EHPS Contact

Principal's Report

Dear EHPS Parents and Carers,

Planning for 2024

In Term 4 much of the planning for the following year occurs. At this stage we expect to have 24 classes, including four Prep classes. There continues to be significant enrolment interest in our school, as many families in the Mount Waverley area look for outstanding educational opportunities for their children coupled with exceptional facilities and resources. We expect to have over 600 students at the school next year, and only in zone families will be able to enrol at the school.

 

The configuration of classes for next year will follow the current model. The table below shows the classes per year level and the coordinators for 2025:

At this time of year, children are often thinking about next year and their transition into the next year level. The staff are focussed on their students, their health and wellbeing as well as the many important factors necessary for the children to have a successful transition into 2025. Creating new class groups for next year will enable children to grow their friendship group across the year level as well as to be challenged with different thinking educationally.

 

The process of class creation is a very complex task, as there are many factors to consider before deciding the best student combinations. The educational needs of each child must be the most important criteria so that each has the best prospect of learning to their full potential. When developing class lists, teachers ensure that each class has an equitable spread of boys and girls with a range of academic abilities. Student compatibility and behaviour is also considered, and students are placed with children with whom they work well. This process is about placing children together who cooperate and get along in their learning. Children’s feedback will be sought by their classroom teacher. The allocation of classes takes many hours of consideration and planning by staff and it is taken very seriously to ensure that the children’s learning potential is maximised.

 

As always, in the formation of new classes, the children’s educational needs and the maintenance of positive working groups will be important criteria used to guide placement. If you have matters that are of interest to the educational needs of your child, please put them in writing and return to me by Friday 1 November. This, of course, is an opportunity for me to gain an insight into the matters that you see as important for the educational wellbeing of your child. Our staff will consider requests carefully when allocating students to classes and I can assure you that all information will be always handled confidentially.

 

Please note however that I cannot guarantee that requests will be met due to the many competing and complex priorities throughout this process. I would like to emphasise that all staff at EHPS are highly competent professionals who work for the best of all children. Any genuine issue will be considered seriously, however special requests for particular teachers will NOT be contemplated. Students will be placed in classes that best suits their best educational needs and the overall requirements of the school.

 

As parents you play an important role in modelling resilience to your children. Thought should be given now, as to how you will respond in coming months if your child has an issue with their class grouping. It is appropriate to discuss the matter with your child so that you can understand their concern and you may undertake to raise a query with a staff member. It is most important though to model responsible and proactive behaviour that encourages a child to understand that there are many opportunities outside of class time to be with friends, and this class arrangement will be an opportunity to make new friends and new working relationships.

 

Also essential to our consideration in our planning and preparation is knowing if children are leaving EHPS. As has been requested in recent issues of Contact, if your child is leaving EHPS either this term or not returning in 2025, it is essential that you advise me in writing as soon as possible to the school email address with the following details: 

  • Child’s name and 2024 class 
  • Date of last day at EHPS (e.g. the last day of Term 4/2024 school year is Friday 20 December) 
  • Name of the school your child is enrolled at 
  • Commencement date at new school (e.g. the 2025 school year commences on Tuesday 28 January) 
  • The reason for leaving EHPS  
  • New contact details, e.g. address, phone number, email

Holidays

Holidays are an important and special experience for families. Where possible, please minimise your child's absence from school during school terms. If you are planning a holiday during this school term, and especially if your child is finishing school before the end of the school year on Friday 20 December, all families are reminded that it is a requirement of the Department of Education student attendance guidelines that you request permission from me for your child to be absent during a school term. Please send an email to essex.heights.ps@education.vic.gov.au for my attention with the details of your holiday and requesting approval to be absent from school. You will receive an email response with further steps. 

Reminder

Families are reminded about the upcoming days when students do not attend school:

  • Friday 1 November – Student Free Day – Staff focus on Assessment and Reporting.
  • Monday 4 November – Professional Practice Day for staff – students not required at school.
  • Tuesday 5 November – Melbourne Cup public holiday.

Our OSHC program will be provide care from 7am to 6pm on Friday and Monday for children enrolled in the program; booking essential.

Showcase 2024

Finally, as you are all aware, Showcase is only a few weeks away. The children are busily rehearsing, and we are really looking forward to a spectacular night of musical entertainment on Friday 8 November. Tickets went on sale a few days ago and the uptake of tickets has been extraordinary. The performance is almost sold out, so if you require tickets, please purchase them as soon as possible. For all Showcase details, please refer to your Compass News Feed and the Showcase page in this newsletter.

Welcome

We welcome the following students and their families to the EHPS community:

  • Harin K (2H)
  • Victoria H (34Z) 
  • Wenyu (Emily) D (6C)

 

Looking forward to seeing you around the school. 

Kindest regards,

George Perini

Principal