Principal's Report
Dear EHPS Parents and Carers,
Over the past two weeks we have had so many exciting educational and fun activities for the children.
Swimming Program
The annual swimming program has nearly been completed by all year levels. The team at Huntingtower have been so please with the children’s participation and effort. The children made significant progress in their swimming and water safety skills. This Department of Education mandated program gives all children the opportunity to build their skills over seven years so that they can have greater confidence in water and allows them to play safely in aquatic environments.
PFC Discos
Congratulations to the PFC for their organisation of the two discos for the children. Both events were very well attended and the organisation was excellent. Thank you to all the parent volunteers that made the evening so special for the children.
Refer to the Parents & Friends Club page in this newsletter for a report including some photos of this fantastic event.
Indonesian Day
This year’s Indonesian Day was very special because the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia attended our school and saw the many wonderful activities organised for the children. He was so impressed by our students, their confidence and their skills in Indonesian. He saw the Suara Indonesia Dance company, the children playing traditional games and the marvellous door decorations that the children created for their classrooms. At the end of day assembly, we presented the certificates for our successful students in the Indonesian Speaking Competition. Many participants received Distinction and High Distinction certificates. Congratulations to all and a special thanks to Bu Gladys for all her exceptional organisation of the whole day.
For photos and student's reflections go to the Indonesian page in this newsletter.
Father’s Day treats and stall
Thanks again to the PFC for the organisation of these two events leading up to Father’s Day. The success of both events is a credit to all the effort put into these activities and to the wonderful group of volunteers that always step up to create great memories for the children and to celebrate these special days.
Book Week
Last Friday we had a very special day which capped off a week of celebrating the importance of reading – ‘A Symphony of Stories’.
The children at all year levels were exposed to a range of reading / story-based activities which culminated in our special assembly. The children’s costumes were excellent. This year, as every year, the books recommended by the Children’s Book Council of Australia for Book Week have been purchased and will be available in the Library after they are processed. Currently they are being used in classrooms across the school.
A big thank you to families for your time and effort in helping the children to celebrate the day. The Library Captains were excellent presenters at the assembly, and we thank them for their efforts. Also special thanks to Ms Richardson, Ms Lim and Ms Kennedy for organising various aspects of the day.
On a related note – Book Fair orders have been received and distributed.
Victorian Interschools Snowsport Championships
One of our students, Jasper C from Year 3 represented our school in the Victorian championships in Alpine Giant Slalom, Moguls and Ski Cross at Mount Buller. He represented our school with great enthusiasm and courage. He competed against many older students and shows that he has natural ability and that with continued training and commitment he will continue to progress in snowsports. Congratulations Jasper!!
For Jasper's recount and photos see the Health & P.E. page in this newsletter
Parent/Carer Opinion Survey
Our school is conducting the annual Parent / Carer Opinion Survey and is seeking feedback from a randomly selected group of parents. The survey, offered by the Department of Education, is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behavior, and student engagement.
We have sent out an invitation to the selected parents to please complete the survey. If you have completed the survey, thank you for doing so and no further action is required. If you received the invite but have not completed it, can I please urge you to do so as soon as practicable.
The Parent / Carer Opinion Survey will remain open online until Friday 18 September 2026.
The parent opinion data is important to the school and School Council. It will contribute to identifying areas for improvement and professional development needs in the school, to target school planning and improvement strategies. The department will use the results from the survey for research purposes and to improve outcomes for students.
The survey is being conducted online and only takes 20 minutes to complete.
If you require assistance in completing the survey, please reach out to your child’s teacher, or the school if you require assistance in another language.
Footy Colours Day
On the last day of term, Friday 18 September, we will again celebrate our annual Footy Colours Day. Children are encouraged to come to school dressed in their team colours. Families are invited to join us for a parade in the Stadium gymnasium at 10am.
Students can also order a special Footy Colours Day lunch from the Canteen on this day. Orders must be placed by 5pm on Tuesday 15 September. No late orders are possible as this is a special menu for one day only.
End of term reminder
Term 3 will conclude on Friday 18 September, and as usual on the last day of this term, students will be dismissed early at 2:30pm. Please ensure you are at school at 2:30pm or have made arrangements for your child’s collection at the earlier time. After School Care will run from 2:30pm on the last day of term. Due to the earlier start, families are asked to collect their child by 5pm.
Term 4 commences on Monday 5 October.
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.
Leaving EHPS
It is essential for our planning and preparation for the new term and next school year that you advise me in writing as soon as possible if your child will not be returning to EHPS 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
Celebrating our Diversity
We acknowledge the following significant days for some of our families:
Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) 11 September
Enkutatash is the New Year in Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Nayrouz (Coptic New Year) 11 September
The Nayrouz feast commemorates martyrs and confessors within the Coptic Orthodox Church. The day marks the start of the Coptic new year and its first month.
Rosh Hashanah 11 – 13 September
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year festival and commemorates the creation of the world. Customs include the blowing of the Shofar, a ram's horn trumpet, and the dipping of apples in honey as a symbol of the sweet New Year ahead. Work is not permitted on this day.
Ganesh Chaturthi 15 September
Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha.
Australian Citizenship Day 17 September
Australian Citizenship Day was introduced in 2001. It is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate and value Australian citizenship. In particular, this day recognises the peaceful, prosperous and inclusive society we share. The day invites Australians, whether at home or overseas, to reflect on our role in building our nation and shaping our country's future as proud Australian citizens.
Welcome
We welcome the following students and their family to the EHPS community:
- Tilda P (5K) & Jimmy P (3S)
I look forward to seeing you around the school in the last weeks of term.
Kindest regards,
George Perini
Principal