Dear HPS Community,

Following our recent three-way conferences for goal setting, I would like to sincerely thank our teachers for the time, care and professionalism they invested in preparing for these important conversations. These meetings provided a valuable opportunity for students, parents and teachers to come together to discuss learning progress, set meaningful goals and identify strategies that can support each student both at school and at home. They were a wonderful example of the strong two-way partnership we value between home and school. It was also fantastic to see the positive community spirit around the school during this time, with families engaging in conversations about learning and celebrating the growth and achievements of our students together.

Thank you to our fabulous parent helper volunteer group which included Sally, Jee, Claire and Cara, very ably led by the hard working Jenny, who ran the second-hand uniform sale afternoon on Wednesday. Sorting, grouping and organising the generously donated items is something that needs keeping up with and we are grateful to have these awesome people coordinating and helping out!

Today I had the pleasure of joining in a maths session with the Year 3s. They were playing a game called Nim, a simple but strategic mathematical game played by two players using several rows of objects (such as counters, sticks, or stones). Players take turns removing objects from the rows, but on each turn they may only remove objects from one row. A player can remove as many objects as they like from that single row, as long as at least one object is taken. The player who is left to remove the last object loses the game.

Although the rules are simple, Nim is important in mathematics because it involves logical thinking, strategy, and pattern recognition. By analysing the sizes of the rows and thinking ahead, players can determine moves that give them a strategic advantage.

Nim is often used in classrooms to help students develop problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and strategic thinking in an engaging way.

No Assembly Monday

Due to NAPLAN assessments, there will be no assembly on Monday.

Student Leadership. Voice & Agency

Harmony Day

Our Student Representative Council (SRC) are hosting an event and encouraging all of our community to wear a splash of orange on Friday 20th March to celebrate Harmony Day. Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

Autism Awareness

April is recognised worldwide as a month to promote better understanding of autism. In Australia, the focus is moving from awareness to understanding and acceptance.

Our school is committed to building understanding of autism so we can better include and support autistic students every day.

Our SRC are inviting HPS students to wear a hoodie with their school uniform on 19th March to celebrate and support the diversity that makes our school such a wonderful place.

Cultural Diversity Week

Multiculturalism is a core part of the Victorian identity, our character and way of life. Our state is home to people who speak 290 languages and have 314 different ancestries. It's also a place where anyone can contribute and belong.

Cultural Diversity Week is a time to celebrate the power, influence, and stories of Victoria's rich multicultural communities, and all Victorians are invited to participate through a variety of in-person events and activities.

This year, Cultural Diversity Week will take place across the state from 21 - 29 March.

The 2026 theme, Culture connects us all highlights how sharing intercultural stories and experiences fosters understanding, belonging and connection.

Upcoming Dates
March
Wednesday 11- Friday 20	NAPLAN test period
Monday 16	NO ASSEMBLY due to NAPLAN
Wednesday 18	Year 3-6 School Athletics Day **Take 2
Thursday 19	Hoodie Up for Autism- wear a hoodie day
Friday 20	Harmony Day- wear a splash of orange
June
Friday 5	Curriculum Day - No students at school
August
Wednesday 12	Curriculum Day - No students at school
October
Thursday 15	Year 6 Graduation Photo Day
November
Monday 2	Teacher Professional Practice Day - No students at school

2026 School Term Dates

Term 1: Thursday 29th Jan- Thursday 2nd April (2.30pm finish)

Term 2: Monday 20th April- Friday 26th June (2.30pm finish)

Term 3: Monday 13th July- Friday 18th September (2.30pm finish)

Term 4: Monday 5th October- Friday 18th December (1.30pm finish)

Have a great weekend!

Naomi Ivers

Principal

Heidelberg Primary School

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund