Principal's Message

Hello HPS families!

What a great experience we all had at the Family Fun Night! Although the weather tried to dampen our spirits, the rain held off until right near the end and we had a fabulous time taking part in all the games, activities and watching the Harmony Day presentation. It has been a long time since I have participated in a sack race and a group skipping challenge, but I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity!

A big thank you to the families that attended, seeing you all out there with the students, especially seeing some of your Bollywood dancing techniques, was just wonderful. Thank you also to staff for staying after school hours to participate in the activities.

STAFF CARPARK GATE

Due to many near misses in the afternoon and ongoing traffic concerns, our Groundskeeper Tim will be closing the staff carpark gate from 2.15pm. Please do not use the carpark as a walking or parking option, as much as I understand your frustration with the parking, this is not a safe option.

PREMIER'S READING CHALLENGE

The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge is now open and Hillsmeade PS is excited to be participating. The PRC application offers a range of exciting features including:

• access to a library catalogue (including book images and blurbs)
• a modern user-friendly interface
• rewarding students with badges as challenge milestones are achieved
• the option for students to mark books as a favourite, give them a star rating or complete a book review

Children from Prep to Year 2 are encouraged to read or ‘experience’ 30 books with their parents and teachers. Children from Year 3 to Year 10 are challenged to read 15 books.

All children who meet the Challenge will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the Victorian Premier and former Premiers.

If you require any more information please go to https://www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge  

I SEA I CARE MARINE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

During Term 1 Year 4&5 students had the opportunity to apply for a new leadership role at HPS - Hillsmeade Marine Ambassadors. After a lengthy selection process, I am pleased to announce that our Ambassadors are:

Kyson 4B, Tegan 5C, Ava 5E and Sara 4A.

Year 4 teacher, Ms Jemma Dunstan, will be overseeing the program, having worked with students at previous schools to get involved and focus on how we can look after our environment. 

These students then completed their first task for the school on Monday the 20th of March, attending a workshop with the Dolphin Research Institute at Botanic Ridge PS.

Our Ambassadors worked with students from other local schools to learn a range of lessons and activities they could teach to their peers and other schools. They then had a go at teaching the lessons they had learnt to some Prep students from Botanic Ridge. 

The activities were based around specific marine animals, the dangers of plastic and how we can help protect our marine environment - even from land we can make a difference to the sea! 

The Marine Ambassadors are already looking forward to their next workshop which will take them to a local wetland to explore litter and how this impacts our water bugs and ecosystems. 

EASTER PARADE AND EASTER RAFFLE - Thursday 6th April

On Thursday 6th April students in the ELC and P-2 will be involved in an Easter Hat Parade! More information to come but please keep your morning free to come and see this awesome event!

We are also holding our annual Easter raffle for everyone at HPS. Tickets will be sent home shortly with 10 prizes on offer! Good luck!

CRAZY SOCKS DAY

The SRC recently selected to raise money for "World Down Syndrome Day" by asking students to wear crazy socks on the last day of term and in turn, donate a gold coin. I am looking forward to seeing all the craziness that our students can muster into a pair of socks!!

LAST DAY OF TERM 1 - Thursday 6th April

Just a reminder that student dismissal time at the end of term is 2.30pm. OSHC will be available from that time.

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS TERM 2

Save the date - Week 2, Term 2 will be Parent Teacher Interviews on Monday 1st May and Tuesday 2nd May 3.30pm - 6.45pm. Compass will open for bookings on day one Term 2 - Monday 24th April until Friday 28th April.