Weekly Views

Principal's Views

Dear EVPS Community,

 

As we near the end of another remarkable year, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible achievements and experiences that have shaped 2024 at our school. This has been a year filled with growth, connection, and celebration, and I couldn’t be more proud of all we’ve accomplished together as a community.

 

This week has been full of excitement, starting with the final assembly, which was packed with award presentations and performances. The fun continued with the Colour Fun Run, featuring the unforgettable ‘Sliming’ of Waqas and Oscar. On Wednesday, the Year 6 students enjoyed a thrilling day at Funfields, and on Thursday, we celebrated the grand finale with the Year 6 Graduation Evening. 

 

Congratulations to the 2025 Leaders

 

Thank you to the 2024 Leaders for their outstanding leadership. They've been an absolute joy to work with and have consisently shown initiative, integrity and excellence. 

 

2025 School Captains were announced at the Assembly on Monday and were presented with their badge by the outgoing 2024 Leaders. 

School Captains: Zak Trajcevski and Teia Masoe

Vice Captains:  Sadali Kulatunga and William Hua 

 

All the 2025 Leaders will be acknowledged at an Assembly in week 2 of term 1 (day to be confirmed).

 

Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

Graduation Speech by Rachel Griffiths, Acting Principal

 

"Tonight is about you and the amazing student leaders, students, teachers and parents from the year 6 cohort who have made this year such a success. Mandy sends her best wishes to you all on graduation night and I feel privileged to stand here in her place. 

 

Let’s look at some well known people and events from the years since you were born and talk about some of the EVPS values that they have demonstrated.

 

Shortly after each of you were born  in 2014– Malala Yousafzai was the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate. After surviving an assassination attempt she became a global symbol of courage and honesty. 

Malala’s bravery showed the world that honesty is not just about telling the truth, but about standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. Her honest voice has inspired millions and reminds us that speaking the truth, no matter how hard it may seem, can lead to great change

 

In 2018, the year you were in grade Prep Greta Thunberg, a young activist from Sweden, took responsibility for her future and the future of the planet by starting “Fridays for Future” school strike movement. She encouraged young people all around the world to take responsibility for fighting climate change by demanding action from leaders and governments.

Greta shows us that no one is too young to make a difference. Responsibility means taking action for something bigger than ourselves, even when it’s hard.

 

When you were in Grade 2 in 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic hit and saw countless acts of care and compassion across the world as people supported each other and communities came together to care for vulnerable groups. This is a powerful example of how caring for others is crucial in difficult times.

The pandemic showed us the true meaning of caring, where we all stepped up to protect each other and care for those in need.

 

In 2021 when you were in Grade 3 - the song ‘Stay’ by Kid Laroi was at the top of the charts. The Kid LAROI, an Indigenous Australian singer has shown a strong sense of honesty and responsibility by using his platform to address important social issues, especially mental health. He has been open about his struggles with mental health and has encouraged his fans to speak up and seek help when needed. 

Kid LAROI shows us to be true to ourselves, handle our emotions responsibly, and seek support when we feel overwhelmed.

 

In 2022 when you were in Grade 4 - Dylan Alcott – won Australian of the year 

He has not only excelled in sport, winning multiple gold medals in wheelchair tennis and basketball, but he has also worked tirelessly to promote respect for people with disabilities. He has used his platform to break down stereotypes and challenge the way society views disability. 

Dylan shows us that respect means advocating for others, breaking down barriers, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be seen, heard, and included.

 

In 2023  when you were in grade 5, Dr. Catherine Ball made significant scientific and environmental advances. She is a fantastic example of excellence in science. She uses her expertise in drone technology to help protect wildlife and support environmental conservation across Australia. Dr. Ball shows us that excellence in science isn’t just about understanding the world—it’s about using that knowledge to make a positive impact on the planet. 

 

And here we are now at the end of 2024…

In the years ahead, let us remember these values in everything we do. Like the leaders, heroes, and ordinary people who shaped these events, we too can make a difference by being honest, caring, respectful, responsible, and striving for excellence in all aspects of our lives. 

 

These are life values, and these are our EVPS values. Over the past 7 years at EVPS you have all demonstrated these values in one way or another. 

 

I’d like you to take a moment to think about your years at EVPS, or even just this year,     and consider which value you have  exemplified the most. For some of you this will stand out straight away for others it may be hard to pick just one. 

 

In a moment I’m going to ask you to stand up for the value that best represents you, stay standing until you are all standing…parents, teachers and guests you might like to make a prediction of which value each graduate will stand for …

  • Honesty
  • Responsibility 
  • Caring 
  • Respect 
  • Excellence

So as you stand there, today is just the next step of YOUR journey — you will carry these EVPS values with you every step of the way.

 

For you are all standing in the hall of fame, 

and the world is going to know your name.

 

Congratulations on your achievements - We can’t wait to see what else you achieve in your future!

 

I’d now like to invite Wayne Mark our school council president up to say a few words and I’d like to thank him for his commitment and leadership of our EVPS school council. Wayne leads the council with ‘what’s best for kids’ always at the forefront of decision making."

 

Staffing Update - We would like to congratulate a number of staff members who are moving on to new positions in 2025. 

  • Tracey, Kim and Aimee W are moving to the new Wirrigirri Primary school as inaugural staff members. 
  • Nathan is moving to a new position as Senior Numeracy Learning Specialist at Doncaster Primary
  • Anthony is moving to a new position as Learning Specialist at Gaayip Yagila Primary.
  • Taylah and Nez  are both moving on to new leadership roles at Wallan Primary School.
  • David will move into a 3/4 teaching position at Roxburgh Homestead Primary 
  • Dilara is moving to Westbreen Primary as a Prep Teacher
  • Paul is moving to Wirrigirri Primary School and will continue at EVK.
  • Jesse Groves is moving to Holy Trinity Primary School

We also farewell Oscar, Ta and Nadia and thank them for their contribution to EVPS this year and we wish Paige luck for year of leave. We wish them all the very best for their future endeavours. 

 

As mentioned in the last newsletter EVPS was featured in the Star Weekly Newspaper!

Click here to view the article

 

School Council 

A big thank you to you the School Council for their support of the school and me personally as I have navigated the Acting Principal role. I am grateful for their dedication, support, and robust conversation. A special thank you to Paula Soluncevski who has provided many years of service. She has been part of the EVPS community and School Council since 2014.

 

Looking ahead to 2025 - Term 1 

28th January - Teachers return (no students at school)

29th January - Year 1-6 students return

30th January - Preps first day

 

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and relaxation. A Merry Christmas to those who celebrate – may it be a time of warmth, love, and happiness! Looking forward to seeing you all back in the new year for all that 2025 will bring!

 

Warm regards,

Rachel Griffiths, Acting Principal

 

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