Principal Report

Welcome to our Week Six newsletter. It has been another productive and rewarding period at Highvale Primary School. Students and staff have settled into their learning routines with enthusiasm and continue to demonstrate our school values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty & Integrity, and Commitment in all aspects of school life. Classrooms remain focused on high-quality teaching and learning, with staff continuing to implement evidence-based instructional practices that support strong student outcomes. It has also been an exciting few weeks for our school, with Highvale Primary School receiving significant recognition for our outstanding NAPLAN results in both The Australian and The Age. This acknowledgement reflects the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, hardworking students and supportive families and reinforces our commitment to providing every student with the best possible learning opportunities. As always, the term continues to be filled with a wide range of curriculum, sporting and community events which will continue to engage and challenge our students and the school community. The school continues to experience steady growth in student enrolments, reflecting the strong reputation of Highvale Primary School and the confidence our community has in the high-quality teaching and learning programs we provide.

I remain excited to celebrate and experience the following Term Three events with our community: Science Week, Book Week, Porridge our whole school production, Father's Day Breakfast, Pizza Lunch and Sports Colours Dress-Up Day. We encourage all families to join us for these exciting events as we continue to build a vibrant and connected school community.

Welcome to Highvale

This term we have had many new families begin their journey at HPS. Welcome to HPS to the following student: Ridhi A 6T. We are sure you will love being a part of the Highvale community. Please reach out if there is anything we can do to assist with your transition into our school.

​Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to the following students who will celebrate their special day throughout August: Hailey H PFY, Heidi H 3C, Anya J 3L, Jia Yang M 4G, Nayomie S 1GC, Shawn Y 2M, Kaleb G 4C, Surveen B 3L, Ayansh M PFY, Ryan C 4G, Kaitlyn W 6S, Roger Z 3A, Hirvya N 5M, Bob W 3L, Casey L 1GC, Isaac O 4C, Raven J 1GC, Vivaan D 4G, Elijah P 2M, Jasper L 4G, Liam F 4P, Amika N 2M, Krishaan N 5M, Wanying Y 3A, Eline W 4C and Saijan T 5M. 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 262 students who have achieved 100% attendance in August so far. Some of these students include: Ghalt B PA, Eliana S PA, Aarav B PFY, Dylan L PFY, Casey L 1GC, Aiden W 1GC, Anika N 1P, Nicky Z 1P, Rhys C 2L, Freya H 2L, Riya P 2M, Manduul B 2M, Roger Z 3A, Masa R 3A, Markus H 3C, Zara L 3C, Sander H 3L, Cooper K 3L, Kaleb G 4C, Ella C 4C, Serina G 4W, Aadi V 4W, Duhi J 4P, Ezekiel G 4P, Tiana P 5E, Jingen N 5E, Leo G 5M, Navya P 5M, Frederick P 5S, Emma L 5S, Ashley C 6D, Aleina C 6D, Joshua H 6S, Zoe L 6S, Ibrahim I 6T and Mikayla L 6T

Remember: It is not ok to be away!

Years Three- Six House Athletics Day

Our House Athletics event on Monday 17th August was a fantastic day filled with energy, enthusiasm and plenty of school spirit. It was wonderful to see our students getting involved, encouraging one another and demonstrating our school values of Respect, Responsibility, Commitment and Honesty & Integrity throughout the day. Congratulations to our PE teachers, Sophie Stokes and Soleda Graham for their outstanding organisation and preparation, which helped ensure the event ran so smoothly. We also enjoyed a highly entertaining Staff 100m Race, with Emily Stokes (5E) taking first place, Theo Politis (4P) finishing second and Sophie Stokes (PE) coming in third. A big thank you to all of our staff and students for their support and positive participation. It was fantastic to see our Highvale community coming together to celebrate sport, teamwork and participation.

Prep Enrolments 2027

We are currently accepting enrolment applications for Prep (foundation year) 2027 and have 35 students currently enrolled, although we are expecting many more. I am continuing to conduct school tours for prospective families where I can showcase the school’s programs, facilities and values. If you are aware of families who may be interested in joining the HPS school community, they are encouraged to contact the school office for further information. 

Transition Program 

Bullying No Way Week National Week of Action: 17-21 August 

Bullying No Way Week is an important opportunity for our school community to come together and reinforce our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every student. At Highvale Primary School, we take a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and work proactively each and every day to ensure that all students feel safe, valued, respected and supported. Throughout the week, students will participate in activities and discussions focused on kindness, respect, inclusion and standing up for others. Through our school values, Respectful Relationships program and positive behaviour practices, we remind students that everyone has a role to play in preventing bullying and that speaking up and seeking help is always the right thing to do. Together, we can continue to build a school community where every student feels a strong sense of belonging and knows that they are safe and supported.

