Principal's Report

Dear HPS Community, 

***Don't forget there is no school for students this Monday 23rd June***

Building Works

In the 2023-24 State Budget the Victorian Government invested $14.07 million in Heidelberg Primary School to new gymnasium and learning centre.

The building works, which includes 4 new classrooms and a STEM room, built onto the current Infant building, as well as a stand along basketball/netball court gymnasium which will be located on the tiger turf area, is starting to kick off and we are very excited for the upgrade and modernisation the project deliver.

Our Capital Works project is a Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA)-led project, with a dedicated project officer. The VSBA will provide communications to our community shortly, including plans and designs.

Whilst this is an exciting time we appreciate the disruptions, that are inevitable, can create questions and differing concerns and considerations. Please be assured that our main priorities will always remain on student, staff and community safety along with ensuring a focus of continuity in learning. We will work closely with the VSBA, project manager and Fairbrother construction team to provide regular and timely communications to our HPS community. 

Key changes this coming week:

• SAC and Breakfast Club moving to new locations
• Science moved to Infant building alongside the Year 5 classes
• Temporary fencing to be established around phase 1 construction zones including top oval area and the hall, main playground and basketball court
• Staff car park to be taken over by builders for deliveries and site sheds

The reduction in outdoor play space is something that has been well considered and there are a number of things to be implemented to mitigate impact.

Strategies include;

-Year 6 students having use of the front garden area during breaks

-Enrichment clubs held in various classrooms during breaks

-Continued timetabled allocation of some spaces to allow everyone fair access to the different facilities

-Teachers strategically planning outdoor opportunities and short movement breaks in addition to lunch and afternoon recess times

Active spaces including the bottom oval (Rosanna Rd), playground behind the sports shed, nine square and tennis courts on tiger turf as well as the COLA all remain in use for students to be active and release their energy.

We will of course monitor, adapt and reevaluate along the way to ensure that students' needs continue to be met.

SAC move

From Tuesday 24th June, Before school and After school care will be situated in the library area of the BER building. This arrangement will be in place for approx 3 months.

Access for drop off from 7am as well as collection until 6pm, will be through Gate 3 on Darebin St, down the ramp and into the library.

NO Breakfast Club this coming week

With the pupil free day on Monday and moving of canteen and hall equipment from Tuesday, breakfast club will not be offered for the week.

From the following week, Breakfast Club will be served from the top school area.

Thank you to the students who demonstrate respect, responsibility and compassion when helping out or utilising this wellbeing opportunity we provide as a school. We appreciate all the donations families have made to support this initiative.

Student Voice

Our Student Representative Council (SRC) put in a fabulous effort to listen to ideas and suggestions from students across the school and work collaboratively with staff and other SRCs to action new initiatives and updates. 

There are two things occurring as a result of the SRC work:

• Hoodie Up for Autism - Wear your favourite hoodie to school on Friday 27th June

  The theme of Hoodie Up 2025 is My Positive Autistic Identity.It'sabout celebrating the strength, uniqueness, and pride of being Autistic.

• Clothing drive for the Red Nose Appeal. Please bring any donations of unwanted clothing to your child's classroom by 1st July. 

Congratulations to our SRC for empowering all student voices at HPS to be valued. Thank you!

2026 Foundation Student Enrolment 

Do you have, or know, a child starting school next year?

The enrolment process is now open and application forms can be submitted to the school office. Please find more details on our website at https://www.heidelbergps.vic.edu.au/

New Canteen service beginning Term 3

After being approached by a new canteen service company, we gathered feedback from students and school council members regarding options available, quality and quantity of servings and value for money of our current provider.

We were provided with food samples for our school captains to try and as there was overwhelming positivity and favourable feedback, we have decided to move to using the services of TK Tuckshop from term 3. The lunch order days will remain as Tuesdays and Thursdays and more information will be provided shortly including details on how to place an order.

We thank Beaver's Tail for the service they have provided during their time servicing HPS.  

School Camp Survey

Thank you very much for all the feedback provided by parents/guardians, students and staff regarding our current overnight camping program and considerations and ideas for further growth and development of what we offer. It was a strong response rate and we appreciate you taking the time to put your opinions and thoughts forward to assist us to strengthen the opportunities we provide to all students at Heidelberg PS.

We are currently reviewing and analysing the data and when completed  provide an overview of findings and decisions for moving forward.

New dates: School council approved

• Pupil free day Wednesday 20th August
• HPS School Disco Friday 22nd August (to be held at Macleod Football Club rooms- DeWinton Oval

2025 Camp Dates:

Year 4 - Wednesday 27th - Friday 29th August

School Council Meeting Dates: Start time 6pm, Conclude by 8pm 

Term 3

Tuesday 12 August 

Tuesday 9 September

Term 4

Tuesday 28 October 

Tuesday 2 December

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend and a great week ahead!

Naomi Ivers

Principal

Heidelberg Primary School