Dear Families

Welcome Back!

What a wonderful start to Term 4!

After enjoying some Long Service Leave, I must say how lovely it has been to return to school. The warm welcome I received from our students, families and staff was truly heartwarming. From the big smiles and enthusiastic waves to the hugs, conversations and students excitedly sharing everything I had missed, I was reminded again, just how special our community really is.

While I thoroughly enjoyed my time away, there really is no place quite like Karingal! Thank you to everyone who made my return so special. I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Mrs Schneider for stepping into the Principal role during my absence and ensuring everything continued to run smoothly.

Our Diamond Jubilee Festival – Just Around the Corner!

The countdown is officially ON!

Next Saturday, 24th October, from 10.00am to 4.00pm, we will celebrate an incredible milestone in Karingal Primary School's history — 60 wonderful years of learning, growing and building memories!

Our Diamond Jubilee Festival is shaping up to be one of the biggest events our school has hosted, and I couldn't be more excited!

With thrilling rides, delicious food, market stalls, entertainment, games and plenty of fun for the whole family, there really will be something for everyone.

But this festival is about so much more than rides and entertainment. It is an opportunity to celebrate the generations of students, families, teachers and community members who have helped make Karingal Primary School what it is today.

An enormous amount of work has been happening behind the scenes to bring this event to life. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our hardworking staff, dedicated volunteers, supportive families and everyone who has contributed their time, ideas, donations and energy.

We still need helping hands! If you can spare even an hour on festival day, we would love your support. Many hands make light work, and every little bit helps ensure the day is a huge success.

Please encourage your family, friends, neighbours and past Karingal students to come along. Let's fill our school grounds with laughter, excitement and wonderful memories as we celebrate 60 years together.

Let's make our Diamond Jubilee Festival a day Karingal will never forget!

World Teachers' Day – Friday 30th October

On Friday 30th October, we will celebrate World Teachers' Day, a wonderful opportunity to recognise and thank the incredible teachers who make Karingal Primary School such a special place to learn and grow.

I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside such a dedicated, caring and passionate team of educators. Every day, our teachers go above and beyond to ensure our students feel safe, valued, supported and inspired to achieve their very best.

Teaching is so much more than delivering lessons. It is about building relationships, nurturing confidence, celebrating the little victories, encouraging persistence and helping every child discover what makes them unique.

Our teachers wear so many hats throughout the day — educator, mentor, cheerleader, problem solver, storyteller and sometimes even detective! They give so much of themselves, often in ways that go unseen, and the difference they make in the lives of our students is immeasurable.

To our wonderful Karingal teachers — thank you! Thank you for your patience, creativity, dedication, kindness and unwavering commitment to our students. You truly are the heart of our school.

I encourage our students and families to take a moment on Friday 30th October to say a simple thank you, write a little note or share a kind word with a teacher. Sometimes the smallest gestures mean the most.

Happy World Teachers' Day to our amazing Karingal teaching team! We appreciate you more than words can say.

A Busy and Exciting Term Ahead

Term 4 is always one of my favourite times of the school year. There is something very special about watching our students reflect on how far they have come, celebrate their achievements and prepare for the next chapter of their learning journey.

Alongside our festival celebrations, we have a busy term filled with learning, sporting opportunities, special events, transition activities and end-of-year celebrations.

For our Year 6 students, this is their final term of primary school, and we look forward to making it a memorable one. For our younger students, there are still so many opportunities to learn, grow and finish the year feeling proud of their achievements.

As always, I encourage our families to continue supporting regular school attendance. Every day matters, particularly during this busy final term, as students consolidate their learning and prepare for 2027.

Together, We Make Karingal Special

Returning from leave has reminded me once again that the greatest strength of our school is its people.

Our students bring the energy, our staff bring the dedication, and our families bring the support that makes Karingal such a wonderful place to belong.

Thank you for the lovely welcome back and for everything you do to support our school.

I can't wait to see everyone at our Diamond Jubilee Festival next Saturday. Let's make it an unforgettable celebration!

