Dismissal on Friday 20th December @ 1:00pm

Dear parents, carers and friends of EEPS,

This is our final newsletter for the year. What a wonderful year it has been. The school has been so very strongly supported by our community, in so many ways. We remain eternally grateful and appreciative of this strong support- thank you.

Before we get to the end of year wrap-up it has been another busy week at EEPS, that needs to be acknowledged. The choir and percussion ensemble performed at St Vincent’s Health on Monday. This was a lovely performance that was highly valued by the residents- thank you to everyone involved. Yesterday we had our Year 6 Celebration day, which was a success with the new format this year. Today we have also had our Year 2 Activity day, in a new format this year as well. It seems that this has also been positively received by the students and we certainly were lucky that the weather has cooled down since Monday.

2024 Highlights

It is always hard to pinpoint school highlights for a year. It is certainly hard to choose from the myriad of engaging learning experiences, but I think our concert, ‘Heroes’, was an outstanding highlight and success. In addition we have had many different experiences to enrich and enhance the curriculum. Sporting endeavours, EEPS of Talent, Authors@EEPS, camps, music excursions, choir performances and involvement in maths challenges are just a few of the other highlights

Thank you and farewell to our Year 6 students

At Assembly last week, we presented the 2024 student School Leaders with a gift on behalf of school Council and EEPS teachers with whom they have worked. We congratulate our leaving Year 6 students for their effort, behaviour and sense of enjoyment in their learning, and wish them every success for their futures.

The Year 6 Graduation last Friday was a great success. It was a special way for the students to celebrate the end of their primary school years. The evening started with our Year 6 students arriving to the BER to a red carpet and delicious dinner. We then had the official ceremony in the Hall with the Graduation certificates and lots of grateful and inspiring speeches. This was followed by an opportunity for parents and carers to mingle in the BER with the Year 6 students. A massive thank you to the Year 6 teachers and the Graduation Committee. Thank you to the many parents who expressed their gratitude to the school for the Graduation day and ceremony, but also to the last 7 years of care and nurturing.

Our highlight this week is the

“Passing of the Keys Ceremony”

Parents and friends are most welcome to join us

Friday 20th December at 9:00am on the school oval

The Year 6 students have prepared golden keys of advice to symbolically pass on the school culture to the Year 5 students. We invite families for whom this is their last EEPS assembly to join the students and teachers as they walk through the Year 5 “guard of honour”, before their final departure.

At our final assembly on Friday morning we will officially farewell the following EEPS staff; Paul Kearney, Sarah Coney, Aoi Sakomoto, Georgie Richards, Sandi Mcnamara, Fiona McCloskey and Nina Seidel. Congratulations to Jenny Samphier as she retires from EEPS and from her long career.

New initiaitve and feedback

Recently our Year 1 students have been involved in a ‘Be Santa to a Senior’ initiative for a local community group, by writing some lovely postcards. Here is the lovely appreciate feedback from the organisation;

On behalf of the entire team at Home Instead Melbourne Outer North East, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to you for participating in the "Be a Santa to a Senior" initiative this year. Your generosity and kindness have brought so much joy to the lives of seniors in our community.

The thoughtful and heartfelt messages from your beautiful students have not only brightened the holiday season but have also shown our seniors that they are valued and remembered. Your efforts have made a meaningful difference, spreading holiday cheer and lifting spirits. It is truly inspiring to see students come together with such enthusiasm and compassion to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Your involvement has reminded us all of the power of community and kindness.

Thank you again for your incredible support. We are so grateful for your contribution to this special program and look forward to partnering with you in the future to continue making a difference in our community.

Well done to our Year 1 students and teachers- a really lovely initiiave.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support over the holidays

We know, that for some students and families, life has its challenge. In every year some have thrived whilst others have struggled. In order to assist students and families over the school holidays the Department has created a factsheet which we have attached to the Newsletter. It is also attached to our EEPS Website under the tile, ’Our Community’, ‘Health and Wellbeing at EEPS’. Please don’t hesitate to make use of these resources.

Important dates for Term 1 2025

Please make a note of these key dates for Term 1-

Start of the 2025 school year, Prep-Year 6- Wednesday 29th January

Flag pole assembly (Year 1-6) and student leader badge presentation- Monday 3rd February

Prep Information Night- Tuesday 11th February at 7.00 pm

Open afternoon and meet the teacher- Tuesday 18th February 2.40-4.50 pm

Year 5 camp- Wednesday to Friday 5th- 7th March

Year 6 camp- Tuesday-Friday 11th-14th March

NAPLAN 12th March- 24th March

Movie Night- Friday 21st March

Photo day- Thursday 27th March

Variation to School Hours Day- 3 Way Conferences- Monday 31st March

There aren’t the words to adequately express our gratitude to our parents and carers for your tireless support this year.

On behalf of the school I wish you all a happy and safe Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing all our returning students on Wednesday 29th January 2025.

For students and families who are ending their association with the school I wish you all the best and hope that you take some happy and positive memories with you.