Principal's Message
Dear Parents/Carers
School Council
Our school council at EPS has wide representation consisting of parents/carers, teachers & community members. School council plays a major role in setting and monitoring the school’s direction. With a membership of 13; 8 parents/carers and 5 school employees, we look forward to further enhancing the opportunities of all students at our school in 2024.
This year, 6 vacant parent/carer positions became available on School Council. Nominations were received, and we congratulate the following representatives to the EPS school council in 2024:
Fiona Bull: mother of Rose in 2B and Hazel in 5B
Megan Hondromatidis: mother of Zach in 1B
Bec Miller: mother of Elke in 2C & Rafael in 3B
Mitch Tucker: father of Matilda in 1A
Sarah Wade: mother of Harry G in 1A
Sophie Williams: mother of Penelope in 3A & Alejandra in 4B
The following staff were also appointed to the School Council team; Eliza Solly and Diana Telford.
The composition of our 2024 council is as follows:
Parent Members: Fiona Bull, Megan Hondromatidis, Bec Miller, Jessie Rosengarten, Chris Simmonds, Mitch Tucker, Sarah Wade & Sophie Williams.
School Employees: Rachael Feldtmann, Michael Portaro, Nicola Smith, Eliza Solly & Diana Telford.
Community Members: Parent’s Association Representative (TBC)
The following members will assume these office bearer positions:
President: Mitch Tucker
Vice President: TBCExecutive Office: Michael PortaroTreasurer: Chris Simmonds
Minute Takers: Rachael Feldtmann & Eliza Solly.
Congratulations to Mitch, our new President, as he steps into this important role. We look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly bring to our school.
School Council meets twice a term and updates from members in relation to our agenda and discussions will be provided to the community in upcoming weeks.
NAPLAN
The school finished its NAPLAN testing requirements last week and I want to commend all our students for their hard work and dedication during this period. NAPLAN assesses skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time, through the school curriculum. NAPLAN is not a pass or fail type test, but rather shows how students are progressing in numeracy and literacy skills against national standards for all Australian children. It provides valuable information that allows schools to better target effort and support to help all students achieve their potential and acquire the basic skills to help them build successful and happy lives. I am proud of the way our Year 3 and 5 students have approached these tests and thank our staff for the support they have provided our students both academically and emotionally to support them during this period. Now, as we move forward, let's continue to focus on nurturing a supportive learning environment where each student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Preps
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people who have supported our Prep students to make such an incredibly successful transition to school. Thank you to all the staff who helped with the Prep transition program in Term 4 last year. Thanks also to our wonderful Prep teaching team this year. Thank you to all of those that care for our Prep students and have prepared them for school so well and finally, a special congratulations to the children themselves for their co-operation and enthusiasm!
Census Day 2023
Census Day occurred last month in all government schools across the state. On this day we confirm our enrolment numbers for the year. EPS has a student population of 433 in 2023.
Leave
For the initial four weeks of term two, I will be on a leave of absence. During this time, Nicola Smith will be assuming the role of Acting Principal, ensuring the smooth operation and continuity of our school's mission and vision.
Have a wonderful term break,
Michael