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. Another month has past by and we are close to seeing the end of Term 1 for 2022. Looking over this month’s newsletter, I have a great sense of pride in all of the projects the school has accomplished in such a short time. CNPS has accomplished so much over the years and this cannot be accomplished without the help of great staff and community. We have so many at CNPS.
Thank you Sebastian Goder
Speaking of achieving projects within a short amount of time, I’d like to highlight the work of one of our staff members, who unfortunately will be leaving us at the end of this term. I am sad to announce that CNPS will be loosing our Business Manager, Sebastian Goder who has been with us for two years. Although 2 years is not a long time to be at a school, what Seb has accomplished within this time is truly remarkable, especially considering that these years were spent during a pandemic.
Within this short time, Seb has …
- resourced our new Out of School Hours Care provider, TheirCare, securing $200 000 per annum in revenue. The funds gained each year goes towards developing our much needed development of the school grounds.
- renegotiated the Montessori lease, awarding the school with an additional $30 000 for the school in revenue as well as accruing more space for the school to redevelop an Italian Kitchen garden, Coburg Crop.
- won grants for the school such as $50K for ICT equipment and $75K to develop Coburg Crop that will be accessible for all students and invited members of our community.
- secured minor capital work projects for the school including:
- playground equipment - Mount Aspiring (to be installed in the inclusive playground in Term 2); 17 meter pirate ship (to be installed in the Early Years playground in 2022); Foundation Playground (to be completed in Term 2); Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) covering the outdoor space from the performance stage in the Booegiagat building to the Library in the Wa-Dam-Bak building (yet to be finalised by the VSBA).
- managed the Ride and Stride initiative for the school.
- negotiated a partnership with Giant Basketball Association to refurbish the courts and install new retractable hoops in the hall.
- participated as an active member of School Council including working in the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Finance Committee and OSHC working party.
- restructured admin processes to move from a paper-based system to an online system.
- resourced and managed a 1-2 iPad system for F-4 students
- restructured the school’s stationary supply to create an ongoing sustainable use of resources.
- redesigned the Asset Management system to secure assets.
- managed operational systems during COVID lockdowns for onsite students.
Seb has made a significant impact in improving CNPS for all students and the wider community in such a short time. He will be missed by all staff. Our sincerest thank you and all the very best to Sebastian Goder.
Last week we interviewed a suitable candidate to fill our vacant Business Manager position. We were successful in finding the right person who we believe will be a great fit for CNPS.
New Business Manager starting Term 2
Mark Pickett comes to us with varied experienced that will be of great benefit for the school. He has extensive experience in finance as well as project management and facilities. He has worked at Melbourne University and Latrobe improving many of their systems including moving from a paper based system to an automated system and has developed and implemented creative innovative solutions that benefited the students at Melbourne University.
Mark has extensive experience in project management for capital works, with an understanding of how the VSBA works. This skill set will be valuable for our team with our vision to complete the school’s Master Plan over the next 2-4 years.
Curriculum Day: Lane Clark
Last fortnight teaching staff undertook professional learning in how to creatively engage students using an understanding of how students learn. This was a successful professional learning experience with many new tools to take into the classroom.
Lane Clark has a well-earned reputation as an expert in powerful pedagogy and in the design and delivery of engaging curriculum. Her authentic, transdisciplinary approach to learning is founded on teaching students how to learn, how to think and how to use new technologies to enhance their learning. A culture of innovation and enterprise is promoted to drive learners to USE new learning to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.
Teaching staff are currently evaluating their learnings from the 2 day workshop to map out a journey moving forward to support our students to be creative and innovative learners.
New School Council
Our new School Council will meet this Wednesday straight after our whole school Harmony Night event. We look forward to meeting our two new members, Miki Perkins and Philippa Meier. This Wednesday we will dissolve our current positions and nominate and approve new office bearers (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary) and sub committee chairs (Finance, Education, Buildings and Grounds).
We will introduce you to our new members in our next newsletter.
That’s all from me for this month. Take care everyone,
Monika Gruss
Captain’s Column
Please check out our Student Newsletter below to fill you in on the latest news from all of our Captains and Junior School Council members!
What happened this month?
Ride2School Day 2022
Last Friday 25th March we celebrated Ride2School Day! It was wonderful to see so many students, parents, friends and staff riding, walking, scooting and skating to school. By using active travel we were able to reduce carbon emissions, energy use and noise pollution. It was also a great way to start the day with exercise and improve our fitness levels.
Well done to our PE and House Captains who ran the morning activities, including the obstacle course on the basketball court, the photo booth and welcoming everyone at the gates!
