Student Leaders 2026

We are proud to introduce our Student Leaders for 2026. These students have demonstrated responsibility, confidence and a genuine commitment to supporting others and representing Karingal Primary School with pride.

Throughout the year, our Student Leaders will play an important role in strengthening student voice, supporting school events, modelling our school values and contributing positively to our school community. They will work closely with staff and peers to help make Karingal a welcoming, inclusive and engaging place for all learners.

We congratulate all students who applied for leadership positions and commend them for their courage, effort and willingness to step forward. Leadership at Karingal takes many forms, and we value the contribution of every student who shows initiative, kindness and persistence.

We look forward to watching our 2026 Student Leaders grow in confidence and leadership across the year.

2026 Student Leaders:
School Captain: Millie Straughair
School Captain: Hazel Loughlin-Colomer
Aranda House Captain: Dathan Monk
Aranda House Captain: Kenzy Young
Bunurong House Captain: Pippa Farley
Bunurong House Captain: Will Edwards
Paringa House Captain: Angus Macintosh
Paringa House Captain: Tindra Milden-Wagberg
Warramunga House Captain: Maddie Dean
Warramunga House Captain: James Boreham
RIPRR Captain: Jess Fisher
RIPRR Captain: Max Seddon
Community Captain: Seb Fulcher
Community Captain: Aylah Bruce

Student Leaders 2026

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• Navy polo top with logo;
• Navy school jumper with logo;
• Navy track pants, shorts or skorts;
• Summer check dress;
• White or black shoes (predominantly); no fluoro coloured shoes;
• White or black socks;
• Legging/bike pants are to be worn under skorts/dresses; they are not to be worn as the outer garment;
• Dresses/skorts/shorts are to be short mid thigh in length; no tight/short attire will be allowed;
• Hats in Term 1 and Term 4.

EVERY DAY AT SCHOOL COUNTS

Our Garden Path 

Our Vision:  To Sow, Grow, Nurture and Harvest

We are delighted to have students back in our beautiful garden and especially welcoming our Prep students as they explore each day, eager to water, plant and taste some of our produce!

We have great plans for the year ahead and I look forward to sharing our garden progress with you along the way. 

Join us (The Garden Girls) in the garden on Wednesday mornings around 10am and enjoy a delicious morning tea!

Marilyn, Julie, Jo and Emily

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We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mary for her incredible dedication, care and passion for Performing Arts and Science at Karingal Primary School.

Mary has not only developed and strengthened our Science program, creating rich, engaging and hands-on learning experiences for our students, but has also brought creativity, excellence and joy to our concert performances and Christmas Carols. Her ability to inspire curiosity in the classroom and confidence on the stage has left a lasting impact on so many children and families within our community.

Mary’s commitment, talent and love for her craft shine through in everything she does. The countless hours behind the scenes planning, rehearsing and refining performances are a true reflection of her persistence and dedication to giving our students the very best opportunities.

As Mary begins her well-earned retirement, we thank her sincerely for the remarkable contribution she has made to Karingal Primary School. We wish her every happiness, good health and adventure in this next chapter, and the very best of luck in all her future endeavours. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence, creativity and care that will be remembered for many years to come.

Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s financial circumstances and their outcomes.

CAMPS, SPORTS and EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)

School camps provide children with inspiring experiences in the great outdoors. Excursions encourage a deeper understanding of how the world works while sports teach teamwork, discipline and leadership. All are a part of a healthy curriculum.

CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school excursions, camps and sporting activities.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or  support an out of home care student you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid directly to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

The annual CSEF amount per student is $400 for all school students.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about CSEF visit:
https://www.vic.gov.au/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund

Register and Order Here

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ privacy policy and the Schools’ privacy collection notice.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students policy, describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.

We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Microsoft 365 safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Microsoft 365, please contact the school.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents. This information is also available in eleven community languages:

• Amharic
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Dari
• Gujarati
• Mandarin
• Somali
• Sudanese
• Turkish
• Urdu
• Vietnamese

ComputerXplorers – After School Tech Club

Dear Parents and Carers,

ComputerXplorers' afterschool tech club has started!

Club Details:

• Dates:Term 1, 2026 (and beyond)
• Prep - Year 2
  • Day: Thursdays (each week)
  • Times: 3.45pm – 4.45pm
  • Sessions: 8 sessions
  • Cost: $35 per session, trials available!
  • Booking link: Prep - Year 2 Booking Link
• Years 3 - 6
  • Day: Thursdays (each week)
  • Times: 3.45pm – 4.45pm
  • Sessions: 8 sessions
  • Cost: $35 per session, trials available!
  • Booking link: Year 3 - 6 Booking Link

What will students learn?

