News from HWPS

Dear Families,

Congratulations to everyone - students, staff and our community for such a successful term. It has been wonderful to see the students and teachers return and to have a more settled beginning to the school year. We are indeed fortunate that most of our programs and activities have been able to go ahead without major disruptions.

Our Foundation and new students to HWPS have settled beautifully into their new school environment and are to be congratulated on such a positive start to the school year. It has been a delight getting to know the newest members of our community.

Some of our Term 1 highlights include:

Teachers love greeting our students at the gate each morning and enjoy the positive banter with them
The Foundation children settling confidently into school life
All students involved in building strong connections with their classmates and teachers
All students beginning their learning with curiosity and
STOMP Program: Grade 1&2 and Grade 3/4 students
Swimming Trials
‘Getting to Know You’ meetings with families
Grade 5/6 Interschool Sport
Barefoot Bowls class get togethers
Moonlight Cinema
Parent / Teacher meetings
Lapathon
Easter Raffle
Cross Country
After School Programs: Chess, Junior Engineers, Smart Art, Soccer Wise
Reaffirming our school values and
Updating the school website

This week, teachers met in their Professional Learning Teams to reflect on the learning of their students during the term and plan the learning overview and focuses for Term 2. As part of the day, teachers analysed student Literacy and Numeracy data and used the information to inform the development of differentiated sequences of learning. Our teachers value the opportunity to work in cohesive and collaborative teams to build their professional knowledge and plan for student learning.

They are well prepared for an exciting Term 2.

Farewell

I have been so fortunate to have a career that I have loved, where every day is different and where there is a true sense of making a difference. My education journey has provided me with so many wonderful opportunities and experiences over the years.

Being the Principal of this school has been the highlight of my career in education.

I have been blessed to work with:

Fantastic, hard working and supportive administrative staff: Linda Hudson, Justine Beaumont, Millie Angliss, Jen Miller, Nicole Ralph, Sally Waller, Tania Finocchiaro, Ann Hislop
Passionate, enthusiastic and talented teachers and support staff
Innovative and knowledgeable leadership teams
Dedicated, hard- working and visionary School Council Presidents: Meg Lee, Tom Angliss, Richard Bryant, David Wightman, Claire Hill and Gabbi Lorenzetti
Experienced and knowledgeable School Council Treasurer: Pat McGrath
Committed School Councillors with an understanding and strong focus on what is best for students, staff and families.

I have been incredibly fortunate to have had the wonderful support of two exceptional Assistant Principals - Justine and Dan. They are both outstanding instructional leaders and have shown unqualified support to me in my role as Principal.

Over the past 12 years, our school has seen some significant changes: growth in our enrolment, the transformation of the school grounds and improved facilities, rich curriculum offerings our students access, targeted TLI program for our T3 students, collaborative work our staff do to ensure they are planning and teaching children at their point of need and our whole school focus on supporting student wellbeing.

We would not have accomplished these changes in our school without our combined strengths and collaborative work.

Today’s assembly, has truly reinforced to me how fortunate I have been to work in such a wonderful community. Thank you for kind words, good wishes, and generous gifts. I am humbled and extremely grateful.

I find goodbyes difficult at the best of times, but in this circumstance it is especially so. I feel as though I am leaving part of my heart behind.

I will miss the students enormously. They have brought such joy and they become part of an extended family.

One door closes another door opens and I know that Nerida Smith will be warmly welcomed by our community. Nerida is excited to join HWPS and lead the next stage of the school’s education journey.

I feel very privileged to have been the Principal of HWPS. It has been an incredible journey.

I have so many special memories of students, staff, colleagues and the community for which I am forever grateful.

Thank you all.

I wish you all the very best for the future. May your children grow into happy, balanced adults who experience joy, love, laughter and peace in equal measure.

Finally

Thank you to all members of our Hawthorn West Primary School community; students, teachers, office staff, learning support staff, School Council members, parents and carers and volunteers for your support throughout my twelve years at the school.

Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday. I hope the break provides time for your family to come together and share some special moments as well as enjoy some of the lovely autumn weather.

A reminder that Term 2 begins on Tuesday 26th April.

Warm regards

Glenys

Melbourne Girls College