Principal's Report

Dear HPS Community,
It was a fabulous start to week when our Foundation students performed at the whole school assembly. The song they performed, titled 'The Boundaries Song', reinforced the Respectful Relationships learning about respect for themselves and others focusing on empathy as well as advocacy. “Please stop. I don't like that” is about one's own experience - but once children learn about their boundaries and how to advocate for themselves, it's easier for them to understand that other people have boundaries too. Well done to our fantastic Foundation classes!
On Tuesday our Year 4s had a Cardytoons incursion to complement their Inqury Unit focus whilst our Year 6 students went on an excursion to the Queen Victoria Markets to enhance their understanding of market stalls and running a business.
Then on Thursday we celebrated our whole school Matsuri Day! What a day full of excitement, culture, multiage
A very big thank you to our parent helpers on the day; Reiko Fukuzawa, Joel Evans, Yuki Brennan, Keiko Mii, Sawako Gannon, Reiko Asari, Mamie Phillips and Momoko Moriya.
And we also thank our Year 6 students whose leadership and level of responsibility was outstanding as they led the groups through the activities.
Finally, without the wonderful organisation and leadership of Sensai De Cunto and Sensai Kuhlmann, the day would not be the huge success it was, so we sent a very grateful arigatō to our Japanese teachers.
The fun and excitement is just never ending at the moment. Our Year 1 students are all ready and raring for their Activity Afternoon on Monday and our Year 2 students are eagerly awaiting their Game On! incursion on Tuesday. We wish everyone a fun filled time and thank the Year 1 and 2 teachers for their work and preparation for these events.
Class placement 2026
Your child/ren will bring home a paper copy of the 2026 Class Friendship Nomination Form either today or Monday.
The friends that are listed on this form will inform decision making when new classes are being constructed for next year.
We do not give priority to any name on the list. Students are guaranteed to get at least one friend who they nominate.
Many things are considered when forming new classes to ensure balance and optimum dynamics for a positive and supportive environment in their next years' class.
Students are to discuss and complete the form with their parents, to nominate three friends who they'd be happy to have in their class with them next year.
Classes will be formed to ensure that every student gets at least one of their nominated friends.
Creating balanced classes that cater to the many needs of students is complex with multifaceted considerations. Classroom teachers, specialist teachers and leadership all look over the proposed class lists to ensure there's balance and optimum dynamics for a positive and supportive environment for each child.
2026 Year 1- 6 classes will be involved in a transition to the next year level, culminating in a day with their next year class and teacher on Tuesday 9th December. This is the same day as the state-wide government secondary school transition day that many of our current HPS year 6 students will participate in.
Please return the completed form to classroom teachers by Friday 31st October.
A newsfeed with a copy of the friendship form will be posted for families who may require an additional copy.
Foodbank Partnership
We are so very grateful to have been accepted into The School Breakfast Clubs Program which is a Victorian Government commitment, delivered by Foodbank Victoria. HPS will receive weekly deliveries of nutritious food items, ensuring that all students can access breakfast at school, helping them fully take part in learning and social activities. The program also provides access to snacks and lunches for students who require additional support at school, and home food packs for students and families in need.
To arrange access to a food pack, you can contact the school Ms Helen Thomas via email helen.thomas@education.vic.gov.au. All requests will be treated with confidentiality and respect.
We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of every student and family in our school community.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or need further assistance.
Thank you to Sue Zerna for coordinating the breakfast club, to Mona Walsh for being a fabulous parent volunteer and to our Year 5 and 6 students who help out with serving and cleaning up. We all appreciate the work each of you do to support this program.
HPS baby arrivals
We are excited to welcome our newest HPS babies.
Congratulations to Monique LaValle on the safe arrival of her twin daughters, Myla and Zadie.
Congratulations to Candice Sheldon-Collins on the safe arrival of her daughter, Scarlett.
We wish both Monique and Candice well as they enjoy this very special time for them and their family.
World Teachers Day
To acknowledge, celebrate and thank our fabulous teachers at HPS, students are invited to wear a decorated or special hat to school on Friday 31st October.
Let’s celebrate our amazing teachers who inspire, support, and empower children and young people every single day.
Please note: sun smart approved school hats will still be needed when outside on the day.
Upcoming Pupil Free Day and Public Holiday- Melbourne Cup
Please remember that students do not attend school on Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th November.
SAC are offering a full day program for up to 40 HPS students between 8am and 6pm on Monday 4th November, only if the minimum of 20 bookings is reached. Currently only a few bookings have been made so please book immediately if you intent to use this service. We will determine if the service can go ahead or not on Monday. No fees will be charged if the full day program does not go ahead.
School Council Meeting Dates: Start time 6pm, Conclude by 8pm
Term 4
Tuesday 28 October
Tuesday 2 December
| Upcoming Dates |
|
| Monday 27th October | Year 1 Activity Afternoon |
| Friday 31st October | World Teacher's Day |
| Monday 3rd November | Pupil Free Day - Staff Professional Practice Day |
| Tuesday 4th November | Melbourne Cup Public Holiday |
| Sunday 23rd November | Pat Cronin Foundation, 10th Annual Be Wise Walk |
| Wednesday 3rd December | 'Be Wise - Walk to Anywhere' event from 1pm |
Wishing you a lovely weekend and a great week ahead!
Naomi Ivers
Principal
Heidelberg Primary School




