Welcome to our first newsletter for Term Two. I hope you had a fantastic Easter break and enjoyed some time with your families and friends. I spent some time outside as the weather was really nice and did a few day trips to watch the AFL footy and relaxed at the Peninsula Hot Springs. It was a great time to rest and recharge and now I’m happy to be back ready for a busy Term Two.

Welcome to HPS

This term, we have had some new students begin their learning journey with us at Highvale. Welcome to HPS to the following new students: Kezia C 2S, Kaley C 4U, Myra D 6S, Oscar Z 3CBB, David W 1S, Ario R 5S, Sukhvin D 2J and Masa R 2M. We are sure you will love being members of our community. If there is anything that you would like to discuss or need assistance with, please contact the School Office on 9887 8000. We are always here to help!

This week we also welcome Alex Xenitopoulos to HPS. Alex will join us as the classroom teacher of 5D as Rachel Drew goes on maternity leave next week. We wish Rachel all the best for the safe arrival of her twins and welcome Alex, who comes to Highvale as an experienced professional.

Birthdays

A child’s birthday is a very special occasion and every fortnight I will share this celebration by including the children’s names in our newsletter.

Happy Birthday to the following students who will celebrate their special day throughout May: Cici S, Austin C, Charlie D, Elizabeth C, Faraz G, Emma L, James Z, Joshua D, Mann A, Ethan X, Senuth W, Shanaa J, Adam J, Erica J, Ewen L, Harris C, Joshua C, Adyashakti G, Violet W, Olivia T, Owen L, Ethan N, Chong O, Jackie K, Mikayla L, Navya P and Quinn L. 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 247 students who have achieved 100% attendance in April. Some of these students include: Mirreeha A Prep FY, Vincent G Prep B, Carter C 1S, Shamika B 1D, Hayley C 2S, Surveen B 2M, Gabriella D 2J, Diana H 3CBB, Remi F 3J, Shawn F 4A, Sidarrth G 4U, Adriana C 5S, Joshua C 5D, Zachary C 6S and Ben G 6D.

Remember: it is not ok to be away!

Kelly Sports

This week, we have begun a new sports program with Kelly Sports. On Tuesday afternoons, our students in Years Prep – Six are participating in an 8 week basketball program. On Thursday afternoons, our students in Years Prep – Four are participating in a multi sports program where they will learn about soccer, hockey, cricket and other sports in an 8 week program. If your child is interested in joining either of these groups, please see the Kelly Sports information on Compass or come and see us at the front office. We are hoping to have more programs on offer next term.

Cadbury Fundraiser

Thank you to each family that sold a box or two of Cadbury chocolates and supported our school fundraiser. For each box of chocolates that was sold, the school received $20 which will go towards creating more sheltered areas in our schoolyard for the students to access. If you have not returned the envelope yet, please do so ASAP. Once all envelopes have been returned, we can finalise the figures and share the amount that we were able to raise through this particular fundraiser. If you wish to donate money as part of the chocolate fundraiser, please do so via Compass or come and see us at the front office for assistance. We thank all families for their participation and contribution to this delicious fundraiser.

Mobile Phones & Smart Watches

It has come to my attention that some students are wearing smart watches to school and using them like a mobile phone. In our Mobile Phones - Student Use Policy the term “mobile phone” refers to mobile phones and any device that may connect to or have a similar functionality to a mobile phone such as smart watches. These devices need to be turned off and securely stored at the office each day. Students are not to be using their devices in the playground, in line with our school mobile phone policy which states ”personal mobile phones must not be used at Highvale Primary School during school hours, including lunchtime and recess, unless an exception has been granted”. If smart watches are to be worn at school, they must be set to a mode where their only function is to simply tell the time. If they are beeping/ lighting up etc. students will be asked to remove them and take them to the office to be stored securely. The full mobile phone policy can be found on our school website.

Anzac Day Ceremony

Last Thursday 24th April the Year Four students conducted an Anzac Day Ceremony for our student body. The Year Four students spoke clearly and confidently and delivered a very respectful and special event. Congratulations and well done to Mrs Altube, Mr Usai and all of the Year Four students, you were fantastic.

Prep 2026

Our Prep 2026 school tours have begun and we have a lot of new families that are wanting to join us and become part of the Highvale Primary School Community. If you know of anyone who has a child that will be starting school next year, please let them know they are welcome to contact the office to book in a tour. We also have Prep 2026 information packs available from the office.

Education Week

Education Week is an annual celebration of public education in Victoria. All children deserve a place to learn and thrive in. This year’s theme Celebration of Cultures highlights the diversity of our communities and the importance of every child feeling safe and welcome at school. This year, Education Week will be held from Monday 19th May - Friday 23rd May.

At Highvale, we will celebrate Education Week in a number of ways, one of which will be an Open Classroom Event on Wednesday 21st May from 9:30am - 10:30am. Parents, Grandparents and special friends will be welcomed into our classrooms to see the students learning and participate in a fun activity. We hope all families can make it!

Victoria to Ban School Logos on Uniform Bottoms from Next Year

The Victorian Government has announced that, from next year, logos will no longer be permitted on school uniform shorts, pants, skirts, and socks in state schools. Please note that Highvale Primary School does not currently have logos on any of these uniform items. As such, this change will not affect our families.

Financial Contributions

Highvale Primary School sincerely thanks all parents and carers who have supported our school this year. Your generous contributions play a vital role in helping us enhance and enrich the educational experiences we offer our students. These contributions have enabled us to provide additional resources and opportunities beyond the standard curriculum. If you are yet to make contributions and would like to, please see Compass or come and visit us at the school office. You are helping to make Highvale a very special place for our students to learn and grow.

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

Have a great week ahead HPS families,

Carly Epskamp

Acting Principal

carly.epskamp@education.vic.gov.au

ANZAC Day Assembly