News from HWPS

Dear Families,

What a terrific start to school we've had. It has been fantastic to see our students returning to school in such a positive and settled way. We have started the school year with 492 students in 22 classes. Our Learning Communities have been exploring our school values and setting class expectations and guidelines and children have had structured opportunities to build relationships with their new classmates and teachers. All is set for a busy term ahead.

This week, our Foundation students attended school for shorter sessions, they have been learning new routines, getting to know their classmates and enjoying playing in the outside with their friends. Each day they have arrived at school bright eyed and full of wonder, ready and excited for a fabulous day of fun and learning!

On Monday, our Foundation students will attend school for their first full day.

Road Safety

Our school is fortunate to have Crossing Supervisors on Wood Street, Denham Street and Church Street. It is imperative that we ensure everyone sets an example by always utilising the school crossings correctly to ensure our children are safe and build their road safety awareness as we need to set the correct example.

School Council - Nominations Open

All government schools in Victoria have a School Council. They are legally constituted bodies that are given powers to set the key directions of a school within state-wide guidelines. In doing this, a school council is able to directly influence the quality of education that the school provides for its students. Parents on school councils provide important viewpoints and have valuable skills that can help shape the direction of the school.

One of the best things about our school is our strong parent input and involvement. Our School Council is one the main forums in which parents and staff work together for the benefit of all our students. At the beginning of each school year we have a number of vacancies for School Council. There are 5 x Parent member positions to fill this year for a period of two years.

If you are interested in nominating, please collect a form from the school office or contact me and I will arrange one to be sent home. These must be lodged at the office by 4pm Monday 14th February.

Privacy Policy

Our school collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Department of Education’s Privacy Policy. Please take time to remind yourself of the school’s collection statement which is included in this newsletter For more information about privacy, see: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Pages/Schools-Privacy-Policy-information-for-parents.aspx This information also available in nine community languages.

COVID-19 Restrictions

Thank you to everyone for monitoring the increased communication from the school over the last week. Our immediate priority is the duty of care for all students, staff and parents. Based on feedback, we have adjusted some of our initial plans and look forward to continuing to work closely with all parents on these matters over the coming weeks.

We seek your support to ensure no food items are sent to school for sharing amongst students (even if these items are individually wrapped). We understand the disappointment on this matter, particularly in regards to celebrating birthdays, however we feel this presents a heightened risk to student safety and wellbeing. We will of course continue to monitor this matter as the year unfolds. Once again, we thank our school community for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate our way through an unusual start to the school year.

Curriculum Day – Friday 18th February.

Our first curriculum day for the year is Friday February 18. On that day our teachers will be working with Literacy Consultant, Mardi Gorman.

Please note: This is a pupil free day.

Enjoy your weekend.

Warm regards

Glenys

Barefoot Bowls