Principal's Report

Gratitude appears to be the theme that dominates my reflections of this newsletter. There have been so many contributions throughout Term 3, and particularly in recent weeks, that have provided opportunities for our community to be connected. Term 4 promises more of the same, which provides much to look forward to and be excited by.

Trix On Stix

Monday night our Grade 5 and 6 students performed at Kinsgton Arts Centre their Trix on Stix circus act. We have a rich history of high-quality biannual performances/productions at our school and this was no exception. An array of musicals, shows and circus acts are showcased through photos around our school dating back to the 90s and we look forward to adding this latest instalment to them. Students demonstrated not only wonderful skills, but a determination and persistence to learn new tricks and skills over 9 weeks, to a standard that could be performed on stage. They were ably supported by their wonderful teachers, and I thank them for their flexibility and support, which was evidenced in the lead-up but is present at all times. Traci Cenedese coordinated the many moving parts of this performance with expertise and patience, and is owed significant thanks for doing so. I would also like to thank Daniela Barth for her generosity in printing hundreds of programs free of charge, Peter Bokan and Veronika Sanderson for donating their time and expertise as professional photographers and can't wait to see the shots from the night. 

It is exciting to be back planning for and enjoying school productions again and we look forward to many more in future!

(Please go the Specialists' News page to order your DVD).

Man Cave Event

Last Friday marked the first Man Cave Dad’s Club Event, and given the success, I am assured it won’t be the last. The night provided a key opportunity for dads to come together and connect and have fun, it also raised an enormous $7600 for the school. Significant thanks go to Justin, Sven and Mark for the coordination, as well as Ben Albrecht, Sleiman Abou-Hamdan, Al Caceres, Brett Varga, Chris O'Brien and Adrian Brown for their generous donations. We are currently exploring the possibility of some colourful murals to in the common spaces of the original main building, to make it more child-centric and fun. The funds raised will support us in achieving this goal. 

Social Media Update

Over the past seven years, the Hampton Primary School Events Facebook Page has been solely managed and maintained by Jo Kwok. Through this platform Jo has been able to generate considerable community engagement and support. On behalf of the 500+ followers that continue to rely on the page, I thank Jo for the countless hours she has spent supporting our school as she passes the baton on.

Due to the success of of this page and an obvious tendency toward social media platforms for information sharing, the Facebook page will be complemented by and integrated with an Instagram page from next term. 

Fathers’ Day

To celebrate Fathers’ Day, we had hundreds of dads and special friends attend a light breakfast in the Quad followed by fun in classes. Dads were further spoilt with children attending the Fathers’ Day Stall to select presents for their dads. An enormous thanks go to Amanda S, Sam H, Karalee G, Fiona H, Kim P, Megan L, Sonya, Julia, Melissa D, Rachel M, Aimee, Lauren A, Lola and Sasha Carey for their organisation and support of the Fathers’ Day Stall. 

Indigenous Literacy Foundation Book Swap

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Book Swap last week for Indigenous Literacy Foundation. We raised $268 to donate and provided a wonderful opportunity for students to bring home a new book. Congratulations to the Junior School Council and Paul Coverdale for their instigation of the event organisation. 

Strategic Plan Review: Feedback Wanted!

As mentioned in the last edition of the newsletter, our Strategic Plan review is upcoming in Term 4, providing us a chance to reflect on our performance and set new directions. Feedback from you, our parents, is very valued and can be provided via this short survey.

Master Plan Update

A cornerstone of our priorities over the coming years is to secure funding for the enactment of our Master Plan, delivering facilities that will enable our students and community to be appropriately catered for. This week along with Mark Alexander (School Council President) I had the pleasure of meeting local Independent candidate (and ex-HPS Parent and School Councillor) Felicity Frederico to discuss our ambitions. Felicity made very clear her support and intended advocacy of our plight and looks forward to working with our school should she be elected into Parliament. In seeking funding, we continue to work with all political parties and candidates to achieve this Master Plan for your children.

New & Important Dates

• Footy Fun Day: Friday 16th September. Students to wear footy clothes / colours on the day. No donations required.  
• Christmas Carols Evening: Thursday 15th December 6:00pm (HPS Alhambra Stage). 
• Graduation Lunch and Final Assembly: Friday 16th December

To stay up to date with all events and key dates, see the Compass Calendar. 

Reminders

• Contact the office if your child will not be returning to HPS in 2023. Invoices for 2023 fees will be sent out early in Term 4 to all families.
• Curriculum Days for Term 4, as previously communicated are Monday 3rd October, Monday 31st October and Monday 19th December. All are in the Calendar and Team Kids will be providing a program on the day

Celebrations

Congratulations to Isla (Grade 2) who recently competed in the Giant Slalom Summit Masters Race and finished in the top 3. She was runner-up in her division in ‘The Hoppet’ – Australia’s premier, international, cross-country ski race.

Well done to all students who recently competed in the Castlefield Cup Soccer Tournament. Many HPS students won selection to represent their club sides, progressing through stages to make finals. There were a number of under 9 girls who made the final, as did the below Under 9 boys (Mason M, Jacob M, Jack S, Charlie P and Archie O) who finished second after the final going to overtime.