Principal's Item 

Dear parents, carers and friends of EEPS,

As a school, we feel we have well and truly hit the ground running with a busy new term. I hope that families have also settled back into the routines of a new term. It was also lovely to see so many of our parents this morning bringing in cards and smiles for the EEPS OSHC Educator’s for OSHC Educators’ Day - they felt appreciated.

Call for Contacts

Speaking of OSHC, we are once again on the lookout for some additional OSHC casual staff to work in our service. These opportunities are open to anyone over 18 who is currently working in ‘child related work’ or studying to be a teacher. If you know anyone who may be interested then please refer them to Kathryn or Jess, on 9439 2228 or oshc.eltham.east.ps@education.vic.gov.au.

Heartening

It has been a very heartening week for me as the Principal of EEPS. Last week, for three full days, I was able to have individual, focused conversations with every teacher, by way of mid-year check-ins regarding the Department’s Statement of Expectations. It was a fabulous opportunity to listen to each teacher as they articulated their role in implementing the initiatives of our 2025 school goals. It was incredibly reaffirming of the committed and sustained efforts by the EEPS teaching staff. We are also having check-in conversations with all our Education Support staff, over the next week. All members of our EEPS school staff play important roles in our combined success.

Equally Heartening

This week I had the pleasure of conducting an enrolment tour with a family from out of our zone who had been specifically referred to Eltham East. This family was specifically referred to us from the Regional office, due to our significant ongoing efforts and focus on inclusive practices and for our dual lens on ‘learning and wellbeing’. This is also equally heartening for our community and is a testament to our collective commitment in this area. 

Supporting the System

This Tuesday I was pleased to host a middle leader from another local school. The Banyule Nillumbik Principal Network have established a Leaders in the Making Program over the last two years. A ‘shadowing’ day with another local Principal is a part of the program. It is always fabulous to be able to share not only many of our great practices, but also to help other leaders reflect on their practice.

Community Connections

Last week presented opportunities to strengthen our community connections occurring throughout the school. On Thursday, Vicki Ward visited to help plant some trees with the Year 3 and 4 students. We also had a representative from the Eltham Men’s Shed, who are going to make a ‘street library’ to incorporate into the newly redeveloped fairy garden. On Friday, we had a volunteer visit from the Friends of the Eltham Copper Butterfly to help plant for National Tree Day. We are most grateful for these wonderful community connections.

Staff Update

A very warm welcome back to Ms Grace Scaglione, as she takes over in 5E, whilst Ms Elliot transitions to family leave over the next week. 

Expression of Interest

Reminder of the opportunity to lodge an Expression of Interest for families with regard to the potential of running extra lunchtime activities, and / or afternoon activities through an external provider. I have included the flyer again this week before we collate the responses. This will then be discussed through the next School Council.

Sporting Success

It was fabulous to see the positive attitude and team spirit that was on display last Thursday at the District Athletics. These two traits combined to help produce a winning result for the school! So, well done to everyone. Also, well done to our Netball team who competed in the Division finals on Tuesday. Combined effort and positive attitude are incredibly important qualities to us as school.

Lastly, next Tuesday, 5th August is the 62nd birthday of our wonderful school! This will be acknowledged at assembly on Monday and classes have been encouraged to do something ‘62’ related on the day!

Have a great week of ‘Learning and Growing Together’.

Kind regards

Warren Lloyd

Principal