Fathers Day Breakfast – Friday 4th September

We look forward to welcoming all dads and special father figures to our Father’s Day Breakfast on Friday 4th September at 8:15am. This special morning provides an opportunity for our students to celebrate the important men and role models in their lives while enjoying breakfast together, including delicious egg and bacon muffins. It will be a wonderful chance for families to connect, share a conversation and enjoy some quality time together as part of our school community. We warmly invite dads, grandfathers, carers and other special guests to join us for this celebration. See Compass for further information on this community event.

Science Week 17th – 21st August

This week is Science Week at Highvale Primary School! Students have had the opportunity to explore, investigate and discover the fascinating world of science through a variety of engaging and hands-on learning experiences. These activities have encouraged students to ask questions, think critically, solve problems and developed their understanding of the world around them. Science Week is always an exciting time at Highvale as we have so many curious and creative young scientists among us.

Book Week: Symphony of Stories 24-28th August

We are looking forward to celebrating Book Week at Highvale Primary School from Monday 24th August to Friday 28th August, with this year's theme, Book an Adventure: Symphony of Stories. Throughout the week, students will celebrate the joy of reading and storytelling through a range of engaging literacy activities that encourage imagination, creativity and a love of books. Book Week provides a wonderful opportunity for students to discover new characters, explore different worlds and share their favourite stories with others. We are particularly excited for our annual Book Week Dress Up Day on Friday 28th August, where students can bring their favourite book characters to life through their creative costumes. We look forward to celebrating the wonderful world of books and seeing our students' enthusiasm and imagination on display throughout the week.

Whole School Production – Porridge

With our whole-school production of Porridge fast approaching on Tuesday 1st September, we encourage families to secure their tickets for what promises to be a fantastic evening of creativity, humour and entertainment. Each family has initially been allocated two tickets, with the possibility of additional tickets being released closer to the event. Production t-shirts are also available to purchase through the Compass Canteen and students who purchase a shirt may wear it as part of their school uniform for the remainder of 2026. All profits from the t-shirt sales will contribute towards upgrading our school facilities. We look forward to seeing all HPS families at Crossway Baptist Church on Tuesday 1st September for a memorable night!

Menstrual Health and Pelvic Pain Education Program – Years Five and Six students ONLY

On Tuesday 18th August, our Year Five and Six students participated in the Menstrual Health and Pelvic Pain Education Program, presented by Sexual Health Victoria. This free, one-hour session was funded by the Victorian Department of Education and provided students with age-appropriate, curriculum-aligned and evidence-based information about menstruation, menstrual management, hygiene and period products, conditions associated with menstruation, and accessing health services. The program focused on building students' knowledge, confidence and language to recognise when they or others may need support, while helping to reduce the stigma and shame that can sometimes surround menstruation and pelvic pain. It was valuable for all students, regardless of gender, as developing a shared understanding helps create a more informed, respectful and supportive school environment.

Novice Band Performance

Our Novice Band delighted students and staff with a wonderful performance at Breakfast Club on Wednesday 19th August. It was fantastic to see our talented young musicians confidently showcase the skills they have been developing and share their music with the school community. Their performance created a wonderful atmosphere at Breakfast Club and was a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work, dedication and musical talents of our students. A big congratulations to Erin Stoddart and all of our Novice Band members on a fantastic performance!

Breakfast Club Visit

We are delighted to welcome Jennifer Cunningham, Foodbank Community Relationships Coordinator to our Breakfast Club next Wednesday 26th August. Jennifer will visit our school to see firsthand how our Breakfast Club supports our students and strengthens our school community. It will be a wonderful opportunity to share the positive impact of the program and acknowledge the ongoing support provided by Foodbank. We sincerely thank Jennifer and the Foodbank team for their continued partnership and commitment to supporting our students and families.

Chess Competition 

We are excited to see our Highvale Primary School Chess Team compete in the Term Three Northern Star Chess Tournament on Wednesday 26th August at Brandon Park Primary School in Wheelers Hill. All students in our Chess Team will participate in seven games throughout the day, providing a wonderful opportunity to challenge themselves, develop their strategic thinking and enjoy the excitement of tournament play in a supportive and inclusive environment. The tournament will also include certificates and prizes for participants. We wish our Chess Team the very best and look forward to hearing about their experiences on the day! Good luck and we are already very proud of each and every one of you!

Lunchtime and After-School Clubs

We are pleased to offer a wide range of lunchtime and after-school clubs at Highvale Primary School, providing students with opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills and connect with others outside the classroom. During Term Three, our teacher-led clubs include Performing Arts, Gardening, Art & Craft and Coding, which are available to students at no cost. We also offer fee-based lunchtime programs including Dancing, Badminton and Chess, providing further opportunities for students to develop their skills and participate in activities they enjoy. Our after-school programs include Kelly Sports, offered two afternoons each week and Digimaker, offered one afternoon each week. We are proud to provide such a diverse range of opportunities for our students and encourage families to take advantage of the programs available. If you would like further information on any of these clubs, please contact the school office on 9887 8000. 

