Principal Report

As the year draws to a close at Heathmont College, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude, reflecting on the many achievements we have celebrated together. Our school community continues to be a shining example of what can be accomplished when compassion, curiosity, and a commitment to community come together.

This year has been filled with many milestones and achievements, each reflecting the vibrant spirit and dedication of our students, staff, and families. From academic success and creative pursuits to sporting triumphs and community initiatives, the breadth of talent and determination in our college has been inspiring to witness.

One of the highlights of 2024 has been the incredible efforts of our students, who have embraced opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to the world around them. Whether through academic competitions, artistic performances, or service projects, our students have demonstrated resilience, empathy, and a thirst for knowledge. They continue to remind us of the power of curiosity and the importance of striving for excellence in all areas of life.

I particularly want to recognize our graduating cohort who received their results last week. Their efforts have paid off with many achieving the scores that they were hoping for and looking to expect offers for university and other education placements. We wish them well and encourage them to remain connected to our community. I would especially like to recognise our college DUX for the year, Ava Scott, who achieved exceptional scores across all her subjects. Ava’s dedication to her studies has been evident across her time here at the college and is recognised through this exceptional achievement. 

Looking more broadly at student academic achievement, as a school, we have seen significant improvement in our NAPLAN results this year. Students are achieving greater growth in both literacy and numeracy, placing us above similar schools in literacy and well above similar schools in numeracy. This is testament to the work that has gone into supporting students to catch up, supporting students to identify the literacy and numeracy demands across all subjects and improving the way in which we teach with our school wide instructional model. 

Of course, academic achievement is one measure that highlights a great school, many of our students achieve in other areas of the curriculum and pursue pursuits in vocations, sporting and the performing arts. Each year, many of our graduating students begin or continue apprenticeships in their chosen fields and some pick up apprenticeships before even completing their VCE studies as they have worked so effectively in their work placements and achieved a good standing with their employers. 

Our staff have been the heart and soul of these achievements, exemplifying professionalism, creativity, and care. Their dedication to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment has not only supported our students in reaching their potential but has also strengthened the culture of compassion and connection that defines Heathmont College. To our teachers, support staff, and administrators: thank you for your unwavering commitment to the success and wellbeing of our students.

We also owe much to the parents and carers who have partnered with us throughout the year. Your support, encouragement, and involvement have been instrumental in building the strong and trusting relationships that are the foundation of our college community. Together, we have created an environment where every student feels valued and supported. Looking to next year, we are focusing on better providing opportunity for families to be actively involved in the school and will be communicating a lot more with families about what is happening at the college so, please, stay tuned! 

Our values of compassion, curiosity, and community have been at the forefront of everything we do. They are not just words on a page but principles that guide our actions and decisions. Compassion reminds us to care for and support one another; curiosity drives us to seek understanding and innovation; and community inspires us to work together and celebrate our shared achievements. It is these values that make Heathmont College such a special place to learn, teach, and grow.

As we look forward to the new year, let us take a moment to reflect on all we have accomplished and the relationships that make our community so unique. I encourage everyone to take time to rest and recharge over the holiday period. May your Christmas break be filled with joy, love, and the warmth of family and friends.

On behalf of everyone at Heathmont College, I wish you a safe and happy festive season. Let us return in 2025 with renewed energy and a shared commitment to making the year ahead even more extraordinary. Thank you for being an essential part of our Heathmont College family.

Warm regards,

Kerryn Sandford 

Principal