Teaching & Learning Report
Joanne Branidis
Assistant Principal
Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge
The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge for 2027 is now complete, and what an incredible achievement! Together, our students have read a total of 1,455 books throughout the challenge. We are incredibly proud of the students who completed the challenge and demonstrated such wonderful commitment to reading. A huge congratulations to all of our reading champions, your dedication, persistence and love of books is something to celebrate!
A special congratulations to our top readers! From Prep–Year 2, Nyra P (Prep) was our highest reader, completing an amazing 54 books! From Years 3–6, Talav E (Year 4) led the way with an incredible 156 books read!
Our 2026 Reading Champions:
| 🌟 Prep | 🌟 Year 1 | 🌟 Year 2 | 🌟 Year 3 | 🌟 Year 4 | 🌟 Year 5 | 🌟 Year 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nyra P | Anastasia A | Mina A | Richelle H | Talav E | Aarav S | Anaya S |
| Erica S | Uday S | Jayden S | Ishan K | Maleek A | Feyza A | Jameelah A |
| Ishanvi D | Viaan S | Ryan S | Aadhya P | Arvin S | Savreen D | Viaan S |
| Shanara B | Shreeja P | Vivaan G | Ameera A | Tristan A | Cooper B | Maddie B |
| Parker B | Jayden A | Vaani S | Ahella K | Siddh P | ||
| Keyashi M | Xavier Y | Parvathi P | ||||
| Giulia P | Aarav C | Bhavesh S |
Year 5 Inquiry: Australian History
This term, our Year 5 students have been exploring Australian History, with a particular focus on British colonisation and its impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and cultures. Throughout the unit, students developed an understanding of the events leading to colonisation and the lasting effects these events continue to have today.
As part of their learning, students participated in a hands-on excursion to the Melbourne Museum, where they engaged with historical artefacts and exhibits that deepened their understanding of this important period in Australia's history.
To conclude the unit, students created detailed presentations showcasing their learning and reflections. A key area of study was the significance of Country and the deep spiritual, cultural and historical connections Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have with the land. Students explored why Country is considered sacred and the importance of caring for and respecting the land on which we live, learn, and gather.
To celebrate their learning and share their understanding in a meaningful setting, students had the opportunity to present their work at the Edgars Creek Outdoor Learning Classroom. This was a very engaging way to conclude our topic this term.
🌱💚Growing a Tiny Forest 💚🌱
Last week, some of our Year 2 students headed out to the Edgars Creek Trail for a very special excursion. They helped to build a tiny forest in our local community!
Working alongside members of the City of Whittlesea, our students planted new plants, used gardening tools and learnt about the important role we all play in caring for and improving our local environment. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn beyond the classroom and make a positive contribution to our community.
The City of Whittlesea is also hosting a Community Planting Day on Saturday 26 September, and all HHPS families are warmly invited to come along and help finish planting the tiny forest. We would love to see our families getting involved and helping this little forest grow!