CNPS School Council Report – December 2010

It has been another very busy and remarkable year for Carlton North Primary School (CNPS). I
was reminded of the wonderful qualities of the diverse Lee St school community at the recent
Grade 6 Graduation dinner and celebrations. It was a truly happy and fun occasion for the 42
graduands, their families and friends, and teachers. The children’s very articulate speeches
demonstrated their spirit, humour, intelligence, love of learning, and care and respect for each
other. Earlier this year we saw a similar school community spirit and children’s enthusiasm for
learning with the new Grade 3/4 camp and inaugural Grade 2 ‘sleepover’. Again there was much
excitement and fun amongst the children, and great support from teachers and families.

The year began with the official opening of new senior building spaces by the Victorian Education
Minister in February. It ends with the implementation of the $2M building works, covering the
refurbishment of the junior (red brick) building and building of a new extension to the junior building
to provide new additional classrooms, learning spaces and teachers group room. The plans are
available on Lee4Us website. Building preparations have commenced and works will begin early
January 2011 and expected to take at least two terms.

As a result of the building works, we bid a fond farewell to the much loved ‘Mound’, the sunken and
natural play area on Canning St side of junior building. Earlier this year, we commissioned a
research study of the children’s use of and activities in the playground, especially around the
Mound and adjacent areas. This report’s findings are based on observations of children’s play and
interviews with children. The report is being used to inform the design and development of new
playgrounds in the currently under-utilised space near corner of O’Grady and Canning Sts. Plans
for playground spaces will be presented to the school community in Term 1, 2011.

Graham, Julie and the teachers are working hard in planning to ensure minimal disruption to
children’s learning and maximise a positive school experience. Give the scope of the building
project, there will be no doubt be disruptions and noise, and we do appreciate everyone’s support
and patience during the building works next year.

The Lee4Us website has gone from strength to strength in 2010. Class activities, reports and plans
are now available, and videos and photos of assemblies and excursions are regularly uploaded.
Features are constantly being improved. For example, kids can access the website when they are
away overseas and have a discussion forum with fellow class members back in Melbourne. We
owe a debt of gratitude to Robert Maillardet for the ongoing design and development work. We
appreciate the efforts of the teaching staff and children who’ve been involved in developing
materials for the site, especially Mark Barrett (3/4 Teacher).

This year we celebrated 25 years of the Instrumental Music program, coordinated by Rachel
Snedden. This is a very valuable and well patronised program, effectively complimenting the formal
curriculum. Following a review conducted earlier this year, we will be implementing
recommendations to enhance the delivery of the program, including availability of some lessons
outside school hours.

The school’s success is dependent on families volunteering their time, networks, expertise and
resources for many school activities including readers and parent helpers, fundraising, sports and
Council committees. Many thanks to parents and others who coordinated and assisted with this
year’s fundraisers and school events including the Fete, trivia night, walkathon, movie nights,
Election sausage sizzles and Christmas stall. We also appreciate Junior School Council members
contributions.

We have reinvigorated the Class Reps program. Many thanks to the 2010 class reps and welcome
to parents who’ve volunteered to be class reps in 2011. Thanks also to parents and teachers who
have been involved in working groups and committees including Education committee and lunch
order and music program reviews.
Much appreciation to Kathryn Andrews for coordinating the very successful fete and to Mark
Robbins (Royce) for continuing to provide financial expertise. Special mention must go to Glenn
(Mr) Robinson (Grade 1/2 teacher) who completed the Melbourne marathon and raised funds for
the School’s Green Team.

I would like to acknowledge the 2010 Council members: Graeme Shears (Vice-President), Katrina
Renard (Secretary), Ken Tan (Treasurer), Robert Maillardet (Web site), Paul Edwards, Heather
McIntosh, Julie Cooke, Graham Stevenson, Erin Janas and Andrea Davis.

There are a number of vacancies on Council and committees next year – please consider
becoming involved. Parents with policy development, accounting, marketing and fundraising,
communication and web expertise are particularly encouraged to nominate. If you have any
queries about how to get involved please don’t hesitate to contact me on ph 0407097406 or email
tntjia@gmail.com; or see Graham S or Julie C at the school.

Finally, our deepest appreciation goes to the wonderful Lee St teaching staff for their commitment
and hard work. Your recognition of individual student learning needs, enthusiasm for professional
development and contribution to the general school community are invaluable.

Wishing all Lee St

families a happy and safe holiday season!!!

Teresa Tjia, Council President

December 2010