Dear Parents/Guardians,

Attendance and events ahead

As we slide into the last part of the school year we have some exciting events planned, including the Christmas parade and carols, the swimming carnival, division cricket, Grandparents Day, a wellbeing day, Energy Breakthrough, the production and graduation.

Over the next few months, it's important that students continue to attend each day to ensure that they are able to complete the set learning and assessments as well as all of the exciting opportunities listed above.

I would like to thank our whole school community for the support we have received in relation to our attendance focus over the year. We have seen a change in our data, which is exciting because it means that a greater number of students have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Last year we finished the year with 44% of our students with 20 or more days absent. This year, we have halved this with 21% to date. What an achievement and something we are so proud of well. Well done everyone!

Christmas Carols

This year we are planning to hold the Christmas Carols and Junior House Captains Christmas Parade, one of our major fundraising events, at the same time during the school day. The school community will be invited to attend to join in with the singing and celebration of the festive season.

Canteen

I would like to congratulate Anthea Wicks on her appointment as canteen manager for 2024. A number of students have suggested ideas for healthy menu options and we will continue to include their voice throughout the development of this initiative. Towards the end of the year we will be seeking parent volunteers, this is something you may consider - please watch this space for further information.

EPS Production

Production rehearsals are amping up with students working hard on their lines and role development. We would love to see our whole community at the Ulumbarra Theatre on the 2nd of November to celebrate the hard work of all involved. It is not often that you have a music teacher in a school who is not only able to manage a full production - but is also one of the creators of the play itself! The synopsis of the play:

Stop! Sanitize!

UNPRECEDENTED! follows the journey of a family as they experience the ups and downs and downright head-scratching events of 2020. COVID-19 strikes and Dad finds himself trapped in Italy, as lockdowns roll out around the world. Nan has just moved into her new home and is now isolated from her family. And Mum and the three kids have to deal with the joys and stressors of working from home.

UNPRECEDENTED! is a rollercoaster drama/comedy/musical that travels through those chaotic and unpredictable times of 2020. The initial excitement of sleep-ins and new hobbies that lockdowns falsely promised. The ever-constant press-conferences and rule changes. The inevitable boredom and frustration of lockdowns. And the highly unusual, inexplicable disappearance of toilet paper from supermarket shelves.

Written by Kaine Marsh, Louise MacGregor and Daniel Mayes, the story and songs of UNPRECEDENTED! are relatable to everyone, as it is a story we all experienced in our own unique way.

For bookings please go to: Epsom Primary School Production - 2023 - Capital Venues & Events (bendigoregion.com.au)

Website

Some of you may have noticed that all is not well with our school website. Unfortunately, an overseas company attempted to hack it but automatic processes shut it down before any information could be accessed. We are currently organising quotes for the development of a new site.

New front fence

In the coming months the front fence will be replaced with a 1.8 metre black fence. This will help to ensure a greater level of safety from the road and general public who pass by.

Uniforms

We are seeing an increased number of students out of uniform. If for any reason your child cannot wear a uniform item, please send a note to the classroom teacher.

Lollies

We are seeing a lot of our senior students with bags full of lollies, purchased from the milkbar before school. Some classroom teachers have made contact with parents of students we're concerned about, however, most of the grade 5 and 6 children are consuming lollies every day. We will be confiscating lollies and calling parents to collect them as we do not want lollies or wrappers at our school.

Successful Grant applications

Congratulations to the Green Magpies for their successful $5000 grant through the Bendigo Community Enterprise. The money has purchased 8 large 'vege pods' - which are raised wicking beds and will be added to the Sustainability Learning Centre.

The Energy Breakthrough Team was also successful in their grant application with the money being used for cart preparation and other much needed resources for the big race day.

We would like to thank the Bendigo Community Enterprise for their generous support of our school.

Have a wonderful weekend and I thank you for your ongoing support.

Kind regards,

Julie Ladd

Principal

Policies

*****Our Website is currently down, you can access our policies at the front office*****

Our website is where you can access our policies and documents. Please head to the Policies and Documents Tab on the website to access:

Child Safe Standards and Policies
Health Related Polices
Curriculum Framework and School Policies
Administration Policies

Please call the office or use Compass to explain your child's absence. It is a Department of Education and Training requirement that all student absences are explained. As a school we will be seeking an explanation for all unexplained absences with parents and carers.

Parent Community Group

Parent And Community Team