Dear HPS Community,

Thank you to the community members who responded to our call last week for volunteers and donations. We really are privileged and grateful to have such wonderful support our school! Your ongoing support and partnership in working together with our school staff, creates a positive and welcoming culture and climate for our students. Your involvement and dedication play a crucial role in shaping an environment where our students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the future of our children. Thank you for all that you do!

I would like to do a special shout out to our magnificent Foundation students, and their families, for the way in which they have transitioned into HPS so smoothly, calmly and responsibly. A carefully curated transition program from our school leaders, teachers and support staff, along with a supportive and collaborative approach from parents and carers, has ensure a positive and beneficial start to student's schooling. Well done everyone.

Student Leadership

There will be a presentation of student leadership badges on Monday at assembly. We look forward to acknowledging and celebrating our fabulous School and House Captains.

Congratulations to all students in Years 3-6 who stepped up and put themselves forward for election as representatives for SRC! It takes courage, leadership, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Your commitment to representing your peers is truly commendable, and regardless of the outcome, you're already showing incredible initiative and dedication to your school community.

Notice of Road Closures

We have been informed that there will be road closures in the local area this coming Tuesday 25th February. Cape Street will be closed between Darebin St and St James Rd from 7am until 5pm. Please be aware that there will likely be delays in the area and plan your trips accordingly.

It is timely to remind everyone about safety around our school. Please model respectful and responsible behaviours and abide by traffic laws when arriving and departing from school.

7 Reasons Why Traffic Rules And Signs Are Important

Are you interested in being on the HPS School Council?

Elections and call for nominations will occur in the coming weeks and we would love for you to consider joining our school council.

What is a school council and what does it do?

All government schools in Victoria have a school council. They are legally constituted bodies that are given powers to set the broad direction of a school, in accordance with Ministerial Order 1280 Constitution of Government School Councils, and the Education and Training Reform Act 2006. In doing this, a school council may directly influence the quality of education for students.

Who is on the school council?

For most primary school councils, there are several possible categories of membership:

A mandated elected parent member category – more than one-third of the total members must be from this category. Department employees can be parent members at their child’s school providing that they are not engaged in work at the school.

A mandated elected school employee member category – members of this category make up no more than one-third of membership. The principal of the school is automatically one of these members.

An optional community member category – members are co-opted by a decision of the council because of their special skills, interests or experience. Department employees are not eligible to be community members.

Why is parent membership so important?

Parents on school councils provide important viewpoints and have valuable skills and a range of experiences and knowledge that can help inform and shape the direction of the school.

Those parents who become active on a school council find their involvement satisfying and may also find that their children feel a greater sense of belonging.

Do I need special experience to be on school council?

Each member brings their own valuable skills and knowledge to the role, however, in order to successfully perform their duties, councillors may need to gain some new skills and knowledge.

It is important to have an interest in your child’s school and the desire to work in partnership with others to help shape the school’s future.

Upcoming Dates
Thursday 27th February	HPS Family Picnic - 5:00pm-7:00pm
Friday 28th February	Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival - Willinda Park
Tuesday 4th March	School Council - 6pm
Wednesday 5th- Thursday 6th March	School Photos
Monday 10th March	Labour Day - No Students
Tuesday 11th March	Pupil Free Day - SAC available
Wednesday 12th March	NAPLAN Testing Period Begins
Tuesday 18th- Wednesday 19th March	Goal Setting Conferences
Tuesday 1st April	School Council - 6pm
Friday 4th April	End of Term 1 - 2.30pm finish
TERM 2
Monday 21st April	Easter Monday - No Students
Tuesday 22nd April	Term 2 Begins
Friday 25th April	ANZAC Day - No Students
Monday 9th June	King's Birthday - No Students
Monday 23rd June	Pupil Free Day
Friday 4th July	End of Term 2 - 2:30pm Finish

2025 Camp Dates:

Year 3 - Wednesday 2nd - Friday 4th April

Year 5 - Wednesday 7th - Friday 9th May

Year 6 - Monday 12th - Thursday 15th May

Year 4 - Wednesday 27th - Friday 29th August

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

Term 1

Tuesday 4 March - last meeting with 2024 council members

Tuesday 1 April - first meeting with 2025 council members

Term 2

Tuesday 20 May

Tuesday 17 June

Term 3

Tuesday 12 August

Tuesday 9 September

Term 4

Tuesday 28 October

Tuesday 2 December

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend, and we look forward to seeing you next week!

Naomi Ivers

Principal

Heidelberg Primary School

Upcoming Sports Dates
Friday 28th February	Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival - Willinda Park
Monday 3rd March	District Swimming - Northcote ARC
Thursday 13th March	Division Swimming - Oak Park RC
Thursday 20th March	Region Swimming - Watermarc
Thursday 27th March	District Athletics Carnival - Willinda Park
TERM 2
Tuesday 20th May	District Cross Country - Banyule Flats

Sport