Principal's Report

End of Year

As we move toward the final days of school, it’s a wonderful time to look back on the year that has been. There is so much to celebrate across classrooms, the yard, specialist programs, excursions, camps and community events. A heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers this year who have made these programs possible. Those who helped with excursions, supported in classrooms, served on School Council and PA, worked with our Mum’s and Dad’s Clubs, assisted with camps, and contributed in countless other ways; our school is richer because of you.

Most importantly, I want to wish all families a safe, restful and enjoyable break and a fantastic summer holiday. School resumes for students on Thursday 29 January.

Second Hand Uniform Stall

Whilst on volunteers and the contribution they make, our Second Hand Uniform Shop has raised an impressive $1,269 in the last sale. A huge thank you to Melissa Da Silveira, who has led this initiative for many years by washing, sorting and folding uniforms with incredible dedication. As this is Melissa’s final year, we extend our deepest appreciation for everything she has done. Thank you also to her committed team of helpers who keep the stall running so smoothly. This is an important service that supports sustainability and helps families manage cost-of-living pressures, and we are grateful for all who contribute and look forward to some more new parents helping out in the new year.

Class of 2025

We wish the graduating class of 2025 all the very best as they head off on their next adventure to secondary school. These students throughout the year have led our school both in formal leadership roles and as buddies and through other programs, contributing significantly to many projects throughout. The majority of the level have been with us for seven years and we hold great confidence that they are more than ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities that will come their way in the years to come. We look forward to welcoming them back for events, to help out in holidays, for work experience and just to visit from time to time. We look forward to celebrating each of them at our Graduation Ceremony next Wednesday and at our final assembly.

I also thank any families whose time with us is finishing up at the end of the year. I hope that HPS has been a place of much fun, learning and wonderful memory forming for you and your child(ren), and we hope you remain connected to our community.

Staffing Changes

The end of the year brings inevitable changes to our staffing at school. Whilst we are thrilled to welcome some new staff who are highly qualified and credentialled, we are always sad to see great teachers and people leave our school. What is reassuring is that each of the teachers leaving are off to try very different things in their futures. I thank each of the staff below for their commitment, passion and professionalism throughout their time with us and wish them all the very best in their very new endeavours. 

Deb Brayshaw

After an incredible 20 years at Hampton Primary School, Deb is retiring. Deb has had a profound influence on generations of students and staff, shaping our school with her experience, passion, wisdom and unwavering care. It was not unusual to see Deb here on days off, or perhaps before sunrise! She continued to learn and develop her skills right throughout her years, a credit to her dedication to the profession and all she worked with. Her retirement celebration last week brought together colleagues from across her entire career, a true testament to the impact she has made. We wish Deb every happiness in retirement and look forward to welcoming her back in a casual capacity next year.

Mikayla Turner

Mikayla has been with us for three years, teaching in both Grade 4 and Grade 2. She is heading off to travel and enjoy some well-deserved freedom and flexibility. Her calm and caring nature has had a wonderful impact on her students and her teams, and she will be greatly missed. We wish her all the very best for the adventures ahead.

Michelle Giuliano

Over the past three years, Michelle has provided outstanding support to students, staff and families in her role as school psychologist. She has offered professional learning, contributed specialist expertise and brought a thoughtful, compassionate approach to her work. Michelle has been sharing her time between two schools, and next year will move into a full-time role at Black Rock Primary School, where her skills and experience are greatly needed. We thank her sincerely for all she has contributed to HPS.

Sam Casey

Sam stepped into Grade 5 mid-way through this year and made an immediate impact. His positive energy, strong rapport with students and collaborative approach with the team have been truly appreciated. Sam now returns to his base school, Elwood Primary School, and we thank him for everything he has contributed during his time with us.

Building Works – Consultation

We are now in the final stages of assessing tenders for our upcoming building works. Once this process is complete, we will appoint a builder and begin working closely with them to refine detailed plans and establish a clear timeline for construction.

There is a possibility that some initial works may be able to occur during the January school holidays, with a focus on the internal fit-out of the BER. Prioritising these elements over the break will help minimise disruption for students learning in this space in 2026.

A full briefing outlining timelines, expected disruptions and staging of works will be provided to families in the new year once all information is confirmed.

Visible Wellbeing

After careful consideration, we will be ceasing our formal connection with Visible Wellbeing at the end of this year. We will instead be prioritising the Department’s Positive Classroom Management Strategies and the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships curriculum. This decision reflects our commitment to streamline wellbeing practices and focus on what our students need most: a structured, orderly environment that reinforces expected behaviours and supports positive learning. The learnings that we have gained throughout our two-year association have been invaluable and will continue to guide our positive-education philosophy and approach to wellbeing. 

Christmas Carols – Weather Reminder

As shared on Compass, our Christmas Carols this Friday will be warm, with temperatures expected in the high 20s. Students are encouraged to bring a towel or mat to sit on, apply sunscreen before school, wear their wide-brimmed hats, and bring a full drink bottle. After performing, teachers will have the option to take their classes into the BER for a short break in the shade. Students are to wear full school uniform for SunSmart reasons, with the option of adding a t-shirt or festive decoration over the top for their performance.

Financial Contributions and Permissions

Thank you to those families who have made a payment for the 2026 School Contributions.

We ask that families who haven't completed the Media Permissions and Consents section on Compass do so prior to the start of the 2026 school year. 

Final Assembly & Finish Time

Our final assembly will be held at 12:40pm on Friday 19th December on the Alhambra Stage (weather permitting). We welcome all families to attend as always. Dismissal will be at 1:30pm for all students.

A reminder that Team Kids will be open on 22 and 23 December, however current bookings for these days are currently too low to go ahead. Should fewer than 10 families book, Team Kids will cancel their program, so if you require care on these days, please book soon!

New & Important Dates

• Curriculum Day planning for 2026 - Monday 15th December
• Graduation – Wednesday 17th December @ St Leonard’s Leonardian Centre
• School finishes – Friday 19th December @1:30pm
• Term 1 Begins – Thursday 29th January

To stay up to date with all events and key dates, see the Compass Calendar or subscribe at the link above.