Principal Report 

Dear SEPS Parents, Students, and Friends, 

Well, the time has come with so many things happening this week!  I wish the wonderful SEPS community the very best for the future.  I'll miss you all.  Mrs Walton 

I’m thankful for :

• My final School Council meeting before my retirement - 22 years with at least 8 meetings a year that’s 176 meetings, 176 Principal’s reports!  Wow! I am thankful for working with so many amazing School Council Presidents and staff/parent School Councillors. Thank you all for your dedication to SEPS.  School Councils over the years have also been extraordinary – eight SC presidents have recently caught up with me as well as many wonderful School Councilors . I acknowledge Colin Mc Guinnes-Smith, Alida Williams, Belinda Wilson (whose skills learnt at SEPS have led her to politics)  Ben Solly, Marcus Harvey, Geoff McRobinson. You have all made great strides to help lead Sandy East and contribute to what it is today. Special mention to Scott  Bundy who is flying the SEPS plane at the moment,  and who does so much extra using his marketing talents to support the school in so many ways.

Our last School Council Meeting I was spoilt with the biggest bunch of flowers. Thank you all so much.

So much has been achieved by our progressive School Councils up to this point. I am so thrilled at the work that past School Councils have done to ensure the school we have today is one that we are all so proud of Why? We did it for our students to ensure they have great learning environments, fabulous outdoor spaces as well as amazing resources.

How can I thank all concerned for a wonderful day last Friday?  Firstly with that beautiful lunch by staff. Then to that unbelievable assembly ( beautifully hosted by Eileen Thompson and Alana Maslan ) where teachers prepared students so well with their items, and I appreciated that many parents also came to support and catch up. It was very moving and something I’ll remember and treasure the artefacts forever. 

I am so thankful for the many parents who have stopped me in the yard wishing me well along with the many comments that were given to me on Friday. Thanks to Malorie Crawford and Dale Sadler for such kind words and the lovely hamper with so many special things for me to enjoy. And the lovely bottle brush tree which the students helped me plant outside the stadium next to the big gum tree. I will remember this special gesture forever, thank you all so much.

And what a wow at the close of assembly from school leader Isiah with the announcement and plaque – I’m blown away that School Council intends to name the stadium Walton Wing – that is so humbling thank you all so much. It shows that I don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes!  I just thought I did.

Students at SEPS are wonderful I’ve been so busy trying to get the oval application over the line this week, but I so appreciated seeing so many activities with students. The level 2 fun day was a highlight with me joining in with the fun.

As I’ve always said, this is not about me – everyone has played a part in all the achievements at Sandy East. I certainly appreciated all the support from so many – truly a team effort. Students have been the constant that keeps us going – so many beautiful children who make our day. 

A highlight has been the students who have thrived with our intervention- we can remember those whom we have made a difference for, and keep us as teachers thriving.

I am fortunate to end my career at Sandy East knowing that I have left it ready for others to shape the future with my awesome staff and community. 

Staff colleagues are so caring, dedicated, and loyal – what a great team they are – thank you. I couldn’t ask for anything more – all amazing people.

The two gifted indigenous artworks I have made to the school has been discussed with architects and is targeted for the welcome foyer which will be located in my current office.

Oval News

I've worked so hard this week to ensure all documentation has been uploaded to the region and VSBA . Now we wait for them for their final approval.

Enjoy the next steps. 

Lost Property 

Please come and look to claim belongings today. Amazing amount of belongings costing hundreds of $$. 

2024 Enrolments

Thanks so much to the many families who have registered their enrolment already. If you know of friends, family or neighbours please ask them to enrol so we know where we are ready for 2024. Tours for 2024 families can still be booked via: https:/www.trybooking.com/CFVMK

Urgent to do - Families in levels 1-6 in 2024 please let us know if you will be moving house or moving schools as the Department needs to know our expected enrolments. Email or phone the school 9598 17 04 or  Sandringham.east.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Sandringham Lions planting trees with level 6 students 

On September 15th – our last day of school this term. Thanks to our amazing Lions members and level 6 students and staff.

Quote of the week;

“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. 

Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.” – Rumi

I hope that you all enjoy the holidays and I’ll see you around for sure.

Good luck everyone.

Kind Regards, 

Laureen Walton Principal