Principal's Message

Hello Hillsmeade families!

A huge thank you to all our families for the fundraising you have started for our Colour Run! We are on the way to being able to cover the costs of new air conditioners and it also seems that the 'Slime the Principal' promo is very popular, particularly amongst our junior students! I shall get prepared!!

YEAR 4-6 2023

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program to commence

As previously mentioned, in 2023 we are launching the BYOD program for students in Years 4-6. Hardev Singh, myself and School Council have been working on this development for quite sometime and we are now ready to launch. Mr Singh will be providing ALL the details for families via a booklet, recorded online session and, if required, a face to face session with families. We ask that you support this initiative in our school and enable your child in year 4-6 to bring a device to school starting Term 1 2023. The information provided in the booklet will be able to detail further the added benefits to learning outcomes and successful future planning, as students leave primary school for secondary school.

CAMPS 2023

Last School Council meeting, camps for 2023 were discussed. In 2023 we will be having overnight camps for Year 4 and Year 6 and offering a day based camp for Year 2.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TEACHERS

We are still looking for instrumental teachers for 2023. We need both guitar and drum teachers. If you are interested in this opportunity or know someone who may be, please email the school with attention to Lisa Scott or contact Lisa Scott directly to place your expression of interest. We have many interested families, we just need the teachers!!

TUTORING IN 2023

In great news we have been allocated further funding for 2023 to ensure the Tutor Learning Initiative continues. Our tutors have been working incredibly hard this year to support a wide range of students in both Literacy and Numeracy development and we look forward to this continuing next year.

END OF TERM ASSEMBLIES

Please note that there will NOT be an assembly in Week 9 due to the Colour Run. We will hold our last formal assembly on Friday 9th December and finish the school year with our End of Year Extravaganza on Friday 16th December, however this will be a morning event 9 - 11am.

YEAR 6 GRADUATION - SAVE THE DATE!

As you may be aware, Year 6 Graduation will occur this year on Wednesday 14th December from approximately 5.30pm with a formal commencement time of 6.00pm. More information will be provided to families as the term progresses, but planning is well underway!

SCHOOL UNIFORM UPDATE

School Council have been working with our uniform provider PSW throughout the year to enhance our current uniform. Starting in 2023 we will see new t-shirts and hats available for students. The t-shirts will be a more breathable material and have a varied design with red and navy panelling, ensuring that it will continue to survive the rigours of normal wear. Our hats will now have a logo and will be more of a 'flexible' broad brimmed hat - much more comfortable for students and completely sun safe.  I look forward to seeing our Preps commence next year with these new options! Prep sizes will be available from 15th December 2022. All other sizes will be available from 1st April 2023.

The current uniform is still valid and acceptable and we will slowly phase in the new option for families. I encourage you, where possible when purchasing new uniform items, that families please try to purchase the new items on offer.

MELBOURNE CUP LONG WEEKEND

As in previous years we realise that many families take the opportunity to head away with friends and family as Tuesday is the Cup Day public holiday. As a result, our Monday teaching and learning plan will look very different and we will be running an alternate timetable for students that do attend. Students will not attend their regular classroom/classes on Monday 31st October. Students are to please assemble in the gym at 8.50am for roll marking and then plans will commence from there.

CURRICULUM DAY REMINDER

Just a reminder to families that Monday 28th November is a Curriculum Day with no students in attendance. OSHC will be available.

2023 CLASS PLANNING

A reminder for families to put in writing requests they may have for their child for class placements in 2023. These need to be emailed to hillsmeade.ps@education.vic.gov.au and outline the educational purpose for the request. Emails need to be sent by Friday 28th October. We cannot guarantee that your requests will be met, but we will take all information into consideration, enabling all students to have a positive transition into 2023.

Keep up the great effort with the fundraising everyone, The Colour Run is fast approaching!