Principal's Report
It has been another busy month at the college. It is wonderful to hear and see students strongly engaged with their learning, as we implement our student empowered tailor-made curriculum program. By providing a more personalised program we aim to better cater for our student learning needs. Feedback from students has been highly positive, with students more excited about their learning, parental feedback too, has been positive. Various forums are planned to obtain further feedback from students, parents, and staff on our new curriculum model.
Curriculum Programs
The recent article in The Age newspaper sparked lots of conversation about learning at our college. Some comments in the article, including the heading were made by the writer aimed to capture the attention of a reading audience. I can assure all parents that our Course Counselling process are guided, we encourage all students to find and follow their passion, but this is not ‘free rein.’
Many positive comments from colleagues and community members including some from well outside our local area were received. Our world is changing rapidly, so as educators we must also enable students to develop skills so that are better able to succeed.
Earlier this week, a Student Subject Selection letter went home to parents/carers of all Explore and Enhance students (Years 7-10) (requiring parental signature) about student subject sections for semester 1, 2021. The 2020 COVID restrictions made this task difficult last year and as such, has been delayed until now. Thank you to the parents and carers who responded quickly, and if you are yet to sign and return the form, I ask that you do so promptly.
We commenced the year with a Start-up Program to get them ready for the 2021 school year, focusing on key knowledge and skills. Students completed workshops on a range of topics and our Explore students (Year 7) engaged with Peer Support sessions. VCAL and VCE students completed Readiness Tasks to ensure they understand the requirements of their pathway and subjects, as well as give teachers important starting points for their learning needs.
Tutor Learning Programs. Currently we have a range of tutors working for both catch up and extension. Tutors are all pre-service teachers from Monash University, providing most up to date practice and enthusiasm.
Our college Curriculum leaders are currently engaged in an extensive professional Learning initiative facilitated by DET. The PLC initiative aims to further assist teaching staff with the use of data so that we can better identify student learning needs and monitor progress over time. I look forward to implementing this initiative with our wider staff later in the year.
Please note that Thursday 18th March, will be a Curriculum Day. This will be a student free day with no classes for students. Staff will work on curriculum planning and professional learning.
Co-Curricular Programs
We have many fantastic learning opportunities outside of our classroom. Recently, 170 students got to experience a day trip of a 3-day camp at The Summit. A big thanks to the Sub-schools for their work in quickly collecting relevant documentation. A huge thanks also to the staff who attended the camp and day trips to enable students to experience these wonderful learning opportunities and create lasting memories.
This year, we are at the early stages of planning for a School Production. We have engaged Drew Downing who is highly experienced and recommended to us to work with our students. An announcement will be made soon.
A reminder, that our Homework Club operates each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after school. It is just another wonderful opportunity for students to obtain additional assistance with their learning. Homework Club runs in the CRC from 3:30-4:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and in E-Block from 1:30-3:30 on Wednesdays. Everyone is welcome!
One of our new college initiatives is our lunchtime Clubs. This is student led and a great way for like-minded students to come together and to further explore their passion. See the list of lunchtime clubs below.
Monday
Fitness Club, Culture Club, Soccer Club, Basketball Club, Sustainability Club.
Tuesday
Mindfulness Club, Female Power Club, Garden Club, Volley Club, Fantasy Sport Club, Healthy Eating Club.
Thursday
Chess Club, Animals Club, Programming Club
Friday
Fashion Club, Robotics Club, Languages Club
HPSC has a proud House spirit. Last year, our students decided to commence a House Renovation. Lots of feedback has been received from students and staff in relation to proposed new House names with new logos. We eagerly await the further updates.
It was with great disappointment that I was left with little option but postpone House Swimming due to extensive renovations at Noble Park pool. Luckily, we have secured a new date and venue. The Swimming Sports will now be held at Forest Pines Aquatic Centre on Monday 15th March.
Recently, a team of students and staff from the College joined me at the Lynbrook Primary Twilight Market. This was a great opportunity to showcase our school and to connect with our section of our local community. I wish to thank some to the former students from Lynbrook P.S. for their assistance at this event. Sahib, Heng Xin, Charlotte, Moni, Rhonica, and Vanessa.
Open Day
This year our college Open Day will be held on Wednesday March 17th. Student led tours with the Principal will occur during the day. The evening starts at 5.45pm with welcome, 6.15pm brief address followed by experiential ‘hands on’ learning.
Farewell
I wish to take the opportunity to thank Claire Bartlett our Business Manager. Claire has accepted a new position at Ashburton Primary School. Thank you to Claire for her work at the College and leadership of finances over recent years. Best wishes from all at HPSC. Recruitment for a new Business Manager has commenced, with interviews scheduled next week.
Thank you for supporting our college improvements.
Wayne Haworth
Principal