CNPS SCHOOL VISION: To build a community of curious, creative and engaged learners who are empowered to meet the challenges of our rapidly changing world. Collectively we will work with our students to become responsible global citizens who have the skills, knowledge and personal attributes they need for their future.
Principal’s Column
Wominjeka everyone!
On Saturday the 14 May, I had the privilege to attend a ceremony at Coburg Town Hall for a Welcome to Country, Cleansing Ceremony and Scroll Handover with three Woi-wurrung words for the renaming of Moreland City Council. I had asked for our Reconciliation Captains to attend with me to this significant event to which they witnessed the commitment our council was making to 'right the wrongs of the past and come together to walk a path of reconciliation' (Cr Mark Riley).
It was a moving event for all of us who attended. We were happy to hear that the hand over of the scroll included one of the names of our new buildings, named by our local Wurunderji elder Aunty Di, Wa-Dam-Bak, meaning renew. The other names included Merri-bek, which means "rocky country" and Jerrang, meaning "leaf of tree.
You can find out more about the remaining of council and this special event on ABC news (click on button below):
New Staff
Mark Pickett joined our team at the beginning of this term as our new Business Manager. Mark is a qualified Accountant and has worked in the university sector for several years at the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and RMIT. We are very happy to have him join our vibrant team.
I'd like to welcome Year 3 teacher, Carly Briant who has replaced Anna Lam for the remainder of the year. Carly is a local and comes to us with many years of teaching experience. We are very happy to have Carly join the CNPS family. If you see her in the school grounds, be sure to welcome her.
Foundation Playground Opening
Hip hip hooray, our Foundation Playground has opened. It has been worthwhile the wait. The playground is a huge hit with many happy Foundation students.
The new playground designed specifically for Foundation students allows a safe space for students moving from Kindergarten to Primary school. Foundation students are able to learn and play amongst their own cohort (grade level) of 80 students, and transition into the Junior playground in Term 4 with Year 1 and Year 2 students. We have seen already great success with the division of this space with many of the Foundation students not only growing in confidence, but also their creativity through play.
To see the playground in action, see our latest CNNN video.
Staff Shortages
I'd like to thank everyone for their understanding of the current staff shortage in Victoria which has led to many classes being split across other year levels. All schools in Victoria have been having difficulty in finding Casual Relief Teachers (CRTs) to cover teacher's absences either from Covid or the Flu. Our teachers have been amazing by picking up extra students to cover their colleagues to keep our student's learning going.
Unfortunately, this is beginning to take it's toll with many teachers feeling fatigued. Please take some time to make contact with your child's classroom teacher over the next few weeks and let them know how much we appreciate them for everything that they do.
Thank you P&F - Mother's Day Stall and Election BBQ
I'd like to say a big thank you for P&F for all of their hard work fundraising. The Mother's Day stall and the Democracy Sausage Sizzle was a great success. Not only did P&F manage to provide some funding for the school, but also made great experiences for students and our community! P.S....I loved my gifts from my kids ;)
Thank you so much from me and all of the staff at CNPS.
Meet our 2022 School Council Members
School Council members have elected the positions for 2022.
President
Robbie Napper
Hi my name is Robbie and I've got two children at CNPS. This is my third year volunteering on the school council and second year as president. I hope to see you at the school gate, on working bees, and the O'Hea St bike path - feel free to approach me about anything to do with the school council.
Vice President
Paul Cavicchiolo
I have three children, two of whom are currently attending Coburg North with our littlest one scheduled to join next year.
I have an Engineering background and currently work in private enterprise specialising in manufacturing.
I enjoy being a part of the CNPS community and wanted to help progress our school by becoming an active member of the School Council and continue to build on the significant contributions made by previous councillors and the wider school community.
Please feel free to bring your thoughts and ideas regarding CNPS to me any time you see me out and about in school or elsewhere in our wonderful community and I will address them through the appropriate communication channels.
Treasurer
Brad Appleton
I have one girl, Madison in Grade 4 who currently attends Coburg North and another daughter, Ella who graduated from Coburg North last year and is now in Grade 7 at Coburg High School.
