PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

2026 CLASSES

It’s that time of year again when we begin planning for our 2026 class placements. If you would like to discuss any specific educational needs that should be considered when forming classes, please make an appointment with either Josh or myself by Friday, 31 October (end of Week 4). Appointments can be held either in person or over the phone.

Creating class groups is a thoughtful and complex process, as we aim to ensure a balanced and fair mix of students in each class. Once the process begins, changes cannot be made, so it’s important that we gather all relevant information before the commencement of week 5.

SNAKE SAFETY

As the weather warms up, snakes become more active, particularly around grassy areas and bushland. While snake sightings around schools are uncommon, it’s important that we all remain alert.

Some families may be aware that a snake was spotted on school grounds after hours on Tuesday. Staff carefully monitored the situation from a safe distance, and a snake catcher attended promptly to capture and relocate it safely.

At Echuca East Primary School, staff regularly remind students to:

• Stay away from long grass and garden areas.
• Never approach or try to touch a snake.
• Notify a teacher immediately if they see something unusual.

If a snake is ever sighted in or near the school, our safety procedures ensure students remain safely indoors while the appropriate authorities are contacted.

We encourage families to have similar conversations at home to reinforce these important safety messages and help keep everyone safe.

SUNSMART

Just another reminder that “No Hat No Play” operates throughout term 4. All students must wear a school broad-rimmed hat when playing outside, whenever they are participating in outside class activities, including sports/PE sessions. Hats are even required on cloudy days, as the UV levels are well on the rise whether the sun is shining or not. For best sun protection, use the 5 step SunSmart steps:

1. Slip on covering clothing. If you can see skin, UV can reach it!

    

2. Slop on SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum sunscreen. Apply this before going outside and reapply every 2 hours. At school we supply the Woolworths Home Brand sunscreen (in the orange bottle) and this is available to use in every classroom.

3.  If your child has an allergy (or reaction) toward this specific brand, please advise your child’s classroom teacher and pack a more suitable sunscreen for your child to use each day when at school.

4. Slap on a sun protective hat. The best hat shades the head, face, eyes, ears and neck. Hats can be purchased at Hip Pocket on Pakenham Street, Echuca if your child/ren requires a new hat. Please regularly check the condition of your child/rens hats, if they are tattered, ripped or defaced – they will require a new one. Hats are a part of our school uniform.

5. Seek shade. Shady spaces help block some of the sun’s UV but not all, so you still need to wear your hats, clothing and sunscreen, even when in the shade.

6. Slide on the sunglasses labelled AS 1067. If practical, help protect the eyes with sunglasses.

REMINDER

Just a reminder that Monday the 3rd November is a Pupil Free Day, with Tuesday the 4th November - Melbourne Cub Public Holiday. Make sure you pop these dates in your calendar. It will be here before we know it!

Wishing you all a lovely weekend!