Principal's Report

Cross Country

Throughout the year, there are moments that stand out for different reasons. Our recent House Cross Country event was one of those moments that made me feel incredibly proud to be the principal of our school.

What stood out most was the incredible support our students showed for one another. While out on the track, I heard students offering words of encouragement, helping each other push through to the finish line. If you were anywhere near Heathmont, you might have even heard the roaring cheers from our students waiting for their race—it reminded me of an MCG finals crowd! Their enthusiasm and sportsmanship were fantastic to witness.

It was also wonderful to see so many supporters and volunteers at the school, making the event even more special for our students. Thank you to Bonny for organising the event and to everyone who volunteered their time. Your efforts helped create a great experience for our students, and we truly appreciate it. Thank you!

Family Fun Night 

We will be looking at an appropriate date to reschedule this event and will share details once confirmed. Unfortunately, a combination of circumstances led us to postpone this year, but with a third of our students away the following day, it was certainly the right decision.

I want to extend my thanks to all the families who kept students with symptoms at home. Your consideration, along with the weekend break, seems to have played a key role in helping to stop the spread of illness. We appreciate your support in keeping our school community healthy.

Parking 

While the situation has improved, I’d like to remind everyone to avoid long-term parking in the first three car parks outside the school. This is a drop off zone to help with traffic flow and support student safety of those who walk and ride to school. If you need to park and come into the school, please use the street parking beyond the staff car park.

Additionally, the staff car park is for staff use only. Ensuring our staff have access to parking allows them to be in their classrooms on time, but more importantly, it helps keep our students safe by reducing unnecessary vehicle movement in this area.

Evacuation Drill

We conduct an emergency drill each term to ensure our students and staff are well-prepared for different situations. Some drills are announced in advance, while others are unannounced, allowing us to practise under a variety of conditions.

This term, we will be holding an onsite evacuation drill to the oval. Students will be notified and prepared beforehand to help them understand the process and feel confident about what to do.

For our younger students, particularly our prep students, this may be a new experience. If you feel it would be helpful, we encourage you to discuss the drill with your child in advance, reassuring them that it is simply a practice to help everyone stay safe in an emergency. Our teachers will also support students by explaining what will happen and answering any questions they may have.

Practising these procedures regularly ensures that in the unlikely event of a real emergency, our students and staff will know exactly what to do to keep themselves and others safe. 

Start of Next Term

As a reminder, the first week of next term starts on Tuesday the 22nd of April due to the Easter Monday public holiday. To add to the delayed start, Friday is also the ANZAC Day public holiday. This will result in a 3-day week for the first week of term. 

End of Term Message 

As we approach the end of Term 1, I want to acknowledge the efforts of our students in starting the year so positively. Our classrooms have been productive and supportive spaces, with students taking responsibility for their learning by staying engaged and demonstrating a willingness to improve.

I would also like to express my appreciation for our incredible staff, whose dedication to student growth and wellbeing ensures that every child is supported to thrive.

A reminder that Term 1 will finish on Friday, 4th April at 2:30pm.

As we head into the break, I encourage all students to take the time to rest, recharge, and enjoy quality time with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 2.

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Warmly,

Tim Mulhall

Principal