Principal's Report

Dear HPS Community, 

At our school, we believe learning doesn’t stop when you grow up – it’s a lifelong adventure! This year, many of our teachers have been busy with some specific learning projects of their own! We have had staff exploring leadership opportunities and new pedagogical practices, sharing strategies and building their own teaching skills to support our students even better. As we move towards the end of the year, many of these staff have or will be presenting what they’ve discovered and developed through their professional learning journeys at different events and forums. 

• Leaders In The Making (LITM)- Heather Gordon completed her LITM inquiry on Student Engagement and presented her learning to other participants and their principals last week. It was great to see the connections Heather was able to make linking leadership to the classroom.
• Victorian Institute of Teaching - Our graduate staff members, Taniya Senanayake, Joy Sun and Ellie Taylor have completed inquiries to support them move their practice from the Graduate to the Proficient teacher level of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. This work is undertaken in collaboration with a mentor who provide them with feedback and support in the development of their practice. Thank you to mentors Sarah Santaera, Charlie Hughes and Gemma Lindsay-Knape for their leadership in supporting the graduates.

• Refugee Education Support Program (RESP)- This year, our team, Helen Thomas, Libby Langlands, Katelyn Tino, Mel Katz and Thuy Farmer partnered with Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & health (CEH) to analyse HPS school data and understand the cultural makeup of our school. This year long work resulted in the project being focused on the following:

  • Communication with Families
  • Family and Student Engagement
  • Transitions - at entry to the school in Foundation and when joining the school at other year levels

  I look forward to being at the team's presentation on Tuesday where other schools who also participated in RESP this year will also present their projects.

• Inclusion Outreach Coaching - This semester, our School Improvement Team (SIT) have been working with IOC coach, Yoshi, to explore the work we had prioritised as part of our school's Annual Implementation Plan (AIP), strengthening school systems and documentation to support teaching and learning of students who are presenting as not achieving optimum growth. Yesterday, Monique Rankin, Heather Gordon and myself accompanied Yoshi to present at the Excellence in Inclusive Education event in the city. Whilst the presentation focus was on the department's IOC initiative, Yoshi asked us to present the work we have been completing with her as a way of demonstrating the work in action.

We are very proud to model to our students that being a lifelong learner means staying curious, trying new things and always striving to grow.

Before school supervision

A friendly reminder that students should not be in the school yard before 8:40am, as there is no staff supervision prior to this time. For safety, we ask that students arrive from 8:40am onwards, when teachers are on duty to supervise the yard.

If students need to arrive prior to this time, please ensure you book in to our fabulous SAC program that is provided as a service to support families with before and after school care needs. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us keep all students safe.

ONE WEEK TO GO until...HPS Family Food Trucks & Movie Night 

We are excited for the upcoming community event at Rosanna Cricket Club, De Winton oval between 5.00- 8.45pm on Friday 28th November.

Food trucks and sausage sizzle available to purchase from or BYO picnic if you prefer.

The option for HPS students to buy a ticket to their year level movie screening can be booked on Compass for $12 per child.

• Foundation-Year 3: Lilo & Stitch 5.00pm
• Year 4-6: Minecraft 7.00 pm

Other families members can socialise and relax outside on the oval whilst the movies screen inside for the relevant children.

Parents/Carers MUST remain on-site with their child/ren at all times.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Assembly Summer Nights & Christmas Lights Performances

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

• Monday 1st December- Year 5 & 6 students
• Monday 8th December- Year 3 & 4 students

• Monday 15th December- Foundation, Year 1 & Year 2 students

   

2026 Student Leadership Process

The process has begun for our current Year 5 students who have put themselves forward as a candidate for a formal leadership role next year.

Whilst all students in Year 6 will be leaders within our school, the formal student leadership process involves candidates preparing an advertising poster and writing and delivering a speech before students in years 4-6 participate in a voting ballot. 

Student leaders are guided and supported to develop the skills, attributes, and behaviours that empower them to effectively lead their peers, advocate for positive change, and contribute to their school or community. 

What makes an effective leader?

• Understanding your own strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations is key to being an effective leader. 
• A strong leader sets a positive example by consistently demonstrating ethical behaviour, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. 
• Great leaders value and respect differences in others and strive to create inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and heard. 
• Whether it’s cultural, socio-economic, or academic, a good leader recognises the diversity within a group and works to ensure everyone has equal opportunities. 
• Leadership is a continuous process of learning, adapting, and growing. 
• Leaders who are open to feedback and willing to improve are often the most effective.
• A strong student leader creates systems or supports initiatives that continue after they leave the role, ensuring that the positive impact of their leadership is long-lasting.

Overall, student leadership is not just about taking on a title or position; it's about using one's influence to make a positive impact on the community and developing skills that will serve both the individual and their peers long-term. We wish all our students the best as they progress through the process.

School Council Meeting Dates:Start time 6pm, Conclude by 8pm 

Term 4 

Tuesday 2 December

Wishing you a lovely weekend and a great week ahead!

Naomi Ivers

Principal

Heidelberg Primary School