Message from the Principal
Week 3&4 Term 2 2025
Dear CNPS Families,
I trust many in our community have been enjoying the unseasonably warm and sunny days of late. Over the past month we have begun the important pre-work of decanting the CNPS karawun building in readiness for the modernisation and building upgrade. I wanted to talk about the importance of managing our wellbeing in times of change. Having co-led a large building project at my former school, I know the importance of clear communication about building projects and being proactive to support one another during times of change. There is no doubt as a community we are all passionate about the amazing buildings at CNPS. Many in our community will have fond memories of the buildings as they stand today and may be impacted by the upcoming building works. I encourage an open dialogue about the changes that lie ahead. I believe our beautiful buildings are ready for their next lease on life and embracing the 21st century of Education for the children of Carlton North.
Roof Maintenance
CNPS has been advised that Landbuild Pty Ltd have been appointed by the Victorian School Building Authority to complete the roof maintenance project. From Wednesday 14 May 2025, you would have seen Landbuild group (VSBA appointed contractor) moving on-site at CNPS to commence the much anticipated roof maintenance project. The first part of the project will see mobile worksites moving around the karawun (main) building. This part of the project includes some roof replacement and cleaning of existing roof structures. The second aspect of the project will take place in the mid-year holidays. This will see full scaffolding set up around the marnerlong building. The set up of scaffolding will take place in the final week of Term 2. At all times student, staff and community safety is our priority. If you have any questions about the roof maintenance project, please contact the office.
Modernisation and Building Upgrade Project
The tender process is close to finalisation. CNPS expects the VSBA to advise the awarding of the project shortly. The new portable has been successfully installed on-site. Power, security and IT connections have been established. CNPS has now taken possession of the building. We are in the midst of organising TVs to be placed in the portable classrooms. CNPS has commenced the decanting process. The shipping container will be taken off-site (at no cost to CNPS) and the fete resources stored at a new location.
Annual Report to School Community
On Wednesday 7 May 2025 the annual report to the school community was presented. Alongside the School Improvement Team, a group of parents (including school councillors) were in attendance.
Professional Learning
DAYS Principal Conference
During Week 3, I attended the Darebin and Yarra Schools (DAYS) network conference. Unfortunately, Jane and Erin were unavailable to attend this year. The conference focus was on school leadership, development and transformation. One of the keynote speakers was Bruce Armstrong, who established the Bastow institute of Educational leadership, now known as the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Learning. Another highlight at the conference was Dr Matt Sexton, who leads the mathematics teaching and learning centre. Matt led the conference in detailed and practical ways schools can continue to embed research informed approaches to improving mathematics outcomes. Finally, on Friday the conference shifted its focus to adult mental health and wellbeing and how educators can find new ways to care for themselves and their students through the power of play.
How We Use Fundraising
As I have discussed since I arrived at CNPS, this community is incredibly generous. Carlton North Primary School sees fundraising as an important aspect for growth and success as a small inner-city primary school. In 2024, fundraising (particularly the fete) funds were used to support the school focus of smaller class sizes, limited class splitting, purchase of new resources and to support Time in Lieu for staff as part of the camp program. Moving into 2025, the school is working diligently to manage the school budget, and therefore direct fundraising revenue into upgrading the school playground, investment in classroom infrastructure (furniture) and still maintain manageable class sizes, minimal splitting of classes and other operational costs. The school's focus moving forward is to utilise fundraising revenue to benefit all in our community and make lasting impacts for students.
Election Day
What another great day of community action. On Saturday 3 May 2025, it was wonderful to yet again see ‘team CNPS’ come together to raise funds for our school. Can I please thank all parents/carers who volunteered their time to purchase goods, bake, serve customers, cook the sausages and other hot food items and of course set up and pack up. I would particularly like to thank Kylie Lee for her role as key organiser for the cake stall and sausage sizzle. I am pleased to share with the community that we raised $6,139.00 in profit.
Digital Parents – Safety and Balance Workshop
On Monday 28 April 2025, CNPS families were invited to an important parent/carer workshop with Evolve Education. CNPS has been working with Evolve for several years and offered this digital parenting workshop to families. Please see a quote below from Michelle about her experience from the workshop.
"I attended last week's digital safety webinar as a refresher, having first joined one when my eldest was in Grade 1 and COVID had suddenly thrown all our kids online. Now run by a new team, I found the balance of real-world insights and practical, research-backed strategies incredibly helpful. The session left me not only better informed but also inspired to make immediate changes at home. I’ve already adjusted some of my own habits and look forward to sitting down as a family to co-create our digital agreements. Thanks so much for arranging this, Jane." - Michelle Barnett
CNPS looks forward to continuing to offer these workshops to the community around digital safety and balance in the future.
CNPS Temporary Library Closure
As of the end of Week 5 (next week), the library at CNPS will close for the remainder of the term. This will allow Kim and the team to pack up the library in readiness to move into the temporary library that will be set up for Semester 2. We ask students who have borrowed books to begin returning these items to Kim in the library over the coming week.
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.
REMINDER On-Street Parking
There have been some complaints about vehicles parking illegally on Lee Street and O’Grady Street during peak times. 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