Week 3 & 4 Term 2 2026

Dear CNPS Families

As I write to you again this fortnight, the new administration facilities are bathed in sunlight (something that was absent for our office team in the old configuration). As we move into the final months of the capital works project, I wanted to share with the community that we look forward to reestablishing the passive play spaces and lunchtime clubs. It has been evident just how important it is to have a diverse set of options for students to engage in during break time. We look forward to relaunching our recess and lunch break options at the start of Semester 2.

Education Support Persons Day 2026

On Saturday 16 May 2026 is Education Support Persons Day. CNPS will be celebrating and acknowledging our amazing ES team on Friday (tomorrow). Schools simply could not function without dedicated Education Support staff. ES workers are devoted to students learning and wellbeing and go above and beyond in pursuit of ensuring students succeed. On behalf of the entire CNPS community, I want to thank Trish, Gaby, Janai, Amanda, Deb, Cassie, Nicole, Sarah and Kim for your tireless work. We are grateful that you work at CNPS!

Capital Works Update

CNPS has been advised that FIMMA (building contractor) and the Victorian School Building Authority are liaising with Heritage Victoria regarding the grounds upgrade in the South/West corner of the school. The conversations are in relation to the new soccer pitch and the current vegetation along the laneway, including the trees. The VSBA will be updating the school and community about next steps in the coming weeks.

IDAHOBIT

On Sunday 17 May 2026 it will be International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination. May 17 marks the date in 1990 that homosexuality was removed from the WHO classification of Diseases. Over three decades later, LGBTQIA+ communities sadly still face discrimination. As Principal of Carlton North Primary School, I continue to be proud of the way our community includes all. Not only do we accept people for who they are, but we celebrate diversity and inclusion. Flying the pride flag at our school is an important symbol and statement to the LGBTQIA+ community that they are heard, appreciated and belong.

Celebrating Families

In 2026 CNPS is celebrating our amazing diverse families. Once 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. Thank you to those families who attended Foundation on Friday 8 May to participate in fun activities and celebrate connecting school and home.

Attendance

In recent days I have had teachers talk with me about late arrivals to school. Regular on time attendance at school is essential to support the learning and wellbeing of students. 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 – Wednesday 20 May 2026

As our fortnightly newsletter goes live, CNPS has not been provided an update regarding the Australian Education Union (AEU) planned half day stop work action, scheduled for Wednesday 20 May 2026. As soon as CNPS has more information, we will send a direct notification to all families via Compass.

Hats

As of Week 3 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

Beyond the Gates