Voluntary Contributions

Each year we ask parents and carers to contribute voluntary funding to our school to supplement funds provided by the Department of Education. These contributions enable the school to provide improved resources and facilities to enhance student’s learning experiences. You will receive a letter outlining indicative amounts by either the end of this term or the start of Term 2. We request that, where possible, payments are made by the end of Term 2, 2025. Your generous donations enable us to enrich the learning opportunities for all children attending our school. Thank you!

NAPLAN

The Year 3 and Year 5 students have completed the 2025 NAPLAN over the past few weeks. I would like to thank Mrs Chan our Assistant Principal, Curriculum & Instruction, for all her organisation to have the NAPLAN run as smoothly as possible. I would like to thank the Year 3 & Year 5 staff for administering the assessment in the classrooms and the students for dedication to doing their best.

Gymnastics Program

Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) and Stage 1 (Year 1 & Year 2) will begin a Gymnastics program in the school hall each Monday during Term 2. Gymnastics is part of the PDHPE syllabus teaching students’ fundamental movement skills that assist in preparing students for many other physical activities. The program is being run by SISA Australia and they will target each stage of learning according to ability and syllabus outcome requirements. A note for Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 families will be sent out via School Bytes. Please note for those students who do not have a returned permission note and payment by Thursday 1 May, they will be unable to participate in this program.

P&C Meeting and 2025 Executive team

On Tuesday 11 March the P&C held their annual AGM and elected a new executive team.

Congratulations to the following newly elected executive members:

President – still open

Vice President – Mrs Krystal Vaux; Mrs Nadezhda Vostrikov

Treasurer – Mr Sibi Mathew

Secretary – Mrs Susanna Catalina Prat

WHS Self-Assessment

Each year the Work Health & Safety (WHS) Advisor meets with the business manager, Mrs Shelley Sellar, and the Principal to review the school procedures and guidelines that are in place to cover health and safety at EHPS. We are pleased to report that our school was the first school in the Gordon Network to receive 100% performance score, demonstrating our strong safety culture.

Certificate_of_Excellence_Eastwood_Heights_Public_School.pdf

Certificate_of_Excellence_Eastwood_Heights_Public_School _pdf 121.00 KB

March Aussie of the Month

March Aussie of the Month – Aizah S (4K) was nominated by Ms Prothero for donating her hair to a barber in Ryde to support those going through cancer treatment. 

Congratulations Aizah! 

School Attendance

As we head into the end of Term 1, it remains important that your child attends school every single day. School is the best place for students to learn as well as to build social connections and life-long skills. 

We understand that families are eager to see and reconnect with loved ones and take a well-deserved break, or simply avoid travelling during peak times, but please remember that planned travel should only be taken during scheduled school holidays.  

Students should be at school every day during the school terms, until the end of term, unless they are sick or are absent for a justified reason. It is very important that a student’s absence is also justified with a reason for the absence, provided to the school from a parent/carer as close to the absence or on the day of the absence. If you have not informed the school, then you will receive a reminder email and if that email is not responded to a letter will be sent home.

Consistently going to school has countless benefits – from learning, to creating social connections and improving wellbeing through access to support and quality education.

Our staff are here to support you and your child to come to school every day. If you have any concerns or questions please talk to me, the front office staff or your class teacher. 

Thank you for working with us to support regular attendance, and we look forward to a successful and enjoyable end of term.

The following graph is our attendance by year groups for the weeks we have been at school. The school tracks and monitors this data each week.

School Therapy Dog

As part of supporting students who suffer from anxiety and at times have difficulty separating from parents/carers before school, many schools across NSW have introduced a therapy dog to assist with having students enter schools in a safe and calm way.

At EHPS we want all students to have a good start to their school day and we would like to introduce a trial of a therapy dog on a Monday morning each week for Term 2 - 4, from 9am – 12pm. The dog will begin the morning with a meet and greet at the front gate. THERAPuppy does ask that families do not bring their own dog to the gates during this time.

