Principal's Report
Elsternwick Primary School
Dear EPS,
Welcome back to Term 4!
It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the final term of the year already. Term 4 is always a special time, full of exciting events, meaningful learning experiences, and important planning as we celebrate the year that’s been and begin preparing for the one ahead.
Staffing News
As we approach the end of the year, I’d like to share some staffing updates for 2026.
The following staff members will be continuing their leave:
Caroline Bewley, Madie Driessen, Brittney Peebles, Steph Peters and Morgan Ili.
The following staff members will be leaving Elsternwick Primary School at the end of this year:
Mary-Grace Belda, Dyon Hunt and Bruce Murphy.
The following staff member will be commencing leave next year:
Ben DeNardis, who will be moving to New Zealand with his wife.Anusha Pillay will be returning to Western Australia to live with her fiancé.Rachel Steele will be returning to South Australia to be closer to her family.Brian Norris will be returning to Ireland with his fiancée.
We thank all these staff for their wonderful contributions to Elsternwick Primary School and wish them every success and happiness in their next chapter.
Class StructureIn 2026, the class structure at our school will be as follows:
- Prep: 4 classes
- Year 1: 3 classes
- Year 2: 3 classes
- Year 3: 3 classes
- Year 4: 3 classes
- Year 5: 2 classes
- Year 5/6: 1 class
- Year 6: 2 classes
Intentions to Leave
Term 4 is always heavily focused on planning for the upcoming year – including grade and staff selection, budgeting, enrolments, and more. We have previously requested this information, and I want to extend my thanks to those families who have been proactive in letting us know about their plans for 2026.
For those who haven’t yet had the chance, I kindly ask that you inform us of your intentions as soon as possible. The current challenges in finding and securing staff are significant, and having this information early helps us greatly in our preparations.
We understand that families face a range of commitments and that decisions about the future may evolve as circumstances change. However, out of common courtesy, we ask that you keep us informed sooner rather than later. Often, your children might share this information with their friends or teachers before we hear it formally.
Lastly, please join me in warmly congratulating Leanne Williams, our Assistant Principal, on her nomination for the prestigious Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science. This national recognition highlights Leanne’s outstanding dedication to educational excellence, innovation and leadership, qualities that have made a real difference in our school community. The outcome will be determined on the 3rd of November in Canberra, where Leanne and I will be in attendance. We are incredibly proud to have Leanne representing us and look forward to celebrating this significant achievement together.
Have a great weekend,
Michael PortaroPrincipal