Assistant Principals' Report

Hello and welcome to our newsletter item for this week. 

Welcome to Term 1, 2026!

It has been lovely welcoming new and existing families back for what we know will be an enriching, engaging and exciting year ahead. 

Connect, Create, Explore – Start Up Program

To begin the school year, students are taking part in our Connect, Create, Explore start up program. This program supports students to settle into their new classroom, build relationships, and establish strong routines for learning.

During this time, students focus on building connections with their classmates and teacher, getting to know one another, and developing a sense of belonging within the class. Teachers explicitly teach classroom routines, expectations, and learning behaviours so students understand what respectful, responsible and successful learning looks like.

Students have opportunities to reflect on their strengths, interests, and goals for the year ahead, helping them develop confidence and independence as learners.

Starting the year in this way helps create a calm, predictable environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Establishing these foundations early sets students up for success both academically and socially across the year.

Yarning Circles 

Yarning circles are a calm and structured time where students come together to connect, check in, and prepare themselves for the day ahead. Yarning Circles help create a strong sense of belonging and community within the classroom. They support our school values and help establish a positive tone for the day, ensuring students feel settled, connected, and ready to learn.

Yarning Circles provide students with an opportunity to share thoughts, listen to others, and build respectful relationships within the class. Students practise speaking and listening skills, learn to value different perspectives, and develop confidence in sharing their ideas in a supportive environment.

This time also supports student wellbeing. Students are encouraged to reflect on how they are feeling and consider whether they are ready to learn. By building emotional awareness and strong routines at the start of the day, students are better able to regulate their emotions, stay focused, and engage positively in learning.

Helen Thomas & Monique Rankin

Assistant Principals

Heidelberg Primary School