ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day as we know it was first observed on 25 April 1916, as people came together to commemorate the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli, Türkiye, on 25 April 1915. This important tradition has now become an opportunity to stop and reflect on the sacrifice and dedication of all our veterans and service community, and the families who support them.

We encourage our entire IEPS community to spend time tomorrow commemorating Anzac Day and when the students return on Friday 26^th of April, we will be welcoming John Sanderson who served in the armed forces to talk to the students about ANZAC day. To have someone who served our country speak with our students is an honour. We look forward to the knowledge he can share about the service our soldiers gave to our country, and what it means to commemorate Anzac Day.

Health Update

As we transition into the cooler months, we are reminded of the increased susceptibility to viruses that often accompany this time of year. With this in mind, we urge you to remain vigilant in safeguarding the health and well-being of our school community.

We understand the inconvenience that may arise from having to collect a child who falls ill during school hours. However, we must prioritise the needs of sick children and uphold our responsibility to the wider community.

Currently, here in Victoria (VIC), we have multiple cases of the Flu/influenza as well as many viral and bacterial infections. Now New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (QLD) are experiencing an epidemic of whooping cough (pertussis). We feel it is crucial to bring this to your attention due to the mandatory requirements set forth by the Health Department, particularly regarding unvaccinated children. We urge you to familiarize yourself with these requirements, which are not negotiable.

It is important to note that while most children are vaccinated, children and adults remain susceptible to whooping cough. This illness can pose a significant risk, particularly to young babies, and can be very severe for certain individuals. As outlined by the Health Department, children diagnosed with pertussis must refrain from attending primary school and children’s service centers for 21 days following the onset of cough, or until they have completed 5 days of appropriate antibiotic treatment. Additionally, unimmunized contacts under the age of 7 who have been in close proximity to a confirmed case are subject to similar exclusion periods.

We strongly encourage you to seek further guidance and information from your healthcare provider regarding the importance of vaccinations and the prevention of whooping cough. Additional resources can also be found on the Better Health Victoria website.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and your cooperation in maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all members of our school community.

https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/pertussis-whooping-cough#primary-school-and-children%E2%80%99s-services-centres-exclusions

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/whooping-cough

IEPS Cross Country 2024 – Years 3-6

IEPS Years 3 to 6 Cross Country Recap

On Monday, April 22nd, IEPS celebrated its annual Cross Country event for years 3 to 6 at Chelsworth Park. Fortunate to have perfect weather, the students showcased their enthusiasm and competitive spirit as they navigated the course. It was a fantastic sight to see the students brightly dressed in their house colours, demonstrating excellent sportsmanship throughout the afternoon.

The event was a great success, thanks to the spirited participation of all the students and the outstanding support from parents and student volunteers. A big congratulations to the students who will represent IEPS at the District Cross Country on Monday 13 May.

We extend a special thank you to everyone who came down to support the event and to the volunteers who helped everything go smoothly. Best wishes to our district-level participants for their upcoming races on the 13th May. Well done to all for a fantastic day!