Our school has engaged the services of THERAPuppy. These dogs have all been trained to work in schools. Each dog completes specialised school dog training and completes recertification every twelve months. School dogs have been proven to help students reach their potential by providing a way to calm and ground them.

Our school dog is “Luna”, and Luna will attend with her handler, and will always be on a lead. As part of our preparation, it is crucial to establish if we have any students who are afraid of or allergic to dogs. If your child/ren is scared of or allergic to dogs, could you please send an email to the school email or to Nicole.henderson@det.nsw.edu.au as soon as possible. I will then contact you to discuss the arrangements of how your child may be included in sessions with the dog, if appropriate.

In all classrooms the teachers will be displaying the THERAPuppy Rules poster. This is to remind staff and students of the rules we all need to follow when around Luna. Please take time to also reinforce these rules with your child/ren at home. Please take the time to have a look at the following link https://youtu.be/pBF4sCWn4No that will introduce yourself and your child/ren to THERAPuppy.

We look forward to meeting "Luna" in Term 2.

EHPS Homework Procedures/Guidelines

The school is updating the EHPS Homework Procedures/Guidelines based on the survey results that were received from staff, students and parents/carers. Following is a summary of the survey results. The new guidelines will be published early in Term 2.

When driving along Lincoln Street, it is crucial to prioritise safety for all road users. Please be mindful of speed limits and keep an eye out for pedestrian. Safe parking is equally important; always park in designated areas and ensure that your vehicle does not obstruct traffice or access points.

We kindly ask everyone to respect the work of parking rangers, who are there to maintain order and ensure that parking regulations are followed for the benefit of the entire community. Your cooperation helps create a safer environment for everyone on the road and for the safety of all students.

Driving_and_parking_safely_near_schools_EHPS_Newsletter.pdf

Driving_and_parking_safely_near_schools_EHPS_Newsletter _pdf 3.26 MB

School Development Days Term 2

The first two days of school in Term 2, Monday 28 April & Tuesday 29 April, are allocated as a School Development Day for all Public schools across NSW. Teaching and non-teaching staff will be involved in their annual Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) mandatory training and High Potential Gifted Education (HPGE) training on these days. These are student-free days and only teaching and non-teaching staff are required to be on-site.

As we approach the end of Term 1, I want to take a moment to recognise the incredible efforts of our students, staff, and the wider community in making 2025 a remarkable start. Please note that the final day of Term 1 will be Friday 11 April.

I encourage everyone to enjoy a well-deserved break, cherishing quality time with your children. To all our wonderful students, have a fantastic time with your families and stay safe. To my exceptional teaching and non-teaching staff, your dedication this term has been outstanding, and I hope you find time to relax and recharge for Term 2.

I eagerly await the return of our teaching and non-teaching staff on Monday 28 April and Tuesday 29 April, for our Staff Development Days, and look forward to welcoming our K-6 students back on Wednesday 30 April.

Network Level Representative Council

On Tuesday 1 April, Chloe and Esther represented EHPS at the Gordon Network Representative Council with Mrs Stacey Exner, Director Education and Leadership. This is a new initiative aimed at having student voice when tackling project-based challenges within a cluster of schools. During their morning session Chloe & Esther worked with students from other schools in the Gordon Network to address how students felt around the focus area of 'transition'. They discussed transition from preschool to school; Year 6 to high school and also high school to tertiary education / workforce.

Mrs Nicole Henderson

Principal

Student Parliament: Student Voice

The student Parliament has been very active in promoting student voice and striving to achieve their ministry goals.

This Friday, the Student Parliament had their first sitting and shared their Term 1 Ministry achievements and events.

School Leader Report:

I would like to provide the House a brief report on some of the key activities that our school leader team has assisted in this term.

This term, on behalf of the Student Parliament, our efforts have been successful in achieving our goals by being organised and relentless throughout Term 1. We have accomplished setting up and smoothly running assemblies with the Media and Technology Team. We would like to seek additional activities for students across the school in Term 2.

