Principal News - 7/08/2026

As we move through another busy and exciting term, our school continues to be filled with learning, celebration and preparation for some wonderful upcoming events.

100 Days of Prep
One of the highlights this week was celebrating our 100 Days of Prep. It was fantastic to see our Prep students dressed to mark the milestone 100 days and proudly celebrate everything they have achieved during their first 100 days of school. They have grown tremendously in confidence, independence and their learning, and we congratulate our Prep team and families for supporting our youngest learners through such an important milestone.

2027 Prep Students
We were also delighted to welcome our 2027 Prep students for their first transition session. It was wonderful to welcome our newest students and their families and see the children enthusiastically participating in their first transition session, already beginning their journey as members of the Karingal Primary School community.
These sessions provide an excellent opportunity for children to become familiar with our school, begin building friendships and experience the welcoming community that makes Karingal Primary School such a special place. We look forward to seeing them again at our upcoming transition sessions.

School Concert
Excitement is certainly building as preparations continue for our School Concert on Monday 17 August. Students have been working incredibly hard during rehearsals, learning songs, dances and performances with enthusiasm and determination. The effort being shown by both students and staff has been outstanding, and we cannot wait to showcase their talents to our school community. We look forward to seeing many families there for what promises to be a fantastic celebration of creativity, confidence and teamwork.

Student Free Day: Tuesday 18 August
A reminder to families that Tuesday 18 August is a Student Free Day, providing staff with an important opportunity for professional learning and planning. Students will not be required at school on this day. They can have a well deserved rest day.

Industrial Action: Wednesday 19 August
We also wish to advise families that Wednesday 19 August has been identified as a day of industrial action across Victorian government schools. Families should continue to monitor Compass for updates regarding arrangements at Karingal Primary School as we work to minimise disruption and provide timely information. At this stage, no further information is known.

Finally, thank you to our students, staff and families for your continued support throughout what has been another productive and positive few weeks. The enthusiasm, resilience and community spirit demonstrated across our school is what make Karingal Primary School such a wonderful place to learn and grow. 

Take care and stay safe
Samantha Cooke

Principal



School Awards - 7/08/2026

Classroom Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received a classroom award at assembly last week:
* Freddie and Alessia (PA)
* Tahya and Isabella (P1A)
* Elliot (1A)
* Aaron and Amaya (2A)
* Luna S and Marcus (34B)
* Tremaine and LAia (34C)
* Bethany and Alicia (56A)
* Louis, Nathan, Ada, Sophie and Islah (56B)




Garden Update with Marilyn - 7/08/2026

Our Garden Path 

Tree Planting Day 2026
To maximise student participation, tree planting has been spread over a number of days with a record 400 shrubs, groundcovers and climbing plants filling a number of new garden beds throughout the school grounds! Special thanks to Ellen Regos Frankston City Council Environmental and Sustainability Department and to the team at Frankston Indigenous Nursery for making it possible for our students to engage in this nationwide event.

Our Photo Gallery today shows M1A, M2A, M2B, 3/4A and 3/4B students hard at work in the garden, showing great initiative in job allocation, decision making and team work with abundant energy and enthusiasm (as always!)

Unfortunately, some classes were cancelled due to rain but hopefully M3A and 5/6 students will finish mulching and planting the remaining shrubs and groundcovers next week, thereby completing their project beautifying the gardens at the school entrance.

Seeds Galore!
A big thank you to South East Region Correctional Services who have kindly donated 100 pkts of seeds (herbs and vegetables from the Fothergill range) together with individual origami planting cups which I know students will enjoy!

World Cup Training at KPS!
Following our gardening session last week, one student politely asked if he could please keep the gardening gloves to use as goalie!! How could I refuse?

Marilyn, Julie, Jo and Emily (The Garden Girls)



100 Days of Prep | Highlights

100 Days Brighter!

Last week, our school was filled with smiles, laughter and plenty of creativity as we celebrated our 100 Days Brighter milestone with our amazing Prep students!

Reaching 100 days of school is a very special achievement and an important milestone in every child’s learning journey. It was wonderful to see our Prep students embracing the celebration, proudly dressing up and taking part in a day filled with fun, excitement and activities centred around the number 100.

Looking back over the past 100 days, it is incredible to see just how much our Prep students have grown. They have settled confidently into school life, formed new friendships, developed their independence and embraced every opportunity to learn. Each day has brought new discoveries, challenges and achievements as they have built strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, explored their creativity, strengthened their problem-solving skills and developed the confidence to participate, ask questions and give their best.

The theme of 100 Days Brighter perfectly reflects the journey our Prep students have been on. Over the past 100 days, they have not only grown in their learning but have also brightened our classrooms with their enthusiasm, curiosity, kindness and smiling faces. They have shown resilience when learning something new, celebrated their successes and supported one another along the way, making our school community a brighter place every single day.

