Dear HPS Community,

This week, Helen, Monique and I attended the Victorian State Principals Conference alongside school leaders from across the state. The conference, themed 'Leading Together For Excellence and Equity', provided time to reflect on the opportunities and challenges facing education, while also celebrating the important work happening in schools every day.

Several key themes emerged throughout the conference, including student wellbeing, inclusion, instructional excellence, student voice and building strong school communities. These themes strongly resonated with and affirmed the current work and priorities at Heidelberg Primary School.

Keynote speakers Dr Nathaniel Swain and Dr Carl Hendrick shared valuable insights into evidence-informed teaching practices, cognitive science and the importance of explicit instruction in supporting student learning outcomes. Their presentations reinforced the importance of maintaining high expectations for all students while ensuring teaching practices are grounded in research and responsive to student needs. These messages strongly align with the work underway at Heidelberg Primary School as staff continue to strengthen teaching and learning practices through collaboration, professional learning and the use of student data to inform planning and targeted support.

A significant focus of the conference was the importance of creating learning environments where every student feels safe, connected and supported. At Heidelberg Primary School, we continue to prioritise student wellbeing and inclusion through positive relationships, wellbeing supports and a strong commitment to ensuring every child feels a sense of belonging at school.

The importance of student voice and agency was also highlighted throughout the conference. This aligns closely with the opportunities we provide through our Student Representative Council and regular student consultation processes. We are proud of the way our students contribute positively to school life and take on leadership opportunities with confidence and pride.

Community connection was another important area of focus. Schools play a vital role in building strong partnerships with families and fostering connected communities. Events such as Education Week and our recent Open Day showcased the wonderful culture of Heidelberg Primary School and provided opportunities for students, staff and families to celebrate learning together. Our Year 6 student leaders represented the school exceptionally well through guided tours and conversations with visitors.

The conference reinforced the importance of maintaining a future-focused mindset while continuing to place students at the centre of all decision-making. As we continue to navigate ongoing building works and evolving educational priorities, we remain committed to providing a safe, inclusive and engaging learning environment where all students can thrive.

A big thank you to Nicola, Stef and Heather who led the school so capably, enabling the principal class team to attend the conference with confidence. I also extend my thanks to all staff who stepped up, supported one another and contributed wherever needed throughout the two days.

I am incredibly proud and grateful to work alongside such a connected and collaborative staff team who demonstrate collective accountability, shared efficacy and a genuine commitment to working together in the best interests of our students.

It was encouraging to reflect on the many strengths of our school and to see how closely the work taking place at Heidelberg Primary School aligns with the broader vision for education across Victoria.

Student Semester Reports

We will be providing student achievement reports for Semester 1 this year as usual.

The reports will be distributed on Wednesday 24 June.

The reports will continue to provide important details about student learning attainment, but full descriptive comments may not be included as a result of industrial action taken earlier this term by the Australian Education Union.

We will of course be pleased to discuss with you your child’s progress at our next parent-teacher interviews scheduled for Term 3, or, as always, you can contact your child's teacher to arrange a meeting.

**Don't forget that we have a Curriculum Day - Pupil Free on Friday 5th June. The King's Birthday Public Holiday is then on Monday 8th June, creating a 4 day weekend for students!**

New Build Plans

Foundation 2027 Enrolments

Do you have a child starting school in 2027?

We are accepting enrolments now. Hard copy enrolment forms can be found in the office foyer, or on our website.

Enrolments will close on Friday 31 July 2026.

If you are enrolling the sibling of a student at our school, and both children will be attending our school at the same time, your child is prioritised for a place at our school as per the department’s Placement Policy. For more information, please read about when and how to enrol your child in Prep at vic.gov.au/enrolling-foundation-prep.

National Reconciliation Week

Thank you to our parent, Fiona L, for providing posters for display around our school.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 is All In, a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.

All In makes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change.

The theme also reminds us that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights isn’t a passive activity, and it is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people, who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long.

Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us.

Is your family up for a 60 Second Challenge?

Upcoming Dates

June
Wednesday 3	Working Bee 3.30pm
Friday 5	Curriculum Day - No students at school
August
Wednesday 12	Teacher Professional Practice Day - No students at school
October
Thursday 15	Year 6 Graduation Photo Day
November
Monday 2	Curriculum Day- No students at school

2026 School Term Dates

Term 2: Monday 20th April- Friday 26th June (2.30pm finish)

Term 3: Monday 13th July- Friday 18th September (2.30pm finish)

Term 4: Monday 5th October- Friday 18th December (1.30pm finish)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Naomi Ivers

Principal

Heidelberg Primary School

9457 2259

naomi.ivers@education.vic.gov.au

Heidelberg PS - Capers

Respect | Responsibility | Resilience | Compassion

Term 2 - Issue 6 · 29 May 2026

In this issue