Principal's Report

Busy times at Hampton Park Secondary College

Since my arrival at the start of the year, I have been constantly speaking with students, staff and parents to seek feedback about our current programs and learning opportunities. Although, many wonderful programs are in place to challenge and grow the skills of our students, there are opportunities for further improvement.

 

From 2020, we will make HPSC a student-centred school, whereby learning is “done with students rather than to students.” 

Students have been seeking more choice about their learning programs and as such we will provide HPSC students with the unique opportunity to tailor make a learning program to suit their individual passions and learning needs. “One size does not fit all,” so why should education?

Our world is changing at a rapid pace, so we must ensure that our students are building their skills that will enable them to be successful, in a place that is very different from the past.

 

I am excited to announce that our new Subject Handbook is now available to students and parents. It contains over 100 different subject choices to get students excited about learning.  I wish to commend the excellent work of our highly committed teachers and support staff for their work in planning and preparing for 2020. I believe that with improved engagement of our students, deeper learning and improved outcomes will occur.

 

A few weeks ago we held the evening screening of the award-winning documentary Most Likely to Succeed. Thank you to large number of families who attended for taking the time to participate in this event. The documentary challenged our thoughts about our current education system in a rapidly changing world.

 

Last week, we trialled a Digital Delivery Day for students. Our students are living in an increasingly digital world. Many aspects of the learning programs at TAFE and University are delivered digitally.

At HPSC, we are working towards improving the learning confidence of our students in this space and at the same time building all important independent learning skills of students. Research indicates that skills that employers are seeking include working independently; critical thinking; creativity; collaboration and entrepreneurial skills. Thank you to parents and carers for supporting this initiative.

 

The safety of all members of the HPSC community is a number one priority. I have zero tolerance to anyone who wishes to cause harm or interrupt the learning of students, has no place at our school. Our school values of Respect, Learning and Working together and at the forefront of all that we do.    

 

Year 11 students and staff are looking forward to their Formal tonight, Friday 23rd August, at Lincoln on Toorak.  Thank you to Ms. Val Simpson for her hard work in organising and planning this memorable and special event.

 

Thank you to all who attended the recent Later Years Expo. This was a great opportunity to find our more about the subjects, pathway and career options for students. Thank you to our Careers and Senior  School teams for their work in organising this event.

 

I am pleased to announce that there is an exciting opportunity for students in Year 9 to 12 in 2020 to participate in a trip to Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef.  For more details, please contact the College.  

 

Mrs Erin Louden and a very large group of students have been working hard at rehearsals for the 4C’s event. This event will take place next Tuesday evening, August 27th, at Bunjil Place. I look forward to your performance.

 

We are currently in the process of Subject Selection and Course Counselling for next year’s programs.  In order to improve outcomes and success for students we are shifting from the notion of ‘access’ to ‘access for success’.  We have a professional obligation to ensuring that students all students are on track for success. Students and parents may be invited to return for additional counselling, as additional results become available about subject a readiness for progression.

 

For over a decade, Mrs Imelda Kavanagh has been the Business Manager of HPSC. Her dedication and commitment has assisted our learning community to be in a financially strong position. Imelda is retiring next week and is looking forward to spending time travelling and with grandchildren, and family and friends. On behalf of the entire HPSC community, a big thank you!

Wayne Haworth

 

Principal