From the Principal ...

Dear students, families and staff of Cheltenham Primary School,

We extend our sincere appreciation to all who contributed to the success of our school production, When I Grow Up. The positive feedback from families has been greatly valued.

'Just wanted to say how much we all enjoyed the production on Tuesday night. Mrs Lane and all involved did such a wonderful job. The kids seemed to be having so much fun up on stage. A true testament to the commitment from all...'

Orders for a digital copy and/or USB copy close Monday 17 November at 5pm.

We offer special thanks to Nicola Lane, Director, as well as our dedicated students, staff, and families for their commitment and support and look forward to our next whole-school production in 2027!

Melbourne United Basketball Clinic

On Tuesday, our Year 2–6 students participated in a basketball clinic delivered by Melbourne United. Despite some early weather challenges, conditions improved by the afternoon as the whole school gathered on our new synthi courts. Melbourne United’s courtside announcer, Wayne, introduced 20 selected CPS students who took part in a friendly match against the league-leading Melbourne United team, featuring Chris Goulding and CPS parent Milton Doyle.

Thank you to Shaun Penny for organising this engaging event for our students. I am delighted to share that Shaun has been recognised by the AFL Victoria team as their 2025 School Sport Victoria Champion.

Congratulations, Shaun! He will be acknowledged at their Inaugural Teacher Appreciation Night on 28 November at AFL House.

Staffing News

As end of the year draws near, I would like to share some staffing updates for 2026.

Three members of our staff are welcoming new babies at the commencement of Term 2, 2026. Rhiannon Dalman and Nicola Lane are each expecting their second child, and Amy Midson is expecting her first. We extend our warmest congratulations to all three and share in the excitement of this wonderful news.

The following staff members will be leaving Cheltenham Primary School at the end of this year: Kerrie Gentner and Marisa Maree. Kerrie will be returning to her base school, Tucker Road Primary School in Bentleigh, while Marisa has completed her three-term contract with us. We thank both Kerrie and Marisa for their contributions to our school community and wish them all the best for 2026.

Holly Smith, will be transferring to Derinya Primary School in Frankston South to be closer to home. Throughout her 11 years at CPS, Holly has demonstrated an unwavering passion for literature; exceptional expertise across the middle and senior years; and a deep love of our library. Her dedication, and the positive impact she has had on students and colleagues alike will be greatly missed. We wish Holly every success and happiness in this exciting next chapter of her career.

Jennifer Leason will be retiring.  Jennifer has been our sole Kitchen Classroom Instructor throughout my time as Principal, and has shaped the program into one of our school’s highlights. When I first arrived, Jennifer was managing both the Canteen and Kitchen Classroom.  I reframed her role so she could focus solely on Kitchen allowing the program to truly thrive by strengthening the organisational systems and inclusive approach to dietary requirements. Her energy, expertise and commitment have made a lasting impact at Cheltenham.  A farewell from Jennifer is included in her Kitchen Classroom report. 

Class Structures 

In 2026, the class structure at our school will be as follows:

• Foundation: 3 classes
• Year 1: 3 classes
• Year 2: 2 classes
• Years 3/4: 5 classes
• Year 5: 3 classes
• Year 6: 2 classes

Intention to Leave  

I extend my thanks to those families who have been proactive in letting us know about their plans for 2026.

For families who have not yet had the opportunity to do so, we kindly request that you share your intentions with us as soon as possible. As staffing and planning become increasingly complex, early information greatly supports our ability to prepare effectively.

We appreciate that families balance many commitments and that plans can evolve over time. We simply ask that you keep us informed when possible. At times, children share news with friends or teachers before we receive formal notification, and timely communication helps us ensure a smooth and well-supported transition for everyone.

Building & Ground Works

Following some vandalism to the Sanctuary in the last holiday period, we have made safe the large holes and obstacles that were created and commenced clearing the Sanctuary of overgrowth and chipping dead trees.  Pathways will be levelled and the chips put back on these for mulching with heath planted in designated areas.  We are wanting to turn this unused area into a usable space for Cross Country training and nature study. 

Grant applications

As a school with 170 years of heritage, some parts of our school are not fully accessible. To address this, we have engaged a specialist consultant and a visiting teacher to support  a funding application to improve accessibility across the school. We have now completed a full audit of areas that are not accessible and will be applying for funding through the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA).

Specialist Curriculum Overviews

Today’s newsletter includes all of our specialist learning overviews for Term 4. We encourage you to take some time to read through them and celebrate the rich and varied learning taking place across the school!

A reminder that Monday 24 November is our final Pupil Free Day for this year. On this day students do not come to school. Camp Australia will be offering a day program for interested families. 

Kind Regards,

Bronwyn