Nigel's Natter

Hi HBPS Community, 

As Term 3 comes to a close, I want to reflect on what has taken place at HBP! 

It really does make me proud to look back on the opportunities we created for our students and community. The way our team of staff supported, challenged and showed up for students and families is second to none. 

Term 3 was an internal 'Term of Review' - where the Exec Leadership Team took the time to visit classrooms, review programs and strategies and to look critically at how we improve learning. It was fantastic to spend extended time in classrooms and to see the quality of the teaching happening and how this was translating to learning. I was so impressed listening to the depth of student discussions and to see the quality of the work they were producing.   

It was so nice to see that the learning we have been doing as a staffing group about Explicit Instruction in action. We really have an amazing staff who are doing some seriously great work with our students. 

In only 9 weeks, so many events and so much learning has happened. 

• On Country First Nations Learning Day - I was very lucky to be able to take Elly and Daryl on a full day Cultural Learning day. We were lead by First Nations people and visited important places of cultural significance. It was a huge day of learning, deep listening and reflection. We will be sharing our learning and the actions we will be taking next term.  

   

• Curriculum Day - A full day for teachers working on high quality teaching techniques! 

   

• State School Spectacular - Our kids smashed it out of the park - GO BANKS.

   

• Leading Instructional Excellence - Two full days of learning for Nigel and Krystina to continue our work leading high quality teaching at HBPS.  

   

• Unlocking Potential Intern - Our school was chosen to host an Assistant Principal from another school to do some learning about how to lead school improvement.  

   

• Personal Safety Audit - Another opportunity for our kids to learn about personal safety, kindness and to share any concerns about bullying. 

   

• Student Voice Council - This brilliant bunch continue to represent their classes with such strength. Well done team. 

   

• 100 Days of Prep - And WOW, are they doing well. We're so proud of how our preps are going with their learning. 

   

• PJ Day - The comfiest day of the term. :) 

   

• Vision, Mission and Values - We're SOOOOOO CLOSE. Teachers will be giving some final feedback next term, and we will be all set to launch our updated Vision, Mission and Values - THEY ARE BRILLIANT!!! 

   

• Student Led Conferences - How great was it to hear all about the learning our students are doing.  

   

• District Athletics - Such a lovely day where our kids really demonstrated team spirit. 

   

• Science Week Science Show - Seriously fun and interesting. 

   

• Year 5/6 Parliament Process - Learning all about how government works. Leaders in the making! 

   

• Year 1/2 Minibeast Incursion - So many creepy little bugs. We don't think any escaped! 

   

• Book Fair - Another great Book Fair and parade with everyone getting into the spirit. 

   

• Year 3/4 Werribee Zoo Excursion - How proud was I to get a phone call from a Zoo staff member to congratulate us on how respectful our students were! Whoop Whoop! 

   

• Social Stencil Training Day - A group of staff completed a full training day on a Social Skills Development Program - and, we've already delivered it to students. 

   

• Prep Excursion to Queenscliff Marine Discovery Centre - A fun day out learning all about sea creatures. 

   

• Father's Day / Special Persons Day - A massive turn out and lots of smiles. It was so nice to see our community come together to celebrate. 

   

• Treasure Hunt - Theatre Incursion - A terrific performance for all to enjoy.

   

• Footy Colours Day and Hot Pie Day - Go CATS! 

   

• Divisional Athletics - A wonderful achievement for students involved. 

   

• Year 5/6 Carnival Games Showcase - This was a personal highlight. I had a ball playing all the games students had designed and built. 

   

• Progress Reports - Our second batch of Progress Reports were published. I'm so proud of how clear and informative these reports are. 

   

• Maths CoP @ HBPS - We hosted a team of teachers from a group of schools to engage in a day of learning about high quality Maths Teaching. 

   

• Year 3/4 Animal Expo - This was a sensational celebration of learning. 

   

• Swimming Week - A huge effort from all involved - and lots of 'firsts'. Go team.  

   

• Wonder School Showcase - Our school band had another opportunity to do their thing! 

   

• Biscuits for Brain Cancer - In support of one of our families. Community spirit at it's very best. 

CHILD SAFETY

I am again sharing the website for the National Office for Child Safety. It is packed full of resources and fact sheets.  https://www.childsafety.gov.au/

We are all responsible for the safety of our young people.

The next resource I am sharing is about BODY SAFETY. 

Be sure to check out 'News from the Office' for some very important updates about picking up students from school and 'Community News' for a message from Marianne Spiranovic.  

Have a safe and happy holiday

See you at the front gate in Term 4. 

Nigel