From the Principal

Thought for the week

At all times and under all circumstances, overcome evil with good. 

(Mary Baker Eddy, Pulpit and Press 15:16-17)

As we commence the term break, it is timely to reflect on what we have achieved and celebrated together.  I was informed that Term 1 at Huntingtower is full of events and opportunities for students to demonstrate their personal best.  They were right, Term 1 is certainly action packed!

Despite a brief snap lockdown and negotiating ever-changing restrictions and protocols, we have enjoyed House Swimming, EISM Swimming, EISM Championship Swimming, Senior School Camps, House Athletics, Debating, Chess, inter-school sport and so many other co-curricular activities.  We are so blessed at Huntingtower to have such an inclusive culture where students can participate knowing they will be supported and encouraged by all. The House Athletics this week was a wonderful event, full of house spirit, healthy competition and a lot of fun.

Having experienced many of these activities for the first time at Huntingtower, I would like to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the staff in putting together and supporting all these events.  I have said many times that the success of any school is directionally  proportional to the quality of the staff. At Huntingtower, all our staff give tirelessly to ensure we have a vibrant and inclusive culture where we are free to strive for personal excellence. My heartfelt thanks to all the staff for a wonderful and memorable Term 1.

The Junior School has also celebrated magnificent achievements in the Syndal District Schools Sports Association (SDSSA) . In our division, we won the SDSSA Swimming here at HSAC against all 12 schools!  We celebrated success with the SDSSA Summer Sport Round Robin aggregate for Division 2, with our cricketers, teeballers and softballers winning their sport for the day as well as the SDSSA Athletics at Bill Sewart in Division 2 of the six smaller schools.  It’s a great achievement and we came second overall out of the 12 schools in athletics.  A huge thank you to Mrs Joanna Clapp and all Junior School Staff for their commitment in supporting these events.

I would like to express my gratitude to the staff, students and parents who have been involved in the Strategic Planning Focus Groups. Consultants from Independent Schools Victoria have conducted focus groups with students from Years 5-12, staff and parents from the Junior, Middle and Senior School, and administration and support staff. I look forward to sharing the feedback we have received from the focus groups with the HT Community next term. 

If any member of the HT community would like to share their thoughts, I encourage you to do so by using the email address below. This email account will only be monitored by myself and Mrs Vicki Schwab and any responses received will be de-identified before being shared with the Executive and Board.  If you would like to share your thoughts, we ask that you focus on the following two questions: 

1. What does Huntingtower need to protect so we retain the uplifting and loving community? 
2. What does Huntingtower need to do in the next 3-5 years to enhance our Teaching and Learning, Parent Engagement, Student and Staff Wellbeing, resources and facilities.

Please email your thoughts and ideas to strategy@huntingtower.vic.edu.au.  We look forward to hearing from the community and building Huntingtower’s future together.

Thank you to all our beautiful families for your continued support of the school. In whichever way you may be spending your holidays, I wish you all a safe and enjoyable break and blessed Easter with family and friends.  See you in Term 2. 

Andrew Houghton

Principal