In Our Classrooms

Prep Breakfast

Year 1 Zoo Excursion

On Tuesday, the 14th of October, the Year 1 students went on an exciting excursion to the zoo. They saw many different animals, including lions, giraffes, monkeys and gorillas. The students learned about animal habitats and discovered what each animal needs to survive, such as food, water, shelter and space. They enjoyed exploring the zoo and seeing how each habitat helps the animals stay safe and healthy. It was a fun and educational day for everyone!  

Every Day Counts at Hazel Glen College

Explained Absences Still Add Up

At Hazel Glen College, we understand that from time to time, students may need to be away from school due to illness and other unavoidable reasons. However, even explained absences can add up quickly and have a real impact on your child’s learning, confidence and connection with their peers.

A student who misses 20 or more days in a school year, no matter the reason, is considered chronically absent. This means they’ve missed almost a month of valuable classroom learning, experiences and social opportunities. Every day away can make it harder for students to stay on track with their peers and feel confident in their learning.

We encourage families to make school attendance a priority wherever possible. Planning holidays during school breaks, scheduling appointments outside of school hours, and encouraging positive morning routines can all make a big difference.

At Hazel Glen College, we place a strong emphasis on the importance of attending school every day.  

Why Attendance Matters

Every day at our College plays a vital role in your child’s growth and success. Regular attendance helps your child to:

• Build strong foundations by developing essential skills and knowledge across all learning areas
• Grow socially and emotionally through friendships and daily interactions that boost confidence and a sense of belonging
• Stay on track with their learning, reducing the risk of falling behind and feeling overwhelmed 

Understanding Attendance Categories

To help families monitor attendance, we use the following categories:

• Repeated Absences: 5–10 days absent per term
• Ongoing At-Risk Absence: 11–15 days absent per term
• Chronic Absence: 16–25 days absent per term

We understand there are times when absences are unavoidable, such as due to illness. However, regular attendance and punctuality are key to your child’s academic progress, social development, and overall wellbeing.

Supporting Your Child’s Attendance

Setting up positive routines and addressing attendance concerns early can help your child feel more engaged and connected at school. Here are some practical ways you can support regular attendance:

• Talk to your child about school. Ask how they feel about school life, what they enjoy and whether anything is worrying them
• Watch for common issues, such as:
  • Bullying or cyberbullying
  • Feeling isolated or disconnected
  • Struggles with schoolwork or feeling overwhelmed
  • Lack of engagement with subjects
  • Difficulties with friendships or teacher relationships
  • Competing commitments or lack of motivation
  • Feeling misunderstood or culturally excluded
• Celebrate attendance milestones. Acknowledge and encourage consistency and punctuality
• Model commitment by showing how you follow through with your own responsibilities
• Encourage involvement in school activities, such as sports, clubs, or other interests. These can help build friendships and a stronger sense of belonging
• Establish consistent routines, including:
  • Getting a good night’s sleep
  • Finishing homework
  • Packing school bags the night before
  • Having breakfast and getting ready on time
  • Organising travel arrangements, such as walking with a friend 

Let’s Work Together

Remember, every day counts. If you have concerns about your child’s attendance, please reach out to their classroom teacher to discuss a plan moving forward. Together, we can work towards a positive, consistent school experience for your child.

Primary Years Maths Morning 

We’re excited to invite families to join us for our Primary Years Maths Morning on Monday, 20th October, in session 1. This special event will open our classrooms to the community and give parents, grandparents and special people the opportunity to take part in fun, hands-on numeracy games and activities with their children. Each year level will explore maths through a creative theme and we look forward to celebrating the joy of maths and learning together!

Year 5 Gold Rush Curiosity Project Expo

Last term, our Year 5 students proudly showcased their Gold Rush Curiosity Projects at our end-of-term expo. Each student created an artifact inspired by life on the goldfields and presented a written explanation to share their historical understanding and creativity.

A big thank you to all the families, teachers and students who came along to support and celebrate the incredible work on display. Your encouragement meant so much to the students, who were excited to share their learning and talk about the stories behind their artifacts. The afternoon was a fantastic celebration of learning, curiosity and creativity, well done, Year 5!

HGC 2025 - 2026 Primary Years Captains Selection Process

Over the next few weeks, we will select four students from Year 5 to be our Primary Years Captains and Vice Captains for 2026. This is an exciting leadership opportunity within our College and we encourage all students to participate in the selection process.  Below is an outline of the process. 

• Our current Primary Years School Captains and Vice Captains shared their experience with all students at the Year 5 Assembly in Week 2.
• Teachers will discuss and model how to write a School Captain speech. Students will have time in their classroom to write their speech. Speech writing will be an in-class activity and students will not work on their speeches at home.
• Students will deliver their speeches to their class in Week 3. 
• Two students from each class will be selected and give their speeches to the whole Year 5 cohort and teachers by their peers and teacher. Eight students will then be shortlisted to be interviewed for the Captain positions.
• The eight students will be interviewed by our College and Primary Years Principal Team.
• 2026 Primary Years Captains and Vice Captains will then be announced to the College community.

Many of our Year 5 students will be really excited about the opportunity to put their hand up for Primary Years Captain roles. While our teachers will encourage all students to nominate, it is entirely voluntary. If you have any questions, please see your child’s teacher.  

IMPORTANT: If students are successful in being selected as a 2026 Captain or Vice Captain, they will automatically be a part of the Primary Years Student Leadership Academy, if not already so. The Academy includes attending a 1-hour leadership session during class time and opportunities to attend events that may occur with a financial contribution from families.

School Crossing Supervisor of the Year Award

Each year, the City of Whittlesea run the School Crossing Supervisor of the Year Award program to acknowledge the valuable contribution of the work undertaken by our school crossing supervisors.

An award will be given to one school crossing supervisor selected for their commitment and dedication to the supervision of school crossings.

The staff member receiving the award should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Professional and great presentation (uniform and equipment),

• Working knowledge of road rules relating to school crossings,

• Welcoming, caring, and encouraging to all users of the school crossing,

• Helpful – informative and clear on correct use of the crossing, and

• Good attendance and punctuality

Nominations close 5pm Friday 14 November 2025.

The winner will be presented with a certificate and a $100 Coles voucher.