karingal.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Karingal News 27/02/26

2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Karingal Primary School acknowledges the Bunurong/Boonwurrung people of the South-Eastern Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we learn and grow.

We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and honour their enduring connection to land and waters.

We thank them for caring for this coastline and its ecosystems since time immemorial.

Principal News - 27th February, 2026

Half Way Through the term...

As we reach Week 5, it has been wonderful to see the strong sense of connection and partnership already forming across our school community.

Meet the Teacher / Parent Information Afternoons

Thank you to the many families who attended our Meet the Teacher and Parent Information sessions. These afternoons are an important part of building clarity around learning expectations, classroom routines and year-level goals for 2026.

At Karingal Primary School, we know that when families and teachers work together with shared understanding and open communication, students thrive. These sessions allow us to strengthen that partnership and ensure every child is supported both at school and at home.

If you were unable to attend, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher so we can ensure you have all the relevant information.

Prep Meet & Greet – Picnic in the Park

Our Prep Meet and Greet Picnic in the Park was a fantastic success! It was lovely to see our youngest learners enjoying time together outside the classroom, building friendships and confidence in such a relaxed setting.

Moments like these reflect the importance of Relationships and Kindness within our KPS values. Seeing families connect, children laugh together and teachers engaging with parents informally reminds us that strong foundations are built not only in classrooms, but in community spaces as well.

Glee Club Shines with National Anthem Performance

We are incredibly proud of our Karingal Primary School Glee Club, who performed the National Anthem with confidence and poise at our last school assembly. Their performance was a wonderful example of student voice, teamwork and dedication to excellence.

Our Glee Club students have been working consistently to refine their vocal skills, harmonies and stage presence. Performing the National Anthem is a significant honour, and they represented our school with great Respect and pride. Their calm focus and beautiful tone reflected not only their talent, but also their commitment and persistence in rehearsals.

Thank you Miss Holmes and Miss D for bringing Glee Club together in 2026.

Preps Returning Full Time

A reminder that our Prep students will be returning to school full time from next week. We are incredibly proud of how well they have settled into school routines. Their growth in independence, resilience and confidence over these first few weeks has been wonderful to see.

The move to full-time attendance is an exciting milestone and an important step in building strong learning habits and consistent routines. We look forward to seeing them continue to flourish as they embrace their full week of learning.

Family Fun Afternoon

Wednesday 11th March at 3.45pm will be our annual Family Fun Afternoon. Bring the family along and go around the school participating in fun activities.

As always, thank you for your continued support of our school. When we work together with Respect, Integrity, Persistence, Resilience, Relationships and Kindness, our students truly shine.

Take care and stay safe

Samantha Cooke
Principal
Karingal Primary School

School Awards - 27th February, 2026

CONGRATULATIONS to the following students who received an award in assembly last week:

* Evana (PA)
* Freddie (PA)
* Charlie (P1A)
* Theo (P1A)
* Molly (1A)
* Lily (1A)
* Baylee (2A)
* Jazzy (2A)
* Ivy (34A)
* Gemma (34B)
* Cody (34B)
* Skyla (34C)
* Hina (34C)
* Amilie (56A)
* Mac (56B)
* Nadia (56B)

Garden Update 270226 from Marilyn

Our Garden Path

WOW! What an amazing start to our year in the garden which promises to be full of fun as students discover the magic of sowing seeds and seedlings, taking cuttings to create “free plants” as well as planting shrubs and trees to provide shade, shelter and wildlife habitats for bird, bees, butterflies and bugs which share our garden spaces with us…

Students are eagerly learning about the source of our food, the beauty and diversity of flowers (and their leaves) as well as their role in creating a naturalistic and sensory environment, recycling (eg composting), repurposing “precious” found or discarded objects into planters (eg wheelbarrows, old watering cans and work boots) while converting previously unused spaces into little pockets of beauty, colour, movement and fun where we gather each day.

What Grows in Our Garden?

Cucumbers Galore and Tomatoes!! We watched them grow then harvested and tasted them during lunch breaks to the delight of students; some deciding cucumbers were delicious after all! We’ve also picked herbs, tomatoes, sweet corn and strawberries with more on the way…

Miss R’s M3A class kicked off their week by preparing and planting up two garden beds now a riot of pink, purple, orange and yellow! A little team of budding Landscape Designers arranged logs, branches, twigs and rocks creating a Wildlife Haven complete with paths and seating where they can sit and observe immersed in the garden.

