Principal's Report

Dear HPS Community,

What a fabulous evening we had at the HPS Family Picnic last night. It was wonderful to see people dressed in the colour of their year level and connecting with others whether known prior or meeting for the first time. The children enjoyed playing together on the playground and around the school grounds. It really was a joy to mingle and chat with people and see the connections develop between families who were in attendance. Thanks to everyone who came along.

Another fabulous event was held today as our Year 3-6 students headed off to Willinda Park to participate in the House Athletics Carnival. There was an energetic and enthusiastic vibe as students boarded the buses dressed in their house colours and ready to try their best and cheer on their team mates at all the events. A very big thank you to the parents and volunteers who helped out today. We appreciate your support and assistance to ensure the smooth running of the carnival. Thanks also to the staff who help to coordinate and support the students during the day. It was great to see lots of family members and friends come along to cheer on the athletes and be there to congratulate and celebrate their achievements throughout the day. Well done to all our competitors who showed up willing to give their all and get in the spirit of the day. You should all be so proud of yourselves for the values you demonstrated and the effort you put in. Congratulations to our House Captains who had their wonderful leadership skills on display, which contribute to the overall success of the day. And finally, a big thank you to Ethan Griffiths for everything he did. Events like this do not just happen and they take a great deal of planning, organising and coordinating. Congratulations Ethan, we all appreciate your work in preparing for this highly anticipated HPS event! I think everyone will sleep well tonight.

School and House Captains Badge Presentation

At assembly on Monday we acknowledged and celebrated our school and h student leaders by presenting them with their badge. 

These student leaders will attend a GRIP School Leadership Conference with Monique Rankin and Nicola Colgate-Jones on Monday, where we hope they gain lots of wonderful insights about the importance of their role and develop skills and strategies to support them throughout this year.

Please note that the School Captains photo will be included in next week's newsletter, after our final captain is presented with their badge next week due to absence this week.

School Photos

We have school photos next week, with some year levels Wednesday and some year levels Thursday. Be sure to wear your brightest smile on your photo day :-)

The schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday 5th March: Foundation, Year 1, Year 4 and Year 5
• Thursday 6th March: Year 2, Year 3, Year 6 and sibling photos

SAC Full Day Program

A full day program is being offered on the pupil free day, Tuesday 11th March. If you wish to utilise this service, please be sure to book your child's place asap as we have not currently reached the minimum number for the program to go ahead.

Wearing a helmet 

I have noticed a number of students who are riding or scooting to school are not wearing a helmet. In Victoria, all cyclists, scooter (including e-scooter) and electric personal transportation (electric unicycles, segways etc) riders must wear a helmet. This rule applies to all ages whenever you’re riding in a public place such as on the road, in a bicycle lane, on a shared path, in carparks, on the footpath (for cyclists under 13 or accompanying such a cyclist) and in parks. Even passengers on a bike (such as a child in an approved child seat attachment or bike trailer) are legally required to wear a bike helmet.  

Wearing a helmet isn’t just important to avoid a fine. Research shows that a well-fitted, approved helmet is one of best things you can do to protect yourself from head injuries while cycling, riding an e-scooter or other transportation device.  

Annual privacy reminder for our school community

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy and the Schools’ Privacy Collection Notice.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy, describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn. 

We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use [Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education] safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using [Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education], please contact the school.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents. This information is also available in ten community languages:

2025 Camp Dates:

Year 3 - Wednesday 2nd - Friday 4th April

Year 5 - Wednesday 7th - Friday 9th May

Year 6 - Monday 12th - Thursday 15th May

Year 4 - Wednesday 27th - Friday 29th August

School Council Meeting Dates: Start time 6pm, Conclude by 8pm 

Term 1

Tuesday 4 March - last meeting with 2024 council members

Tuesday 1 April - first meeting with 2025 council members

Term 2

Tuesday 20 May

Tuesday 17 June

Term 3

Tuesday 12 August 

Tuesday 9 September

Term 4

Tuesday 28 October 

Tuesday 2 December

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend, and we look forward to seeing you next week!

Naomi Ivers

Principal

Heidelberg Primary School