Principal's Report

Dear HPS Community,

Can you believe we are half way through the term already?? The season is certainly changing and as the days get (ever so slightly) longer, there is more of a 'spring' in everyones step. 

Our Year 4 students will embark on a three day camp from Monday to Wednesday next week. We wish students teachers and volunteers a fabulous and positive experience. Please be aware and mindful of parking in Darebin St on Monday morning and Wednesday afternoon, as parking spaces will be reserved for the buses.

Starting the day to be best placed for learning is very important. Arriving on time, being organised and prepared for the day, eating a nutritious and substantial breakfast to support focus and attention during the day are all ways that students can ensure they are 'ready for learning'. 

Part of our wellbeing strategy here at HPS, is to support students to start the day with something substantial in their tummy by offering breakfast items from 8.40am each morning. This ensures our students have the best possible opportunity to be ready for learning and be able to sustain their engagement and concentration during the school day. We are aware that some student's, prior to 9am, are eating from large packets of lollies, chips and bottles of soft drink. We encourage you to support the conversations teachers are having, by having your own conversations with your child/ren regarding how they can best optimise their readiness for learning.

SAC

After not having increased fees since 2019, School Council have recently reviewed the amount charged per before and after care session. With two Child Care Subsidy (CCS) increases in that time, and associated costs with providing the SAC service, a motion was passed to increase fees from Term 4, 2024.

Please note the new charges as of Monday 7th October:

Before Care session $20

After Care session $23

Full Day program on pupil free days $70 

Student Voice, Agency and Leadership -  Last week, Jerusha taught students in SAC how to make stickers. It is part of SAC skills club where children teach other children something that they are good at. Congratulations Jerusha, you did a great job guiding and supporting others to learn this fun skill.

Mini Olympics- there were records broken and medals aplenty during the Mini Olympics this week at SAC. It was fun to see the excitement and pride beaming from children's faces as they participated and encouraged others through a variety of events. Our SAC staff also got involved and put their athleticism and friendly competitiveness on the line during the event as well. Well done everyone for getting in the Aussie spirit! 

Book Week - Only one week to go!!!

It's that time of the year again, when creativity and the wonderful world of books collide! Start thinking about and planning for your book week costume for 2024. A whole school parade will be held 9.10am- approx 10.10am, Friday 23rd August. Families welcome to attend and join in the fun.

Father's Day Breakfast

On Friday 30th August from 8.00-8.45am, we will celebrate HPS dads and other special father and father-like figures with a Fathers Day breakfast at the hall. Everyone is welcome!

Thank you to the parents and staff who are helping to organise this wonderful social event to honour the people who provide that guidance, love and support to our students. 

For further information, please refer to the Compass newsfeed sent earlier today.

Building Works Update

I wanted to share an update on our exciting school upgrade project.

As you may remember, in the 2023-24 State Budget our school received funding to plan our new gymnasium and learning centre. In the 2024-25 State Budget, the Victorian Government invested to continue the $14.07 million.

Our senior leadership has been working with the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) and our architect to complete designs for the project. We are now reaching the end of the design stage, with design development completed and tender documentation underway. Our next focus will shift to selecting a builder who will bring the project into reality.

The next phase is known as 'going out for tender'. The VSBA will manage this step carefully, conducting thorough evaluations to ensure we get the best value for the project. To maintain the fairness of the process, we need to limit communication about the project while this step is in progress.

Once the builder is appointed, I’ll let you know. I’ll also be able to reveal the designs and share more details about what the project will bring to our school community.

I look forward to sending the next update when I can.

More information If you have any questions about the Heidelberg Primary School works, you can contact the VSBA by phone at 1800 896 950, email vsba@education.vic.gov.au or visit their website: schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/heidelberg-primary-school 

Upcoming Dates

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and great week ahead.

Naomi Ivers

Principal

Heidelberg Primary School