From the Principal's Desk

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we wrap up the 2025 school year, it’s clear just how much our students have grown — academically, socially, and in confidence. This term has been particularly full, with standout moments across sport, the Arts, STEM, cultural learning, and student leadership. In this final Gazette, I’ve highlighted some of these key achievements and the opportunities that define our school.

School Production

This year’s whole-school production was a major highlight, with 840 tickets sold and strong community support. Students worked hard over several weeks to prepare, and it was great to see their confidence grow throughout the process. A sincere thank you to Mr Mayes for his leadership, to Mrs Fitz as his assistant, to the staff team who supported rehearsals, supervision, staging and logistics behind the scenes and to Mrs Schwenke who created all of the programs and digital stage backing. 

Sport

Congratulations to Geneva Moon, who placed first in shot put and second in discus at the State Athletics Championships — a significant achievement. We also congratulate Theo Fox-Rofe, who finished thirteenth in the 100m sprint at State level. Both students represented the school proudly.

Our lawn bowls team competed at the regional level and performed well throughout the season. Although final results are still being confirmed, the students handled the competition confidently and supported each other.

Energy Breakthrough

Our Energy Breakthrough team completed their program at Maryborough with excellent outcomes in a field of over 100 teams:

• Adrenaline – 7th overall

• Whiplash – 20th overall

   

The program has required significant time, planning and support. Thank you in particular to Mr Pocock, Miss Edwards and Mr Hartland who committed to the training sessions, transport and the event weekends. Their work made it possible for students to take part in such a demanding and rewarding experience.

Community Connections

Our Sawdust & Smiles multi-generational program, run in partnership with the Huntly Men’s Shed, has continued to grow. Students have had opportunities to work alongside local community members on a range of tasks and learnt practical skills in a hands-on environment. The replica housing for the guinea pig village is slowly coming to fruition with prep students helping with the design ideas. We are so grateful to have received a grant that will support the Hairy Connections program over the next two years.

Our baring djuwima (Aboriginal student leaders) attended a seasonal celebration this term as part of their continued cultural learning. They have been building their knowledge of local Country, seasonal changes and cultural perspectives, and their work is helping us embed Aboriginal perspectives more authentically across the school.

Epsom Primary School has also continued our involvement in the Koorie Curriculum Clusters Project, supporting staff to strengthen their understanding of local history. Three staff members participated in a cultural immersion tour this term, visiting significant Aboriginal landmarks around Bendigo.

Student Voice

A group of students recently participated in a Department of Education research survey focused on engagement, attendance and early school leaving. Their input provided an honest insight into student experiences and will help shape future approaches to supporting learners right through to Year 12. It was pleasing to see our students contribute to this work with confidence.

Staffing

Recruitment panels were held this term for several roles commencing in 2026. Congratulations to:

• Charlotte Aburrow – ongoing teaching position
• Anne Dellar, Daniel Palmer and Lily Buckingham – fixed-term teaching roles
• Anna Yao, Di Cappola and Zeth Thompson – Education Support roles

These appointments help ensure continuity and strong support structures for students.

Curriculum

Students took part in excursions to Kyabram Fauna Park and the Melbourne Museum and IMAX, extending their learning beyond the classroom and supporting the work happening in Inquiry and Science.

Our Prep students also attended the Pevan & Sarah performance at the Ulumbarra Theatre — an enjoyable end-of-year outing that gave them a shared experience to round out their first year of school.

Staff have continued work aligned to our 2025 Annual Implementation Plan, with a particular focus on planning, pedagogy and student engagement. One of the major curriculum achievements this term has been the development of Literacy Units of Knowledge for Years 3–6, using high-quality texts to build background knowledge and connect learning across multiple curriculum areas.

All staff have now completed professional learning linked to the Victorian Curriculum Version 2.0, supporting a consistent and aligned approach to planning and assessment as we move into next year.

Parent Opinion Survey

The Parent Opinion Survey had a 22 percent response rate this year. We appreciate the feedback provided and hope to hear from even more families in future, as it helps us build a clearer picture of our school’s needs. The feedback shows that communication about learning progress is an area for further development, while student connectedness continues to be a strength.

School Upgrades

Accessibility ramp upgrades were completed during the year, and automatic doors will soon be installed in the main entry to improve access. The shipping containers in the maintenance area are being repositioned to create safer, undercover trailer storage, and this space will then be fully fenced to support safe access for students, staff and visitors.

We have also been fortunate to receive funding to install a driveway from the main school area to the Green Nest. This will allow for greater accessibility and better wheelchair access.

School Council

It is that time of year again where we will soon be asking for school council nominations. School council is a great way to contribute to the school community and to help to develop the school. Nominations will open early next term.

From 2026, parents, carers and community members who would like to join the school council need a working with children (WWC) clearance to nominate. If you are considering nominating for school council, and don’t already have a WWCC, I encourage you to apply for a volunteer WWC check as soon as possible. This will allow for processing times, which are estimated to be from 3 to 12 weeks.

Please note that if you do not hold a WWC clearance, you will not be able to nominate for school council, so it is vital that you prepare in advance. Obtaining a WWC clearance is free for volunteers, and you can apply online at Service Victoria.

When applying for your volunteer WWC check, please nominate the Department of Education as the organisation you are working for.

If you already hold an employee WWC clearance, you do not need to obtain a volunteer WWC clearance to nominate for school council.

Victorian Institute of Teaching-registered teachers and school students who are interested in joining school council are not required to obtain a WWC clearance.

Current parents and community members of school council do not need to apply for a WWC check immediately. Current members only need a WWC clearance if their term ends and they wish to nominate or be co-opted again. 

For more information, refer to Ministerial Order 1280 (Constitution of Government School Councils) 2020.

I would like to thank the current school council members for their work over the year, their commitment has been valued and appreciated.

Farewells and Welcomes

This week we proudly celebrated the achievements of our Grade 6 students as they completed their primary school journey. Held at the Baptist Church in Junortoun, the graduation ceremony was a special event for students, their families, and staff, marking the end of a significant chapter and the beginning of an exciting new one. Our Grade 6 students have made a strong and lasting contribution to Epsom Primary School through their leadership, spirit, and community involvement. As they prepare to begin Year 7, we wish each of them continued success and happiness. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2025 — we are proud of you.

As always, when one door closes, another opens as we now get ready to welcome our new Prep students for 2026.  This milestone is always a joyful (sometimes, proudly tearful) moment for families and staff as we begin a new chapter together.

Thank you to all families for your support throughout the year and for being an active and valued part of our school. I hope everyone has a safe and restful break, and we look forward to seeing you in 2026. 

Warm regards,

Julie Ladd

Principal