This milestone is also an opportunity to acknowledge the incredible partnership between home and school. We extend our sincere thanks to our Prep families for the encouragement, support and care you have provided throughout these important first months of school. Your involvement has played a vital role in helping your children develop the confidence to learn, grow and thrive.

A special thank you also goes to our dedicated Prep teachers and education support staff, whose passion, patience and commitment have helped nurture each child’s unique strengths and create a welcoming environment where every student feels valued and supported.

Congratulations to all of our wonderful Prep students on reaching your first 100 days of school. We are so proud of everything you have accomplished so far, and we look forward to watching you continue to shine, learn and grow throughout the rest of the year. Here’s to many more bright days ahead!



Principal Appreciation Day

Happy Principal Appreciation Day!

Today we proudly celebrate the incredible leadership of our Principal, Sam Cooke, and Assistant Principal, Jacquie Schneider.

Every day, Sam and Jacquie go above and beyond to support our students, staff and families, creating a school where every child is encouraged to learn, grow and thrive. From leading teaching and learning, to supporting student wellbeing, planning for the future and celebrating the achievements of our school community, their dedication is evident in everything they do.

Their leadership, kindness and commitment help make Karingal Primary School the welcoming and vibrant place it is. We are grateful for the positive impact they have on our students, staff and families each and every day.

Please join us in thanking Sam and Jacquie for their passion, care and unwavering dedication to our school community.

Happy Principal Appreciation Day, Sam and Jacquie, and thank you for leading with heart.

 



The Truth Behind the Tale | School Concert

Almost Sold Out – Don’t Miss The Truth Behind the Tale

The countdown is on, and tickets for Karingal Primary School’s 2026 production of The Truth Behind the Tale are almost sold out.

Join us at the Frankston Arts Centre for an unforgettable evening of music, drama and storytelling as our talented students present a heartwarming tale about honesty, courage, forgiveness and discovering that every story has more than one side.

What is the story about?

Once upon a time, in an ordinary schoolyard, one mistake changed everything.

• Kai is blamed for something she didn’t do, while Lindsay keeps a secret she is too afraid to tell.

• As they drift into magical dreams filled with familiar fairy tale heroes, villains and creatures, they embark on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery.

• Along the way, they discover that stories are rarely as simple as good versus evil, and that sometimes the bravest thing of all is telling the truth.

This inspiring production reminds us that every story has more than one side and that honesty, courage and forgiveness can change everything.

Performance Details

• Date: Monday 17 August
• Venue: Frankston Arts Centre

Tickets are selling fast. With the performance now almost sold out, now is the time to secure your seats and support the incredible efforts of our students, who have been working tirelessly to bring this magical production to life.

 



Diamond Jubilee Celebration Fete | NEWS

Excitement is continuing to build as we count down to our Diamond Jubilee Celebration Fete on Saturday 24 October, and there are plenty of ways for our community to get involved!

Ride Wristband Sales Are Now Open!

We’re excited to announce that online ride wristband sales are now open!

Purchasing your wristbands in advance is the easiest way to be ready for a fantastic day of unlimited carnival fun, while also taking advantage of our Early Bird pricing. If you’re planning on enjoying the rides, we encourage you to secure your wristbands early.

Purchase your ride wristbands using the link below.

We’re also still looking for contributions to help make this milestone celebration truly special. If you have a favourite school memory, story or recipe to share for our commemorative collections, we’d love to hear from you. Submissions remain open, and every contribution helps preserve the rich history of Karingal Primary School for future generations.

As the big day approaches, we’re also seeking volunteers to assist with both event setup in the lead-up to the fete and on-the-day activities. Whether you can spare a few hours or help throughout the day, your support will make a significant difference in ensuring our Diamond Jubilee Celebration Fete is a memorable event for everyone.

For more information, including ride wristbands, recipe and story submissions, volunteering opportunities and the latest event updates, be sure to visit the Diamond Jubilee Celebration Fete Hub via the link below.



We can’t wait to celebrate 60 years of Karingal Primary School with our wonderful community!

 



Dunk Tank Fundraiser | Who will take the Plunge??

Dunk Tank Fundraiser - Who Will Take the Plunge?

Who will be making a splash at our Karingal Primary School 60th Anniversary Fete? That’s up to you!

Our Dunk Tank Fundraiser is underway, with staff members bravely volunteering to take a seat above the water. Each fundraising milestone unlocks another participant, building the excitement all the way to our biggest target.

To help your favourite staff member reach their goal, a donation jar has been placed in every classroom, with an additional jar available at the School Office. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer.

As the donations are counted, our Dunk Tank tally board, located in the office area, will be updated, so be sure to keep an eye on its progress to see how close we are to each fundraising milestone and which staff members have been unlocked!

Can we reach the final target and reveal our Mystery Dunk before the big day?

Every dollar raised helps support our school while adding to the fun and excitement of our 60th Anniversary Fete. Thank you for helping make this milestone celebration one to remember!





Student FREE Day | August 18

A friendly reminder to all families that Tuesday 18 August is a Student Free Day.

