From the Principal ...

Dear students, families and staff of Cheltenham Primary School,

Last week was Harmony Week, a time to recognise and embrace the rich diversity within our school community. Harmony Week is about inclusivity, respect, and a shared sense of belonging for all.

Our focus as a school was on kindness to others and respect for diversity—values that strengthen our school and create a more connected and supportive environment.  Small acts of kindness, from welcoming someone new to showing gratitude and understanding, help foster a culture of respect and inclusion.

It was wonderful to see so many students and staff participating in activities that highlighted the importance of kindness and cultural inclusion.  Thank you to all the families that helped to support this focus.  Let us continue to carry this spirit forward in our everyday interactions and ensure that respect and kindness remain at the heart of our community.  Thank you for being part of a school that values and celebrates diversity.

Please enjoy reading about each year level's focus for Harmony Week in today's newsletter.

Foundation 2026

Thank you to those families who have already completed and lodged their sibling enrolment forms for 2026. In today's newsletter our tireless Transition Coordinator, Ilana Arndheim has provided a report of key dates this year and other information.  Foundation tours commenced last week and continued this week, with large groups of prospective enrolments touring our school. Yesterday when we stopped in the library one of our Year 5 students spontaneously and eloquently spoke to the group about the support they have received in their 5 years at the school and the kindness and support of our collective staff. It was a moment of gratitude and kindness that will be remembered, and one which I proudly shared with all staff at our staff professional learning meeting after school. 

NAPLAN 2025

In this issue of the newsletter we have a report on NAPLAN 2025 from our NAPLAN Coordinator Rhiannon Dalman, who did an exceptional job coordinating her first NAPLAN tests for Years 3 and 5 and conducting catchup tests for students that were absent for testing sessions! I also acknowledge Haidong Lu, our IT technician who overcame some significant IT issues in the final few days prior to the NAPLAN testing period to ensure that our online testing program was not impacted. Thank you to the teachers in Years 3 and 5 who worked diligently with the children so they felt comfortable and confident to give their Personal Best and to David Senior, Arthur Chronopoulos and Caroline Hewson for their support of the students in Years 3 and 5. 

Our school mission statement is 'We accept the challenge.'  Leaning into challenges and developing grit are essential for building both learner confidence and lifelong success. When students tackle difficult tasks, they strengthen their problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to persevere through setbacks. Overcoming challenges fosters a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing the belief that effort leads to growth - a mindset that is critical for academic and personal development.  By encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones and persist to build stamina, we help them to develop the self confidence and skills they need to thrive. 

Mathematics Olympiad

Our Mathematics Excellence program aims to enrich and challenge some of our talented Mathematicians in Years 4 to 6 through the provision of experiences designed to promote and improve mathematical problem solving skills; develop an understanding of a variety of strategies to promote flexibility in problem solving and encourage creativity and collaboration in problem solving. (Mathematics Olympiad Report). 

Return to the Garden

The Return to the Garden program in Term 1 has been highly valued by our students with many enjoying the opportunity to enjoy the Garden and do garden maintenance during lunchtimes.  The children have already harvested our first crop of raddishes and pickled these to take home! 

New Synthetic turf

Following endorsement by School Council the replacement of our synthetic turf  is underway.  A contract has been signed and the 25% deposit is in progress. On Monday the Tiger Turf representative came in at 7.15am to do a final measure of our synthetic turf for ordering.  

Although the recent rain has helped the regeneration of the oval, the contractor is waiting for approval from the VSBA to install turf in the areas of poor growth.  

Sport

It has been a very busy first term in Sport with our students achieving some outstanding results. Congratulations to Kira K. who broke the district record in the 9/10 year old girls 50m breaststroke, a terrific achievement and Will M. who also progressed to Kingston Division!  

Our success as a school in sport owes much to the commitment of our families to community sport and to our exceptional PE and Sport teacher, Shaun Penny who goes beyond teaching skills and rules - Shaun inspires a love for movement, teamwork and personal growth! 

Student accident insurance and ambulance cover

The Department of Education does not provide personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for students. Parents and care givers of students, who do not have student accident insurance or ambulance cover, are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including the cost of ambulance attendance or transport as well as any other transport costs. 

It is the responsibility of parents/carers to look into their preferred options in this regard. The Department cannot provide advice to parents/carers on the purchase of individual student accident policy or ambulance cover.

Private property brought to school by students, staff or visitors is not insured and the Department does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage. This includes mobile phones, calculators, toys, sporting equipment and cars parked on school premises. As the Department does not hold insurance for personal property brought to schools and has no capacity to pay for any loss or damage to such property, students and staff are discouraged from bringing any unnecessary or particularly valuable items to school.  

PTFA

In today's issue of the newsletter please find details about ordering Hot Cross Buns and our traditional, Easter Raffle! 

Finally in Community Notices forthcoming Open Nights for Sandringham Secondary College and Beaumaris Secondary College are advertised. There is also a Camp Australia March Newsletter and a Meet the Team Members at Camp Australia flyer for your information. 

Kind Regards

Bronwyn