Principal Report
Welcome to our Term Four: Week Three newsletter. Term Four is always a busy one, but it seems to be moving a bit too quickly, especially for our Year Six students who are soaking up their last term at Highvale Primary School.
World Teachers Day
A HUGE thank you to all of the families that shared a passage about the teachers at Highvale PS. It was so lovely to read all of the beautiful comments that acknowledged and highlighted the dedication of our wonderful staff. I shared these comments with the staff at a morning tea which everyone enjoyed. Some of the teachers were so touched, they began to cry!
Please enjoy the following staff photos following the theme: Hats off to teachers 2024.
Some amazing comments are listed below:
"Thank you for giving our sons an amazing start to their education journey. Your empathy, passion and your ability to connect with our sons, understand their needs, and foster growth is remarkable. We are grateful for you."
"She is a very dedicated teacher and goes over and above to know the students interests and motivation. The teacher values my child's effort by giving plenty praises and updating us on his progress.
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.
Parent Contributions 2025
Shortly, we will inform the school community of the Parent Payments for 2025. The cost for Parent Payments is discussed and approved at our School Council Finance Committee meetings prior to being announced to the school community.
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 of these arrangements. This information allows us to forecast the number of students and establish grade structures for the start of the new school year.
Curriculum Day
Just a reminder that we have a Curriculum Day on Monday 4th November and Melbourne Cup Day is on Tuesday 5th November. Students are not required onsite on either of these days, which means they will have a Long Weekend. We hope everyone has a restful and relaxing long weekend.
Swimming Program
We look 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.
Life Education Program
Our Life Education Program will commence on Monday 2nd December and each class will participate in a one hour workshop. The themes covered will include 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.
Hayfever Season/ Medication
We have had a large increase in the number of students presenting to First Aid with hayfever symptoms since the start of term. If your child suffers from hayfever, please ensure they take their antihistamine medication every morning when the pollen count is high. The pollen count can be tracked on the www.melbournepollen.com.au/ website. Alternatively, please bring medication or eye drops to school. Medication must be dropped off by a parent and an Administering Medication Form needs to be completed.
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.
Carly Epskamp
Acting Principal
carly.epskamp@education.vic.gov.au