Take care and stay safe

Samantha Cooke
Principal
Karingal Primary School

Our Garden Path 

Since our last update… Sam, Emily and I attended The Seeds of Change Breakfast hosted by Victorian Schools Garden Program and Greenlife Industry Victoria at CERES (Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies).

Sam and I were honoured to be guest speakers our topic being “The Value of the Principal’s Support in Establishing School Gardens". We were so proud to share our story much envied by other school representatives in attendance (Principals, teachers, garden educators from kindergartens, primary and secondary schools). *See Photos

Working Bees!

September 12 - Bigger and better each time!  Over 40 participated this time, blitzing a number of chores then enjoying morning tea and some laughs to reward their amazing efforts, which were much appreciated!

Saturday October 17 - Please join us as we gather once again to prepare our school grounds for the Jubilee Celebrations on Saturday October 24!

Jodie Belyea Visit and Tree Planting

We were honoured to recently welcome the Federal MP for Dunkley to KPS!

Together with M3A students, Sam and I greeted our guests before presenting Jodie with a gorgeous scented posy from our garden! Jodie quickly engaged students by chatting about their participation and that of other classes in various garden projects aimed at beautifying our school grounds, taking time to look at posters they had made and finishing her visit with an impromptu Nutbush Performance enjoyed by all! *See photos

Vic Schools Garden Program/Local Nursery Award

A big thank you to Diaco’s Mornington for awarding us a $500 voucher with which we have established a Round Garden Bed filled with an assortment of plants already creating a colourful focal point at the school entrance! *See photos

Diamond Jubilee Celebrations - Garden Stall

FREE Herbs, Flowers, Plants and Seeds!

Catch up with us in the Community Garden!  Take home assorted herb and flower posies from our garden or pot up a free plant of your choice at our Potting Up Station!

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

Garden Gallery 161026

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Diamond Jubilee Festival – Celebrating 60 Years!



The countdown is on! On Saturday 24 October 2026, Karingal Primary School will celebrate 60 wonderful years of learning, friendship and community.

From carnival rides and live entertainment to delicious food, market stalls and a special journey through our school's history, there will be something for everyone.

We invite current and former students, families, staff and our wider community to join us for this very special occasion.

Carnival Rides & Fun

Get ready for a day of carnival excitement! From dodgem cars and giant slides to the Wild Chairs and more, there's plenty of fun waiting for the whole family.

Rides operate from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. See the graphic for ride options and wristband prices.

Food, Drinks & Festival Treats



Come hungry! Enjoy a school-run sausage sizzle, proudly supported by the Pines Men's Shed, along with coffee and refreshments from The Laughing Lark Café and delicious loaded baked potatoes from Spudalicious.

There will also be more tasty options available on the day!

Live Entertainment



Our festival stage will be buzzing with talent throughout the day!

Enjoy live music, singing, dancing, martial arts and performances from talented students, local schools and community groups.
Check out the full entertainment program to plan your favourites, including the Major Raffle Draw at 3:00 pm!

Market Stalls & Activities



There's so much more to explore beyond the carnival rides!

Browse handmade creations and unique market stalls, enjoy family-friendly activities and discover attractions including a petting zoo, face painting, games, competitions and more.

The graphic has the full list, so there is no need to repeat individual stalls in the article.

Memory Lane – 60 Years of Karingal



Take a walk down Memory Lane and rediscover six decades of Karingal Primary School history.

Through treasured photographs, memories and special displays, we'll celebrate the generations of students, staff and families who have helped shape our school since 1966.

Visit the BER Building to explore this special exhibition. We particularly encourage former students and staff to come along and reconnect with their Karingal memories.

Who's Taking the Plunge?



Get ready for some splashing good fun!

Our Dunk Tank promises plenty of laughs as familiar faces take their turn in the hot seat. Will your favourite teacher, school leader or mystery participant end up getting soaked?

Check the timetable to see who's taking the plunge and when!

Thank You to Our Jubilee Sponsors



A celebration of this size would not be possible without the generous support of our local businesses and community organisations.

We extend our sincere thanks to all our Diamond Jubilee sponsors and supporters for helping make this milestone celebration possible.

We encourage our school community to support the businesses that have supported us.

