Class Dojo

It is imperative that all Parents/Carers have ClassDojo notifications switched ON at all times. ClassDojo is our main method of communication and it is vital that they are always open.

Last Day 1pm Dismissal

Friday December 17th is the last official day of the school year, there will be a student assembly at the back stage at 12.40pm, to farewell our Year 6 students followed by a 1pm dismissal of all children. Foundation parents can pick up their child at the conclusion of assembly, under the teacher’s instruction.

Please make sure your children are picked up at this earlier time.

Covid Cases

As most people know we had some positive Covid cases during the week which unfortunately led to a cancellation of a Year 6 excursion. We are hoping that this can be rescheduled to next week. I want to reassure parents that the school continues to take all possible safety measures to prevent the spread of Covid at school. Parents can help through the provision of face masks for their children and their own drink bottles.

Our school follows the advice given by the Education Department and the Victorian Health Authority. Our Covid Safety Management Plan is based upon the guidelines and recommendations from both of these organisations. I have attached links below for parent’s information on Covid.

www.education.vic.gov.au

https://www.vic.gov.au/department-health

Chickenpox

We have had a reported case of chickenpox in the school recently. The advice is as follows from the Health Department regarding the control of Chickenpox. If you are unsure please contact your doctor or the Health Department website.

Chickenpox and shingles must be notified by medical practitioners and pathology services in writing within 5 days of diagnosis.
Exclusion periods for cases are 5 days, or until all blisters have dried.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious, but usually mild, disease.
Shingles is not as contagious as chickenpox.
Chickenpox and shingles can be controlled by vaccination.

Thank You

On behalf of the School Council I would like to officially thank our wonderful Teaching and Education Support staff who put so much time and effort into educating the children at CEPS. Our staff faced an unprecedented series of challenges during 2021. They were required to rethink the way they worked and embraced the challenge with abundant success.

When COVID-19 struck our state again we had to change almost overnight to learning from home, working quickly to transition classrooms online and to ensure equipment was accessible to everyone in a matter of days. The enormity and immense effort, creative thinking and long hours that this required cannot be overstated. Throughout it all, CEPS teachers persistently ensured our students were at the centre of our work, remaining engaged in learning and connected to their peers. At the same time, the staff themselves were also challenged on an incredibly steep learning curve, especially in the use of technology.

Over this year CEPS teachers went way beyond normal duties for their students: dropping off and collecting classwork from student homes; thinking of innovative ways to maintain a sense of belonging and building community; calling families to link vital support services; differentiating learning beyond not only capabilities but inclusive of circumstance and technology: and generally being available for their students all from the confines of their own homes.

In reflection, our schools have never been more appreciated by students, parents and the public as 2021 has demonstrated the undeniable central role they play in our society. As we have returned onsite, our teachers have again risen to the challenge of teaching as they have kept our students safe in a socially distanced world. They fulfil many roles including teacher, counsellor, first aider, infection control supervisor, the odd comedian and much more to the children. I applaud each and every staff member for the year that was.

Thank you also to our wonderful office staff Belinda, Tara, Robyn (recently retired) and Sue who keep the front of the school ticking over. Their professionalism and dedication ensures the school administrative area runs smoothly at all times and the volume of work which has been re-assigned to Term 4 as a result of school operations this year has been enormous. Thank you for your resilience and determination to ‘get the job done’.

Thank you to our wonderful School Council who have represented the community throughout the year, giving up valuable family time to make meetings and make important decisions. We wish departing councillors Ange Berry and Nick Howes all the best for the future. Thank you to our fantastic Parents’ Committee volunteers in particular Linda Donaldson, Shelley Mead who are both departing, Jodie Marsh and Sam May for adapting in a year of very different circumstances under which to operate. Your work is much appreciated by all at CEPS.

Finally thank you to the numerous volunteers who give their time to the children so they can learn and grow: Kids Hope, Crossing Supervisors, Parents’ Committee, Pre-service teachers, Parent Helpers and all other volunteers who have helped at CEPS in any way.

Graduation Evening

On Tuesday evening we will celebrate with the Year 6 students and their parents, the successful completion of seven years at primary school. This cohort of children have built skills under conditions never experienced before. They have worked hard to achieve growth, self-discipline, resilience and perseverance. There are many people who have played their part along the way and it is a team effort, so next Tuesday evening we will celebrate the contributions of parents, families, teachers, friends and support staff to their achievements.

We will honour our graduating students for their achievements but perhaps more importantly the beginning of their next step in life. It has been a privilege to get to know the students and to watch them develop in their confidence and their self-belief. Good luck and I wish them much success in all their endeavours.

