05-Feb-2021
Dear Families
The first full week back at school has been a very successful one and our students should be congratulated on the way they have embraced every learning opportunity. In visits to classrooms we can see calm and focused students developing their phonological awareness at the start of each day and using this to build on their reading and spelling skills. Challenging maths tasks that encourage students to apply their Number knowledge and a focus on students’ wellbeing follow, along with (on some days) Science, French, Art, Physical education and Robotics. The days are packed with excitement and great learning opportunities and it’s no wonder that sometimes our students get tired by the end of each day.
All of our staff are very proud of the efforts of our students and we’re excited about taking the next steps on our learning journey together.
School Restrictions Update
Following the Government’s announcements regarding new state-wide restrictions that came into effect at 11:59pm on Wednesday 3 February, there is new guidance for schools regarding the wearing of masks. People aged 12 and over must wear a fitted face mask when in public indoor spaces unless there is a lawful reason not to.
Children under 12 years of age and students at primary school or attending an OHSC program are not required to wear face masks. (Nothing changes for our students)
School staff are not required to wear face masks while teaching or caring, but those who wish to do so, can. Staff must wear face masks in indoor areas of the school when not teaching or caring.
Visitors to school sites must also wear masks when indoors. It is important that everyone entering onto our school site is aware of the updated face mask requirements. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.
Learning and Teaching Information
Information from each Year level that outlines some of the processes and learning that our students will be doing in Term 1 is in the Year Level newsletters. Please take a read and seek out your child’s teacher if there are any questions you have over the content.
Emergency Management Drills
During the term we will be conducting a number of Lock Down and Evacuation drills as part of our Emergency Management Plan- in line with DET guidelines. We will provide plenty of notice when these will be occurring to ensure students are fully aware of what they will be asked to do in a safe and supported manner.
Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club is back up and running! It has been wonderful seeing a mix of familiar and new faces joining us for breakfast. We are open to ALL children from 8.20 till 8.45, entrance is through the middle gate (near the crossing) on Edithvale Road, into the STEM centre. We are extremely lucky to have the support of Bakers Delight in Chelsea this year, who are donating bread and vegemite scrolls. We are also now able to have volunteers (masked up), and have Raie joining us a few mornings a week so please make sure to give her a big EPS welcome when you see her. Raie is a retired local who is keen to give back to her community and its wonderful having her, and potentially others, on board. If any parents, grandparents, or carers would like to volunteer (must have a Working with children Card) please get in touch with our wonderful office staff. We’d love to see you in the mornings.
Welcome Back BBQ
A reminder that, weather permitting, there will be a welcome back to school BBQ next Friday 12 February. It will be a chance to gather on the school grounds and have a chat with other families over a sausage while the kids have a play. Thanks to our School Council volunteers who are putting this on for us all.
Tip of The Week
Sometimes at the end of the day, our children are keen to switch of from their formal learning and deflect any efforts we make trying to find out about their day at school. For many students, and my eldest daughter growing up was certainly one of these, their answers to the question “What did you do today?” is “I Dunno” or “We did stuff”. Often this is because their days were so full of learning, creating and thinking that they can’t recall it all. Over time I have learnt to ask more open and inviting questions to illicit more detailed responses and the attached questions are included as a starting point for a conversation about your child’s day at school. I hope they help.
Works alert – Closure of Station Street, Edithvale
The Victorian Government is removing 18 dangerous level crossings and building 12 new stations as part of a $3 billion upgrade on the Frankston line.
To prepare for level crossing removal works in Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach, utility services such as electricity, water, gas and telecommunications are being upgraded and relocated along Station Street and Nepean Highway and surrounding side streets.
From 7am Monday 8 February to 6pm Wednesday 31 March 2021, Station Street will be closed to traffic between Edithvale Road and Fraser Avenue to enable these works. Detours will be in place via Berry and Munro streets.
James Whitla