From the Principal's Desk
Epsom Primary School
Dear Epsom families,
As we approach the end of Semester One, it is hard to believe how quickly the term has passed. There has been plenty happening across the school, with students continuing to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them both inside and outside the classroom.
Student Success
One of the highlights over the past few weeks has been the success of our sporting teams.
Congratulations to our Boys Soccer Team who recently won the Division 2 Championship, adding another trophy to our growing collection of sporting achievements. The team should be proud of their efforts and the way they represented our school throughout the competition.
Our Girls Soccer Team also represented Epsom Primary School with pride, demonstrating great determination, teamwork and resilience throughout the day. We are incredibly proud of the way all students conducted themselves both on and off the field.
The Energy Breakthrough Team has also continued its strong start to the year. Adrenaline achieved first place and Whiplash sixth place at the Casey Fields event in Melbourne. These race events provide students with opportunities to build confidence, problem-solving skills and teamwork while representing our school in a highly competitive environment. The team will also begin seeking sponsorship support over coming months to assist with race costs and equipment as preparations continue for the major event later in the year.
Learning Opportunities
Our lunchtime programs continue to provide valuable opportunities for students to connect, develop friendships and explore new interests. One recent addition has been the introduction of electric circuit board kits, which have proven incredibly popular. It has been wonderful to see students collaborating, problem-solving and persisting through challenges in a different learning environment.
Wellbeing and Inclusion
Student wellbeing remains at the centre of our work. Last week, members of the leadership team completed Mental Health First Aid training. As schools continue to respond to increasing levels of complexity in both student and staff wellbeing, developing our knowledge and capacity in this area is becoming increasingly important.
The training focused on recognising the signs of emerging mental health concerns, responding appropriately and supporting individuals to access further help when needed.
The Green Nest
The Green Nest continues to evolve as a unique learning and wellbeing space for our students. BVD are currently installing security cameras throughout the area to help protect this valuable asset and ensure it remains available for students to enjoy for many years to come.
We were also delighted to receive news that our application to Coliban Water was successful, securing $10,000 towards the development of a kitchen space within the Green Nest. This project will create additional opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning connected to sustainability, food production and healthy living.
Grade 5 Little Angler Kits
Our Grade 5 students will once again have the opportunity to receive a free Little Angler Kit through a Victorian Government initiative delivered by the Victorian Fisheries Authority.
The program aims to encourage children and families to spend time outdoors, learn about fishing, explore the natural environment and enjoy recreational activities together.
The kits include a fishing rod, reel, tackle tray, fishing tackle and information to help children learn the basics of fishing safely and responsibly.
Participation in the program is completely voluntary. Our school has chosen to participate so that families can decide whether they would like their child to receive a kit.
If you do not wish for your child to receive a Little Angler Kit, please notify the school. We fully support families in making decisions that align with their own values and preferences.
The kits are expected to arrive in August and will be distributed to students in time for the September school holidays. Students will be reminded not to open their kits until they are at home and under the supervision of a parent or carer.
More information
For instructional videos and online resources about where and how to fish, visit the Little Angler hub.
Looking Ahead
I would particularly like to thank our School Council members for their persistence and commitment in advocating for improved traffic and parking solutions around the school. This has been an ongoing issue for many years. Their support has been instrumental in ensuring this issue remains a priority in discussions with local and state government representatives.
The school has also written to the City of Greater Bendigo requesting permanent 40 km/h school zone signage. We are aware that the existing flashing signs do not always operate consistently, particularly during periods of reduced sunlight. This forms part of our broader advocacy work around traffic management and road safety. Given the importance of student, family and community safety, we will continue to advocate for improvements that support safer access to and from the school.
Student voice has also been included in our advocacy work around road safety and access to the school.
As part of this ongoing work, Epsom Primary School will soon be participating in the Kids Active Travel Program. The program aims to support more students in Grades 3–6 to walk, ride or scoot to school safely while promoting healthy and active lifestyles.
If you have a child in Grades 3–6, you will soon receive information about a short online survey. The survey will help us better understand how students currently travel to and from school, as well as family perspectives on walking, riding and active travel.
The survey is being conducted by the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions as part of the Kids Active Travel Program. The information collected will help inform future planning and initiatives that support safer and more active travel options for students.
Further information, including survey details, will be shared with families early next term.
School Council would also appreciate the support of our community in signing the petition. Strong community support helps demonstrate the importance of this issue and strengthens our advocacy efforts as we continue to seek safer access and parking solutions for Epsom Primary School. A copy of the QR code has been included below for families who wish to support this initiative:
We have also recently submitted a Capital Works Fund application seeking funding to further develop the COLA building. Students and staff worked together to create a supporting video showcasing our school and the opportunities these improvements would provide. We are hopeful our application will attract the attention of the selection panel and support the continued growth of our school.
Thank you to our staff, students and families for the care, commitment and sense of community you bring to Epsom Primary School each day. Our focus remains on ensuring every child who walks through our gates has access to the opportunities, support and teaching they deserve. Together, we continue to build a school that our students are proud to attend and our community is proud to support.
Kind regards,
Julie Ladd
Principal