In addition, we have also maintained and consistently cooperated with other ministries to aid them with the Welcome Back Barbeque, Harmony Day, the Stewart House envelope distribution, frequently upholding the sports trolley and we will support the Media and Tech Ministry with ANZAC Day next Friday.

NSW Public Schools Student Survey

The student survey is open from Wednesday 30 April (Term 2 Week 1) to Friday 4 July 2025 (Term 2 Week 10).

Students will have the opportunity to participate in the NSW Public Schools Student Survey. The survey gives students the chance to share their thoughts and feelings about life at school, including questions about their engagement, learning experiences and wellbeing at school.

Hearing directly from our students will help us understand what’s working well and where improvements can be made to our school. The survey is confidential, takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and will be conducted online during school hours.

Participation is voluntary. If you prefer your child not to participate, please complete the attached opt-out consent form, and return it to the school. Further information about the survey is available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/npss   

At the end of 2024, Tell Them From Me surveys came to an end. The NSW Public Schools Surveys (NPSS) replace the TTFM surveys, and they are a part of the NSW Education Department’s commitment to keeping the voices of school communities at the heart of school improvement.

Stewart House Donation Drive

Student Parliament Wellbeing and Safety Ministers have distributed Donation Drive envelopes to the eldest in each class. Thank you to all contributing students and families.

We request that all envelopes are returned by Friday 11 April.

Stewart House is the NSW Department of Education’s Charity of Choice. Since 1931, nearly a century, Stewart House has been a beacon of hope and healing for public school children in need across NSW and the ACT. Each year, 1,600 children facing difficult times stay at this beachside haven for a 12-day program focused on health, wellbeing, and fun—all at no cost to their families. Funded entirely by donations and school fundraising, the program provides everything from dental and vision checks to confidence-building activities, ensuring children receive the care and support they need to reset and thrive. Stewart House’s vision is to inspire children to see beyond their present circumstances and embrace real hope and aspirations for a brighter future.

Show your support for children in need and enter for a chance to win a $4,000 travel voucher! The draw will take place in Term 2 on Friday, 23 May 2025. Online payments are encouraged, and families can scan the QR code( below)  on the envelope to pay, record the receipt number, and return the envelope to the school office to enter the draw!

 Please read the full terms and conditions for the draw and contact our office if you require further assistance.

Year 6 Easter Raffle

We are super excited to announce that our EGG-CELLENT Easter prizes have been bundled from all the eggs donated by Year 6 students. (A huge thank you to our contributing students, their parents and carers for the donations!)

Tickets for our Easter Raffle Eggstravaganza went on sale on Tuesday 1 April

Tickets are 

• $1 each
• or 3 for $2
• or 8 for $5

Tickets will be sold by Year 6 students in the morning in the 3-6 and K-2 playgrounds.  

Tickets are also available at the front office. 

The sale of the tickets will close at the end of recess at 2:30pm on Thursday 10 April, and will be drawn after the Easter Hat Parade.

This is a major fundraiser for our Year 6 Farewell, so please hop to it and indulge in ticket sales!

It would be greatly appreciated if members of our community are able to donate Easter baskets/hampers for the prizes. (There are 9 in total). 

5/6P Market Day 2025

5/6P students have been developing their financial literacy skills.

On Thursday 3 April, their businesses sold healthy food products during lunchtime, under the 3-6 COLA, outside the hall.

Items included:

• Chocolate dipped strawberries
• Fruit and Veg character sticks
• Juice
• Smoothies
• Fruit cups

Just to name a few!

Each business is striving to

• Cover their cost ($5 per student)
• Make a profit
• Promote health and nutrition

Their profits totalled $220, and these funds will go towards the Year 6 Farewell.

Student did all their own shopping, food preparation, advertising and sales.

Congratulations to the Business of the Year-  Little Seedly!

Go4Fun online

Go4Fun online is a FREE healthy lifestyle program for primary school aged children and their families to learn practical skills to make healthier food choices and move more at a time and location that suits their family.

The online program includes:

• 10 x online self-paced modules (around 30 minutes each) – start at any time!
• A personal health coach to provide weekly support tailored to the family.
• Online community access to chat to other participating families.
• Family fun activities.
• Prize reward for tokens earnt throughout program. 

