Term One, Week Six Newsletter

Welcome to our newsletter for Week Six. It is hard to believe how quickly the term is progressing, with classrooms continuing to be filled with energy, focus and purposeful learning. By this point in the term, students have well and truly settled into their routines and are demonstrating growing independence, confidence and pride in their work. Over the past few weeks, our teachers have been building strong learning foundations in literacy and numeracy, while also nurturing students’ wellbeing and sense of belonging. It has been wonderful to see students embracing new challenges, supporting one another and actively contributing to our positive school culture. As we move into the second half of Term One, there are many exciting learning opportunities and events ahead. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support — it makes a significant difference to the success and wellbeing of every child in our care.

Welcome to Highvale

We have had some new students begin their learning journey with us since our last newsletter. Welcome to HPS: Anesh SM 5E and Ashwin SM 2M. We are sure you will love being members of our community. If there is anything that you would like to discuss or need assistance with, please contact the School Office on 9887 8000. We are always here to help!

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the following students who will celebrate their special day throughout March: Jaanudwaya T 2M, Aarnik A PFY, Sebastian Y 3C, Amber K 2M, Walter Z 2L, Adorna L 4P, Shawn N PA, Weien D 5S, Zara Z 6S, Owen X 2L, Carter C 2L, Owen L PA, Kai Yan D 5E, Harper K 5E, Hithen M 5M, Markus H 3C, Griva P 1P, Vishruth M 2L, Ian G 3A, Anna W 1GC, Ethan C 5E, Eleni K 6D. We hope you all have a terrific birthday.

Attendance

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. This term, we will be reinforcing the importance of attending school every day.

Congratulations to the 340 students who have achieved 100% attendance in March so far. Some of these students include: Ghalt B PA, Sid J PA, Lucas L PA, Stella G PFY, Hailey H PFY, Arjan B 1P, Mirreeha A 1P, Austin C 1GC, Alice H 1GC, Nilin G 2M, Emmy H 2M, Minghao G 2L, Violet G 2L, Ian G 3A, Aaron Q 3A, Erica J 3C, Bowen L 3C, Nathan L 3L, Hua L 3L, Kaleb G 4C, Virender H 4C, Elise L 4G, Advika M 4G, Sophie M 4P, Emily M 4P, Aaliyah M 5E, Tiana P 5E, Shanaya S 5M, Oneli S 5M, Meera S 5S, Eason Y 5S, Evelyn W 6T, Senuth W 6T, Claire C 6S, Joshua C 6S, Arabelle C 6D and Adrian C 6D.

Remember: It is not ok to be away!

School Council Nominations

Thank you to everyone who nominated for the 2026 HPS School Council. We received 14 nominations for the 5 parent member positions available and we are now required to conduct a school council election ballot to determine who will be elected to the Highvale Primary School Council.

Parent member nominees include:

Lubna Ukani

Chamila Gunawardana

Kashmin Singh

Lee- Ming Tan

John Cheung

Xindi (Michelle) Wu

Bo Zhang

Cheuk Man (Ursula) Wong

Minghui Zhao

Sunil Aryal

Rachel Wong

Chitra Creta

Shinta Tjandra

Ryan Mullampy-Neaves

This list was written in the order that I received the nominations. All Highvale parents will be eligible to vote in the upcoming ballot. Ballots will be provided to families tomorrow and will be due back by 4:00pm on Wednesday 11th March. We will then be able to announce our 2026 School Councillors.

Driveway Repairs

Last week, pothole repair works were completed in sections of the driveway and turning circle as part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and well-presented environment for students, staff and families. We thank you for the understanding and patience as we worked through possible solutions to this problem. Thank you to our community for taking extra care around the affected areas and for your understanding as we continue to improve our school facilities. A reminder that the speed limit inside the school grounds in 5km and the signs in the driveway are a reminder of this.

School Signs

Last week, new school signage was installed around our grounds. These updated signs have enhanced the presentation of our school and helped us create a welcoming and professional first impression for families and visitors. The signage will also improve wayfinding and ensure important information is clearly displayed throughout the site. We were excited to see this project come to life as these signs were organised and ordered last year.

Turning Circle

We remind all families to drive safely and carefully when entering and exiting the school via the driveway and turning circle. Please follow the designated traffic flow around the turning circle, adhere to speed limits at all times and avoid overtaking any cars in this area. To ensure the safety of all students, please make sure children enter and exit the car only on the curb side. Parents are asked not to get out of the car during pick-up or drop-off, and to remain in the vehicle at all times. Stopping only in the marked areas and remaining alert to children, families and staff will help keep everyone safe. Your cooperation ensures that our school remains a secure environment for students during drop-off and pick-up times.

