Gossepping Newsletter

Issue 04


Principal's Report

Three-Way Conferences

Congratulations to all the students, parents and teachers who took part in our three-way conferences last week. This was a great opportunity for students to discuss their learning and progress, and to set some goals for future learning. It is also great that so many parents have been on Compass and checked under the ‘Reports’ tab of their child’s dashboard to read their report. If you have not done this, please make some time to read and discuss your child’s report with them.

Three-way Conferences that need to be rescheduled will be done for Week 6 and parents will be notified of how and when to book on Compass for these. These will be conducted online.

School Uniform

Having a school uniform helps to ensure that:

  • our students are dressed safely, comfortably, and appropriately for school activities
  • we foster a sense of community, pride and belonging
  • the school and its students are identifiable within the wider community.

A number of students have not been wearing correct uniform. If, for any reason, your child cannot wear part or all of the school uniform, you must provide a note explaining the reason. You can purchase school uniform from PSW. Please find a link to the school’s website uniform page here. Alternatively, you can purchase light blue and navy tops, pants, skirts and dresses from K-Mart, Big W or Best and Less.

Attendance

It is great to see so many students and parents making a BIG effort to get to school on time. Your child should be at school at 8.50 am so they can put their bag and belongings away and be ready for learning at 9.00am sharp!

I am concerned there are a number of students leaving before the end of the day. We understand that sometimes, students have appointments which are unavoidable however, it is expected that all students are at school until 3.15.

COVID Update

You may be aware that the school has had a number of COVID-19 cases recently as well as a number of students with colds and flu. The Department of Education and Training strongly encourage mask wearing for students who are aged 8 and over and staff whilst indoors. Wearing a face mask can help protect you, your child/ren and those around you. Face masks stop droplets spreading when people talk, cough, sneeze and laugh, which lowers the chance of spreading or catching the virus.

If your child is experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms, please keep them home and test them immediately. They can return to school once they receive a negative test. If your child does test positive, please inform the school as soon as possible.

The school will continue to distribute Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits to families. Please remind your children of the different ways they can keep themselves and others safe and healthy.



Education News

2023 Foundation Students Information Session

On Wednesday 3rd August we held our annual information session for 2023 foundation students.

It was a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase everything Epping Primary has to offer prospective students.

Parents were shown a number of short videos and presented with a lot of valuable information on the different programs we offer and tips on how to prepare students for their first year at school.

We had a number of parents in attendance who had some great questions, as well as a few future students who entertained themselves with colouring and block building.

Mrs McKenzie & Mrs Glass were supported by 2 of our amazing prep teachers in welcoming these families to the Epping Primary Community.

Our Admin team are currently putting together some very special welcome packs for students who enrol in prep for 2023.

We will be continuing to conduct tours at both campuses for anyone who wasn’t able to attend the information night, simply contact the school office to book in for a tour or come into the office to collect an enrolment pack.



School Council News

School Council Committees

Just a reminder that you can contribute to the school through our School Council Sub-committees. The Sub-committees are run by a member of School Council and play an important role in providing feedback and recommendations to School Council. The Sub-committees for 2022 include:

  • Fundraising Committee – making recommendations for fundraising ideas and organising and running fundraising activities.
  • Education Committee – review program plans and school policies to ensure best practice at Epping Primary School.
  • Finance Committee – oversee and review school program budgets and expenditure and make recommendations to School Council.

You do not have to have any prior experience or knowledge to participate in our committees – just passion and motivation to make a difference. If you would like more information about a committee or wish to join a committee, please contact the school.

School Council Meeting Summary

School Council met on Monday July 22 at 6.00pm. The Council discussed the following:

  • Assessment and Reporting information including Student Reports and Individual Education Plans are ‘live’ on Compass and can be accessed by parents, and three-way conferences were scheduled for students and teachers to discuss learning.
  • Financial transactions and Grant progress.
  • Cookie Dough fundraising has been organised and for every tub of dough sold, the school receives $4.00. The money raised goes towards classroom resources.
  • The school is continuing its work implementing the Little Learners Love Literacy science-based reading program from P-2. The school is also focussing on Mathematics and ensuring all classes have the appropriate resources in each class.
  • Discussion around the 5/6 camp and concerns including high cases of illness in staff and students and the ability to staff the camp. School Council acknowledge these difficulties but recommended the camp still go ahead. Principal to make a decision over the coming weeks taking into account all feedback.


Community News & Events

Upcoming School Events
DateEvent
Friday 12th August100 Days of Prep Celebration
Wednesday 17th AugustGr 3 & 4 Scienceworks Excursion
Thursday 25th AugustBook Week Dress Up Day
Monday 29th AugustCurriculum Day
Wednesday 31st AugustPrep Minibeats Incursion
Monday 5th Sept - Wednesday 7th Sept Phillip Island Camp
Wednesday 14th SeptemberStudent Free Day
Friday 16th SeptemberLast Day of Term - 2:30pm Finish


Cookie Dough Fundraiser


Hurry Closing Soon!!!!

The Cookie Dough fundraiser has begun, so go online and order yours today.

Baking cookies is a wonderful indoor activity you can do with your kids on a winter’s day, quick, easy and delicious.

$4 from each tub sold will go directly to the school and will provide resources and materials for our school and your child.

All the money raised last year is going toward purchasing interactive TVs in the classrooms to replace the aging projectors.

Visit the Australian Fundraising website and click the “Cookie Dough Login” button to start ordering.

There are great prizes for students with each tub sold.

Orders close Monday 8th August.

Thank you to all those families that have already ordered, your support is greatly appreciated.