Principal's Report

Term 3 Wrap Up

Term 3 has been an exciting and busy term for our students and staff. The term began with recognising a large number of students for their hard work, commitment, dedication and achievement both inside and outside the classroom.

 

NAPLAN

There has been a lot recently said about NAPLAN. The core aim of NAPLAN should be to measure growth in student achievement.

At HPSC, teachers are constantly, monitoring student achievement and measuring growth. NAPLAN should not be used to compare one school to another, as the context and the backgrounds of students can significantly vary.

Our data showed growth with student reading and more work is required in both writing and numeracy. Staff at HPSC will be unrelenting in our pursuit to improve this data.

One of our major strategies to improve learning outcomes is through improved student engagement. One size does not fit all, and for this reason from 2020, we will offer a more personalised program and pathway for students. The introduction of vertical learning whereby students select subjects and learning programs based on their individual passion and point of need, rather than their age.  

 

Subject Selections for 2020

I am very proud when I hear that students and parents are very excited about the new innovative and engaging learning opportunities and pathways available to our students from next year. Who wouldn’t be excited by the prospect of selecting from over 100+  electives? All of which are designed to challenge and engage students for than ever before.

As HPSC moves away from traditional year levels the terminology that we are adopting is as follows;

Year 7 = Explore

Years 8, 9, 10 = Enhance

Years 11, 12 = Excel

Thank you to our diligent staff for their work to assist students and parents with the recent Course Counselling process. We are now considering all data to determine classes and staffing requirements for next year. Course Counselling remains an on-going process as student achievement and attendance data becomes available. 

 

 

Future Schools Alliance

Last week the Executive Leadership Team attended a learning walk in Adelaide with the Future Schools Alliance (FSA), of which HPSC is now a partner school. All high performing organisations must look outwardly as well as inwardly when evaluating program and learning opportunities. We engaged in a professional learning workshop on the Cognitive Load Theory and visited Findon High School, Trinity Grammar and Playford International.

 

Student Performances

This term I have enjoyed numerous student performances. I wish to acknowledge and recognise the significant hours students with the support of staff spend in rehearsals prior to the event.

Such performances included, the Annual Multi-Cultural Concert, Battle of the Houses, 4C’s Presentation (both at Bunjil place and an encore performance in the RPAC),  State School Spectacular (in collaboration with NWSP-12), and the VCE Music Performance Showcase.

 

RUOK? Day

Last week, HPSC supported student and staff wellbeing with a massive RUOK Day activities program. The program included a petting zoo, live music, free Chobani yoghurt, a morning tea and massages for staff.

I wish to thank Debbie Edwards, our Student Services Team Leader, and members of our Wellbeing Team for their work in promoting and raising awareness in relation to the importance of mental health and wellbeing. 

 

Staffing

As we start to analyse student subject and course selections, I get a clearer understanding of our staffing needs for 2020. 

At this stage, I have advertised for a new Assistant Principal position to commence at the start of 2020. This person will assist me to support the changes and drive continual improvement at the college. I have also advertised for a new Graduate Maths Teacher.

Ms Jessica Harrod-Sloan will be on family leave from the end of Term 3, we wish Jess well with the safe arrival of her baby.

Ms. Bree Peart (Sport Co-ordinator) has accepted a position to train as a Police Custody Officer and will commence at the Police Academy next week.

 

Facilities

Earlier this year the upgrades to our double gym transformed the space. Unfortunately, further work with the introduction of a significant number acoustic panelling are required to enhance the sound within this space.

 

Construction on our new building will commence at the conclusion of our Year 12 final examinations. Discussions with our architects have started in relation to the 3.9 million facility upgrades. We have prioritised for the majority of the allotted spending to be on redesigning our Technology space. I am pleased to announce that we have also received an additional funding amount recently.

 

Barrier Reef Experience Camp 2020

Recently, we promoted and conducted an information night about the exciting opportunity for students in Year 9-12 in 2020. In less than a week, the proposed trip was fully subscribed with additional students on a waiting list. I am delighted by the response and am excited to confirm that another new and exciting learning opportunity is available for students next year.    

 

Year 12 Students

Finally, I would like to congratulate our Year 12 students for their hard work this week, as they sat their Unit 4 practice exams. Shortly the VCAA external exams will commence, with language oral and music performance examinations early in October.

Year 12 teachers will provide feedback about the practice exams during the first week of Term 4. Students should maximise the opportunity to reflect, revise and seek additional assistance from our dedicated and highly committed teachers. 

 

Last day of term.

School will conclude at 2.30pm, today, Friday September 20. Term 4 commences on Monday October 7.

 

Have a safe holiday and I look forward to seeing you next term.

Wayne Haworth

 

Principal