Principal's Report

Dear HPS Community, 

Heidelberg Primary School Disco

Have you booked your tickets for the disco yet? Be sure to secure tickets through Compass and start planning your Hawaiian themed outfit!

Thank you to the team of parent volunteers who are working hard to put on this fabulous event for our students.

Student Absence Due To A Family Holiday Process

If your child will be absent from school for an extended family holiday of one week or more, please email naomi.ivers@education.vic.gov.au to request leave at least two weeks prior to your departure date. Please include the reason for the absence and the dates your child will be away.

Providing this notice allows the school to meet Department requirements by preparing an absence learning plan to support continuity of your child's learning while they are away from school.

Smart Watches & Phones 

A reminder to families that, in line with the Department of Education's Mobile Phones Policy, students are not permitted to have mobile phones or smart watches with cellular connectivity in their possession during school hours, including while attending school activities and excursions.

These devices must be handed to the school for secure storage on arrival if they are brought to school. This policy helps protect the privacy and safety of all students and staff, while enabling the school to meet its duty of care responsibilities.

Further information, including definitions of devices covered by the policy and the school's procedures, can be found in the Mobile Phones Policy available on our school website.

Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a safe and focused learning environment for all students.

AusAlert and the national test 

We’ve been advised that a national test of AusAlert will happen across Australia on Monday 27 July at 2 pm. 

AusAlert is a new, national emergency warning system. It sends warning messages to compatible mobile devices during emergencies, to keep people informed so they can act quickly. The Australian Government plans to launch AusAlert in October 2026. 

On Monday 27 July at 2 pm, all compatible mobile devices will receive a Critical Alert. Compatible mobile devices include phones, tablets, smart watches, safety watches and some vehicle devices. These will vibrate and make a loud, siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds. This will happen even if they are on silent or do not disturb. The message will clearly state that it is a test. No action is required from the test. 

To minimise disruption, student phones and smart devices should always be switched off and stored securely in lockers or bags during the school day. Students who use their mobile phone as part of a documented exception can continue to do so. If appropriate, they can turn their phone off during the test. 

You may also wish to let your child know that if they see or hear the alert, school staff will support them. You can learn more at AusAlert: children and teens. Information is also available in other languages. 

Safe phones 

AusAlert may increase risk for people experiencing violence, especially if they live with someone who uses violence. Alerts may expose safety devices. 

If you or someone you know has a hidden device, the best way to stay safe during the test is to: 

• turn offyour mobile device or put it in aeroplane mode 
• keep your device off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours. 

Silent mode and do not disturb will not stop the alert. 

For more information, please refer to the Staying safe with AusAlert page. 

Second Hand Uniform Sale Dates

We are trialling a new system of Second Hand Uniform sale this term. There will be fortnightly sales occurring directly out of the upstairs room near the office. 

Items can be collected from upstairs with payments to be made at the office. 

Term 3 - 2.45-3.45pm

• Thursday 6th August
• Wednesday 19th August
• Wednesday 2nd September 

2026 School Term Dates

Term 3: Monday 13th July- Friday 18th September (2.30pm finish)

Term 4: Monday 5th October- Friday 18th December (1.30pm finish)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Naomi Ivers

Principal

Heidelberg Primary School

9457 2259

naomi.ivers@education.vic.gov.au