Principal's Report
A big welcome to the 2020 school year!
I trust that all students and families enjoyed a restful summer holiday and that you feel energised for a wonderful year of learning growth. There has never been a more exciting time to be at Hampton Park Secondary College. Students in 2020 now have access to over 100 new and exciting subjects, as we aim to cater for different student passions and learning needs.
We are now a school that offers multi-age classes, as age does not define ability. By introducing our vertical structure, we aim to reduce our reference to year levels as we which to reference our reference to labelling students Year 7-12. This year, our new notional Year 7 students enter the Explore Program. Our notional Year 8-10 students engage in our Enhance Program. Students who would be in Year 11 and 12 enter our Excel program and are known as Graduates of 2020 or 2021. It may take some time to get used to this but with practice, we will get there.
Our college will enable students to be more empowered to take control of their learning. At HPSC, we aim for ‘learning to be done with students rather than to students'. By offering a more personalised learning program we aim to strengthen student engagement, improve learning growth and thereby student achievement.
I am pleased to announce the safe arrival of Ms Priyanka Dixit’s daughter Mia, who was born during the school holidays.
2020 brings many excellent new members of staff to our College. (Click to enlarge)
We also welcome the following teaching staff who are returning from leave.
- Hannah Blackmore (Food Tech.)
- Barb Davies ( P.E.)
- Kim Van Heerwaarden (Dance)
Over the holiday’s further facility upgrades have occured to improve our College as a place of learning including painting, additional storage, more flexible teaching spaces including a silent study space in our CRC. Further works are planned throughout the year.
We look forward to students and families joining us at the VCE/VCAL “Steps to Success” Information Evening on Tuesday 11 February (6.00pm – 7.00pm). During the evening the Senior School Team will be providing the opportunity for parents/carers to develop greater insight into the VCE and VCAL Programs and how to support your student throughout the year to ensure they are working hard to satisfy all work requirements.
Our Explore (Yr 7) students will be attending their Transition Camp on February 17th and 18th. It is expected that all Explore Students will attend this important event as it is a fantastic opportunity to meet new classmates, make friends and to build connections with teachers.
On February 10, all Explore Program ( Year 7) students and parents are invited to the school for a Welcome BBQ, beginning at 6.30pm. Attendance is highly encouraged as it is a great way for parents to meet teachers and for students to show off their new school.
This year I am pleased to inform you that we have introduced a Mentoring program for all students. The program is designed to enhance student connectedness and belonging as we offer additional support to students. These sessions will include Study Skills, Goal Setting, Careers and Pathway presentations along with modules from DET’s Respectful relationships initiative. Every student in the school will have a team to support their academic and emotional and social development. The team includes a mentor Teacher, Learning Leaders, Sub School Leaders, subject teachers, Wellbeing staff and members of the Principal Team.
As 2020 school year commences, I wish to remind all parents that there are many way you can support your children and our school. Regular check of student diaries can inform you of homework tasks to be completed. Compass is a vital communication tool where parents can monitor student attendance, learning tasks and upcoming events. We plan to provide workshops for parents on how to use Compass. Further details will be available soon.
Attendance at school is vital for improved learning. Every day away can lead to gaps in learning making it more challenging and difficult for student to succeed and reach their full potential. “It is not OK to be away!”
When travelling overseas, it is requested that parents use school holidays rather than losing learning time. Too much learning time was lost by too many students at our College in 2019. I am seeking the support of all parents and carers to assist in improving student learning for the 2020 school year.
Over the summer break, it was sad to hear the effects of the devastating bushfires across the country and the tragic loss of lives both people , wildlife and property. I encourage all members of our community to donate to the bushfire relief.
Over the past few weeks there has been lots of media about the coronavirus. Advice from the Department of Education has been that the risk to the Australian public remains low. Students should attend school as per normal. All members of the public are advised to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Regular washing of hands is also encouraged. As per normal, when family members feel unwell always consult a doctor.
Thank you for your support as we make our College the school of first choice for local families.
Wayne Haworth
Principal
