Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we come to the end of Term 2, we can all look back and see the changes that have taken place over the past nine weeks. The children are very settled and happy at school, excursions are taking place, and parents are now able to come into the school and join into activities. Our wonderful Essex Heights Community is now being reformed, and we are so pleased that we can share so many happy occasions together. In recent weeks parents have accompanied excursions, attended assemblies, and participated in activities at school. We are so pleased that we can now continue to build the partnership between home and school for the benefit of the children. 

Music Concerts

An important part of our excellent Instrumental Music Program is the cycle of mid year concerts. These concerts give the opportunity for families and friends to witness the progress of children learning an instrument, support their skill development and to see the end product of their hard work and practice. This week we held the first two evenings featuring students learning Brass & Woodwind, and Keyboard & Piano. These concerts, the first since 2019, were very well attended. For our beginners it was their first opportunity to perform in public, and for others it was a great opportunity to reacquaint themselves with performing to a live audience. The students performed an entertaining and varied 

repertoire; they played so well! There was a real buzz of excitement in the Hall from the children and families. Congratulations to all the children involved, as well as a huge thank you to their instrumental teachers and Alyssa Kennedy for the organisation of the concerts. The Guitar and Drum & Percussion concerts will be conducted at the start of Term 3. 

Change to vaccination mandate

As you would be aware, following advice from the Acting Chief Health Officer, the Victorian Government recently announced changes to the pandemic orders.

There will no longer be a mandated vaccination requirement for staff working in mainstream schools. This change will come in from 11.59pm today, Friday 24 June, so in effect from the start of Term 3 2022. With almost 100% of school staff now vaccinated across Victoria, this will cause little change to our school.

As part of the changes, from 11.59pm Friday 24 June 2022, parents and carers who have COVID-19 can transport their non-COVID-19 children via private vehicle to their primary or secondary school when an alternative person is not available to assist. This will include school holiday programs held on school grounds. This means that parents and carers will be able to leave COVID self-isolation to take their non-COVID-19 child to school or school holiday programs via a private vehicle. The parent or carer must travel directly to and from the school only. They must always remain in the vehicle unless it is reasonably necessary to leave the vehicle to walk the child to and from the entrance of the school safely. They must wear a face mask at all times.

Family members are asked to continue reporting positive COVID-19 cases to both the Department of Health and our own testing portal. You must also let the school know if your child is a household contact. Students who are household contacts and want to attend should still take five RATs over seven days and wear a face mask whilst indoors if they are aged 8 years or over.

Maths Garden – Bank First Grant

Our Maths Garden is nearly completed. This innovative project was designed by students, funded through State, Federal and private grants and overseen by the tireless work of Jenny Austin and Ina Kuehlich. This area, from the 3-6 playgrounds to the cubby house, provides a hands-on mathematical experience for the children. Last week the school again was awarded a $2000 grant from Bank First so that additional elements can be added to the project, e.g. Chess Table.

Now we are asking for your help!!

On June 16, the People’s Choice component of this award opened. I encourage all our families to please follow the link and vote for our school’s Maths Garden project so that we can increase our grant. 

Bank First People's Choice Awards Teaching Initiatives 

Please help by asking family and friends to vote for our project.

Annual Reporting Meeting

The Annual Reporting Meeting of School Council was held on Thursday 14 June. The 2021 Annual Implementation Plan and 2021 Annual Report can be accessed on our school website. 

The Today Show coming to Essex Heights!!!

Last week I was contacting by Channel 9 to ask whether our school was interested in hosting the weather crosses for the Today Show. This exciting news was the result of the initiative of Keira M, one of our amazing School Captains. After a brief discussion, we have decided that this event will take place on Tuesday 9 August. There will be seven weather crosses beginning at 5.40am. We are hoping that this will be a great community event to showcase different aspects of our school. More details will follow.

Farewell 

We farewell the following students and wish them all the best in the future, especially as you start at your new school next term:

• Michael J (2D)
• Mahta A (5U) and her family - all the best as you relocate interstate.

Finally, I wish you all a wonderful two weeks to catch up with the children in perhaps a few different ways.

Looking forward to seeing you all next term when school resumes on Monday 11 July.

Kindest regards

George Perini

Principal