College News
40 Years of Teaching Service
Mr Shinkfield receives recognition of 40 years of teaching service, from Ben Carroll, the Minister for Education, at a lavish event at Pullman on the Park, where around 250 teachers from around the state were awarded.
Highlights of my Teaching Career
In 40 years of teaching (25 years at HPSC and 15 years at Frankston HS), I particularly loved the opportunity to teach at the Year 12 level. I taught Year 12 English (for 20 years straight), Year 12 Literature (for 17 years), Year 12 Politics (for four years), and Year 12 International Studies (for three years). Additionally, I have taught numerous classes at Year 11 level, including History, English, and Literature. I have also enjoyed teaching at the junior and middle school levels, with plenty of classes in English and History, plus Integrated Studies, Literacy, Geography, Media, Film Production, Drama/Dance, and more recently Photography.
There have been many highlights in my teaching career, including:
* running the Frankston Literacy Festival for three years, involving 40 schools in a two-week celebration around Book Week
* instigating and running Junior History Nights at FHS with visiting archaeologists judging student models
* coaching many successful football, rugby, and cricket teams in both schools
* attending many camps and school trips, including Central Australia, Queensland, and Canberra
* creating and running the ‘Night of the Notables’ event at HPSC for seven years
* creating student films/productions like ‘HP Thriller’
* directing/producing the first School Production at the RPAC in ‘Fame’
* creating/producing/editing the first book of Refugee stories and poems by HP students and staff in ‘Tales from Hampton Park Secondary College’
* inviting and organising Indigenous singer and music legend, Archie Roach, to perform in our RPAC and then emceeing the concert
As a teacher, I have held many roles in my two schools. I was very passionate about my role as History coordinator at FHS as I was about my role as English Co-ordinator when I came to HPSC in 1999. I did that job for eight years and helped transform the curriculum, introducing an elective system in Years 9 and 10 that was popular with staff and students. I was then made assistant ICT co-ordinator managing the new School Portal, which I oversaw until the Compass system was adopted. I also initiated the idea of music being played before bells and for 17 years created an 80-minute CD of themed songs for each week of the year. In recent years, I took over the running of Homework Club, after contributing voluntarily for many years. Finally, to promote Reading in the college, I initiated the Staff and Student Book Reviews which ran weekly for four years with an original book review and photo of the student holding the book, published on Compass with physical copies displayed in the library.
Although I enjoyed my early teaching experience at FHS, I am particularly proud of my time at HPSC over the last 25 years. I love teaching at HPSC and have enjoyed being part of a Multicultural community and the rewards associated with that, including running numerous Multicultural Concerts and assemblies and doing my bit to help the college celebrate cultural events by playing my multicultural music CDs over the P.A. and getting students dancing at Swimming Sports and Athletics when I acted as DJ! However, a turning point for me in my Multicultural education was during my role as a volunteer in the after-school Homework Club program. It led me to work with and listen to the stories of many refugee students, inspiring me to pursue the refugee book project. The book launch at Bunjil Place in front of 400 parents, students, and staff was the highlight of my career, as it enabled 40 students and staff to become real authors and share their refugee journeys with the school community and beyond. Long after I finish teaching, the 40 authors of ‘Tales of Hampton Park Secondary College’ (including me) will forever be linked as we did something brave and unique. That was my proudest moment in teaching!
Geoff Shinkfield
HPSC Staff Wellbeing Session - A Day of Connection and Care
On August 21st, the HPSC Leadership Team held a special wellbeing session to acknowledge the immense pressures our dedicated staff are facing due to the statewide education staff shortage. We recognise the challenges, and we want to ensure our staff feel supported and cared for during these times.
The session was filled with activities to help everyone unwind and recharge. From crocheting and drawing to trivia, cooking, exercise, and mindfulness meditation, there was something for everyone to enjoy and find a moment of peace.
Thank you to all the staff who joined us today. Your wellbeing is our priority, and we’re committed to continuing our support for each and every one of you. Thank you to the staff who volunteered their time to set up each wellbeing station. Together, we can face any challenge!