On this day, our staff will be participating in professional learning and collaborative planning to support the continued growth and success of our students. These opportunities allow teachers to strengthen their practice, plan engaging learning experiences and work together to ensure the best possible outcomes for every child.

Students are not required to attend school on Tuesday 18 August. We hope they enjoy a well-deserved day to rest, recharge and spend some quality time with family before returning refreshed and ready for the remainder of the term.

Families are also encouraged to monitor Compass for any updates regarding arrangements for Wednesday 19 August in light of the planned industrial action across Victorian government schools.



Meet our Staff #3

Our Meet Our Staff series continues as we shine the spotlight on another valued member of the Karingal Primary School team.

This edition introduces Chris Blythman, one of our dedicated Education Support staff. Take a moment to read Chris’s profile and discover more about his journey into education, what inspires him each day, and the interests, hobbies and experiences that make him such a valued part of our school community.

We look forward to sharing more stories in the coming weeks as we continue introducing the dedicated staff who make Karingal Primary School such a wonderful place to learn and grow.




Camp Australia News - 7/08/2026



Our Valued Supporters

ANZAC Day 2026

 

We would like to sincerely thank the businesses, sponsors and community partners who generously support our school. Whether through sponsorship, donations for raffles and fundraising events, or contributions to initiatives such as our Trivia Night, your support makes a meaningful difference to our students and school programs.

We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing partnerships we have built within our community and are proud to recognise the organisations that invest in the success, wellbeing and opportunities of our students. Thank you for helping us create enriching experiences and lasting benefits for our school community.

To learn more about our valued sponsors and supporters, simply click on their logo below to visit their website or social media page.

Eagle Momentum Creative Media

Proudly supporting Karingal Primary School through creative design, digital media and community-focused communication solutions. Eagle Momentum Creative Media specialises in website management, graphic design, newsletters, social media content and promotional materials that help schools, organisations and community groups connect, engage and grow.

Karingal Hub

     Karingal Hub is a major community shopping and lifestyle destination in Melbourne’s south-east, offering a wide range of retail stores, dining options, entertainment experiences and essential services for local families and the wider community. Karingal Hub plays an important role in supporting and engaging with the local community through partnerships.

Locked In Escape Rooms

Locked In Escape Rooms offers exciting, immersive and interactive escape room experiences designed to challenge players through teamwork, problem solving and creative thinking. Featuring a range of themed rooms and adventures, Locked In provides a fun and memorable experience for families, friends, school groups and corporate teams looking to test their skills.

KiKi-J Beauty

 KiKi-J Beauty provides a wide range of personalised beauty and wellness treatments in a welcoming and relaxing environment. Specialising in facials, massage, LED light therapy, brows, lashes, waxing and makeup services, KiKi-J Beauty focuses on helping clients feel refreshed, confident and cared for through high-quality treatments tailored to individual needs.

Enchanted Adventure

Enchanted Adventure is one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most popular family attractions, offering exciting outdoor experiences including tree surfing, mazes, adventure gardens, tube slides and interactive activities designed for all ages to enjoy.

Frankston Brewhouse

Frankston Brewhouse is a popular local venue known for its welcoming atmosphere, quality food and strong connection to the local community. Offering a relaxed dining experience, the venue has become a favourite gathering place for families.

 

 

Anaconda Frankston

Anaconda Frankston is one of Australia’s leading outdoor adventure retailers, offering a wide range of camping, fishing, boating, hiking and water sports equipment. Supporting outdoor recreation and active lifestyles, the store provides quality products and expert advice for adventurers of all experience levels. Anaconda Frankston is proud to support the local community through partnerships and sponsorships, including its generous contribution to Karingal Primary School’s 60th Anniversary celebrations.

 

 



Community News - 2026

ANZAC Day 2026







Ballam Park Cricket Club Season Launch

Ballam Park Cricket Club Season Launch

Ballam Park Cricket Club is gearing up for another exciting season and is inviting the local community to come along and join the celebrations at its Season Launch on Friday 28 August from 5:00 pm at the Powell Cooper Pavilion, Ballam Park.

Whether you’re an experienced cricketer, returning to the game after a break or picking up a bat for the very first time, this is the perfect opportunity to meet the club, chat with coaches and players, and learn more about what Ballam Park Cricket Club has to offer.

The evening promises plenty of fun for the whole family, with entertainment, face painting, a BBQ and a donut van, making it a fantastic community event for all ages.

Even better, junior and senior players can register with $0 playing fees for the upcoming season, making it easier than ever to become part of a welcoming and inclusive club. With teams for men, women and juniors, quality coaching, player development opportunities and a strong club spirit, Ballam Park Cricket Club offers a great environment for players of all ages and abilities.

If you’ve ever thought about giving cricket a go, now is the perfect time. Come along, meet the team and help celebrate the start of a brand-new season. Ballam Park Cricket Club looks forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new members to the club.