From the Acting Principal 

I am grateful for…

Carnegie Primary School and the wonderful experience I have had over this term. While I have only been a part of the community for a short while, I have truly appreciated the opportunity and loved being here. I am thankful to the students, staff, and parents, for how you have all welcomed me, and I am looking forward to hearing about the next chapter for your school under the exceptional leadership of Karen Roberts.

Pupil Free Day Reminder

There will be no school for students this coming Friday, 9th December. On this day our teachers and support staff will be planning for 2023. A program is being offered by Youth Leadership Victoria OSHC. Please ensure you book in, if you require this program.

Step Up Program

At Carnegie Primary School the ‘Step Up’ program is our whole school approach to transition which supports students transitioning from one grade level to the next throughout their years of schooling. 

Step Up aims to prepare each student for the next stage in their educational journey, as we know successful school transition is vital to a child’s educational, social and emotional development. 

Our Step Up program covers three levels: Kinder to prep, Year to Year level and Year 6 to Secondary College. 

Each transition stage enhances a child’s independence and supports successful participation in school life. 

Parents can support their child through the transition process by asking positive questions such as: 

• What are you looking forward to the most next year? 
• What things are you really good at? 
• What would you most like to improve in next year and how can we help you achieve this goal? 

These sessions have been taking place over December. The final session will take place with the students’ 2023 teachers in their 2023 classrooms.

Thank You

To all the Carnegie Primary School staff for their professionalism and dedication to our students and families throughout the year. CPS is a very special school, and the community is incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful team of teachers and support staff.

To our students for working so well in their learning teams throughout the year. You too, should be very proud of yourselves. Thank you for your hard work and positive attitude towards learning. It has been incredible to see how you support one another and encourage your peers. We look forward to supporting you all to ensure your individual needs are catered for in 2023. 

To School Councilors for your continued work and dedication to a welcoming and aspirational learning community. I would like to take a moment to formally acknowledge Verity Walker, our School Council President, for her commitment and positive support for Carnegie Primary School on so many levels. 

To our Parents and Friends Association, for their efforts to remain connected, raising funds, and providing opportunities for our families. We look forward to further community events throughout 2023!

To the parents and members of the school community who have supported our school throughout the year. Carnegie Primary School truly embodies its values or ‘welcoming, engaging, achieving’, and every member of the community plays a role in bringing these values to life. 

Fondest of Farewells

The school year is not quite over yet, but I want to take the opportunity to wish our year six students the very best as they commence Secondary College. We are very much looking forward to the Year 6 production and our Graduation ceremony in the last week of term. May their futures be bright and rewarding and their dreams come true. 

We also wish those students and their families who are moving to new schools in 2023 all the best for their future. We know several are moving house at the end of this year, and we hope you quickly settle into your new schools in the new year. 

Staffing Updates - Welcomes and Farewells

The classes and staffing for 2023 are being finalised to ensure the best support for all of our students. It is that time of the year again where we say a fond farewell to some of our staff and warmly welcome new members to our team.

A huge thank you and farewell to the following staff:

• Brittany Hudgell who has picked up an ongoing position at the Virtual School Victoria
• Brooke Schiano who has been successful in a position at Casey Fields Primary School
• Anna Remfry who has been successful in a one year position at Brighton Beach Primary School
• Jessica Langley who will be on family leave for 2023
• Abbey Pomeroy who will be taking leave for 2023
• Kirra King who will be taking leave for 2023

A very fond Carnegie welcome to our new staff who were appointed against advertised vacancies. We are thrilled that these teachers will be working with their teams this coming Friday in planning for 2023.

• Faisal Suryadi
• Symone Tonkin
• Emma Whitby
• Christine Benjamin
• Caleb Maher (ICT technician)

A big welcome back to staff members who are returning from leave in part time capacities in 2023. These teachers will also be working with their teams this coming Friday.

• Rebecca Batten
• Stephanie Lipson
• Alicia Parker
• Amy Travers

Finally, a huge thank you to Maria Morley, our school counsellor, who is finishing up at the end of this year. She has been an amazing support for Carnegie Primary School over the years, and her work has been invaluable in supporting the mental health of our students. Thank you for all that you have done for the community.

Toilet Block Building Works Update

The building works on the toilet block will be commencing soon and will be happening over the school holiday period. These works will likely continue into the start of Term 1, and there will be temporary toilets installed during this time.

End of Year Picnic

It is that time of year again and our Parents and Friends Association has organised the end of year picnic for families! Please see Compass for further details about the end of year event.

Term Dates for 2023

Term 1: Tuesday 31st of January to Thursday the 6th of April for Year 1 to 6 students. Thursday the 2nd of February to Thursday the 6th of April for Prep students.

Term 2: Monday the 24th of April to Friday the 23rd of June.

Term 3: Monday the 10th of July to Friday the 15th of September.

Term 4: Monday the 2nd of October to Tuesday the 20th of December.

Reminder: Prep students don’t attend school on Wednesdays at the start of the year until Wednesday the 15th March.

Matthew Vines and Karen Bentata-Grimm