It has been wonderful to welcome students back to school for the commencement of Term 2 and we hope that students and families took the opportunity for a break and recharge over the recent school holiday break.

As we commence Term 2 it is important to remember that there are a few things that students need to remember to ensure that The Epping Experience is a positive one and one where each and every student achieve their potential and success. As we head into Term 2 we ask that students, with the support of their families, remember three key essentials:

Uniform
Attendance
Respect

Regarding uniform, we remind everyone that the cooler weather is now rolling in and request that parents work with their children, so that all students have the appropriate items of uniform for the cooler weather. Our aim is for our uniform to provide students with a positive school identity, support student safety and remove many of the biases and issues that arise when students have free dress. As such, student uniform is a compulsory requirement for our students. Below you will find a pictorial guide to our uniform and further information can be accessed on our website at www.eppingsc.vic.edu.au

In the event that you need some support in providing school uniform, please do not hesitate in contacting our Wellbeing Team.

In regard to attendance, we cannot stress enough the importance of regular attendance at school for all our students. We ask that parents support us wherever possible by ensuring that any non-essential appointments and commitments are made outside of school hours. High attendance rates are essential for our senior students in order to pass their subjects and will also be used as qualifiers for students in other year levels to be able to access some of their extra-curricula activities.

Respect is one of our school values and an essential ingredient that we equip our students with so that they can move beyond school and flourish as successful, independent and positive learners and leaders in our community. Throughout term 1 we have seen many students working to demonstrate this value daily and lots of respectful conversations between students and between students and staff. As we head into Term 2, this will continue to be a focus as we provide a positive culture and climate for our students to learn and grow.

Congratulations

Term 2 has started with a flurry of events, the first being an extremely successful Year 7 Camp to Anglesea. This was an amazing experience for our students, and we would like to thank our families for supporting this event and the many staff who attended and made this event possible.

This week we have welcomed over 200 Year 6 students and their families to the College as part of our information evening. It was wonderful to have two groups two the College and come along to hear about the programs that we have on offer. We look forward to supporting all students as they transition between primary and secondary school and welcoming them to our school for the Epping Experience.

NAPLAN 2022

Following our online NAPLAN trial in Term 1 we are now moving rapidly towards the tests themselves – scheduled for the period of May 10th – May 20th. An extraordinary amount of thought and planning has gone into the preparation of over 400 Year 7 and 9 students as we prepare for our next experience in the digital format. Some very powerful lessons were learnt during this trial. Understandably, some students may feel nervous about these assessments, however it is important to understand that NAPLAN is not about passing or failing, but rather about capturing learning progress. The students should be congratulated for how they have adapted to this new and different process, especially after the interruptions of 2020 and 2021. We wish all our Year 7 and 9 students well.

Car parking, picking up and dropping off around the school

“Respect the Congestion”

This is a further friendly reminder to all parents to exercise extreme care when dropping off or picking up children throughout the day. We are literally a “small village” and at peak times there are lots of students (and teachers) around. For the safety of everyone, please take care and follow the instructions of any school signage. I also remind everyone about respecting local parking restrictions and the rights of local residents when you park close to the school or pull up to drop off or pick up your children. The local Council does and will continue to do periodic local traffic blitzes. Fines are not insignificant when this occurs.

Brad Moyle

Principal

Mt Hotham Snow Camp