Introducing: “Gregory”! Tree décor kindly donated by Miss G and named by students, now proudly keeping watch over the garden!

Marilyn, Julie, Jo and Emily (February 27 2026)

Garden 270226

2026 Class Liaison Program

Introducing Our Class Liaison Program – Building Stronger Connections

In 2026, we are excited to introduce the Class Liaison Program at Karingal Primary School.

This new initiative has been developed to further strengthen the partnership between families and our school. We know that when communication is clear and families feel connected, students feel a stronger sense of belonging — and that directly supports learning and wellbeing.

Each class will have a parent/s Class Liaison who will help:

Share reminders about school events and important dates
Encourage family involvement in whole-school activities
Support positive social connections within the year level
Help build a welcoming and inclusive class community

Class Liaisons will not be responsible for academic matters or individual student concerns — these should always be directed to your child’s classroom teacher. Instead, the focus of the program is connection, communication and community.

Supporting Every Year Level

From Prep through to Year 6, this program will help families feel informed and included:

Prep: Welcoming new families and helping them feel settled.
Years 1–2: Strengthening friendships and building confidence within the community.
Years 3–4: Encouraging engagement in school events and learning celebrations.
Years 5–6: Supporting connection during important leadership and milestone years.

This initiative aligns strongly with our KPS values of Relationships, Kindness and Respect. It reflects our belief that a connected community creates the best environment for our children to thrive.

If you are interested in being part of this new program as a Class Liaison, please contact Miss Cooke via the School Office or email: (samantha.cooke@education.vic.gov.au).

We look forward to launching this important initiative together and continuing to build a strong Karingal community.

International Students

Welcoming Our International Visitors to Karingal PS

This term, we have had the absolute pleasure of welcoming another group of international students to Karingal Primary School. It is a wonderful opportunity to share our school, our values and our vibrant learning environment with students from across the globe.

Our visitors spend time in classrooms across different year levels, participating in lessons, engaging in discussions and experiencing firsthand what learning looks like at KPS. From collaborative group work and explicit teaching practices to outdoor learning spaces and our Community Garden, they are able to see the many ways we support student growth and achievement.

What stands out most is the way our students embody our Karingal values. They demonstrate Respect by warmly welcoming their new peers, Kindness through inclusive play and conversation, and Relationships by confidently sharing stories about their learning and school life. It is a proud moment to see our students act as ambassadors for our community.

Hosting international students enriches our school in so many ways. It builds global awareness, encourages cultural understanding and helps our students recognise that they are part of a much wider world. These experiences foster curiosity, empathy and confidence — qualities that are essential for the future.

Thank you to our staff and students for making our visitors feel so welcome. We are proud to be a school that opens its doors, celebrates diversity and embraces opportunities to learn from others.

International Students Feb 2026

ATTENDANCE 2026

Each day of school missed makes a difference, with the effect on learning accumulating over time. From an early age, if children are taught that they need to 'show up' for school and make a commitment, this positive mentality aids academic and career success and brings benefits in adulthood.

Every Day Counts

Regular school attendance plays a vital role in student learning, wellbeing and success. Being at school every day helps students build strong routines, develop friendships, stay connected to learning and feel a sense of belonging within our school community.

At Karingal Primary School, we know that every day counts. Even missing one or two days regularly can quickly add up and impact learning progress, confidence and engagement. Our goal is to support all students to attend school consistently and to help families build strong attendance habits from the early years onwards.

We understand that sometimes absences are unavoidable due to illness or family circumstances. When this occurs, we ask families to notify the school as soon as possible. For all other situations, we encourage families to prioritise school attendance and avoid taking holidays or extended breaks during school terms wherever possible.

Our school closely monitors attendance and follows up unexplained or ongoing absences to ensure students are safe, supported and engaged. We work in partnership with families and, where needed, external supports to assist students experiencing attendance challenges.

Thank you for your continued support in helping every child attend school, every day, and make the most of their learning opportunities.

Together, we can make every day count.

EVERY DAY AT SCHOOL COUNTS

Join us for Coffee, Cake and a Chat

WE NEED YOU!! Pointing Hand

We warmly invite all parents, carers and members of our school community to join us for an informal Parents & Friends (P&F) catch-up.

Friday 6th March

9:15am

In Cooke's HQ

Whether you are new to Karingal Primary School or have been part of our community for years, this is a great opportunity to connect, learn more about P&F, and see how you can get involved in ways that suit you.

