Dear parents, carers and friends of EEPS,

It was lovely to have so many parents and carers at Assembly on Monday and well done to our ‘EEPS of Talent’ finalists who sang, danced, played and talked their way into the Year 3 /4 ‘finals’! Great job, everyone! Thank you to Eve and Ethan, our Performing Arts Leaders, with the support of Mr Day, for giving the students these opportunities.

Weekend Break-in

Over the weekend there was a break-in into part of the school. Whilst this doesn’t happen often it is still a concern when it does. Police were involved but if any of our community members have any information to support us then please let me know. The incident occurred at 1.00 am Sunday morning in the Hall area.

Cultural Diversity Week

Each year in March, Cultural Diversity Week brings together Victorians of all ages, cultural backgrounds and experiences to celebrate our state’s diverse multicultural communities.

This year, Cultural Diversity Week will run from Monday 17 March to Sunday 23 March. The theme, ‘Embrace the Journey – shape our future’, highlights the unique and shared cultural journeys that define our diverse communities, encouraging us to honour our own cultural stories and those of others, fostering understanding, belonging and connection. Our Cultural Leaders presented a short video clip at Assembly on Monday to help focus on our collective attention on the strengths of our multicultural school and society.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

This week is also Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Neurodiversity is an inclusive term that recognises natural differences in how we all think, process information and communicate. Most children’s brains develop in ways that are seen as typical for their age and stage.

About one in 5 children has variations in their brain development. These variations include those seen in autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and dyscalculia. These children can be described as ‘diverse’ learners. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that celebrates the strengths and talents of people who think and learn differently. It reminds us of the importance of being kind, accepting and inclusive of everyone. As a family I highly recommend taking a look the following website as it contains some really interesting information, along with quotes from famous people with learning challenges.

https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/

Parent Helpers in Year 1

In order to align our take home readers with our enhanced approach to teaching literacy in Year 1 it would be wonderful to have some parent helpers to assist in sorting out the reader boxes. If you are available to help, for a book working bee, then please let the school office know. You don’t have to be a parent of a Year 1 child; any parents would be welcome.

School Council Update

Annual Report

Last night the new 2025 School Council approved the 2024 EEPS Annual Report. Once the Department has completed the normal Quality Assurance process it will be available on our website. I will let everyone know when that happens.

Retiring members

On behalf of the School Council, I would like to sincerely thank the retiring members for their years of service and commitment to the school.

Vacation Care Update

Also, last night, we had presentations from two external providers of OSHC vacation care. School Council has decided upon a provider, and I will provide more details as the next stage of the process unfolds. Please remember, that School Council is aware of the need for vacation care and will progress the establishment as quickly as possible understanding that there are several regulatory steps to follow.

Year 2 Camp Activity Day

Last year, due to the challenges of the availability of external camps we trialled bringing the camp to EEPS. It was a highly successful day partnering with Kinglake Forest Adventures for our Year 2s, with lots of parent helpers. We received really positive feedback from the students, which was great. Recently Col French, the Director of Kinglake Forest Adventures, wrote about the experience in his regular newsletter:

How Eltham East Brought Outdoor Learning to Life

Eltham East Primary School’s Big Day In was designed to bring outdoor adventure, teamwork and problem-solving to students in a dynamic incursion-style program.

The day featured a mix of physical challenges, strategic thinking and hands-on problem-solving, including:

✅ Scream Run & Trollies – High-energy activities that encouraged teamwork and coordination

✅ Leaky Pipes & Puzzles – Hands-on problem-solving tasks that developed critical thinking skills

✅ Frisbee Circles & Moon Ball – Fun, movement-based challenges that fostered collaboration

✅ Food Challenge & Rock Balance Stamina – Creative head-to-head activities that built resilience and focus

✅ Radio Path Mission – A final challenge that tested navigation, communication, and teamwork. Kids and teaching staff communicate using provided UHF radios and dodge the water pistol or frisbee hit zones. A high-energy finish!

Setting up our colourful One Planet or Big Agnes tents and Tipi on the school ground makes for an awesome sleepover, gently introducing the kids to "Camp".

The students embraced the challenges with enthusiasm, working together to overcome obstacles, think creatively, and build confidence in a fun, structured environment.

A highlight of the day was the off-site sausage sizzle lunch at Grove St Reserve, providing a well-earned break and a chance for students to reflect on their experiences. The program wrapped up with team debriefs and a final icy pole treat, celebrating the students’ efforts and achievements.

The Big Day In at Eltham East PS showcased how outdoor learning can be brought directly to schools, reducing logistical challenges while still delivering an engaging, adventure-packed experience for students.

Rest of the Week

This week has lots of things happening in it. Our Somers School Camp participants excitedly went off yesterday, being collected from EEPS. It is sure to be a wonderful experience for the students. On Friday we have Walk and Ride to School Day and the House Cross Country in the afternoon.

Then, the finale of the week will be the Movie Night on the school oval. There are still tickets available so please contact the office. We are still also looking for some parent helpers to assist with Movie Night, so please let the office know if you are available. Don’t forget to bring some coins for raffle tickets which is always a highlight of the night! And, to purchase from the Bake Sale and Sausage Sizzle. We are keeping a close eye on the weather and will let families know if any modifications need to be made.

Reminders

Next Thursday is school photo day!

Monday 31st March - Variation to School Hours Day - 3 Way Conferences. Students only attend school for their 3 Way Conference times.

I look forward to seeing many of EEPS community members at some point during the week.

Have a great week of Learning and Growing Together.

Kind regards

Warren Lloyd

Principal