My background is working in Finance and I am a qualified accountant with many years of experience including in the education sector.
I wanted to join school council as I have a strong connection with the education sector and value the opportunities CNPS provides for our children. I have previously volunteered as a class parent rep and have enjoyed seeing the school grow over the last few years. I hope to be able to contribute to the continued growth of the school and will strive to support the school in making it the best possible experience for both the kids and the parents.
Secretary
Mark Pickett
I have just recently joined Coburg North Primary School in the Business Manager role. I am a qualified acountant, and before becoming the Business Manager Coburg North Primary, I worked for several years in the University sector in managerial roles in finance and facilities.
I am looking forward in joining the Coburg North Primary community and support the school in strategic resourcing and planning.
Outside of school I have 2 children, have coached junior basketball for a decade and play tennis.
Community Rep: P&F
Tamara Heath
I am Tamara Heath and I represent the CNPS Parents and Friends (P&F) Group on school council.
I have been a parent at the school since 2013. Two of my daughters, Ada and Camille, completed their primary education at CNPS and are now attending Coburg High School (in year 9 and 7 respectively). My youngest daughter Clea is in Grade 4 at CNPS, and (in full disclosure!) I am married to Paul (CNPS's facilities manager).
I love being a part of the CNPS school community, whether through P&F or school council, or just having a chat to people at drop off and pick up.
I am a former journalist, and am currently working for the Victorian Government, as the Director of the COVID homelessness response, providing access to testing, vaccination and isolation accommodation for people experiencing homelessness during the pandemic.
Education Chair
Jenny Ha
Hello to everyone in the the CNPS community. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute to the school this year. I have two wonderful children, Max and Zoe, who are currently learning and thriving at the school.
Outside of being Max and Zoe's mum, I am currently Group Director for Growth Development at Worley - Australia's largest engineering firm in the energy and resources sector. This means I get to work with lots of engineers to develop new solutions and technologies that are key to the energy transition challenges.
Education Subcommittee
Philippa Meier
Hi, I am Philippa, the mother of Kaspar in grade 1 and Athena in grade 3. We have lived in Coburg North for the past 6 years, and love the area, the Merri Creek was our saviour during lockdown. I work at the University of Melbourne teaching nursing students, which is rewarding and busy. I joined the committee this year and look forward to getting to know this beautiful community better.
Education Sub Committee
Michael Hill
I completed my final university placement at Coburg North Primary School in 2012. I was fortunate enough to get a job here the following year and have been here since (besides a short break in 2019). The first 6 years of my career were spent as a Foundation teacher. During this time I also ran Preschool Story Time, which allowed me to get to know many families. I have worked with fellow teachers and parents as part of the sustainability and reconciliation teams. I believe that a school can only be a ‘good’ school unless it has the community to make it ‘great’. We are fortunate to be part of an amazing community at CNPS.
Buildings and Grounds
Phil Cadman
I have two kids at Coburg North, in years 5 and 4. We love the school and the community.
I am a barrister with a specialty in public sector decision-making, although I’m also a qualified teacher. I’ve been a relief teacher in schools and taught law at universities. I have really enjoyed being a part of the Playground Committee and am keen to increase my involvement in helping our great school tick. I play indoor soccer, the piano and the guitar (but not all at a once). I commute by bike and you can see me many mornings riding by CNPS to drop off the kids.
I am very happy for anyone to reach out to me with ideas and input, and look forward to working for you on the School Council.
Buildings and Grounds
Miki Perkins
Hello! I have two children at CNPS, Artie in grade 6 and Ivor in grade 3. I'm keen on issues of sustainability and diversity, and joined the council because I wanted to do my bit to contribute to this lovely, growing school.
I'm a journalist with a focus on climate change and the environment. Come up and say hi.
Buildings and Grounds
Tim Prendergast
I’m the Assistant Principal and have worked at Coburg North for the last 17 years. I feel fortunate to work in a school with great kids, passionate teachers and a supportive parent community.
During my time at Coburg North, I have been a member of multiple school councils and sub-committees in various guises. I appreciate and value the time and effort that teachers and parents commit to making Coburg North such a great place.