A big thank you to the parents and friends committee who ran the bike maintenance station on the day. The student’s appreciated your help and guidance around bike safety/maintenance.
It was also fantastic to see all the students who decorated their bikes in the Harmony Day colour of orange, which made the morning even more special. We had a total of 370 students use active travel on the day, which is a fantastic achievement! Well done to everyone and we loved seeing the community back together and celebrating!
Regional Swimming Carnival
Congratulations to Frieda and Reuben who represented CNPS at the regional swimming carnival on Tuesday 22nd March. They were fantastic ambassadors for our school and the Coburg district! Frieda competed in both the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly races and Reuben competed in the 50m Breastroke. They should be commended for all their hard work and training in the pool and we are extremely proud of them for reaching such a high level! Well done!
Waterbug Discovery!
Merri Creek Water Management visited 1A and 1B on the 22nd March. We learnt that Waterbugs, or Macroinvertebrates, are an important food source for different animals in Merri Creek. We used different equipment (including gentle fingers) to capture, observe and classify different Waterbugs.
1C and 1D will have their chance to explore Waterbugs on the 5th April during their STEAM lesson.
AFL Clinics
For the next three weeks, students from Foundation - Grade 2 are super excited to participate in an AFL skills clinic.
Each week each class gets a turn at learning and then practising footy skills, like handball, kicking and marking.
We have a lot of enthusiastic students, keen to learn and develop their skills.
Grade 1 Mini Inquiry
The Grade 1s have been creating art works inspired by their love of the environment. It could be a special place, an animal or a scene/ landscape. They are using a variety of media to create their art, including reusing bottles and cardboard, as well as incorporating sand and leaves to add texture.
The work will be up on display on our classroom windows when we complete them during the final week of Term 1. So please come and have a look!
Wellbeing and Inclusion
After School Restraint Collapse and How to Help
Our teachers are often asked by concerned parents why their child struggles after school. We hear of highly emotional children or children who become withdrawn. Parents ask us if we see this behaviour at school and more often than not, our response is no. So, what could be going on? It’s called after school restraint collapse and it happens due to many factors:
- Firstly, students channel their energy into meeting the behavioural, social and academic expectations of school. To name a few: listening, learning, processing, sitting still, following directions, playing with friends, trying to regulate their emotions, social interactions and transitioning from place to place. The sensory stimulus can be overwhelming and exhausting.
- Secondly, your child has been doing this hard work for six hours without you around. This is a part of their important journey towards independence, but they have been dealing with some challenging things throughout the day. Your child has managed to hold it together all day.
- Thirdly, you are their comfort; their safe place.
What can you do to help your child? Some possible suggestions.
- Spend an extra 5-10 mins with them before school.
- Send them to school with notes in their lunchbox, a picture of you, or a toy that reminds them of you.
- Instead of focusing on the goodbye, and telling them all of the fun things they will do that day, redirect their attention to your next hello, e.g. "Have a great day - when I pick you up, shall we go to the park or library?"
- Pack a snack for the trip home.
- Delay asking them about their day.
- Get to know what your child needs once home (which can change from day to day) - do they need time to relax, or some physical activity?
- Have some down time before doing homework.
- Offer understanding and empathy, rather than punishment/discipline for any unwanted behaviour.
- As always, respond as best you can with the energy and resources you have.
Buildings and Grounds
Volunteer Gardening, watering and working bee
After years of waiting, volunteers were finally permitted back on school grounds. We now have a regular Friday Gardening Group and a team watering the many new plants around the school. Make sure you sign up for the End of Term Working Bee on Friday 1 April and Sunday 3 April. We will be working on the O’hea street entrance to the school, making this area look great with new shrubs, grasses and trees. Please use this link https://signup.com/go/xAxtFxQ to sign up for any of the volunteer B&G activities - more will be added all the time!
New Planting
Over 350 new plants have gone in the ground of the Inclusive Playground and the new Foundation Playground. This was an enormous effort by students, staff and volunteers. Everyone is now focussed on keeping the plants well watered to ensure they thrive.
Foundation Playground
The new Foundation Playground is almost complete! There has been a delay in the delivery of the final components (thanks COVID) but I have just received an email confirming that work will begin again on Monday 28 March and we should be operational with ropes, water feature, monkey bars and climbing frames all ready to go for the start of term 2.
Coburg Crop
We are working steadily in the Coburg Crop. Formwork is now complete for the propagation house and chook shed. Pouring the slabs will be completed by the end of term. The irrigation system that will water the raised garden beds is partially completed and we have spent several Friday Volunteer Gardening sessions in the space tidying, digging, weeding and mulching. I have also completed the plans for joinery to be installed in the outdoor teaching area. This includes shelving and storage above and below the concrete benches.
