Principal's Report

Congratulations on (almost) surviving and hopefully thriving through Term 1! I hope that you all enjoy a wonderful break over the Easter long weekend and perhaps longer should you be so fortunate. We look forward to seeing your children back on Tuesday 21st April to start Term 2. 

Parent PL: Cyber Safety at HPS

This year we have engaged Inform and Empower to support the delivery of online safety for all of our students. Inform and Empower delivered our parent information evening at the beginning of the year, with it being highly relevant, up to date and engaging. Their student sessions are similarly impressive, delivered termly to classes and supported by follow up tasks and parent information which will be sent out as well. Whilst students won’t engage with the platform until Term 2, I have copied their Parent Information Sheet from the 3/4s below of what will go home in future terms. 

2025 Annual Report

Please find a link to the 2025 Annual Report which was endorsed by School Council at our most recent meeting and is now located on our school website. The statistical component and financial component of this are pre-filled, with the commentary areas then completed by myself, Cam (AP: Teaching and Learning) and Amanda (AP: Wellbeing) to reflect on the successes and challenges and continued focus areas. 

These data sets, as well as much more detailed metrics, have been with the school for considerable time and shared in newsletters and at council. It underpins the work that will take place in the school’s Annual Implementation Plan, which emphasises a continued deepening of understanding of the school’s agreed Instructional Model (how we teach) and consistent implementation of it between classrooms and year levels. A strong emphasis on wellbeing, specifically on ensuring orderly classroom learning environments through consistent and clear school-wide behaviour expectations, positive reinforcement of these, and an application of logical consequences has continued from the time that the AtoSS survey was administered in May last year and into 2026, which I am confident will see results improve.

Both of these approaches align with the Department of Education’s Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 (VTLM 2.0). The VTLM 2.0 provides a clear framework for high-quality teaching in Victorian schools. It emphasises that effective learning occurs when teachers create orderly, supportive environments and use explicit, structured teaching that is responsive to student needs. The model highlights the importance of clear learning intentions, modelling, guided practice, feedback and independent application, supported by strong assessment practices. Overall, VTLM 2.0 aims to improve consistency in teaching so all students benefit from evidence-informed instruction that supports both academic growth and student wellbeing.

Hampton Heros

I do hope that you have enjoyed the Hampton Heros that have been coming home for a month now, and that they are providing your family with opportunities to celebrate and acknowledge your child doing wonderful things. These are an opportunity for us to further strengthen the connection between the classroom and home, as well as provide more frequent reinforcement and acknowledgement of wonderful behaviour throughout the year. 

Building Works

A reminder that anyone who would like to take a tour of the new classrooms and hear an update of where we are up to with our works, please join me on Friday 24th April at 8:30am for a walkaround. 

Second Hand Uniform

Thank you to Kirsten Whaley, Amy Taylor and their very enthusiastic and helpful crew who raised over $1500 for our school through the second hand uniform sale. This is not only a considerable contribution but allows you to access great quality uniform at a heavily discounted price, at a time when most other things seem to cost a lot! Please reach out to Amy or the school if you have any ability to support with this role. 

Single Dads @ HPS

We are starting a small, informal group for dads in our school community who are parenting solo or co-parenting and are interested in connecting with others in a similar situation.

The group aims to provide a relaxed space to share experiences, support one another, and occasionally organise casual catch-ups, with or without the kids.

If this resonates with you and you’d like to join or find out more, you are welcome to scan the QR code above to connect with the group.

Hackers Golf Event

Last week, our ‘Hackers’ Social Group enjoyed a mini simulator competition at 5iron House Mentone, who generously donated a 3 hour simulator package valued at $2500. Over the ‘tournament’, there were nearest to pin, longest drive and overall winners picking up donated prizes from 5Iron and House of Golf. A huge thanks to Carlo for organising it and to the companies that are so generous to our community. 

New & Important Dates

Dates for Curriculum Days, Graduation, the Soiree and other key annual events are in the Compass Calendar for you to view at any point. Please keep an eye out for them. 

• End of Term 1: Thursday 2nd April
• Curriculum Day: Monday 20th April
• Term 2 Students Return: Tuesday 21st April

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

Celebrations

Congratulations to the Purple Wolves under 10 basketball team who won their Grand Final on the weekend, a wonderful effort after only one year of playing together. The team consisted of all HPS students, pictured below: Eleanor H, Annabelle K, Willa M, Robbi B, Lily A, Chloe A, Harper H, Willow E, Georgina D and coach and HPS parent, Jon M. 

Principal for a Day – Expanded Program

Following the success of our Principal for a Day initiative, I am excited to announce that the program will be expanded from Term 2, with a rotating roster of students taking on the role across the school year.

Students selected for the role will be responsible for all key decisions including budgeting, yard duty allocations and, where appropriate, school improvement priorities. Early feedback from participants has highlighted a strong desire to overhaul the Snack Shack Menu, a reduction to a four-day week at school and other exciting initiatives.

While I will continue to support the role in an advisory capacity, I am looking forward to empowering student voice in new and meaningful ways.

Happy April Fools 😊