Principal Report
Welcome to our Week 10 newsletter, the last for Term One. As we come to the end of Term One, I would like to thank our students, staff and families for a wonderful start to the year. It has been a busy and rewarding term, filled with learning, growth and many opportunities for our students to shine. I wish all families a safe and relaxing two-week break and hope you enjoy the special time together. We also extend our warmest wishes to those in our community celebrating Easter and hope this time is filled with family, friends, joy and good times. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for Term Two on Monday 20th April.
Welcome to Highvale
We have not had any new students begin their learning journey with us since our last newsletter, however, we have a number of students joining our team in Term Two. Welcome to HPS: Angela N PFY, Harry N 4C, Linda N 6S, Ella C 4C, Longhui H 6T, Anika N 1P and Kushita N 4C.
Birthdays
Happy Birthday to the following students who will celebrate their special day throughout April: Stella B 5S, Caleb W 2M, Advika M 4G, Jun Ler 5E, Kaylee C 2M, Haidar A 3C, Manduul B 2M, Avaya A 2M, Vrunshank M 2L, Sean T PFY, Prithvi N PA, Kanisha N 2L, Lucas L 1GC, Jasmine J 5S, Crystal L 6T, Shamika B 2M, Quintin C, Zohran D 2M, Remi F 4G, Arabelle C 6D, Gabriella D 3C, Rayden L, Zerah U 1P, Eliana S PA, Rudra N 4G, Serina G 4G, Violet G 2L, Megan C 5M, Ushika T 4G, Ryan S 5S, Anisha D 2L and Jason L 5E. We hope you all have a terrific birthday.
Attendance
At Highvale Primary School we firmly believe that attending school every day plays a crucial role in shaping a child's educational journey. Regular attendance allows students to fully engage in classroom activities, discussions, and hands-on learning experiences. It provides them with the opportunity to grasp new concepts, ask questions and collaborate with their peers. Consistent attendance helps build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, enabling children to excel academically. This term, we will be reinforcing the importance of attending school every day.
Congratulations to the 388 students who have achieved 100% attendance in March. Some of these students include: Mason X PA, Jayshen L PA, Jade L PFY, Harnur L PFY, Aarnik A PFY, Mirreeha A 1P, Griva P 1P, Joy P 1GC, Nikan V 1GC, Ashwin M 2M, Jaanu T 2M, Shrigna S 2L, Voilet G 2L, Hayley C 3A, Edward Y 3A, Lionell X 3C, Haidar A 3C, Surveen B 3L, Cooper K 3L, Jackie K 4C, Olivia T 4C, Shawn W 4G, Bonnie W 4G, Ethan C 4P, Hana Z 4P, Tevin R 5E, Aaliyah M 5E, Isabella M 5M, Leo G 5M, Victoria Z 5S, Xiuqi Z 5S, Micheal P 6T, Chong O 6T, Ansh P 6S, Sara I 6S, Marwin H 6D and Eleni K 6D.
Remember: It is not ok to be away!
Prep Enrolments 2027
Enrolments for Prep 2027 open on Monday 20 April 2026 via the Student Insight online system. Families are encouraged to enrol early to assist with school planning. Applications can be submitted online through the Department of Education’s secure system, VicStudents, or via a paper form available on request. For any questions about enrolment, please contact Charlotte in the front office.
HPS Sports Carnival
On Wednesday, we held our annual Sports Carnival. It was a fantastic afternoon filled with energy, enthusiasm and school spirit. Students participated with great excitement, demonstrating teamwork, resilience and a willingness to challenge themselves across a range of events. It was wonderful to see students supporting one another and celebrating each other’s achievements throughout the day. Thank you to our two PE teachers, Miss Sophie Stokes and Mrs Soleda Graham for their organisation of the event. A huge thank you to our families who came along to support our student. Events like these play an important role in promoting physical activity, teamwork and a strong sense of community within our school.
Easter Bonnet Parade
Our annual Easter Bonnet Parade was a wonderful celebration of creativity and community spirit! Students from Years Prep, One and Two showcased their beautifully decorated bonnets, demonstrating incredible imagination and effort. It was a joy to see the smiles, laughter, and excitement as students paraded their creations for their peers and teachers. Thank you to all families who supported their children and attended the Easter Bonnet Parade. Events like this highlight the fun, inclusive, and engaging environment we strive to create at our school and we look forward to continuing these special celebrations throughout the year.
