Message from the Principal
Week 9&10 Term 1 2026
Dear CNPS Families
What a big Term 1 for all concerned at Carlton North Primary School. All staff at CNPS are incredibly proud of every student and how they have individually settled into the new school year. It has been wonderful to again see routines established, new friendships created, and students focussed on their learning and wellbeing. As Term 1 draws to a close I would like to thank the entire community for their support and flexibility. There has been much movement across the school and we have all demonstrated the school value of ‘resilience’.
Term One Highlights
Connecting Foundation Families - Welcome Morning
Swimming carnivals (CNPS, district and division)
Meet the Teacher Meetings
School Photos
Year 3 and 5 NAPLAN
Lee Street Mini Fete
Digital Technology Workshops
Lee Street ‘Mini’ Fete 2026
While we did not know what to expect from the ‘Mini Fete’, it certainly turned out to be a lovely Sunday (no rain) with a genuine spirit of togetherness on display. As I stated at the conclusion of the fete, I am reluctant to begin thanking people individually, as I am always fearful of missing out on acknowledging someone. I do need to acknowledge Clare London, who not only coordinated her first fete, but sits on school council and convenes the Finance sub-committee. Clare your energy is boundless. Thank you for your leadership and coordination of the 2026 Mini fete, the CNPS community is indebted to you. Finally, the CNPS team, can I please again acknowledge Trish, Gaby, Kim, Jane and Erin for all your work pre-fete, during and after. Thank you to all community members for your time and passion for our school.
School Council
Last Wednesday 25 March 2026 the new school council met for the first time. We welcomed Mark Robertson and Rosa Considine (staff member) to their first meeting. The start of a new school council also sees all office bearer positions declared vacant and nominations sought to fill these positions. I would like to congratulate the following councillors who have been appointed to the below positions for 2026:
President – Rebecca Slater
Vice President – Charlie Perry
Treasurer – Clare London
On behalf of school council, I would like to acknowledge and thank two outgoing councillors, Andrew Schnaider and Sam Guerra (former staff member) for their expertise, enthusiasm and strong advocacy for CNPS. We are incredibly grateful for your service.
CNPS Staff Update – Term 2 2026
From the start of Term 2, Jane Bilby (Assistant Principal) will be taking Long Service Leave. Maddi Davis will be stepping into the Acting Assistant Principal role during this time. I am pleased to advise that Sarah Ponsford has been appointed to fill Maddi’s position, co-teaching with Mary D’Cruz. Speaking of Mary, I am pleased to advise that Mary has been appointed to fill Millie’s position when she commences family leave in Term 2. Alongside working with 5/6M, Mary will be teaching FGM for the remainder of the year. Congratulations to Sarah and Mary and all the best to Jane for her leave.
Trans Day of Visibility 2026
International Trans Day of Visibility was on Tuesday 31 March 2026.
The day celebrates trans and gender diverse people, their experiences and achievements.
It is a chance to raise awareness of the ongoing discrimination, stigma and transphobia faced by trans and gender diverse people and to advocate for equality.
CNPS School Values
Resilience
Resilience is what allows us to bounce back from the changes and challenges we face in our daily life. It is one of the most important and enduring personal challenges. Students at CNPS engage in regular conversations about the importance of resilience and how it shapes our learning and wellbeing.
Trust
Trust is an important value at CNPS. Trust is earnt when a firm and consistent connection is made and authentic relationships are formed. Trust is about developing a sense of safety and security where students feel they can speak up and be believed.
Thank You – AEU Industrial Action – Tuesday 24 March 2026
I wanted to extend a big thank you to the entire community for your support during the recent AEU industrial action. I know the staff at CNPS felt your support and warmth.
Capital Works Update / Portable Pack Up
Yesterday the students and teachers of 3/4J and 3/4C made the move into their temporary classrooms for Term 2. The move was necessary so the portable classrooms can be removed from CNPS grounds during the Term 1 holidays. A big thank you to the students and staff for their flexibility during the move. The best news for 3/4J and 3/4C classes is they will move into the new classrooms when they come online. The CNPS community would have noticed many ground works occurring across the school. I particularly wanted to draw to the attention of CNPS families the works on the Lee Street side of the school. The old garden beds were removed to allow earthworks to commence. These underground works are designed to support the building with a protective water membrane. New gardens and seating will be reestablished once the earthworks are completed.
Important Health Information – Measles
Measles cases are rising in Victoria and around the world. Returned travellers make up most cases, but local spread has also been detected.
Vaccination is the most safe and effective way to protect yourself and others against measles. People need 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine to be fully protected.
- from the Australian Immunisation Register speak to your GP or immunisation provider.
About measles
Measles is a viral infection. It spreads easily from airborne droplets, such as from coughing or sneezing, and nose and throat secretions.
Measles can cause serious illness and be life-threatening. People who are not fully immunised or have not had a previous measles infection are at increased risk. Pregnant women, children aged under 5 years and those with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of severe illness and complications.
Thank You
As we come to the end of a busy and productive Term 1, can I please acknowledge and thank my colleagues for all their hard work. The amazing Education Support team – thank you for all your efforts throughout Term 1. Our dedicated teachers for your professional guidance of students in their learning and wellbeing. Finally, my leadership colleagues, Jane, Erin, Maddi, Grace and Trish, thank you for your support and diligent work this term.
I hope all families have an amazing break and we look forward to welcoming back students on Monday 20 April 2026.
Warm Regards
Matthew Ferguson
Principal