Principal Report
Evan MILLER
Principal
In our final newsletter article of the year, I thought I would reflect upon my first year as the Principal. Leading this wonderful school community has been an honour and a privilege, and I am truly inspired by the amazing talents and skills our students have showcased throughout the 2023 academic year.
I am thrilled to reflect this year’s NAPLAN results were a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and teachers. Our scores rank amongst the highest in the state, standing proudly alongside esteemed schools such as Balywn High School, McKinnon Secondary College, and Glen Waverley Secondary College. Today we were recognised in both the Herald Sun and The Age for our outstanding results.
One of the highlights of the year has been witnessing the power of student voice and agency in action. Our drama club, conceived and brought to life by our students, delivered a captivating performance in our school theatre. It brings me great joy to know that this program will continue to flourish in the coming years. Additionally, our new fitness centre, opening in 2024, born out of student aspirations, reflects their desire for a space to enhance their physical education experiences. Looking forward, we are excited to welcome Ms. Amanda Gomes to a new student leadership role, focusing on expanding opportunities for our students in 2024.
Our fine arts area has again excelled. I was privileged to open our Design, Art and Technology show welcoming many members of our school community with exceptional pieces of work from all year levels on display. Our music program as you will see tonight continues to flourish and I am continually impressed with the talent and dedication of our students and teachers.
We also saw our first NASA Space X Camp to the United States this year. 13 of our students attended and participated in a range of activities to further develop their STEM educational experiences. We are aiming to continue to offer this wonderful experience every two years.
Our commitment to providing the best possible learning environment has been a driving force, and I am pleased to share the progress school council has made in upgrading our school facilities. This year, we completed a major overhaul of the power infrastructure and ensured that every learning space is equipped with air conditioning for the comfort and well-being of our students. The roof section over A Block, which had been untouched during our previous renovation in 2019, has now been upgraded. Looking ahead to 2024, we have ambitious plans, including the design of a roof cover for our basketball courts, upgrading the lower tennis courts to a synthetic surface, establishing a fitness centre adjacent to our main gym, and exploring the possibility of acquiring another portable space to expand our exceptional music program.
Last night we had our 2023 presentation celebration and it was wonderful to acknowledge the accomplishments of many of our very talented students. A very big congratulations to all our award recipients on the night.
I would like extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of our parents. Your unwavering support is the foundation upon which our students thrive. Thank you for entrusting us with the education and growth of your children.
To our dedicated Highvale teaching and education support staff, I express my deepest appreciation for the guidance, mentorship, and passion you bring to our classrooms every day. Your commitment to shaping the future leaders of tomorrow does not go unnoticed.
On behalf of the school and school council, I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy festive season and new year and wish you all a safe and enjoyable holiday. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.