Principal’s Report
We raised $400 to donate to the EB Foundation – which is amazing! Thank you to Charlotte S. and her mother Jess for arranging this day, and to Charlotte for speaking at assembly about what EB is and how we can help.
Congratulations to Isla G. and Albie W. of Grade 5 for their outstanding speeches at the Rotary Speech Competition for primary schools in the local area last night. They did our school proud as they spoke about “what they would change about the world”, giving clear, passionate and innovative speeches about what we can all do to make the world a better place.
Some parents have asked me to clarify some details about Monday 2nd November, which is the day before the Melbourne Cup Day holiday. From past experience it is evident that many families use this day to take a longer weekend as their last chance for a break before Christmas. We know that class numbers are significantly down, usually with around 5-10 students in each class, so normal programs tend to be postponed for the day. If you are able to indicate on Compass prior to the day if you anticipate your child/children being absent on the day, that would be very helpful. In Compass, please click on “Add Attendance Note”. Please be assured that any student attending on this Monday will be supervised all day, but it is very probable that the normal school programs will not be running. This includes the closing of the school Canteen for the day.
We would love to see as many people as possible at our Spring Working Bee, next Sunday 8th November at 1pm. The aim will be to ensure that our schoolgrounds are “ship-shape” for the EPS Fair the following weekend. We will do some mulching and some weeding/branch tidy ups. Everyone welcome! BYO wheelbarrows and shovels/mulch rakes if possible. We will finish off the afternoon with a BBQ.
We are coming into an important time of year regarding planning for 2027. 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.
As we start Term 4, teachers begin the process of creating classes for 2027 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 30th 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 2027 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 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 2027 – which will come around quicker than we know it.
As we continue to look at the best ways to communicate with our school community, we will be making some changes to how we use Class Dojo from Term 4. Class Dojo will continue to be used for whole-school and grade cohort posts, including sharing important information, reminders and celebrations with families. However, the direct messaging function between individual parents/carers and staff members will no longer be used for communication.
If you have a question, concern or matter you would like to discuss with your child’s teacher, we encourage you to touch base with them briefly before or after school, where appropriate, or contact the school to arrange a meeting time. You can also email the school emerald.ps@education.vic.gov.au and your message will be directed to the appropriate staff member. For anything urgent that needs to be addressed on the day, please contact the school office by phone so that we can ensure the message is received promptly.
We appreciate that families are busy and that communication between home and school is an important part of supporting our students. These changes will help us ensure that communication is managed consistently, that staff have appropriate time to focus on teaching and learning during the school day, and that parents and carers have the opportunity to discuss concerns directly and constructively.
Please see attached some very important information in regards to protecting the health of a student at Emerald Primary School. Your support and co-operation is very much appreciated.
Please be advised of the following student free days, when our staff will be completing professional learning activities or parent teacher interviews:
- Friday 4th December – Assessment & Reporting Day
For those families using the TheirCare childcare service, they are preparing to have students on the 4th December dates: https://theircare.com.au/
- Term 4:
- October Events:
- Thursday 29th October – Prep 2027 Transition – Session 2 (Art)
- Friday 30th October – World Teachers Day
- November Events:
- Tuesday 3rd November – Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
- Friday 6th November – Assembly
- Sunday 8th November – Working Bee @1pm
- Monday 9th November – Prep 2027 Transition – Session 3 (Music)
- Thursday 12th November – Grade 1 excursion to Ricket’s Point
- Thursday 12th November – Prep 2027 Transition – Session 3 (Music)
- Friday 13th November – Grade 2 excursion to Ricket’s Point
- Sunday 15th November – School Fair @ 10.00am – 3.00pm
- Monday 16th November – EDEC Indoor Soccer (Grade 5 students)
- Friday 20th November – Assembly
- Wednesday 25th – Friday 27th November – Grade 4 Camp @ Sovereign Hill
- Thursday 26th November – School Council Meeting @ 7.15pm
Emma Clark
Principal
This Week…
Exciting Sporting Achievements This Week…
Well done to all athletes who competed at the Regional event last week at Knox.
Congratulations to Griff who finished 3rd in the 11yo boys High Jump.
A massive Congratulation to Estella who finished 1st in 12/13yo High Jump and 2nd in 12/13 Triple Jump! Estella broke the Regional record in High Jump! She will now take on the best in both high jump and triple jump at the State event. Good Luck!
Mr Stella
Yesterday our girls’ basketball team took on the best schools in East at Dandenong Basketball. The girls finished with a record of 2 Wins and 3 Losses; this placed them in 5th position for the day. 5 of these girls are in Grade 5 so look out next year! Congratulation’s girls!
Mr Stella
On Tuesday 20th October, Malaika, Harper, Zoe, Matilda, Scarlett, Skye, Aubree, Evie, Chiara and Venice represented Emerald Primary School at Divisional Volleyball at Dandenong Basketball Stadium.
The girls played against some very strong teams, including Tecoma 1, who won every game. Although we did not win, several games were extremely close, with only a few points separating the teams. Some students were also trying volleyball for the first time.
A highlight of the day was playing alongside our friends and having the opportunity to try a new sport. We showed teamwork by using all three hits, high-fiving and encouraging one another—even when someone missed a serve or found it difficult to get the ball over the net. All teams demonstrated wonderful kindness and sportsmanship throughout the day.
We would like to thank Jodie for coaching the girls and giving up her time, Mr Stella for organising such a fun and exciting event, and all the parents and staff who came along to support us.
