Principal's Item 

Dear parents, carers and friends of EEPS,

Last week we had around 70 of our Strings program participants perform in the Strings Showcase at Eltham High School. Whilst I wasn’t able to personally attend, the feedback has been very positive. The EEPS Strings program is going from strength to strength. Well done to everyone involved.

Industrial Action

Thank you to the EEPS school community for your support and understanding yesterday on the strike day. Whilst I have not added any commentary to the action thus far, I am a strong advocate for the education workforce being appropriately renumerated for their hard work and dedication. Teaching has become a lot more complex over the last decade and the pay scales have certainly not kept up with this. The school did receive many messages of support. Many people did wonder why more people weren’t striking. Everyone has different views, beliefs and circumstances, and we must respect that.

Mentor Groups

Monday saw out very first Mentor Group session throughout the school. On all accounts, this was very successful and will hopefully build very strong connections throughout the school.

New Initiative

If you are following the school on Facebook or Instagram, this week we have introduced a new, weekly ‘What’s on this week?’ page that we will post on a Sunday before the week starts. Please take a look, and hopefully this initiative is a helpful tool. As always, we will continue to include key dates in the newsletter.

Harmony Day

Last Saturday was Harmony Day, a day to celebrate Australia’s unique cultural diversity. Classes have undertaken activities and had discussions about the meaning of the day. Today, the Junior School Council, organised the special ‘This is Me’ fundraiser dress-up day to celebrate Harmony Day. Thank you to the families for their support of this day. The school has received some feedback that a broader focus was watering down the focus on cultural diversity. Whilst the dress up day has taken different guises over the years; we will take this feedback on for future activities. However, as a school, please know that we do highly value the cultural diversity in our school community.

District Swimming 

A big congratulations to the EEPS district swim squad who competed recently. A special mention to the 9 / 10-year-old relay team, Joshua, Kei, Elijah and James, who came second in their heat, and Audrey who came 4th, well done to you all!

Walking Around the Streets

We have been approached by a local resident to remind our community to please remember to walk around surrounding properties respectfully. We have had one complaint regarding breaking off plants and branches in front gardens. If families could have a conversation around this that would be appreciated.

Cross Country

Well done to all the Year 3-6 students who participated in the EEPS Cross Country last Friday. It was a fantastic afternoon with lots of positive cheering. Well done to the students who are going through to the next round and representing our school. A massive thank you to the very large band of parents who so willingly and enthusiastically helped out on the afternoon. 

Crossing Supervisors

Whilst we always let the council know when we have student free days and an early finish to the term, they can’t always guarantee that our local crossing supervisors can amend their times. So, just be aware of this when making arrangements for these days.

Team Kids Holiday Program

Team Kids EEPS Holiday program has opened for bookings for the forthcoming April holiday break. Please make use of this service if you are looking for an engaging day for your child/ren.

Things to look out for in the Newsletter

Science Talent Search poster

Movie night information

Coming Up

Photo Day tomorrow - Thursday 26th March

Grandparents’ Day - Friday 27th March

Movie Night - Friday 27th March

3 Way Conferences - Monday 30th March (remember children only attend for their interview time)

End of Term 1 - Thursday 2nd April at 2.30

Thank you again for your support and have a great week of Learning and Growing Together.

Kind regards

Warren Lloyd

Principal