Hello Carrum Community,

This is Austin and Ivy, your school captains for 2026.

Last week was a big week for Carrum Primary School. We had district swimming where a group of kids in year 3 to 6 went to the pines swimming pool. All of the Carrum kids did such a great job when they were racing against other schools. Two of our students got into the next round, where they will represent our school and try their very best.

Smile Squad is still here for the rest of the week.

On the 20th of march is Harmony day so wear a touch of orange to school. We also have a sushi day coming up on the 20th of march so make sure you get your orders in. World maths day is on the 27th of march, friday.

Also on Tuesday next week, after the day off school we have a free dress day. Which instead of bringing a gold coin brings an easter egg for the easter egg raffle. 

This week we are focusing on our kitchen and garden classes. So we have interviewed Sandra who is our kitchen and garden teacher.
Please read our interview to her on the kitchen and garden part of the newsletter.

Now before we sign off make sure to send your kid to school every day with a hat until the end of term.

Be sure to read Team Kids newsletter below too
https://www.carrumps.vic.edu.au/source/Carrum%20Team%20Kids%20Newsletter%20February%202026%20(1).pdf

Thank you for reading and have a good long weekend. And see you back at school on Tuesday.

Prep

In Prep, we have been busy developing our fine motor skills through a range of hands-on activities. We created a special Valentine’s Day picture for someone important to us, practising our tearing and gluing skills along the way. We have also been learning how to use scissors safely and correctly, carefully cutting along different types of lines in preparation for creating an exciting artwork next week.

Grade 1/2

In Grade 1/2, we have been building a stronger understanding of what each letter in STEAM represents. We explored Science as asking questions, investigating, testing and experimenting to learn more about the world around us. We also discovered that Technology is not just computers and devices—everyday items such as spoons, forks and even a match are examples of technology, as they are tools designed to solve problems and make tasks easier.

Grade 3/4 & 5/6

In Grades 3/4 and 5/6, we have begun the year by revisiting our STEAM expectations and exploring the key skills students will continue to develop, including creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. We have unpacked the stages of the Design Process and discussed how we will use this framework to guide our learning throughout the year. Students have also successfully logged into their Google accounts, and over the coming weeks we will be focusing on Cyber Safety to ensure safe and responsible use of technology.

At our school we encourage children to share thier work with others for feedback. This story was written in Sailor's spare time and she is happy to share

The Stolen Necklace    

"Yawn" goes Sophia as she gets out of bed in her super adorable bunny PJS and goes downstairs to eat her breakfast. Once she has eaten, she goes back upstairs to get her school uniform, shoes and socks on.  

Sophia then proceeds to clip on her necklace with the emerald green S charm. The charm glimmers vibrantly as the morning sun shines through the window. She straightens it so the S charm sits nicely in the middle of her neck. Meanwhile Sophia’s best friend Savannah is getting ready in her room, surrounded by a messby mess with clothes, toys and craft scattered throughout her room. Savannah practically has the same morning routine as Sophia. In fact, she even has the same necklace as Sophia. Savannah clips her necklace on and stares at herself in the mirror. She smiles as she admires how fabulous she looks “ooh la la, I look great’ she says as she maneuvers past the bombsite of her room and into the hallway where she puts on her backpack and heads to school.  

Savannah and Sophia are in the same class at school. The school talent show is coming up so the girls spend their afternoon class rehearsing the dance they are doing together. They dance the afternoon away to their song Lush Life before they hear the final bell ring. They grab their bags and head to the old tree that they love to climb. They climbed all the way up to the top of the tree where they spent the next 15 minutes chatting and laughing, until Savannah realises the time and screams “ah I’m late!”. She climbs down and as she jumps off she doesn't realise her necklace was caught in the branch and it falls to the ground.  

The next morning the principal is roaming around the school making sure everyone gets to class on time. As he looks down to check the time, he notices her shimmering necklace. He picks it up and carefully places it in the lost property box, making sure it doesn’t break because it looked quite expensive and special. 

