Principal's Report

Term 3 has started with a bang this term after the wonderful end of term celebrations that I wrote about last time. We have had a range of really important activities occurring at the college including quite a lot of subject and career counselling events, especially for our senior students, sporting competitions and events and staff professional learning. 

We have a number of young people within our community achieving at very high levels in their chosen fields. In particular, I would like to congratulate Chloe Grund from Year 7 Hollows house for winning at the recent State Cross Country Championship and then going on to come second at the All Schools competition. Well done, Chloe, that is an impressive achievement and we are all so proud of you. Please see later in this issue for details of Chloe's win and other sporting achievements of our students. 

I am also aware that we have some students heading off to compete in sporting events at state, national and international levels over the coming weeks. Stay tuned for news of their progress and further details in editions later in the year!

Over the past month or so, I have had the pleasure of hosting an aspiring leader from our system for a shadowing and learning experience. Aidan Message is currently Assistant Principal at Vermont Secondary College and has been working alongside me at Heathmont College for the past four weeks learning about how we go about doing things here at Heathmont College. I asked Aidan if he would write something for the Gazette and this is what he wanted to share:

Thank you to the Heathmont College Community

Over the past four weeks I have been on a placement at Heathmont College working with your Principal, Kerryn Sandford, as part of the Department of Education’s Unlocking Potential program. 

The Unlocking Potential program is a program that is designed to provide aspiring principals with the skills, knowledge and experience to move into a principal role. A key component of the program is a 4-week placement with an experienced principal.

Heathmont College is a unique and special school and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity that has been provided to me. Learning from Kerryn, a visionary, skilled and compassionate Principal, has provided me with the opportunity to reflect deeply on my practice. I have been provided an insight into how a school can develop a strong sense of purpose, shared vision and a culture that create a sense of belonging and support whilst challenging all students to learn, grow and achieve. 

The entire Heathmont College Community deserves to be proud of the school that you together create. Students have shown themselves to be open, incredibly friendly and keen to share their enthusiasm. They are clearly proud of their school and the warm and positive relationships they have with all staff at the College. I have been amazed at the willingness of students to share their stories with me and the number of genuine hellos and friendly smiles I have received daily since arriving has made me feel a genuine part of the school. The teachers and support staff here are warm, insightful and professional.

They maintain incredibly strong relationships with students and are clearly committed to improving learning outcomes for all. They show a genuine enthusiasm for their work and adopt a posture of openness and growth that positions them to continually improve.  

After a career spent at Vermont Secondary College I have relished the opportunity to be a part of your school community. My time spent at Heathmont College has given me insights into the work of a highly effective principal and has made a significant impact on me and my personal and professional development. Thank you to all who have included me in their learning journey.

Aidan Message

Assistant Principal - Vermont Secondary College