Principal’s Report
Emma Clark
Principal
This Week…
Athletics Day
On Thursday March 5th, students from Grades 3–6 participated in House Athletics. A’Vard, Ryberg, Worrell and Nobelius competed to bring home the House Athletics Shield. Some of the events included high jump, the 800m race, long jump and hurdles. Students could place 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th in each of these events.
The bus left at 9:05am, and soon after arriving the Grade 3–6 students settled in under the shade with their Houses. At 10:00am, the first track race began – the 9/10-year-old boys 800m. The canteen was open throughout the day, selling hot food, snacks and cool drinks.
Soon it was coming down to the final events. The 9/10-year-old girls shot put was coming to an end, followed by the baton relay (which was selected by the House Captains). In the 9/10-year-old boys and girls relays, Worrell won, and in the 11/12-year-old boys and girls relays, Nobelius won.
Soon after the relays, the presentation began and, before the results were announced, Henry P handed out Zooper Doopers to everyone!
The results were then announced… Nobelius won!
Everyone had a really great day. Thank you to Mr Stella and Mr Appleby for organising the event, and to all staff for their help.
By Indi M, Jagger, Henry and Tanith
🩷 Harmony Day at EPS 🧡
On Friday 20 March, EPS will be celebrating Harmony Day, while also recognising Neurodiversity Week, World Down Syndrome Day, and the International Day Against Racial Discrimination. These important events help us celebrate diversity and promote understanding, inclusion and belonging for everyone in our school community.
Harmony Week (16–22 March) celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity and reminds us to treat each other with respect and kindness so everyone feels they belong.
The International Day Against Racial Discrimination (21 March) is a time to stand together against racism. It encourages us to appreciate our differences, speak up for fairness, and ensure everyone feels safe, respected and valued—no matter their background or culture.
Neurodiversity Week (16–20 March) recognises that every brain works differently. Throughout the week, students will explore how people think and learn in different ways and celebrate the strengths that diversity brings.
World Down Syndrome Day (21 March) raises awareness of Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) and celebrates the contributions and achievements of people with Down Syndrome.
🎉 Free Dress – Friday 20 March
Students are invited to come to school in free dress on Friday to celebrate inclusion.
Students can wear:
• Any bright or colourful clothing (Harmony Week’s official colour is orange, but any colour is welcome so families do not need to purchase anything new), and
• Fun or colourful socks to help raise awareness for World Down Syndrome Day.
No gold coin donation is required.
We are also pleased to welcome Nat Ward (EPS parent) and her son Van, who will briefly speak at assembly and visit some classrooms to share their experiences and help students learn more about Down Syndrome.
✨ Let’s all shine bright at EPS on Friday 20 March!
Bianca Appleby
From 1 January 2026, families eligible for CSEF will see an increase in support to $400 for primary school children, up from $154. Applications for 2026 CSEF support will open from 27 January 2026 and closes on the 26 June 2026.
If you currently hold a valid Concession Card, please come into the Emerald Primary School office to collect a form and submit it along with a copy of your Concession Card.
A downloadable version of the form is available here. You may complete this at home and bring the filled-in form, together with a copy of your Concession Card, to the school office.
For more information please visit: Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund | vic.gov.au
Getting to know our Staff…..
By our Wellbeing Team
Meet your Captains…..
Upcoming Events…
On the last day of Term 1, Emerald Primary School will be taking part in a World’s Greatest Shave event. Raising awareness and money for research into blood cancers is an important cause that is close to our hearts with this currently affecting one of our beautiful students.
We will be having a free dress day with a gold coin donation and doing coloured hairspray for $1 at the Friendship Tree at lunchtime on Thursday April 2nd.
If there are any students who want to take part by fundraising outside of school and then having their head shaved at assembly, please let Mrs Woodyard, Mrs Smart or Mrs Bathgate know.
You can join the team ‘Emerald Primary School’ with the passcode 3782 using the QR code or clicking on this poster.
Community News
The PAVED Festival kicks off on Sunday 12 April with FunFest which will be held in the carpark at Gemco and the EPS courts at the back of the school.
There are many activities for kids, but to access some of them, tickets will be required.
Get your Emerald FunFest Rides and Activities Wristband in advance and save money and time!
A wristband gives the wearer unlimited access to:
- Turbo Tubs
- Chair-o-Plane
- Face Painter
- Silent Disco
- Hi-Strike
- Handball
- Donkey Rides
Buy in advance for only $25 Early bird (until 21st March), or $30 (until 11th April).
Each individual ride and activity will cost $10 each in advance or on the day.
To purchase wristbands after 9am on Sunday 12th April, the price will be $40 each.
Come to the Railway Carriage at Gemco with your name and/or ticket from 9:00am on the day to collect your pre-purchased wristband or to buy on the day.
Here is the link that will take you to the relevant part of the PAVED web site.
https://events.humanitix.com/funfest-rides-and-activities-pre-purchase-wrist-band
We look forward to seeing you at FunFest.
