Nigel's Natter

Hi All,

For the last newsletter of the year, I'm keeping it short and sweet, with some key updates, important dates and a few reflections. 

Early home time - Friday 19th December

A reminder that tomorrow is a casual clothes day thanks to Tom who was one of our Goldern Ticket winners. Good stuff Tom for selecting a prize for all. 

Home time is 1.30pm.  

All the best

Thank-you to Kirby Hughes for 14 years of contribution to the HBPS community. You've taken on many roles, and the impact you've had on the lives of young people is something to be proud of. All the very best with your new adventures.   

Thank-you to Rylie (education support), who is heading off on a traveling adventure in 2026. It's been a pleasure working with you. Have the best time. 

Congratulations

All the best to one of our Learning Specialists, Lauren Rau, who has been appointed to an Acting Assistant Principal position. We know you'll do a fab job. Thanks for your contributions to HBPS over the last few years. 

Curriculum Update

I'm very excited to share that we have secured a qualified AUSLAN teacher for 2026. We will be treating 2026 as a trial year for an AUSLAN program that will run for students in Year 1 to Year 6. Prep students will be participating in a structured developmental play program, which is in development. 

Specialist Days for 2026

• Prep - Tuesday
• Year 1&2 - Wednesday
• Year 3&4 - Thursday
• Year 5&6 - Friday

Important Dates

• This Friday the 19th - Last day of 2025 - 1:30pm finish.
• Thursday 29th Jan, 2026 - Year 1 to Year 6 first day of school.
• Monday 2nd Feb - Preps first day – 3:00pm finish.

Check out the Dates for the Diary Page for 2026 dates that are locked in already!

Reflections

This year has been a stunner. There are so many accomplishments to celebrate. 

I am incredibly proud of the academic achievements our students have had this year, in addition to the continued positive results across all of our attitudinal surveys. The work that has gone into ensuring every young person is developing has made a difference.

Seeing the way our Year 6 students have ended their schooling is also worth celebrating. They are so very ready for high school!   

Thank you 

To my team - THANKS!

The office team for the power of work you do, the support you provide our staff, students and community. Thanks.

To the education support team - what would we do without you. I notice all the little things you do to support our students that need something a little more. The quiet words, the gentle encouragement, the calming influence - you're stars! 

Teaching staff, you've smashed it this year. You have created classrooms that promote learning. You've set the standard high and supported children to challenge themselves. You have delivered engaging lessons, worked your bums off to ensure active participation and high levels of engagement - whilst also holding space for the many other things teachers do. I think the thing I am most proud of as a school principal, is that no matter what we're faced with, no matter what challenges we manage - you do with an unwavering level of respect for our students. The UNCONDITIONAL positive regard you have for our learners is second to none!  

Intervention Team - Golly we're blessed to have you, as are our kids. Thanks for your endless determination. It does not go unnoticed. 

To my leadership team, you are first rate, 5 stars, gold standard leaders. The impact you have each had on our school community is - chefs kiss! Thanks for another year of focus, strategy, high expectations - high support - wisdom, insight and hard work. I appreciate you all!

To parents and carers - THANKS for trusting us with your children's education. We know that this is a huge deal, and we appreciate your support and team-work along the way. 

Website and Vision Launch

I had grand plans of launching our updated vision and school website this year - then life happened. Early in the new year we will be sharing, what I think is some of our best work yet in more detail. 

Having said that, I just can't want to share with you all - so here they are. Forgive the formatting - they will look much snazzier when they're all done.  

Have a very safe and happy festive season. 

See you at the front gate - in 2026!

Nigel