School Context

Eltham East Primary School (EEPS) is about our students; their learning, their welfare and their potential. Our school vision is clearly about being committed to providing a nurturing and caring environment which supports and inspires our children to value learning and grow in self awareness and social responsibility. Our strong Student Wellbeing Policy and Student Management Plan support this growth.
With our motto of Learning and Growing Together, the school and community form an interdependent partnership, with all members; students, staff and parents, living by and modelling our school values of Respect, Teamwork, Learning, Environment and Enjoyment.

EEPS is situated in the heart of Eltham, close to the main shopping centre and public transport facilities. The hillside site is typical of the character of Eltham, combining bushland and natural play areas for all age groups. Eltham is located 22 km from Melbourne. The school was established in 1963 and was the last primary school to be established in the Eltham area.  In 2008 we added three new playing areas, each covered with synthetic turf and marked for a number of sports; volleyball and four square courts, a netball/basketball court and the oval with a running track, cricket nets and softball diamond.

To ensure all 485 students have a high quality education a staff of over 40 works towards achieving the school’s vision.  The team comprises the principal, assistant principal, 2 leading teachers, 20 classroom and 4 specialist teachers, a 0.4 student wellbeing officer, 4 part time office staff, 4 part time support staff including 2 first aid officers and 2 integration support staff, 2 part time ICT technicians, the out school hours care school council staff, a visiting district speech pathologist and psychologist, cleaning contractors and gardening contractors.

The school is organised into a combination of straight and multi age classes which combine two year levels. Dedicated, skilled and enthusiastic staff use a range of innovative approaches as well as proven teaching practices to provide the very best learning environment for each child.  Professional development of staff is given a high priority and through working in teams, staff members are able to share their expertise and plan collaboratively.
As literacy and numeracy are the foundation stones of the curriculum, they provide the focus of our school strategic plan. We also place a strong emphasis on a range of curriculum programs across all strands of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) which provide opportunities for personal growth and understanding. Opportunities are also provided for students to embrace leadership across the many facets of school life such as school captains, choir captains, tour guides, junior school council leader and environment and house captains.

Music is a strong feature of the school curriculum with our program based on the Kodaly method of teaching. The school prides itself on its internationally acclaimed choir, which performs and records on a regular basis. A school concert is held every two years.  The school’s Visual Arts program is also of an excellent standard.  Physical Education is conducted across Prep to Year 6 with a broadly based sport program in Years 5 and 6.  Our successful Japanese program is taught from Years 1 to 6 with Japanese cultural awareness programs being provided in Prep.  Our students also experience a rich and stimulating library program.  Our school is actively involved in recycling and environment programs and has won many awards in this area. A camping program beginning in Year 3 is supported by a Prep breakfast, a barbeque and games evening for Year 1 and in Year 2 a sleepover at the school.  Intensive swimming programs are conducted from Years Prep to 4 and water safety/survival programs in Years 5 and 6.

Eltham East has excellent facilities and resources.  The classroom buildings are complemented by a large hall, multi purpose room, music room, art room and a well appointed library. The school is fully air conditioned. There are Macintosh computers in every classroom which are networked and linked to the internet as well as a computer laboratory. We also have nine interactive whiteboards for use across the school.

Our school community prides itself on a strong interdependent partnership between the school and home.  There is a high level of community involvement and ongoing communication between the school and home is encouraged and valued.  Our newsletter is published each week on our website. The School Council operates an active sub committee system in which dedicated parents and staff work together to benefit the school. The school has high parental support in the learning programs in the classrooms as well as in sport, camps and excursions. Our parents organise a highly enjoyable and successful fair and a fantastic community school dance every two years. An excellent before and after school childcare program is available from 7.00 am to 9.00 am and 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm each day.

The school interacts closely with the wider Eltham community and, through its membership in the Eltham/Research Professional Development Cluster and Nillumbik Network, operates in the spirit of cooperation with neighbouring educational institutions.

We are proud of our academic record and strive to continuously improve and enhance the learning opportunities and results for our students.

On behalf of our students, staff and parents, we extend a warm welcome to you and your child as you join the Eltham East Primary School community. We look forward to your time at our school being a happy and fulfilling partnership.

 

Cheryl Macnee Principal

Michelle Jeffress Assistant Principal