Highvale Mid Year Parent Survey

Thank you to all families who took the time to complete our End of Semester Feedback Form. Your feedback, ideas and suggestions are highly valued and provide us with important insights into the interests and priorities of our school community, helping to guide our planning and inform future projects and initiatives. Below is a brief summary of the responses:

What initiatives, programs, clubs or events implemented during Semester One had the greatest positive impact on students, staff or the school community? Families identified school clubs, sporting opportunities and special events as having a particularly positive impact on students, with strong praise for Run Club, Breakfast Club, Chess Club, music and lunchtime clubs, cross country, interschool sports, swimming and a range of competitions that promoted participation, wellbeing and student engagement. Community-building events such as the Colour Run, Chinese New Year celebrations, Market Day, dance performances, band concerts, sausage sizzles, and connections with the local retirement village were highly valued for bringing students, families and staff together. Parents also highlighted the benefits of learning-focused initiatives including student-led conferences, debating, Life Education, social skills programs, wellbeing workshops, author visits and leadership opportunities, noting their contribution to student confidence, personal growth and sense of belonging. 

What do you believe we have done particularly well as a school during Semester One and why? The feedback highlights that the school has excelled in providing a wide range of engaging academic, sporting, cultural and extracurricular opportunities, ensuring students of all interests and abilities can participate, develop their strengths, and take on leadership and responsibility. Families particularly value the school's improved communication, including newsletters, student-led conferences, and strong teacher-parent partnerships, alongside the school's inclusive, respectful and responsive approach to student and community needs. Staff are also recognised for their dedication and care, with praise for initiatives such as Run Club, interschool competitions, dance, market day, homework expectations and the many events and programs that support student wellbeing, learning, health, and personal growth. 

Were there any initiatives, processes or areas of school operation that could be improved? Please

provide suggestions. The feedback suggests that parents would like to see improvements in school facilities, including upgrades to playgrounds, toilets, drinking taps, the school entrance and pick-up areas, while also maintaining a strong focus on student wellbeing, bullying prevention, and supervision during breaks. Communication was identified as an area for strengthening, with requests for more timely and consistent information about school activities, homework, student progress, classroom continuity during teacher absences, and clearer processes for new families. Families also expressed interest in expanding learning and development opportunities through additional sport and extracurricular programs, enhanced speech and extension programs, improved language offerings, greater reading opportunities, and ensuring all students can participate in school activities regardless of financial circumstances. 

What new opportunities, programs or initiatives would you like to see introduced or expanded in Semester Two? The feedback indicates strong interest in expanding student opportunities through a broader range of sporting programs and competitions, including soccer, netball, cricket, swimming, running, chess, badminton, and structured interschool activities across all year levels. Families would also like to see more academic and creative enrichment opportunities, such as STEM and coding clubs, debating, public speaking, robotics, applied learning projects, language learning, arts, music, dance, singing and additional support for students preparing for assessments or developing English skills. There was also support for more excursions, incursions, community partnerships, outdoor and collaborative learning experiences, and after-school clubs that foster creativity, teamwork, leadership, social skills, and student engagement. 

If you could identify one priority for our school to focus on during Semester Two, what would it be and why? Parents identified academic growth and student learning as a key priority for Semester Two, with requests for greater challenge and extension opportunities, differentiated learning, stronger STEM, coding and AI programs, improved feedback to students and families, support for reading and communication skills and a balanced approach between academics and extracurricular activities. Families also highlighted the importance of student wellbeing, inclusion and engagement through competitive sports, teamwork, friendship skills, assemblies, cultural and language learning, career exploration and opportunities that build student confidence and agency. In addition, respondents emphasised the need for improved communication with parents, upgrades to facilities and hygiene (including toilets, drinking taps and playgrounds), and safer management of traffic and pick-up areas around the school.  

Department of Education: Annual Parent / Carer Opinion Survey

We are currently conducting the annual Parent / Carer Opinion Survey offered by the Department of Education and is seeking your feedback. The survey is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour and student engagement. The survey is optional, but we encourage and appreciate your participation. We will use the survey results to assist in identifying areas for improvement and professional development needs in the school, to target school planning and improvement strategies. The Parent / Carer Opinion Survey will be open online from Monday 17 August to Friday 18 September 2026. THIS IS A DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND IS DIFFERENT TO THE SCHOOL BASED SURVEY WE DO IN TERMS TWO AND FOUR EACH YEAR. 

To contribute and have your say, please go to the following: https://research.orima.com/parent

School Name: Highvale Primary School

Campus Name: Highvale Primary School

PIN: 605404

Have a great week ahead HPS families,

Carly Epskamp

carly.epskamp@education.vic.gov.au