Principal's Report

Dear EHPS Parents and Carers,

Hari Indonesia

Today we have celebrated our annual Indonesian Day. The students have spent the day enjoying the culture of Indonesia and learning more about the country. This morning we had the honour of hosting the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia. While he was here, he visited all buildings, observed student activities and engaged with the children. He was so impressed by our children, our school and Bu Gladys. All the children were also taught cultural dances by Suara Indonesia. A number of children then were able to perform some of the dances at our afternoon assembly. At the assembly, led by our Indonesian captains, our poster competition winners, the lolly jar guessing winners and the classroom door decoration winners were announced. This year’s posters are on display in the large library windows. The classroom door decorations showed amazing creativity, and everyone was very impressed by the quality of the presentation. Finally, the winners of the VILTA Indonesian Speaking competition were announced. This year, 11 students received High Distinctions. This is a truly amazing result. Congratulations to all our competition winners.

Finally, a huge thank you to Bu Gladys for her leadership and commitment to make Hari Indonesia an memorable and hugely educational day for all of our students.

This evening students will enjoy the School Disco organised by the Parents & Friends Club (PFC).

I am looking forward to our Book Week celebration on Friday 4 September when students are encouraged to come to school dressed as a favourite book character. Families are invited to join us for a parade in the gymnasium at 9am.

Also, the Father’s Day Breakfast on 28 August and Father’s Day Stall for the students on 4 September, organised by our fantastic PFC.

Annual Report to School Community

Last night the EHPS community were invited to join the School Council for the 2025 Annual Report to the School. If you would like to read the report it is available on our website: 2025 Annual Report to the Community

NAPLAN 2026

Recently, the State Government and the Department of Education announced that the overall 2026 NAPLAN results were very pleasing, especially at the primary level. In 2026 a record number of students achieved their highest proficiency level.

Victorian students ranked either first or second in 16 out of 20 NAPLAN measures.

Our Essex Heights results were excellent and again showed how well our children are progressing.

Classes for 2027

In accordance with the timeline and process set by the Department of Education, last Friday was the final day for placement offers for Prep in 2027. Demand for places at EHPS has again been very high with 154 applications for a place in Prep next year. We have made about 80 offers and expect to have a Prep cohort of about 77 students in 2027.

The projected school enrolment for 2027 will drop from 594 this year to about 570. This is a deliberate reduction in school size. We cannot sustain some of the large class sizes that we have had in the past and must work to reduce this situation over the next few years.

Next year we will again have 24 classrooms. They will be as follows:

There will be no composite classes in 2027.

At this time of year, some families are considering taking up a place at a private school for 2027 or moving out of the area. If your child will not be returning to EHPS next year, please notify me in writing as soon as possible, because it will assist our planning and preparation for next year.

Use the school email address – essex.heights.ps@education.vic.gov.au – to advise the following details:

Child's name and 2026 class
Date of last day at EHPS
Name of the school your child is enrolled at
Commencement date at new school
The reason for leaving EHPS
New contact details, e.g. address, phone number, email

2026 Parent/Carer Opinion Survey

WE WANT OUR PARENTS / CARERS TO TELL US WHAT THEY THINK!

Our school is conducting the annual Parent / Carer Opinion Survey offered by the Department of Education and is seeking your feedback. The survey is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behavior, and student engagement. The survey is optional, but we encourage and appreciate your participation.

Our school will use the survey results to assist in identifying areas for improvement and professional development needs in the school, to target school planning and improvement strategies.

The Parent / Carer Opinion Survey will be open online from next week until Friday 18 September 2026.

A random sample of parents / carers have been selected to participate in this year’s survey. Selected parents / carers will be contacted directly. Please note that the survey is completely confidential and anonymous.

The survey will be conducted online, only takes 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed at any convenient time on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones.

The online survey will be available in English and 10 other languages including Arabic, Greek, Hakha Chin, Hindi, Japanese, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Somali, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Resources are also available in additional languages to assist parents / carers who speak a language other than English at home. Please reach out to the school directly for survey guides in your language.

Please speak to your child’s teacher if you would like more information.

Holidays or other leave during school terms

If you are planning a holiday and your child will be absent before the end of this term or at the beginning of next term, parents/carers are reminded that the Department of Education school attendance guidelines require you to request my approval for your child to be absent during school term for any of the following reasons:

Family holiday
Religious/Cultural observance
Leisure or social activities
School refusal
Other – special event or participation in elite sporting event/training

To request approval for your child to be away from school, parents/carers are required to send an email to essex.heights.ps@education.vic.gov.au for my attention with the details of your child's absence. You will receive an email response with further steps.

New parking restrictions

The City of Monash has introduced new parking restrictions in three local streets – Midway Street, Davidson Street and Vista Avenue.

Information about the proposal, how to obtain a residential parking permit (eligibility applies), or to get in touch with feedback or to talk more about the changes was provided to the community on 10 August. The two week consultation/feedback period ends today.

Celebrating our Diversity

We acknowledge the following significant days for some of our families:

Australian South Sea Islanders National Recognition Day 25 August

In 1994, the Commonwealth Government recognised Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group. A formal Recognition Statement by the Queensland Government followed this in September 2000.

Mawlid Al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad) 26 August

The Prophet Muhammad's birthday is commemorated in most Muslim-majority countries. It is usually marked by prayers, carnivals, fairs and public processions.

Raksha Bandhan 28 August

Raksha Bandhan means bond of protection. This Hindu festival honours the love between brothers and sisters. It is marked by the tying of rakhi thread by the sister on her brother's wrist.

Krishna Janmashtami 4 September

Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most important Hindu festivals. This day celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna, believed to be the eighth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, who gave the vital message of the Bhagwat Gita – the guiding principles for every Hindu.