In my spare time, I’m usually running after my young son and trying to convince him of the benefits of barracking for Collingwood.
School Council Member
My partner Troy and I have two children at CNPS – Archie (Grade 6) and Raf (Grade 3). We also have a cute puppy, Cedric Diggory, who often joins us on the school walk. We’ve lived on Gaffney Street for 10 years.
I have appreciated the support and belonging to the CNPS community over the past 5 years and am excited to be making a contribution. I’m usually found hanging around the Jersey Street entrance and am also on Facebook.
I am a family and surrogacy lawyer and work from home, and otherwise spend my time debating with two future lawyers about their contributions to household chores and adherence to parental limits on screen time.
Executive Officer
Monika Gruss
It is a privilege to be the principal of this amazing school with outstanding students, staff and community.
I have two children at CNPS, one graduating this year in Year 6 and another in Year 1. Both love this school as much as I do.
In my spare time I love hanging out with the kids and our new dog Astrid.
School Council Dates
All is welcome to attend school council meetings. All visitors who request to attend must inform the school 2 days prior to the meeting. You can email the office at coburg.north.ps@education.vic.gov.au. You can find more information on School Council on our school's website.
School Council meetings are held on the last Wednesday of most months, starting at 7pm:
- 25th May
- 22nd June
- 27th July
- 24th August
- 26th October
- 30th November
Until next fortnight, stay safe and WARM :)
Captain’s Column
Due to student absences this month we are unable to provide Student News in this edition of the newsletter. Stay tuned for an update on what the captains have been up to in next months edition of Student News.
Junior School Council
On Friday 13th of May we celebrated Pirate Day. Our goal was $144 and we ended up raising a whopping $2555. All of the money went to funding research for kids with brain cancer. We thank the school community for donating so generously and everyone who dressed up.
And there may be a possibility of a dress up day on the last day of term…
What happened this month?
Grade 5 Camp - Written by Gemma M and Paria G
Day 1
It all started when we got in the bus ready to leave, all were excited. By the time we got there, we were shocked by all the amazing and exciting activities that we saw while driving up the driveway, to add to that the beautiful scenery. To start off our adventure, we had a little tour of the place to get us familiar, before getting stuck right into all of our activities. We got split into 3 different groups, and each of us did different activities so that it wouldn’t get too crowded. To name a few we did things like, a game called 9-square in the air, we did a bit of rock climbing and some groups did archery. During our breaks we would have afternoon tea which included delicious biscuits, donuts and some fruit to go with it. To finish off the day, we got settled into our cabins and went back into the main room to have a talent show that ended up becoming a big dance party. To settle down from all that excitement from the day, we had a nice relaxing break and an amazing hot chocolate. We went to our cabins and tried to fall asleep but we doubt anyone actually got too much of it.
Day 2
Most of our activities took place on that Tuesday. We began the day by going on an amazing flying fox experience. We had to run off a platform which I think we all found the scariest part, the 2 great things about it being that you didn’t have to go alone, you could go with a friend, and that you could see the sun just peaking over the beautiful foggy hills that lay before us which made the scenery all the more astonishing. We had a couple more activities and before we knew it, it was time for dinner! We had a delicious meal of chicken schnitzel and salad, full and ready to watch the movie we had planned for that night. We were scoffing down our dessert we got for that night while watching a hilarious movie called kung fu panda. It was finally time for bed, the second night all of us slept better.
Day 3
We did a few activities in the morning but were engulfed in a deep sadness that we unfortunately had to leave. Yet we were excited to be reunited we all our families and pets, we couldn’t believe our amazing experience has already come to an end. We all got off the bus and gathered all our bags. We were welcomed back into Melbourne by our delighted parents.
