Principals' Page

Welcome back to the HEPS school community as we begin what will be a slightly longer-than-usual Term 2, spanning 11 weeks. We’ve had a busy and exciting start already, with the installation of our new playground and a moving ANZAC Day ceremony last week. The coming weeks are packed with events, including today’s school cross country, our upcoming Mother’s Day breakfast and stall, the Melbourne Writers Festival, Somers Camp for our Level 5 and 6 students, Level 5 kinder visits, Education Week, Movie Night and school photos all within the first five weeks!

A reminder that next Friday, 9th May, is a Curriculum Day and students are not required to attend school.

Mother's Day Breakfast - Thursday 8th May 8.30-10am

We’re looking forward to celebrating our wonderful mums/special persons at our upcoming Mother’s Day Breakfast! Join us from 8:30–9:00 am for a light breakfast to start the day outside the Canteen. From 9:00–10:00 am, classrooms will be open for mums/special persons to take part in special Mother’s Day activities or join in with Literacy and Numeracy sessions. We hope you can join us for this special morning of connection and celebration!

Education Week

Education Week is an annual celebration of education in Victoria. HEPS will celebrate Education Week on Thursday 15th May with an Open Night & Book Fair from 6:00–7:30 PM. All parents and members of the school community are invited to attend. There will also be an information session for 2026 Foundation parents from 5:15–6:00 PM in FSO. This year’s theme, ‘Celebration of Cultures’, highlights the diversity of our communities and the importance of every child feeling safe and welcome at school. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone 

Friendology

You may have noticed the recent installation of two large Friend-O-Meter signs on our school grounds—one located near the volleyball courts at the front of the school, and the other in the newly developed F-4 playground area. These signs are a key component of our Friendology program, which supports students in recognizing and reflecting on the qualities of healthy versus unhealthy friendships.

We encourage you to engage with your children about the purpose of these signs and the valuable conversations they inspire about positive peer relationships.

ANZAC Day Assembly

Last Thursday, our students and school community came together for a moving ANZAC Day assembly that honoured the service and sacrifice of our veterans. We were privileged to hear from Major Rick Bower, whose heartfelt speech resonated with staff and students alike. A special thank you to our school captains, Holly and Lucy, for their thoughtful and respectful presentation. 

MAD (Make a Difference Day)

What a fantastic MAD (Make A Difference) parade we had on the last day of Term 1. It was a sea of bright colours as students danced, sang, and partied in our end-of-term celebration. Thank you to all the students who dressed up and brought a gold coin donation to support a local charity and to Teamkids for putting on a free coffee van and morning tea during the parade. Finally, thank you to the Parent Association for organising the Easter Raffle—we’ve raised well over $3,000 for the school!

New Playground

Our new Foundation to Level 3 playground was installed over the school holidays and features a range of exciting equipment, including climbing structures, monkey bars, spider webs, balancing beams, a cubby house, and a new slide. While the students are eager to explore the space, we’ve identified a few safety concerns. We are hoping to open the playground next week after it has been formally approved by a certified playground auditor, the Victorian School Board Authority and the Department.

Volunteering at HEPS

At HEPS, we deeply value the contributions of our volunteers and parent helpers. Your involvement plays a vital role in enriching our school community.

If you are interested in volunteering you are required to hold a valid Working with Children Check and complete the Parent Helper Training.  There will be an online session on 21st May from 6.00 - 6.30PM on Zoom.  Details will be sent via Compass.  In Term 3 training is scheduled on 1st August 9.00am and 12th August 2.30pm.  

We appreciate your time and dedication to supporting HEPS.   Here is a link for a WWCC.

2026 Foundation Enrolment

Enrolment for 2026 foundation students is now live.

Our school is now using an online system for new Foundation (Prep) enrolments.

To get started, visit https://students.educationapps.vic.gov.au/s/ to create an account and complete the online application form by Friday 25 July 2025.

We will then review the information submitted and be in contact with you between Monday 28 July and Friday 8 August 2025 (for applications submitted by the due date of 25 July 2025).

You should accept one enrolment offer by Friday 22 August 2025. When accepting an offer, you will be required to provide additional personal and health information that will be shared with the school.

For a step by step guide, please refer to the attachment on Compass. If you are having any problems with this please don't hesitate to call or email the office.

Lunchtime Clubs

Lunchtime clubs will continue in Term 2. These clubs are open to all students across the school, however, there may be limited spots in some clubs due to limited resources or space. Classroom teachers will remind students when clubs will be running. We will support students to access these clubs and further develop their social skills and friendships through meaningful and practical experiences.