Supporting Our School Fundraising

Our P&F plays an important role in supporting school programs, resources and special projects through fundraising initiatives across the year.

There are many ways you can contribute:

Assisting at events, even for a short time
Helping with planning or coordinating behind the scenes
Sharing ideas for future fundraising activities
Supporting communication and promotion of events

You do not need to commit to everything. Even occasional help makes a meaningful difference to our school community.

Growing Our School Garden

Our Garden Guru, Marilyn, will also be sharing her team’s plans for the school garden and outlining the need for additional helpers.

The garden provides valuable hands-on learning opportunities for our students and enhances our school environment. To continue developing and maintaining this space, more support is needed.

Ways you can assist include:

Participating in garden working bees
Helping with planting and general maintenance
Assisting with watering during busy periods
Contributing ideas or relevant experience

No gardening experience is required, just a willingness to be involved.

Coffee and cake will be provided.

We look forward to seeing you on Friday 6th March at 9:15am and hope you will join us to learn more about supporting our fundraising initiatives and helping our garden thrive.

School Working Bee - Sunday 22 March

We’re inviting all families to roll up their sleeves and join us for our upcoming School Working Bee on Sunday 22 March!

A working bee is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together, connect with other families, and make a real difference to our learning environment. Many hands make light work and even an hour of your time can have a big impact.

What we’ll be doing:

Garden clean-up and mulching
Weeding and planting
General tidy-up of outdoor areas
Small maintenance and painting touch-ups
Refreshing play and learning spaces

No special skills are required, just a willingness to help. There will be jobs suitable for all abilities.

Who can attend?

Parents, carers and family members are all welcome. Children may attend with active supervision from their parent/carer.

What to bring:

Gardening gloves
Hat and sunscreen
Water bottle
Any useful tools (clearly named) such as rakes, shovels or wheelbarrows

We’ll provide guidance on the day and ensure everyone has a task to get involved in.

Working bees not only improve our school grounds, they strengthen our community. It’s a fantastic way to show our children the importance of teamwork, pride and caring for shared spaces.

We hope to see many smiling faces on Sunday 22 March as we work together to make our school even better!

If you’re able to attend, please keep an eye out for further details regarding times and meeting points.

Thank you for supporting our school community

KPS 2026 AFL Footy Tipping

FOOTY TIPPING has arrived at Karingal Primary School.

If you LOVE your AFL and LOVE competition, join our KPS 2026 AFL FOOTY TIPPING COMPETITION.

Entry is $30 for the year (must be paid by Round 4). Payment to be made at the Office.

75% of entry fee goes towards our school as a part of fundraising, and 25% goes into the prize pool.

1) Go to iTipFooty and register a user account if you don't already have one.

2) Login with your user account and click the 'JOIN COMP' button.

3) Enter Comp # 131039 and Comp Password KPS2026AFL

4) Click 'Join Comp'......DONE!

WHO WILL GET BRAGGING RIGHTS as the BEST TIPSTER........

Junior Rangers Program

This week marked the first of four exciting sessions in the Junior Rangers Program at The Briars, and what a special day it was for our Indigenous students.

The day began with a meaningful smoking ceremony using black fern and eucalyptus. This important cultural practice supported students to connect with Country, culture and community, setting a respectful and reflective tone for the day ahead.

Students then headed out on a bush walk through the beautiful natural surrounds. Along the way, they were lucky enough to spot a bandicoot in its natural habitat — a wonderful and memorable wildlife moment! The group also visited a bird hide, where they observed Cape Barren geese and deepened their understanding of local ecosystems and native species.

To finish the day, students tapped into their creativity by crafting animals from clay and decorating pot plants to take home as keepsakes — special reminders of their connection to nature and culture.

We look forward to the next three sessions as students continue to learn, explore and strengthen their connection to Country through the Junior Rangers Program.

Junior Rangers Week 1

Annual School Trivia Night – Saturday 23 May

Get ready for one of the most anticipated events on our school calendar ... our Annual Trivia Night is happening on Saturday 23 May!

This much-loved community event is a fantastic opportunity for parents, carers and friends of the school to come together for a night of laughs, friendly competition and great company – all while supporting our school.

This is an adults-only event, so organise a babysitter, gather your smartest (or most competitive!) friends and book a table. Whether you’re a trivia expert or just in it for the fun, there will be something for everyone.

Expect:

✨ Exciting trivia rounds

✨ Fun games and bonus challenges

✨ Prizes and raffles

✨ Plenty of laughs

Events like this play an important role in strengthening our school community and raising valuable funds to support student programs and initiatives.

