Principal's Report

Mid-term finds us in the midst of quite a lot! As your children are busy participating in excursions, events, sports, and extra activities (and that’s just while they are at school), it is important to remember that rest and downtime are important as their stamina and zest are tested. Whilst getting out there and enjoying all that you can given what your kids have missed recently, I also recommend you schedule some time for them to rest, relax and play so as to not run themselves totally into the ground. I understand it’s not easy, but it may just help them get a little more out of the things they are involved in. A recent stint of isolation has also reminded me that (in appropriate doses!) there are worse things than being at home and hanging out as a family.

Battle of the Boots

One instance when I very much encourage you not to stay at home and to get out and be a part of the community is at the annual Battle of the Boots (the Game that Stops a Suburb!) in just over a week. We look forward to joining St Mary’s for this game that is very much about fun and connection but also focuses on raising funds for our schools and associated charities. A huge thank you to all of the parents involved in the day, and especially to Alvaro, Julian, Mark, Sean and Peter for their coordination and organisation of what will be a great day out. For all the details, please see the Community Section of this newsletter.

Building Works

You may not have noticed the painting and refurbishment works that have largely taken place upstairs in our main building thus far, however many of you will have noticed significant works occurring at the front of the school this morning. After securing a grant for a Shade Sail last year under the Government’s initiative to have more outdoor classrooms in schools, we will see the concreted part of the Indigenous Garden covered to facilitate learning. The painting and re-carpeting works are also coming along speedily with several classes completed and more underway. 

Student Voice: Sustainability

In this edition, you will notice a new page titled ‘Going Green’ which has been compiled by the Marine Ambassadors on behalf of the Green Warriors. I commend these students, under the guidance and commitment of Sharon (6B) to endeavour to improve our sustainability efforts as a school and encourage you to read their piece and take action in the best way your family can!

Parent Opinion Survey

This week, many families will receive an email with information regarding the Parent Opinion Survey. This annual survey is administered by the Department of Education and provides us with wonderful insight as to the experiences of you, our parents, of your child’s education, quality of teaching and learning, school environment and more. I encourage you to take the time to complete it as the data is greatly valued and certainly influences our decision-making based on what it tells us we need to keep doing and what we need to focus more intently on or do differently. I thank you in advance for taking the time to complete it.

Non-returning Students 2023

To determine accurate numbers for our 2023 planning, we are seeking information from any family with children who will NOT be returning to our school in 2023, excluding our Year 6 graduating students. If this applies to you, I ask that you send an email to Hampton.ps@education.vic.gov.au as soon as possible. Your assistance with this is greatly appreciated as we are preparing to commence our budget planning for 2023 and accurate enrolments are an important aspect of this process. If you are considering options for 2023 and have any questions or concerns I welcome the chance to talk with you about these and encourage you to make a time to meet with me or your child’s teacher.

Town Hall Meeting

After a strong turnout at our first ‘Town Hall’ Meeting last term, we will be hosting another on August 24th at 8:15am. This will involve an overview of the upcoming school review process, current performance against targets and the opportunity to ask any questions. 

Mark Alexander, as School Council President, will also be speaking to the progress and proposed future actions regarding funding for the school’s Master Plan and be available to answer questions relating to School Council. This will be in the BER, no RSVP will be required. 

Athletics

Congratulations to all of our Grade 3-6 students that participated in last week’s Athletics Carnival, our first since 2019. The weather was perfect and the day ran like clockwork. Thank you to Nick for the significant amount of organisation required for the day to be such a success and to all staff who supported the day. All parents who were able to help out and attend as spectators also make the day what it is, and I thank you also. Best wishes to all students competing in the upcoming District Athletics Carnival on the 13th of September.

Grade 5/6 Production

The evening before District Athletics is our Grade 5/6 Production ‘Trix on Stix’, which again has been noticeably absent for many years. We are excited by the performances our students will showcase on the night after a term of honing their circus skills. We look forward to a large number of families joining us at Kingston Arts Centre for the show!

Compass Calendar

A new ‘layer’ has been added to the Compass Calendar title ‘Extra-Curricular Activities’. This is to provide you with an overview of the various Extra Curricular Activities there are on offer for your children to participate in at school. To view this, you must have this layer visible. You can turn this on/off by viewing the calendar on a web browser (not on your phone app). This is also a chance to ensure you have all other available layers turned onto visible, for which each of your children will have one associated with their grade level, and there is a ‘Community Events and Activities’ layer that includes all whole-school events. Should you need any assistance, please speak with the office.

Celebrations

Congratulations to Alana Gadsby (Grade 6 / PE Teacher) on winning the Grand Final this weekend for Hampton Rovers in the Division 2 Victorian Womens’ Amateur Football Association League. Many students were in attendance cheering Alana and the team on as they won a close game.