Nigel's Natter

Dear HBPS Community,

NAIDOC Week Assembly: Honouring First Nations Culture and Leadership

Today, our First Nations students led our whole-school assembly in celebration of NAIDOC Week—a powerful and moving event that brought our school community together in recognition of the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

I want to thank these students for their leadership today. It was certainly a wonderful acknowledgement. 

Standing in front of peers, staff, and families to lead such an important occasion takes courage and strength, and we could not be prouder of the way they represented themselves, their families, and their cultures.

Taking the time to celebrate NAIDOC Week—and First Nations cultures more broadly—is not just about marking a week on the calendar. It’s about deepening our understanding, strengthening respect, and fostering truth-telling and reconciliation. 

It reminds us that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are not only the First Peoples of this land but continue to be strong, proud, and connected custodians of the world’s oldest living cultures.

At our school, we are committed to embedding this respect and recognition every day, not just during NAIDOC Week. 

We thank our students for leading the way.

You can watch the entire celebratrion HERE

Check out the photos below of some of the rotation activities our students participated in today. 

1. First Nations Art

2. Indigenous Dance & Music

3. Indigenous Astronomy

4. Traditional Indigenous Games

Updated Assembly Schedule – Responding to Community Feedback

Thank you to the staff and students who have provided feedback about our current assembly schedule and start times. After listening carefully and considering what will work best for our students and broader community, we’re making some changes.

These updates are designed to better reflect the needs of our school and aligned with the rhythms of student learning.

The updated schedule, including new start times, can be found in the Dates for the Diary section of this newsletter.

Thank You, Team

As Term 3 comes to an end, I want to say a big thank you to our cracking team. You’ve supported our students with care, energy, and consistency. You’ve shown up every day and given your best, even when it’s been tough. You’ve planned, taught, checked in, followed up, adapted, and encouraged. You’ve helped students learn, grow, and feel safe.

Thank you for everything you do. It matters, and it’s noticed.

I hope you all find time to rest and recharge over the break. You’ve earned it.

Boredom is Good (Sometimes!)

As we head into the holidays, here’s a gentle reminder: it’s okay for kids to get bored.

In fact, boredom can be the spark for creativity, problem-solving, and imaginative play. It’s where cubby houses are built, backyard adventures begin, and wild ideas are born.

These holidays, we encourage families to find moments to unplug—get outside, go for a walk, kick a ball, climb a tree, or just lie on the grass and stare at the clouds. Screens definitely have their place, but so does fresh air and time to just be.

Boredom isn’t the enemy—it’s often the beginning of something great.

Mental health support during the school holidays: 

 For parents seeking support during the school holidays – Help is available 

• Visit your local GP
• headspace Counselling: Parents or students can call or walk in to their local headspace centre. 
• eheadspace, online and phone counselling for young people aged 12 to 25 and their families: 1800 650 890 www.headspace.org.au/eheadspace
• Kids Helpline, online and phone counselling for young people aged 5 to 25: 1800 551 800 www.kidshelpline.com.au 
• Parentline, counselling and support for parents and carers: 13 22 89 https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/parentline
• National Medicare Mental Health Support make a free call to 1800 595 212 between 8:30am – 5pm weekdays (except public holidays) 
• Lifeline, crisis support and suicide prevention for all Australians: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue, online and phone support service for individuals experiencing depression and anxiety and their families: 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au (including translated resources to help parents and families support young people’s mental health). 
• Head to Help, digital mental health resources from Australian organisations: 1800 595 212 www.headtohelp.org.au/
• Suicide Call Back Service, online, phone and video counselling for anyone affected by suicidal thoughts: 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au 
• contacting 000 if you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others

Have a great break and see you on TUESDAY JULY 22nd.

Nigel Holloway