CNPS is currently collaborating with a not-for-profit organisation to have a qualified horticulturalist working in the Crop one day per week. This will ensure the space is well maintained and we can sow, grow and harvest a sustainable food supply. This person would work closely with the school to develop projects for students, staff, volunteers and the wider community.
Essential Safety Measures
The CNPS ESM audit was conducted this month and we are now completing the process of servicing and any maintenance of the safety infrastructure. These include fire safety, emergency lighting, exit signage egress, auto doors, kitchen canopies and security systems.
Around the Grounds
Check out some of the things that happened in the CNPS buildings and around the grounds this month!
New mathematics resource room shelving installation
New toilet roll dispenser in the boys toilets!
Grades 1A and 1B had a faulty fuse that cut power to parts of their classrooms. All repairs have been completed and students can now get back to work!
Bees in trees! Bees covered several trees in the yard for a week and then disappeared!
Trav’s Trees pruned some of the trees in the foundation playground to make sure the area is safe for everyone.
Don’t forget to check out the working bee on 1 April and 3 April. If you have a bit of spare time, it would be great to see you! To sign up, click on the button below.
Paul, CNPS Buildings and Grounds
TheirCare: After School Care
Term Update
Well, it has been a great start to the New Year and New School Term. It is so amazing to see so many friendly faces returning to the program, but also so many new Prep families and siblings we have welcomed too. Let’s hope that 2022 is a year to celebrate and come together for lots of great times and memories. We will be able to celebrate for the first time with the Parents and Friends this coming Wednesday 30th March, for the Harmony Celebration Day and look forward to meeting you all.
As we go into Term 2, our numbers are increasing, and we would ask that you have checked that all bookings are in place for us to ensure we have ample staff in place to have another term of fun with 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!
Hello everyone, I am Meliz and training to be the new 2IC here at Coburg North TheirCare.
I am a pre-service primary teacher, currently studying at Latrobe University, specialising in Humanities. I love outdoor activities and adventures, including sports and hiking, as well as hands on arts and craft. I love trying new things and having a go. I am currently striving to being the best educator I can be, and I am excited to keep learning more about education and how to grow the minds of generations to come.
Term 1 Overview
During this term the children have helped plan and participate in lots of fun themed weeks.
These have included –
- “All about me!” where we got to learn about the children and their likes.
- Valentines and friendships – the children made gifts for their friends and families
- Pets – surveys were completed and officially dogs won as the favourite pet!
- Autumn – We created an Autumn display and turned the children into scarecrows.
- Superheroes – who and why we have them.
- Harmony Week – we discovered we ALL belong, and we have different family backgrounds and cultures.
We have run two extremely successful Pupil Free Days, and these were themed with Disney and Lego and a BIG playdate! The children made fruit kebabs, ice-cream sundaes along with lots of arts and crafts and fun outside play.
Here’s to Term 2!
We have already started to plan lots of themed fun days for next term, and as our numbers are growing (and still are daily) we have welcomed new staff in Term 1 who will continue to support us next term, Ashley and Ryan. We hope you all have an amazing Easter break and spend some great times with your families
From Nikki and the TheirCare Team at Coburg North
Parents and Friends
More volunteer needed for Harmony Night BBQ on 30 March
To celebrate our diverse school community, the CNPS Parents & Friends group are running a BBQ for the school's Harmony Night event on Wednesday 30 March. We need your support to help make the event a success.
The BBQ menu will be kangaroo sausages or falafel with coleslaw in a bread roll ($5), as well as churros for sweets ($3) and a lemonade stall ($2 per cup). Please pay on the night for the BBQ.
If you are able to help with food preparation, food service or pack-up, please sign up for a shift via this link (or click on the button below): https://signup.com/go/MukapvB
Thanks for your support and we look forward to seeing you at Harmony Night.
Meet the CNPS Parents & Friends’ Executive for 2022
It was great to see so many news faces at the P&F AGM on Monday 7 March. We look forward to a busy year of events and opportunities to come together. Our next meeting will at 7pm on Monday 16 May in the school’s STEM room, in the hall complex. If you wish to join in our monthly catch-up or lend a helping hand, please email us at cnps_pf@hotmail.com.
The P&F would like to thank outgoing secretary Amelia O’Neill who has served in the role since 2018. Thank you Amelia O!