School Working Bee – Helping Us Prepare for Our Diamond Jubilee!

With our Diamond Jubilee Celebrations just around the corner, we are inviting families and members of our school community to lend a hand at our upcoming working bee!

Join us as we come together once again to tidy and prepare our school grounds ahead of this very special milestone. Every helping hand makes a difference, and your support will help ensure our school is looking its very best as we welcome visitors to celebrate 60 wonderful years.

Working Bee Details

• Date: Saturday 17 October 2026
• Time: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
• Location: Karingal Primary School

Whether you can spare half an hour or stay for the whole morning, we would love to see you there!

Many hands make light work! Thank you for helping us prepare for our Diamond Jubilee Celebrations on Saturday 24 October.

Meet Our Staff – Getting to Know the People Behind Karingal Primary School

For the sixth instalment of our Meet Our Staff series, we’re excited to introduce Frankie Le Nepveu, our Science and Respectful Relationships Specialist.

Frankie is in her first year of teaching and is passionate about helping students build resilience, develop positive thinking and discover what they are capable of achieving.

From her love of creativity and reading to spending time with her beloved dogs, there’s plenty to discover about Frankie beyond the classroom!

Take a moment to read Frankie’s profile and get to know another wonderful member of our Karingal Primary School team.

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.

Parenting Program – Supporting Families Navigating Autism, Neurodivergence and Developmental Differences

Receiving a diagnosis for your child, or waiting for one, can bring many questions and uncertainties. Having access to reliable information and supportive people can make a real difference.

Plumtree Children’s Services is offering a free, evidence-based online parenting program designed for parents, carers and families of children who have recently received an autism or neurodivergent diagnosis, are awaiting a diagnosis, or have developmental differences.

Over three weekly sessions, families will explore practical strategies and helpful information, including:

• Understanding your child’s diagnosis and developmental needs.
• Setting meaningful goals to support your child’s development.
• Accessing services, resources and support, including navigating the NDIS.
• Connecting with other parents and professionals.
• Looking after your own wellbeing while supporting your child.

Program Details

• Dates: Saturdays, 7, 14 and 21 November 2026
• Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm AEDT
• Location: Online via Zoom
• Cost: Free

Participants are expected to attend all three sessions, as each session builds on the previous week’s learning.

Registration: Scan the QR code on the accompanying flyer to secure your place.

For further information, contact Mana, Parent Learning Manager, at mana@plumtree.org.au.

Free Webinar: Supporting Parent Mental Health with Dr Billy Garvey

Looking after your own mental health is just as important as looking after your children’s wellbeing!

Families are invited to join Dr Billy Garvey, developmental paediatrician, author and podcaster, for a free online webinar focusing on parent mental health and wellbeing.

This informative session will provide practical insights and strategies to help parents and carers navigate the challenges of family life, prioritise their own wellbeing and feel more supported.

When parents feel supported, children benefit too!

Webinar Details

• Date: Monday 26 October 2026
• Time: 7:30 pm AEDT
• Location: Online
• Cost: Free

All parents and carers are welcome to attend.

Registration: Scan the QR code on the accompanying flyer to register and secure your place.

Deadly Day Out – A Sporting Opportunity for First Nations Students!

The Victorian Institute of Sport is hosting an exciting Deadly Day Out, giving First Nations students in Year 6 and above the opportunity to discover new sports, develop their skills and explore future sporting pathways.

This free, come-and-try multi-sport event brings together a range of sporting organisations to deliver introductory sessions in activities including:

• Lacrosse
• Touch football and flag football
• Basketball
• Golf
• Soccer
• Para-athletics

The day is designed to encourage participation, build confidence and provide a welcoming environment for young First Nations athletes to try something new.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday 25 November 2026
• Time: Arrive at 9:45 am for a 10:00 am start; finishing at 3:30 pm
• Location: Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park
• Cost: Free
• Who: First Nations students in Year 6 and above

Places are limited, and registration is required.

Schools can register using the QR code or registration link on the accompanying flyer.

For more information, contact Jamie McPherson, VIS Connection to Country Officer, at Jamie.mcpherson@vis.org.au.