PRINCIPALS REPORT

It is hard to believe that we have only 2 weeks remaining of term 1. Despite the COVID challenges that we have all endured this term, it has still been a very busy, action packed term. It was awesome to hear about our School Leaders who attended the Young Leaders Conference in Melbourne on Wednesday. It was a very early start for them, but with the enthusiastic recounts of the day, it was well and truly worthwhile. Of course our school leaders again did us proud by representing the school with so much pride. So proud to be an Eastie!

COVID-19 Update

To date, we have tracked approximately 40 students and staff positive with COVID-19 and approximately 70 students and staff isolating throughout Term 1, and some have isolated more than once. Despite the daily peaks and troughs with confirmed cases, it is indeed very evident that COVID-19 is still very present in our local community and everyone’s vigilance is still very necessary. Each family has now been equipped with sufficient Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to hopefully undertake twice weekly testing for the remainder of the term. I understand the challenges in completing these tests so frequently, but they are a very valuable tool in reducing the spread within our community and I would like to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your diligence in undertaking these regular tests. The impact of COVID-19 on Echuca East Primary School this term has been quite low in comparison to other schools this term, and that is thanks to you.

So a big Thank You to all!

STUDENT SAFETY

Just a reminder regarding the importance of student safety on the roads at drop off and pick up. Everyone needs to be using the School Crossings when crossing over Sutton Street or Eyre Street to or from the school. 

Over the last couple of weeks, I have noticed a large number of students/families not using the school crossings at all and walking straight across the road, in some cases, running in front of cars and buses to get across. This is an accident waiting to happen. 

It is vital that we, as the adults, model the safest way to cross the roads each and every day. As a community, we fought hard to keep our crossing, so please, please, make sure you are using it correctly and safely.

The other safety concern I have is the number of cars that are performing u-turns directly out the front of the school. Some of these are happening right on the corner of Sutton and Eyre Street and others are directly over the crossings. Again, this is very unsafe and illegal. Our number one priority is the safety of our kids – Please think “safety” 

SCHOOL UNIFORM

It is that time again when the mornings are starting to get a little cooler and the jumpers come out of the cupboards. Can I please remind parents to ensure your child/ren have their name clearly marked on their jumpers, so as the day warms up and the jumpers come off, we can promptly return them to the rightful owner when left out in the yard. This is also the time to make sure your child/ren have a red school jumper that fits and is ready to pop on these cooler mornings. All Students are required to be in school uniform.

MOBILE PHONES

Just a reminder to families regarding students who bring a mobile phone to school. The Education Departments Policy is that all student phones must be switched off and stored at the school office upon arrival.

If you wish to contact your child/ren during school hours please contact the school office. Students can collect their phones at the end of the school day.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

School photos will be Thursday the 7th of April, that is the second last day of school, so make sure that date is in your calendar. Photo envelopes went home last week, so make sure you return these to school before the 7th. A reminder that you can order your photos online or pay through the school. If you have any queries regarding school photos, please don’t hesitate to contact the office, or have a look at the information on page 5.