Principal's Message

Reminder

Thursday 18th December last day of the year. 2.30pm student pick up. 

Friday 19th December is a Curriculum Day.

Staffing Update for 2026 - Farewells

As you would be aware, coming to the close of another year we have some staff that have decided to leave Hillsmeade for a variety of reasons.

I mentioned in the last newsletter that Craig Harrison will be taking a classroom position from 2026 at a new school. We will get the opportunity to farewell Craig as a school at the EOY Extravaganza.

Other staff that have indicated they are leaving are as follows:

Staff retiring - Evelyn Shultz, Angela Cooper, Nowella Ahlgren, Allison Jones and Tim Jones.

Adam Wright and Leah Stillitano will both be leaving Hillsmeade and seeking replacement teacher work in 2026. Adam will also be off on travel adventures throughout the year. 

Education Support staff member Priya Bhatti has been successfully appointed to a classroom teaching role at Southern Cross PS.

We will also say farewell to Victoria Bourke in her Education Support role, but luckily continue to see her as a member of our parent community.

It is always a sad time when staff leave or move on, but I am so grateful for the dedication they have shown to Hillsmeade during their time here.

STEP UP - Transition for students 

Just a reminder that students will find out their teachers, classmates and classrooms for 2026 on Tuesday 9th December. 

Following this, all students will then be in their new 2026 classes during the last 3 days of the final week of school this term.

2025 teachers and classes will end on Monday 15th December.

Change for 2026 - gate opening times

Please note that starting in 2026, gates will be opened from 8.15am. NO STUDENTS SHOULD BE ONSITE BEFORE THAT TIME. 

We have TeamKids available if you need to drop your child/children to school early.

Breakfast Club in 2026 will also start at 8.15am.

Gates will be locked approx 3.45pm

Celebrations!

Over the last two weeks I have been so incredibly proud of our students as they have shared their work and successes with our community. Firstly we had the magnificent Art Show that showcased the talents of our wonderful students. The theme of Under the Sea was incredibly engaging and it was lovely to welcome our community in to share this occasion with us.

Last week we had our Instrumental Music concert. Students from across all year levels performed for their families the pieces they have been learning with their teacher , Shane. It is always such an honour to see their hard work and practice come to life in front of a real audience.

And finally on Friday I was able to watch our Masterclass students present at Narre South P-12 College to an audience of community members, showcasing their 12 months of work encouraging Hillsmeade students to ride or walk to school. Their motto 'Every Step Counts' has resonated with our students and we have seen an increase in bike riding and walking to school to ease traffic around the school and protect our environment.

So much to celebrate at Hillsmeade and I could not be a prouder Principal.

What a way to end the year!

Save the Dates - Term 4

• Monday 8th December - End of Year Extravaganza 4pm - 5.15pm
• Tuesday 9th December - Statewide Transition Day & final Prep 2026 transition
• Wednesday 10th December - Year 2 Day Camp
• Thursday 11th December - Year 6 Graduation and Yr 5 Little Day Out
• Friday 12th December - Year 6 Big Day Out
• Monday 15th December - Final day of 2025 classes, Yr 6 last day
• 16th - 18th December - 2026 Step Up: all students in their 2026 classes
• Thursday 18th December - last day of school 2.30pm finish
• Friday 19th December - Curriculum Day

Save The Dates - Term 1 2026

• Tuesday 27th January - Curriculum Day
• Wednesday 28th January - Year 1-6 students commence / Prep 2026 students commence 1:1 meetings with class teachers
• Friday 31st January - First assembly of the year
• Monday 2nd February - 2026 Prep students commence, finish time of 2.30pm from the gym
• Tuesday 3rd February - 2026 Prep students finish 2.30pm from gym
• Wednesday 4th February - No Preps in attendance
• Thursday 5th February - Preps now attend full days, with Wednesday 11th and 18th of February as days off for prep students.
• Starting Monday 23rd February - Preps will attend full time, everyday.