Leadership Report

Thursday 29th February 2024

Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

It’s hard to believe that we are already over halfway through Term 1. Granted, it’s a short term but there is already so much underway. It was very exciting to hear that we will soon start our School Production auditions and I thank Ms. Stoddart and Mrs. Sinclair for undertaking this process. 

We held our final 2023 School Council meeting last week and I wanted to thank those parents for their support during 2023, particularly in the second half of the year when I took over as acting principal. Again, I’d like to acknowledge Lisa Kizilis for her outstanding contribution to School Council and to all members who will continue on in 2024. 

Lost Property

We have a number of unnamed items in the Lost Property cupboard. I ask that all families check over your child’s belongings and make sure names are clearly visible. Unfortunately, we are not able to store items for long periods of time. If you are missing a jumper, drink bottle or scrunchie please go to the Lost Property cupboard opposite the senior library.

Intervention and Family Orders Update

Please note that if your family is in a situation in which Intervention or Family Orders are in place, and they change, it is most important that you provide us with the documentation to this effect as soon as possible. We are bound by law to act in strict, confidential accord with the most recent Court papers in our possession, provided to us. Verbal assurances by parents involved, are not accepted and this can cause significant distress to all parties. Therefore, it is required that all updated Intervention Order documents be provided to Rebecca Foot, Megan Fegan or myself.

2024 Parent Information Handbook

In the coming days, all families will receive the 2024 Parent Information Handbooks. I encourage all parents and carers to read it carefully to assist with your understanding of how we operate, communication processes and protocols, our provisions and contacts. 

Wednesday Assessment Schedule for Prep Students

Yesterday our 2024 Prep students completed their scheduled individual assessments. Well done Preps! Thank you to our parents/carers, students and teachers for your effort and commitment to these important sessions. The information gathered will assist us to plan our teaching program based upon each student’s needs and the Victorian Curriculum content. 

2024 Green Team

Congratulations to the following students who were selected as the 2024 Green Team representatives for their class.

New Staff

I'd like to introduce our school community to our new and not-so-new staff. Both Ms. Bellotti and Mr. Cresswell taught at Highvale Primary School last year in different roles.

Welcome to both of you as well as Ms. Lilly Ji. 

If you see them around the school, please say hello.

Hello, I’m Chloe Bellotti. 

I am currently a Grade One teacher at Highvale.

A wee bit about me, I grew up in Scotland and moved to Australia when I was 16 years old.

I love the beach, hiking, drawing, writing, and reading.

I also love learning new things. At the moment, I am learning to play the Ukulele. 

A very warm hello to the Highvale PS community.  My name is Adrian Cresswell.  I have been involved at Highvale over the past 12 months in a variety of casual roles and have been able to get to know many of the children and meet some of you. I am lucky enough to have been appointed into the new role of Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader for 2024.  My background is primarily as a Physical Education and Sports Coordinator in an Independent School for the past 32 years, although I have also been a classroom teacher.  I have a passion for health and wellbeing – ie what allows a person to function to the best of their capacity, mentally, physically, emotionally and socially. This is a journey that we are all on and experience continual change and challenge throughout our life.

I have a wonderful wife and 2 adult children, along with our very special dog, Molly.  I love most sports, camping, Mountain Biking and kayaking, music, theatre, and quiet time in nature.  I believe in the power of laughter and a genuine smile.  It is with great excitement that I look forward to working with the children and families at Highvale PS.  Please come and say hello!

Hello, Highvale Primary School community!

I'm Lilly Ji and I'm currently one of the Grade 2 teachers. This is my first year of teaching, I'm very excited to meet and get to know everyone. 

I grew up in China and have been living in Melbourne for 10 years now. 

I like playing badminton, running and I'm also learning how to play golf.

I look forward to working with the Highvale community!

*Tomorrow, Clare Lavelle who has been teaching in Prep C, finishes at Highvale Primary School. We thank her for her support during Mrs. Cheong's leave. From next week, Mrs. Gorfine and Mrs. Yencken will be teaching Prep C.

School Tours and 2025 Enrolments

School Tours for Prep 2025 and new Year 1-6 students are provided on Wednesday mornings between 9.30-10.45am. Due to demand, tours must be booked through the school office (Ph: 9887 8000).  If you have friends, family or neighbours with school age children, especially those commencing Prep in 2025 please encourage them to book a tour to find out more about our wonderful school and community.

The virtual tour is available at https://highvaleps.vic.edu.au/

Take care,

Josh Crozier

Assistant Principal

joshua.crozier@education.vic.gov.au