Head of Primary Years' Report

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of Hazel Glen College,

Welcome back to a busy Term 4. We are excited for all of the end-of-year events that we have this term, and our students and teachers are enjoying this last term with their 2025 classes, spending time with their peers and getting ready to transition to their next year level. 

World Teachers Day

Australia will celebrate the teaching profession on World Teachers’ Day on Friday, 31st October 2025. 

Let’s celebrate Australia’s teachers for their skilled work in educating, inspiring and supporting our young people. Make sure to tell teachers what they mean to you. This is your chance to join Australia in celebrating teachers. 

Our teachers at Hazel Glen College work tirelessly to support their students with dedication and commitment, supporting the learning and wellbeing of our school community.

On Friday, 31st October, we welcome you and your children to join us as a College community to show appreciation by emailing via Compass or acknowledging your child’s teachers to recognise their work.

College Art and Technology Evening

HGC's College Art & Tech Evening is coming up soon this term on Thursday, 6th November, 5:00 - 7:00 PM. This is an opportunity to showcase our wonderful College and to celebrate student achievement in the areas of Art and Technology.

Mr Richardson has worked meticously to ensure that all students will have an art piece on display, pieces that they have created in class, both from Semester 1 and Semester 2 classes. 

From Kindergarten to VCE, enjoy the stunning art our students have to offer, live performances, tech creations, and more! We will have VET Hospitality catering, live music + performances, a sausage sizzle ($3) + drinks ($2), plus a prize draw for visiting all 4 areas - our Kindergarten, Primary Years, PAC and Secondary Years STEAM! Bring the family, grab a map, and explore the creativity across our campus. Let’s celebrate our students’ amazing work, and we’ll see you there!

Pyjama Day

This week, we had our College Pyjama Day. All students across the College, from Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Years were encouraged to wear pyjamas to school. This day was to celebrate and recognise our College camp program as our Preps begin their journey with a special Prep breakfast at our College.

We are proud of the Hazel Glen College camping program with valuable opportunities provided at each year level to support students with building lifelong skills alongside their peers, such as teamwork, problem solving, independence and connection.

Colour Run

Our Colour Run was a great success last night. The whole College celebration brought together students, families, and staff for a fun-filled afternoon that supported our community and helped raise vital funds to improve our College facilities. Thanks to the money raised from the event, we were able to install a shade cover over the Year 3/4 playground.

Grandparents Day

Next week, we invite grandparents to come along to visit the students and to bring a picnic to enjoy at the end of the College school day. This is a chance for our community to come together and continue to build strong partnerships between home and our College. All classes are preparing special shared activities for their classes from 2 pm to include their visiting grandparents in their day. 

2026 Transitions

Teaching teams and leadership have been planning behind the scenes for a smooth transition for all Primary Years students to transition to their 2026 year levels. Much work occurs in the background, such as gathering academic, wellbeing and other important information so that our students are supported at this important time of the year. We understand that many families have questions regarding your child's transition. We are running meetings where current and new teaching teams will complete detailed student handovers, and these occur later in the year. Students will also be able to visit their new classes prior to the end of the year. 

As we approach another year, positive talk and encouragement can help your child feel confident and excited about the term ahead. Encourage your child to connect with new classmates, try new activities, and strengthen friendships. These small steps help children feel settled and part of the College community.

SunSmart Hats Reminder

We are now at that time of the year when we need to wear hats when outside. Please ensure that your child has a hat each day and remind them of the importance of wearing hats for UV protection whilst outside during the warmer months.

Change to Prep BYOD for 2026

From next year, our Prep students will no longer use individual iPads at school. Recent research shows that while technology can support learning, excessive screen use in early childhood can limit opportunities for hands-on exploration, social interaction, and fine motor development.

Our shift reflects a focus on play-based, collaborative, and inquiry learning, building the foundational skills young children need to thrive both socially and academically. Shared technology will still be available to enhance learning where appropriate. There has also been a recent media release with changes being introduced to Victorian Government Schools from 2027 regarding digital devices. More information will be communicated about this in the future.

Year 6 Celebration

The Year 6 team have been busy planning a special event to farewell our Year 6 cohort. The Year 6 Celebration will be held on Thursday, the 11th of October. Please refer to the event on Compass and the ticket information regarding attendance. 

Student Recognition

I would like to acknowledge the following students (Pramukh in Year 1, Param in Year 3, Yogi in Year 4 and Havish in Year 5) who came to visit me to invite me to the Diwali festival to celebrate with the local community. I appreciate the time and conversation these students provided me with, and they were able to share the importance of Diwali with me. For many of our families, it is time to reflect on kindness, gratitude, and renewal overall message is one of hope, positivity, and unity. Many of our HGC families will be celebrating Diwali and I thank the students for sharing this with me.

A reminder that if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child, please always communicate directly with their classroom teacher either via phone call or meeting (leave a message with the office to book a suitable time for a call back or to meet), via email communication or at drop off or pick up time. 

Andrea Lynch

Head of Primary Years

Hazel Glen College