Assistant Principal Report
Dear families,
It’s hard to believe we’re already heading into the final three weeks of Term 3—this term has absolutely flown by! It’s been a vibrant and action-packed few months, with highlights including school camps, Book Week celebrations, Science Week experiments, engaging incursions, and even a lively athletics afternoon. The energy and enthusiasm from our students and staff have made each event a memorable success, and we’re so proud of the way our school community continues to embrace every opportunity.
Turning Circle Safety Reminders
At HPS, child safety is always our top priority, and we appreciate your continued support in keeping our school environment safe and calm during drop-off and pick-up times. A friendly reminder to all families using the turning circle: please adhere to the 10km/h speed limit while driving on school grounds.
To ensure student safety, children must enter and exit vehicles only from the pavement-side and within the yellow safety line along the curb. If you are using the turning circle, we ask that you remain in your car at all times—our staff on duty are there to assist your child with getting in or out of the vehicle and managing their school bags. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and efficient routine for all students and families.
Arrival & Dismissal Reminders
As we continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all students at HPS, we’d like to remind families of our arrival and dismissal procedures. Students may arrive at school from 8:45am, when a teacher will be on yard duty. For those arriving earlier, Before School Care is available and must be used to ensure appropriate supervision.
At the end of the day, students should be collected by 3:45pm. Any children still on site after this time will be taken to After School Care (OSHC) for supervision. Families are welcome to stay and enjoy the playgrounds after school, but please note that the front and back pedestrian gates are locked at 3:45pm daily. After this time, all families will need to exit via the main entrance. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and organised environment for all.
Athletics Afternoon Success
Last week’s Athletics Afternoon was a fantastic celebration of energy, teamwork, and school spirit. Students from all year levels participated in a wide range of sporting events, showing determination, enthusiasm, and a wonderful sense of fun. It was especially heartwarming to witness positive sportsmanship in full flight, with students cheering on their peers and celebrating each other's efforts. We were also thrilled to welcome so many members of our parent community who came along to support and enjoy the afternoon.
Book Week Celebration
Book Week at Highvale PS was a joyful celebration of stories, creativity, and community spirit. The week was packed with exciting activities, including a visit from a talented illustrator who inspired students with live drawing and storytelling sessions. Students and staff embraced the fun with book swaps, teacher swaps, and countless texts being shared and read across classrooms. One of the highlights was the vibrant dress-up parade, where characters leapt off the pages and into the schoolyard!
Be sure to check out the Book Week page in this week’s newsletter for more details and a gallery of wonderful photos capturing the magic.
Camp Adventures
Two weeks ago, our Year 5/6 students stepped back in time as they immersed themselves in the goldrush experience at Sovereign Hill. From exploring underground mines and watching a live gold smelting demonstration to learning about life in Ballarat during the 1850s—including the perspectives of minority groups—students gained a rich understanding of this pivotal era in Australian history. The highlight for many was panning for gold, with several lucky students shouting “Eureka!” as they struck it lucky!
Looking ahead, our Year 3/4 students are gearing up for their own adventure, with camp at Phillip Island just around the corner. Their itinerary may include high ropes challenges, nature walks, bush cooking, the giant swing, and the flying fox. We wish them a safe and exciting journey filled with fun, friendship, and unforgettable memories!
A huge thank you to all the staff for the time, energy and care invested in planning and running our recent camps—your dedication made these experiences truly unforgettable for our students. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the amazing parent volunteers who joined us; your support and involvement are what make these opportunities possible.
Enjoy the rest of your week.