Welcome to Week Five of Term Four. We have had a very busy term so far. I hope all families had a lovely Long Weekend to celebrate Melbourne Cup Day. As always a huge thank you to all of our teachers for their dedication, care and commitment to the school and the students in their care. You do a wonderful job and make HPS a great place to be.

Welcome Mrs Soccio

This week our new Assistant Principal Kelly Soccio joined the Highvale team. With Kelly’s incredible curriculum knowledge and passion for Wellbeing, we know she will have a big impact on the students, staff and families of Highvale Primary School. Kelly will be regularly on Yard Duty before and afterschool, so please say hi if you see her.

Attendance

As you know, at Highvale Primary School we firmly believe that attending school every day plays a crucial role in shaping a child's educational journey. Regular attendance allows students to fully engage in classroom activities, discussions, and hands-on learning experiences. It provides them with the opportunity to grasp new concepts, ask questions, and collaborate with their peers. Consistent attendance helps build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, enabling children to excel academically.

Today I will reflect on our October attendance at Highvale PS. There were 208 students who attended school every day in October. Congratulations to the HPS students who achieved 100% attendance, you are superstars! A few of these students include: Emmy H (Prep), Ewen L (Prep), Sebastian Y (Year One), Kaylee Shu (Year One), Angela L (Year Two), Ethan X (Year Two), Emily L (Year Three), Saijan Thananjeyan (Year Three), Chloe L (Year Four), Michael P (Year Four), Caleb L (Year Five), Katarina W (Year Five) Mehr K (Year Six) & Steven L (Year Six).

VSBA Construction Works

There are still some areas of the school that are not accessible and these areas are clearly blocked off. Students have been very understanding and moved around the school in a safe way. The construction works are very close to being completed and we look forward to these beautiful spaces being utilised by our students.

Safety around our school

Last week, the lovely crossing lady popped in to ask that we communicate with the community regarding students on bikes/scooters not wearing helmets and parents dropping off kids in the No Parking zone where the school crossing is. Please adhere to the safety rules and keep our students and our community safe. A reminder that if students are riding a bike or scooter, they must have a helmet on!

Enrolments for 2025

If you are moving house or leaving Highvale Primary School at the end of this year, we ask that you let our office staff know. This information allows us to forecast the number of students establish grade structures for the start of the new school year. If your child is currently in Grades Prep – 5, and will not be at Highvale in 2025, please notify the school office in writing as soon as possible.

Term Four Events: Swimming Program & Life Education

We are looking forward to our upcoming whole school swimming program. Swimming will begin on Monday 2nd December and conclude on Thursday 19th December. Please see Compass for further information and to make a payment. In this same week, our Life Education Program commences. Each class will participate in a one hour workshop covering themes such as friendship, healthy bodies and minds, diversity and inclusion. We look forward to all students participating in this very worthwhile program. Again, please see Compass for further information and to make a payment.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Kids Help - kidshelpline.com.au phone 1800 55 1800

Parent Line - betterhealth.vic.gov.au phone 13 22 89

Headspace - headspace.org.au phone 1800 650 890

eSafety Commissioner - esafety.gov.au - Advice for parents and carers to help children have safe experiences online

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend and I am looking forward to a fabulous Term Four with you all.

Carly Epskamp

Acting Principal

carly.epskamp@education.vic.gov.au

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