Principal's Report
Welcome to Term 2
I trust that all students and families enjoyed a restful break. Over the past few weeks, students have transitioned smoothly back into learning. Term 2 is packed with events including Student led Conferences, NAPLAN, Student Attitude to School Survey, House Athletics, Exams for Students in Year 10-12, Year 8 Camp to Mill Valley Ranch, City Program for Year 9, Work Experience for Year 10 and much more!
On Thursday 28th April, the official Opening of Stage 1 (Freeman House) took place. In attendance was our local member Gary Maas, Executive Director Southern Region- Deborah Harry, Vikki Golding Senior Education Improvement Leader, Luke Delutis- School Council President, Kerry- Anne Fisher- School Council Vice President, along with members of our Executive Leadership Team and our School Captains. This building forms an administration centre for Freeman House which is one of our 4 college Houses. This year, Freeman House is a base for senior students with many VCE and VCAL Classes being conducted in the classrooms. It will also provide a base for examinations. A special thanks to Mr Ayman Youssef for his tireless work in collaborating with architects, builders and the Victorian Schools Building Authority.
ANZAC Commemoration
On Friday 29th April, we gathered to commemorate the ANZAC’s, not to celebrate war, but to remember those who fought for our country and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. This year, we had the privilege of having Sonia Weston-Hume, Elder from the Bunurong Land Council and Ray Heathcote, Berwick RSL Member in attendance. Ashley Belgica of year 12 performed a wonderful rendition of the Australian National Anthem and ‘I am Australian.’ This special assembly was led by our School Captains Mikaira, Cherub, Skyline and Zahra.
During the commemoration our student House Leaders presented House wreaths. Mr Shinkfield, along with students Nima, Deakin, Neda and Jacob passionately read stories about soldiers from the battle of Fromelles. Thank you to everyone involved and a special thanks to Ms Aria Sunga and Ms Saira Qureshi for their leadership in organising this special commemoration. A heart-felt thanks to all students for their highly respectful and exemplary behaviour.
NAPLAN
This week, the NAPLAN testing ran from Tuesday to Thursday in our new Freeman House building. NAPLAN is something that students should not be scared about, but rather understand that by doing their best, students will get to further understand where their learning is currently at.
Attendance Matters
Every day at school supports learning improvement and enhances opportunities for success. Congratulations to each of the 240 students that have maintained a perfect attendance so far. Last week we held a special celebratory lunch for all students who have maintained a 100% attendance. High levels of attendance are vital to maximising success.
Recently, a number of families have indicated that they are taking a students out of school in order to attend a holiday. While family holidays are wonderful experiences, they can have a significant impact on learning for students, in particular senior students. As such, in order to minimise the disruption to learning, family holidays should be planned around school holidays. Senior students who have extensive absence due to a family holiday may not be able to satisfy the Senior School attendance requirements for VCE/VCAL, and this may result in their learning program being lengthened to, for example, a 3-year program. When making holiday plans parents/carers and students are advised to contact the relevant House Leadership team well in advance.
Uniform Blitz
All students are required to wear the full HPSC school uniform every day. Many students are supporting HP pride by wearing the uniform better than in previous years. Students have been directly involved in designing some of the additional clothing items. Students are reminded to wear the Academic uniform or the Sports uniform but not to mix the two types. For example, wearing runners with the academic uniform is not permitted. As the weather gets cooler, students are reminded that additional visible clothing items cannot be worn as they are not part of the official uniform. A reminder that 2022 is the last year for wearing the old HP Spray jackets. Our new jackets have been phased in over the past few years and will become compulsory form the start of 2023.
Learn to Swim: a life skill
This year, All Year 7 and 8 students have had the opportunity to participate in our Learn to Swim program. Each year, a number of Victorians lose their lives as a result of drowning. Living in Australia, an island continent, it is vital that all students learn how to be confident around water and have the ability to be safe around water. Thank you to all students and families who have supported this vital program. A special thanks to Mr Paul Broecker for his leadership in supporting this program.
Bike/Scooter Pass
In the interest of keeping our students safe, we are introducing a Bike/Scooter Pass. All students are reminded that the Victorian law states that all Bicycle and Scooter riders are required to wear an approved helmet. Applications for a Bike/scooter pass have been emailed to all students. If you ride a bike or scooter to school, you are required to complete the application and return it to your House as soon as possible.
Thank you for your continued support of our college.
Wayne Haworth
Principal