Principal's Report
Dear EHPS Parents and Carers,
We have completed a very successful semester’s work. The children have been engaged in so many educational activities both in and out of class. They are now looking forward to a well-deserved break. Thank you for your continual support of the school and your children.
Semester 1 Reports
Semester 1 reports were published online on Compass on Wednesday. Please take the time to read through your child's report and see what they have achieved in Semester 1.
As I explained in my letter to families last week, due to the previous AEU ban, we will provide reports that indicate student achievement against the relevant curriculum areas of the Victorian Curriculum F-10 2.0, but they will not include full descriptive written comments.
As always, teachers will be pleased to discuss children’s progress at our next parent-teacher discussions scheduled for Week 3 of Term 3.
Update re Industrial Bans
The Department of Education has advised that the AEU will now re-instate industrial bans beginning from the start of Term 3. I will keep the community informed of the extent and impact of the bans as they become clearer.
ANZAC Appeal thanks
At the start of term, our Year 6 students sold 2026 ANZAC Appeal fundraising items and collected donations on behalf of the Waverley RSL. We sold out of the $2, $3 and $4 items in the first two days, and all remaining items by the end of that week. This was really appreciated and we have received a certificate of thanks for that great effort.
RSPCA fundraising thanks
Earlier this term, the Junior School Council (JSC) decided to raise funds for a worthy cause. The student representatives canvassed their classes for possible recipients of any such fundraiser. After discussion, the JSC decided to hold a free dress day yesterday in support of the RSPCA. This great example of student action raised over $1,800. Thank you for supporting the day. This whole process is a marvellous example of how student voice can make a difference to others. Well done JSC!!!
PFC family event at Roller One Burwood
The PFC have organised an exciting end of term event for families at Roller One tonight. It is fully booked out. I hope that families attending have a great evening to celebrate the end of Term 2. Congratulations and thanks to the PFC for organising such a fun event.
Improvement to school facilities
Basketball Courts upgrade
The upgrade of our external basketball courts is well underway. Work will continue throughout the holidays. We will all be very excited to see the completed courts when school resumes in two weeks time.
New outside tables
New outside tables have been installed outside the Hall. These tables provide a comfortable place for children to sit and talk with their friends during recess and lunchtime.
These improvements, beyond the general resources provided to all schools, are only possible due to the tireless fundraising work of the PFC and annual parent contributions.
Annual Report to School Community
Our next School Council is on Thursday 23 July and includes the Annual Report to the School Community. The EHPS community are invited to join us at 7pm in the Staff Room.
NAIDOC Week
National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week is held annually in early July. It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. It is an opportunity to recognise Indigenous Australians’ contributions to our country and society. 2025 was the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC week and that year’s theme was ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’.
The theme for 2026 is ’50 Years of Deadly.’ This milestone theme marks five decades since Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples took full control of the National NAIDOC Committee and expanded the event to a full week. It celebrates five decades of Black excellence, cultural strength, resistance, and community-led achievements.
Family Holidays
Our school appreciates that holidays are an important and special experience for families. However, we highly recommend that you minimise your child's absence from school during school terms. Absences during term time interferes with the children’s formal learning and their social continuity at school. If you decide to take a holiday during a school term, it is a requirement of the Department of Education school attendance guidelines that you request my approval for your child to be absent. Please send an email to essex.heights.ps@education.vic.gov.au, marked for my attention, with the details of your planned holiday. You will receive an email response with the necessary next steps.
School Photos
Due to delays in proofing, our school photos are expected by 14 August. Apologies for the delay, but some issues were out of our control.
Leaving EHPS
It is essential for our planning and preparation for the new term and next school year that you advise me in writing as soon as possible if your child will not be returning to EHPS next year. Use the school email address – essex.heights.ps@education.vic.gov.au – to advise the following details:
- Child's name and 2026 class
- Date of last day at EHPS
- Name of the school your child is enrolled at
- Commencement date at new school
- The reason for leaving EHPS
- New contact details, e.g. address, phone number, email
Essex Heights Cultural Days
We acknowledge the following significant days for some of our families:
Ashura 26 June
For Sunni Muslims, Ashura marks Noah's departure from the ark and the exodus of Moses from Egypt. It is usually marked by a day of non-obligatory fasting. For Shia Muslims, it marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein in Karbala, Iraq. It is commemorated with public processions.
Coming of the Light Festival 1 July
The Coming of the Light is celebrated by Torres Strait Islanders. It commemorates the arrival of the London Missionary Society on Erub Island in the Torres Strait in 1871. It led to the adoption of Christianity through island communities during the late 19th century.
Matariki 10 July
Matariki is a New Zealand national holiday to celebrate the first rising of the Pleiades star cluster. This marks the beginning of the new year in the Māori lunar calendar.
Term 3
Next term we have many great learning activities for the children. Every year level will be involved in the Swimming Program, Book Week and Indonesian Day. In addition, there will be a variety of year level specific incursions or excursions. Also, the PFC are organising the school disco, as well as Father’s Day treat morning and the Father’s Day stall.
In closing, I wish all families a safe and happy holiday period. I hope that this will be an opportunity for family time as well as a relaxing break for the children. We look forward to welcoming our community back for Term 3 on Monday 13 July.
Kindest regards,
George Perini
Principal