2025 Thank You

Another year has come to a close at KHPS, and what a fantastic year it has been.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of the students at KHPS for their positive behaviour, enthusiastic attitudes, and commitment to their learning throughout the year. You continue to make our school a wonderful place to learn and grow.

A special thank you to the dedicated staff at KHPS, who work tirelessly to ensure our school remains a welcoming, supportive, and high-quality learning environment for every child. Your care, professionalism, and passion make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.

I would also like to thank our incredible parent community for their ongoing support and generosity. Whether volunteering in classrooms, assisting around the school, organising fundraising activities, preparing meals, hosting events, or contributing to gardening and maintenance, your involvement plays a vital role in the success of our school.

As we look ahead to next year, there are many exciting opportunities awaiting our students. I look forward to working closely with you all as we continue to support each child on their learning journey.

Kind regards,
Jeremy Bodley

Thank You and Farewell

As we come to the end of the year, we would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank two valued staff members who will be moving on to new roles in 2026.

We congratulate John O’Donovan-Shultz, who has worked with us as an Education Support staff member and has now completed his teaching degree. John has secured a teaching position at Botanic Ridge, a wonderful achievement. We thank him for his dedication, support of students, and positive contribution to our school community, and wish him every success as he begins his teaching career.

We also extend our warm thanks and congratulations to Lucinda Vapp, who has been our Tutor Learning teacher. Lucinda has played an important role in supporting student learning and confidence, and her commitment and care have been greatly valued. Lucinda will be moving into a full-time teaching position at Ballam Park, and we wish her all the very best in this next step.

We thank both John and Lucinda for their contributions to our school and wish them every success in their new roles. They will be greatly missed by students and staff alike.

First Day Back

We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back for the 2026 school year!

Please note the following important dates:

• Tuesday 27 January – Teachers and staff return for planning and preparation. No students attend on this day.

• Wednesday 28 January – All students return to school for their first day of Term 1.

Morning Routines

• School gates open at 8:30am

• Yard supervision begins at 8:45am

• The school bell rings at 8:55am for students to enter classrooms

• School starts at 9:00am

As we start the year, please ensure students come to school prepared and ready to learn, including bringing a school hat in line with our sun smart policy.

Please note that Breakfast Club will not operate during the first week of school. Breakfast Club will commence on Monday 2 February.

We look forward to a positive and successful start to the year for all students and families.

Wellbeing Update

As the year comes to a close, we would like to sincerely thank our parents and carers for your ongoing support of student wellbeing throughout the year. Your partnership with the school plays an important role in helping our students feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

We wish all families a happy, restful and safe holiday break. We hope the time away provides an opportunity to relax, recharge and enjoy time together. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for the new school year.

Celebrating Outstanding Attendance

We would like to congratulate the following students who achieved 100% and 99% attendance for the school year. This is a wonderful achievement and reflects a strong commitment to learning and being present each day.

• Spencer Watt 100%
• Catalina Larizza 100%
• Tony Larizza 99%
• Hugo Black 99%

KHPS Super Start Program – Term 1, 2026

For the first two weeks of the 2026 school year, KHPS will run our Super Start Program to support a calm, safe and positive start for all students.

Grounded in trauma-informed practice and the Berry Street Education Model, Super Start focuses on student wellbeing, positive relationships and clear, consistent routines. Students will explicitly learn our school values of being Respectful, Responsible, Resilient and Safe, guided by our SWPBS framework and Matrix of Expectations.

Each day includes a Morning Circle to build connection, along with lessons in wellbeing, self-regulation (including the Zones of Regulation), school expectations, classroom routines, and a fun relationship-building activity.

Super Start helps students feel safe, settled and ready to learn—setting the foundation for a successful year ahead.

• DDACL x The Koori Way 2026 Colour Fun Run-  A chance for you and your family to participate in a fun event in the community. This is a family-friendly event where everyone is welcome - kids, parents, grandparents, runners, and walkers!

The first 150 registrants of each fun run will receive a pack that will include a Shirt, gym towel and socks. There are only a limited number of sizes so get in quick.

Register your interest below:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5H73CNY

EVENT DETAILS:

South-East Metro fun run -

Location: Tirhatuan park, Dandenong North

Date: Sunday 18/01/2026

Time: 10am - 2pm

Any questions: Jikola.whyman@ddacl.org.au

West Gippsland event -

Date: Sunday 15/02/2026

Location: Gippsland immigration park, Morewell

Time: 10am-12pm

Any questions: Lowarna.hood@vahs.org.au

• DDACL x Headspace Frankston – January 2026 School Holiday Program. Two free programs for First Nations young people aged 12-18 from the Mornington Peninsula, Frankston, Casey and Dandenong.  More information and registration- https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Things-To-Do/Whats-On/DDACL-headspace-Holiday-Program

• City of Casey Teenage School Holiday Program- Summer Teenage School Holidays program offers fun, affordable activities for Casey youth aged 10–17. Includes: Melbourne Cable Park, the beach, Luna Park, the movies, Gumbuya World & Online Games to name a few! Running from Monday 12 January to Friday 23 January 2026: Prices range from FREE to $45.00. Fully supervised with included transport. Bookings are essential as places are limited. Bookings are open to young people who live, work or study in the City of Casey. If you have any questions or your child requires additional support to participate, please contact Veronica Stanley on 0417 395 316 or by email at vstanley@casey.vic.gov.au LINK - Teenage School Holiday Program | City of Casey