Year 6 Camp - Written by Hugo S
On Monday 16th May the Grade 6 students left by bus to CYC Forest Edge in Neerim East for a 3 day camp. When we arrived at camp we had a really cool orientation walk where the instructor took us around all the Forest Edge attractions. One of the main highlights for me was the 300m flying fox because the line took us over a creek and over a forest. One of the most exciting times was when we were hut building. We were told to create a hut out of materials found around us (which was pretty fun) and then the instructors emptied a whole bucket of cold water on top of the huts we had made to see if they were waterproof. That night we had an AWESOME disco in the common room and enjoyed a nice up of hot chocolate. The following day was just as jam packed as the first day. I climbed to the top of a hill with my friends to view the sunrise. When we arrived back to school most people (including me) caught ‘Forest Edge Fever’! Grade 6 Camp was a fantastic experience where we learnt so much about each other and ourselves and tried lots of things we had never experienced before.
School Cross Country Carnival & Obstacle Course Challenge
On Friday 6th May students at CNPS participated in the School Cross Country Carnival and Obstacle Course Challenge. Students came to school dressed in their house colours and were able to earn points by joining in! It was wonderful to see everyone giving the activities a go, showing their house pride and being active!
District Cross Country
On Wednesday 18th May, 27 students represented CNPS at the District Cross Country Carnival. Students competed in a long distance running race against other schools in our district and ran either 2km or 3km. They were all wonderful ambassadors for our school, showing our school values of respect, resilience and responsibility.
The students who represented our school are as follows:
Vivienne R, Eva W, Georgia B, Isabella Z, Matilda A, Ellisa Y, Rose O, Scarlett C, Siri N, Gemma M, Oria H, Anna H, Emma D, Kai S, Hardy A, Gus O, Riley D, Fred H, Ivan L, Arthur L, Ned R, Rowan L, Elliot C, Josh H, Julian T, Harry M & Matthew H.
We are all so proud of every one of these students and their amazing efforts training before the event. We had 7 students (highlighted) who made it through to the next level, which is an outstanding achievement. We wish them all the best!
Thank you to all the parents/carers for all their support as well!
Kind regards,
Gabby
Wellbeing and Inclusion
In Term 3 this year, we will be running a number of programs to increase social and emotional wellbeing across the school. The following programs will be offered. We are calling for expressions of interest from parents who would like their children to participate in these programs, as well as suggestions from teachers about students who they feel will benefit from these groups.
Please email the Wellbeing and Inclusion Leader, Myu Myu.Thompson@education.vic.gov.au with your child’s name, grade and the program by Friday 10th June, 2022. Please note that we will try our very best to accommodate all expressions of interests, however we may not be able to accept all requests due to program group capacity numbers.
Brave Online
This group will be for Grade 4 students and will focus on teaching students how to manage anxiety by providing coping strategies. It also focused on identifying any worrying thoughts, how to challenge them and how to replace them with more helpful thoughts. The program also utilises interactive tools to help children plan and manage sources of anxiety and cope with stressful situations. The program will run for approximately 10 weeks.
Social Skills Program
This group will be for neurodivergent children. It will focus on teaching children how to recognise their own emotions and the emotions of others, reading body language, coping with their own emotions, the connection between thoughts, emotions and behaviour, perspective taking, problem solving and coping with bullying. This program will run weekly for a term.
Seasons for Growth
This program focuses on grief and loss. This may be due to a death, family separation or big life changes. The program will focus on using the seasons as metaphors for how our feelings change. It will focus on accepting different feelings and how to cope with difficult times and emotions. It will run weekly for the term.
Social Stencil
This program will be run across all of the grade 5 classes during class time. It will run for approximately one session a week for a term and a half. Social Stencil is an engaging, evidence-based program that teaches children and young adolescents the strategies they need to develop friendships, manage conflict independently and build life shaping social skills. If you do not want your child to participate in this program, please let your child’s teacher know.
Anxiety Resources and Support
Triple P has free online parenting programs
https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/vic-uken/triple-p/
WHAT IS TRIPLE P?
Triple P is a parenting program, but it doesn't tell you how to be a parent. It's more like a toolbox of ideas. You choose the strategies you need. You choose the way you want to use them. It's all about making Triple P work for you.
WHAT DOES TRIPLE P DO?
The three Ps in ‘Triple P’ stand for ‘Positive Parenting Program’ which means your family life is going to be much more enjoyable.
