From the Principal
Thought for the week:
“Under affliction in the very depths, stop and contemplate what you have to be grateful for.”
Mary Baker Eddy
Welcome to Term 3.
I am sure we all agree it has not been the start we anticipated; however, as I reflect on these words from Mary Baker Eddy, we already have so much to be grateful for.
Mr Trent Bockman, assisted by an amazing team of students and staff, has worked tirelessly to prepare our senior production ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. While we have had to postpone the show, I am grateful for all the effort, creativity and support provided by cast, crew and families to get the show ready. The show dates are now:
- Thursday 19 August 1pm & 7:30pm
- Friday 20 August 7:30pm
- Saturday 21 August 7:30pm
We look forward to seeing you at the production.
Despite only having a few days of the term at school, we were grateful to host the EISM Chess Competition. Thank you to Mr Jones for co-ordinating this event. The tournament was played in two divisions with Huntingtower winning both the Open Secondary and Middle Years Competitions and trophies. Since the inception of the tournament four years ago, Huntingtower has won one of the two divisions each year. This is the first year that we won both the Open Secondary and Middle Years Tournaments. Congratulations to everyone involved.
This week we also played in the EISM Year 8/9 Grand Finals which were delayed from last term. Congratulations to the Indoor Cricket Team and both of our Table Tennis Teams for winning the premiership. Congratulations also to the Volleyball Team for being runners up. This is another wonderful team effort and I thank the Sport Department, students and coaches.
The extended lockdown and restrictions have required us to review all upcoming events and we are working very hard to make suitable alternative arrangements so that wherever possible, the students and our community can enjoy these important occasions. We understand the disappointment the community feels, and we are equally as disappointed; however, we ask for your support during this time as we make every effort to look creatively for alternatives.
While the recent lockdown has provided challenges, I am incredibly grateful for the amazing staff at Huntingtower. To flip seamlessly between in class and online teaching takes an enormous effort and I remain very proud of the professionalism and dedication of the entire staff.
I am grateful for the support of all the parents whose working lives have undoubtedly been impacted by having their children learn from home. Research has shown that everyone manages the lockdowns differently and for some there is a need for extra support. Parenting can also be more challenging during these periods. To assist families, I would encourage you to have a look at the Huntingtower School TV website which has helpful articles and videos covering a range of wellbeing related issues. The site can be accessed at https://huntingtower.vic.schooltv.me/launch. I also encourage you to contact us if needed and we will organise the appropriate person to contact you.
I look forward to seeing students and staff back on our beautiful campus next week and hope that we remain at school for the remainder of the term. While in lockdown, I encourage all members of the community to reach out to a friend or family member and tell them what you are grateful for. Let’s amplify all the good in the world and lead with love and kindness.
Andrew Houghton
Principal