The group would like to introduce its 2022 executive as follows:
President - Amelia Matthews
My partner Luis and I have two kids at CNPS – Mateo (Grade 5) and Ellis (Grade 2). This is my third year on P&F and second as President. I love the strong community feel of the school and I am in awe of the skills and energy of people in our school community. As part of P&F, my aim is to continue to foster that community involvement and spirit in the school and provide opportunities for people to get involved. I encourage others to come and join us to share ideas or to volunteer your time to help continue to build our amazing school community.
Secretary - Shirley Santacroce
Hi, I came to live here 12 years ago and never thought I would love this community so much. My son is Andre (Grade 5) and, together with my husband, we hope to give a little back. I like to prattle on about things like natural remedies and bees and mental health solutions. I joined P&F to do good things with awesome people.
Community Representative on School Council - Tamara Heath
I joined the CNPS community (and P&F) way back in 2013, when my eldest daughter started Prep. We chose the school for its strong community feel and, though the school has grown and changed a lot since then, that community feeling remains. P&F is a great chance to work alongside other parents, the kids and teachers to keep our school connected as it grows. I have one daughter at CNPS: Clea (Grade 4), and two daughters Camille (year 7) and Ada (year 9) at Coburg High.
Treasurer - Meredith Dimsey
My name is Meredith. I have now been a parent at CNPS for 10yrs . I currently have one child at the school: Riley (Grade 4), and Holly (Grade 7) and Logan are at Coburg high School. I am the treasurer for P&F and this involves keeping track of the funds raised from various P&F events and liaising with the school administrative staff. Aside from my role as treasurer, I really enjoy helping out with school events throughout the year. Volunteering offers a window into my children’s school life, shows them I am actively involved and opens the door for many great friendships with other families. I have always loved the strong community feel of the school, which has remained even with its rapid expansion in recent years. Seeing new faces joining our wonderful P&F group is always welcomed so if you have considered getting involved, please don't be shy! New people always bring fabulous, fresh ideas that help make our school great.
Cucinare in cucina! Volunteers needed for Carnevale lunch
Ciao!
To help celebrate this year’s Carnevale, CNPS P&F is running a special Italian-themed lunch on Monday 4 April.
Napoli gnocchi and lemon gelati is on the menu - belissima! The lunch items will be delivered to classrooms and handed out to students by their teachers. Everything we serve on the day will be nut-free and vegan, while gluten-free pasta will also be available. More information about specific dietary requirements will be sent out next week.
In the meantime, we need some volunteers to help prepare and deliver the food on the day. Follow this link to let us know that you can help: https://signup.com/go/HDBiixT
A working with children check and evidence of vaccination is required to volunteer. An OHS safety induction may be required (we'll be in contact if you haven't already completed it). More information about Carnevale, including how to pay, is available on Compass.
All invited to the next P&F meeting on 16 May
Everyone is welcome to join the Coburg North Parents & Friends monthly meetings. The P&F’s goal is to nurture and grow school spirit by bringing the school community and wider community together through organising fun, welcoming, inclusive, sustainable activities and events, while raising funds for the school.
Due to April school holidays we won’t be holding an April meeting, but our next meeting will at 7pm on Monday 16 May in the school’s STEM room, in the hall complex. If you wish to join in our monthly catch-up or lend a helping hand, please email us at cnps_pf@hotmail.com. We’d love to see you there!
The second-hand uniform sale is back!
Starting Friday 25 March, Parents & Friends will be hosting a monthly second-hand uniform stall from 3.15 - 3.45pm outside the school office.
The cost of most items will be $5 or less. Cash only. Donations of uniforms can also be made via the office. Please ensure that items are in good condition and comply with the uniform policy (ie. no hoodies)
Mother's Day Stall: Save the Date
The annual Parents & Friends Mother’s Day Stall is back!! Save the date – Friday 6 May
We are looking for parents/carers to make goods that can be sold at the stall. And with so many kids at the school now, we’ll need lots of items to sell. P&F will let you know soon whether we’re allowed to accept home-baked goods this year.
We’ll also be looking for volunteers to help out at the stall on the day. If you can help, please contact Antonia on cnps_pf@hotmail.com
Upcoming Events
- Harmony Day Whole School Event - Wednesday 30 March 5 - 7pm
- School Council (nomination of 2022 office bearers) Wednesday, 30 March, 7pm
- School Photos - Tuesday, 29 March - Thursday 31 March
- Carnevale - Monday, 4 April
- School Photos for Siblings - Tuesday 5 April
- School Photos for Graduation - Wednesday 6 April
- Last day of Term 1 (Early Dismissal - 2:30pm) - Friday, 8 April