Leadership Report
Thursday 30 May 2024
Dear Parents, Students and Friends,
Over the last two weeks, it has been a fantastic fortnight of learning and special events at Highvale Primary School. We had a marvellous time celebrating Education Week last week, the theme for Education Week was a Spotlight on STEM. This provided schools across Victoria with a chance to celebrate and share how they bring science, technology, engineering, and maths to life in the classroom.
During our Open Afternoon, students participated in a range of activities including Scratch programming, Dash robots, straw rockets and a wide range of science experiments. Thanks to all the parents and friends who attended. For students, being able to share their learning with their family is a real highlight.
Congratulations to our HPS representatives in the District Cross Country. It is a fantastic achievement to participate at that level and I know a few students were agonisingly close to reaching the top 12 that go through to Division. Well done to all involved.
Please see the section in the newsletter for further information.
Students also participated in our Fun Run last Friday afternoon. It was great to see all the students running and walking around the course with their colourful headbands. Thanks to the families who supported this fundraising event too. It is very much appreciated! Again, a special thanks to the HPCG and our staff for assisting on the day.
Student Free Day Tomorrow
Tomorrow, Friday 31 May will be a student free day as all staff will be undertaking curriculum planning and report moderation. This process of moderation ensures we are consistent in our judgement of student attainment.
Planned Maintenance Program
Over the next 8-10 weeks, we will have a number of contractors onsite completing a range of works across the school. Although unlikely, it may affect traffic, dropping off and picking up (even for before and after school care) and we ask that you show patience during this time.
All areas of the school under construction will be fenced off and we ask that you remind your child/ren to stay away for their safety. At school, we will pre-teach expectations as well. Thank you for your cooperation.
School Reports Information
A reminder that the Semester One Student Report will be emailed to parents after 4.00pm on Wednesday 26th June via Compass.
The Semester One Report provides an up-to-date overview of progress of both the Victorian Curriculum Capabilities (Personal & Social, Critical & Creative, Cultural, Ethical) and Learning Areas (subjects).
The Report includes:
- A description of the Victorian Curriculum taught in the areas of Concept Curriculum and Specialist Curriculum.
- A written comment outlining your child’s personal and social capabilities.
- An assessment against a 5-point scale for your child’s effort and behaviour.
- An assessment against a 5-point scale for English (Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening) and Mathematics curriculum areas.
- An assessment against a 5-point scale for Concept Curriculum, Personal and Social Capabilities and Specialist Curriculum areas.
- Attendance throughout Semester 1.
Parent and Teacher Interviews will be held early in Term 3. Arrangements will be communicated later this term.
Student Wellbeing
As you are all aware, student wellbeing is an important focus in our school. Our school values form the foundation of our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) approach. PBL is a whole school framework that promotes positive behaviour across the school and helps develop a safe and supportive learning environment. We make no apologies for our high expectations as it makes our school a safe, productive and successful learning community.
We consistently review our wellbeing initiatives and track how they are going. One way we do this is through our Student Attitudes to School (Grades 4-6) and Parent surveys. We are pleased that our results are above Similar Schools in all areas in both surveys. This includes the following key student wellbeing areas:
- Not experiencing bullying
- Managing bullying
- Respect for diversity
- Advocate at school
- Promoting positive behaviour
One of the main reasons for these strong wellbeing results is the relationships we build with our students and families. However, we know that students are still learning how to interact appropriately and that incidents do occur at school.
One of the most important things parents can do when their child expresses that they are experiencing difficulties with their friends or peers, is to inform the classroom teacher in a timely manner. As soon as we are informed, we can respond immediately and solve issues quickly. Please do not wait a few weeks or months to inform the school.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership to support our students’ wellbeing.
Student Health
As we head into the depths of winter, many bugs, viruses and illnesses occur in schools. This includes a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases. We have hand sanitiser available around the school and also provide tissues for every class. Good hand and personal hygiene are an important strategy to reduce the prevalence of illnesses.
If your child does experience an illness, guidelines from the Victorian Department of Health are provided to all schools outlining the exclusion period for different illnesses. Please see a link to this website below.
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/school-exclusion-table
The Department of Education have provided the following information:
Stay well this winter
Symptoms of influenza (flu) can hit very quickly and may last several weeks. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting the flu.
Keeping our school community well
Parents, carers and students are encouraged to practice prevention measures, including:
· washing and sanitising hands regularly
· avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
· covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing · staying home if unwell and consulting a general practitioner (GP) or Nurse-on-call as required
· staying up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Flu vaccinations
Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies, many of which can also provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.
Some people are more at risk of complications from flu and are eligible for free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.
COVID-19 booster
The 2024 COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and above.
Getting your booster dose remains the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people aged over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness.
Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a 2024 booster dose.
You can get your next dose at your local pharmacy or GP. You can get your next dose at your local pharmacy or GP.
To find one near you, refer to the vaccine clinic finder.
For more information about preventing flu, and immunisation, refer to:
· Better Health Channel influenza flu immunisation fact sheet
· Getting vaccinated against influenza.
School Supervision
As mentioned in previous newsletters and communications home, there is no teacher supervision before 8.45am. Please ensure you remain with your child if they are on school grounds or alternatively, please use our Before School Care program, TheirCare.
Students should also be picked up before 3.45pm as there is no teacher supervision after this time.
Thank you for your cooperation.
School Tours and 2025 Enrolments
School Tours for Prep 2025 and new Year 1-6 students are provided on Wednesday mornings between 9.30-10.45am. Due to demand, tours must be booked through the school office (9887 8000). If you have friends, family or neighbours with school age children, especially those commencing Prep in 2025, please encourage them to book a tour to find out more about our wonderful school and community.
The virtual tour is available at https://highvaleps.vic.edu.au/
Take care,
Josh Crozier
Acting Principal