Swimming
Our 2026 Swimming Program has now concluded, and we would like to congratulate all students on their enthusiastic participation and efforts throughout the swimming program. It was wonderful to see students developing their confidence, water safety skills and swimming abilities over the course of the sessions. Thank you to Kelly Soccio for organising the swimming event, staff for their organisation and to families for ensuring students were prepared each day. Programs such as these are an important part of our Physical Education curriculum, supporting both skill development and student wellbeing.
Colour Run
We are very excited to be having a HPS Colour Run on Friday 1st May to raise funds for important facility upgrades, particularly improvements to our student toilets. This whole-school event will take place on the oval, where students will enjoy running the course while being showered with colourful powder by staff. The $10 entry fee includes participation and a pair of protective glasses for each student. Once the $10 entry fee has been paid, students should attempt to gain sponsors/ donations from family, friends and neighbours. A range of amazing prizes will be won by students who raise the most money for our school.
Chess Tournament
Congratulations to the following students: Yuvi M, Vishruth M, Swanik O and Walter Z who recently competed in a Chess tournament at Sandringham PS. These students demonstrated excellent strategic thinking, concentration and sportsmanship throughout the competition and achieved the following results:
- Yuvan M 4P won 6 out of 7
- Swanik O 4P won 5 out of 7
- Vishruth M 2L won 2 and drew 2
- Walter Z 2L won 2
Competing at this level is a wonderful achievement and we are very proud of the way these four students represented our school with maturity and pride. Well done to all involved!
If your child is interested in playing Chess and perhaps competing in future tournaments, please email me directly at carly.epskamp@education.vic.gov.au
KSF Maths Competition
Congratulations to all of our students for their outstanding achievements in the KSF Maths Competition. A special acknowledgement to Mishkaat A 6S for achieving a High Distinction, and to Eelon L 6S, Calvin C 4G, Eline W 4C, Andrea L 4G and Hannah L 4P for earning Distinctions. These results reflect their strong mathematical skills, dedication and commitment to learning. We are very proud of their efforts and the way they have represented our school. Well done to all students involved!
Volunteer Induction & Training
On Monday, we held our Term One Volunteer Induction. If you are interested in becoming a parent helper and being involved at Highvale this year, you will need to attend one of these sessions. Please contact Kelly Soccio kelly.soccio@education.vic.gov.au if you are interested in volunteering in 2026.
Thank you
A sincere thank you to Julie Yin, Suzan Maleki and Cindy Xin Zheng for generously giving their time to prepare the end of term Snack Packs for 200 of our students. Your organisation, care and willingness to support our students is greatly appreciated. Contributions like yours make a meaningful difference and reflect the strong sense of community we value at our school. As a result of this fundraiser the school made in excess of $500, which is pleasing.
Cross Country
We are excited to announce that our annual Cross Country event will take place early next term, Wednesday 22nd April. This event provides students with a fantastic opportunity to challenge themselves, build resilience, and enjoy friendly competition while celebrating fitness and healthy participation. All students are encouraged to take part, whether running, jogging or walking, as we cheer each other on and enjoy a fun day of community spirit and outdoor activity. Further details about the event and preparation will be shared with families early next term.
Anzac Day Assembly
Next term, our Year Four students will host our annual ANZAC Day Assembly to honour and remember the service and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women. This meaningful event provides students with the opportunity to reflect on the values of courage, resilience and community, while learning about the significance of ANZAC Day in our nation’s history. We look forward to gathering as a school community to pay our respects and commemorate this important day. Further details about this assembly will be shared with families early next term.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Kids Help - kidshelpline.com.au phone 1800 55 1800
Parent Line - betterhealth.vic.gov.au phone 13 22 89
Headspace - headspace.org.au phone 1800 650 890
eSafety Commissioner - esafety.gov.au - Advice for parents and carers to help children have safe experiences online
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support — together, we continue to create a positive, inclusive and high-expectations learning environment for every child.
Have a great week ahead HPS families,
Carly Epskamp