Health & P.E.

2025 Sport Highlights

Apart from the physical skills gained by participating in sport, there are many other life skills that being involved in sports teach – sportsmanship, teamwork, resilience, persistence, kindness and inclusivity while building self-esteem and confidence. 

2025 has been a fantastic year for sport at EHPS! Congratulations to everyone for pursuing their personal best in many different sports. Some of the highlights are mentioned above with individual and team events at District, Division and Region level. 

There were three outstanding achievements at State Cross Country, Hockey and Athletics School Sport Victoria championships. Also two students were selected to represent Team Victoria in national events in Tennis and Athletics. We acknowledged Josh, Boys’ Hockey team and Lauren’s amazing efforts, presenting them with a photo frame which will be hung in the Stadium foyer in their honour. 

Rotary Sportsmanship Award

Congratulations to Marcus O who was nominated for the Rotary Sportsmanship Award. He was presented with an engraved medal and certificate at a special ceremony on Monday 1 December at Monash Community Centre. 

The paragraphs below were read to the audience while Marcus was receiving his medal:

Marcus has proudly and confidently represented Essex Heights Primary School throughout 2025. He displayed talent in various sports such as hockey, tennis, soccer and basketball. A highlight was leading his team to the State Hockey finals. He was an excellent mentor for his team mates, while his experience and encouragement played an important role leading his team during closely contested matches. These amazing leadership skills also assisted his Hot Shots Tennis team during weekly interschool sport matches and then progressing to the Monash Waverley Division finals. 

Marcus’ long distance running efforts qualified him to represent Essex Heights at Eastern Region Cross Country. Also participating at Eastern Region Athletics, where he competed in the triple jump, achieving a personal best. 

He was an ideal role model for younger students and his teammates, providing encouragement and support. Marcus showed great persistence and resilience whilst achieving his sports goals, he always displayed sportsmanship towards umpires and opposition players while upholding the Essex Heights school values at all times. 

School Sport Victoria – Academic and Sporting Achievement Medal 

Congratulations to Josh C for receiving the SSV medal for his outstanding achievements in sport throughout the year as well as his academic efforts. 

Josh is a charismatic and enthusiastic student who approaches all aspects of school life with energy and positivity. He takes great pride in everything he does and consistently gives his best effort. Josh engages thoughtfully in class discussions, contributing his ideas with enthusiasm and confidence. He demonstrates genuine curiosity in his learning and approaches collaborative conversations with focus and energy. Josh listens attentively to the perspectives of others and adds valuable insights that extend class thinking and enrich group discussions.

Josh has displayed talent in several sports such as basketball, volleyball, hockey, swimming, cross country and athletics. He major achievements during Year 6 were, competing at Eastern Region Swimming, State Cross Country and Eastern Region Athletics events. He has represented Essex Heights PS proudly and displayed outstanding teamwork, sportsmanship and an amazing role model for younger students. He was an important and valuable member of the school hockey team that competed at the State Championships. 

Swimming Team Trials

50 students attended the EHPS Swimming Team Trials on Thursday 27 November. They received ribbons for first to third places and achieved House points for their effort. The winning house will be announced at assembly early in 2026. The trial times determined the members of the EHPS Swim Team who will compete at the Monash Heights District swimming competition on Thursday 12 February 2026. Students have been informed of the successful team members. The team consists of two students in each event in each age group. Each student can compete in a maximum of two individual events at the District competition. 

Information about the Monash Heights District swimming event will be published on Compass early in 2026 for payment and consent.

Thank You EHPS Families 

A huge thanks to all those people who volunteered during the year to help with sports events. Our swimming trials, House Cross Country and Athletics plus District events would not be successful without your amazing support. Thank you also to the many families for transporting your children to all the Division, Region and State sports finals!

Wishing you and your family a lovely Christmas and best wishes in 2026!

Monique Hocking