Principal's Report

Welcome back, students and staff, I hope this newsletter finds you well and refreshed after the break. As we begin Term 3, I would like to extend a warm welcome back to all our students, staff, and parents. It's an exciting time as we embark on the second half of the year, filled with new opportunities and challenges.

First and foremost, I would like to remind everyone of our core values: Respect, Learning, and Working Together. These values are the foundation of our school community and guide us in our interactions with one another. Let's continue to uphold these values as we progress through Term 3.

Term 3 is set to be another busy and crucial term for all of us at Hampton Park Secondary College. This term, there is a strong focus on careers, student pathways and subject selections. Over the next few weeks, students with the support of families are required to make appointments for course counselling and confirmation. Students and families are asked to read the subject and programs descriptions, as listed in the 2024 Subject Handbook. This can be accessed via our school website. Preparation beforehand can lead to informed choices and potentially better and successful outcomes. It can also save time. This process is vital in planning for the upcoming year, as it allows students to make informed decisions about their academic paths and subjects. I encourage all students to actively engage in this process and seek guidance from our dedicated staff to ensure they make the best choices for their future. Thank you for your support and co-operation with this important work.

For our Year 12 students, this term holds special significance as it marks their final full term of learning before the end-of-year exams and final assessments. I want to remind our Year 12 students to stay focused, determined, and utilize the resources available to them. Your hard work and dedication will undoubtedly pay off, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Throughout the year, we have encouraged and celebrated high level of student attendance. Our staff are strongly committed to supporting student success. Success comes to those who are prepared to work for it. To maximise learning opportunities, it is important to maintain strong attendance during this term.  Absence creates gaps in learning and this should be minimised or avoided.

Last term, students were invited to submit suggestions for House Mascot designs. We have now engaged a graphic designer to finetune the designs and avoid any accidental breach of copyright. I am excited by the prospect that the Mascots designs will be will finalised before the end of term.

House Point update 

Freeman - 1300 

Mabo - 1200

Walton - 1000

Hollows - 600

Keep up the good work!

As we look ahead to 2024, I would like to inform you about some changes we will be implementing in our school structures. Currently, students in Years 8-10 in the Enhance Program enjoy multi-age electives. However, from next year, our Year 10 student program will become a standalone program within the Excel/Senior School program. These changes are designed to better prepare our Year 10 students for the rigors of the VCE and VCE VM programs in Years 11 and 12. We believe this adjustment will provide a stronger foundation and smoother transition as our students progress towards their senior years. Important to note is that, as of 2024, there will no longer subjects tagged as ‘pre-VCE’ subjects, as all our Year 10 subjects are designed to best prepare our students for success in Years 11 and 12. 

Rehearsals for the 4 C's continue to be in full swing. I am delighted to announce that we are looking forward to the performances at Bunjil Place later in the term. The dedication and talent displayed by our students during these rehearsals are truly commendable, and I have no doubt that the performances will be a resounding success.

Staffing across the education sector remains challenging. Last week, we farewelled Ms Kaur as she prepares for the birth of her first child. We also farewell Tahlia Chowdary and thank her for her support of our community. This term we have welcomed back Mr Kriaris, who has returned from family leave. Last week, we have appointed Mr Rajakumar a new Science and Maths Teacher from Lyndale Secondary College. Mr Rajakumar will be commencing at our college in a few weeks’ time.

I am excited to announce that HP delights- our student run café, is open for business.  Thank you to Ms Chong for her support and also to Ms Harrod who is continuing the entrepreneurial discussion with students. 

During the holidays, building construction and facility upgrades continued. In addition to the Stage 3 works (Wellness Centre and new Science building) we now have new retaining garden walls, synthetic grass seated area, and a new Reception for Hollows House. This weekend, HP delights- will receive a fresh coat of paint. 

In closing, I want to express my gratitude to our students, supportive parents, and dedicated staff for their ongoing commitment and hard work. Together, we create a vibrant and nurturing learning environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Wishing you all a productive and fulfilling Term 3!

Wayne Haworth, Principal