Principal's Report

Dear HPS Community, 

What a fabulous and full week it has been for us all at HPS. The success of the kids disco and the parent event last Friday evening was a great way to start the weekend, with many laughs and social connections. The fun and memory making events didn't end there though! On Monday we held the annual Book Week parade where it was incredible to see so many staff and students from Foundation to Year 6 embrace the magical and creative experience of dressing up as characters from their favourite books. The thought and effort that went into it was amazing and we really appreciate everyone getting involved.

Thank you to Denise and our school leaders for organising it all and being the MCs during the parade!

Our involvement in the Refugee Education Support Program (RESP) provided some parent engagement opportunities this week. It was so valuable to have families, particularly from MALAYALAM and MANDARIN language backgrounds, participate in consultation groups with members from CEH. Thank you to all who participated for your input as as we work to identify and implement strategies which have a positive impact on the achievement, engagement, and wellbeing outcomes of students from all backgrounds and their families.

In this project we are working with external expert organisations including:

• Foundation House
• CMY - Centre for Multicultural Youth 
• CEH - Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health

Through this work we have been working on a project called Transitions and Family Engagement. The goal of this project is to understand how we can better communicate information with families throughout our community, and develop strategies and processes that support this. We plan to engage with further language groups around this process in the future.

We have appointed Heather Gordon in the acting Learning Specialist role during Nicola's secondment. Heather will work with the School Improvement team to focus on strengthening teaching and learning at HPS that aligns to the new Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0.

It's time to dig out and dust off the school approved, sun safe hats! 

As per our sun protection policy, from the 1st of September to 30th of April, all students must wear a sun protective hat that shades the face, neck and ears for all outdoor activities. 

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

As we move into the last 3 weeks of Term 3, I would like to shine a spotlight on our school value of Respect. Like learning to read, write and solve mathematical problems, appropriate behaviours that demonstrate respect is something that also needs to be taught and practised.

At HPS, our Respect statements include;

• I respect myself; I look after myself to stay happy and healthy. 

• I understand other people have ideas or beliefs that are different to mine, and I don’t put them down because of this 

• I give feedback to others in a positive way 

• I treat others in the way that they would like to be treated 

• I use my manners and speak respectfully to all members of our school community 

• I respect my belongings, our school property and the environment, and make choices that reflect this

Conversations at home to support this message will continue to build children's knowledge and skills in having respectful interactions.

Father's Day Morning Tea

On Friday, we welcome dads, grandfathers, uncles, and special friends to our Father’s Day Morning Tea. 

It will be a wonderful opportunity for students to share some time together with the important men and role models in their lives. 

Everyone is invited to join in the celebration at the COLA between 8.00-9.00am Friday 5th September.

Thank you to our wonderful team of parent volunteers- Lavanya, EJ & Andrew, for organising this opportunity!

Congratulations

On Tuesday 26th August at the awards ceremony of the 7th Student Public Speaking Festival, organised by the Modern Greek Teachers Association of Victoria (MGTAV), our fabulous Year 3 student, Elini, won 2nd place in her category! Well done Eleni.

Pat Cronin Foundation

We would love to have as many of our HPS parents, carers and community members join us for the school assembly on Monday 8th September, where we will hear some important messages as shared by the Pat Cronin Foundation. Please see the Assistant Principal page for further details. Year 4-6 families have also been sent further details of the presentations and workshops that will be delivered to classes throughout the day.

Be Wise, Think Carefully & Act Kindly

Disabled Car Parking spaces on Darebin St

Can I please ask all HPS drivers to respect the signage for car parks around our school? I have been informed that the designated disabled car parking spaces are often being used by drivers without displayed permits. As we have a number of community members who have valid permits and requirements for these designated spaces, it would be appreciated if they were kept available for these people. Thank you in advance.

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

Term 3

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