From the Acting Principal

As we approach the end of the school year, preparations are in full swing for our end-of-year activities and the year ahead at Hamlyn Views. Recruitment processes  are nearly complete, and we’re close to finalising staffing for 2025.

During the recent student-free days, teachers focused on report writing, reviewing student assessments and Individual Education Plans, and preparing for upcoming Student Support Group meetings. Meanwhile, our Education Support staff completed professional development modules, including OHS, First Aid, and CPR updates. The Student-Free Dates for 2025 are included in this newsletter.

Unfortunately, the end of the month has been challenging due to outbreaks of gastro and COVID-19 across the school. Thank you for keeping unwell students at home, which helps protect our more vulnerable community members and minimise the spread.  This has obviously had an impact on staffing as many other schools have been affected and casual staff have been hard to find. Splitting class groups is always our last option but we have had to do this on several occasions recently . Thank you for your understanding. 

Step-Up Day

On Tuesday 10th December our school will participate in the state-wide Step-Up Day. Students will move to their 2025 class for a time with classmates along with their new staff, where possible. Class placement information with be shared with families via a social story. Most of our new teachers will attend for a full day of Induction on Friday 6th December.

Staff Appointments

 We are very pleased to welcome the following new recruits to our Hamlyn Views Team:

  Felicity Foley, our new   Inclusion Outreach Coach will start in Term 1 2025

 Jess Colbert  our new full time   Speech Pathologist joined us this week.

PASS Awards

What an incredible privilege it was to celebrate Mim Pappiniemi, who received the Specialist Teacher of the Year award at the PASS Awards Gala Event on Friday night at Marvel Stadium! Her heartfelt and captivating speech left the entire audience inspired, as she passionately championed student safety, voice, and agency. With a perfect blend of humour, vulnerability, and honest truths, she had everyone laughing, nodding, and deeply moved.

A special shoutout also goes to Dave Rittinger  and Claire Thompson, whose well-deserved nominations and shortlisting were celebrated on the night. Their unwavering dedication and innovative problem-solving continue to empower our students to thrive every day.

We are immensely proud of these outstanding educators and Occupational Therapist,  and their contributions to our school community!

End Of Year celebration.

Join us on Thursday, December 19th, for an outdoor celebration during sessions 3 and 4 (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM). The event will feature a variety of fun activities, including sports games, a teddy bears’ picnic, a choir performance, parachute games, and bubbles. We might even have a surprise visit from a special guest in a red suit! 

Student leaders are also organising a sausage sizzle lunch for the day. Order forms will be sent home next week.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Finally, I’m delighted to share that I will continue in the Acting Principal role for Term 1, 2025, while Suzanne remains on leave. I look forward to building on the progress we’ve made this year and further strengthening my connections with our students and school community.

Julie Brown