Students will enjoy a range of exciting and hands-on activities, including:

• Programming and Coding
• Animation and Digital Storytelling
• Robotics and Web Design
• Video Game Creation
• …and more!

Questions?

For more information, visit www.computerxplorers.com.au or email the team directly at contact@computerxplorers.com.au.

Karingal PLACE Neighbourhood Centre is inviting our Karingal Primary School families to attend their upcoming Open Day on Saturday 21 February from 10am – 2pm.

Owned and managed by Frankston City Council, Karingal PLACE is a purpose-built community hub offering a wide range of programs and services designed to support local residents and strengthen community connection.

The Centre is currently seeking community feedback to help develop its new four-year Centre Plan, which will guide future programs, services, partnerships and events. This is a wonderful opportunity for our families to share ideas and help shape what is offered in our local area.

The Open Day will include:

• Sausage sizzle

• Face painting

• Balloon twisting

• Come-and-try sessions

• Youth Bus

• Children’s activities and more

Families will also have the opportunity to meet the team, explore the Centre and share their thoughts via the online survey.

We encourage our school community to come along, enjoy the activities and have your say in supporting this valuable local resource.

For enquiries, contact 8786 6650.

Lace up and join us on Saturday 21 March 2026 for the Get Your Reconciliation On – Fun Run at Frankston Foreshore.

This is a fun-filled, all abilities community event - a chance to come together, move at your own pace, and celebrate connection, culture and community by the bay.

We’re also excited to feature live performances on the day, including Jaymon Bob and Christine Anu.

• Register here: https://www.fphw.org.au/2026-get-your-reconciliation

Understanding the Screen–Dopamine Cycle (in a child’s words)

Many children don’t reach for screens because they’re “being naughty” or trying to push limits. Often, it’s because screens are a fast, easy way to change how they feel.

The infographic shared this week explains a common pattern called the screen–dopamine cycle—a loop that can make it harder for children to manage emotions, focus, and enjoy slower, quieter activities over time.

What the cycle can look like

From a child’s point of view, it might go something like this:

• “When I feel big feelings…”
  Sometimes children feel overwhelmed, bored, tired, frustrated, or just “not quite right.” Their brain wants relief quickly.
• “My brain picks screens because they’re fast.”
  Screens are immediate. With one tap, there’s colour, movement, sound, novelty, and excitement—no waiting and no effort.
• “My dopamine shoots up quickly.”
  Dopamine is one of the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals linked to motivation and reward. Fast-paced screen content can give a quick boost.
• “Then my dopamine drops… a lot.”
  When the screen stops, children can feel flat, irritable, restless, or more sensitive—sometimes without understanding why.
• “My behaviour starts to change.”
  Repeated cycles can make children quicker to snap, more impatient, and less able to cope with “boring” or slower activities.
• “My brain asks for another quick fix.”
  Because screens worked last time, the brain wants more—starting the loop again. For many kids, breaking the cycle is genuinely hard without support.

Why this matters

Screens can absolutely be fun, helpful, and educational. The challenge is that too much “fast” screen time can train the brain to expect quick boosts—making everyday tasks (reading, homework, conversation, chores, waiting, playing creatively) feel harder.

What families can try (small changes that help)

You don’t need a perfect routine—just a steady one.

1) Name the feeling first

Before offering a device, try: “Looks like your body is tired/bored/frustrated. Let’s help that feeling.”

2) Build a “pause plan” (2–5 minutes)

Create a short list of quick regulators: drink of water, snack, cuddle, outside air, trampoline jumps, colouring, Lego, music, breathing, pet time.

3) Use screens on purpose, not as a rescue

If a screen is the choice, make it intentional: “We’re choosing 20 minutes, then we’ll transition to…”

4) Make transitions predictable

Timers help. So do clear next steps: “One more episode, then shower.” (Not “turn it off now!”)

5) Protect sleep and mornings

Many children regulate best with screen-free mornings and the last hour before bed.

How school and home can work together

At school, we support children by building emotional vocabulary, practising calming strategies, and encouraging play, movement, and social connection. When home routines match those skills - especially around screen transitions - children feel more secure and capable.

If screens are becoming a daily battle in your home, you’re not alone. Start with one small change, keep it consistent, and celebrate progress.

If you’re concerned about your child’s wellbeing, mood, or behaviour, please speak with your GP or a qualified health professional for personalised advice.