From Mr Ridgway
2025 - Another Wonderful Year at CEPS
As we come to the close of another successful year at CEPS, I would like to sincerely thank everyone for contributing to such a positive year of learning and connection within our community.
To our committed staff, thank you for the care, dedication, and professionalism you bring to your work each day. Your enthusiasm and innovation continue to shape a safe and enjoyable environment where students feel supported and inspired to do their best.
To our valued families, your encouragement and involvement play a vital role in our school’s success. From helping out at events to supporting learning at home, your partnership strengthens our community and makes a real difference. We truly appreciate your ongoing support and trust.
To our incredible students, thank you for the joy, curiosity, and determination you bring to school. Your progress throughout the year has been wonderful to see, and your achievements are something to be very proud of. You are at the centre of all we do, and we can’t wait to see where your learning journeys take you next.
Together, we have shared a year rich in learning, connection, and achievement. Thank you all for making it such a rewarding year. I wish everyone a relaxing and well-deserved break, and I look forward to welcoming you back in the new year.
Farewell Year 6
This week, we recognise the achievements and growth of our Year 6 students as they complete their primary school journey. From their first day filled with nervous excitement to the confident young people they are today, our graduates have made a lasting impact on our school through their curiosity, commitment, and resilience. They have excelled across learning, sport, the arts, and many other areas, demonstrating hard work and determination.
Beyond their achievements, we celebrate the friendships formed, challenges overcome, and personal growth experienced along the way. As students move on to secondary school, we encourage them to carry forward the values of respect, cooperation, responsibility, and courtesy. With more choices ahead, we hope they choose to work hard, remain resilient, listen deeply, and always show kindness.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our families for their unwavering support throughout their children’s primary school years. Your encouragement, involvement, and many contributions, such as supporting school events and partnering with us in learning, play an essential role in shaping the remarkable young people we celebrate today.
To our dedicated staff, Mr Chaplin, our teachers, integration aides, and administration team, thank you for the passion and guidance you provide every day. In particular, a huge thank you to our 2025 Year 6 teachers, Miss Tegan Boucher and Mr Tom Packham. They have guided students successfully through their final year of primary school, celebrating the highs and providing support during times of challenge. Our students have been very fortunate to have them.
Congratulations, Class of 2025. Your futures are bright.
Farewell to Departing Families
As we approach the end of this school year, I want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our departing families for your time within our school community. Your support, involvement, and dedication have greatly contributed to the CEPS environment we all strongly value.
We have shared many wonderful moments, from school events and celebrations to everyday interactions. Your children have brought joy, curiosity, and enthusiasm to our classrooms, and it has been exciting to watch them grow and thrive.
I wish you all the best in your future endeavours and hope that the memories and friendships made here at CEPS will remain with you always. Thank you once again for your trust and partnership.
To the following families, thank you, and we will miss you.
Ajith, Berkelback Van Der Sprenkel, Bourke, Bradley, Brown, Cafe, Cai, Carannante, Chitas, Conly, Crocker, D'Cruz, Dickson, Drakos, Dunn, Evans, Eytan, Fisher, Gurjar, Hooker, Inglis, Joyce, Kitchen, Kokachev, Li, Li, Marsh, McNaught, Mogilevsky, Nathan, Newman, Nori, Palavestra, Pawali, Rogers, Rolls, Roufail, Saeed, Sanderson, Shi, Stewart, Thapa, Van Der Nol, Vere-Flint, Wang, Weir, Whiteley, Wong, Yildiz
Thank you to Departing Staff
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Mrs Kerry Emmanouil and Miss Stephanie Stuart. Thank you for your contributions to the Cheltenham East community. Your care and dedication have positively impacted the lives of every child you have taught. Your commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive and inspiring learning environment has not gone unnoticed, and we are all grateful for the positive influence you have had on our students.
As you embark on your next educational adventure, I wish you all the very best. May your future endeavours be filled with continued success.
