Dear parents, carers and friends of EEPS,

This week is National Week against Bullying and Violence. I know, sometimes, it can feel like there is always a ‘week’ for one thing or another, I guess this is true! However, they provide an opportunity to refocus on a particular area.

Whilst there is always work to be done on bullying across the community, we work continuously and consistently to provide a school environment that is safe and happy for everyone. We do this by explicitly teaching weekly Social and Emotional Learning lessons, through the Behaviour Response Process, through Professional Learning for all our staff, and through the messaging that we use throughout the school including at assembly and in the Newsletter.

History of the Whole School Drone Photos

Small Acts Big Impact

We started taking the whole school drone photos in 2022. The history of the messages is:

2022 - Be Kind Together!

2023 - We Stand Together!

2024 - Everyone Belongs!

2025 - Bold + Kind, Speak Up!

2026 - Kindness Matters!

The National Week’s message of ‘small acts, big impact’ this year was discussed at the Mentor group sessions last week. Following on from last week the drone photo for this year will spell out Kindness Matters.

Here is some interesting advice from the Stand-Up project:

“Avoid using ChatGPT.”

This is one piece of advice we often give families during our Family Sessions.

Not because artificial intelligence (A.I.) is bad, but because schools are increasingly telling us that families are using A.I. to write emails to teachers about bullying and behaviour issues.

When emotions are already high, it can create a barrier between what families need, and how schools are able to provide support.

Our advice is simple: where possible, speak to the school in person.

A calm, face-to-face conversation can help everyone better understand what has happened, what support is needed, and what steps the school can take next.

We have also attached an additional resource page that may be helpful for parents.

Industrial Action

Thank you to the EEPS school community who expressed their support and patience whilst there was ongoing industrial action and uncertainty. Thank you, also for understanding that our communication timelines were not something that I could directly control. All our great teaching and learning and programs have continued in earnest during this year.

More Than Music

Concert preparations are progressing well. If there are any other parents who can help with props and costumes, then please let Mrs Vescio know. Also to note, additional tickets will now be available to purchase, if families would like to purchase more.

Book Week

Today was a wonderful day full of great costumes, activities and a strong celebration of books and literature. Thank you to Mrs Casale for organising the special activities across the school and to all the families who supported the day to help us raise money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

Reminder - Food Sharing

I would also like to remind everyone that we have a ‘no sharing food’ policy. Some of our students have taken it upon themselves to openly share food. Due to allergies, please reiterate the ‘no sharing’ policy at home - thank you.

Introduction of the ‘School Breakfast Club’

Eltham East is very shortly going to be involved in the School Breakfast Club Program. This is a Victorian Government initiative run by the Department of Education in partnership with Foodbank Victoria. Operating in over 1,200 participating government schools, it provides free, healthy food to ensure students do not start the day hungry and can better concentrate, self-regulate and learn. At EEPS, whilst it is called ‘breakfast club’, it is not necessarily a ‘sit-down’ before school activity, nor is it exclusive as a ‘club’ might suggest. For us, it will be about having healthy fruit and vegetable-based foods available in all classes for those children who need this or may have missed out on sufficient breakfast for whatever reason. Please see more information in the Newsletter today.

Movie Night - Update

Even though March seemed like a long time ago, our rescheduled Movie Night is coming up on Friday 16th October. I am still waiting to see if our new selected movie choice has been approved for screening. Stay tuned for further information next week.

Student Achievement

A special mention to Sylvie for being awarded a ‘highly commended’ certificate from the recent Parliament Prize. Well done, Sylvie! A special mention, also to our Year 5 and 6 students who participated in the public speaking program over the last fortnight. Congratulations to Charlie C and Jason L who will represent EEPS in the Banyule Nillumbik Public Speaking competition on Tuesday 15th September.

JSC EEPS Recipe Book

We are super excited to announce that the 2026 EEPS JSC Recipe Book is now ready for ordering. With over 70 entries it is absolutely filled with some amazing meals. A massive thank you to all families who contributed, also to our JSC and Mrs Vescio for coordinating the whole project. Please look out for our social media post tomorrow advertising this and a special Compass course confirmation for orders! All proceeds will further contribute to purchasing a new digital sign at the entrance to the school.

Have a great week or Learning and Growing Together.

Kind regards

Warren Lloyd

Principal

Sustainability and Biodiversity