2026 Term 1 School Executive Team

Principal

Andrew Williamson

Deputy Principals

K-2 - Alexis King; Years 3,4,5 - Sonia Durney; Year 6 and Special Programs - Dianne Bower; EAL/D Network - Yvette Ek-Moller

School Business Manager

Julie Howard

Assistant Principals Curriculum & Instruction

Vanessa Vale, Samarra Boylan

Grade Assistant Principals

ES1 - Kathryn Pessotto, Year 1 - Stephanie Wallace,

Year 2 - Claire Symons & Murray Thompson, Year 3 - Evelyn Seebacher, Year 4 - Lisa Roberts, Year 5 – Marta Piwonski, Year 6 – Serena Wright

School Administration Managers

Administration Staff

Sue Adams (Student Admin), Barbara Gibb (Finance)

Karla Bartsch, Suzanne Drayton, Jay Cai, Carolyn Cao,

Letitia Armstrong, Kylie Long, Katrina Douglas, Natalia

Reale-Bryant, Frances Chan (Library)

Teaching Staff

Community Language	Mrs Yang, Miss Lai, Mrs Xie, Miss Qu, Mrs Zhao, Mrs Kim, Mrs Goh, Mrs Saini
EALD & NAP Specialist	Mrs Strickland, Miss Lin, Mrs Beckett, Mrs Tomlinson, Mrs Weng, Mrs Miller, Mrs Stenning-Hall, Mrs Spanos
Learning Support	Mrs Boylan, Mrs Steer, Mrs Lovett, Mrs Yusofova, Mrs Kaikati, Mrs Saqeb-Akram
Library	Mrs Reynolds, Mrs Watt
Kindergarten	Miss Haydon, Mrs Pattihes, Miss Blessing, Mr Hickey, Mrs Byrne, Mrs Pessotto, Mrs Stengel, Mrs Azar, Miss Perram
Year 1	Miss Cho, Miss Limmer, Mrs Mainou, Miss Grima, Miss Kim, Mrs Watson, Miss Giacometti, Ms Wallace, Miss Gallard
Year 2	Miss Woo, Miss Gooley, Mrs Symons, Mrs Joseph, Miss Seifert, Mrs Muir, Mrs Halajniya, Ms Sauniere, Mr Thompson, Miss Fitzgerald
Year 3	Miss Jericevich, Miss Bullock, Miss McClenahan, Miss Li, Mrs Seebacher, Mrs Sathyamurthy, Miss Song, Mrs Separovich
Year 4	Miss Fan, Mr Zhao, Mr Lau, Miss Philip, Ms Martin, Miss Long, Ms Ayre, Mrs Penukonda, Ms Roberts, Mrs Fragogiannis, Miss Yun
Year 5	Mr Nelson, Mrs Thunfors, Miss Piwonski, Ms Duckworth, Mrs Chooi, Miss Amin, Mr Yap, Mr Goh, Ms Tseng, Miss Abrahamian
Year 6	Miss Wilkinson, Mr Barrett, Miss Kimpton, Miss Semlitzky, Mr Moloney, Mr Chan, Miss O’Malley, Miss Westwood, Ms Johnstone

Lunar New Year

In 2026, we welcome the Lunar New Year and celebrate the Year of the Horse — a zodiac symbol representing energy, determination, resilience and progress. Lunar New Year is one of the most important traditional festivals in many Asian cultures, including China, Korea, Vietnam and other parts of East and Southeast Asia. It is a time for family reunion, gratitude, and new beginnings. This year, Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, 17th February.

The festival begins with New Year’s Eve, when families gather for a reunion dinner filled with symbolic foods that represent prosperity, happiness and good fortune. Homes are decorated with red lanterns and festive couplets, as red symbolises luck and joy. Children often receive red envelopes (红包) as a wish for growth and blessings in the coming year.

May 2026 be a year where our school community continues to grow, learn and support one another with enthusiasm and courage.

