Principal's Item 

Dear parents, carers and friends of EEPS,

I hope that families enjoyed a break over the holidays with your children. A special warm welcome to the new families who have started with us this term. We are looking forward to a fantastic term 4 with lots of learning and extracurricular activities.

Some Reflections

In the last couple of weeks of term 3 there was a lot of media commentary around schools and the role they should perform in society. This was largely driven by federal politicians, and largely by people not overly qualified in the space. Whilst I acknowledge that there can be significant pressures in parenting, especially in a modern, technologically focused world, it remains true that your role as a parent will always be of the highest importance when it comes to your child’s character development and interpersonal skills.

Schools work best when we help to reinforce social values, a sense of responsibility, and kindness, rather than being expected to instil them into children in the first place. It is true, that at EEPS, we do have a strong majority of parents who are completely understanding and supportive of this idea and that makes a massive difference to what we can do - thank you.

Banyule Nillumbik Public Speaking Competition

In the last week of the term, we were proud to have Charlie and Jason represent EEPS in the Interschool Public Speaking Competition. Here are some comments from Mrs Vescio:

The competition was a huge success! All of the speakers were incredibly talented and delivered amazing speeches. It was very difficult to separate them, and in the end, it came down to half points. The results were:

• 1st – Monty South Primary School
• Runner-up – Charlie C EEPS (by just half a point!)
• Highly Commended – Jason L EEPS
• Highly Commended – Diamond Creek

I think the fact that both of our boys finished in the top four really speaks to the high quality of our participants. It was only small things that cost Charlie first place.

I’m so proud of both of them. They represented us brilliantly, and it was also great to hear that all of the other schools are keen to participate again next year.

EEPS Family Recipe Book

It was wonderful to see the EEPS Family Recipe Books going home to families this week. Thank you to those families who provided recipes and for the families, and staff, who ordered the books. There are certainly some fabulous recipes, and it will certainly be a keepsake. At this stage we would aim to include this community highlight again, every two-three years. Enjoy the results.

Coming Up

Year 3 camp - Thursday 8th and 9th October

Week 2 - Mental Health Week

Japanese Studies Day - Friday 16th October

Movie Night - Friday 16th October - please see updated information in the Newsletter. We need parent volunteers, please.

Reminders

School hats are now essential. Teachers will reinforce the ‘no hat, no play’ mantra as is required by the Department, and SunSmart policies for primary schools.

It is good to be back at school and continuing our journey of ‘Learning and Growing Together’.

Kind regards

Warren Lloyd

Principal