Principal's Report

Much is happening in the school at the moment as we identify further extracurricular opportunities for your children and community engagement for you. It is an exciting time as we know that these present a wonderful engagement piece and allow students to explore different possibilities and pursue their strengths. 

To ensure you don’t miss out on these opportunities, remember to engage with Compass and other channels (you’ll find some of these below). I know first-hand that communication fatigue is real (I am in 3 class WhatsApp groups for my own children!) and we are endeavouring to streamline the official channels further. I also know that the best way to find out what you don’t know or can’t find is to ask. We would much rather you get in touch than wonder and value this relationship. 

Twilight Carnival

With the support of a very engaged and passionate parent, we are working to identify the feasibility of running a Twilight Carnival in 2024. We are very keen to see this achieved and are buoyed by the initial energy to volunteer. Please keep a look out for ways to engage as details become available. 

Snow Sports & Camp

You will have seen the posts on Compass regarding forming a Snow Sports Team for HPS this year at the annual Interschool Championships at Mt Buller. I’m pleased to share we’ve had very strong interest in this and will be able to shortly connect families and build a sense of team among all the students that are competing on the mountain. 

To provide an opportunity for a different type of experience, we are also testing the feasibility of a 3-day camp for students (optional) where your children can visit the snow, receive lessons and hone their skills (or learn the fundamentals). Communication on this will come out today. From previous experience, if you’re keen for your child to participate, I’d set your alarm for the opening of the EOI to ensure you don’t miss out!

Reconciliation Action Plan – Parents Wanted!

At Hampton Primary School, we are committed to actively pursuing reconciliation. Our vision for reconciliation is that we build a community environment that recognises, celebrates and embraces the proud histories, cultures and contributions of Australia’s First Peoples. We aim to learn, educate, inspire and provide opportunities for all members of our community to contribute to reconciliation and are committed to strengthening relationships with the traditional custodians of the land, the Bunurong people.

The RAP Team meet termly to pursue various actions that can be associated with this vision, with the team consisting of parents and staff. We are encouraging and welcoming new parents to join the RAP Team this year. No prerequisite skills are required, simply a similar desire achieve the vision above. If you are interested in joining or finding out more, please contact Alison Powell, who chairs the team. 

Capital Works Project

Post the School Council signing off on the Master Plan at the end of 2023, we are forging ahead with the Victorian School Building Authority, the Department of Education and our architects to plan for the project that will be associated with the promised funding. Post the Master Plan approval, I have been meeting weekly with these representatives to create the Schematic Design and other associated actions that this stage requires, such as better understanding the buildings and grounds we’re working with through detailed investigations. Unfortunately, I am unable to provide further information at this stage of the project as I am bound by Departmental policies that prohibit it. I am actively seeking, with the support of School Council, a communications plan so I can share as much as is possible with you shortly. As soon as this is received, I will be sharing all that I can. In the interim, I trust you will take confidence in the fact that the process is very tightly controlled and guided and School Council are across the project as we reach various milestones. 

Battle of the Bands!

The Parents' Battle of the Bands is in full-swing (pardon the pun)! Look out for details next week as to how to book your tickets to see the debut of Paul Goss, Pete, Rory Aurora, Jane Holroyd and Elaine Armstrong as they compete against 4 other schools. 

Tickets will be $30 and all money raised from sales will go back to the schools.

Bay Road Nursery Partnership

We're pleased to share that Hampton Primary School has established a partnership with Bay Road Nursery! This week, Justin generously donated 12 stunning native plants to enhance our school's environment.

In an ongoing effort to strengthen our collaboration with the nursery, we're introducing a 'Loyalty Card' program. When you make a purchase at Bay Road Nursery and mention Hampton Primary School, points will be allocated towards future plant purchases for our school.

With your support, we look forward to collecting more wonderful plants over the next few years and thank Anne Hostein for her dedication in pursuing this partnership and the improved green spaces in our school.

Parent Engagement in Learning

Many exhibitions are taking place over the closing fortnight of the term. We look forward to welcoming you to classrooms and engaging you further in your child’s learning journey. We thank you in advance for attending if you’re able. 

Bicycle Safety

We have recently become aware of some unsafe behaviour from students on bikes and scooters leaving school, including riding on the wrong side of the road or very quickly on the footpaths. We have asked teachers to remind students to be safe and considerate and encourage you to do the same. 

New & Important Dates

• End of Term: Thursday 28th March @ 2:30pm
• Curriculum Day: Monday 15th April
• Start of Term 2: Tuesday 16th April
• Battle of the Bands: 21st May

To stay up to date with all events and key dates, see the Compass Calendar. 

Reminders

Don't forget to bring your gold coins ($2 for one) to buy an emoji badge from our entrepreneurial Grade 4 boys who are raising money for a new microphone stand. This initiative is of their own volition and I congratulate them on their creativity and dedication to the project.

Celebrations

Congratulations to our students who competed at both District and Division Championships recently. We had strong representation at both, with many students progressing to Division Championships. A special congratulations to Silla G for an outstanding performance, winning both her individual races and setting a new divisional record for 50m 11 year old girls in both Freestyle (31.01 sec) and Butterfly (36.57 sec).

Please refer to the Specialists Page to see a full list of results!

I also congratulate Isla H (Gr 4) who had an outstanding State Athletics Meet recently. She won her age group for hurdles and finished 3rd in 800 m. This is an incredible effort in any circumstances, the fact that it was on the weekend of high 30-degree temperatures makes it all the more remarkable. Well done Isla on your resilience and talent!