Week 5&6 Term 1 2026

Dear CNPS Families

Can you believe we are already past the mid-point of Term 1. Recently I was speaking with our senior students about our great school, expressing gratitude to the students for their flexibility as the grounds around our school undergo their upgrade. As Principal of Carlton North Primary School, I am immensely proud of the way the students use their resilience to respond to change in their day and adapt to new routines and expectations. This week (Week 6) has seen the new play equipment open alongside our new sandpit. The new playground is designed for use by our Year 3-6 students and the new sandpit is for our F-2 students. We look forward to the new playground (Lee Street side) opening in Term 2. I would also like to use this opportunity to acknowledge the entire CNPS team for their hard work as we moved into the administration and staff facilities. It was a busy few days, but our new spaces are starting to take shape.

NAPLAN

The 2026 National Assessment Program—Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) will be administered to students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 from Wednesday 11 March to Monday 23 March 2026. If any parent/carer has any questions regarding NAPLAN 2026, please contact your classroom teacher.

School Council

Following the closing date for nominations to school council for 2026 on Monday at 4pm, I am pleased to advise the community that there were five positions available on council and five nominations. Congratulations to returning members, Rebecca Slater, Henry Tinsley, Warwick Mihaly, Briony O’Keeffe and welcome to new councillor, Mark Robertson. The first meeting of the new school council will be held on Wednesday 25 March 2026. Strong parent representation helps ensure that our school remains responsive, inclusive and aligned with the needs of our community. When families are actively involved in governance, we build trust, shared ownership and a stronger culture for our students. Interested parents/carers are welcome to be a part of the following school council sub- committees:

Finance
Education sub-committee
Buildings and Grounds
Social and Fundraising

If you are interested in joining a sub-committee, please make contact with the office.

Capital Works Project Update

Firstly, can we again thank the entire community for your ongoing support as we continue to make positive steps forward with relation to the capital works project. With our move into the new administration and staff facilities occurring, it marked the end of our use of the temporary office/staffroom. FIMMA Constructions have now taken over the former temporary facilities to commence the upgrade of new classrooms. Alongside the internal upgrade, the playground along Lee Street (Westbound – next to the portable classrooms) has commenced its transformation. This has resulted in the main gate (Lee Street) being closed until further notice, with temporary fencing blocking access to the portables and 3/4O from Lee Street. Students, parents/carers and visitors will need to access all Year 3/4 classes from the O’Grady Street side of the school. Please note the gate on Lee Street (Canning Street end) is open. It will be opened each morning until 9.15am and will reopen at 3.15pm each afternoon. Please be mindful of the uneven surface and not taking mud onto our new carpet.

Meet the Teacher

Thank you to the CNPS community for again embracing ‘Meet the Teacher Week 2026’. It was wonderful to move around the school and see teachers meeting with parents/carers and sharing information about students learning and wellbeing. If you did not manage to book and interview with your child/ren’s classroom teacher and you would like to make contact, please reach out to them directly.

Student Support Groups

CNPS offers Student Support Group (SSG) termly meetings for students in the following categories:

Student supported by the PSD or Disability Inclusion funding model.
Students who are in Out of Home Care.
Students who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
Students at risk of attendance and those who have behaviour related issues.

If you have questions relating to Student Support Group meetings, please contact Jane Bilby - Assistant Principal.

CNPS School Value – Inclusion

Victoria has a strong and vibrant education system that celebrates diversity and is committed to supporting the achievement and participation of all students. Inclusive education acknowledges that some children and young people have intersecting identities or additional needs that schools may need to take into consideration. These identities may relate to:

having a disability or additional learning needs
gender identity
sexual orientation
being an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person
race
cultural identity
speaking a language other than English
social factors
economic factors
experience of abuse, neglect or family violence.

Inclusive education means that all members of our school community are valued and supported to fully participate in the curriculum, learn, develop and succeed within an inclusive school culture. It has been my experience that CNPS is an example of true inclusion. It is my hope as Principal, that as a community we live the CNPS value of inclusion in all our dealings with each other.

Swimming Carnivals

What a busy few weeks it has been for our Year 3-6 students. It was wonderful to attend the CNPS swimming carnival on Thursday 19 February 2026. It was amazing to yet again see many parent/carer helpers on deck supporting the carnival. Thank you! It was equally pleasing to see the students from Year 3-6 getting involved in the swimming program and supporting their peers. Congratulations to all students for your participation and those students who made it to the district program last week. We are incredibly proud of your achievements. Can I please again thank Chris for all his hard work in organising the carnivals.

Respectful Relationships Evaluation

The Victorian Department of Education has contracted Acil Allen to undertake a statewide longitudinal study of Respectful Relationships with grade 5 and 6 students. The study involves a 5-minute survey and a 10-15-minute phone interview with students once a year over 3 years. The researchers would like to hear views on how students experience Respectful Relationships and how it impacts their knowledge, attitudes, skills and confidence in relation to gender equality, family violence and consent education, and how it could work better. Students’ names and personal details will not be identified in the research findings. If you are interested in your Year 5 or 6 student participating in the study, please contact the office and we will distribute the information and consent forms.

Cultural Diversity Week

Each year in March, Cultural Diversity Week brings together Victorians of all ages, cultural backgrounds and experiences to celebrate our state’s diverse multicultural communities.

This year, Cultural Diversity Week will run from Monday 23 March to Sunday 29 March 2026. The 2026 theme, Culture connects us all highlights how sharing intercultural stories and experiences fosters understanding, belonging and connection.

Hats/Sunscreen – Sun Smart Practices

As we enter Autumn the sun continues to shine, it is important that students have a hat to wear during recess and lunch. If you would like to purchase a hat, please contact the office. We also ask that families ensure students apply sunscreen at home before attending school. We do have some sunscreen supplies at school should students need to reapply during the day.

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 as the term progresses.

Warm Regards

Matthew Ferguson

Principal

The new space