Dismissal on Friday 19th 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 Copper Strings ensemble performed at St Vincent’s Health on Thursday. 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 great success with the second year of the new format.

Deep concerns for the tragic events in Sydney on Sunday

As a school we send our condolences to the families of those who died on Sunday, we express our love for any in our school community directly impacted by these events and acknowledge that we are all affected by what occurred. We say to our Jewish families and to our whole school community that these events only strengthen our resolve to do all we can to address and eliminate any and all forms of anti-Semitism. Our thoughts and concerns reach out to you over the holiday period, and beyond.

Uniform update

Please refer to the direct Compass Newsfeed on Tuesday regarding the modifications to the EEPS Student Dress Code policy. It is exciting that we will have a more consistent approach to some aspects in 2026.

Victorian Government’s Apology

Whilst it is late in the year, I thought it might interest many EEPS community members that last week the Victorian Government formally apologised to First Peoples, for past injustices. Here is an extract of a circular from the Government;

The apology was made in the Victorian Parliament on Tuesday 9 December 2025. The apology was a key recommendation of Victoria’s Yoorrook Justice Commission. The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government agreed to the apology to First Peoples as part of Victoria’s first statewide Treaty. Victoria’s Treaty will officially start on Friday 12 December 2025. The Treaty Authority will formally lodge the Treaty on its database, symbolising the start of a renewed relationship built on respect, truth and shared responsibility between First Peoples and the Victorian Government.

New employment opportunity - First Aid Educational Support Role

We are now also looking for an additional part-time first aid Education Support staff member from next year. This would be a 3 day a week position, 9.30-3.00, for a first aid trained person. All other training around processes would be provided. The days would be Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. If you are interested, or know of anyone who may be, then please contact Melissa McCarthy, Business Manager, in the School Office, or send your CV to eltham.east.ps@education.vic.gov.au.

Safety concern- slime

Please also refer to a separate Compass Newsfeed regarding slime that may have been purchased from the recent Year 6 Market Days, just to be aware.

2025 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 the JSC fundraising, including the inaugural EEPS Colour Run, was an outstanding highlight and success, as well as the inaugural Interschool Public Speaking Competition. 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 2025 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 19th 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 several EEPS staff.

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. Please don’t hesitate to make use of these resources.

Important dates for Term 1 2026

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

Start of the 2026 school year, Prep-Year 6- Wednesday 28th January

Flag pole assembly (Year 1-6) and student leader badge presentation- Monday 2nd February

Prep Information Night- Tuesday 3rd February at 6.30 pm

Year 6 Information Night- Tuesday 3rd February at 7.00 pm

Open afternoon and meet the teacher- Tuesday 10th February 2.40-4.50 pm

Year 5 camp- Wednesday to Friday 4th- 6th March

Year 6 camp- Tuesday-Friday 10th-13th March

NAPLAN 11th March- 23th March

Photo day- Thursday 26th March

Movie Night- Friday 27th March

Variation to School Hours Day- 3 Way Conferences- Monday 30th 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 thank the EEPS community for their words of gratitude and acknowledgement that teachers and staff have received in the lead up to Christmas.

I wish you all a happy and safe Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing all our returning students on Wednesday 28th January 2026.

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.

Warren Lloyd

Principal

OSHC