Principal's Report

What an incredible term it has been!

Term 3 is always a busy one but this term has been exceptionally vibrant. Our students and staff have overwhelmingly embraced the value of innovation and created a term to remember. 

As I reflect on the variety of activities and initiatives that have supported our schools already positive experience, I remind myself that what is most impressive, and perhaps not as well-known, is that a significant majority of initiatives at Homestead begin from our student leaders. Each month our student leaders of all levels all get together and discuss all facets of school life and this voice resonates throughout the school. This makes me very proud because at Homestead, your voice, used with responsibility, truly can make a difference, and it has again.

Innovation is not just a buzzword at Homestead; it's a fundamental value that shapes our approach to education and time at school. Term 3 has been a vibrant showcase of how innovation can breathe life into our school community. From sports fields to classrooms, from promoting mental well-being to fostering inclusivity, and memorable excursions. 

Term 3 was a time for our students to showcase their athletic prowess. Our commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals was evident in our participation in inter-school sports and district athletics. These events provided not only a platform for students to excel in their chosen sports but also an opportunity to learn teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. The innovation here lies in how we continually adapt and improve our sports program, in particular through the Homestead Sports Academy, to cater to the diverse interests and talents of our students. The outcomes have already been seen by the significant wins at the regional levels.

Our students also embarked on exciting excursions and camps that pushed the boundaries of their learning experiences. These off-campus adventures provided them with a real-world perspective, fostering independence, resilience, and a profound appreciation for nature. The outdoor ed camps alongside various excursions such as to La Trobe University and combined with regular mindfulness walks through our neighbouring wetlands and grass lands, providing the ability to learn and reflect. I know this will have created memories that will undoubtedly stay with our students for years to come. 

Our house culture has grown again with more lunchtime activities and sports events engaging our students throughout the day. 

The lunchtime gigs in the Cafe with live student performances has also been a big hit as our musicians showcase their talents.

As we look forward to the upcoming term, we're excited to keep this journey in mind while focusing on the value and importance of resilience, especially while our students prepare for and undertake end of year exams. 

Together, we'll keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible for our students.

Update on 2025 planning

Homestead continues to grow. Next year we will be home to approximately 120 more students as compare to 2024.

This will be an amazing opportunity for the school to continue to build its culture but also it will be an exciting opportunity for our staff to grow also. 

I am pleased to announce that even in a time of teacher shortages around the state, Homestead has already secured a significant number of the new staff needed to ensure learning continuity. As we are a pathways school, we always use student preferences to develop our timetable, this means that the any additional staff required will be identified after all subject selections have been received and a timetable is created. 

I will be on leave for the last week of term 3, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you an amazing end of term and a fantastic term break! See you in term 4.

Danijel

Principal