Principal's Item 

Dear parents, carers and friends of EEPS,

It was lovely to see a number of parents at Assembly on Monday to listen to the Copper Strings Ensemble perform again. They were very lucky to have been able to perform at the Eltham Rotary festival on Saturday, before the weather caused the event to be cancelled. Thank you to Clare and Paul for their ongoing dedication to the EEPS Strings program and to all the children who participate.

It was also fantastic that we could present Austin L with his certificate for being the finalist in the SEAMO (Southeast Asian Mathematical Olympiad) in Term 3 this year, achieving the Gold Award! He ranked 3rd in his age group across Australia and first in Victoria. An incredible achievement, well done Austen!

Remembrance Day Service

It was wonderful to hold our annual Remembrance Day service yesterday and welcome so many parents. Thank you to our student leaders who ran the assembly and to our choir for performing. More broadly, thank you to the EEPS community who support the RSL appeal by purchasing badges, pens and other special memorable items.

Disco

The disco last week was great fun, and I know that there were a lot of very happy faces both on Thursday and Friday. Well done to the very well organised student leaders, who raised nearly $3000 towards a new digital sign for the school. Thank you to everyone who supported the event and for Mrs Vescio who guided the student leaders.

PRC Champions

It was wonderful to acknowledge our super Premiers’ Reading Challenge top readers for 2025. A special congratulations to the following readers:

Prep:    Harry S

Year 1: Sonya L

Year 2: Caitlyn S 

Year 3: Louise Z 

Year 4: Pearl B

Year 5: Isabelle H

Year 6: Eeshan U

Reading does open doors. As a staff, this year we have started our own Book Club. It has been very rewarding and enjoyable participating and discussing the books as we finish them.

Uniform Update

Following on from my parent Newsfeed earlier this term I spoke to the students at assembly this week about the revised student uniform policy and showed them samples and photos of the three types of black, SunSmart shorts now available from the uniform shop. I emphasised that the uniform requirement is for plain black shorts, leggings or tracksuit pants. I also pointed out that the following were not part of the student dress code:

-running shorts

-bike or gym shorts

-shorts or pants with white piping edges or stripes

-logos (either commercial or Wildcats, Panthers logos)

-random colours

-jorts or denim pants

I mentioned that plain black, SunSmart shorts are available for purchase from other department stores, are reasonably priced and can be readily worn outside of school. Like with all teaching messages need to be repeated, so I will follow-up later in the term to explain these updates. Whilst these revisions are applicable now, the school is allowing a grace period until the beginning of next year, this allows plenty of time for everyone to adjust.  It is worthwhile noting that the EEPS dress, tunic and skorts are still available options, and nothing has changed in regard to these items.

New Opportunities - part-time OSHC Manager and Garden Assistant

A reminder that we are still on the lookout for a new part-time OSHC Manager to work with Jess and our other wonderful educators. The position has been advertised on SEEK and any interested EEPS community members are encouraged to speak to Melissa McCarthy, Business Manager. Please feel free to inform family members, friends or contacts you think may be interested.

We are also looking for a new, part-time Garden Assistant to help out in the Kitchen Garden and other gardens. If you are interested, then please contact Melissa McCarthy. This would be ideally suited to an EEPS parent and whilst some gardening knowledge would be favourable, it would not be essential.

Thank you to the EEPS community for the really strong ongoing support that we receive with so many aspects of primary school life.

Have a great of Learning and Growing Together.

Kind regards

Warren Lloyd

Principal