Principal's Views

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of Epping Views PS.

This fortnight has been another busy and fun filled one. Last Friday the Prep students enjoyed having breakfast at school followed by a day filled with exciting activities. 

Our Year 3 students spent the first part of this week at Camp Oasis. I was able to spend some time with the campers. The students had an amazing time making some life long memories. I’d like to thank the staff who attended. They did an incredible job keeping our students happy and safe. Without this dedication we would be unable to run camps. 

On Wednesday our Year 2 students spent the day in the City experiencing ACMI. 

This week we celebrated Reconciliation Week staff and students spent time learning about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to exploring how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

In my last newsletter I wrote about the concerns we have for our student safety at before and after school drop off.

We have seen:

• students crossing the road without using the crossing
• parents encouraging students to cross roads to get in to the car
• drivers double parking
• drivers parking in “Drop off Zones”
• drivers doing u-turns in narrow roads.

All of these poor driving habits are dangerous and also illegal. 

This week we continued to keep some gates locked so that we can encourage the use of the crossings. 

I have contacted the Whittlesea council and requested assistance and guidance. Please be aware that fines will be issued to all drivers who are breaking the law/ignoring road signs. We are requesting assistance in developing a Traffic Management Plan. 

Once again I thank the parents who are doing the right thing.

I’m sure that you would agree with me that the Staff at EVPS are dedicated and committed to our students. It is important that they feel safe in the workplace and that members of our community understand Epping Views Primary School’s expectations for appropriate interactions with school staff. I am once again including a link to the “Respect for School Staff Policy” 

https://www.eppingviewsps.vic.edu.au/source/Respect-for-school-staff-policy.pdf

Did you know:

In Victoria, all cyclists, scooter (including e-scooter) and electric personal transportation (electric unicycles, segways etc) riders must wear a helmet. This rule applies to all ages whenever you’re riding in a public place such as on the road, in a bicycle lane, on a shared path, in carparks, on the footpath and in parks. Even passengers on a bike (such as a child in an approved child seat attachment or bike trailer) are legally required to wear a bike helmet.  

If you do not wear an approved helmet while riding, police have the power to stop you and issue either a warning or a fine. Fines for failing to wear a helmet or carrying a passenger who is not wearing a helmet range from $231 to $925, depending on whether you decide to take the matter to court.

We have a number of students who ride their bikes to school. If your child rides a bike to school please ensure they wear an approved bicycle helmet.

Approved helmets have the Australian Standards Mark TM (AS/NZS 2063) and will be marked as suitable for cycling.

Stay well this winter

Symptoms of influenza (flu) can hit very quickly and may last several weeks. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting the flu. 

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended from mid-April each year and is free under the National Immunisation Program for those at higher risk of complications from the flu.

Keeping our school community well

Parents, carers and students are encouraged to practice prevention measures, including:

• washing and sanitising hands regularly
• avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing · staying home if unwell and consulting a general practitioner (GP) or Nurse-on-call as required
• staying up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Flu vaccinations

Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies, many of which can also provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.

Some people are more at risk of complications from flu and are eligible for free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.

COVID-19 booster

The 2023 COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and above.

Getting your booster dose remains the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people aged over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness.

You can have your booster dose 6 months after your last dose or COVID infection.

Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a 2023 booster dose. 

You can get your next dose at your local pharmacy or GP. To find one near you, refer to the vaccine clinic finder.

Find out more:

For more information about preventing flu, and immunisation, refer to:

• Better Health Channel influenza flu immunisation fact sheet 
• Getting vaccinated against influenza

3 Way Conferences 21st June 

Bookings are now open for our Semester One 3 Way Conferences, being held as face-to-face meetings on Wednesday 21st June. This is an opportunity for you to discuss your child's progress in their learning with their teacher, and for your child to share work that they are proud of and that highlights their learning. 

To book in a conference for your child between 11:00am and 7:30pm, use the Community menu in Compass and select the 2023 Semester One 3 Way Conferences, or use the link from your child's Compass dashboard. Students are only required to attend during their meeting.

Building & Grounds update

Over the coming weeks you will notice that a number of our relocatable buildings will be removed from site. These are excess classrooms and will be allocated to other schools.

We are excited to claim back some of our space. The removal of these buildings will make allow for the development of an engaging play space for all year levels… stay tuned for further details.

Community Hub

We are excited to announce that we are developing a Community Hub at our school. Our Hub Leader will be announced in the coming days. Once it is up and running the hub will be open daily and we will be encouraging families to drop in to participate in a number of programs including walking group, story time, afternoon tea & chat, gardening & many others.

We will be launching the Community Hub early in Term 3.

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Warm regards,

Mandy O’Mara

Principal