Backflips against Bullying

We are very excited for our whole school to participate in the Backflips against Bullying Incursion tomorrow. The Backflips Against Bullying incursion is an important event because it will provide students with a fun and engaging way to learn about respect, kindness, and positive relationships. Through interactive activities and demonstrations, students explore strategies to prevent and respond to bullying, develop empathy for others, and understand the impact of their words and actions. Incursions like this support our whole-school approach to wellbeing, help create a safe and inclusive environment, and empower students to be confident, responsible, and supportive members of our school community. Thank you to Mrs Coady for organising this for our students.

Division Swimming Event

Congratulations to the five students who represented our school at the Mount Waverley Division Swimming Event held at the Boroondara Sports Complex on Wednesday 4 March. We are incredibly proud of Mishkaat 6S, Faith 6D, Cassie 5E, Jasper 4G and Claire 3A for their outstanding efforts and the way they represented our school. Competing at this level is a fantastic achievement and each student demonstrated great determination, sportsmanship and school pride throughout the event. Well done to all involved!

Upcoming Community Events

Our next community event that is planned for this term is our HPS Sports Carnival on Wednesday 1st April from 2:15pm – 3:15pm. Please add this date to your calendar as we’d love to see as many families as possible.

NAPLAN 2026

At Highvale, we encourage students to approach NAPLAN with confidence and a positive mindset. We remind them that it is an opportunity to demonstrate what they know and can do, rather than something to be anxious about. Classroom learning will continue as normal during the testing period and students are well prepared through the everyday teaching and learning experiences they engage in throughout the year.

The NAPLAN testing schedule at Highvale is as follows:

Wednesday 11th March - Year Three and Year Five Writing (9:30am)

Thursday 12th March - Year Three and Five Reading (9:30am)

Friday 13th March - Year Five Language Conventions (9:30am)

Monday 16th March - Year Three Language Conventions & Year Five Maths (9:30am)

Wednesday 18th March - Year Three Maths (9:30am)

Families can support their children by ensuring they get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time during the testing days. Most importantly, reassurance and encouragement at home go a long way in helping students feel calm and ready to do their best. We look forward to celebrating our students’ efforts and continuing to work together to support their ongoing growth and achievement.

Parent Contributions

At Highvale, we are committed to providing all students with free instruction to fulfill the Victorian Curriculum and we want to assure you that all contributions are voluntary. However, voluntary financial contributions from families make a significant difference to the quality of our programs. Your ongoing support allows Highvale to expand and strengthen our teaching and learning practices, facilities and wellbeing services. This support ensures we can continue to provide the best care, support, education and opportunities for every student.

Thanks to the generosity of our school community, we have been able to provide-:

· STEM resources

· Resources for our Visual and Performing Arts programs

· Library books for our school library (Library Fund)

· Special experiences and events across all year levels

· Support the continual improvements in our IT department

· A dedicated wellbeing team including onsite Allied Health Professionals.

· Resources for two language programs

· Continual improvement to our school buildings (Building Fund)

Department of Education guidelines now mandate that schools are unable to provide parents with a statement of fees. Families are asked to please review the recommended voluntary financial contribution schedule (found on Compass), for an indication of contributions for you child/ren.

School Council have not changed the voluntary curriculum contribution for 2026 and remains at $440 per student. Please note that Highvale Primary School have committed to supply every student with stationery in their classroom for 2026. This comes at a cost to the school and will be reviewed every year and dependant on the budget that is set by Department of Education.

We understand that the current economic climate is challenging for many families. We want to reassure you that no student will be disadvantaged—we will ensure all students have access to the resources they need.

Curriculum Contribution – items and activities that students use, or participate in, to access the Curriculum- These contributions directly support important curriculum areas and programs that we offer including Student Classroom Materials, Critical literacy resources, Art, LOTE and STEM resources. Physical Education sporting equipment and Printing and photocopying

Online Subscriptions – Mathletics, Essential Assessment – Maths and English, Reading Eggs and Compass to support student assessment and parent communication

We are truly grateful for your continued support, whether through financial contributions, fundraising or volunteering your time. Your involvement makes a real and lasting impact on our Highvale community.

Compass & Communication

The Compass parent portal is a key communication tool, which provides parents with access to information about their child’s academic progress, attendance, key dates, reports, upcoming events, payments, interview bookings and newsletters. Please ensure you can access this portal, as information is regularly shared through this service. If you are unable to access Compass, please phone Charlotte or Kate in the Office on 9887 8000.

Tissues

If possible, it would be much appreciated if each student could please contribute a box of tissues to the classroom supply. These come in very handy throughout the day for small spills and for students to blow their nose if they have caught a cold. Please provide a box of tissues to your child’s classroom teacher at your earliest convenience. These will be stored in the classroom until needed.

Labour Day – Public Holiday

A reminder that there is no school on Monday 9th March as it is Labour Day, a public holiday. Please make alternative arrangements on this day and enjoy the long weekend. We will see everyone back at school on Tuesday 10th March.

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

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support — together, we continue to create a positive, inclusive and high-expectations learning environment for every child.

Have a great week ahead HPS families,

Carly Epskamp

SRC