Principal's Report

It has been a vibrant term at Homestead!

Innovation is the driving force behind progress, and at Homestead, we wholeheartedly embrace this value in every facet of our educational journey. As we wrap up a busy Term 3, I reflect on the incredible variety of activities and initiatives that have enriched our school experience. What is most impressive, and perhaps not as well-known, is that a significant majority of initiatives at Homestead begin from our student leaders. This makes me very proud because at Homestead, your voice, used with responsibility, truly can make a difference, and it has.

Each month our student leaders of all levels all get together and discuss all facets of school life and this voice resonates throughout the school.

Term 3 was a time for our students to showcase their athletic prowess. Our commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals was evident in our participation in inter-school sports and district athletics. These events provided not only a platform for students to excel in their chosen sports but also an opportunity to learn teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. The innovation here lies in how we continually adapt and improve our sports program, in particular through the Homestead Sports Academy, to cater to the diverse interests and talents of our students.

Our students also embarked on exciting excursions and camps that pushed the boundaries of their learning experiences. These off-campus adventures provided them with a real-world perspective, fostering independence, resilience, and a profound appreciation for nature. This combined with regular mindfulness walks through our neighbouring wetlands and grass lands, providing the ability to learn and reflect will have created memories that will undoubtedly stay with our students for years to come.

One of the most exciting developments this term was the introduction of the 'BookNook Kids' Reading program. This came from an idea from students, initially set up by our Year 12VM students, who not only thought of the idea but also created furniture for the space. The BookNook program has grown from strength to strength.

Innovation is not just a buzzword at Homestead; it's a fundamental value that shapes our approach to education. Term 3 has been a vibrant showcase of how innovation can breathe life into our school community. From sports fields to classrooms, from promoting mental well-being to fostering inclusivity, and memorable excursions. 

As we look forward to the upcoming term, we're excited to keep this journey in mind while focusing on the value and importance of resilience, especially while our students prepare for and undertake end of year exams. 

Together, we'll keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible for our students.

Update on 2024 planning

Homestead continues to grow. Next year we will be home to approximately 120 more students as compare to 2023.

This will be an amazing opportunity for the school to continue to build its culture but also it will be an exciting opportunity for our staff to grow also. 

I am pleased to announce that in 2024 Candice Smith will begin her new role as Assistant Principal of Student Engagement and Wellbeing. I know that with an exemplary record of high level leadership and an absolute love of Homestead, Candice will be an outstanding Assistant Principal for our students and wider community. 

In addition to this appointment, Wayne Abrahams has been appointed as Leading Teacher of Engagement, and Ana Jovel will continue in her role as Leading Teacher of Wellbeing. 

Katie Jaz will be our Learning Specialist of Disability Inclusion as the state continues to work through the Disability Inclusion reform. I am so pleased with all of these appoints and am confident they will all continue to bring such positivity and professionalism to the college.

We also welcome Sophie Jean, Biology teacher, Harneet Bedi, Math teacher, Alison Boxer, English/Humanities/Psychology teacher and Adel Soliman, Math/IT teacher. 

More appointments will be made throughout term 4 and we look forward to welcoming them all to the Homestead team.

Hope you have a great term break!

Danijel

Principal