From the Principal ...

Dear students, families and staff of Cheltenham Primary School,

Welcome back to Term 4!

I hope everyone enjoyed a well-deserved break and found some time to rest and recharge. As we begin the final term of the 2025 academic year, there is a sense of energy and purpose across our school. Term 4 is always a special one – a time to celebrate achievements, reflect on progress, and finish the year on a high. I’m looking forward to all that lies ahead, from our upcoming events such as the whole school production (When I Grow Up) and celebrating the Graduation of our Year 6 students to the continued learning and growth of every student. Let's make this final term a memorable and rewarding one for our whole school community!

Foundation 2026

The transition program for our incoming 2026 Foundation students will commence next week with Meet and Greet interviews.  If you have a scheduling conflict and are unable to attend on the advertised dates please contact Ilana Arntheim, Transition Coordinator, or our office, who will be only too happy to arrange another time.  Thank you to Ilana and Meg Nicholas who will be conducting these interviews. 

Thunderstorm Asthma

Please be aware in Victoria from October to December there is an increased risk of seasonal asthma, hay fever and thunderstorm asthma with the higher grass pollen levels. 

Thunderstorm asthma is triggered by a combination of increased grass pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm. Under these conditions, people with a history of asthma, or whose asthma or hay fever is poorly treated, are at higher risk of a sudden and serious asthma attack.

Thunderstorm asthma can occur even in people who have never had asthma before. If anyone has wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness, apply asthma first aid and get emergency help.

The best way to reduce and prevent symptoms of asthma or hay fever and reduce absences from school is to follow an up-to-date asthma action plan or hay fever treatment plan, provided by a GP or specialist.

Managing Risk

All our staff are trained in asthma management. If a thunderstorm is forecast or occurs this October to December:

• the school will avoid having anyone outside, especially during wind gusts that arrive before the storm
• all doors and windows will be closed
• air conditioners will be set to recirculate air, and not to bring air in from outside.

At all other times, we will endeavour to ventilate rooms with fresh air as much as possible.

Curriculum Overviews for Term 4

In today's newsletter all teaching teams have provided you with a Term 4  Curriculum Overview and Learning Reflection for Term 3. These Curriculum Overviews provide an opportunity for families to understand how the challenge extends as children progress from Foundation to Year 6. Our next newsletter will have the specialist overviews.

Reminder: Term 4 Pupil Free Days

Our final Curriculum day for the year is Monday  6 November, the day before the Melbourne Cup Public holiday.  The final pupil free day for the year is Friday 24 November, which is a designated all of staff Professional Practice day. Camp Australia will be offering a special day program on this date for families to subscribe.  

All forthcoming dates for this term: Carols, Year 6 Graduation are in the Calendar dates in the newsletter and have been loaded into the Compass Calendar for your review.

Intention to Leave

As we are in the process of confirming our enrolment, class structures and staffing for next year, we kindly request that any families who are planning to leave our school community in 2025—whether due to relocation or other reasons—please notify us as soon as possible by emailing the office at cheltenham.ps@education.vic.gov.au if you have not already done so.

Finally, we are very fortunate to have the expansive and natural school grounds we enjoy which is showcased at its best in Spring. Please enjoy these beautiful images taken by Margie Dillon and the pictures of the Kitchen Garden in today's issue. 

Kind Regards,

Bronwyn