From the Principal

Thought for the week

“Are we really grateful for the good already received?” 

Marry Baker Eddy Science and Health 3:22-23

As we complete another Term and look to the holidays for some rest and revitalisation, these words of Mary Baker Eddy come to my mind.  Have we taken the time to stop and reflect on all that we have? All the wonderful acts of kindness we have already received during this Term? The unconditional generosity of those we love? The effort made by everyone to bring back a full calendar of learning and activities?

As we work towards the end of Term One this week, I encourage all students, parents and staff to make the time to reflect, and in your own way, share that gratitude for the abundance of gifts we have received.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with such generous and talented colleagues. I am also grateful to be part of a caring community which always strives to reflect Huntingtower’s values of Kindness, Respect and Excellence. 

Staff Learning

On Friday last week, our Teachers spent an engaging day with James Anderson exploring Learner Agency. Learner Agency relates to a student’s ability to navigate their way through life and to positively impact their circumstances.

Developing Learner Agency provides a vehicle for meeting some of our biggest educational goals; preparing students to take effective action in an uncertain future.

Huntingtower teachers spent the day with James Anderson discussing and learning about strategies to create an environment in which learners can develop agency and ways to facilitate the will and the power to act with greater agency. 

The role of a growth mindset, skillful learning and removing limitations was investigated and discussed. Teachers are keen to develop strategies to ensure that students are empowered to take greater control over their own learning journeys.

Year 12 Conference

It was a pleasure to spend some time last week with the Year 12 students at their Conference in Lorne. The group has committed to live their best life (unlimited and always striving for Kindness, Respect, and Excellence), laugh (at themselves and with others), and love the journey as they travel this year together. 

I was impressed by the maturity, connection and humility of the collective group and look forward to seeing them support each other and embrace the concept of ‘We are Huntingtower’ as they complete their final year at school. 

Sporting season

Huntingtower has had a very successful start to the sporting calendar. 

In the Secondary School, we have enjoyed the House Swimming and Athletics Carnivals, EISM Swimming, EISM Swimming Champs and the EISM sports. We had eight Senior Sport teams competing in a grand final this week. Congratulations to Mrs Belinda Baynham, Head of Sport, and all the staff and coaches for supporting the students to fully participate and achieve their best.

The House Athletics Carnival was held this week and was a wonderful event full of house spirit, healthy competition and a lot of fun.  A huge thank you to Mrs Belinda Baynham, Mrs Tamara Sheehan, and all staff for their commitment in supporting these events.

Earlier in the year, our Junior School students were unable to participate in the Summer Sports Round Robin, but two amazing Year 6 students (Elen and Matthew) were instrumental in organising our own internal version of a sports round robin here at Huntingtower.

The Junior School House Athletics Carnival was won by Ruthven.  Congratulations to Ruthven and to all students who participated. We also had 54 students compete at the inter-school SDSSA Athletics. My thanks to all the staff for supporting the Early Risers program which ensured the students were as ready as possible for this inter-school Athletics event which we won.

I wish all families a safe and happy Easter break and look forward to seeing you at the many events planned for Term 2.

Andrew Houghton

Principal