Triple P helps you:
- Raise happy, confident kids
- Manage misbehaviour so everyone in the family enjoys life more
- Set rules and routines that everyone respects and follows
- Encourage behaviour you like
- Take care of yourself as a parent
- Feel confident you’re doing the right thing
How Parents Can be the ‘Facilitators of Brave’
https://www.heysigmund.com/nxiety-in-children-parents-facilitators-of-brave/
A great practical article that acknowledges and validates a child’s worries but then most importantly, reassures the child and helps them to be brave and resilient.
Dr. Justin Coulson - Kids Are Anxious Right Now. Here Are 5 Things You Can Do to Help
https://fb.watch/dg6Ix9KOul/
A 6 minute video from Dr. Justin Coulson with the 5 points below discussed in further detail.
- Children need to believe the world feels safe. Limit media, news and information that makes children feel unsafe and worried.
- Emotions are contagious. When you are elevated due to anxiety and stress, your children are more likely to be anxious. Staying calm and level will always be helpful.
- “Name it to tame it” - when you see your child having a hard time, tell them what you see. “I notice you look worried…”
- Side by side conversations such as walking or in the car, feels more comfortable and less confronting for children.
- “Don’t turn on the fire hose” -just give them the information they need, not too much. Remind your child that the world can be a wonderful, beautiful place.
Buildings and Grounds
Hello everyone! Lots has been happening this month - as always!
Volunteering
I wanted to thank everyone who has helped around the school grounds. Our gardens and playgrounds look so good because of the efforts of our wonderful community. There are always opportunities to help and if you have a special skills, a project or just an area of school that you feel can be improved, please let me know. We have a regular gardening group that meets every Friday and weeding, watering and general grounds maintenance can always be improved with a little, or a lot, of extra help.
Election Day
The Australian Electoral Commission used CNPS for an Election Day polling centre. From early in the morning, until late at night, thousands of voters passed through our school. They day was a great success and, along with the wonderful Parents and Friends fundraising efforts, our school made a great impression on everyone who visited.
Basketball Facilities
As part of the new partnership with the Coburg Basketball Association, new basketball rings and backboards have been installed in the hall. Watch out for regular competition games starting soon!
Coburg Crop
We are moving along with the development of the Crop. The garden beds have been planted to catch the last of the sunny autumn weather. Irrigation of the beds, thanks to the great work of Otis, will keep the beds well watered and our gardening group have continued to mulch and weed.
The irrigation house is next and, as promised to almost every CNPS student, the chooks are on their way!
Compost
We have developed a great system with our classroom compost and recycling. Student monitors race out to help fill our bins and make sure school waste is kept to a minimum. I’ve made sure everything is looking neat and tidy this month - this is such an important area of the school!
Trophy cabinet
Check out the new CNPS trophy cabinet located in the hall. Our awards and records of great achievement in student sport can now be proudly displayed for all to see!
I can’t wait to report on all that’s happening around the grounds of CNPS again next month.
Paul, Manager Buildings and Grounds
TheirCare: After School Care
Term 2 Update
The term has started with a bang! More and more children are now returning to the program and that is great to see.
Some of our regular staff are helping at other services but will hopefully return by the end of this Term. Ryan has now started with us as a permanent Part time educator and will be here every morning and afternoon. He is also trained as a responsible person.
We have already had lots of fun this term, and the children are now actively enjoying contributing with planning ideas for each week along with menu ideas. The basketball hoops which have been installed in the hall are a BIG success and we are utilising our staff to offer coaching to the children.
If you have not used our services, registrations can be completed online at www.theircare.com.au We always welcome your input so please reach out if you have any feedback or ideas to ensure we provide the best care!
Hi, my name is Ryan, and I am working towards my Bachelor of Primary Education. I Graduate at the end of this year from Curtin University.
I love watching and playing footy, basketball and soccer in my spare time. I enjoy listening to music, playing video games, and finding new places to go out and eat.
The things I am most looking forward to during my permanent part time role at Coburg North Primary School is developing great relationships with all the children and parents and having more opportunities to play sports and design arts and crafts activities.
Term 2 Overview so far:
Week 1 – Welcome Back
The children told us all about their school holidays and the fun they had. The children were all glad to be back and we spent the week, reforming friendships and starting new ones too! Lots of team games and fun was had by all!
