In Our Classrooms
Primary Years Start Up Programs
Our Primary Years classes have completed a Start Up Program during the first two weeks of the term. This program is designed to set our classrooms up for a positive and successful year by establishing strong learning communities that are anchored in positive relationships and clear expectations and processes. This is also an important time for our teachers to explicitly teach routines and processes, which results in calm classroom environments.
During Start Up, our students focused on building relationships, exploring the College and classroom expectations, and learning College routines. This year, the program has been closely aligned with the Hazel Glen College Behaviour Expectations Matrix (SWPBS). Last year, our community worked together to review and strengthen our College expectations, resulting in a new behaviour matrix of shared expectations. Students have participated in lessons that unpack each expectation, and this learning will continue throughout the year as part of their Personal Enrichment Program. Each year level has provided an update on the Start Up Program and their start to the year.
The First Days of Prep
We are so proud of how well our Prep students have settled into our College! In their first week, they have shown great enthusiasm as they learn their new positive learning routines, make new friendships and explore their classroom.
They have been practising how to line up, pack away and care for their belongings, while also getting to know their teachers, classmates, and the wider College through fun games and guided tours. Each day, they are growing in confidence and independence, showing us just how capable they are.
It has been wonderful to see their curiosity, kindness and excitement for learning and we can’t wait to see all they will achieve throughout the rest of the term!
Year 1 Start Up Program
Year 1 has had an extremely positive start to the year, with students settling in quickly and enthusiastically. Our start-up program has focused on building a strong sense of belonging, establishing positive learning routines, and reinforcing expected behaviours across the classroom.
It has been wonderful to see students demonstrating respect, kindness, and responsibility, as well as showing pride in following classroom routines and expectations. The positive attitudes and behaviours we have already seen set a strong foundation for a successful year of learning in Year 1.
Year 2 Start Up Program
The Year 2 cohort has settled in beautifully to the new year. Students have demonstrated a positive attitude towards learning and are already building strong connections with their teachers and classmates. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they reestablish familiar routines and expectations.
Our start-up program has focused on supporting students to manage themselves as learners, with an emphasis on classroom routines, organisation and taking responsibility for their learning choices. Students have also been engaging in important learning around cyber safety, exploring how to stay safe, respectful and responsible when using digital technologies. We are proud of the way our Year 2 students have embraced these learning opportunities and look forward to a fantastic year ahead.
Year 3 Start Up Program
Our Year 3s have had a wonderful start to the year, settling into routines and beginning an exciting new chapter in their learning journey. Students and teachers have been busy getting to know one another, building friendships, and creating positive classroom communities where everyone feels welcome and supported. We are also preparing for our upcoming swimming program, with students showing enthusiasm and responsibility as we get ready to dive in. It’s been fantastic to see their confidence grow already, and we’re looking forward to a year full of learning, growth, and new opportunities together.
Year 4 Start Up Program
Year 4 has had a wonderful start to the year, with students quickly settling into classroom expectations and learning routines. Our early focus has been on building positive learning habits, strengthening peer connections, and developing a shared responsibility for learning within the classroom community, whilst also having lots of fun!
Students have shown a great sense of independence, demonstrating respect for others, positive attitudes towards learning and an increased ability to manage routines and expectations. This strong start has helped to create a supportive and focused learning environment, providing an excellent foundation for the learning ahead in Year 4.
Year 5 Start Up Program
The Year 5 students have made a very positive start to the year, settling smoothly into their new classes and forming new friendships. They have demonstrated a strong understanding of classroom routines and expectations, which has supported a calm and confident transition into Year 5.
Students have participated in a range of getting to know you activities, helping to build positive relationships, a sense of belonging and teamwork within each class. They have also worked collaboratively to establish shared classroom routines, expectations and reward systems that promote responsibility and resilience.
It has been wonderful to see Year 5 students stepping into their role as emerging role models across the school by supporting younger students, assisting staff and consistently demonstrating the school values. We are proud of the positive start they have made and look forward to a successful year ahead.
Year 6 Start Up Program
Year 6 has made an excellent start to the year, returning in a calm, settled and organised manner. During our Start Up program, students have been revisiting key expectations that support a safe, respectful and productive learning environment. These include being kind and inclusive, keeping themselves and others safe, following all staff instructions and taking ownership of behaviour. Students have also been focusing on wearing the correct uniform with pride, practising our Learner Essences, keeping learning spaces clean, and following our Positive Learning Routines.
The program has also emphasised strong learning habits such as engaging in learning, using resources responsibly, collaborating with others, helping peers to learn, and understanding ICT and classroom expectations. We are proud of the mature and positive way Year 6 has approached the start of the year and look forward to a successful year ahead.
Rubbish Warriors
Hi my name is Mrs. V and I run the rubbish warrior program at HGC. At HGC we are all about having a clean environment to play and work in. I am very passionate about making a difference and keeping HGC clean and tidy with the help of students.
The rubbish warrior program was introduced last year and we seen a dramatic change of not so much rubbish around the College, as it is being picked up by students at recess and lunchtime. They use tongs and buckets to pick up the rubbish and once they have shown the bucket to our rubbish warrior team, they receive five house points and a sticker as an extra bonus for picking up rubbish.
In 2026 we will be continuing this program and would love more students being proactive and cleaning up the school.
