Elsternwick Primary School Newsletter

Assistant Principal's report

Hi everyone,

 

As we near the end of this short term, it is wonderful to reflect on how much has been achieved in such a brief time. Being in classrooms and witnessing those special ‘aha’ moments from students is always a highlight. Whether it’s a hands-on science investigation with our Year 4s or a writing conference with a Year 2 student, the energy and curiosity of our learners continue to inspire.

Safe, Valued and Respected Survey Results

Our Term 3 Safe, Valued and Respected survey results once again highlight our shared commitment to upholding the Child Safe Standards.

 

  • Prep, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 5/6 – Excellent results, reflecting strong positivity and a clear sense of safety in these year levels.
  • Year 3 and 4 – Approximately 15% of students indicated that they sometimes feel unsafe in the playground.

 

Next steps: To respond to this feedback, our Year 6 Wellbeing Captains will work alongside a group of Year 3 and 4 students to identify specific areas of concern and develop ideas for improvement.

 

We are grateful that students already have many safe and supportive options available during playtime, including:

 

  • Green Zone
  • Library
  • Outdoor Sports Club (structured play)
  • A range of student-led clubs

 

By listening to student voice and working together, we can continue to make sure every child feels safe, valued, and connected at EPS. 

 

Child Safety and Prep–Year 4 Instructional Swimming Program

At our recent Education and Policy Sub-Committee meeting, we discussed the upcoming Prep–Year 4 swimming program with a focus on both child safety and supporting parents/carers to feel confident in their role as volunteers.

 

Volunteers are essential in helping the program run smoothly, particularly with bus travel, poolside support, and (for Prep–Year 1) assistance in change rooms under teacher direction. To ensure a safe and respectful environment, all volunteers are required to:

 

  • Hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC)
  • Complete the EPS Online Induction, including agreement to the Child Safety Code of Conduct

  • Sign in at the school office before attending

     

As mandated by the swimming facility, parents/carers cannot enter change rooms of the opposite gender, regardless of whether their own child is present.

 

We are so thankful to our volunteers for the time and care they give, your support helps make the swimming program a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for all children.

Class Placements 2026

Thank you for your trust in the class placement process each year. Creating classes is an important and complex task that considers many factors, including the social, emotional, and academic needs of every child. Our aim is always to build balanced, supportive, and thriving learning communities. The process takes several months, and planning is already underway.

 

As a reminder, if you have a specific request, our policy states that:

 

While we are unable to consider requests regarding specific teachers, peers, extended family members, or multi-age classes, please know that great care and thought go into every placement decision. Our focus is on creating the best possible environment for all students to feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.

 

We appreciate your support as we work together to set all students up for success in 2026.

 

Kindest,

 

Leanne Williams

Assistant Principal