It’s already Week 4 and so much is happening here at FNPS! A huge thank you to Ben and of all the staff and community members involved in organising and running last Thursday’s Year 4-6 Swimming Carnival. It was such a wonderful event that brought together students, staff, and the entire community. The atmosphere was electric, and it was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to participate, cheer, and celebrate the spirit of FNPS.

Congratulations to all of the competitors – your effort, sportsmanship, and team spirit truly shone throughout the day. We wish all the best to those students moving forward to represent FNPS at the upcoming District Carnival.

Once again, thank you to everyone who helped make the Swimming Carnival such a memorable occasion. It was a fantastic day, and we are grateful to all who contributed to its success!

Retirement Congratulations: Linda Ratcliffe

Today, as we celebrate the incredible journey and retirement of Fitzroy North Primary School’s former Assistant Principal Linda Ratcliffe, it is with immense gratitude and admiration that we reflect on her deep commitment and dedication to Fitzroy North Primary School and the school community that she was a part of since 1993, along with the Department of Education throughout her career.

Linda’s education story began in 1980 at Anderson Creek Primary School in Warrandyte, where she spent twelve years. In 1993, she began her FNPS journey during a time of significant social and political change. It was during the Kennett Government era when Fitzroy High School faced closure, and the Fitzroy Pool was under threat. Linda, not just as an educator, but as a passionate community member and advocate, played an instrumental role in fighting for these vital aspects of Fitzroy’s heritage to remain intact. Her tireless efforts in standing up for what was right reflected her deep sense of justice and her commitment to the wellbeing of those around her.

The final years of Linda’s education career saw her moving into the role of Acting Principal of Sherbourne Primary School. Again, Linda’s commitment to forging strong relationships and excellence in education saw her lead the Sherbourne PS community with kindness, passion and strength.

Linda’s dedication to the FNPS community is reflected not only in her work within the school but also in the family bonds that run deep at FNPS. Both of Linda’s children, Sophie and Joshua, attended the school, with Sophie also giving back as a staff member in the Out of School Hours Care program and Joshua offering support as part of the Digital Technology team. Linda’s husband, Geoff, contributed as a volunteer parent and even stepped in as a temporary PE teacher when the school was without one for a term. The whole Ratcliffe family has shaped the school in countless ways, and their legacy will always be a part of Fitzroy North’s history.

Over her 30-year connection with the school, Linda has been more than just an educator. She has been a true friend, a mentor, a strong and supportive leader and an advocate for every student, colleague, and family she encountered. Her ability to build relationships and create a nurturing environment contributed to FNPS being not just a school, but a family. Linda’s impact goes beyond the classroom, and her warmth and kindness have touched the hearts of all who have had the privilege of working with her.

Linda herself has always expressed how fortunate she feels to have formed such lasting friendships and to have been part of the local community for so long. Her time here has been filled with joy, learning, and connection, and she will always look back on her years at FNPS with great fondness. The bonds she has created with staff, students, and families will never be forgotten, and her contributions to the school and community are immeasurable.

As Linda moves into retirement, we know she leaves behind a rich legacy. We are so grateful for her unwavering dedication, her advocacy for what is right, and the countless lives she has touched over the years. Linda is very much looking forward to spending time with her first granddaughter, Lola and, while we will miss her, we are excited for the next chapter of her life and the new adventures that await.

Linda, on behalf of everyone at Fitzroy North Primary School, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you have given to this school and community. You will always be a cherished part of the FNPS family.

Congratulations on your retirement, Linda. Wishing you all the best in the years ahead!

All the Best to Zoe on her Parental Leave!

As Zoe embarks on this beautiful new chapter of her life, we want to take a moment to send our warmest wishes to Zoe and Neil. We are so excited for Zoe as she heads off on parental leave and prepares for the joys and adventures of this next stage.

Zoe’s dedication, hard work, and positive energy are an inspiration to all of us, and while we’ll certainly miss her presence, we’re incredibly thrilled and excited for her. We know this time will be filled with wonderful moments, and we know she will enjoy every minute of it.

In the weeks and months ahead, we hope Zoe is able to take the time to relax, bond, and soak in every new and special experiences. We look forward to welcoming Zoe back when the time is right but, for now, we wish her all the best as she embraces this exciting journey.

Congratulations, Zoe and Neil – enjoy every precious moment!

School Council Elections

It’s that time of year where we call for nominations from our parent and carer community to join School Council. The FNPS School Council is a group of active and passionate individuals who are dedicated to improving the outcomes for our students and our school.

Joining the FNPS School Council or one of our sub-committees is a great opportunity for our families to gain an insight into the governance structure under which our school operates and be actively involved in our school community. With regards to the minimum time commitment, School Council members are required to attend eight School Council meetings per year, along with eight one hour sub-committee meetings per year.

Joining School Council involves a nomination and, if the number of nominations exceeds the number of vacancies, an election process. For further information on the election process, including how you might nominate yourself or someone else, please refer to the attached School Council Elections – Information for Families document which also includes the timeline for this process.

To view the Notice of Election, which outlines the number of vacancies for 2025, please refer to the attached document FORM 2 – Notice of Election.

Unfortunately, electronic nominations are not permitted. To self-nominate, or to nominate another community member, please pick up a nomination form from the front office.

Should you have any queries, please feel free to contact me via email: tania.sorbello@education.vic.gov.au

Parent / Carer – Teacher Meet and Greet

A reminder that our Parent/Carer – Teacher Meet and Greet will be held this Wednesday 19/02 from 1:20pm – 5:50pm. If you have not yet booked in a time with your child/ren’s teacher, please head to Compass to do so. If you are having problems booking your appointment, please contact the office for support.

Welcome Picnic / Prep Assembly

A reminder that the Welcome Picnic will be held this Friday from 3:45pm – 6pm on The Block. An assembly will be held at 3pm, where our newest little learners will take part in a special ceremony with their Year 6 buddies. Make sure to come along and be a part of these special events.

2025 Preps!

What a fantastic start to school life our 2025 Prep students have had!

It has been a joy to see how quickly and confidently they have settled into their new routines, embracing each day with enthusiasm and curiosity. The schoolyard is buzzing with little blue t-shirts—playing together, making friends, and exploring this exciting new world!

We also extend a warm welcome to the many new families joining our school community this year. If you spot a new face at drop-off, pick-up or Friday’s Welcome Picnic, don’t hesitate to say hello. Together, we create a strong, supportive community where everyone belongs!

Unity

I dreamed I stood in a studio

and watched two sculptors there,

The clay they used

was a young child’s mind

And they fashioned it with care.

One was a teacher

and the tools they used

were books, music and art,

The other, a family

with guiding hands

and a gentle, loving heart.

And when, at last

their work was done

they were proud of what they had wrought,

For the things they had worked

into the child

could never be sold or bought.

And each agreed they would have failed

if they had worked alone

For behind the family

stood the school,

And behind the teacher

stood the home.

Author Unknown

Go gently,

Tania

Welcome Picnic and Community Engagement News