Leadership Report
Thursday 15th February 2024
Dear Parents, Students and Friends,
What a week of weather it has been! We’ve had some very hot days, followed by a brief but intense storm resulting in a loss of power just before the end of the school day. Fortunately, power returned to school the following morning so we could continue as planned.
SunSmart
I have recently had a few conversations with parents around hot temperatures and school processes. Our approach is that we do not send students out when the temperature is 35 degrees or above and depending on the day, often keep students in at lunch when it is 33 degrees and rising. As part of our Sun Protection policy, students should be wearing hats, are able to apply sunscreen during the day and are encouraged to find shade.
Hatslotto
We have implemented a fun little way to encourage students to bring their hats to school every day – Hatslotto! If a student’s roll number is called over the loudspeaker at lunchtime and they have their hat, they will receive a Zooper Dooper. Thanks to those students who continue to bring their hats in every day.
2024 Preps
It’s wonderful to walk past our Prep classes and see such happy faces as they engage in their learning. There is always a buzz down the junior corridor each morning as students prepare for the school day! Most Preps have now completed their English Interviews and will be undertaking Maths Interviews over the next few Wednesdays. I know that Ms. Kelaart and Ms. Lavelle have enjoyed the first few weeks getting to know their classes and we look forward to hearing about the wonderful things they achieve as they settle in at Highvale Primary School.
Parent Teacher Meet & Greets
Our Parent Teacher Meet & Greets are just beginning. We hope you find it to be a useful chance to meet your child’s new teacher and share some information with them about your child's strengths and interests.
School Attendance
School attendance is vital for student’s success at school and contributes to their overall well-being and mental health. The Department of Education expects attendance rates of no less than 95%. Students should be away from school only when necessary due to illness, bereavement or serious family matters.
Chinese New Year
Saturday 10th February marked the beginning of the Chinese New Year. 2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in our community who celebrates this significant event a Happy New Year!
Foundation Enrolment 2025
The Department of Education (DE) has released a new state-wide Foundation (Prep) enrolment timeline for 2025.The timeline advises families when and how to enrol their child into Foundation (Prep) at a Victorian government primary school, including Highvale Primary School.The new timeline will apply for children starting Foundation (Prep) in 2025. All government primary schools will follow the new timeline in 2024 to support Foundation (Prep) enrolments for the 2025 school year.
You can find information and resources about the new timeline, including factsheets, at: Enrolling in Foundation (Prep).
AERO/SOLAR Lab Professional Learning Program in Schools
We are excited to announce that Highvale Primary School signed up to participate in a professional learning and research study led by the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) and the Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) Lab at La Trobe University School of Education.
Over the next two years our Foundation – Year 2 staff will participate in professional learning in the Science of Reading, learning and applying structured literacy approaches to support early learners as they begin their reading and writing journey. We are excited about the collaboration and look forward to working with the AERO/SOLAR Lab team. To learn more about the study visit https://www.edresearch.edu.au/research/research-projects/professional-learning-research.
A number of our staff recently attended a two-day professional learning course on Little Learners Love Literacy as part of this research study. It is an excellent opportunity for our staff and we look forward to sharing more updates in the coming months.
School Council Elections
As the number of nominations matched the number of vacancies, we do not need to hold an election for the 2024 School Council.
Our final 2023 School Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 20 February at 6.30pm (online).
Take care,
Josh Crozier
Assistant Principal