Principal's Item

Message from the Principal

Dear parents, carers and friends of EEPS,

I hope that all EEPS families had an enjoyable long weekend and could spend some time to recharge. It was fantastic to join the Year 5 campers at the end of last week at Woorabinda. Despite a disruptive first night I was impressed with the positive attitudes displayed and a real sense of ‘community’ amongst the students. A big thank you to the teachers and parent helpers who attended. Our Year 6s left for Woorabinda on Tuesday and are now also in full swing with their camp. It is the first time, after many years, that we have been able to hold the Year 5 and Year 6 camps in Term 1, and the school welcomes feedback from families if this was a successful move or not.

NAPLAN

The 2025 NAPLAN testing has commenced and is spread over this week and next. Whilst this is an important measure of student progress across the ‘system’, and does provide relevant achievement data, we know that this is only one measure. Children, and their learning and wellbeing, are so much more than a NAPLAN result. Having said this, we always aim to set the children up for success. The teachers, especially the Year 3s, have ensured that the children are familiar with the structure and style of the testing because it is true that there is a skill in completing the multiple-choice style questions as well as having the required content knowledge.

Assessment and Reporting

NAPLAN is one form of assessment. Here is an explanation about our approach from Mrs Egan, Assistant Principal- Instructional Practice and Strategy:

At EEPS, assessment is an ongoing process that helps us understand each student’s progress and guide their learning. Formative assessment includes observations, student discussions, work samples, and quick checks for understanding using mini whiteboards or questioning. Teachers use formative assessment daily to inform their teaching decisions and provide students with timely feedback on their next steps.

We assess student learning against the Victorian Curriculum Achievement Standards, which outline what students are expected to know and do at each year level. Evidence of learning is collected over time through a variety of tasks, including written and digital tests, rich tasks, work samples, observations, and extended projects. To ensure consistency and accuracy, teachers collaborate in moderation sessions within teams and across the school.

Reporting to families occurs four times a year—through parent-teacher conferences in Terms 1 and 3 and formal written reports in Terms 2 and 4. These conversations and reports provide insights into each child’s achievements, progress, and areas for growth, fostering a strong partnership between school and home to support each child’s learning journey.

Facilities Update

Work has started on the redevelopment of the garden bed outside the Disco kitchen. A new fence and entrance way is being constructed and then the Year ¾ students will be involved in creating a new habitat garden with a twist. Thank you to Mrs Jackson for her efforts in this area.

In addition, a new automated sprinkler system is going to be installed in the EEPS Kitchen Garden, hopefully over the next week. This is one of the first steps to a rejuvenated space.

Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy

I have mentioned before, that at EEPS, we all work hard to create a respectful and polite environment for all. We are incredibly thankful for the support that we receive and for the overwhelmingly positive interactions. The Department’s policy framework is also designed to promote this culture of respect for us all. This is an excerpt from the updated policy:

All school staff have a right to feel safe at work and are deserving of respect from all members of the school community. It is important that everyone who visits our schools is aware of the expectations set out in the Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy.

The Department has also created 5 new posters connected to reminding parents and carers about the expectations. The posters highlight 5 common behaviours that some parents and carers may not recognise or consider to be threatening, abusive or otherwise unacceptable. These are:

It always helpful to remind ourselves from time to time, but it is very rare that we need to have conversations with parents on this topic.

Some reminders:

- Next Friday 21st March - School Cross Country (Year 3-6),

National Ride to School Day and Movie Night

- Wednesday 26th March - JSC gold coin fundraiser with a ‘Bright Futures’ theme

- Thursday 27th March - School Photo Day

- Monday 31st March - Variation to School Hours Day

student free day other than to attend the 3 Way Conferences.

OSHC available for families who need it on this day.

The term is flying by. Have a great week of Learning and Growing Together.

Kind regards

Warren Lloyd

Principal