PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

The end of term has arrived. It has been a terrific term of teaching and learning, and lots has already been achieved in such a short period of time. Our Prep students have continued to settle in well, becoming accustomed to the routines and rigors of school-life, as have students new to our school this year. Thank you to all staff, students and parents for your efforts so far, looking forward to a successful term 2 after everyone has had a well-deserved Easter holiday break!

School Sport Victoria Awards

Yesterday I had the honour of attending the School Sport Victoria Awards, held in the prestigious Members Lounge at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), to be a part of the awards presentation with former student Emily Iredell being one of only 34 students (from both primary and secondary government schools) across the state to receive a ‘Sporting Blue Award’. Emily was selected through her involvement in the Team Vic basketball program, for being a kind and supportive leader both on and off the court, with her impressive ball-handling skills and athletic endurance helping her team win gold at the School Sport Australia National Championships in Perth last year.

This was an amazing day to be a part of, with marathon champion Steve Moneghetti acting in the role as MC, with Emily receiving her award from Jack Howell, a triathlete who is vying to represent Australia at the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and current Geelong AFLW player Becky Webster.

This was the 30th anniversary of the Victorian School Sports Awards and it is very interesting to see some of the past recipients on the honour roll (Victorian School Sports Awards (ssv.vic.edu.au)) who have gone on to excel on the sporting field. In going through the list, I found Emily is the first primary school-age student from Hamilton to receive a Sporting Blue Award, Amy Lewis (then at Baimbridge College) the only other Hamilton athlete to also be recognised. Amy went on to big things in basketball, playing at the highest level of competition (the WNBL) in Australia, hopefully Emily can go on and replicate these achievements. Congratulations Em on your achievements, we are all so proud of you!

School Council

School Council met last Wednesday and it was remiss of me to not include a summary in the newsletter – my apologies! At the each year the executive of School Council is formalised with Anna Robertson being re-elected as President, Brad White will be the Vice President and Russell Bennett the Treasurer. School Council have also elected Bec Doheny as a Community Member of School Council – we also thank and congratulate Bec for putting herself forward and becoming involved with School Council.

Staffing Announcement

As announced last week, Miss Eales is moving across to a leadership role at George Street Primary and finished with us this week. Thank you to Sam for her contributions this term and we wish her well in her new role. We are still in the advertisement phase of finding a replacement for Miss Eales and hope to be able to announce this to families of students in 5/6B via XUNO during the school holiday break.

Farewell Miss Ballinger

Miss Ballinger also had her final day with us today, as she will be commencing Family Leave during the holiday break, ahead of the arrival of her new baby in May. Maddi has made terrific contributions with us since commencing at the beginning of 2023 and we hope to have Maddi back in some capacity at a later date.

Staff – Leave Announcements and Replacements

Last week in the newsletter I informed families of some staff leave and the changes in place from the beginning of term two. We wish Leesa in the office, along with Mr Watt, Miss Hannah and Miss Brown well and hope they have a great time whilst on leave. Mrs Clark will also be on leave for the first three days of term 2.

2025 Prep Open Day & Information Night

In week 4 of next term we will be opening our doors to any potential new Prep students and their families. On Tuesday 7th May we will be offering Open Day School Tours at 9:15am, 10:15am, 11:45am and 2:15pm. We will then be hosting an Information Evening the Thursday night, May 9th, commencing at 6:30pm where we will give a general overview of our whole-school programs and then talk a little bit more specifically about our Prep programs. These sessions are open to any current or new families and we look forward to presenting our school as we begin planning for the newest cohort of Prep students. We ask any families who will be attending any of the planned sessions, on either the Tuesday or Thursday, to please contact the office to register your attendance.

End of Term 1 and Start of Term 2

Today was the last day of term 1 with the earlier dismissal time for students taking place at 2:30pm. It was great to conclude our term with a whole-school assembly to celebrate the great term it has been, and to also present badges to our class Student Voice representatives for 2024.

The first day of school for students in term 2 will be Tuesday 16th April. Staff will be on-site on Monday 15th April however this will be a “pupil free day” as staff will be completing the final day of Berry Street Training.

Royal Children’s Hospital Fundraiser

It was fun for our students to come to school today in casual clothes and “Dressed Like a Patient” to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Thank you to students and parents for supporting this extremely worthwhile cause.

Have a great Easter holiday break!

Ben Kelson

Principal

Hamilton OSHC