Principal's Item 

Dear parents, carers and friends of EEPS,

This week at Assembly we heard from our Choir and the Stretto Strings Group. It is always lovely to have musical performances for the whole school and welcome so many parents and friends to the school. I know that some of our Ensembles are preparing to visit St Vincents Healthcare for a Christmas Concert towards the end of term, which is sure to be a great success.

Maths Olympiad and ICAS 

At assembly on Monday the school was also able to recognise students who participated in the Maths Olympiad and ICAS tests this year. Both of those activities are great opportunities for students to challenge themselves and, for some, experience something new. Well done to all these students. I wonder what you might try next year?

Premiers’ Reading Challenge

In addition, well done to all the students who have participated in the 2024 annual Premiers’ Reading Challenge. We had 394 students complete the challenge and logged a total of 17,543 books. Students who completed the challenge will receive a special certificate this week. The students who logged the most books in their year levels and received a special 'Premiers' Reading Challenge Champion' pin were:

Prep- Harriette and Charlotte V in Prep C    

Year 1 - Caitlyn S 1R   

Year 2 - Lizzie S 2P   

Year 3 - James A 3H           

Year 4 - Anne Z 4J      

Year 5 - Rehan C 5/6K   

Year 6 - Ari T 6G 

Well done to all those students and thank you to Miss Lapadula for organising the event this year.

Best Habitat Garden

Last Thursday a large group of dedicated Year 3 and 4 students accompanied Mrs Jackson and Nicole to the Botanical Gardens for the Victorian Garden Award ceremony. It was a fantastic day, not only to receive the prize and certificate but also to take part in some important environmental activities and a traditional Smoking Ceremony performed by Aboriginal Elders.

Market Days

Next week the Year 6 students are hosting the annual EEPS Market Days for our school community. This initiative for many years has raised significant funds for very worthy causes and provided the students with a real-world opportunity to design, make and sell their wares. Please look out for the Market Day catalogue and information in the Newsletter this week.

Handyperson?

Eltham East is a large school with a lot of buildings and facilities. Whilst we have our regular tradespeople, like plumbers and electricians we do value using a handyperson to repair lots of small things. Ric Tepper, an ex EEPS parent from many years ago, has been an incredibly valuable resource for us in this area. Unfortunately, due to a shoulder injury he has recently been incapacitated so we are on the lookout for another couple of contacts to help with repairing and completing odd jobs, on top of what Garry Wynne, our Facilities Coordinator, can complete. If there are contacts or leads in our EEPS community then please let the office know. Thank you.

OSHC Staff Needed

Whilst we are on a callout, we are also looking for some additional OSHC staff for next year. This is ideally suited to someone who is studying for a Certificate 3 in childcare, or completing teacher training or even retired teachers. If you know of any interested people, or have any leads in this area then please contact OSHC or the main school office.

Lastly, a reminder that next Friday, 6th December, is a Curriculum Day for planning for 2025. It is hard to believe that this time has come around again so quickly! OSHC will run a program on that day so please make contact if you require this. Also, please try your best to attend our Christmas Family Picnic on Thursday 5th December, 4.00-6.00pm.

Have a great week