Dear Parents and Carers,

What an incredible term it has been at EVPS. In fact it is the first time since Term 4 of 2019 that we have had a whole Term of on-site/face to face learning.

As the Acting Principal I have had a wonderful term here. I have been so impressed with the culture of the school. Our students are friendly, caring and so well behaved, our staff dedicated and hardworking and the parents and extended community have been so welcoming and friendly. I have enjoyed meeting families at the gate each morning and afternoon and I look forward to getting to meet more of you in Term 2.

RA Tests & Masks

I’m sure you have heard via the media that the use of RA tests will continue into Term 2. Students will continue to receive free RA tests. We will be sending these tests home at regular intervals starting day 1 of Term 2. Again, we will be encouraging you to continue testing your child/children on Tuesday and Thursday. All staff and students in Year 3-6 will be required to wear masks next term.

National Teacher Shortage

We are currently in the midst of a National Teacher Shortage. At EVPS we have been fortunate enough to be fully staffed and have a number of Casual Relief Teachers who love to work only at our school. At times we have had to split classes as all other options have been exhausted. Each Term all teachers employed by DET are allocated a Professional Practice Day. On this day they are released from their teaching duties to complete other tasks/duties. In Term two DET have advised schools to provide all staff the PPD on the same day. As a school we have chosen June 10 as our Shared Professional Practice Day. This is the Friday before the Queen’s Birthday weekend. Please be advised Students will not be required to attend school on this day. OSHC will be available on this day.

Happy Easter

I wish all those who celebrate Easter a Happy Easter.

I hope you all have a great break over the next two weeks.

I will be on Long Service Leave for the first 3 days of next term. I am heading to Texas to see my son and daughter-in-law who I haven’t seen in 2 ½ years and to meet my new Grand-daughter who was born in the height of Covid. I will be returning on Friday 29 April.

Happy Holidays, Stay Safe.

The EVPS staff would like to farewell and congratulate David Whewell on his appointment as Principal at Plenty Parklands Primary School commencing in Term 2.

We would also like to congratulate Steve Allen on being appointed as the Acting Assistant Principal at EVPS for Term 2.

We also say goodbye to Julia Scales and Caitlin Moritis.

All the best!

Kind regards,

Mandy O’Mara - Acting Principal

Mandy.omara@education.vic.gov.au

Wellbeing