The Huntingtower Bulletin

P&F

HT P&F News

Welcome

Hi to all and welcome to the 2023 Huntingtower school year. I am finding it hard to believe that we are already at the end of Week 4.  The year is off to a flying start with the House Swimming Carnival already gone (Congrats Rayner), EISM to come, triathlon training is well underway and in no time the kids will be off on their camps or other activities.

We had the Welcome BBQ last week and have plenty more events planned for the year to help us in  Valuing Connections in our community, see below for a wrap up of BBQ and events coming soon.

Justin Rulton
President HT Parents and Friends Association

Welcome BBQ 2023

Friday the 17th of February we were hit with 39 degrees in the early afternoon and there were concerns while the PAC crew were setting up - great work, Troy, Jackson, David and Georgia. Luckily the cool change came through and gave us a perfect evening for the yearly Welcome BBQ. All the kids performing did a great job and it was great to be able to see the talent we have in the school on full display.

 

Many thanks to all the parent and teacher helpers who jumped in where needed, too many to name, but we were so happy to see the teamwork and smiles on all the faces.

A shout out also to Nihar, Eleni, Max and Lara who did a wonderful job running the coffee cart. We went through about: 36L of milk, 1kg of coffee, 40kg of beef & 10kg of chicken sausages, 60 Vege Spring Rolls, 30 loaves of bread, 33 rounds of popcorn, 45L of cordial and 40L of water.

 

We hope you had a great night and continue your wonderful support at our next few events.

 P&F AGM

This will be held in the HT Senior Library from 7pm on Wednesday 1st March.  If you would like to join the committee or learn more about what we do feel free to attend.

Cinema Under the Stars

Postponed from late last year but now locked in for the evening of Friday 24th March.

Our Cinema Under the Stars event is going to be another great night where we will be screening the latest ‘Puss In Boots’ movie on the oval.  Bring a blanket or chair, a picnic basket or eat out at the famous HT BBQ.  Dress up as your favourite character if you like and bring your biggest smile.

We need your support so get your tickets now (presold is best – and its cheaper)

Any money raised on the night will be going back into something for our kids.

Trivia Night 2023

We are running another Trivia night in Term 2 on May 13th.  It will be another great night and you are going to love the theme.  Keep your eyes and ears open for details to be released soon.

Leave Your Mark - Named Paver Donation

Late last year we ran our Paver fundraiser and we would like to thank all that supported this initiative.  All funds that were raised from this are going towards some outdoor exercise equipment being built as part of the redevelopment where the old Cypress pines were adjacent to the running track.  This equipment will be able to be utilised by the students and the rest of the HT community.  Thank you.

Keep your eyes peeled as it is nearing completion.    

 

Parents and old students  together donated 110 Named Pavers and 137 Solar Panels.  The solar panels are now producing and the pavers have been ordered.    How wonderful to be in such a community of givers.

Carparks and Drop offs

Just a reminder to everyone out there to slow down when driving within the school grounds. The kids are working hard and have their minds on their schoolwork so its our job to have our minds focused on their safety. Slow down and please be patient. Let’s make sure everyone gets to and home from school in pristine condition. Stay safe and hope to see you around the school soon. Remember to “Always be kind in all ways” and display the courteous behaviour you expect in your students.

 

Then remember to please:

  • Try not to come on campus unless necessary, especially if students can walk, ride or take public transport.  (Remember March 24th is Ride 2 School Day promoting the benefits of riding or walking to school)
  • Consider using Dorrington Drive vehicle entrance / car – park during busy times to avoid traffic build up on Waimarie drive.
  • Observe speed limits and exercise caution.
  • Exercise patience and calmness.  ( a calm school makes students easier to teach )
  • Please not to leave your cars unattended (ELC parents excluded, who can utilise the pool car spaces).
  • Parking restrictions are in place to discourage stopping, other than pick up and drop off.
  • Disabled car parks are reserved for those eligible.
  • Come after your latest student has finished and is ready for pick up, not before they are ready, as prolonged waiting blocks the pick-up zones.
  • Ask your students to wait (with their siblings) in a spot prearranged for ease of pick up. 
  • Junior school parents are to use the Junior “kiss and drop” loop off Dunsmuir Drive and not get out of their cars.
  • For Junior school parents there are parking restrictions in Dunsmuir Drive, please do not block our neighbours driveways.
  • Ensure your Year 12 licence holders park off campus if they are driving themselves to school, unless they have special permission.
  • Obey staff and parent volunteers instructions and give us a friendly smile and a wave as you go.

When it gets busy remember that by following the above everyone can reduce the inconvenience.

From the HT P&F Committee

Volunteers

Huntingtower encourages an open and friendly learning environment, which values community participation and volunteer involvement. 

Our volunteers may be parents, guardians, carers of students at the School, alumni or members of the broader school or local community.

 

Volunteering

The School recognises the integral role that volunteers play and actively seeks to develop structures and procedures that encourages volunteers to become actively involved in the life of the School. We are grateful to the many volunteers who already make a significant contribution to the School by bringing different levels of expertise and skills to the curriculum as well as the cocurricular program. Any member of our community wishing to become a volunteer at the School will need to be on our Volunteers Register prior to performing any volunteer duties. All new and existing volunteers will be provided appropriate training to enable them to understand their role and provide clarity about what is expected and how they can positively contribute to the School’s programs.

Child Safety

The School is committed to the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people. As part of the School's commitment to the Victorian Government's Child Safe Standards, the School is required to collect, verify, and record the volunteer’s history of work involving children or young people. Huntingtower takes child safety very seriously and for this reason, volunteers are required to list their entire work history including any volunteer work involving children and young people. The Working with Children Act requires that any person volunteering in child related work must have a valid ‘Volunteer’ Working with Children Clearance (WWCC). Huntingtower requires all school volunteers to have a current WWCC.  All new and existing volunteers are required to complete the following prior to commencing any volunteer activities: 

Volunteers will be required to revalidate their Volunteer Induction (via the Presentation) annually. 

More Information

If you require assistance, our Human Resources Team are available to support and answer any of your questions via volunteers@huntingtower.vic.edu.au.  Huntingtower would like to thank all volunteers for the vital part they play in making our community a rich learning environment and a safe place for our students.