Dear HPS Community,

As we reflect on the year gone by at HPS, we celebrate the many milestones that have contributed to our ongoing mission of optimising student learning and wellbeing. We’ve witnessed numerous opportunities for growth, exploration, and connection, making it a truly vibrant year for both students and staff.

This year, we’ve continued to foster a culture of curiosity and exploration, where students have been empowered to make new connections with prior knowledge, explore new areas of interest, and develop their academic skills in meaningful ways. Our commitment to “Optimise Student Learning and Wellbeing Growth” has been central to our approach, providing a balanced environment that supports both academic and personal development.

We’ve seen:

Outstanding learning opportunities that have sparked curiosity and led to impressive new understandings.
Camps and excursions that helped students build independence, teamwork, and a love of learning outside the classroom.
Sporting achievements, where students demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and school spirit.
A dynamic and engaged SRC, who have advocated for their peers and contributed to the wider school community through fundraising and dress-up days.

This year’s successes would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of many individuals. We extend our heartfelt thanks to:

Staff, for their ongoing commitment to creating a positive and enriching learning environment.
School Aged Care (SAC), for caring for our students and seamlessly supporting the transition between home and school
School Council, for their guidance and support in shaping our educational vision.
Parent helpers and Volunteers, for their contributions, whether big or small, which have made an incredible difference in the lives of our students and the success of our programs. Whether you’ve been in the classroom, assisting at events, or supporting various activities behind the scenes, your dedication helps create a positive, enriching environment for everyone. Thank you for being such an important part of our school. We appreciate all that you do, and we are truly grateful for your continued involvement and generosity.
Cleaners and Crossing Supervisors, for ensuring the safety, cleanliness, and smooth functioning of our school day.
School leadership team, whose vision and leadership continue to guide us towards excellence and who have worked cohesively to bring our vision for improvement to life.
HPS Students, for your enthusiasm, curiosity, and dedication to learning! You make our community truly special. Keep shining and striving for greatness whilst living by our school values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Compassion!

Farewells and Well Wishes: As we reflect on the past year, we also bid farewell to several valued members of our community:

Staff members, whose contributions have made a lasting impact on our school. Callum Swanson, Marcus Panozzo, Bec Squire and Lisa Bernardo. We thank you for your contributions and wish you well in the next part of your journey.
Students and families moving on—to those in F-5 cohort- good luck as you embark on the next adventure and thank you for being such a special part of our HPS community. And to the Year 6 students—who are taking the next step in their educational journey- we wish you well and thank you for all you have given and contributed to HPS over your time here. We look forward to seeing the heights you gain and the things you achieve as you move into the next chapter of your life.
Departing Year 6 families, that have been with us for many years, whose support and involvement have shaped our school community and contributed to who we are as a school today...thank you. We hope you always hold a piece of Heidelberg in your hearts and we thank you for your partnership and your parting gift performed at Summer Nights and Christmas Lights event! Truly spectacular and special. I think the challenge is on for next years departing families!

While we say goodbye to these familiar faces, we look forward to the continued growth and success of those remaining, and to the new opportunities and challenges that the next year will bring.

Words to School Song- adapted by Rachel McGrisken and performed by departing families 2024

2025 School and House Captains

After a thorough process involving many student candidates, we congratulate and thank nominees for putting themselves forward with courage and confidence. What a fabulous cohort of leaders you are going to make as year 6s next year.

We are now pleased to announce the 2025 School and House Captains.

Congratulations to School Captains: Ava L, Ruby D, Lachie C and Alex C

Congratulations to House Captains:

Yarra- Lachie J and Elodie P

Warringal- Isla L and Orlando T

Darebin- Oliver O and Essie D

Carter- Phoebe H and Lucy M

FYI re BYOD

I have had a few parents ask recently so thought I'd ensure everyone is aware. HPS have been phasing out the Bring Your Own Device initiative for the past few years. Students are not required to bring an iPad or similar device to school from home. School will provide and cater to technology needs and requirements to support students learning through school owned devices.

Upcoming Dates

2025

Tuesday 28th January

Wednesday 29th January

Thursday 30th January

Tuesday 11th March

Friday 4th April

Staff return - Pupil Free Day

Term 1 Begins - Year 1-6 students begin

Term 1 Begins - Foundation students begin

Pupil Free Day

End of Term 1 - 2.30pm finish

Further 2025 Dates

TERM 2

22 April- Term begins

23 June- Pupil free day

4 July- End term 2.30pm finish

TERM 3

21 July- Term begins

19 September- End term 2.30pm finish

TERM 4

6 October- Term begins

19 December- End year 1.30pm finish

I wish you all a wonderful and safe school holiday break.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Naomi Ivers

Principal

Heidelberg Primary School

Farewell to Year 6