I thank the year 6 teachers and parents for their endeavour in arranging the graduation celebration this year. Due to the regular moving of restrictions and COVID safe regulations we must adhere to, this event has required much flexibility in approach. The children and families will nevertheless enjoy their special event to mark this unique occasion. Thank you to you all for persisting through these circumstances.

Student Reports

You will be receiving your child’s report on Monday 13th December. These reports indicate the point of learning for each child as at the end of the 2021 school year in English and Maths. This data will be shared with each child’s 2022 teacher (along with other data and work samples) as the ‘starting point’ for learning next year. Students have received the results that they deserve and as is the case with all reports, there are results to celebrate and results that will be the focus of future learning and development throughout the next 12 months.

2022 Grades

The children will be meeting their new teacher for 2022 on Wednesday 15th in a ‘Meet the Teacher’ session. They will spend some time getting to know their new teacher and new classmates before the end of the year. Your child will bring home a slip telling you who their teacher is and what grade they are in. The grade selection process has been long and detailed with children selected in specific grades based on the three following criteria: friendship groups, social and emotional needs and academic performance.

The staff structure for 2022 is as follows:

Principal - Mr Wayne Bach

Assistant Principal - Mrs Leisel Ward

Leading Teacher - Mr Josh Bourke

Business Manager - Mrs Sue Chase

Administration Support - Mrs Belinda Ricardo

Administration Support - Ms Tara Shimmin

Foundation 0A - Mrs Chelsea Kubic

Foundation OB - Mrs Kerrie Presnell/Mrs Amy Gridley

Year 1A - Mrs Samantha Waugh

Year 1B - Miss Darcie Bull

Year 1C - Miss Madeleine Morrow

Year 2A - Mrs Amanda Price/Sonia Gabron Uhe

Year 2B - Mrs Kate Burman

Year 2C - Miss Lauren Stygall

Year 3/4A - Mrs Julie Beaton/Mrs Yvonne Kerr

Year 3/4B - Mr Jason Crebbin/Mrs Robyn Apostolopoulos

Year 3/4C - Ms Rebecca Crawford

Year 3/4D - Ms Stacey Savva

Year 3/4E - Ms Gemma Shea

Year 5A - Miss Lauren Doutch

Year 5B - Mr Patrick Hughes

Year 5C - Ms Mairead Judge

Year 6A - Mr Tom Packham

Year 6B - Ms Tegan Boucher

Integration - Ms Natasha Harvie

Integration - Mrs Divya Rai

Integration - Mrs Lisa Nicholson

Integration - Mrs Debbie Butler

Integration - Ms Loretta Conheady

Art - Ms Suzanne Reid

LOTE - Ms Stella Mondy

Music - Mrs Susan Digby

Physical Education - Mrs Rebecca Robinson

Literacy Intervention - Mrs Deborah Douglas

Literacy Intervention - Mrs Kerry Emmanouil

Literacy Intervention - Ms Sarah Lazzaro

Literacy Intervention - Ms Samantha Collins

Maintenance - Mr Jonathan Cartwright

Volunteers - Thank you

Thank you to our many volunteers in the school for your help over the year. There are many organisations and individuals who give up their time to help our students and teachers. The opportunity to meet and hold our traditional thank you morning tea is not possible this year, however the sentiments remain. On behalf of the school I extend a warm thank you for your wonderful support during the year in many capacities. If you have helped in any way please understand we are most grateful for your support and look forward to our continued partnership for the benefit of our students.

The Parents and Friends committee have been affected by the lack of opportunities to raise much needed funds this year due to Covid but they have still managed to run some Fun Food days for our lucky children.

Our Parents and Friends' Committee has provided an opportunity for parents with a variety of skill sets to participate and contribute to our school community. I wish to offer my sincere thanks on behalf of the CEPS school and community for all of your hard work, support of functions and willingness to be involved over the past year.

Transition Day

The last of our face-to-face Foundation transition sessions occurred last Tuesday. A year like no other has required an adaptive Transition program which has seen a variety of ways to introduce the school to new community members. The last session to be held next Tuesday December 7th is the ‘Meet the Teacher’ session where the 2022 Foundation children come along and experience a morning session of school with the teachers. It is always great to see them already dressed in full school uniform with their school bags.

Sensory Garden

The sensory garden project is finished as of yesterday although the school is in the process of purchasing three new tables and seats to put in which were not included in the costs. I’m sure you will agree it has not only made the area safer for everyone to use but also looks fantastic and will be a great spot for the children to play in. The children have enjoyed the entertainment provided by the workers during lunchtime and recess breaks.

Thought For the Week

Mr Wayne Bach

Principal

Life Education