We wish all families a joyful, healthy and prosperous Lunar New Year!

Ramadan

The beginning of the sacred month of Ramadan is celebrated by members of our community. We extend our warmest wishes to all our families observing this special time. Ramadan is a month of reflection, prayer, and community, and it serves as a reminder of the values of compassion, generosity, and gratitude.

Specialist Physical Education Program at Our School

We are pleased to introduce a new specialist Physical Education (PE) program, implemented in accordance with NSW Department of Education guidelines and aligned with the PDHPE K–6 syllabus. This program reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting student wellbeing, engagement and achievement through high-quality teaching and learning.

All students across the school will participate in the program, ensuring equitable access to structured, developmentally appropriate physical education. Lessons are designed to build fundamental movement skills, promote lifelong physical activity, and develop social skills such as teamwork, resilience and fair play.

The program is delivered through a team-teaching model, with classroom teachers working alongside specialist sport teachers. This approach supports the upskilling of staff, strengthens consistency in teaching practice, and ensures students benefit from expert instruction while maintaining strong classroom connections.

Importantly, the program is inclusive and differentiated, catering for a wide range of abilities. Activities are designed to support students who are developing their skills, while also providing extension opportunities for High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) students. This ensures all learners are appropriately challenged, engaged and supported to achieve their personal best.

Physical education also plays a vital role in student wellbeing, supporting physical health, confidence, focus and positive learning behaviours. Through purposeful movement and active participation, students are encouraged to develop healthy habits and a positive attitude towards physical activity.

We look forward to seeing the positive impact this specialist PE program will have on our students’ learning, wellbeing and enjoyment of physical activity.

Meet The Teacher

Please join us at the following times for our Meet the Teacher Information Sessions.

During these sessions you will hear from classroom teachers, meet other class parents, find out about school routines, and see classrooms.

Year 1	Tuesday 17 February	3.45 pm
Year 2	Tuesday 17 February	4.15 pm
Year 3	Wednesday 25 February	3:30 pm to 4.00 pm
Year 4	Wednesday 25 February	3:30 pm to 4.00 pm
Year 5	Thursday 26 February	3:30 pm
Year 6	Tuesday 17 February	4.00 pm

Opportunity Class Entry 2027

Attention Year 4 Parents and Carers

Application to Opportunity Class entry in 2027 are still open

Opportunity classes are for high potential and gifted students in Year 5 and 6.

Parents can apply when students are at the end of Year 3 (in 2025) or the beginning of Year 4 (in 2026) for placement in Year 5 (2027). It is a 2-year program (Year 5 to 6). Parents cannot apply for Year 6 placement only.

Applications must be made online using a parent email address and late applications are not usually accepted. You must submit only one application for each student.

Key dates

6 November 2025	Applications open (when students are in Year 3)
20 February 2026	Applications close (when students are in Year 4)
13 March 2026	Last day for parents to update their details in their application dashboard, including current school
8 - 9 May 2026	Opportunity Class Placement Test (students are allocated to attend one test day only)
22 May 2026	Opportunity Class Placement Make-up Test
5 June 2026	Last day to change school choices
Late September 2026	Placement outcomes expected to be released

Link for more information and online application:

SHS and OC placement

ARCO News

School Photos 2026

School photos for 2026 will take place on 6 different days, 5 days in Term 1 and 1 day in Term 3.

Students will be photographed in their class/activity groups and individually for portrait photos. Parents may also choose their child/ren to be photographed with their siblings who also attend the school.

Photos will be available for purchase in various packs.

Please take note of the dates for various photos.

