Cheltenham East Primary School Newsletter

From Mr Chaplin

Celebrating Education Week 2025 

 

From Monday 19 May to Friday 23 May, Cheltenham East Primary School proudly celebrated Education Week 2025 with the theme Celebration of Cultures. This year’s focus gave us a wonderful opportunity to recognise and embrace the rich cultural diversity that exists not only within our school but across all Victorian government schools.

 

Throughout the week, each grade took part in a variety of engaging and meaningful classroom experiences that explored cultural traditions, languages, and stories from around the world. These activities helped students develop a deeper understanding of and respect for the many backgrounds that make up our inclusive school community. From art and music to storytelling and language activities, the week was filled with moments that highlighted the strength found in our shared and unique experiences.

Education Week is also a valuable opportunity to reflect on the work of our dedicated staff. We thank our teachers, education support staff, and leadership team for their ongoing commitment to creating safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environments where every student is supported to thrive.

 

Below are some poems written by our Year 4 students in response to their learning about the Celebration of Cultures and our Foundation students' screen printing.

 

Thank you to our students, staff, and families for making Education Week 2025 a meaningful celebration of community, culture, and connection. We look forward to continuing to celebrate and grow together throughout the year.

 

Mobile Phone Policy Update

 

We would like to remind the community of our school's mobile phone policy, aligned with the Department of Education and Training Victoria's guidelines. This policy aims to minimise distractions, reduce cyberbullying, and enhance student engagement during school hours.

 

Key Points of the Mobile Phone Policy:

  • Before and After School: Students are not permitted to use mobile phones on school grounds before or after school. Phones should be turned off and secured in school bags upon arrival.
  • During School Hours: Mobile phones must be handed in to teachers at the beginning of the school day. They will be securely stored and returned at the end of the day.
  • Use of Phones for Games: Playing games or using phones for non-educational purposes on school premises is strictly prohibited at all times.

These measures are in accordance with the Department's policy, which mandates that students who bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and securely stored during school hours. 

 

We appreciate your support in reinforcing these guidelines with your children to ensure a focused and safe learning environment for all students.

Amphitheatre

 

Remediation Works: Tiered Seating Near Oval

We would like to inform our school community that remediation works will be carried out on the tiered seating located near the school oval. Over time, this area has suffered damage due to erosion and students digging into the concrete, leading to safety concerns and the need for repair.

 

To address these issues and ensure the area remains safe and accessible for all students, the following works are scheduled to take place over the weekend of 

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May 2025:

  • Removal of two (2) damaged retaining walls at the north end of the seating area
  • Levelling of the area to create a gradual slope for improved safety and accessibility
  • Supply and placement of crushed rock to level out any holes
  • Backfilling of oval holes with quality soil to ensure even ground surface

We will advise students that this area is not for digging as it is creating an uneven surface for the community to use. The school will be closed for access over the weekend whilst works are being undertaken.

Education week

 

Reconciliation Week: Bridging Now to Next

27 May – 3 June 2025

 

At Cheltenham East Primary School, we are proud to acknowledge and celebrate Reconciliation Week, which runs from May 27 to June 3. This year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, invites us to reflect on the progress made through significant milestones such as the 1967 Referendum and the High Court’s Mabo Decision, and to consider the steps we can all take to support reconciliation in the future.

Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. At our school, this means actively supporting and celebrating the cultures, identities, and contributions of our First Nations students, families, and community members.

 

As we look ahead, we also prepare to celebrate NAIDOC Week, held this year from July 6 to July 13, with the theme The Next Generation – Strength, Vision, and Legacy. NAIDOC Week recognises the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and reminds us of the importance of honouring Elders past, present, and emerging.

As a school community, we are committed to building understanding, respect, and pride in the rich cultures of Australia’s First Peoples and creating an inclusive environment where all students feel seen, heard, and valued.

 

Together, let’s continue the journey of reconciliation — from now to next.

 

Regards

Jared Chaplin