Leadership Report
Thursday 16th November
Dear Parents, Students and Friends,
It’s hard to believe that we are now over half way through Term 4! My favourite part of this term is the number of school community events that take place. I always look forward to our Carols Evening and Graduation as we take the opportunity to celebrate with the community. Please check over the diary dates and School Stream to ensure that you don’t miss any upcoming events.
Please note, as communicated via School Stream, Steve Richardson is currently on leave.
Dropping Off Students
Please be reminded that students should not be dropped off or be arriving at school before 8:45am. Supervision in the school yard commences at 8:45am every morning, and it is imperative that students arrive between 8:45am and 9:00am. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Remembrance Day Service
Remembrance Day is commemorated on the 11th November every year where we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in armed conflicts.
The symbol of Remembrance Day is the poppy and our school community was able to purchase these to support the work of the Poppy Appeal which helps support veterans and their families.
Last Friday, our wonderful Year 4 students who led our Remembrance Day service and we thank them for their efforts for this very important event.
Highvale Primary Community Group Thank you
Congratulations and thank you to our tremendous HPCG for their wonderful work throughout the year. In particular, thank you to Sue McKinnon (President) and Jennifer Mulligan (Treasurer). Sue and Jennifer will continue in these roles in 2024.
The HPCG have so far raised in excess of $15,000 this year for our school. Each year, the funds raised go straight back to projects and programs for our students. A portion of the money raised by our HPCG is allocated directly to our Digital Learning program. This is very important in the absence of any funding for student devices. HPCG fundraising also support a key project in the school each year. For example, our running track, 3D printers for STEAM, interactive screens, updates to playgrounds, shade sails and so on. These are projects that benefit every single HPS student.
This year, the HPCG raised these funds through a range of community events and fund raisers including the Easter Feast, PJ Day, Mother’s and Father’s Day Breakfasts, Crazy Hair Day, Silver Coin Fundraiser and special lunches to name a few. And we still have Carols Night and raffle to come, which is a major fundraiser.
Currently our HPCG has 11 dedicated and generous members. If you would like to get involved as a member, please see Rebecca Foot in our school office who can provide further details. As well, parents can register as a helper through School Stream – Forms – Highvale Primary Community Group helpers register. You can also search Facebook for ‘Highvale Primary Community Group’ and request to join to stay involved.
Swimming Program
Our Swimming Program begins in just a few weeks. Information has been sent out via School Stream so please check over it carefully. It contains times and dates for all classes and also some tips to help your child prepare.
We recommend that your child is able to dry themselves after having a shower or bath and dress themselves independently, so they can do this after getting out of the pool. Please note that parents will not be able to enter the change rooms.
If you have any questions, please see your child’s teacher or let me know.
Student Transition and Orientation to 2024
Transition for all students at HPS is an ongoing process which is supported through a range of opportunities at our school throughout the year. Primarily, transition focuses on three areas, transition into our school, through our school and transition to exit our school.
Our 2024 Prep students have now completed their formal Preschool to Prep Transition program into our school, culminating in individual interview sessions this week with our 2024 Prep teachers, Miss Kelaart and Miss Cheong. Please note, class teachers for all other year levels are still to be finalised. Our 2024 Preps can now look forward to their Orientation morning on Tuesday 12th December. This is the same day that our current Year 6 students will participate in their 2024 Year 6 to 7 transition day as they prepare to exit HPS.
Important components of transition through our school are designed to support the development of familiarity with students, staff and the learning environment beyond each child’s class and Learning Community. These transition activities include events and activities such as our termly Buddies Day, the Buddy program, Cooperative Kids and a host of other programs.
In November and December, we have our Year 1-6 Transition and Orientation mornings. These are key parts of the transition program to prepare students for the following year. They are designed to assist students to build familiarity with their new Learning Community, class and teacher prior to the start of the 2024 school year. The 2024 Year 1-6 Transition morning will occur between 9.30-11.00am on Thursday 7th December. During this session, students meet the teachers and students in their 2024 Learning Community and enjoy some fun activities together.
The Transition morning is followed by the 2024 Year 1-6 Orientation morning on Thursday 14th December. During this session, each student joins their 2024 class and teacher for the morning. Students participate in a number of engaging ‘getting to know you’ activities in preparation for 2024.
2024 Learning Community and Class Structures
Next year we will continue with 14 classes comprised of:
2x Prep
2x Year 1
2x Year 2
2x Year 3
2x Year 4
And in 2024
2 x Year 5
2 x Year 6
This will complete our transition to ‘straight classes’ across the school as planned and previously communicated.
Next year, each Learning Community (LC) will continue as in previous years. Our LCs will be Prep, Year 1&2, Year 3&4, Year 5&6. Learning communities are designed as an extension of each Year level class where teachers and students work across classes to support learning and wellbeing.
Remaining Dates for your Diary
- Year 5&6 Environmental Interactive Presentation (Opt-In Special Event) – Wednesday 22nd November.
- Parent & community helpers afternoon tea – Friday 24th November
- Swimming commences – Monday 27th November
- Carols Evening – Thursday 7th December – Carols begin at 6.15pm with food available before this.
- School Council – Tuesday 5th December
- 2024 Year 1-6 Transition morning Thursday 7th December
- Semester 2 Student Reports by Wednesday 13th December
- 2024 Year 6 to Year 7 transition day AND 2024 Prep Orientation Morning Tuesday 12th December
- 2024 Year 1-6 Class Orientation Morning with 2024 teacher Thursday 14th December.
- Graduation Evening Thursday 14th December - After school hours - Times to be confirmed.
- Swimming concludes – Friday 15th December
- Year 6 Celebration Day – Monday 18th December
- Buddies Day and Pizza Lunch (HPCG) – Tuesday 19th December
Moving in 2024?
Please let us know urgently if you intend to enrol a child at our school, if you are aware of people in our community who will be enrolling, or if you intend to transfer to another school in 2024. We require this information as soon as possible in order to establish class structures for the start of the new school year. If your child is currently in Prep – Year 5 and will not be at Highvale Primary school in 2024 please notify the school office in writing as soon as possible.
Take care,
Josh Crozier
Assistant Principal