HPSC Newshamper

Principal's Report

Dear Parents/Carers and students

 

Recently, I sent communications to all families regarding the staged return of students to onsite learning. 

 

As a college we work hard to serve our community. There are times when we can improve. I wish to offer an apology to parents/cares and students regarding the scheduled Learning Conferences. The change of dates by DET resulted in a change of plan. Communication to parents/cares and students could have been better and I apologise for any inconvenience caused. 

 

Defining success

Last week, we said farewell to the Year 12 students as they entered the study period prior to their exams. Congratulations to the Year 12 students for their dedication and efforts over 13 years of study. Globally, many students do not finish secondary school, but I encourage all students to embrace the challenge to achieve this goal. Education unlocks many doors and can set one up for life. 

 

There are many different measures of success. From obtaining outstanding exam results; or an exceptional ATAR; gaining successful entry to University, TAFE or a Traineeship or being offered an Apprenticeship. They are all fantastic and can lead to highly successful and fulfilling careers. 

 

The Unit 3 & 4 VCE exams have commenced this week with English and EAL, with other exams to follow over the next few weeks. I wish all students all the very best in their exams. Sound revision and preparation will help to reduce stress and assist in maximising outcomes.

 

Doctors in Schools

I am excited to announce that our application to participate in the G.Ps in School Program has been accepted. Thank you to the Wellbeing Team for their work with the submission. This wonderful DET initiative will enable us to have a G.P based at our college one day per week to support student health and wellbeing. This free of charge service allows students to make onsite appointments with the Doctor to discuss physical and mental health matters, and we are planning for this wellbeing service to commence early next year. This program will add to the suite of wellbeing services available to support students at our college.   

 

Keeping our community safe

If you receive any advice from the Department of Health, please follow that advice and inform us by calling 8795 9400

  • If you are a confirmed case of COVID-19 or live with a confirmed case of COVID-19, please inform us immediately by calling 8795 9400
  • If you are notified that you are a primary close contact, please also notify us by calling 8795 9400
  • If you are required to isolate due to being a confirmed case of COVID-19 or a primary close contact, please send a copy of your Department of Health Clearance or Negative COVID test result to us via hampton.park.sc@education.vic.gov.au
  • All members of our community are asked to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and get tested and isolate if any develop

 We offer parents and carers the following tips for talking with your young person about this:

  • Talk openly and transparently, with essential details about the process so they are aware. It is better for young people to know we have a plan should any of these events occur.
  • Discuss with your young person what they could do if they are in this situation and they feel worried. For example, talk with a friend who is helpful, listen to some music, stay off social media.
  • Reassure your young person that there are processes in place to keep them and the community safe
  • Acknowledge the challenges of these situations (e.g., the impact on their learning) and support them through their emotional response (e.g., frustration, anger, etc).

If students require any support for their wellbeing or have concerns for a friend, they are encouraged to contact our wellbeing team on 8795 9400 or they can access support via Beyond Blue or Headspace.

 

Professional Learning

As per my recent communication, our School Council has approved a Curriculum Day for staff on Monday 1st November, as this event had already been rescheduled from Term 3, with guest presenters booked. Please note that this is a student free day. Following the Melbourne Cup holiday on Tuesday 2nd November, all students will return for onsite learning on Wednesday 3rd November.

 

Recruitment of staff

Our students deserve the best. As a college, we have attracted and recruited some highly dedicated and excellent staff. 

I wish to congratulate and welcome the following new members of staff for 2022:

  • Assistant Principal- Kelly Krieg (Dandenong High School)
  • Learning Specialist - Project Based Learning & Student Entrepreneurship  - Indra Walia de Leon joins us from (Lyndhurst SC/Narre Warren P-12 College)
  • Learning Specialist- 21st Century Learning Dispositions - Ellen Newton (HPSC)
  • Leading Teacher-  Literacy Improvement - Demi Eid (HPSC)
  • Teacher - English / Literacy / Humanities - Courtney Windross (HPSC)
  • Teacher - English / EAL – Sharmaine Fernando (new)
  • Teacher- English / EAL  – Niwsha Davoodi  ( new)
  • Teacher - Maths / Science- Tayla Marshal ( HPSC)

Additional positions have been advertised with interviews commencing soon.

 

Thank you again for support our college, as we strive to be school of first choice for local families.

 

Stay safe and take care.

Wayne Haworth

Principal