Assistant Principals' Report

Hello and welcome to our newsletter item for this week.

Bullying No Way

Next week August 17 to August 21, 2026, the national week of action in Australia focuses on the theme "Small Acts, Big Impact," highlighting how everyday choices like showing kindness, including others, and speaking up can prevent bullying and foster inclusive environments. 

In wellbeing sessions at HPS this term, our school has had a particular focus on bullying. Each class has been completing age-appropriate lessons around this topic; defining what it is, what actions we can take if we are bullied and speaking up if we see it taking place. We have also focussed on our school values and bullying prevention approaches. We have discussed how we can be showing respect and compassion towards each other and through demonstrating kindness to one another and our environment in work and play. 

Bullying is everyone’s responsibility, and small acts can make a real difference. This year’s theme reminds us that actions don’t need to be big to change someone’s world. Small actions – like including someone, speaking up or showing kindness – can create meaningful change. In our schools and communities, our goal is to build environments where everyone belongs, diversity is celebrated and bullying is never accepted. 

We encourage students, families and communities to engage in small acts that can have a big impact against bullying. We will be holding a multi-age day on Monday 17th August where our student leaders will facilitate activities with the other students. It will be a great day to come together and show kindness and care for each other and have fun. 

Thank you to Leigh and Nicola for their amazing work supporting the staff and students in this important work over the term and in preparing everybody for the special day on Monday.

Please see a link to a website which has some great resources for parents and carers.

https://www.bullyingnoway.gov.au/support/parents-and-carers/ 

Education Sub-committee - Policy Review

At our recent School Council meeting, we ratified three policies in relation to child safety.

*Child Safety policy 

*Child Safety Code of Conduct 

*Child abuse including grooming identification and response policy procedures (new)

These have been added to our school website, go to https://www.heidelbergps.vic.edu.au/publications-policies

Over recent months the department have updated the PROTECT documentation which has been shared with staff through meetings. The new documents are now displayed around the school. 

Over the next month through Education Subcommittee, we are reviewing the Bullying Prevention Policy. This comes timely with the focus/ or shining a spotlight on bullying through our wellbeing sessions, at assemblies and in SRC. 

If you would like to be involved as a community member in reviewing the bullying prevention policy please reach out to Helen Thomas. We will also consult our students and our staff in reviewing this policy. This policy is reviewed every two years.

Have a great weekend and week ahead.

Warm Regards,

Helen Thomas & Monique Rankin

Assistant Principals

Heidelberg Primary School