Principal's Report

Dear HPS Community,

As a principal, my day is filled with meetings, planning, and overseeing the activities of the school, but there’s one part of my day that truly stands out—the morning drop-off at the school gate. It’s when I get to greet our students and their families as they arrive, filled with excitement and energy for the day ahead.

There's something special about that moment—watching the children wave goodbye to their parents/carers with smiles on their faces, ready to take on the day’s challenges. It’s a reminder of the trust our families place in us, and it energises me for the rest of the day. Whether it’s a high five, a quick chat with a student about what they are looking forward to in the day, or simply exchanging a friendly "Good morning," these small moments make all the difference.

For me, it’s the best part of the day because it sets the tone for everything else. It’s a reminder of why I do this work—to help foster a community where everyone feels welcome, included and curious to learn. I look forward to these moments each morning, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful school community.

Music Extravaganza

On Monday 25th November, our external music providers will all come together and provide a music concert extravaganza put on by students who have been learning instruments this year. 

Concert locations and beginning times are as per the schedule below:

~ piano with Rachael and Jordan, COLA, 5.30 pm

~ guitar with Gunar, Room 25, 5.30 pm 

~ recorder with Fiona, Library, 6.00 pm

~ drums with Noel, Hall, 6.30 pm

Entry for the concert will be through Gate 5 on Darebin St from 5.20pm.

We wish our performers all the very best for the night and hope the audience enjoy the talent on display! Thank you to music teachers Fiona, Jordan, Rachael, Noel and Gunar for all their work.

2025 Transition Sessions

Today students enjoyed an afternoon of activities in their current grades, but for their new year levels! It sounds like all of our wonderful students enjoyed getting a feel for what their 2025 will look like. The next transition session will be Friday 29 November, with a 2025 Meet the Teacher session to look forward to on Tuesday 10th December.

Student Semester Reports

Teachers are currently busy preparing the Semester Two Student Reports.

Schools report student achievement to parents against the achievement standards set out in the Victorian Curriculum F–10, including an indication of student progress against the age-related expected level of achievement and in relation to what has been taught in a particular semester or year and to individual learning targets. 

In reporting student learning progress to parents, teachers and schools should clearly identify the areas of strength and areas for improvement for each individual student.

Reports will be shared with families via Compass on Wednesday, 18th December.

Drum Roll Please.....

And the winning name for our end of year event isSummer Nights and Christmas Lights!

We are so excited for this event on Thursday 5th December. 

Classes continue to practice their performance and we know the audience is going to love it.

Dress to impress in your best celebratory attire, pack a picnic and join us for a wonderful evening.

Look out for the advertising posters that will start appearing around the school next week. We can't wait to see everyone there!

2025 Student Leadership Process

The process has begun for our current Year 5 students who have put themselves forward as a candidate for a formal leadership role next year.

Whilst all students in Year 6 will be leaders within our school, the formal student leadership process involves candidates preparing an advertising poster and writing and delivering a speech before students in years 3-6 participate in a voting ballot. 

Student leaders are guided and supported to develop the skills, attributes, and behaviours that empower them to effectively lead their peers, advocate for positive change, and contribute to their school or community. 

What makes an effective leader?

• Understanding your own strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations is key to being an effective leader. 
• A strong leader sets a positive example by consistently demonstrating ethical behaviour, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. 
• Great leaders value and respect differences in others and strive to create inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and heard. 
• Whether it’s cultural, socio-economic, or academic, a good leader recognises the diversity within a group and works to ensure everyone has equal opportunities. 
• Leadership is a continuous process of learning, adapting, and growing. 
• Leaders who are open to feedback and willing to improve are often the most effective.
• A strong student leader creates systems or supports initiatives that continue after they leave the role, ensuring that the positive impact of their leadership is long-lasting.

Overall, student leadership is not just about taking on a title or position; it's about using one's influence to make a positive impact on the community and developing skills that will serve both the individual and their peers long-term.

Scholarships to Support Students

Scholarships are available for students who complete Grade 4 to Year 11 in 2024, and for students enrolled in Year 12 in 2024 who plan to do tertiary studies in 2025.

Student scholarships

The Department of Education administers a number of scholarships available to eligible students who are enrolled in Grade 4 to Year 12 in 2024.

Applicants for these scholarships will be evaluated on their:

• participation in school activities
• community involvement
• academic achievement.

Scholarships are either one-off payments or cover the duration of the student’s course or annual study.

Many of these scholarships have specific eligibility criteria, so please refer to individual applications for more information. Applications are now open, and close on Saturday 1 February 2025. For information on how to apply, refer to Student scholarships.

Building Works Update

We have been informed that the process for tender for our new construction works will occur in the new year, inevitably delaying our building works that were expected to begin in January. Once a builder has been appointed we look forward to being able to share the designs and plans with everyone.

Thank you to the HPS community for their understanding and flexibility with the current retaining wall and ramp projects happening in and around the school.

We also have scaffolding erected to the left of the main entrance of the school as works to fix the roof begin. There may be times over the next few weeks where the internal pathway from the front gate to Gate 3 on Darebin St will need to be blocked off.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend and a great week ahead!

Naomi Ivers

Principal

Heidelberg Primary School