From the Principal 

Exceeding expectations - that is our goal in 2022. Dr Andrew Hirst

On Monday, we held our first whole school assembly, with students form ELC to Year 12 gathered out the front of the Tower Building.  This was a momentous event as we raised the 150th flag above The Hamilton and Alexandra College and sang the College hymn.  We also had the great pleasure of having Uncle Johnny Lovett, a respected Gunditjmara / Boandik Elder, provide a welcome to country on the College steps.  This was the first time in the College’s history and we were honoured to share in his local experience.  It was a truly moving start to our sesquicentenary year. 

In our 150th year, our emphasis is to ‘celebrate learning’.  We want all students to be curious, courageous and connected in class.  We want them to be respectful, trustworthy and kind in all their interactions. We want every student to be known, valued and extended by staff and our connected community. Together, I know that we can achieve this and support our students to be the best they can be. 

Significantly, student accountability will be critical to their learning outcomes in 2022. One of Australia’s most renowned educators, Professor John Hattie (University of Melbourne), has long argued that one of the most successful interventions is encouraging students to report thoughtfully on their own performance.  Hence, after each class we want students to ask:

• ‘What did I learn today?’ 
• ‘What did I learn about myself today?’ 
• ‘How did I positively contribute to the learning environment around me?’ 

Hattie suggests that enormous rewards occur when students know their current level of proficiency and when they can see the learning path ahead.  Please ponder on these statements and partner with us at home.

Finally, I remind all families that ‘respect’ remains one of our core College values and ask that you join with the staff and I in role modelling the standards we expect on all occasions. 

The future looks bright as we all share with collective pride in the fabulous accomplishments College has achieved since 1872. Without doubt, we have made a strong start this year; with feedback from the senior school camps, Myrniong intensive swimming lessons and ELC trials all equally positive and I thank all the students and staff involved for their very positive contributions, most especially Miss Reiher, Mr Dempsey, Miss Andrews and Mr Hawthorne, Mrs Patterson and Mrs O’Brien. 

2022 is shaping as one of our best years yet.

Dr Andrew Hirst

Principal