The girls both arrive at school before the bell rings, but they don’t notice each other before school starts. They walk into class and put their backpacks in their lockers. Savannah hugs Sophia and says “Sophia I’ve missed you, I haven’t seen you since yesterday”. When Savannah pulls away from the hug, she immediately notices Sophia's necklace and doesn’t hesitate before rudely accusing her of stealing it, as she rubs her neck and notices her necklace is no longer there.  

"Savannah, I don"t know what you are talking about, this is mine. Why would you accuse me like that, I thought we were BFFS. You can't just go around making false accusations like that." cries Sophia. "Um, yes I can, if I'm right and I just know I'm right. You stole my necklace” screams Savanah. "I DIDN’T! FOR THE LAST TIME SAVANAH" says Sophia, shouting now.  

The teacher hears all the fighting and comes over "Girls what's all the commotion? The bell has gone, you should be at your desks writing a narrative" she says. “Yes I know I want to go write a narrative but Savannah thinks I stole her necklace. I obviously didn’t because I would confess what I did IF I stole it, but I didn't” says Sophia. "Savannah, is that true? You accused someone of something they might not have done? We shouldn't be jumping to any conclusions should we?” announces the teacher. Now the whole class is staring as Savannah shouts "SHE STOLE IT MISS”, running out of the classroom. 

The girls have got bigger problems though. Sophia and Savannah are BFFS, their mums are very close and their little sisters are also friends. A play date was scheduled for the following day. They had been so excited, but now Sophia is not so sure she wants to go to Savannah's house anymore.  

 THE NEXT DAY… 

"Sophia, we are going to be late" shouts her mum Melissa from downstairs. Sophia doesn’t want to go, so she gets a little creative… "Mum I can't go to Savannah's house" says Sophia in a croaky voice. "Why?!" asks her mum "I thought you were looking forward to it?". " I know I was but COUGH COUGH. I’m obviously veryobviously so very ill and I can't go. I’m sorry." explains Sophia. “Hmm, are you sure this isn't about the argument you and Savannah had yesterday at school?" Asks her mum. "Ah oh, no definitely not" says Sophia in her fake croaky voice. “You are fine, you are coming no buts." says Melissa in her stern mum voice " urgh nooooo" sighs Sophia.
 

WHEN THEY ARRIVE 

"We’re here girls!" announces Melissa. “Aren’t you excited to see your friends?” she says. Sophia grins with a fake enthusiastic smile plastered across her face. When they walk inside Savannah and Sophia's  eyes meet just for a split second, Savannah gives Sophia a dirty look but the mums don’t notice. "Well why don't you and Sophia go up to your room?" says Savanah's mum.  "urgh fine." mutters Savannah under her breath but still sounding annoyed.  

When they get to her room they just sit in opposite corners of the room for about an hour until Sophia tries to start some conversation. “You know I didn't steal your necklace? How you’re reacting is embarrassing." "No it's not, that's my necklace that you stole" says Savannah. "Well you know we have the talent show in a few days so you better get over this.  You’re being ridiculous. You know that, and if you don't want to do the dance anymore, than I have to forfeit too and I don't want to forfeit". Sophia explains. “Just shush already I'll do the dance with you, I just don't want to OK?" says Savannah, frustrated. "Ok" responds Sophia feeling a bit betrayed now that her best friend doesn't trust her. She was the only one who made her feel safe and who she could tell her secrets to.  

Sophia, Savannah and the rest of their class are all forming into groups for a project when suddenly the teacher announces “I'm going to be picking your groups. Josh and Grace you are together and Sophia and Savannah you are together. You will be making a diorama. I will be judging based on creativity and teamwork. The winning diorama is going to be presented at the assembly at assembly. Work hard on them today and remember to bring them in tomorrow”.  

Savannah and Sophia decide to go to Sophia's house and just split the work, Sophia does half and Savannah did half.  