Thank You Hayley Rogers
On behalf of our school community, I would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Hayley Rogers for her many years of loyal service on School Council, most of which she served as President. Hayley has been an unwavering supporter and passionate advocate for our school. Her commitment has been second to none, and she has always been extraordinarily generous with her time.
Her impact on School Council has been profound. The initiatives she championed, the leadership she displayed, and the stability she provided will leave a lasting legacy for many years to come.
On a personal note, I cannot thank her enough for the support she has shown me in my role as Principal over the past three years. Hayley has been a voice of reason, a trusted sounding board, and a confidant. Her guidance and encouragement have meant the world.
This is Hayley's final year at our school, with her youngest son now graduating Year 6, as her oldest son, Tom, did before him. Hayley, we are exceedingly grateful for everything you have contributed to our school community. We wish you all the very best for the future, and we hope you look back on your time with School Council with great pride.
Thank you Mag (Margaret) Muller
I would also like extend my gratitude to Mag Muller for her dedicated commitment to our school community, demonstrated most prominently through her active role in our Parents Committee, and this year, through her leadership as President. Mag has given more hours of her time than I could possibly count. She has worked tirelessly in her committee role, and has also been the first to roll up her sleeves and willingly tidy any space across the school that needed attention.
Mag’s generosity of time, her passion for our school, and her infectious energy will be missed. Larger than life, she has been a cornerstone of our parent community throughout the years her two girls have attended CEPS. As her youngest daughter, Bronte, joins her older sister Sage in secondary school next year, Mag’s time at CEPS sadly comes to an end.
Mag, thank you for everything you have contributed to our amazing school community. Your impact has been significant, and like Hayley, you will leave a lasting legacy that will be felt for years to come.
2026 Staffing Structure
Foundation
Amy Gridley (PLC Leader)
Samantha Waugh/Renee King
Samantha Collins
Year 1
Yvonne Kerr (PLC Leader)
Tegan Boucher
Sonia Uhu/Chelsea Kubic
Year 2
Amanda Price (PLC Leader)
Pene Silva
Year 3
Kate Burman (PLC Leader)
Rebecca Crawford
Lauren Harris/Emma Cecil
Year 4
Sarah Lazzaro (PLC Leader)
Robyn Aposolopoulos
Year 5
Emma Harper (PLC Leader)
Julian Gordon (PLC Leader)
Year 6
Tom Packham (PLC Leader)
Jason Crebbin
Specialists
Italian - Signora Mondy - (PLC Leader)
Physical Education - NRobinson
Art - Suzanne Reid
Music - Tamara Spain and Sue Digby
Science - Louise Slann and Signora Mondy
Education Support - Administration
Naomi Smith - Business Manager
Belinda Ricardo and Tara Shimmin - Administration
Education Support - Integration Aides
Debbie Butler - Intervention Support
Divya Rai
Simon Cicak
Loretta Conheady
Jen Hartley
Paul Birnstihl
Kumala Sumarni
Natasha Davy
Paige Dias
Nahgual Bell
Tara Shimmin
Sharlene Swayn
Year 4 Camp
Last week our Year 4 students engaged in an exciting three-day camp at Phillip Island Adventure Resort. The camp was a fantastic opportunity for the students to challenge themselves, build resilience, and create lasting memories with their peers and staff.
Throughout the camp, students participated in a variety of thrilling activities, including the Giant Swing, Single Flying Fox, Archery, Low Ropes, and the Boulder Wall. They also enjoyed a visit to Amaze N Things.
A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated staff for their organisation and commitment to ensuring the camp was a success. Special recognition to Miss Lazzaro, Mrs A, Miss Crawford, Mrs Cecil, Mrs Robinson, Paul and Jen, and one of our pre-service teachers, Mr Beacham, for making this camp such a memorable experience for our students. Your hard work and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated!
Early Dismissal
A reminder that tomorrow Friday 19th December, students will be dismissed at 1.30pm, please arrange prompt pick up. The school office will be closed from 2.00pm.
Have a safe and restful Summer break!
Robert Ridgway