Sign up link for families here and resources attached -

 https://go4funonline.com.au/about/ 

Calendar for cultural diversity

The calendar for cultural diversity provides annual dates and information for commemorations, celebrations, national days, international days, religious observances and other key events of relevance to NSW public school staff, students and their families.

Through acknowledgment and celebration of these days and events, NSW public schools can lead the way to social harmony by engendering positive interactions between students, staff and community members from the range of cultural, linguistic and religious traditions of Australians.

Each year, the calendar promotes a different theme relating to cultural diversity in the Australian context.

Each year, NSW public schools are invited to submit student artwork for possible inclusion in the calendar for cultural diversity around a given theme. The artwork selected for inclusion in each calendar represents the creative talents of public-school students from across the state.

The theme of the 2026 calendar for cultural diversity is "Towards peace"

The calendar for cultural diversity includes an inset on the relevant lunar year, and its Australian zodiac equivalent, on the inside cover. 2025 is the Lunar Year of the Horse / Kookaburra. Schools are invited to submit artwork on the calendar theme or the lunar year theme.

Submissions for student artwork are now open

Submit student artworks for the 2026 Calendar for Cultural Diversity

Submissions close 12 September 2025 (Term 3, Week 8)

Schools may submit up to 4 entries

Please send entries to Ms Prothero

School Holiday Activities

The Easter holidays are a special time in NSW, offering families and friends the opportunity to spend time enjoying diverse attractions and events. You’ll find many things to do and see for the whole family. 

• https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/tags/school-holidays
• https://www.visitnsw.com/travel-information/public-holidays/easter
• https://www.sydneytravelguide.com.au/april-school-holidays-activities/

Enjoy the last week of school, and have a restful and well-deserved break!

Ms Prothero

Stage 3 Assistant Principal

Welcome Back Barbecue - Student Report by Jarrod W

On Thursday, March 7th 2025, our school community came together for the vibrant ‘Welcome Back Barbecue’, an annual tradition that continues to unite students, families, and alumni. This year, visitors were greeted by the mouth-watering scent of sizzling sausages, the excitement of connecting with friends - old and new, and the lively chatter that makes this event a true family favourite.

Held on the school oval, the barbecue welcomed past, present and new students along with their families to enjoy a beautiful evening filled with free food, drinks, and the thrill of fantastic amusement rides. Although the weather forecast predicted rain, the skies cleared just in time for everyone to enjoy yet another memorable reunion. “It was a great turnout, and the sausage sizzle was a big hit!” said Aidan G, a current Year 6 student, who took a well-deserved break with his friends and family.

This annual event continues to be a highlight, bringing together the local Marsfield and Eastwood communities in celebration of another year at EHPS. “It’s an ongoing tradition,” said Mr. Lindungan, a father of both a past and present EHPS student. “Keep it going, I say!”

The barbecue is more than just a community gathering - it's a testament to the hard work of the teachers, the school P&C group and other volunteers who made the event possible. Their tireless efforts behind the scenes ensure we can enjoy these special occasions. A big thank you to all who contributed to making the event such a success. Looking forward to another exciting year in 2025!

K-2 Awards

3-6 Awards

YOU CAN DO IT Award

Shivas G - Getting Along

Esther N - Getting Along

Esther Ng - Persistence

Eddie H - Persistence

Hi Everyone

Well we are nearing the end of the first school term for 2025.  We have welcomed all our new kindergarten students and parents to the Canteen.

Please note the rosters for April and May. Ideally we require two volunteers per day so if you can spare a day a week, fortnight, month or term please call me at any time on 0418418047. If you see a blank space on the roster it means that we have no volunteers that day.  All help is very much appreciated.

The weather will soon be getting cooler and Canteen has great warming menu options for those cooler days.  Please order your school recess and lunch through Spriggy.

Enjoy the holidays and a Happy Easter to you all.  See you next term.

Regards

Nancy Scro