Relieving Principal's Message
Dear Parents, Carers and Students,
It’s hard to believe we are already nearing the end of Term 3! 2026 is certainly flying by!
This year has been filled with wonderful learning experiences, exciting events, and continued growth across our school community. As we approach the last weeks of the term, we want to thank everyone for their ongoing support and commitment.
We look forward to making the most of the remainder of Term 3 together before heading into a well-deserved break.
Staffing update
We would like to inform our school community of a few staffing changes and offer our congratulations.
Mrs King, our Deputy Principal, has been successful in her appointment as the Relieving Principal of Pymble Public School until Friday, 4th December 2026. Congratulations to Mrs King on this well-deserved opportunity.
During her leave of absence, Mrs Pessotto has been appointed as the Relieving Deputy Principal (K-2), and we congratulate her on this important role. To support this transition, Miss Veale will continue teaching class KR while Mrs. Pessotto steps into her leadership position.
We thank all staff for their flexibility and ongoing commitment to our students during this time.
We are incredibly fortunate at Carlingford West Public School to have such extraordinary depth of teaching and leadership talent within our team. Our staff are dedicated, skilled, and passionate about providing the best possible education and support for our students. Their ability to seamlessly step into new roles and lead with confidence is a testament to the strength of our school community. We are truly lucky to have such a committed and talented group making Carlingford West a wonderful place for learning and growth.
Happy Father's Day
We hope everyone had a wonderful Father’s Day on Sunday! To all our dads, grandads, and father figures, we want to say thank you for the special role you play in your children’s lives and in our school community. Your support, encouragement, and care make a world of difference, and we hope you enjoyed a day filled with love and appreciation. Happy Father’s Day to all!
Thank you, P & C and volunteers, for the Father's Day Stall
A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful Carlingford West P & C and all the dedicated volunteers who made our Father’s Day stalls such a success.
Your hard work, generosity, and enthusiasm created a special experience for our students, allowing them to choose gifts and celebrate their dads, grandads, and father figures.
We are so grateful for your ongoing support and the vibrant sense of community you bring to our school.
Ask R U OK? Any Day
Thursday, 10 September 2026 is R U OK? Day but we know that the people around us go through life’s ups and downs every day which is why we have free resources to help you keep the conversation going year-round.
You might be surprised to learn that many people underestimate the power of an R U OK? Conversation.
Research shows that a third of people don’t realise the difference they can make by checking in with someone they care about despite the fact that 9 in 10 of those who were asked, ‘are you OK?’, report feeling grateful, cared about, and supported.
All of us experience ups and downs in life - there are times of joy and celebration, as well as life events or periods that are challenging, and some moments will contain a bit of both.
In these tough times, it’s the support of family, friends and colleagues that can help us through.
That’s why we’re calling on Australians to ask R U OK? when life happens.
We also know 1 in 4 people might hesitate to ask even when they think someone is struggling. That's why we're reminding everyone that if someone's on your mind, trust your instinct and start a conversation.
If you’re thinking it, Ask R U OK? Any Day because what people value most is trust, a sense of genuine care, and someone who really listens to them, without judgement.
Ask R U OK? Any Day because a conversation could change a life. Not sure how to start the conversation? See how at this link.
Addressing bullying concerns
Bullying is defined by three key features:
- it involves a misuse of power in a relationship
- it is intentional, ongoing and repeated
- it involves behaviours that can cause harm.
Having a disagreement with a friend, or a single incident or argument is not defined as bullying. These behaviours may be upsetting, and should be resolved, but they are not bullying.
Physical and verbal bullying, such as kicking or name calling can be easy to see (overt). Other types of bullying, such as social exclusion or spreading rumours are not as easy to see (covert).
A person can be bullied about many different things such as how they look, sound or speak; their background, religion, race or culture including being Aboriginal; they have a disability; their size or body shape; their schoolwork, hobbies or achievements; or other ways they may be different.
Bullying can also happen online using technology such as the internet or mobile devices. This is called cyberbullying.
More information about how to help your child if they are being bullied is available in 35 languages on this page: Anti-bullying fact sheet.
Bullying is not tolerated
Schools have a responsibility to take positive action to help prevent any kind of bullying and to respond appropriately when it does occur.
Schools are required to establish strategies and practices to encourage positive student behaviour, recognise and reinforce student achievement and wellbeing, and manage disruptive student behaviour.
Research suggests that a planned whole-school approach that actively involves staff, students, families and communities in promoting positive behaviour is an effective strategy to minimise bullying behaviour.
On the Carlingford West Public School website, you can read the school's Anti-Bullying Plan (link here).
This includes social and emotional learning for students and professional learning for school staff on the different types of bullying behaviour and the signs to look for.
What to do if you have concerns?
If you’re concerned that your child may be experiencing bullying at school, it’s important to look out for signs such as changes in behaviour, reluctance to attend school, unexplained injuries, or avoidance of friendships. Please see the NSW DET Anti-bullying tips for parents and carers here.
We encourage open conversations at home to support your child in sharing their feelings. Our school has an anti-bullying plan available on our website, which outlines how we work to prevent and respond to bullying.
It is very important that parents and carers share their concerns with their child’s classroom teacher and grade Assistant Principal as early as possible, before matters escalate. By working together, we can provide the right support and ensure every student feels safe and valued at school.
Ready to enrol?
As Carlingford West Public School begins planning for our 2027 school organisation, we encourage families to enrol their child or children as soon as possible. Early enrolments help us ensure that classes, staffing, and resources are appropriately organised to best support every student.
If you have a child starting school in 2027, or know a family in our community who does, please email our school office at carlingfow-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au and attention the email to Mrs Adams, our Enrolment Officer. We look forward to welcoming new students and families to our school next year.
Updated criteria for non-local enrolment NSW public schools have specific local enrolment areas. The designated intake areas are determined by the department. These schools ensure that there are enough places for students who reside in their local enrolment area.
You may apply to enrol your child outside your designated area as a ‘non-local enrolment’, if places are available. Carlingford West Public School currently has non-local enrolment availability as indicated on the School Finder website.
Have a wonderful week!
Lee Shipley,
Relieving Principal.