Dear HPS Community,

International Day of People with Disability

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations day, observed each year on 3 December. In Australia, it is a day to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance of the 5.5 million people with disability in the country.

Schools play an important role in creating a more inclusive and diverse community in Australia. This information kit has been developed to help schools get involved.

Did you know?

• There are 5.5 million people with disability in Australia – that’s 1 in 5 people

• 15% of people in Australia aged 0-64 years have disability

• 52% of people in Australia aged 65 years and over have disability

• 7.9% of all Australians have a profound or severe disability

• 9.9% or 1 in 10 people with disability in Australia have experienced discrimination.

The 2025 theme is: Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress. The theme means we all need to work together to make society fairer and respect the rights of people with disability.

Throughout this week, classes have been taking part in short, age-appropriate activities that highlight inclusion and build our understanding of the different ways people learn, move, think and communicate.

A huge thank-you in advance to our families for helping us build a community where all children feel included, valued, and seen.

A huge thank-you in advance to our families for helping us build a community where all children feel included, valued, and seen.

Pat Cronin Foundation Walk

What a wonderful whole school event it was on Wednesday afternoon for our very 1st Heidelberg Primary School PCF Be Wise Walk!

A huge thank you to Monique Rankin and Tahnee Pape for all their work in planning, coordinating and implementing this event.

We wish to also thank the staff, students and community members who supported this event through their involvement and donation of funds.

Belinda and Shannon who represent the PCF on the day, commented on how wonderful and wholesome the event was. Well done HPS!!

Building Works Update

Fingers crossed that all the stars will align and the pouring of the new learning centre building slab will be poured on Monday.

As a result, please be aware there will be an increase in trucks attending the school from 7am in order for this to occur.

Year 6 Graduation

Icy pole sales have now finished for the year. A very big THANK YOU to all who participated and bought an icy pole as it helped to raise much needed funds to support the Year 6 Graduation.

Well done and thank you to the year 6 students and teachers who coordinated icy pole sales.

2026 Planning

Today each class got to go up the the next year level for a session at the end of the day to get a taste of what next year will bring. It was great to see and hear the excitement and delight around the school this afternoon.

On Tuesday next week, our Foundation to Year 5 students will participate in a Meet the Teacher Day where they will spend time with their 2026 classmates and teacher/s.

2026 Staffing

Principal- Naomi Ivers

Assistant Principals- Monique Rankin and Helen Thomas

Learning Specialists- Stef Galvin, Tegan Griffiths and Nicola Colgate-Jones

Disability Inclusion coordinator- Tegan Griffiths

Mental Health Wellbeing Leader- Nicola Colgate-Jones

Tutor Learning Initiative- Nicola Colgate-Jones

Foundation- Faye Philips and Katelyn Tino

Year 1- Gemma Lindsay-Knape, Libby Langlands and Carla Daniele/ Sheri Booth

Year 2- Stef Galvin/Sally Morgan, Yana Li, Tom Grisdale

Year 3- Heather Gordon, Brad Kendall and Tahnee Pape/ Tegan Griffiths

Year 4- Leigh Barry, Liam Szczepanski and Chris Roberts

Year 5- Halbeen Kobani, Dani Durando and Rebecca Paterson/ Fiona Welsh

Year 6- Simon Lovett, Taniya Senanayake and Jonathan Wilisoni

Library- Denise Pilinis and Alexandrea Ferguson

Science- Peter Ruff and Fiona Greville

PE- Ethan Griffiths

The Arts- Laura Ghiotti and Ewen Soo

Japanese- Ryoko DeCunto and Satoko Kuhlmann

Education Support

Kristy Thews, Thuy Farmer, Mel Katz, Kelly Spratt, Renne Daaboul, Amy Fredricksen, Matthew Aldridge, Ghada Al Den and Kris Sebalj

First Aid- Sue Zerna

Admin- Vickie Bird

Business Manager- Sam Thornton

Facilities Manager- Jack Thornton

SAC coordinator- Vimmy Abraham

ICT technician- Isuru Rathnayaka

As the year wraps up, some students may show signs of stress, uncertainty, or emotional overload. Transitions can be tough, but with the right strategies, educators and families can help students feel safe, seen, and supported.

Transitions are more than logisitical, they're emotional. Let’s notice the signs and respond with care.

Support regulation
Model Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR)
Maintain Predictability
Create space for student/child voice
Prepare for What's next

More information around implementing these strategies can be found on the Berry Street Education Model Facebook page using the following link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1WM2Su9zE8/

Assembly Summer Nights & Christmas Lights Performances

Monday we will have our first performance with the Year 5 and 6 classes sharing some festive and celebratory songs to welcome us into December.

Students will have the opportunity to perform to their family and peers at allocated whole school assemblies from 9.10am:

Monday 8th December- Year 3 & 4 students
Monday 15th December- Foundation, Year 1 & Year 2 students

School Council

As we have now completed our last school council meeting for the year, I wish to use this opportunity to extend heartfelt thanks to our dedicated School Council members. I thank you for the commitment, insights and support you have given in the important role you've played in shaping our school community throughout the year.

Thank you for the time you have given, the thoughtful contributions you’ve made, and the genuine care you continue to show for our students, staff, and families. Your partnership is truly valued, and we are grateful for all you do.

We also send an extra special thank you for the additional work of our fabulous school council President, Emma-Jane Stabb and Treasurer, Enaksha Garde, for all they have contributed again this year.

Upcoming Dates
Monday 8th Dec	Year 6 Graduation rehearsal
Tuesday 9th Dec	Year 6-7 Government School Transition Day
Tuesday 9th Dec	HPS 2026 Year 1-6 Meet the Teacher Day
Thursday 11th Dec	Year 6 Graduation
Friday 12th Dec	Year 3 ACMI excursion
Friday 12th Dec	Year 2 Inquiry Learning Open Afternoon
Monday 15th Dec	Year 5 & 6 Bizzare Bazaar Market
Monday 15th Dec	Year 3 Short Film Festival Open Afternoon
Wednesday 17th Dec	Whole School RR Celebration morning & Dojo Reward Afternoon
Thursday 18th Dec	Year 6 Fun Fields excursion
Friday 19th Dec	Farewell Year 6 Assembly @ 9.10am
Friday 19th Dec	End of Year- Finish time 1.30pm

Wishing you a lovely weekend and a great week ahead!

Naomi Ivers

Principal

Heidelberg Primary School

Respectful Relationships