From Mr Ridgway

Education Support Staff Appreciation Day 

On Tuesday, our school celebrated Education Support Staff Appreciation Day with a morning tea provided by the teaching staff. We also held assemblies where our students presented our ES Staff with books that highlighted why they are so special. This event was an opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our incredible ES staff, from integration aides to the dedicated members of the admin team.

Our education support staff play a crucial role in the ongoing success of our school. Their hard work supports our students to receive the best possible education and care. Whether they are assisting in classrooms, helping in the first aid room, managing school operations, or supporting student well-being, their contributions are invaluable. Thank you to all our amazing ES staff for making our school a better place every day.

2024 Annual Report

Every year by 30 April, schools are required to produce a 'School Annual Report' for the preceding year. The Annual Report provides an opportunity to share the school’s achievements and progress with the school community.

At the bottom of this article is a link to the entire report, however, I have also populated some dot points that demonstrate the Annual Report highlights.

About our School

Cheltenham East Primary School is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. We focus on nurturing students to become confident, responsible, and active members of the community. Our core values include respect, responsibility, courtesy, and cooperation.

Student Performance

• English and Mathematics: 88.1% of our students are working at or above age-expected standards in English, and 91.0% in Mathematics.
• NAPLAN Results: In 2024, 89.8% of Year 3 students and 84.2% of Year 5 students achieved high proficiency levels in Reading and Numeracy.

Wellbeing and Engagement

• Student Wellbeing: We have a strong focus on student wellbeing, with programs like calm spaces, lunchtime clubs, and buddy systems to help students feel connected and supported.
• Attendance: Our average attendance rate is 92%, showing that students are consistently engaged in their education.

Special Events and Activities

• Italian Day: Students enjoyed a day filled with Italian culture, including food, music, and art.
• Colour Run: A fun event that brought together students, staff, and families.
• Sporting Events: Our students showcased their talents in Cross Country athletics and swimming competitions.
• Book Week: Encouraged a love of reading with themed days and book-related activities.

Community Involvement

• Working Bees: Parents, students, and staff worked together to improve our school grounds.
• Open Classrooms: Allowed parents and carers to engage with their children's learning environment.

I am proud of our achievements and look forward to another successful year at Cheltenham East Primary School! To access the full report, click the link below.

Voluntary Contributions

I would like to again extend my heartfelt thanks to those who have already made their voluntary contributions. Your generous support is crucial in enabling our school to offer high-quality teaching and learning programs and essential resources.

I also wish to remind you that the School Saving Bonus is designated for families to use on uniforms, camps, excursions, and similar exgrapenses. It does not contribute to the school's ability to provide the aforementioned programs and resources.

Currently, our budget is being impacted by the current reduction of voluntary contributions in comparison to this time in 2024. A shortfall of $15k has necessitated reductions to all of our program budgets. I have provided an infographic below which outlines the importance of your contributions, no matter how small. 

WOW! Let's use our road safety skills

We’d like to remind you about the ‘WOW’ Program – Walk or Wheel Once a Week – proudly delivered by the City of Kingston. This initiative encourages students to walk, ride a bike, or scoot to school every Friday, promoting healthy habits and reducing traffic congestion around our school.

Participating in the WOW Program is also a great way for students to practise important road safety skills. Ask your child if they remember any of these tips:

• Stop, look both ways, and listen before crossing the road.
• Always use the Safety Door (the kerbside door) when getting in and out of a car.
• Never cross the road between parked cars – always find a clear, safe spot.
• Always wear a helmet when riding a bike or scooter.

We encourage all families to continue supporting this initiative and help make the journey to school a safe, active, and enjoyable experience.

👏 Congratulations to Class 4B for winning this week’s Golden Boot Award! Keep up the great work and remember to walk or wheel to school every Friday!

Interschool Sport Results

Regards, 

Robert Ridgway