Principal's Report
Dear EHPS Parents and Carers,
Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey
A randomly selected group of families were selected to complete the annual Parent Opinion Survey a few weeks ago. This survey seeks family feedback about their perceptions of the school. The survey is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour, and student engagement.
Your opinions are important to us and will contribute to identifying areas for improvement and professional development needs in the school, to target school planning and improvement strategies.
If you received that email, can I please encourage you to complete the survey over the next week. Your responses are confidential and anonymous. Please note that the survey closes NEXT FRIDAY, 19 September (the last day of this term).
Swimming program
Our whole school swimming program has been a wonderful success, with students demonstrating great enthusiasm, improved confidence in the water, and significant skill development. The program not only enhanced water safety awareness but also fostered resilience, organisational skills, and healthy physical activity, making it a valuable experience for students. The Preps are currently experiencing their first school swimming program and will continue next week, with their last lesson on Thursday. Special thanks to Megan Rogers at Huntingtower Sports and Aquatic Centre and Emily Zajc for their coordination of this program across the school. We look forward to returning to Huntingtower in 2026.
District Athletics
The District Athletics Team displayed good sportsmanship and received excellent results at the Bill Sewart Athletics Track on Wednesday 3rd September. Essex Heights placed second overall for the District event. Students showed skills in individual and relay events, with 40 students successful in moving forward to Division Athletics on Wednesday 8th October. Congratulations to all students who attended the Athletics and thank you to Ms Hocking, Miss Kemp, Miss Graham and Miss Boles for their organisation and ensuring a supportive and successful day for all.
Father’s Day Treat & Stall
The annual Father’s Day Treat and Stall was again well attended. The many fathers, grandfathers and special people were welcomed to the school with a wonderful array of treats from the Parents & Friends Club (PFC) and much needed coffee for the early morning. Many grabbed the chance to get a keepsake photograph to mark this special occasion; thank you to Kristi Lloyd for her photography skills in capturing these moments. The stall had a buzz of excitement while children chose from the many interesting gift options for the father figures in their lives. Special thanks again must go to the PFC Executive and other parent volunteers that made both events possible. Thank you!!
State Hockey Finals
Congratulations to our Boys Hockey Team on their outstanding participation in the State Hockey Finals on Thursday at the Footscray Hockey Centre. The team proudly represented our school with impressive athletic ability, mature game sense, and strong technique. Ms Hocking and Mrs Cotterell were particularly proud of their team spirit and positive attitude throughout the competition. Through drizzly conditions, the team secured a 3–1 victory against Longford PS, followed by a 2–0 win over Fyans Park PS, before a hard-fought 0–2 loss to Albert Park PS, where our players showed remarkable defence and determination. Congratulations Mavi A, Joshua C, Mason F, Deric F, Henry F, Nicholas N, Marcus O, Jeremy P, Timothy Q and Divesh S-K. Thank you to Ms Hocking for pursuing this opportunity and to the families who joined the team bus experience and supported the team throughout the day.
Footy Colours Day
We will host our Footy Colours Day Parade in the Stadium next Friday, 19th September, at 10am. Parents and families are welcome to join in on the fun and dress in their team colours to watch the parade. Students can dress in their favourite team colours for the day and there will be some AFL inspired activities run in classrooms and at recess and lunch. No donation is required for this event. There will be a special footy themed lunch run through the canteen. Please order through Compass by the strict cut-off time of 5pm this Tuesday 16th September.
School Dismissal
Families are reminded that school dismissal is at 3.30pm and a parent/carer must collect their child at this time, or make arrangements for their care. Staff are on yard duty until 3.45pm to ensure all students are then in the care/supervision of another adult from this time. Our duty of care requires that any children remaining at school at this time must be in the care of/supervised by an adult in an after school program, After School Care run by our OSHC program, or with a parent/family member/friend. It is not okay for children to remain playing in school grounds or next door in Essex Heights Reserve unsupervised by an adult after this time.
End of Term & Early Finish Reminder
A reminder that school will finish at 2.30pm next Friday, 19 September, the last day of Term 3. Families who require care for their children after this time should consider After School Care, operating from 2.30pm next Friday; book in if required using your Xplor Home app, or contact Paul Davis, our OSHC Coordinator, if you need to enrol in our OSHC program. The after school basketball program will run from 2.40pm to 3.40pm next Friday.
We look forward to welcoming the children back at the commencement of Term 4 on Monday 6 October. On behalf of the Principal Team we wish everyone a safe and restful holiday.
Farewell
We farewell the following student and their family from the EHPS community:
- Arianna W (2F) – family moving out of area
I look forward to seeing you around school.
Kindest regards,
George Perini
Principal