School Council Report

Term 4 already, where has the year gone! The school council convened on Monday, 21 October and the first item on the agenda was an expression of gratitude to the organising committee for the Parent & Carers Party. A great night was had by all, it was great to see some of the teachers attend, and the charge to the dance floor was led by none other than our Principal, Mr. Portaro!

Early Birds resumption this week was also welcomed and acknowledged that it was a great way for our Grade5/6 cohort to demonstrate their informal leadership.

2025 Prep transition is also happening this week, we are fortunate to have 64 preps & their families join EPS next year in 4 classes of 16 students per class.

Leadership applications for Grade 6 2025 are due to commence shortly, the process has changed this year incorporating the learnings from last year’s process. Communication has been sent via Compass outlining the process and timing.

A big thanks to parent & carers that participated and provided feedback in the survey, we had a response rate of over 50%, your feedback is vital in helping us improve as a school and we encourage you to participate in future surveys. The feedback will be used to guide our school’s strategic plan, found here https://elsternwickps.vic.edu.au/policies/ The strategic plan will be reviewed in 2025 (the review includes internal and external perspective) with an objective of setting new targets in the spirit of continuous improvement.

Our treasurer, Chris Simmonds provided an update on our financial health, and we are tracking well to budget for 2024. The 2025 budget process being led by Diana Telford and Chris Simmonds will be finalised in December.

We have an amazing Specialist program that is highly valued, and communications have been sent via Compass as to how this will be taught and resourced in 2025. Students will attend 4 specialist classes across 3 terms of the year.

The council also approved the recommended Curriculum Days for 2025, please check Compass for details.

The building & grounds masterplan for 2024 is well progressed with new ramps and front of school fence completed. The planning for future work is underway with feedback from students, teachers and school council. There will also be an opportunity for the broader school community to provide feedback.

The education committee discussed visitors to the school and our duty to keeping our students safe. If you are a participant i.e. actively engaged in activity with students, you will need to sign and have a valid WWC Card. If you are an observer e.g. attending assembly, you do not have to sign or have a WWC Card.

Our dress code was also an agenda item, and our aim is to ensure everyone is aware of the dress code and compliance to it, information will be included New Starter Packs, Prep Transition booklets and on our website to reiterate this.

New school council member positions will be discussed in March 2025, if you have an interest, please reach out to existing school council members. Fresh eyes, diversity of thought and new perspectives are always welcome.

We concluded the meeting by singing the school song (out of tune of course), just kidding!

Happy Term 4!

Neal Naidoo (dad to Alex Grade 6, Evan Grade 5 and Mara Grade 2)