Principal’s Report

Planning Classes for 2026

As we continue Term 4, teachers begin the process of creating classes for 2026 to establish the best learning environment for them again with their peers. There are several factors that are considered in finding the best balance for each grade such as:

  • Achievement levels
  • Behavioural challenges
  • Interpersonal relationships between students
  • Teacher recommendations

Achieving even a semi-equal distribution of these factors simultaneously is no small feat! Our priority is creating a high performing and positive classroom environment ensuring a stimulating space for students to achieve their best.
As a result, requests for classes based on interpersonal relationships between students, in writing, will be accepted until Friday 31st October (emerald.ps@education.vic.gov.au). Please note – all grade teachers will go through a process in coming weeks whereby they ask students in their classes to give them a short list of which students they would like to be with in 2026 because they learn well with them, and/or they are students who make them feel happy and safe in the classroom, which is a separate process to any parent/carer requests submitted by email. Requests for individual teachers will not be accepted unless there is a special needs diagnosis, and/or substantial adjustments being made for a student’s learning, and the final decision on all student placements rests with myself and the teaching team, after due consideration of all related factors. I thank you for your cooperation and understanding in supporting what is best for all of our students at EPS and look forward to a positive and exciting start to 2026.

We are coming into an important time of year regarding planning for 2026. If you are aware of any families who are looking at enquiring to enrol at EPS and have not submitted enrolment forms for next year, please encourage them to contact the school ASAP. Also, if you are exiting the school at the end of this year, please let us know as soon as possible so we can include this in our planning.

  • October Events:
    • Monday 13th – Friday 17th October – Book Fair
    • Thursday 16th October – Divisional Basketball (Selected Students)
    • Thursday 16th October – Prep 2026 Transition Program
    • Friday 17th October – PJ Free Dress Day
    • Friday 17th October – Divisional Volleyball (Selected Students)
    • Wednesday 22nd October – Divisional Cricket (Selected Students)
    • Thurday 23rd October – Regional Athletics (Selected Students)
    • Thursday 23rd October – School Council meeting @ 7.30pm
    • Monday 27th October – Prep 2026 Transition Program
    • Thursday 30th October – Prep 2026 Transition Program
    • Friday 31st October – Crazy Hair Day
  • November Events: 
    • Tuesday 4th November – Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
    • Saturday 8th November – Working Bee @1pm
    • Monday 10th November – Prep 2026 Transition Program
    • Thursday 13th November – Prep 2026 Transition Program
    • Saturday 15th November – School Fair
    • Thursday 20th Novemeber – School Council Meeting @ 7.30pm
    • Monday 24th November – Grade 5 Indoor Soccer
    • Wednesday 26th November – Prep 2026 Meet the Teacher Evening
    • Friday 28th November – Curriculum Day (No Students at School)

Emma Clark

Principal

This Week…

A Message from Kazz, Our School Crossing Lady
Kazz phoned Monday morning to let us know her ankle is broken after a fall last week, but she’s on the mend! She asked us to pass on a big thank you to everyone for the kind messages and support after her fall. Kazz said she has felt very loved and cared for by our school community.

EPS Families – have your say to update our School Values!

Dear Families of Emerald Primary School,

Our current school values of Friendliness, Success, and Respect have guided us well for many years. As we prepare to introduce the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) Framework, it’s the right time to refresh our values.

Teaching staff recently identified the key behaviours they expect in all school settings, which has led to seven proposed values. Now we would like your input, in addition will be seeking student feedback over coming weeks. The survey will be open for two weeks – Friday 10th October 2025 – Friday 24th October 2025, inclusive .

👉 Please rate the values in order of your preference.

A “1” rating being the value that resonates the most with you or means the most for your child/children here at EPS, and a “7” rating meaning least important.

Each of the values has a list of dot points underneath, defining what the value means.

Survey Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVshEiWoUpHwa3Ywr0HgMM6ToHuU-1NwAbhLNYFsA7ywSNVA/viewform?usp=header

Thank you for your input.

Bianca Appleby and SWPBS Team

Star of the week!

For making wonderful improvement in your reading skills. What a reading star!

For taking time out of your lunch play to pick up rubbish around the school grounds. You are amazing role models we appreciate your wonderful efforts and encouraging others to join in!

For great efforts in our measurement task, learning new concepts and understanding how to compare mass of different objects.

For writing a great holiday postcard creating a lovely recount and focusing on neat handwriting and excellent spelling. Well Done Zoe!

For starting the term with such a positive attitude. Your smile is contagious!

For his wonderful effort in all his work and for being such a friendly and fun class member.

For the amazing effort you put into absolutely everything that you do Keep it up!

For approaching her learning in maths with a growth mindset and using creative problem-solving skills.

For your constant positive attitude and willingness to dive headfirst into the learning pit. You’ve achieved some great outcomes!

*Student Award*

For consistently trying her best in her work and being an amazing class member who always offers to help others. We think you are a STAR!

For showing excellent curiosity and focus when researching his Getaway country, Venezuela.

For continuing to push yourself out of your comfort zone. I was so impressed with your confidence in production and love seeing how far you are coming in your learning.

For putting lots of effort into your holidays recount writing. What a writing star!

For a smooth and confident return to school. Loving your positive attitude and great enthusiasm for learning! Well done!

For completing an informative postcard about his holidays.

For being focused and engaged during our measurement activities this week. He has worked hard, listened carefully and given his best effort. Well Done Paddy!

For showing so much improvement with your handwriting! Your practice is paying off.

For being such a caring, thoughtful friend! Well done!

For always having a positive attitude, a big smile and a willingness to give everything a go!

For awesome contributions to our class discussions. You are thoughtful and reflective.

For your unwavering happy & positive attitude and fantastic persistence in all learning tasks. Keep it up!

For consistent focus and hard work in Maths. It was especially noticeable in MIB when you persisted even though the problem was Challenging. You are a mathematical STAR!

For your determination, hard work and positive attitude towards learning. You’ve given your best effort in every task and should be very proud of yourself!

For being so engaged with his learning and improving in all areas. What a super star!

For beautiful presentation with correct letter formation of text about Daylight Savings.

For showing wonderful enthusiasm and using a clear, confident voice during your holiday show and tell. Great job Kirby!

For creating a descriptive persuasive piece about netball being her favourite sport.

For his wonderful, creative approach to all tasks and incredible number crunching skills!

For writing a well-structured diamante antonym poem contrasting summer and winter.

For her positive mindset and belief in the ability to improve with effort.

For always being a beacon of kindness, positive mindset and encouragement to everyone around you.

For being a resilient learner who has been happy to sit in the learning pit and then celebrate his many successes. YOU ARE A STAR!

For your focus back at school after the holidays. You are trying hard to keep on task and asking for help when unsure. You are a STAR!

For being a kind and supportive friend, a positive role model and always giving his best in all areas of our learning.

Upcoming Events…

Our Working Bees are always a lot of fun, with good music playing and the kids loving getting involved and having a play. We would love some help with weeding, tree trimming, and general tidying. Please bring any extra tools you might have, but remember to label them clearly. We hope to see you there!

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