By Malaika and Harper
On Thursday October 15th, Ava, Maya, Amelia, Maggie, Winter, Tanith, Sophie and Malaika represented Emerald Primary School at Divisional Basketball at Dandenong Basketball Stadium.
The team achieved an incredible result, winning the competition and progressing to the regional championships! Their teamwork was a major part of their success, with everyone sharing the ball and working together.
A highlight of the day was hearing friends cheering from the crowd. Their support gave us extra motivation and confidence, helping us make more of our shots.
We demonstrated teamwork and sportsmanship by sharing the ball, waiting for an open lane or shot and encouraging one another. If someone missed, we helped them keep their head up, and when someone scored, we celebrated together.
We would like to thank Bonnie for coaching our team and Malaika’s mum for taking time off work to watch and support us.
By Malaika
On Thursday October 15th, Harper, Skye, Asha, Saige, Emily, Amberlie and Zoe represented Emerald Primary School at Divisional Basketball.
Although we did not win any games, we had a fantastic time and remained positive throughout the day. Everyone demonstrated encouragement and excellent sportsmanship, regardless of the results.
A highlight was playing together and being supported by our wonderful coach. She reminded us that it was okay if we did not win and encouraged us to continue trying our best.
We showed teamwork by passing the ball, supporting one another and making sure everyone had an opportunity to be involved.
We would like to thank all the parents who attended, coached and supported us throughout the day. We would also like to thank Mr Stella for organising the event and our coach, Dian, for encouraging us not to give up and reminding us that it was all about having fun.
By Harper
Star of the week!
For extending your recount writing with the use of connectives.
For your positive attitude and smiling face coming into our classroom lately.
For his excellent, informative Show and Tell about The Mantis Shrimp, especially it’s complex eyes!
For always looking for opportunities to uplevel her learning. You are such a wonderful addition to E.P.S.
For working hard in the classroom and for being an all-round lovely person.
For using incredible vocabulary in your narrative writing!
For making such a wonderful start to your schooling at E.P.S! You are already a treasured member of our class.
For always showing our school values. We love having you in our class. You are a kind STAR!
For his effort and focus when completing his chance project, setting a high standard for himself and working hard to achieve it! What a STAR!
For your excellent effort & attention to detail when making your map of your Getaway project country. It looks amazing!
For your amazing efforts in our Year 6 Production. Your stage presence and singing were outstanding.
For showing great focus and enthusiasm during our Word Work sessions.
You have put so much effort into participating fully in every class activity this week!
For always diving into life at school. Your informative report showed your resilience and focus.
For consistently presenting your work beautifully, taking great pride in every detail and always adding that special star quality!
For putting in a great effort with her learning and jumping into the learning pit. Well done Issy!
For the awesome concentration and effort you have shown towards all your work this term.
For being such a kind and welcoming member of our class! You are a friendly star.
*Peer Voted Award*
For demonstrating fantastic leadership skills when working with a partner or in a small group.
For coming into Term 4 with such a great attitude, working hard to produce your best work!
For sharing your ideas and bringing personality to our classroom! You always have something to contribute.
For putting so much detail and effort into his excellent illustrations.
For his fabulous writing about his turtle asking for help! Such creative work!
For your insightful questions and willingness to always contribute to class discussion.
For settling beautifully into our school community, embracing new friendships and a positive attitude!
For your amazing data collection and graph creation skills!
For your thoughtful and caring nature – you are a kind STAR!
For being a model student of kindness and respect. We are so lucky to be graced with your presence everyday. You are a kind STAR!
For his creative Haiku poetry and the care he took when presenting his poem in his Digital Portfolio! What a STAR!
For your efforts every week in Book Club meetings prepared and ready to share.
For the wonderful enthusiasm and determination you have shown in school life. You gave it your all on Camp – embraced new challenges and made the most of every opportunity. We are so proud of your effort and you should be too!
School Fair 2026…
Sunday 15th November 2026 10am-3pm
Volunteering
To book a time to help on your class stall please go to https://www.wejoinin.com/sheets/zikqy
Unlimited Rides Wristbands
To purchase please visit https://www.trybooking.com/DQFGM
Stall Sponsorship
Sponsorship helps us cover the costs of our stalls. Starting from just $50, sponsors receive advertising in our newsletter, social pages and signage on Fair day. Please email epsfair@outlook.com for more information.
Donations needed
We realise that the list is lengthy, every little thing makes a difference!
- Raffle and Auction items – vouchers, hampers, toys, games, sporting equipment, candles, skincare, gardening items, tools, car care, kitchen items anything goes!
- Prizes – small novelty items for prizes and lucky dips, stickers, stamps, ooshies, bouncy balls, spinning tops, gel pens, bubbles, whistles- a great excuse to clean out your party cupboard!
- Chocolate Share Bags/wrapped chocolates
- Plants and Home Grown Produce (please drop off Friday 13th Nov or Fair morning)
- Home baked goodies, cakes, slices, biscuits, jams, sauce etc (please drop off Fri 13th Nov or Fair morning)
Upcoming Events…
Community News
Canteen News!
Friday Meal Deal
Hot dog ghosts in a blanket
&
Halloween biscuit
&
Spider icy pole
$8.00
Reminder: Canteen Closed on Monday 2nd November (Monday before Cup Day)
SCHOOL EVENTS
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Recent News
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we learn and play, the Wurundjeri and Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation.