“Ok class, please show your dioramas” announces the teacher the next morning in class. The whole class goes to get theirs out. Savanah’s and Sophia’s definitely does not look the best and doesn't show any teamwork at all. “Ok, looking at all of them, I think Josh and Graces is the best, and I can see you have both worked collaboratively on it. Your diorama is going to be presented at assembly. Good job and great teamwork”, “Urgh Sophia, you ruined the diorama I don't want to be partners with you ever again” says SavannahSavanah in a nasty voice “Ok” says Sophia feeling like she wants to disappear into herself.  

TALENT SHOW DAY…  

"Ok next up is Savannah and Sophia performing a dance for us!". The crowd cheers for them as they walk on stage like mini professionals. The music plays and they start to dance. They look so graceful, as they twirl and glide across the stage, just as Sophia thought they were in for a chance at winning, Savannah purposely nudges Sophia and she stumbles during her main move. As soon as they come off stage, Savannah gives Sophia a dirty look while she’s coming in for a high five. "Maybe not then" says Sophia, feeling like she really has lost her best friend of 8 years.  

AWARDS TIME… 

Mr Johnson walks on stage to present the awards. "Coming in at 12th place (which was the nicest way to say last place), Sophia and Savanah, congrats!" He says, trying to sound supportive but his voice cracks on the last couple of words.  

AFTER THE TALENT SHOW…  

"Sophia, you ruined the dance when you fell. Next talent show I'm signing up with Rachel. Aren’t I Rachel?". "Ah um" says Rachel. "She is doing the dance with me", confirms Savanah, feeling proud that she has a ‘new best friend’. "Ok" says Sophia, trying not to cry. "But you were the one who ruined it with your attitude when you pushed me" she says with tears streaming down her face now. “Urgh, don't listen to Rachelto her Rachel, she's so wrong. She ruined it”. murmurs Savannah.Savanah  

DAYS LATER AT SCHOOL…  

Savannah, Sophia and the rest of their grade are in art class today. It just happens to be that the lost property box is right next to the art class. Savannah thought in her head "there is no harm in checking that box”. She asks to be excused and practicallyand, practically dives in the lost property box. She searches through it for approximately 5 minutes, until she sees something shimmering at the bottom. "OMG OMG OMG" "my necklace!!!" Savannah squeals. She felt like a mean little brat for mistreating Sophia. When she comes back into class she doesn't tell Sophia what she found and continued to be "best friends with Rachel".  

MORE DAYS LATER…  

It's lunch time and Savannah asks Sophia if she can speak to her in private. "Look if it's just to bully me, stop. I have heard enough from you" says Sophia, putting a cracker in her mouth. "No, it's not that. I just need to talk to you" says Savanah trying to sound as friendly as she possibly can. "Fine", says Sophia, grabbing a handful of crackers. “But make it quick, I wanna get back to my snack soon”. "Ok Ok" says Savanah, giggling just a tiny bit. 

MINUTES LATER…  

Savannah and Sophia walk to the out of bounds area where it’s super grassy and no one is there so they can talk privately. "I found my necklace in the lost property box" says Savannah in barelybarley a whisper. "WHAT?!?!?!?!?. Are you saying you bullied me at school for a solid 2 weeks for stealing your necklace but it was in the lost property box the whole time?!" Yells Sophia. “Maybe" says Savanah, starting to giggle. "I’m really sorry. I don’t know why I acted like that”. Savanah’s face turns to a smile. “So can we be best friends again?” begs Savanah". “Of course, I could never stay mad at you,you" says Sophia. The girls then do their special hand shake they made up in kindergarten as they start to giggle. 

MORE MINUTES LATER…  

After the girls stopped giggling and snorting, they fall on the grass holding hands. In unison, they say "WELL THAT WAS MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING" and they start to giggle even louder. 

By Sailor Cormack, year 3

A HUGE thanks to our families in your recent support in our school fundraising.

We raised a HUGE $2,500 for our Easter raffle which will go towards the Wetlands and our animals.

We also celebrated our top cookie dough earners with prizes and certificates this week.

