Principal's Report

Dear EHPS Parents and Carers,

Traffic & Car Parking

In the past week I have received complaints from neighbours about families not observing road rules at drop off and pick up time in Essex Road. This is not the first time that I have mentioned this lack of respect for our neighbours but still it continues to occur. As a result, I have contacted the City of Monash and asked for their assistance to improve the situation so that children are safe and that our neighbours are respected.

 

I am disappointed that I must continually raise this matter with you and I am embarrassed when discussing this with neighbours because I realise it is only a section of our community that is not doing the right thing, but it reflects badly on our school.

 

I remind all EHPS families that:

  • Cars must not park across driveways.
  • The Kiss & Go zone in Essex Road at the front of the school is limited to a two-minute stay only without leaving your vehicle between 8.30am and 9.30am and 3.00pm and 4.00pm on school days.
  • No U turns across the solid white line in Essex Road. This will incur a fine if traffic management officers are in attendance.
  • The Staff & Permit Car Park (entry on Essex Road):
    • is not to be used by parents at any time or in any circumstances; 
    • children are not to be walked through this car park into or out of the school grounds; entry/exit to the school grounds is through the front gate in Essex Road opposite the Office only. Access through this car park was only permitted when we had special arrangements in place during COVID restrictions. Please do not walk through or direct your children through the car park for the safety of all.  
  • Follow the safe road crossing procedure – STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK:
    • STOP one step back from the kerb, or shoulder of the road if there is no footpath.
    • LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic.
    • LISTEN in all directions for approaching traffic.
    • THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road – when the road is clear or all traffic has stopped. When crossing, walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing. 

Please read the following advice from the City of Monash.

 

School Traffic Issues

Traffic congestion around schools can be frustrating. However, it is generally short-lived, and traffic flow is back to normal within half an hour. Council does patrol schools regularly and issue parking fines especially given the potential safety risk with students in the area.

 

If you are a parent:

Obey the signs - Parking restrictions and No Stopping signs are in place to keep students safe.  Parking along both sides of the road, double parking and parking too close to intersections can cause major safety issues and put school children and other road users at risk.

Don’t come early - arrive at the school to pick up children when school finishes, coming early only clogs up the local streets.

Follow the drop-off and pick-up rules - If there are “kiss and go” restrictions, don’t enter the area until you know your child is ready to be picked up.

Do not block resident driveways - Be considerate of residents and businesses in the area and ensure they can access their properties.

Use sustainable transport modes - Park a few streets away and walk or ride with your children to school.

 

Please, let's work together to ensure all members of our school community and neighbourhood, and especially our children, are safe around our school, and all areas are used safely and correctly. 

Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey

A few weeks ago, a randomly selected group of families were selected to complete the annual Parent Opinion Survey. This survey seeks family feedback about their perceptions of the school. The survey is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour, and student engagement.

 

Your opinions are important to us and will contribute to identifying areas for improvement and professional development needs in the school, to target school planning and improvement strategies.

 

If you received that email, can I please encourage you to complete the survey. Your responses are confidential and anonymous. Please note that the survey closes on 19 September (the last day of this term).

PFC & Scam Awareness

Thanks to our Parents & Friends Club (PFC) for conducting the Scam Awareness Community Information forum run by the Bendigo Community Bank last week. All attendees found it very valuable. 

Hari Indonesia

We celebrated our annual Hari Indonesia on Wednesday 20 August. It was a wonderful day of rich cultural experiences for the children. Congratulations to our Indonesian teacher, Gladys Wangke, for facilitating such a fantastic day. Please read more information on the Indonesian page in this newsletter. 

Footy Colours Day - change of date

The date for our annual Footy Colours Day this term has changed - it will now be held on Friday 19 September (the last day of term). Please also note that there will be a footy themed lunch available to order through the Canteen. More details soon.

Fantastic Sport, Chess & Spelling results

Congratulations to the EHPS students who have achieved success recently in chess, spelling, and a variety of sports! I commend your effort and excellence as you represent our school community - we are proud of you. Thank you to the staff and parents who have facilitated our children having these opportunities and experiences. You will find more information about their achievements on the Year 6, Health & P.E., and Lunchtime & After School Activities pages in this newsletter. 

 

 

I look forward to seeing you around school.

Kindest regards,

George Perini

Principal