More details about bookings, table numbers and themes will be shared soon ... SO keep an eye out!

We can’t wait to see you there for a fantastic night out.

February Birthdays

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all our students born in the month of FEBRUARY...

Olena	3rd February	M2A
Yoshibell	3rd February	1A
Millie	4th February	56A
James	4th February	56B
Angus	4th February	56B
Henry	4th February	34A
Tahya	6th February	01A
Raven	6th February	2A
Marcus	7th February	34B
Aylah	10th February	56A
Ollie	11th February	2A
Ada	14th February	56B
Mabel	15th February	34A
Aleko	16th February	M2A
Eve	18th February	M1A
Lucy	18th February	M1A
Evana	20th February	00A
Wynter	23rd February	01A
Jayda	27th February	M1A
Nadia	27th February	56B

SAVE THE DATE

Term 1 Calendar

Youth MYKI - Free Public Transport for Under 18s!

There’s exciting news for Victorian families!

From 1 January 2026, children and teenagers aged 5 to 17 years can travel free on all Victorian public transport with a new Youth myki card.

This initiative from Transport for Victoria means big savings for families and easier access to school, sport, activities and community events.

What is a Youth myki?

A Youth myki is a special myki card for young people under 18.

Once purchased (card cost is $5), travel on trains, trams, buses and regional coaches across Victoria is completely free.

Students simply need to:
✔ Carry their Youth myki
✔ Tap on and off as usual when travelling

The card remains valid until the child turns 18.

How is this different from a Child myki?

Previously, children used a Child myki card.

• A Child myki required families to pay a discounted fare each time a child travelled.
• A Youth myki allows free travel, with no fares charged.

In simple terms:

Child myki = discounted travel
Youth myki = free travel

This is a significant cost saving for families who regularly use public transport for school, sport and weekend activities.

How to Get One

Youth myki cards can be purchased at:
• Staffed train stations
• Authorised retailers
• Online through a registered myki account

For more information, visit the the Transport Victoria website.

This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to travel safely, independently and affordably across Victoria. We encourage families who use public transport to look into applying for a Youth myki.

Where Soccer Journeys Begin

Join the Frankston Pines Soccer Club - Mini Roos & Junior Spots Available!

Looking for a fun, active and welcoming sporting community for your child? Frankston Pines Soccer Club currently has Mini Roos and Junior spots available and would love to welcome new players!

With over 60 years of history in Frankston, the club prides itself on being:

✅ Affordable for families
✅ Inclusive and welcoming
✅ Open to all playing levels
✅ Focused on building a strong community
✅ Offering pathways for players of all ages and abilities

Available Junior Positions

The club currently has openings in the following teams:
• U9 Mixed
• U10 Mixed
• U10 Boys
• U9 Boys Goalkeeper (Wallabies)
• U15 Boys Goalkeeper

Frankston Pines also offers programs for:
• Mini Roos (Ages 6–12)
• Juniors (Ages 13–17)
• Senior Men
• Senior Women
• Metro Men
• Women’s Over 35
• All Abilities – All Ages

Whether your child is new to soccer or already loves the game, there’s a place for everyone.

If you’re interested or would like more information, please contact:

liz.diaz@frankstonpinesfc.com.au

Let’s support local sport and community connection - because it’s all about #OneClubOneFamily

Karingal News 27/02/26

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Karingal News 27/02/26

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Keep up with all the news and become an email subscriber

Principal News - 27th February, 2026

Meet the Teacher / Parent Information Afternoons

Prep Meet & Greet – Picnic in the Park

Glee Club Shines with National Anthem Performance

Preps Returning Full Time

Family Fun Afternoon

School Awards - 27th February, 2026

Garden Update 270226 from Marilyn

Garden 270226

2026 Class Liaison Program

Introducing Our Class Liaison Program – Building Stronger Connections

Supporting Every Year Level

International Students

International Students Feb 2026

ATTENDANCE 2026

Join us for Coffee, Cake and a Chat

School Working Bee - Sunday 22 March

KPS 2026 AFL Footy Tipping

Junior Rangers Program

Junior Rangers Week 1

Annual School Trivia Night – Saturday 23 May

February Birthdays

SAVE THE DATE

Term 1 Calendar

Youth MYKI - Free Public Transport for Under 18s!

Where Soccer Journeys Begin

Holiday Fun Starts Here: Rocketeers Awaits