Principal's Message

Happy World Children's Day!

Every day the work we do in schools helps give children the best start in life. Whether it’s creating inclusive learning environments, supporting families to access quality education, or developing policies that shape how children grow - our work makes a difference.

World Children’s Day, celebrated on 20 November, marks the anniversary of the date the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989 and invites us to listen to children’s ideas and hopes, and explore ways to support their rights everywhere.

At GEPS, we believe strongly in student agency and listening to the voices of our students - from classroom learning where student voice is key through to our SRC and Student leaders, we strive to have student hopes, interests and ideas at the centre of our teaching and support. This year, the United Nations is celebrating children's right to play - something we hold very dear here at GEPS.

For the child-friendly version of the Convention of the Rights of the Child: click here.

Learning - every minute, every day

Learning Overviews went home yesterday (and are on Dojo, as well as our school website). These show the focus areas for the final 5 weeks of the year - from poetry in Stage 1 to Legacy speeches in Stage 3, learning continues right up until the last day!! 

We have formal learning programs running until the end of week 9 (12 December), then we have some more flexible learning happening in the last week - including some rewards days, celebrations and reflections on the year, as well as pack up and farewelling students and our Year 6 students.

We are proud of our commitment to engaging students all the way to 19 December - and we hope for great attendance until that day!

This week, we have already had 3 days of 91% student attendance - congrat's GEPS!

Celebrating Mrs Leigh McLeod

I had the privilege of attending the Auburn and Chullora Principals Network Awards this past Monday - to recognise "Miss Leigh" for her contribution to GEPS. Leigh was presented with an award by our Director, John Kennedy, and the Executive Director of Metropolitan South, Jane Green.

We are so proud of Leigh - she contributes to our school in so many ways. Here is the citation in the program:

Mrs Leigh McLeod is a highly valued and integral member of the Granville East Public School community. She expertly manages all aspects of our public relations, including events management and admin support, and works closely with the Parents and Citizens association to foster strong community partnerships. Her organisational skills shine through in the seamless planning and execution of school events, managing purchases, and overseeing assets with great care. Additionally, she ensures a safe and supportive environment by diligently attending to work health and safety matters, training compliance, and first aid responsibilities.

 

Beyond her exceptional administrative talents, she is an invaluable support to our principal, playing a key role in the smooth operation of daily school activities. She enthusiastically leads the school’s Dance group, inspiring creativity and teamwork among students. Always thinking outside the box, she envisions and coordinates innovative excursions that provide enriching learning experiences beyond the classroom. Her unwavering dedication, versatility, and passion make her an indispensable member of our school community, and we are honoured to recognise her remarkable contributions with this award.

School Counsellor recognition!

Our School Counsellor, Ms Nicole Press, was celebrated on School Counsellor Recognition Day for her contributions to our school community. 

It is sad that Nicole will be leaving GEPS at the end of this year, as she has a new position in the country! We will miss her calm and productive presence; her positive support for students and families and her collaboration in the Learning Support Team. We wish Nicole all the best for her move and new position.

New artwork for GEPS

This week, we invited a First nations artist, Natalie Abraham, to work with a group of students around developing concepts for a new artwork for GEPS. Students from the SRC, the Leadership Team, year 5 leaders and Koori Club, worked in the library on images and concepts they think represent the story of GEPS. 

This is the beginning of a fabulous collaboration and I can't wait to see what Natalie creates!

For more information about her and her artwork - visit Create Ripples.

Planning for 2026

If you are moving, or you child will not be returning to GEPS in 2026 - please let us know at the front office. We are starting to plan our numbers and classes for next year and need to know who is leaving.

If you are returning late (after the first day - Monday 2 Feb), also - please ring the school office to let us know. Ph 9637-1562. 

Thank you

Looking forward to...

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