WHEN			WHICH GROUP	WHAT TO WEAR
Day 1	Term 1 Week 5	Thursday 26 Feb	3-6 class photos and portraits	Summer uniform
Day 2	Term 1 Week 6	Tuesday 4 March	Catch up portraits	Summer uniform
Day 3	Term 1 Week 8	Wednesday 18 March	K-2 class photos and portraits	Summer uniform
Day 4	Term 1 Week 8	Thursday 19 March	Sibling photos	Summer uniform
Day 5	Term 1 Week 10	Tuesday 31 March	Staff and Year 6 group photos Catch up portraits and sibling photos	Summer uniform
Day 6	Term 3 Week 6	Thursday 27 August	Group photo Day Band/sport/choir etc	Sport: PSSA uniform Other group photos: Winter uniform

How to order:

Photos can be ordered online on www.theschoolphotographer.com.au using the code G8ZXW3KA.

Please note that orders are ONLINE ONLY. The school will not be accepting cash.

We encourage you to place your orders by Friday 20 February.

School Uniform - reminder

Carlingford West Public School uniform is always ankle socks. Boys school uniform is grey ankle socks and white socks with their sport uniform. Girls are white ankle for both uniforms.

Students are beginning to wear knee high socks – these are not part of our uniform. Black socks are also not part of our school uniform.

‘Out of uniform’ emails are being sent home to parents when students are in the incorrect uniform.

School hats need to be worn every day.

Returning to School After Injury

When students return to school after an injury the school requires the following:

A medical clearance letter
A meeting with the school

Injuries may include broken limbs, concussions, abrasions, medical episodes, time in hospital, etc. If unsure please email the school office.

These requirements ensure that arrangements can be in place to safely support the student.

Student Safety Awareness

As we celebrate the importance of community and culture, it is also essential to prioritise the safety of our students. Recently, we received concerning reports regarding students wearing Carlingford West school uniforms riding scooters and skateboards on Baker Street. These students were observed riding downhill at excessive speeds without any protective equipment, posing risks not only to themselves but also to other road users.

We urge parents, guardians, and students to be vigilant and prioritise safety when engaging in recreational activities. Wearing appropriate protective gear, such as helmets and pads, is crucial in preventing injuries. Additionally, we encourage students to adhere to road safety regulations and be mindful of their surroundings when riding in public spaces.

Carpet allergies

We have noticed many students letting teachers know they have an allergy to carpet. Unfortunately, for many of these students we do not have a record of this allergy or a health care plan. We want to ensure the health and safety of all our students.

If your child has an allergy to carpet, it is essential that we have a current health care plan on file. This plan will help us take the necessary precautions to manage their allergy effectively.

Please contact the school office if your child has this allergy and we will guide you through the process of creating a health care plan. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in helping us maintain a safe environment for all students.

School Uniform

Please remind your child/ren to always wear their school uniform. We are noticing some many varied and colourful items being worn to school that are not part of our official school uniform.

Many students are not wearing their hats – we are a ‘sun safe school’ and we should be protecting our heads and faces from the sun by wearing the school hat.

Carlingford West Public School Beanies are allowed but hats still need to be worn at all times in the playground and outside.

Gate Entry

Please note that both Felton Road pedestrian gates are open from 7 am to 9.40 am, then 3.10 pm to 6.15 pm in the afternoon Monday to Friday.

Before and After School Care (the "Y") entry is through Hilar Ave. This gate is open from 6.45 am to 9.40 am in the morning and from 3.10 pm until 6.15 pm in the afternoon Monday to Friday.

Please do not enter our primary school through the vehicle access at Cumberland High School.

Rubbish Concerns

Unfortunately, we have had concerns raised by our neighbours regarding the rubbish accumulating outside the school gates in Hilar Avenue and Felton Road and along the road.

Could you please consider our neighbours and our environment and take care not to drop used face masks, sandwich bags, paper wrappers, empty packets etc. outside the school gates where they attract pests and pollute waterways when they wash into the stormwater drains. Please take your rubbish home and dispose of it responsibly. Thank you.

Use parental controls on your child’s iPhone or iPad

With Screen Time, you can turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions to manage content, apps and settings on your child’s device. You can also restrict explicit content, purchases and downloads, and changes to privacy settings.

