From the Principal

Doing things differently can lead to something exceptional

This week, I would like to start my editorial by thanking all our teachers for their enormous efforts in successfully launching remote learning this past week.   As I often suggest ‘we are a community under continual improvement’ but the learning curve was steep these past eight days and I am most grateful for everyone’s patience and encouragement.  More importantly, students and parents alike have shared with me their growing confidence in our ‘new’ routine and I was thrilled to learn how appreciative so many students were for their new-found opportunities. 

At this week’s assembly, Jock Keiller shared a story about what constituted the first sign of civilisation in ancient cultures. It was not a fish hook or clay pot but rather a healed broken femur.  No animal or human survives a broken leg long enough for that bone to heal, unless someone has taken the time to stay and care for the one who fell.   ‘Helping someone else through difficulty is in fact where civilisation starts,’ argues the great social anthropologist, Professor Margaret Mead. When I read of the enormous good deeds being done around the Greater Hamilton community, I feel so assured that my family and yours is spoilt to live in such a caring community. This week, in addition to teachers, please take time to thank doctors, nurses and/or any other health care workers for their devotion to keeping us healthy.  Remember we are at our best when we serve others!

Finally, if your son and/or daughter continues to suffer from poor connectivity and/or limited supervision, please call Associate Principal, Mr Neil MacLean or Head of Junior School, Mr Stephen Nelson to discuss ways we can better support your family.  The College is still operational and we can be contacted via: phone 5572 1355 or  email using your normal email contact and/or reception@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au.   

I remain here for you at ahirst@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au .  Our work together to overcome this pandemic means each day we are closer to your sons and daughters returning to school.

Dr Andrew Hirst