Cheltenham East Primary School Newsletter

From Mr Chaplin

Early Dismissal – Next Friday

A reminder to all families that next Friday school will finish at 2:30pm.

Before dismissal, we will be holding a whole school assembly outside at 2:00pm to celebrate the end of term together. Families are warmly invited to join us for the assembly and share in the celebrations.

Please ensure pick-up arrangements are made for the earlier finish time.

Celebrating Partnerships: Learning Progress & Student Support Group Meetings 

Over the past weeks, our staff have had the privilege of meeting with many parents and carers through our Learning Progress Meetings and Student Support Group (SSG) meetings. These conversations are an important part of our commitment to building strong partnerships between home and school.

 

Learning is most powerful when teachers, parents, and students work together. Progress meetings provide the chance to celebrate achievements, share growth, and set new goals, while SSGs give us the opportunity to ensure that personalised adjustments and supports are in place for students who need them.

 

We would like to sincerely thank our families for taking the time to attend these meetings and for contributing so openly. Your insights, encouragement, and feedback help us to better understand each child and to ensure that learning plans are tailored to their individual needs.

 

At CEPS, we know that when schools and families work in partnership, students thrive. We look forward to continuing this collaboration throughout the year as we support every child to grow, learn, and succeed.

R U OK? Day 11 September  

Yesterday marked R U OK? Day, a national day of action that reminds us to check in with one another and start meaningful conversations. At Cheltenham East, our school values of Courtesy, Respect, Co-operation, and Responsibility align closely with the spirit of this day.

Sometimes a simple “Are you OK?” can make all the difference. It’s about taking a moment to notice when someone might be struggling and letting them know they’re not alone. These conversations don’t need to be complicated — just showing you care can open the door to support.

We encourage families to talk at home about the importance of looking out for each other and to practise ways of asking gentle, caring questions. For students, this might mean checking in on a friend in the yard, or speaking with a trusted adult if they’re worried about someone. For staff and parents, it might mean taking the time to pause, listen, and offer understanding.

As a community, we thrive when we support one another. Let’s continue to build a culture where everyone feels safe to speak up, share, and know they’ll be listened to.

If you or someone you know needs extra support, services such as Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) and Lifeline (13 11 14) are available 24/7.

Together, let’s make every day an opportunity to ask the question: R U OK?

 

Celebrating the Year 3 & 4 Music Concert

On Wednesday afternoon, our Year 3 and 4 students took to the stage for their much-anticipated Music Concert – and what a performance it was! The hall was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and plenty of proud smiles as students showcased the skills and confidence they have been building throughout the year.

 

The concert was a wonderful celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the joy of music. Every performance highlighted the effort students have put into their learning, and it was heart-warming to see them shine in front of their families and peers.

 

A huge thank you must go to Mrs Spain and Mrs Digby for their dedication, planning, and passion for music education. Their hard work behind the scenes and encouragement of each student ensured the concert was such a success. We are fortunate to have such talented teachers who inspire a love of music in our students.

 

Thank you also to the families and staff who came along to support the event – your presence made it a truly special evening for the students.

 

Congratulations to all of our Year 3 and 4 students for a fantastic concert. You should be very proud of your achievements!

Visitors Policy Update

At Cheltenham East Primary School, the safety and wellbeing of every child is paramount. To improve our adherence to the Department of Education's Child Safe Standards and Emergency Management procedures, we ask all families to follow the processes outlined below.

 

Late Arrivals (after 9.00am)

 

  • Parents/carers must sign their child in at the office
  • The child will then wait at the office and be escorted to their class by a staff member with a late pass, which is handed to their teacher.

  • If you wish to walk your child to their class, you will need to sign in at the office and receive a visitor lanyard first.

     

This process ensures accurate attendance records and supports our emergency management requirements.

 

Early Pick Ups (before 3.30pm)

 

  • Parents/carers must attend the office first.
  • You will be asked to sign your child out at the office.
  • The office will then contact your child's classroom teacher.
  • Your child will be sent to the office with two peers, with their bag, to meet you.

 

This process ensures students are safely signed out and our staff are aware of who is on site. It also minimises classroom interruptions.

 

Collecting Students from Classrooms

In the event you are required to collect your child directly from their classroom:

 

  • The office will ask you to sign in and wear a visitor's lanyard.
  • Teachers will only release students to parents/carers wearing a visitor's lanyard.

  • If you do not have one, you will be respectfully asked to return to the office to complete the sign-in process.

     

We thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as we continually strive to maximise student safety and wellbeing.

Students not returning to CEPS in 2026

As part of our workforce and class structure planning for 2026, we are seeking an indication from families whose children may not be continuing with us next year.

If your family is relocating or considering a move to the independent or other school systems in 2026, we kindly ask that you notify us as soon as possible.

 

Having a clear picture of student numbers across each year level supports me in making informed decisions around staffing and class structures. We understand that circumstances can change, but even a “best guess” at this stage will greatly assist our planning.

 

Please contact the school office ASAP if your child will not be continuing with us in 2026.

Hats are back!

As the daily UV index is increasing, hat-wearing will be enforced from next week. Please find your child's hat over the weekend and pop it in their bag. Students without hats will be directed to play in the shaded areas within the Eating Area/Passive Play Space

 

 

Have a wonderful weekend,

 

Jared Chaplin