Principal's Item 

Dear parents, carers and friends of EEPS,

It was fantastic to have our first indoor assembly for the year on Monday. The new student leaders delivered very polished learning reports, and there is already so much happening across the school that they could share.

I was also able to introduce the 2026 teaching teams to the students, just so it is easier when the students see teachers in the playground and especially for our new students. I also talked through what our Statement of Inclusion actually means and thanked everyone for the excellent attitudes and efforts that we have seen as we are starting off in the term.

Celebrating Our Student Writers

Congratulations to Evie I, from Year 3 who has had her short story published by Eltham Bookshop as part of Chatterbooks, their children’s book club. Evie has written and illustrated a short story called The Mountain Valley. Eltham Bookshop is hosting a small book launch on Sunday 22nd February, with local children’s author Judith Rossell, for those EEPS families who would like to attend. 

I also want to remind all families to please let the school know when your child/ren achieves something significant in any field of endeavour outside of school. We always do our best to acknowledge these achievements in one form or another. 

Weekend Bike Theft - Returned

Sadly, we had a young local family have their bike stolen from the lower Prep playground on Sunday morning. Upon reaching out to our community, in a Compass Newsfeed, the bike has been returned, which will be very comforting to the local family. However, it is a good reminder to be alert, but not alarmed, when it comes to security. 

Uniforms - Great Start but More to do

It has been excellent to see the really significant increase in compliance to correctly wearing the EEPS uniform - it has made a big difference, and the student body is looking fantastic. However, there are still a number of students who are out of uniform. 

Can I please remind all parents that bike pants and running shorts are not compliant with our student dress code. Shorts need to be plain black and the equivalent length to the existing EEPS rugby-style shorts, this length is half-way between the hip and knee.

Safer Internet Day

At Assembly this week our new Technology Leaders encouraged all students to remember all the important safety tips and tricks when they are online and engaging with technology. Please remember that Smart phones need to be set to ‘school mode’, and not used during the day. This includes attendance at OSHC.

Open Afternoon and Meet the Teacher

Yesterday we held our annual, informal Open afternoon and meet the teacher. Thank you to those families who could attend. We did do a head count so we can review the effectiveness of this initiative in subsequent years.

Professional Learning

For new families, I frequently refer to our motto of ‘Learning and Growing Together’, and its applicability for all members of our community. Along with weekly professional development for staff, our Leadership team frequently attends Department Area Forums and Network Meetings. Our lens is always on looking at ways to improve our great school. This week I will be attending the Principal Network meeting and then the Area Forum next week.

New ELO Format and ‘Stepping Stones’

This year we have introduced a new format for our Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) for our Year 3 and 4 students, we have communicated to those families separately about this. We have also introduced a new program in Prep-Year 2 that we have called ‘Stepping Stones’. For our Preps this means several sessions a week focussing on building Social and Emotional Learning through structured play. For our Year 1 and 2 students it is providing more opportunities for the development of fine motor skills and for physical exercise and play, on a rotating fortnightly basis.

Calendar of Events

Based on some parent requests we are trialling a new whole-term, whole-school calendar of events for families, in addition to the dates listed in the Newsletter. This is attached as a PDF document. I would be grateful to receive feedback from families if this is actually helpful or useful.

Lunchtime Activity Clubs

We have commenced our lunchtime activity groups this week and this was highlighted with the students at assembly on Monday. We have made sure that every day there is one option or another ranging from Library, Calm Space and Uno, for those students who would like a break from time in the playground.

Have a great week of Learning and Growing Together.

Kind regards

Warren Lloyd

Principal