Year 5 Camp - The Log Cabin and Soverign Hill

This Wednesday to Friday, our Year 5 students and staff enjoyed an unforgettable adventure at The Log Cabin Camp in Creswick.

A highlight of their journey was a day spent at Sovereign Hill, where our students engaged with Victoria's Gold Mining history and culture. Their outstanding behaviour and enthusiasm earned high praise from the Sovereign Hill staff, reflecting positively on our school community.

Whilst at the Login Cabin Camp, the students at times stepped out of their comfort zones to engage in a wide variety of fun activities including Orienteering, Leap of Faith, Initiatives, Zipline, Giant Slingshot and the Challenge Course. Mr Chaplin and I were fortunate enough to both enjoy some time on camp and could not be prouder of how well the students represented themselves and our school.

I would like to thank the Year 5 teachers for their planning and organisation, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Special thanks to all staff members (Ms Harper, Mrs Collins, Mr Gordon, Mr Birnstihl, Ms Davy, Mrs Conheady and Mr Chaplin) who accompanied and supported our students throughout this memorable camp.

Year 3 and 4 Swimming Program

Well done to our Year 3 and 4 students for successfully completing their 2025 swimming program! 🏊‍♂️🏊‍♀️ Your enthusiasm and effort over the past two weeks was fantastic.

A big shout-out to our dedicated staff for their support throughout the program, and a special thank you to Mrs Robinson for her organisation of the program and bus transportation.

Kiss and Go - Ensuring Community Safety

As we move into the colder and wetter weather of Winter, it is timely to remind everyone about adhering to the 'Kiss and Go' areas and not to park in the 'No Standing Zones'.

The 'Kiss and Go' signage on Silver St and Coolac St are designed to improve community safety, in particular student safety during the busy 3.30pm pick-up period. Unfortunately, several parents/carers are continuing to park in these spaces for durations well beyond the designated 2-minute limit. The Kingston Council has provided some information below for your reference. Due to increased safety concerns, the council has also advised that their law enforcement team will be patrolling this area during pick-up periods. In addition, we will be reinforcing with students the importance of using our many manned school crossings at all times. We ask families to continue this conversation at home.

Parents Committee

I would like to acknowledge and thank our amazing Parents' Committee and all of their helpers for organising and providing last week's Special Food Day. The students (and staff) enjoyed their pizza and sushi. We are privileged at this school to have such a committed group of parents driving this work. Thank you also to our community for your support of these events. They would not be the success they are without the participation of our families.

All information about 2025 enrolments can be accessed on our school website or by using the QR code on our enrolment real estate boards at the front of our school (Silver St and Coolac St).

For our 2026 siblings, a reminder to enrol at your earliest convenience.

'School Experience' Sessions

To date, our school experience sessions have been well attended and well received. We are continuing to offer further 'school experience' sessions for prospective 2026 Foundation families. Information about these sessions can also be accessed through our website.

Save the Date - Book Week 2025

Next Term, from Monday 18 August to Friday 22 August, we will be celebrating Book Week 2025. This year's theme is 'Book an Adventure', and we have a week full of exciting activities to inspire a love of reading in all our students. We will again be offering events such as Grandparents and Special Friends Day, a Book Character Parade and the Lamonts Book Fair. More information on specific event dates will be shared early next term.

Keeping our Community Safe and Healthy

With the Winter weather seemingly set in, I would like to provide an important reminder of the importance of looking after the health and safety of our students, staff and families.

Teachers have seen a noticeable increase in illnesses recently within their classrooms. This is not uncommon at this time of year. However, to help reduce the spread of colds, flu, and other viruses within our school community, we kindly ask that students remain at home if they are feeling unwell.

Even mild symptoms, such as a sore throat, runny nose, or a persistent cough, can quickly spread in a busy classroom environment. By keeping your child home when they’re unwell, you’re not only supporting them to recover sooner but also helping to protect their peers, teachers, and the broader community.

I do understand that balancing work and family commitments can be challenging, particularly when illness strikes unexpectedly. However, your cooperation plays a vital role in keeping our school safe and healthy, particularly during the colder months.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Cheltenham East News

2025 School Disco