Principal's Message

Linda Buckeridge: Principal

Hello Hillsmeade families!

2023 PLANNING

As the year and term are coming to an end, I would like to let you know of a few changes that are occurring at HPS.

Firstly, it is with great excitement that I can confirm we are introducing Visual Arts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) to the specialist program. This means that students will now access the following specialist subjects throughout the year:

Physical Education - all year
Mandarin - one semester
Digi Tech/Media Arts - one semester
Performing Arts - one semester
Music - one semester
Visual Arts - one semester
STEM - one semester

When announced at assembly last week, it was clear that students are just as excited as we are about these new specialist classes being offered next year!!

Other 2023 planning news.....

As mentioned in previous newsletters, we are also commencing the BYOD program from years 4-6, with information already being provided to families via the Link and sent via Compass. If you have any questions about this initiative, please don't hesitate to contact the school.

We are also moving along in the teaching and learning space with the introduction of the Little Learners Love Literacy approach in P-2. Staff are currently being trained and more information will follow for families before the end of the year.

We have also been successful in our application to become a School wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) school and will commence staff training and implementation in 2023.

2023 CLASSES and STEP UP DAY

As previously mentioned, the Year 1-6 2023 HPS STEP UP day will be held on Wednesday 14th December 2022. On this day students will find out their allocated classes, classrooms and teachers for next year. Family class placement requests have now closed and staff are busily working on arrangements for 2023, ensuring the successful transition of every student.

Statewide Transition Day on Tuesday 13th December will still apply for 2023 Prep students and for students moving from Year 6-7.

STAFFING UPDATE

I'd like to announce that the following staff will be pursuing new adventures in 2023. We wish them all the very best as they take their next steps in their teaching careers.

Scott Masson

Billie Karac

Tabitha Carter

Ashlee Broughill

and Rebecca Borham who will commence maternity leave in February 2023.

We welcome to the team in 2023 the following staff:

Samantha Bond

Danielle Christofis

Jacqueline Sharp

Jazmyn Worrell

We will also welcome back Tessa Strickland and Ashleigh Patolo, who will take on various roles in the school.

In related news, we recently appointed a full time Groundsperson for the school. Currently we have had contractors - Don and Mark - ensuring the school is well looked after and at it's best for students and the community. We thank Don and Mark for their ongoing passion in maintaining our beautiful school and look forward to welcoming Tim Jones as a full time member of staff.

THE COLOUR RUN

This awesome event is fast approaching, but it is important that along with our excitement we ensure that we are fundraising for the school! Money can be taken online by creating an online account or by donating cash to the school. See Compass for details or the next page of this LINK.

Donations are collected prior to the event, with fundraising closing on Friday 18th November, enabling students one week to select their prizes so they can have them before the term ends. All students who participate, regardless of the amount they raise.

CURRICULUM DAY

A reminder that there is no school Monday 28th November - OSHC is available.

CANTEEN

In order to help families plan in advance, please note that the last day of trading this year for the canteen is Friday 16th December.

Thank you to all of our families for your ongoing support and we look forward to a fast paced, eventful final weeks of 2022.