Principal Address

Dear Parents,

We had a beautiful morning together at Chapel today, and I particularly appreciated the way our Year 3 students reminded us about what it means to foster a Christian community. They spoke thoughtfully about the small but powerful ways we can care for one another, through kindness, encouragement, forgiveness and looking out for those around us. It was a wonderful reminder that community isn’t something that simply happens; it’s something we intentionally build together every day, what a rich experience for all of us. 

NAPLAN next week

Over the next few weeks, our Year 3 and Year 5 students will participate in NAPLAN. We wish them all the very best and look forward to seeing them approach the week with confidence.

Families often hold a range of views about NAPLAN, how useful it is, what it measures, and how much importance should be placed on it. It’s helpful to remember that NAPLAN is a snapshot: one moment, one day, showing one aspect of learning. While the information it provides can be valuable, it will never tell the full story of a child. It can’t capture their creativity, their kindness, their sense of humour, their perseverance, their artistic gifts, or the many ways they contribute to our community.

At the same time, there is value in the insights NAPLAN provides. It helps us understand aspects of literacy and numeracy development across the school and can support us in identifying areas where students may need additional support.

In preparing for NAPLAN, we have taken a balanced approach. We’ve done some moderate preparation so that students feel familiar with the format and confident in what to expect. However, we have been careful not to treat it like a high-stakes exam that students need to be intensively coached for. Our goal is for students to approach it calmly, do their best, and then continue enjoying the rich and varied learning experiences that make up life at HopePoint.

All the very best to Year 3 and Year 5! 

Building Project Update

As you may recall, I provided you with an update earlier this year about our new building project. The archaeological (“dig”) itself went very well. However, recently part of our property was newly listed within a bushfire zone. This has meant we’ve needed to undertake some additional work and assessments to meet the updated requirements. 

While delays like this are never ideal, please be assured that we are working closely with all the relevant authorities to move things as quickly as possible. We are hopeful of a demolition at some point in the Term 1 Holidays or Early Term 2 and building beginning shortly after. 

Thanks for all of your positive comments and feedback around much of the proposed building. 

Here are a few more proposed images of the internal spaces.

Well done Aurora and Willow

A big shout out to Aurora and Willow for trialling for the CSSA Touch Football team. We are incredibly proud of you both for giving it a go and representing our school so well.

Congratulations on your efforts!

Farewell (For Now) Mrs Stevens

As many of you are aware, Mrs Stevens is preparing to welcome a new baby and begin her maternity leave. Today will now be Mrs Stevens’ final day with us for the time being.

Mrs Stevens has been a faithful and wonderful member of our staff over the past five years, and we are so grateful for the care, dedication and warmth she has brought to our school community. She has made a significant contribution to HopePoint and will be greatly missed while she is away.

As she and her husband James prepare for this exciting new season, we pray God’s blessing over them and their growing family. We look forward to welcoming Mrs Stevens back to HopePoint in a year or so.

Please keep Mrs Stevens, James and their baby in your prayers during this special time.

My door is always open.

Mr Joe Britton

Principal