Dear Families and Community of EBPS,

Welcome back to Term 1! I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break. It has been absolutely wonderful to see our students return with such enthusiasm, and a very warm welcome all our new students and families. Watching our Preps step into their classrooms for the first time, full of excitement and curiosity, is always such a special moment. Thank you to the Parents, Carers and Friends Association who organised a lovely 'Tea and Tissues' morning tea for our Prep parents on Thursday. 



I want to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to our incredible staff for their dedication and hard work in preparing for the year ahead. From ensuring classrooms are welcoming and engaging to organising resources and planning rich learning experiences, their commitment to our students is truly inspiring. The start of a new school year is always a busy time, and their efforts have made this transition a smooth and joyful one for all.

I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of EBPS, a school with such a strong, caring, and connected community. It is through our shared efforts that we continue to create a school environment where students feel safe, valued, and ready to learn. As Helen Keller wisely said:

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

The team at EBPS is truly exceptional, and I am grateful every day for the collaboration, support, and dedication that makes this school such a wonderful place to learn and grow.

Exciting Things Ahead

This year brings new opportunities and new faces to our EBPS community. We are thrilled to welcome our new 2025 Student Leadership Team and look forward to their new ideas. Leadership is an exciting journey, and I know our student leaders will rise to the challenge and make a positive contribution to our school.

We are also excited to welcome Lidiya Kerassitis, our new Business Manager, to the EBPS team. Lidiya brings a wealth of experience, and I know you will all join me in making her feel welcome.

There are many exciting events planned for this year, and we will be sharing more details with you as we finalise them.

For our Steiner families, we are beginning the forward planning of seasonal celebrations, which are an integral part of the Steiner education journey. Events such as the Winter Solstice Festival foster a deep connection with the rhythm of the year, creating meaningful traditions for our students. These festivals help cultivate an awareness of nature’s cycles, encourage community gathering, and provide opportunities for creativity and reflection. We will keep you updated as plans are confirmed.
As Rudolf Steiner himself said:

"The celebration of festivals is an education in itself, an education in the course of the year.”

Prep Rooms: A Warm and Welcoming Start

Our Prep Rooms are looking fantastic, and I want to acknowledge the effort that has gone into making these spaces truly special for our youngest learners.

Starting school is a significant milestone, and our Prep classrooms have been thoughtfully designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, and a sense of security. Bright and inviting, they are filled with engaging learning materials, play-based exploration areas, and cosy reading corners that help ease the transition into school life. These rooms encourage our Preps to develop a love of learning in an environment where they feel safe, supported, and excited to explore new ideas.

Additionally, we are excited about further developments in the Prep Garden this year. Outdoor learning is such an important part of early education, and we look forward to enhancing this space to provide more hands-on nature experiences for our students. More details on these updates will be shared soon!

Staying Safe in Warm Weather

With summer still in full swing, a reminder to stay sun-smart while at school. Please ensure your child brings a hat every day, as "No Hat, No Play" remains in place during Term 1, where students with no hat will be directed to the covered deck area. It’s also important that students stay hydrated throughout the day, so please pack a water bottle to help them keep cool and focused.

The Power of Effort

At EBPS, we believe that effort is the key to success. While talent and ability play a role in learning, it is persistence, resilience, and a willingness to try that truly make a difference.

Developing a strong work ethic in childhood lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Whether a student is tackling a challenging maths problem, mastering a new skill in sport, or performing in the arts, the act of trying - of stepping outside one’s comfort zone - is where real growth happens. Encouraging our children to approach learning with curiosity and determination helps them develop the confidence to take on new challenges. As Thomas Edison famously said:

"Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration."

When students put in the effort, they not only strengthen their academic skills but also build the resilience and problem-solving abilities that will serve them for life. These skills are what make lifelong learners - people who approach challenges with curiosity, persistence, and a belief in their own ability to improve.

Let’s continue to celebrate progress, persistence, and a love of learning!

Kinder Works Underway

A reminder that works on our kindergarten area are continuing, and fencing has been set up around the site. Please be mindful of these boundaries and keep clear of the construction areas for everyone’s safety. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve our facilities.

Meet the Staff – Mr McCallum (Prep M Teacher)

Each newsletter, we will feature a staff member in this section so you can get to know the wonderful people who make up our EBPS team!

Meet Mr McCallum!

"Hi everyone!

I’m lucky to live in beautiful Emerald with my fiancée, Rebecca, and our three amazing sons—Sebastian, Harvey, and Parker. Life at home is always full of fun and adventure!

When I’m not at school, you’ll often find me in the garden, getting my hands dirty and enjoying the outdoors. I also have a passion for collecting and building LEGO with my boys, as well as collecting vintage toys—something I’ve loved since I was a little Mr McCallum! (But don’t ask me to eat my veggies—I’m not a fan!)

I’m a proud Essendon supporter and go to most of their games, though I often come home feeling a bit disappointed. Still, I stick by my team no matter what!

Teaching Prep is something I love and am lucky to do every year. Their imaginations are incredible, and I feel so lucky to help them grow into wonderful little citizens. Watching them learn, explore, and develop confidence is the best part of my job.

I’m looking forward to another fantastic year with our school community!"

Wednesday 5th February        Walking Bus 
Thursday 6th February            Thursday Community Market 
Friday 7th February                 5/6 Lightning Premiership Sports 
Monday 10th February             School Council Meeting

It has been a fantastic start to the school year, and I am looking forward to all that is to come. As always, my door is open, and I am happy to stop for a chat.

Wishing you all a great weekend!

Kindest Regards,

Sarah Spence