Principal's Item 

Dear parents, carers and friends of EEPS,

As we head towards the half-way point of Term 2 I hope you can take a moment, as a family, to reflect on your combined successes together.

Reflection on Our Combined Importance

Every time there is a significant violent event in the community, such as at Northland on Sunday, it is hard not to reflect on our combined importance - parents and educators, to help our young people grow and develop with strong moral compasses, with confidence and feeling connected. These foundational aspects speak to the type of people that we strongly aspire to help educate and mould. 

Social Learning

Continuing the theme, over the last two days, it has been very valuable for our Year 1-4 students to participate in a U R Strong workshop at EEPS. We have been able to fund this workshop for students as a part of the Mental Health Fund allocation to EEPS. I hope that the children have discussed the themes at home. 

EEPS Colour Run

The inaugural EEPS Colour run was a huge success last Thursday. Thank you again for the massive support that we have received from our parent community. This is what the school wrote on our Facebook page:

“The EEPS inaugural Colour Run! A long time in the making. We had the best time ever this afternoon when we embraced an explosion of colour in the name of fun, fundraising and community connections. Whilst it was a lot of pure and simple fun when you stand back and look it was also a celebration of life, of togetherness, of creativity, of happiness and connection. All the things that bursts of colour represent. Thank you to everyone involved. Whilst not in the classroom, events like these, still help to build and develop our students in so many ways. #goodoneEEPS!”

Reconciliation Week

It was important that the school acknowledged Reconciliation Week at Assembly on Monday.

The theme for us is around learning from the past and celebrating the rich culture of the First Australians.

Next Monday the school choir will be performing a special song as a part of the 2025 theme of ‘Bridging Now to Next’. This theme encourages Australians to reflect on the connection between the past, present and future, and to continue working towards a more reconciled Australia. It urges all Australians to step forward together, building on past lessons to create a united and respectful nation. 

State Budget

Whilst the school lobbied hard for consideration in the recent State government budget, we were disappointed that the school wasn’t successful. Whilst we have several key upgrades on our Masterplan the focus was on obtaining funding for a replacement for the synthetic turf oval. We will continue the efforts working with Vicki Ward, the local Member of Parliament. Speaking with Vicki on Friday, she was, however, pleased to let me know that she had secured a meeting with the Minister of Education, to talk about our needs and discuss a proposed timeline - fingers crossed.

Vicki has also committed to liaise with government departments and the local and Federal governments, to have a further look at the traffic and road safety concerns around Eltham East Primary School. 

Science Talent Search

Here is an update from Mr Arnold:

“Entries for the Science Talent Search have been extended. Children now have until the end of term to create a poster, story, or experiment. So, it's not too late if you still want to get started. However, if you want to enter you must register this week. Please see Mr Arnold if you have any questions.”

Coffee Van - Team Kids Vacation Care

Hopefully some families were able to attend the TeamKids online information session on Tuesday evening. Don’t forget that they are hosting a coffee van this Thursday, 7.00-9.00am near the main school entrance. They will be there to answer any questions you may have around registering for vacation care.

Have a great week of Learning and Growing Together.

Kind regards

Warren Lloyd

Principal