Principal's News

Dear Clayton North Primary School Community

Welcome to Autumn!

The first half of this term has gone by in a flash, and we are heading into the last four weeks leading into holidays!  

Students have settled into their learning and wellbeing routines in the classrooms, the results of which we see in how they conduct themselves around the school and the Learner of the Week awards at assembly.  

The EAL Team continue to tweak and enhance the program they are delivering to ensure students are provided with adequate support. The Reception Program for newly arrived students is a highlight, which has progressed into a 16-hour schedule, where children are guided to develop confidence in the English language. Nearby schools have requested to visit and observe this in action, which is commendable.  

Our positive 2025 data prompted a repeat purchase of subscriptions for Mathletics (Yr 1-6) and Reading Eggs (Yr 0-4, some 5/6) once again this year to support and enhance student learning and outcomes. Both these online programs provide the appropriate level of support and challenge to motivate children and help them develop confidence and improve their skills in Maths and English. Each of these programs comes at a cost of $20 per child for the duration of the school year. Although this is optional for families, I would strongly recommend getting the subscriptions as both platforms can also be used at home to support progression with reading, speaking & listening, and numeracy skills. 

Thank you to Neeraj Pokharel and Shannan Jones for thier positive response to my request for School Council nominations. They will join our existing members - Diana & Phoebe Toups Dugas, Ravi & Bharathy Saldanha, Paola Rojas Silva, and Berenice L'Olive - to contribute towards the continued success of Clayton North Primary School. 

There is an opening for one or two additional parent members; if you are interested in being involved, please complete the attached nomination form and return to the office by the end of next week.

Celebrating Cultural Diversity Week – Every Child Belongs

Later in the term, our school community will proudly celebrate Cultural Diversity Week — a time to honour the many languages, cultures, traditions and stories that enrich our classrooms each day.

At our school, fostering multicultural inclusion is not simply a celebration on the calendar; it is central to how we ensure every child feels safe, valued and respected. In alignment with Child Safe Standard 5 and the Preventing and Addressing Racism in Schools policy, we are committed to actively promoting diversity and equity. This means paying particular attention to the needs of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and creating environments where all children and young people experience a genuine sense of belonging.

Cultural Diversity Week provides an important opportunity for us to reflect on how we uphold equity in our daily practice — through inclusive curriculum design, respectful conversations, student voice, and clear responses to racism or discrimination. When children see their identities affirmed and their cultures celebrated, they are more confident, more connected, and better able to thrive.

Throughout the week, students will engage in learning experiences that explore global perspectives, celebrate family heritage, and build understanding of different cultural traditions. We warmly invite families to share stories, recipes, artefacts or experiences that reflect your cultural background. Your contributions strengthen our community and deepen our children’s understanding of the world.

Creating a child-safe environment means ensuring that diversity is respected, differences are valued, and every child knows they are welcome here.

International Women’s Day – Balance the Scales 

This Sunday 8th March is the annual celebration of International Women’s Day, which this year carries the theme “Balance the Scales.” This theme highlights the importance of ensuring girls and women are safe, treated with respect, and provided equal access to opportunities — regardless of background or identity.

At school, this commitment begins early. It is reflected in the language we use, the expectations we set, the opportunities we provide, and the role models we highlight. Empowering girls and teaching all students about fairness, dignity and respect helps to create a safer and more equitable future for everyone.

Together, through Cultural Diversity Week and our recognition of International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to building a school community where inclusion, equity and safety are lived values — not just words.

Student Safety

The safety of every child is beyond important and of paramount priority at Clayton North. We have put several things into place to ensure student safety, and will continue to look at ways to further safeguard children. 

I would like to remind families that school finishes at 3.30pm; children need to be collected and all parties depart school grounds by 3.45pm. Staff supervision concludes at this time every day, and staff are either involved in meetings after school or are heading home. We understand that that it can be difficult at times for families to get here at 3.30pm, so it’s highly recommended that parents book their child/ren into the after school care program. 

Please note that the staff carpark is strictly for staff. Parents must use the carparks outside the school or park on the service road or walk down from McDonalds. At the end of the day, children are walking out of the school via the staff carpark gates or getting their bikes from the bike shed; it is absolutely unsafe to have cars drive in and out at this time.

We appreciate your support in both matters above.  

 Sue Simadri