Book Week 2023

Excitement is in the air as we eagerly anticipate our upcoming Book Week, set to take place from November 20 to 24. This year, we're diving into the enchanting world of Beatrix Potter, commemorating 150 years since the birth of this beloved author and illustrator.

Character Dress-Up Day – Tuesday, 21 November

Get ready for a day of whimsy and wonder! On Tuesday, November 21, the basketball courts will be transformed into a magical realm as our students dress up as their favourite book characters. many staff will be dressed up as Beatrix Potter characters, from Peter Rabbit to Jemima Puddle-Duck. The fun begins at 9:15 am, and family and friends are most welcome to attend.

Grandparents/Parents/Carers/Special Friends Open Morning – Thursday, 23 November

We invite all grandparents, parents, carers, and special friends to join us on Thursday, November 23, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am for an open morning. Wander through our school corridors, peek into classrooms, and witness the joy of learning firsthand. Team Kids will be on hand with a delightful coffee van to kick-start your morning, and the school will be providing scrumptious doughnuts for all adults to enjoy.

Book Fair in the BER – November 20 to 24

Our Book Week celebrations wouldn't be complete without the much-anticipated Book Fair! Running from Monday 20 November to Friday 24 November 24 the BER will transform into a haven for book enthusiasts of all ages. The fair will be open before and after school each day, offering the perfect opportunity for you to explore a vast array of literary treasures. Please note that on Friday afternoon, the Book Fair will close a little earlier than usual, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

As we celebrate 150 years of Beatrix Potter, let's come together to foster a love for reading and storytelling in our young learners. Book Week promises to be a magical time for our school community, filled with creativity, laughter, and the joy of discovering new worlds through the pages of a book.

New Foundation T-Shirt

We are delighted to share that we have something special in store for our newest members of the CEPS family—the bright and eager Foundation students of 2024!

As we welcome these young minds into our vibrant school community, we are thrilled to introduce a brand-new addition to their uniform lineup—the 2024 Foundation Students' Exclusive T-shirt!

The design of this distinctive T-shirt incorporates the inspiring message, "Dream Big, Aim High." We believe that instilling a sense of ambition and aspiration from the very beginning is key to nurturing confident, capable, and successful individuals. Through this powerful message, we aim to encourage our Foundation students to reach for the stars in both their academic and personal pursuits.

But that's not all—the practicality of this special T-shirt goes beyond its motivational message. We understand the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment, especially during the crucial first days of school. The distinctive design will make our Foundation students easily identifiable in the schoolyard, fostering a sense of community and ensuring that older students can readily lend a helping hand when needed.

We believe that fostering a sense of unity and mutual support among our students contributes to a positive and enriching school experience. By introducing this unique T-shirt, we aim to set the tone for a collaborative and uplifting atmosphere where every student feels valued and supported on their educational journey.

We can't wait to see our Foundation students proudly wearing their new T-shirts and embodying the spirit of 'Dream Big, Aim High.' Let's make 2024 an extraordinary year of growth, discovery, and achievement for our newest members of the CEPS family!

Farewell Jon

It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to a valued member of our staff and school community, Mr. Jon Cartwright, our dedicated maintenance man. Jon has been an invaluable and integral part of our school family, ensuring the upkeep of our facilities and contributing to the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff. Jon also built strong connections with students, staff and parents/carers.

I am delighted to share the exciting news that Jon has recently secured a full-time maintenance role at Parkdale Secondary College. While we are sad to see him go, we are thrilled for Jon as he embarks on this new chapter in his career. Jon finished his time at CEPS last Thursday and commenced at Parkdale this week.

Throughout his time at our school, Jon has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence. He has tirelessly worked behind the scenes, taking care of a broad range of tasks that keep our building and grounds safe. Whether it was fixing a leaky tap, repairing a broken step, or ensuring our playground equipment was in working order, Jon approached every task with a smile.

As we express our gratitude to Jon for his hard work and dedication, we also want to wish him the very best in his new role at Parkdale Secondary College. We do not doubt that he will bring the same level of professionalism to his new school as he did ours.

Thank you, Jon, for being an invaluable member of our school community. You will always have a place in our hearts, and we hope your journey at Parkdale Secondary College is filled with the same happiness you shared with us.

Jon's absence now leaves an enormous maintenance void in our school. If you, or someone you know, is willing to support the school in completing necessary odd jobs, please contact me at the school.

Suggestions for Allocating School Fundraising

We are fortunate to have such a proactive Parents Committee working hard to raise important funds for our school. One of the ongoing challenges is determining where to spend the raised funds. We would like to seek our community's feedback in this decision-making process, and we would like to canvas your wish list of ideas.

The funds we have raised will directly benefit our school and enhance the educational experience of our students. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to share your thoughts and suggestions on how we should utilise this money. We believe that involving the parent community in this decision will assist in allocating funds towards initiatives that matter most to you and your children.

To gather your input, we have created a simple survey where you can share your ideas and preferences. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. Your feedback will help us prioritise the most important projects and initiatives for our school community.

Here are some areas where the funds could be allocated:

Classroom Upgrades: Providing resources and materials to enhance classroom learning environments.

Extracurricular Activities: Expanding or improving lunchtime clubs.

Library and Learning Resources: Expanding our library collection and educational materials.

Facility Improvements: Enhancing the physical environment of the school.

Special Projects: Funding specific projects or initiatives that the school community values.

Your solution-focused ideas and suggestions will help us make informed decisions that benefit our children's education. We appreciate your time and commitment to our school community. Please also consider the costs and resources required when making suggestions.

The responses provided will be regularly reviewed by the School's Leadership Team, Parents Committee and School Council. Suggestions will be cross-referenced against the ideas of students/staff and prioritised by affordability and proposed timelines for completion.

Click the link to access the survey.

Regards,

Robert Ridgway

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