Apple’s parental controls are important tools that allow parents to choose how — and how often — their children can use their devices. Parental controls are built right into each iPhone, iPad and Mac.

https://support.apple.com/en-au/105121#:~:text=Follow%20these%20steps%3A-,Go%20to%20Settings%20and%20tap%20Screen%20Time.,Adult%20Websites%20or%20Allowed%20Websites

Medical Needs

Please ensure the school is aware of any medical needs your child may have. It is the responsibility of parents/carers to provide updated Health Care Plans, Action Plans and medications to the school. Students are not permitted to carry medication in their own bags. If your child requires medication at any point during the school day, it must be kept in the office and administered under supervision.

Thank you to parents/carers who have already replied and visited the office with an updated Health Care Plan, Action Plan and medication this year. Action Plans are medical documents completed and signed by the treating doctor, not a parent. Please be advised that Action Plans do not expire, and therefore the plan is still valid beyond the recommended review date, which is a guide for patients to see their doctor.

However, the school strongly recommends that parents/carers visit the doctor to ensure their child/ren's health condition is up to date.

When you get an Action Plan from your doctor, be sure to get a coloured one. Please look at the latest version of Action Plans as your reference.

Use of Digital Devices

We recognise that families may need students to carry a mobile device before or after school for various reasons. If students have a mobile device they need to complete the 'Use of Digital Devices Agreement'. Please see attached form and sign and return to your child's class teacher.

Mobile devices need to be switched off once the students are on the school grounds. The school office remains the appropriate point of contact should you need to communicate a message to your children.

Children who wear SMART watches must have them disconnected to Wifi during the day. They are not permitted to phone or message parents during the day. If they wear them to walk to and from school, they must disconnect them as soon as they enter the school.

Please refer to the ‘Use of Digital Devices’ if you would like further information.

Turning Circle Drop Off

We have an increasing number of students being dropped in the Turning Circle after the bell. Please allow extra time in the morning for drop off as there is high traffic. Please follow the usual Turning Circle procedures during morning drop off.

Students are to get out of vehicles on the curb side.
There is to be no overtaking.
Stop at the next available stopping bay.
If the gate is closed. Drop off will need to be outside the gate.

School times and supervision

School supervision commences at 8:55am each day. Students should not be at school before this time unless they are enrolled into OSHC.

Please see OSHC News section in this Newsletter for contact and booking information.

If you need to leave for work before 8:55am please book your child into OSHC.

School finishes at 3:25pm and you need to collect your child/ren then or have them booked into OSHC.

Before and After School Care (OSHC - TASK) Pick up and Drop Off

Please remember that the turning circle is not to be used for OSHC pick up or drop off. Parents have been blocking the carpark exit and entry which makes it extremely difficult for staff to leave or arrive.

When using the turning circle you are not permitted to leave your vehicle.

Pick up and drop off for OSHC is Hilar Avenue.

Late Arrivals

This is a reminder that school learning begins at 9.25 am sharp. The new curriculum has a robust morning session of English requirements. We still have too many students who are regularly late to school in the morning. If students are late, they are missing valuable learning time. Please ensure students are at school on time. This may mean that family routines have to change, and children need to be in bed earlier at night in order to wake up earlier in the morning. Frequent, unexplained late arrival at school is recorded on our absence system.

Please find attached an Australian government website about the importance of family routines.

Routines for families: how & why they work | Raising Children Network

Videoing or Photographing on School Grounds

We are also reminding parents that we are not able to video or photograph students on our school grounds. This is because other students may be inadvertently in the photo or video and permission has not been obtained from their parents.

Thank you as always for assisting us to help our students learn optimally and safely.

Alexis King Deputy Principal (K - 2)

Sonia Durney Deputy Principal (Yrs 3 - 5)

Dianne Bower Deputy Principal (Yrs 6 & Admin)

Yvette Ek-Moller Network EAL/D Education Leader

Library News

How to borrow an eBook