 

We are STILL selling goggles at the front office



Feel free to drop in and grab a pair ready for swimming. Payment is $20
via Eftpos

Hi I’m Grace from 5/6D

I am going to let you know about the breakfast club. It is a place where kids can get breakfast if they have not had time at home or if you just want to eat with friends or have nothing left in the house.This means that your kids won't have to be rushed to have brekkie at home. It would be fabulous to have more families come!  Families can drop off their kids and they will have a great time chatting with a friend while having breakfast, it's so much fun!

Breakfast club is on every Wednesday morning from 8:30am to 8:50am and it is on the 3/4 deck.

We hope to see you there!













About the School Breakfast Clubs program

Research shows a child's ability to concentrate in class, self-regulate and learn is negatively impacted if they are hungry. It has been reported that the rising cost of living makes it increasingly difficult, particularly for families experiencing disadvantage, to provide enough healthy food for the family each week.

The Victorian Government has committed a further $21.1 million in the 2024-2025 Victorian Budget to expand the School Breakfast Clubs program to include all Victorian government schools that opt in.

The Victorian Government’s delivery partner is Foodbank Victoria, the Victorian branch of Australia's largest food welfare agency.

The program provides:

• healthy breakfasts to students in participating Victorian government schools
• nutritious lunches, snacks and take-home packs for students in need
• cooking classes for families at 165 participating schools

Local Community Events, things to try and Sports Clubs

A free online program for students and parents of students with anxiety. Designed by the Uni of QLD and recommended by DET student support services.

https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/about

Raisng Children Network

One of the best apps to download as a parent or educator. You can type in any subject eg 'night terrors' and there will 6 or more articles to help for many stages of child development. 

https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/raising-healthy-minds-child-mental-health

 Sushi Day

Carrum Primary School will be running our first lunch fundraiser event later this month.

On Friday 27th February 2026, we will be holding a lunch order Sushi Day.

This event is being run by an external organisation - Sushi@School

Orders can only be placed online and there is a strict cut-off of 10am on 26th February 2026.

The pre-packed orders will be named and delivered to the school for distribution to classes on 27/02/2026.

Please see the flier attached.

1 x roll $4.50 and/or Twin pack of rolls $8.00

The direct link to the Carrum PS order page is https://sushi.net.au/school/carrum-primary-school/#ready-to-order

Thank-you for your support this year.

    



Piano Dynamics – Patterson Lakes 

Don’t miss this opportunity!!!   Start your children’s musical education today.

What better way than to improve self-esteem and showcase your child’s development than through music.  For younger children, playing the piano helps develop listening skills as well as coordination. Piano also improves cognitive and intellectual abilities such as memory, reading and maths skills.  I  am offering an introductory half price lesson to all new students who wish to develop their musical skills.  Certified  exams also offered.   I am a fully qualified teacher who has extensive experience in teaching all ages and levels.
Ring me now to organise your  introductory half price lesson.

Carolyn Rossis                                                                                                                                                          
Dip of Ed and Grad Dip of Music Toorak                                                                                                                           
Current children’s check and accrediated member of VMTA                  www.pianodynmics.com.au    [email protected]                                                                         (m) 0409 131 961

Students of all ages are tutored in private one-to-one lessons. Children are taught in a positive and nurturing environment. The tuition sessions are designed according to the student’s individual needs, which are regularly evaluated and form part of ongoing assessment. I tailor to the needs of each student, which is delivered in a positive learning environment designed to foster self-esteem and motivate students to achieve their full potential.  Students with special needs are also catered for.

The core work covers the following:

READING: To develop Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency and Expanded Vocabulary.

WRITING: Examines the different genres and includes writing organisations for each genre, essay writing, spelling, punctuation, grammar and editing skills.

MATHEMATICS: Covers Numeracy & Algebra, Measurement & Geometry and Statistics & Probability

EXAM PREPARATIONS: These helps identify the student’s progress and help develop skills for NAPLAN, ICAS, scholarship and entrance exams

Carolyn Susan Rossis

Diploma of Education and Graduate Diploma of Music

Email:  [email protected]

Current children’s check and fully COVID vaccinated

(M) 0409 131 961