Principal's Report

Welcome

It is a pleasure and a privilege as Principal to welcome the Homestead community back for another year at Homestead Senior Secondary College. 

I would like to extend my extra warm welcome yet again to our new students. It is always a challenge to join a new school however from Day 1, it is clear that they have assimilated very well into the Homestead culture.

It was also a pleasure to meet many families at the Meet and Greet BBQ too. We all look forward to many more interactions while we work together as a community to support our students throughout their last few years of schooling.

Also a warm welcome to all our new staff. This year we continued to grow and I am so pleased with our recruitment. Our new staff include:

• Teresa Attley, Chemistry/Biology teacher
• Jack Tang, Mathematics teacher
• Cynthia Skruzny, English teacher
• Robyn Bell, Business Manager
• Hayley Shwind-Pathways Administration
• Alan Chen, Humanities teacher
• Anita Dimitrijević, Humanities teacher
• Sharmen Warnakulasuriya, Science Lab Technician
• Matthew Greer, Mathematics teacher
• Marko Vekić, PE and Health teacher
• Luke Dušković, Mathematics Learning Specialist

As we get into this new term, I wanted to express how impressed I am with the start we have had. 

The behaviour of students has been exceptional, both academic and social, with students showing a high level of respect and consideration for others. I am also thrilled to see the high standards of uniform being upheld, which reflects the pride we have in our school. 

It is so important that we exhibit these, including the readiness for learning, with equipment and attitude to ensure we have another successful year.

Period 0

Period 0 has been an overwhelming success for our students.

Studies have long shown the benefits of a later start for teenage students. 

Our students need to be at school at 8:45am. During this time in the morning they either study or socialise in the library. The allows their brain to wake up prior to attending class at 9:15am. Feedback from teachers has been that students are very ready for learning at the beginning of class, which is fantastic to hear. 

A reminder that at time throughout the year, we may organise Period 0 assemblies, these are compulsory and will appear on Compass schedules when they are scheduled. Our first one is next Tuesday for a whole school assembly.

Supervision

For any new students and families, please be aware of the following supervision times at the college. 

Homestead gates and library are open at 8:10AM and students will be able to enter. Passive supervision is available between 8:10AM and 8:45AM in the library. Formal supervision in the form of Period 0 begins at 8:45AM until 9:15AM, from then Session 1 starts. Morning supervision is in the library only however students are also able to be in the Cafe and Breakfast Club during Period 0.

The day concludes at 3:00PM, supervision in the form a Yard Duty is provided until 3:10PM. Passive supervision is available and the library is open to students until 4.20pm.

School Council

School council plays a profound role in supporting the college to adhere to DET guidelines, particularly around finances and Child Safety law. It also provides the opportunity for the college to gain vital feedback to support a positive culture for our whole community. Our AGM is on March 18 at 6pm in the Conference Room, community members are welcome to attend. 

Recently I announced the process to nominate for, and subsequent elections for vacancies on the school council. We have vacancy in the parent. 

Positions are for two years.

I strongly encourage anyone who is interested to nominate themselves and join the enthusiastic and supportive parent team we already have.

Homestead Instagram

After requests from our parents on school council, we started our Instagram account in 2023, it has been very well received since.

Many day to day celebrations and announcements are made via the account. We understand that not everyone is on instagram however highly encourage all community members to follow the account and join us in celebrating the wonderful things our students achieve. 

Additionally, and very importantly, at the beginning of the year, during our whole school assembly, I spoke to students and staff about the importance of having a 1% mindset-that is, look to improve each day by a very small margin. This allows our cognitive load to manage the new leaning while ensuring that growth is present. the compound nature of this means that within a year one can be over 300% more capable in an area that at teh beginning of the year, with very little challenge. I hope that out students have thought about this and chosen a focus area. I encourage parents to be having these vital conversations with their child also.

In conclusion, I am so proud to be a part of this school community, and I look forward to the amazing journey we will embark on together this year. Let’s continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, and to live our lives with purpose and meaning. 

Thank you

Danijel

Principal