Dear HPS Community,

Matsuri Day

What a wonderful day we had celebrating Matsuri Day here at Heidelberg Primary School yesterday!

It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in Japanese culture, to learn new things, to try something different, and most importantly, to come together as a school community. I hope everyone enjoyed the experience, learning something new, participating in the activities, sharing a laugh with friends, or discovering a little more about Japanese traditions.

There are a number of very special people to thank

Firstly, to our Sensei’s – Ryoko DeCunto and Satoko Kuhlmann, thank you for sharing your knowledge, skills and passion with our students. Your willingness to teach us, guide us and help us experience aspects of Japanese culture has made today such a rich and meaningful learning experience. We are very grateful for the time and expertise you have shared with our school.

To our wonderful parent volunteers, thank you for giving up your time to support the day. Events like this simply would not be possible without the generosity of our families. Your willingness to get involved, lend a hand and contribute to our school community makes such a difference, and we really appreciate your support.

To our Year 6 student leaders, thank you for the leadership you demonstrated throughout the day. You had an important role in helping to make events like this successful, and I hope you recognise the positive impact you have when you lead by example, support others and help create opportunities for all students to participate and enjoy themselves. You should be very proud of your contribution.

To our staff, for contributing and supporting the success of the event.

And finally, to our students – thank you for your enthusiasm, curiosity and participation.

At Heidelberg Primary School, we talk about choosing kindness and choosing excellence. Matsuri Day is a wonderful opportunity to put these values into action by showing respect for another culture, encouraging one another to participate, and appreciating the many different experiences and talents within our community.

Thank you, everyone, for making it such a special celebration.

Arigatō gozaimashita

Shining a light on teachers this World Teachers' Day

Today we celebrated World Teachers’ Day.

Teaching is one of those professions that is often spoken about in terms of what people see – the lessons, the learning, the planning, the marking, the classroom activities and the milestones students achieve. But so much of what makes a great teacher happens in the moments that others don't necessarily see.

It is in the extra time spent preparing a lesson to make sure every learner can access it. It is in noticing when a child isn't quite themselves. It is in the quiet conversations, the encouragement, the gentle reminders, the second and third chances, and the unwavering belief in a child who might not yet believe in themselves.

It is in the patience shown on the challenging days, the creativity brought to the classroom, the willingness to try something different, and the commitment to continually reflect, learn and improve.

And it is in the fact that, despite the many competing demands placed on teachers today, you continue to show up for children – with care, compassion, professionalism and an extraordinary sense of responsibility.

At Heidelberg Primary School, we talk about working together to unlock potential – finding strengths, celebrating success and creating well-rounded, confident learners who positively impact their community and the world.

Our teachers do this through the relationships they build, the high expectations held, the opportunities created and the way they make every child feel seen, valued and capable of success.

As Principal, I feel incredibly proud of the teaching team we have at Heidelberg Primary School. I see the dedication, the collaboration, the professional conversations, the willingness to support one another and the care that you show our students and families.

I see people who genuinely want to get better at what they do, who are prepared to challenge their thinking, share their expertise, learn from one another and work collectively towards something bigger than themselves.

That is what makes a strong school. Not just the programs we implement, the buildings we construct or the results we achieve, but the people who bring our purpose to life every single day.

Thank you to the students and families who provided heartfelt messages, cards and pictures to our dedicated and fabulous teachers.

We also wish to show a great appreciation to our Year 6 families who provided a beautiful and generous morning tea to staff to celebrate World Teachers Day.

Our teachers felt very thankful.

Students do not attend school on Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd November.

We have a Curriculum Day scheduled for Monday 2nd November and the Tuesday 3rd November is the Melbourne Cup public holiday.

Morning Supervision

A friendly reminder to all families about yard supervision arrangements at Heidelberg Primary School.

Our Before Care program operates from 7.00am, providing supervision for students who are booked into the service. Teacher supervision on school grounds commences at 8.40am.

Students who arrive at school before 8.40am and are not attending SAC are not supervised by school staff and remain the responsibility of their parents and carers until teacher supervision begins.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, we ask families to please ensure children do not arrive at school before 8.40am unless they are attending our supervised care program.

Thank you for your support and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for every child at Heidelberg Primary School.

Play Equipment Donations

We’re looking for donations of any wooden children’s play kitchens that families may have at home and are looking to donate. The one that has been attached to the wall at the sandpit has been a BIG hit over the past week!

At Heidelberg Primary School, we’re looking to reinvigorate the playground area outside our Foundation classrooms by introducing some exciting mud kitchen play opportunities for our youngest learners!

If you have a wooden play kitchen that is no longer being used and is in good, safe condition, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you in advance for helping us create a wonderful space for our Foundation students to explore, imagine, create and learn through play!

November
Monday 2	Curriculum Day- No students at school
Tuesday 3	Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Wednesday 11	Remembrance Day
Monday 30	HPS instrumental music - End-of-year concert
December
Thursday 3	'Summer Nights and Christmas Lights' whole school event
Thursday 10	Year 6 Graduation evening
Friday 18	Final Assembly 9.10am

2026 School Term Dates

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

Heidelberg PS - Capers

Respect | Responsibility | Resilience | Compassion

Term 4 - Issue 4 · 30 Oct 2026

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