From the Principal's desk

Year 12 completion

We have had a very successful start to the last term of 2024. Our Year 12 students concluded their classes and were celebrated with a fitting final assembly and a celebration day that was highlighted with a bus trip to Extreme Bounce in Ballarat. Lunch was shared in the gardens and we returned to Hamilton with no injuries ready for students to commence work or exams over the following week. The students have been amazing this year as they have lead the College and participated in a range of activities including excursions, dress up days, teacher student games and all of the other learning and fun activities that school life has offered.  The English exam has been completed at the time of writing and the feedback thus far was positive. We wish all of our students taking exams the best of luck and to  our vocational students, we hope their careers in the workforce get off to a very positive start. 

SPPPIKE training

I was fortunate to be able to attend a 3 day intensive workshop focussed on leadership in Koorie Education designed for Principals. It was a very thought-provoking experience and one I am hoping other leaders across the school can attend in future. We are now working towards a community focus to link Hamilton schools with the wider Indigenous community to build connection.

Year 12, 2025 selection process

A rigorous selection process is underway to select the 2025 School Captains, Leaders, Performing Arts captains and House captains. Students are in the process of completing interviews, oral presentations and have given feedback on the rigour in the process.

Sporting success

There has been some outstanding sporting success to report since the last School council meeting.

Athletics– Greater Western Region – Ballarat. Under 15 boys relay won their event with the following members: Isaac Lehman, Sam Platt, Dylan McLachlan and Angus Ewing.

Tara Baker who came second in the 200m and third in the 400m events. Layla Slater, second in Javelin. Angus Ewing, first in shot put and discus.

Clay Target - Maddi Rundell made it through to state champion in the clay target shooting.

Equestrian – Maddy Mayne was named as a student ambassador in the field of equestrian for 2024.

Basketball facility - community use

It was with great Pride that our upgraded basketball facilities were utilised by the Hamilton Basketball tournament on 12-13 October. Special thanks to staff who came in to support outside of hours.

The school has a history of strong performance in Basketball and has recently participated in district basketball school competitions with great success. Other school sports this term have included volleyball, badminton and table tennis.

Musical performances 

This years musical performance of the wedding singer was a resounding success and wonderful opportunity for our many talented students to perform in front of a live audience. The nights were well attended, and the students performed brilliantly. Huge thank you to Mr. Hunter and his team of helpers who supported with stage production, props, choreography, sound and lighting. It is a big investment but certainly a wonderful and worthwhile outcome. 

Our dungeon concerts are again showcasing the musical talent of our students and out art department has a large number of student works being shown in local art shows over the coming weeks. Congratulations to students involved in both of these artistic areas. 

Snow trip

Our students thoroughly loved the snow trip experience despite some unfavourable weather meaning they were not out on the slopes as much as in other years. 

Teaching Excellence Program

Congratulations Miss Wright Ms Jessica Wright was a highlighted teacher as part of Women in Rural Areas focus for her work as a fellow at the Department of Educations Victorian Academy of Teaching. Congratulations.

'Rural Women’s Day reminds me of the critical role I play as a teacher in using best practices and building networks to improve children’s education in rural and regional areas. Through the support of the Academy, I have been able to enhance the learning opportunities for myself and my colleagues. I’ve watched teachers grow and adopt new and effective teaching methods bringing the outside world into the classroom for students who are geographically isolated.’ - Ms Wright

Legacy badge selling

Our students were once again involved in the selling of badges in support of the work Legacy do to support families of returned veterans. A record amount was raised. 

School review

As part of the four year review process, we are seeking feedback from our community on our ongoing progress and areas for improvement. Whilst there have been many changes over the last four years and some great success stories in the areas of academics, engagement and wellbeing, we are always looking to reflect and refine. As part of this process, we will soon be sending out an online feedback form for you to complete to ensure your voice is heard. Please take the time to review our progress and make suggestions for us to consider and use as part of our next strategic plan in support of your child. Thank you to the many parents and guardians who connect with the school on a regular basis by attending events, helping out with excursions, canteen,  attending information and parent teacher nights to ensure that the school and community remain well connected.