Dear Families,

I hope this message finds you well. It has been a busy and productive start to the term, and I continue to feel incredibly grateful for the warmth and strength of our EBPS community. The energy across classrooms and playgrounds has been wonderful to see, and I am so proud of the way our students have settled into their learning routines.

Building works update

Thank you sincerely for your patience as we continue to finalise works across our buildings and grounds. I know the disruption has been noticeable at times, and I am very grateful for the understanding shown by students and families as we complete these important infrastructure improvements. We are now in the final stages, and I expect the majority of works to be finished within the next week. These upgrades will support our students for many years to come, and I appreciate your partnership as we bring them to completion.

Working Bee Reminder

We have our working bee tomorrow - Saturday 14th February from 9am to 12 noon. We are moving the extra soft fall on to our playgrounds, weeding and general grounds maintenance.  If you can spare any time at all - we could really use your help! 

Student leadership

I am incredibly excited about the work our new student leaders will undertake this year. Student leadership is far more than a badge or title — it is about voice, responsibility, initiative and service. Our leaders play an important role in shaping school culture, representing student perspectives and modelling our values in action.

In the coming weeks, I will be taking our student leaders to a leadership conference to further develop their skills and confidence. Opportunities like this empower our students to think beyond themselves, to consider the impact they can have on others, and to step forward with courage and clarity. It is only with the help of our student leaders that we will continue to grow and strengthen our wonderful school.

Parent–teacher interviews

A reminder that parent–teacher interviews are on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th February. Please ensure you make a booking via Compass if you have not already done so. One of the great strengths of EBPS is the quality of the relationships between staff and families. These conversations are an important opportunity to celebrate progress, clarify goals and strengthen our shared understanding of each child’s learning journey. When schools and families work in partnership, children thrive.

Student free day – Friday 20th February

Please note that Friday 20th February (next Friday) is a student free day. On this day, our staff will be engaged in professional learning focused on PB4L (Positive Behaviour for Learning).

PB4L — also known as SWPBS (School Wide Positive Behaviour Support) — is a whole-school improvement framework now embedded in over 55% of Victorian government schools. It provides a clear, evidence-based approach to explicitly teaching behavioural expectations, building positive school culture and using data to inform proactive supports.

Having previously served as the Statewide Manager for this initiative, I understand first-hand the impact this framework can have when implemented with consistency and fidelity. PB4L supports us to create predictable, safe and orderly learning environments where expectations are clearly taught, positive behaviours are reinforced, and students are supported through tiered systems of care. This work directly strengthens both wellbeing and learning outcomes for our students.

Performing Arts – a Lighthouse focus

I am also very excited to share that EBPS is recognised as a Lighthouse school for Performing Arts. The arts are a powerful vehicle for confidence, collaboration, expression and belonging. Participation in performance builds courage, strengthens peer relationships and creates lifelong memories for children.

I am currently in discussions about how we can reinvigorate Performing Arts at EBPS, and I am hopeful that we will see a whole-school production take shape later this year. Whole-school productions are truly special events — they bring our community together, showcase the talents of our students, and create a shared sense of pride and celebration. Please keep an eye on this space, and I will keep you updated as plans develop.

Please see attached - our latest Term 1 2026 School Calendar.
Dates also included on the Compass calendar.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support, trust and partnership. It is a privilege to work alongside you in supporting your children.

I am planning also to reinvigorate our newsletter and its format in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for changes and new items as we move forwards.

As always, my door is open.

Warmest regards,
Sarah Spence
Principal

Classroom Cuisine is available for us to order online,
every day (except Tuesdays)

Orders open until 8:30am on the day!
Term 2 2026 menu below
https://classroomcuisine.com.au/