Message from the Principal
Week 3,4 &5 Term 4 2025
Dear CNPS Families,
Well, it certainly has been a rollercoaster of Melbourne weather in recent days. As we enter Week 5 of the term, I wanted to again acknowledge the amazing students at Carlton North Primary School. The adaptability of the students at our school is to be commended, especially considering the operational changes around the school due to the capital works project. Speaking of the capital works project, on Thursday 23 October 2025 the concrete pour took place. This will now see a rapid increase in building activity on the site of our new hall. Another important activity that took place last week was our Year 5/6 students and staff heading off to camp. I was fortunate to visit camp on Thursday last week in the Victorian countryside. It was wonderful to observe our students participating in team building activities that tested their collaboration and strategic thinking skills. Can I please acknowledge the entire camp team, particularly Kara for leading the camp organisation and creating such a special experience for the Year 5/6 students.
World Teachers Day 2025
World Teachers' Day was celebrated in Victoria on Friday 31 October 2025. The day honours the passion and hard work of teachers, who play a crucial role in shaping the minds and futures of our students.
World Teachers’ Day was established in 1994 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation to recognise the role of teachers in society. The focus for this year’s celebration is: recasting teaching as a collaborative profession.
Professional Learning
On Wednesday 22 October 2025, the Principal Class team with Maddi (Learning Specialist) attended the Darebin and Yarra Schools Network meeting. The meeting again focussed on the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0, the session was led by Dr Ryan Dunn. Part of the presentation explored long term memory, particularly looking at spaced, retrieval and interleaved practices. The network meeting also provided the CNPS team an opportunity to further plan for the schools teaching and learning program in 2026.
Attendance and Before/After School Supervision
Regular attendance at school is essential to support the learning, wellbeing and safety of children and young people. CNPS works hard to support student attendance. Recording accurate attendance of students on a daily basis is essential. A reminder to the community that school starts promptly each day at 9am. Supervision of students on-site at CNPS commences at 8.45am each school day. Since the start of the year, CNPS has introduced a new procedure for any student who arrives to school between 9am – 9.10am. Students arriving at this time, are asked to go straight to the classroom where teachers will update the 9am (morning) roll. Any student who arrives after 9.10am, will need to go to the office to sign-in. The Compass Kiosk is available at the new temporary office counter for parents to sign their child in. Students arriving at the office without their parent will be signed in by our Admin team.
How to protect against mosquito-borne diseases
To help protect against bites, students and staff can:
- cover up as much as possible with long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing
- use mosquito repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin
- limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are active.
When you notice a lot of mosquito activity, close windows and doors that do not have flyscreens, and use air purifiers. When the mosquito activity is reduced, consider re-opening doors and windows.
Staff or students who are worried about their health should visit their doctor or phone Nurse-on-Call: 1300 606 024 (available 24 hours).
Free Japanese encephalitis vaccines
Japanese encephalitis virus is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. It can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain.
Free Japanese encephalitis vaccines are available to protect Victorians at higher risk of the virus.
The Victorian Department of Health encourages eligible people who live or work in high-risk local government areas to get vaccinated.
For more information, including what is considered a high-risk area and who is eligible for a free vaccine, refer to the Department of Health’s Japanese encephalitis webpage.
Thunderstorm Asthma Season
There is an increased risk of seasonal asthma, hay fever and epidemic thunderstorm asthma during seasons with increased grass pollen levels. In Victoria, this is typically between October and December.
Epidemic thunderstorm asthma is triggered by a combination of higher grass pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm.
People with a history of asthma, undiagnosed asthma or hay fever are at risk under these conditions. This risk is increased further for people who have poorly treated hay fever and asthma.
The best way to reduce and prevent symptoms of asthma or hay fever and reduce absences from school is to follow an up-to-date asthma action plan or hay fever treatment plan, provided by a GP or specialist.
Hats/Sunscreen
As we are now into Term 4 and the sun is beginning 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.
REMINDER On-Street Parking
There have continued to be complaints about vehicles parking illegally on Lee Street and O’Grady Street during peak times. Parents/carers are encouraged to park their vehicles legally, observing council regulations. CNPS does not enforce parking restrictions around the school, however, we do continue to engage with council regarding improvements to pedestrian safety.
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.
Warm Regards,
Matthew Ferguson
Principal