Principal Address

Hi families,

Many of you will have seen the recent media coverage around bullying in schools. Some of the stories have been deeply distressing, sobering reminders of the emotional, social and sometimes tragic consequences that can occur when bullying goes unrecognised or unaddressed. These stories bring the issue to the forefront of public discussion and serve as a wake-up call for all schools and communities.

At HPCS, we are incredibly blessed to have a caring, respectful and close-knit school community. Our students are, by and large, kind, inclusive and quick to look out for one another but they are not perfect. Instances of bullying are rare, but when concerns are raised, we treat them with the seriousness they deserve.

We have a no-nonsense, proactive approach to student wellbeing and unkind behaviour. Our Anti-Bullying Policy is clear and accessible (available on our website), and we act swiftly to investigate concerns, provide appropriate consequences where needed, and restore relationships in line with our Christian values. Every child at our school has the right to feel safe, supported and included and it’s our job as educators to ensure that happens. 

That said, it’s also important to remember that not all conflict is bullying. Bullying is the repeated targeting of another student, not just general playground disagreements or a one off insensitive comment. Children are constantly learning how to relate to one another, how to share, take turns, navigate disagreements and manage frustration. These day to day interactions are a normal part of growing up and, when guided well, can be healthy opportunities for personal development and coaching. As parents, we should lean into them and continue to coach our children through minor conflicts. 

We must call out unkindness when it occurs, but also to coach our children into an earnest understanding of how to engage appropriately and respectfully with others. We want our students to grow not just in knowledge but in character.

Let’s continue to encourage our children to work together to build a school culture where every child can thrive, one that is safe, kind, and anchored in grace and truth.

Parent Prayer Group

Some of you, who have been around a while, may know that a parent prayer group ran after chapel for a number of years. After COVID it never got back off the ground. However, perhaps now is a great time for those of you who want to, to come together and connect and pray. 

I’ve asked Josh and Melissa Fattal (parents of Josh in y1) to lead this group. 

Here's a brief message from them:

This group is a simple, welcoming space for parents to come together once a month to connect, pray, and support one another. We’ll be praying for our school community, families, students, staff, and for God’s continued blessing over HopePoint Christian School.

Our next gathering will be on Friday, 27th June after chapel and all families in our school are warmly welcomed to attend regardless of your faith background.

We'd love to see you there!

Mel + Josh

Cross Country

Our Cross Country Carnival was a fantastic day of perseverance, participation and school spirit. Congratulations to all of our students who competed with such enthusiasm and effort and a heartfelt thank you to Ps Ethan for organising the day so smoothly. Events like this don’t just happen; they take careful planning and strong leadership, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped make it a success.  I was really proud not just of the students who won or are particularly talented runners, but everyone who tried their very best.

I had the privilege of going with 15 of our students who represented the school at the state Cross Country today. I was really proud of how hard they tried and how well they did. 

Soccer

Congratulations to all of our girls who represented the school at the Girls Soccer Gala day on Monday. It was great to see how much they improved from last year's results, great work! It was a fun and energetic day for our students and staff, congratulations.

We’re now looking forward to the Boys Soccer Gala Day coming up shortly, a wonderful opportunity for more students to enjoy sport, develop teamwork skills, and represent the school with pride.

Congratulations

A huge congratulations to Mrs Robson and her husband on the arrival of their little girl: Isla! Mrs Robson literally went from teaching year 4 on Friday to giving birth on Monday! Congratulations, we are thrilled!

My door is always open.

Mr Joe Britton