site supervision which commences at 8.45am each day.

Attendance

 Regular attendance at school is essential to support the learning, wellbeing and safety of children and young people. CNPS works hard to support student attendance. Recording accurate attendance of students on a daily basis is essential. A reminder to the community that school starts promptly each day at 9am. Supervision of students on-site at CNPS commences at 8.45am each school day.

Planned AEU Industrial Action

We wanted to advise the CNPS community the Australian Education Union (AEU) have informed the Department of Education that members of the AEU will be implementing a series of work bans as a result of stalled negotiations regarding the enterprise bargaining agreement. The current bans include a planned half day stop work action, currently scheduled for Wednesday 20 May 2026. Please look out for more information about the planned stop work in the coming weeks.  

Annual Report to School Community 

On Wednesday 29 April 2026 the CNPS community were invited to a special School Improvement Team meeting, so I could present the annual report to the school community. Thank you to those parents/carers and staff members who were in attendance.

2026 Student Free Days REMINDER 

Remaining student free days for 2025:

Term 2    •    Friday 5 June 2026  

Term 4    •    Monday 5 October 2026 (Professional Practice Day)

                  •    Monday 2 November 2026 (Assessment and Reporting)

Stay Well This Winter 

There is an increased risk of respiratory illness during the winter months.

 How to reduce the spread of respiratory illness

•    wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly before and after touching your face

•    cough or sneeze into your elbow

•    stay home if unwell and consult your GP or Nurse-on-Call as needed

•    stay up to date with your influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations.

Flu and RSV vaccinationsThe flu can be serious, especially for children. Everyone aged 6 months and older should get the annual flu vaccine. RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalisation in Australia. Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect newborns by passing on antibodies. This reduces the risk of severe RSV illness in infants aged under 6 months by about 70%.  The vaccine can safely be given at the same time as other vaccines recommended in pregnancy. These include flu, whooping cough, and COVID-19 vaccines. School community members can speak with their usual healthcare provider to see if this is right for them.

Hats 

As of Week 3 (next week) students are not required to wear hats outdoors. 

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, Maddi Trish or I should you have any questions or queries. 

Warm Regards 

Matthew Ferguson

Principal