Principal's Report
It has been a smooth and productive start to the term. We commenced this week with our annual Anzac Commemoration. This was is always a very special assembly as we all reflect on those who fought for our country and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. This year was extra special, as this was the first time in more than 12 months that our school has been able to come together in one space for our whole school assembly. Thank you to Mr Broady Kata for leading our assembly, to Mr Geoff Shinkfield and to our student presenters.
Interest in our school is growing. This week we hosted visitors from Carey Grammar (Victoria) and Aldinga Payinthi College in Adelaide, South Australia. Both schools were excited and interested in our innovative curriculum model and some of our new structures and programs designed to improve learning outcomes.
Currently, curriculum leaders are reviewing our subject offering and structures for 2022, as we start to plan our Course Counselling process that will commence early next term. This week, our VCAL students participated in a student forum to reflect on the current program and to consider new opportunities for the program in 2022.
Congratulations to our Business Studies students for their hard work during our Market Day with raised fund being donated to a charity. Market Day provides a students’ with a hands on approach to running a business.
House Athletics at Casey Fields is a major event on our school calendar. Well done and congratulations to all competitors, as every participant earns House points. We saw records broken and personal best performances achieved.
Thank you to Mr Jamie Marks for his leadership, Ms Lesley Gruar in her House Sport Co-ordinator, our House Leaders - Mr Ben Wilson, Ms Sue Fernando, Ms Georgia Riley, and Ms Hannah Blackmore and to our Student House Leaders for their work making a significant contribution to the success of the day.
Last week we welcomed Ms Andrea Philipsen to our Business Manager role. Andrea, from Heathmont College, brings highly developed skills in financial management. We also welcome Ms. Leah Zerman a highly experienced teacher of Maths. Ms Zerman previously taught at Kurunjang College, in Melton.
Congratulations to Ms Margaret McMahon who departed our college this week for a new role in Careers and Pathways at Dandenong High School. Well done also to Ms Cassie Tucker, who has accepted a new position at Narre Warren P-12 College. Best wishes and good luck.
Last Saturday evening, I had the pleasure of attending Casey Pasifika Gala Dinner at Bunjil Place. What a delightful evening it was. A true celebration of culture and a recognition the continued work to support young people of Pasifika background.
Recently, local member Gary Maas and School Council President Luke Delutis with members of our Senior Leadership team joined me in a tour of our Stage 1 Building works. This work continues and is scheduled to be completed in July. Stage 2 will officially commence soon.
NAPLAN commences on Tuesday 11th May for students Year 7 and 9. NAPLAN informs students and parents of their learning achievement and growth compared with expected levels. Students and parents are encouraged to recognise that we are all different. We all come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences. I remind everyone that we should focus on learning growth and not just achievement.
Learning happens across many different settings. Camps provide young people with an amazing opportunity for learning. Next week our Explore students (Year 7) will attend The Portsea Camp. Soon our Enhance students (Year 8) will attend Alexandra Adventure Resort. I look forward to seeing the photos and hearing stories of fun and adventure.
Next week we commence our Grade 5 discovery days. Students from local primary schools including Lynbrook, River Gum, and Coral Park will join us on campus for a taste of what learning at HPSC is all about. We are looking forward to these local students joining our learning community
Looking ahead, on Thursday 6th May our Student Led Learning Conferences will be undertaken. Unlike traditional Parent/Teacher interviews, where teacher can do much of the talking with students sitting passively. At the Student Led Learning Conferences, through the use of several questions, teachers enable students to reflect on their learning and share their learning journey with their teacher and parents. Conferences will commence at 1pm and conclude at 8 pm. I encourage all students and parents to take full advantage to discuss progress and reflect on the opportunities for improvement.
Wayne Haworth
Principal