Welcome Back to Term 2!

Dear EBPS Community,

Welcome back to what promises to be a big and exciting Term 2! I hope everyone had a chance to rest and recharge over the break. There’s a buzz of energy around the school as we launch into a new term filled with learning, creativity, and connection. This term is shaping up to be a busy one, with many events, programs, and projects planned—and I can’t wait to share it all with you as the weeks unfold.

It’s always a joy to see the smiling faces of our students return, reconnect with their peers, and re-engage with learning. We have so much to look forward to!

Building Works Underway

This term, we will see significant building works take place across our school, particularly focusing on the playground area and the main school building. These works are part of our ongoing effort to ensure our students have access to the very best facilities—spaces that are safe, welcoming, and conducive to learning and play.

Research from the OECD shows that quality school infrastructure can directly support student engagement, health, and academic outcomes. Well-designed spaces inspire a sense of pride and belonging, and that’s what we want for every student at EBPS.

While we’re still waiting on full confirmation from the Department of Education regarding the scope of some of the works, I’ll be sure to share more detailed updates with families as soon as we have them. In the meantime, please note that you may see some temporary fencing and construction activity, and we thank you in advance for your understanding.

In especially exciting news—our Kindergarten will soon be moving back into their newly refurbished building! After many months of repairs and upgrades, this return marks a huge step forward and I know our Kinder staff and children will be thrilled to be back in their special space. Yay!

Every Day Counts – The Importance of Attendance

Being at school every day is so important for your child’s learning, social development, and wellbeing. When students miss school, even for a short period, they miss vital opportunities to learn, connect with friends, and build consistency in their routines.

According to the Australian Department of Education, missing just one day of school a fortnight equates to four full weeks of missed learning in a year. Over time, this can have a significant impact on progress and confidence.

As American educator Horace Mann once said, “A house without books is like a room without windows.” In the same way, regular attendance provides the light and rhythm that helps children grow, connect, and thrive. If you need support in helping your child maintain good attendance, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.

Hats at EBPS – SunSmart Practices

As the cooler months approach, it’s still important to remain SunSmart. The Department of Education’s SunSmart guidelines recommend that hats be worn during terms 1 and 4, and any time UV levels are forecast to be 3 or higher. While we are moving into a lower UV period, we encourage families to keep an eye on local UV indexes.

Students should bring their hats to school, particularly on sunny days or when outdoor activities are scheduled. Being SunSmart not only protects from sunburn but also helps build lifelong healthy habits. If your child needs a new hat, please speak with the office about how to purchase one through the school.

Events This Term – Save the Dates!

This term is full of opportunities for connection and celebration. Keep an eye out for upcoming events including assemblies, excursions, and parent engagement sessions. One special event we’re looking forward to later in the term is our Winter Festival—a treasured tradition in our Steiner stream, featuring music, lanterns, and a focus on inner light as we move toward the shortest days of the year. More details will be shared closer to the time.

Steiner Education – Embracing the Autumn-Winter Transition

In our Steiner stream, Term 2 marks a deepening into the year’s inner rhythm. As we move through autumn and toward winter, this season is one of reflection, quiet work, and nurturing inner strength. You may notice a shift in the mood and activities in Steiner classrooms—more focused handwork, meaningful storytelling, and seasonal craft reflecting the inward journey of the colder months.

The lighting of candles, nature-based stories, and an emphasis on caring for one another are key themes during this time. This helps foster resilience and connection to nature in children. It is a beautiful, grounded way to approach the darker season, and we look forward to sharing more of this experience with families as the term progresses.



Sat 26th Apr                 Bentleigh Farmers' Market 
Mon 28th Apr                EBPS House Cross Country Y3-6 9am-10:30am
Thur 8th May                Mother's Day Stall
Thur 8th May                District Cross Country (Y3-6 qualifiers) 
Fri 9th May                   Mother's Day Morning Tea
Sat 17th May                Working Bee
Mon 19th May               Y5-6 Camp Rumbug (3 day)

Please note - you can view the latest School calendar at any time on Compass - you can choose to view it by day, week, month or term and also choose what you want to include by clicking on the layers you want to view, ie: School Events, Public Holidays etc.
Look for this icon on Compass.

Looking forward to a wonderful term ahead with all of you. As always, my door is open and I’m happy to chat if there’s anything you need.

Warm regards,
Sarah Spence
Principal, East Bentleigh Primary School