Week 2- Mother’s Day and Special People
The children made cards and gifts and we talked about how all families look and feel different, however, all the children feel loved and have created so many memories with them. They enjoyed hiding the cards and gifts they had made ready to take home.
Week 3 – People in the community
The children shared stories of the people that help them in the community and how they link into school, OSHC and home. From the school nurse Sara to the crossing people who help us get to school safely. The children told us about the jobs their parents do in the Community. We also discovered what the children would like to do when they “grow up”.
Week 4 – National Families Week
This week is celebrated and recognised across Australia, and it gives us a great insight to learn about the children’s culture and family life. We created our own favourite recipes. The children talked about the people in their family, including the furry friends that are just as special! We also created our own family tree.
Week 5 – Special Days and Space
The children celebrated many special days during the week, like World Turtle Day, where they had the chance to share their prior knowledge and fun facts. Then it was all about space, creating rockets, astronauts, and our own planets!
Parents and Friends
Parents and Friends update
It’s been a great term 2 for Parents and Friends with the Mother’s Day stall and the election market. Our next meeting will 7pm on Monday 20 June. We’ll be planning the next event on the calendar, the trivia night for parents (teachers welcome)!! If you’re interested in coming along to the meeting, please email: cnps_pf@hotmail.com. We’d love to see you there!
First planning meeting for Spring plant market
This week a small group met to start planning the Spring plant market for 2022.
At the meeting it was decided that this year’s event would be held at the state election on 26 November as the school will again be a polling centre. This way we can create a market atmosphere and capitalise on the extra foot traffic coming into the school.
If you’re interest in growing plants or helping to plan, please email: cnps_pf@hotmail.com
Election day wrap-up
The federal election day market on Saturday 21 May was a great success with close to $4700 raised for Coburg Crop – the school’s community garden!
While the super long voting lines never eventuated (it was the best place to vote in Melbourne), we almost sold out of sausages (approx. 75kgs) and the wonderful home-baked goods were all snapped up. A good dent was made in the stacks of books and the stall proved very popular. It was also great to have Vagabond Coffee Van back at the school.
A massive thank you to the more than 50 volunteers who helped out on the day and the many bakers who contributed to the cake stall. You all helped to make it a fun and successful day! Special thanks to the P&F crew who helped organise the event and run the stalls.
Pencil in the next market day for the state election on 26 November!
Mother's Day Stall
On Friday 6 May P&F hosted the Mother's Day stall, giving kids an opportunity to buy a special gift for their loved ones and raise funds towards a new permanent shade at the school. The quality of donated goods was impressive with the always popular home-baked treats and potted plants the most popular items with the kids. A special thank you to the many many volunteers who crafted, baked and gave up their time before and the day to make the stall a success.
Together we raised $3800 for the school, and hopefully helped to make your Mother's Day a little bit special.
eSafety @ CNPS
Over the past few weeks, the foundation students have been exploring technology using Bee Bots. This tool allows students to explore direction and programming while working on their social skill of sharing. E-Safety is embedded into our learning from foundation onwards, in these early years the focus is on using technology safely and effectively for its specific task. As the year develops and we slowly use a larger variety of digital technologies within our classroom, we will be discussing how to be safe online, to always talk to a safe adult if we feel uncomfortable and to not share our personal details. If you would like further assistance to help teach your child to be safe online, please have a look at the attached website. https://www.esafety.gov.au/kids/be-an-esafe-kid
Upcoming Events
Week 6 - Reconciliation Week
- Division Cross Country Championships, Wednesday June 1
- Winter inter-school sports round 4, Friday June 3
- Reconciliation Week (Mabo Day), Friday June 3
Week 7
- Winter inter-school sports round 5, Friday June 10
Week 8
- Queen's Birthday Public Holiday, Monday, June 13
- Region Cross Country Championships, Wednesday June 15
- Winter inter-school sports round 6, Friday June 17
Week 9
- School Council, Wednesday June 22 (7pm)
- Newsletter published, Friday June 24
- Assembly (parents welcome), Friday June 24 (2pm)
- Early Departure for last day of term (2:30pm)