HPSC Newshamper

Principal's Report

Dear Parents/Carers and Students,

 

As the end of year quickly arrives, it is time to reflect on the year it was. 

 

Recently, I had the pleasure of supporting our graduating students at their Valedictory Dinner. With COVID infections within the City of Casey the decision was made to have a student and staff only event. The decision may have disappointed some parents, but it was made with the view of reducing risk and to keep everyone safe. I was delighted to see the smiles on the faces of our young people after what has been a challenging time. One student commented, “We are very luck to be able enjoy our Valedictory, it was cancelled at my friends school.” Thank you to Ms Georgie Kios and the entire Senior Team for organising this highly successful event.

 

Following another challenging year, we still have much to celebrate. In 2021, there were more camps for students. These included the Year 7 transition camp to Portsea, Alexandra Resort for Year 8 students, The Summit Camp for Year 9, 10 and VCAL, and Outdoor Education Camps. We commenced auditions and rehearsals for our production of Aladdin, we introduced and extended interest- based lunchtime clubs, expanded our alumni program, and we continue to refine and offer new and improved learning opportunities for students including our internal vet program such as Kitchen Operations, Business, Community Services and Employment Pathways. Our School Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship program (SBAT) in Parks and Gardens was both popular and successful. Our Tutor Initiative program saw significant learning games for many participants. Our Mentor Program continues to be refined and embedded and forms a significant part of improving the connectedness of our students.

 

The DET School Improvement portal shows significant improvements.

  • Stimulated learning increased 10.7%
  • Sense of confidence increased 4.9%
  • NAPLAN-Numeracy students in the top 2 bands increased 1.5 % 

We continue to strive to improve outcomes for our students.

 

I’m excited, as in a few days I am expecting to receive the handover for the Stage 1 building works, ready for the start of Term 1 in 2022.  With the transition to Houses in 2022 - Hollows, Freeman, Mabo and  Walton - we aim to create a climate where our students are more connected and engaged. With an expanded House System we aim for House spirit to move to another level, and with House spirit being a subset of our school spirit, we expect further increases in school pride. 

 

Hampton Park Secondary College is a wonderful learning community with huge potential.  By further raising expectations and by enabling our students to be further empowered, we will continue to improve our college.  By enhancing connections, engagement, and pride, we aim to improve student attendance, thereby learning outcomes for all students.

 

Best wishes today to all students who sat VCE exams. Exam results and ATAR's become available today and I wish to remind all students that there are many pathways to your career. The ATAR is a rank and does not guarantee future success. Hard work, determination and grit will assist you as you strive to achieve your goals. Finally, I wish to remind students that our highly experienced careers team are available to assist you all.

 

I wish to thank all staff for their hard work in supporting students. I wish to extend my thanks to parents and carers for their support of students and of the work of our college. 

I wish all families of HPSC a safe and restful holiday. I look forward to your continued support in 2022.

 

Wayne Haworth

Principal