From the Principal
Thought for the week:
“A person’s most useful asset is not a head full of knowledge, but a heart full of love, an ear ready to listen and a hand willing to help others.”
Kotaku Wamura
While Term 2 saw us once more emerging from another lockdown where we quickly had to switch to working and learning from home, it was heartening to see the students return together for the final week of term. Despite the inevitable interruptions and frustrations in having to reschedule activities and events, I would like to sincerely thank our entire community of staff, students and parents once again for the positive way they worked together to complete our first semester.
Among many other 'good news stories', the Junior School won the inter-school Division 2 SDSSA Cross Country competition. The win completed a wonderful first semester where the Junior School won all four main events on the SDSSA calendar including swimming, athletics, cross country and the Summer Sport Round Robin (where they achieved the highest aggregate overall). Congratulations to Mrs Joanna Clapp and all the staff and parents who supported the children during training and events.
Despite ever-changing restrictions, the Arts continue to flourish at Huntingtower. I commend the Music, Performing and Visual Arts staff for their ability to innovate when needed. The Music Department recently held an Autumn Soloist Concert and a VCE Recital. It was heart-warming to see students performing for the first time and I congratulate them as well as the experienced performances and exceptional standard of the older students.
Earlier this term, a Huntingtower String Orchestra Reunion Concert proved a most enjoyable occasion. It was a celebration that featured current students, recent grads and HT alumni who have given decades of service to the music program – some graduates were from as far back as the Class of 1996! It is so encouraging to see the passion of generations uniting in an uplifting performance.
The VCE Theatre Studies students directed, produced, and performed ‘Vinegar Tom’. The play was incredibly thought provoking. There were powerful performances by the cast and the audience thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Thank you to Mr Trent Bockman for his support and guidance.
Early next term, the Senior Production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will run from 22 July to 24 July. I encourage everyone to book their seats for what we know will be a truly wonderful performance.
This week, the staff came together to honour two amazing and long-standing members of the Huntingtower community. Mr John Bruce, after 48 years of service to the community, has retired from the Huntingtower Board. John has been instrumental in guiding the financial and building development of our school and we are forever grateful for his unwavering service. Mrs Jan Tyquin will retire from Huntingtower at the end of this term. This is Jan’s 34th year at Huntingtower. Jan has held many positions during her time with us and has contributed so much to generations of Huntingtower families. Jan has also produced our HT Bulletin and HT News, sharing all the wonderful news from Huntingtower and keeping our community connected and informed. We wish both John and Jan the very best and look forward to seeing them at future school events.
As we commence the term break, let the words of Mary Baker Eddy guide us: “How shall we reach our true selves? Through Love.” (Miscellaneous Writings 104:23-24).
Wishing everyone a lovely break with family and friends and we look forward to seeing students return on Tuesday 13 July for an exciting Term 3.
Andrew Houghton
Principal