Principal's Report

Dear HPS Community,

Heartfelt condolences go out to the school and families involved in the terrible accident at Auburn South Primary School earlier this week. The impact on that community is unfathomable and will last a life time for those closely involved.

This tragedy is a stark reminder to our HPS community that things can go horribly wrong in an instance. That is why we continue to insist on everyone slowing down and adhering to road and parking rules... safety is everyone's business and responsibility. I know running late and frustration about limited parking contribute to split second decisions and responses, however, they are much better scenarios to be in than the alternative! Please take care and make responsible decisions to help look after our kids.

This week at our school assembly I relayed a story about the importance of celebrating, encouraging and cheering others on to promote progress and improvement.

Last weekend we looked after my 9 month old niece, Alana, who is just learning to crawl. My daughter, Mila, recognised that the more we clapped, cheered and smiled at Alana when she was crawling, the more motivated and excited she was to crawl even more. 

An important aspect of our progress and improvement is to be supported, guided and rewarded for our achievements. Make note of when you are celebrated, encouraged and cheered on and how that supports and motivates you to do even better.

Ramp Works Around the School

This week, works have begun in our school to rectify some ramps that were identified as non compliant during an audit by the department.

Please be aware that over the coming weeks, some access points around the school will be closed and following alternate pathways may be required. At some points of the works there has been, and will be, loud machinery. We will work with staff to ensure that alternate arrangements are made when necessary, and safety remains a priority.

The school are working closely with Domain National, ramp work contractors, to ensure communication is open and safety is prioritised.

Some students have been asking me about the removal of the trees that has occurred in order for the works to take place. As part of the build, replacement trees will be planted to off set the trees that are removed. 

Pupil Free Days

We hope that HPS families are able to make the most of the 4 day break from school that occurs with the student free days on Monday and Tuesday next week. Due to lack of numbers, SAC will not be offering a full day program. Parents and guardians are asked to make alternate arrangements for the care of their children on Monday.

Our teachers will have Monday as a professional practice day which provides teachers with release from their scheduled duties (all duties which would have been otherwise scheduled, including teaching) to focus on the improved delivery of high quality teaching and learning.

The work undertaken on these days are consistent with departmental and school priorities and selected from the following areas:

• planning
• preparation
• assessment of student learning
• collaboration
• curriculum development
• relevant professional development
• peer observation including feedback and reflection

The professional practice day for teachers does not alter the attendance requirements for education support employees. On Monday, our ES staff will be involved in professional learning opportunities and the development of resources and plans to support students, teachers and the whole school.

Crossing Supervisors

Our crossing supervisors, employed by Banyule Council, are in place to provide safe crossing of roads around the school at peak times before and after school. We request the support of our community to respectfully and responsibly model expected behaviours to our students. 

Correct use of crossings includes remaining behind the yellow line and not crossing until two whistles have been blown by the crossing person. They are required to assess the environment, traffic risks etc and ensure it is safe before allowing people to cross. Please support our crossing supervisors who do a great job to keep us safe.

End of Year Community Gathering

The HPS traditional end of year celebration, where students perform a song, usually a Christmas carol, is being broadened this year in an aim to be inclusive of all families and their culture, whether they celebrate Christmas or not.

On Thursday 5th December, we invite all our HPS community to come along, mingle with other families and enjoy student performances that incorporate some Christmas carols but also some songs that focus on celebrating!

Our wonderful Community Engagement team are finalising some details for the evening but we encourage everyone to put the date on their calendar, come along on the evening and join together as a whole community to enjoy student performances and a casual evening of mingling with others. More info to follow.

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.

Upcoming Dates

Well, after a big focus on safety this week, I wish you all a wonderful and safe weekend and a great week ahead!

Naomi Ivers

Principal

Heidelberg Primary School