WELCOME TO CASTLEMAINE NORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL
Frequently Asked Questions
Please click here to view questions that you may have about how the school operates.
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Acknowledgement of Country
We would like to acknowledge the Djaara people as members of the Dja Dja Wurrung community as the first peoples of Castlemaine and the surrounding areas. The Dja Dja Wurrung have been custodians and caretakers of the land and waters for many centuries and continue to perform age old ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal. We acknowledge the Jaara people as the custodians of the lands and waters of Castlemaine and we thank them for the care they have taken of country, the waters, the mountains, trees and animals. We also recognise all other Indigenous people of Castlemaine.
School Times:
9.00 – 11.00 – Session 1
11.00 – 11.30 – Recess break
11.30 – 1.25 – Session 2
1.25 – 1.35 – Eating time (in rooms)
1.35 – 2.25 – Lunch break
3.25 – Dismissal
Term Dates 2024:
Term 1: Tues 30th January – Thur 28th March
Term 2: Mon 15th April to Friday 28th June
Term 3: Mon 15th July – Friday 20th September
Term 4: Monday 7th October – Friday 20th December
Virtual School Tour
About CNPS
Castlemaine North Primary School was established in 1878 and is located in a residential area of Castlemaine, drawing students from the town and surrounding district. The current enrolment is 285. The nearest major regional centre is Bendigo, which is approximately 30 kilometres to the north.
The buildings are a mix of the original 1878 building, a 1970s construction which has been refurbished and our BER learning spaces along with a Mod. 5 (portable) building. Other facilities include an Art room, Library, LOTE (Indonesian) room and Music room. The school has extensive playing facilities with areas set aside for passive and active recreation. Considerable effort is made to ensure that buildings and grounds are attractive learning environments for students.
Castlemaine North Primary School places a strong emphasis on providing a diverse and creative curriculum. An integrated inquiry approach to learning is a feature of the school, with all classes engaging in "Big Question Time" each week. All classes are supported by specialist programs in LOTE (Indonesian), Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Physical Education/Health. Additional programs include the ‘Play is the Way’ pro-social skills program, swimming, instrumental music, choirs, circus skills, Reading Recovery, camps, excursions, bicycle education and Preparation for Puberty.
Parent and community participation complements and extends the quality programs provided by staff, with parent involvement a strong feature of the school. This partnership enables our parents to participate in many aspects of school life and gives rise to a cooperative school culture where a spirit of mutual respect is evident. A strong and positive School Council and an active Parents and Carers Association guide policy decisions, develop and maintain facilities and raise additional funds for the school.