From the Principal

Thought for the week

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” Mother Teresa

I would like all members of our community to embrace these words from Mother Teresa and make a conscious effort to have everyone who leaves your company doing so better and happier than when they came to you. If we all embrace this, I can only imagine the gift of kindness we will be able to spread throughout the community. 

House Performing Arts

On Friday 20 May, we celebrated the House Performing Arts Festival. This was the reimagined version of House Music. The theme for this year embraced “Disney” and I commend the creativity and leadership of the House Captains and staff. The students took creative control, and each house presented a House Choir, Chamber Choir, Chamber Orchestra and included acting to link the pieces together under one theme.  Congratulations to Rayner for taking the honours in 2022.  It was entertaining and magical and I encourage you all when you have a moment to watch the recording via the following link:  https://huntingtower.fireflycloud.net.au/house-performing-arts-2022

EISM Athletics and Champions

Over the last few weeks, we have enjoyed the EISM Athletics followed by the Champions carnival. A huge thank you to Mrs Baynham and all the staff who supported our team to prepare and do their best on the day. Huntingtower was awarded most improved school at the carnival. This was a wonderful acknowledgement of the efforts of the entire team. Huntingtower had over 50 students invited to the EISM champions event, which contributed to the best results we have seen for many years. 

Term 3 Commencement Date Change

As we continue to enjoy a full calendar of events this year, it has been necessary to reschedule some activities when working with external providers. Our adventure provider for the Year 9 Ski Camp has requested the camp move to the first week of Term 3, 18-22 July. As a result of this change, Term 3 will now commence on Monday 18 July for all students. Given the volume of staff who need to attend the camp, the curriculum (student free) day planned for Monday 18 July will now be moved to Tuesday 16 August, the day after the Mid-Term break. We hope this will give families an opportunity to have an extended weekend break in August.

Uniform

The Huntingtower Uniform is a large part of our identity and how it is worn both reflects on the individual and the School as a whole. We ask that all students wear their uniform correctly and we appreciate the support of families to help remind your children of what is required. While we will be conducting uniform checks, particularly with jewellery, the kind thing to do is to be wearing the appropriate uniform at the right time and taking personal responsibility for the way you present yourself. If you have any questions about the correct uniform, please speak with your Mentor.

Keeping everyone safe

As we are all aware, there is COVID as well as cold and flu virus circulating in the community at present. The twice weekly surveillance RAT recommendation has officially ended, but it remains necessary to test any person who is symptomatic. You may have COVID and test positive or have another virus and test negative; in either case it is important you remain at home if you have any symptoms.

We ask that you help keep the community safe by keeping your children at home if they have cold and flu symptoms. We are managing high volumes of student and staff sickness and this one act of kindness can help reduce the likelihood others will become unwell.  We thank you for your support.

Mr Andrew Houghton

Principal