Dear parents, carers and friends of EEPS,

Welcome back to Term 3, and a special warm welcome to the new families who have joined us this term. I do hope that you were able to have some family time together over the holidays and are recharged for another busy and exciting term at school.

Curriculum Day

On Monday the school had a very successful Curriculum Day as a whole school staff. We were fortunate to work with Dr Judi Newman, who is one of Australia’s preeminent neuroscientists. Our day was focused around the latest research on how students learn and followed on from our strong focus on the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0, and in particular the ‘Elements of Learning’.

Holiday Work

Whilst students and families had a break over the holiday period schools never fully shut down! Over the break we have had a number of maintenance tasks completed and completely refurbished the level 2 toilet block. I am grateful to the staff who have organised the many jobs to be completed and hopeful that a new toilet block facility will be treated with respect, especially after the challenges of toilet usage last term.

I would also like to express appreciation, on behalf of the school, for one of our Year 6 student leaders. Over the holidays Zoe K painted a beautiful mural in the new fairy garden. Please make an effort to take a look. How fortunate we are to have such passionate, enthusiastic and dedicated young people in our school community.

TeamKids Holiday Program

The opening of the TeamKids Holiday Program was most successful. When calling in over the break I was greeted by happy faces engaged in sports, games, craft, as well as going on outings. I am sure this will continue to expand next holidays.

Staff News

EEPS warmly welcome Mr Tim Braddy to the school, he has joined the Year 5/6 team. Tim has had many years of teaching experience in an independent school and is furthering his career with us. I am very confident that Tim will settle in very quickly and fit into the EEPS culture very well. Welcome back to Ms Hannah McIntrye, who returns from family leave on a Wednesday, largely providing release support in the Year 6 area.

NAIDOC Week

This year NAIDOC Week took place from 6 to 13 July, celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC and the bright future for First Nations people in Australia, empowered by the strength of our young people, the vision of our communities and the legacy of our ancestors. Whilst this fell during the recent term break, we would still like to acknowledge this significant event in the National calendar.

OSHC Educators’ Day

Next Wednesday is OSHC Educators’ Day. This year’s theme for Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Educators’ Day is “Recognition and Appreciation”. Our EEPS OSHC Educators play an important part in our school community by providing safe and engaging programs which support families to work or attend to other commitments. We would like to recognise the significant contribution our OSHC educators and program leaders make and thank them for their tireless work within our OSHC program and the wider school community. When you see our OSHC team make sure to let them know how valued they are and your appreciation for all they do!

ICAS

This is the last reminder about signing your child up for the optional ICAS tests, if you wish. Information and dates have been included in the Newsletter and registrations close Monday 28th July.

Lost Property Process

As the years go by, we sometimes forget to regularly communicate certain information. One such topic, although reasonably small, is the process around lost property at school. Firstly, please remember to name all jumpers, lunch boxes, toys and sports equipment that come to school.

If any clothing items, or lunch boxes are missing, the first place to look is in the two red lost property cupboards outside the art room on level 2. Small items, toys or money, are usually sent to the office - so there are the two places to look. Please remind your child to look in both places, sometimes more than once. Staff, who see jumpers around the school grounds then normally return them to the lost property cupboards on level 2. This year the lost property pile seems to be growing ever bigger. Hopefully we can collectively work on this, but in the meantime the school is indebted to a small group of parents who are helping to put some order to the chaos!

Raising Healthy Minds

Late last term information regarding a helpful new resource was sent to schools. Here is the information:

The Raising Healthy Minds app is a free, personalised, pocket resource to help parents and carers raise confident, resilient children. Co-designed with parents and experts and funded by the Australian Government, Raising Healthy Minds aims to support children’s social and emotional wellbeing with evidence-based information. 

You’ll find information on topics like dealing with worries and making friends, as well as ideas for day-to-day life, like creating family routines, looking after yourself as a parent, and building strong relationships. 

The app offers a mix of quick-read articles, videos and animations aimed at parents and carers of children aged 0-12 years. You can tailor information to the age of your child and opt-in to receive helpful tips. 

Raising Healthy Minds provides simple-to-use information at your fingertips with clear actions you can start today. 

Download from Google Play or the App Store or go to raisingchildren.net.au/rhm to learn more and raise a healthy mind 🧠 😊 

Reminders - Phones and Devices

Just a reminder that students with mobile phones must have them stored away in bags, or the locked cabinets, during the day, and not used again until they have left the school grounds in the afternoon. Please also remember that all smart watches need to be set to ‘school mode’ during the day.

Good luck to all the District Athletics participants later this week, and to Piper, as she competes in the State Cross County.

Have a great first week back at EEPS.

Kind regards

Warren Lloyd

Principal