Dear HPS Community,

What an eventful Week 6 it has been!

Congratulations to all our swimmers who competed at Watermarc on Monday for the District Swimming Event. The sportsmanship and athleticism that was on display was fabulous to witness. Thank you to our teachers and parents who supported and assisted at the event.

We also had everyone best dressed and showing off their biggest smiles as school photos were taken. Thank you to Mrs Monique Rankin for her organisation to ensure it all ran smoothly and to our Year 6 'runners' who did a wonderful job having classes and students ready and waiting in a timely manner.

Goal Setting Conference nights had a really lovely positive and collaborative vibe as partnerships and connections between school and home were developed and strengthened. Thank you to everyone for prioritising time to focus on students and their learning.

Today we have ended the week with our Year 3-6 House Athletics Carnival. What another great display of teamwork, camaraderie and persistence! It was fabulous to be there to see and feel the atmosphere of togetherness as a school. Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who came to help and support this event. We truly wouldn't be able to achieve such success without you all. Thanks also to the spectators who came along and cheered the students on. Special shout out and thank you to Mr Ethan Griffiths for his effort in organising and planning such a successful event.

International Women's Day March 8

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #InspireInclusion.

Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity.

IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. Inclusion means all IWD action is valid.

Next week continues to be another action packed week!

We wish the Year 6 campers well as they embark on Camp Kangaroobie. This is a camp I have been on many times in the past and always rates very highly with staff and students. We hope you all have a great adventure and make the most of the opportunities that are presented.

NAPLAN

Wednesday will also mark the beginning of the 2024 NAPLAN testing window. The schedule for HPS is set as;

Wednesday 13th March- Year 3 & 5 Writing

Thursday 14th March- Year 3 & 5 Reading

Friday 15th March- Writing and Reading catch ups for those absent

Monday 18th March- Year 3 & 5 Language Conventions

Tuesday 19th March- Year 3 & 5 Numeracy

Wednesday 20th- Monday 25th- Language Conventions and Numeracy catch ps for those absent

Tests will be held from 9.10am each time and run for approx 50min. Please be considerate of Year 3 and 5 classes during this time by keeping noise and disruptions to a minimum.

Students in Year 3 and 5 are strongly encouraged to have a sufficient breakfast and arrive at school in plenty of time to optimise their opportunity to be prepared and ready.

School Council

Thank you to the parents who nominated and will now join our school council.

We warmly welcome;

Belinda Keeffe (parent category)
Louisa Tobin (parent category)
Noura Saed (parent category)
Simon Lovett (staff category)

We also welcome back;

Emma-Jane Stabb
Chris Chan
Enaksha Garde
Helen Thomas
Sam Thornton

We still have two parent category vacancies available and invite further nominations for these positions. Please see the Compass newsfeed sent earlier today or contact the office for a nomination form.

The next School Council meeting will be held Tuesday 26th March from 7pm.

The first part of this meeting will be focused on annual reporting to the community. This section of the meeting is open to any parents or carers from our school and we welcome you to join us in the staffroom from 7.00-7.45pm. The Annual Report provides an opportunity to share the school’s achievements and progress with the school community.

Child safety and wellbeing at Heidelberg Primary School: information for families and the school community

The Victorian Government has announced new Child Safe Standards to further strengthen child safety across organisations, including schools. The new standards recognise the critical importance of families and the broader school community in maintaining and promoting child safety and wellbeing.

Heidelberg Primary School has reviewed and updated our child safety policies and procedures to ensure they meet the requirements of the new standards. These are available to view on our school’s website and at the school’s front office.

We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to child safety and wellbeing and welcome feedback from families and members of our school community on ways we can further strengthen our child safety policies, procedures and practices.

If you have any suggestions, comments or questions in relation to our child safe policies and practices, please contact the Principal, Naomi Ivers: naomi.ivers@education.vic.gov.au

NB: If you are unable to access any of the above, they are available on the "School Documentation" page on Compass.

School Council Approved Pupil Free Dates 2024

Monday 20th May

Monday 26th August

Monday 4th November

SAC will operate on pupil free days for those who require care. Bookings for these dates will open 10 days prior. Please speak to Vimmy if you have any questions or queries regarding this service.

Wholesome News Story

I love when students choose to write to me and tell me a bit about themselves and what they've been learning! Thank you Zakir for the letter and for sharing about your hockey clinic. Sounds like you had a great experience:-)

Upcoming Dates

Friday 8th March

Tuesday 12th March

Tuesday 12th – 15th March

Tuesday 13th – 25th March

Thursday 21st March

Friday 22nd March

Wednesday 27th March

Thursday 28th March

International Women's Day

Year 3-6 Athletics Day - Willinda Park

Division Swimming - Oak Park SAC

Year 6 Camp - Kangaroobie

Year 3 and 5 NAPLAN

Regional Swimming - Watermarc

Soccer Round Robin (Year 6)

District Athletics - Willinda Park

Last day of Term 1 (Early Dismissal 2.30pm)

Wishing you all a wonderful long weekend and a great week ahead!

Naomi Ivers

Principal

Heidelberg Primary School

Wellbeing