HPSC Newshamper

Principal's Report

VCE English presentations

Recently, I had the pleasure of being invited to be part of the Oral Presentations by Year 11 students for English. Speaking is an important part of communication. Students were required to plan and deliver a concise and coherent argument by using statistics and persuasive language. Our students showed considerable preparation and presented to a high standard. Some of the topics selected by students included banning mobile phones for students in schools, the need to support climate change, and the need for greater support for the LGBTQIA+ community.   

 

The new Senior School Certificate.

Victoria’s senior secondary education is changing. From 2023, the new VCE Vocational Major will replace Intermediate and Senior VCAL. This means the VCE will recognise different students equally. The new Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) will replace Foundation VCAL. Students will have more education choices, a higher-quality curriculum and better workplace experiences – preparing them for further study, training at TAFE or work. From 2023, more students will study the VCE. That is because the VCE will include the Vocational Major, a 2-year program that sits within the VCE. There will also be the Victorian Pathways Certificate for those who need flexibility in their learning. A new information and awareness campaign, Many Talents, One VCE will roll out explaining the changes. The changes are a result of the Review into Vocational and Applied Learning Pathways in Senior Secondary Schooling (the Firth review). 

 

The review found we needed to improve vocational learning in schools. Schools currently offering VCAL will switch to the VCE Vocational Major from 2023. Some schools that do not offer VCAL will expand their options to include the VCE Vocational Major. Teachers and careers counsellors are available to answer questions and to support students as they make decisions about their final years at school. Now students will have greater access to high-quality, relevant vocational education and applied learning opportunities. For more information, go to vic.gov.au/oneVCE

 

Attend today, succeed tomorrow! 

As I have mentioned, there is a strong correlation between maintaining high levels of attendance and achieving academic success.  Recently, during our House Athletics carnival we provided a small treat from Mr Whippy for all students who have maintained a 100% attendance so far this year.  This small positive response was planned to recognise and celebrate attendance but also to get people talking about attendance. I did notice that a small number of parents were concerned about this strategy and made comments on social media, as they thought that we would be unfairly disadvantaging students who have been away due to illness or from covid isolation. I can report that this is not the case. When medical certificates and written approval from parents is provided, students can maintain their attendance. Students who have unapproved absences move further away from perfect attendance. I wish to remind all families that direct feedback is very welcome. This can be done by contacting the school directly. I will be happy to meet personally to discuss any questions.    

 

Year 12 Formal

Our Year 12 formal was recently held at Alencia Receptions, and what a great night it was! Students and staff looked wonderful in their formal attire. Students (and staff) enjoyed many hours on the dance floor. Thank you to Ms Georgie Kios, Ms Cat Glenn, Ms Annie Lingard, Ms Ciara Vella and Ms Kelly Krieg for their hard work in organizing this special event. The formal was postponed last year due to covid restrictions. 

 

Official Opening of our Doctors in Schools Program 

On Wednesday 1st June, Premier Daniel Andrews with our local Member Gary Maas and many other distinguished and invited guests attended our college to assist with the Official Opening of our Doctors in Schools Program Building. Our building will provide a variety of services including counselling, visiting a psychologist and even legal advice from the Springvale/Monash Legal Service and Southern Migrant Resources Centre.  This was another big occasion for our college, as we realise the goal of providing our community with a holistic approach to wellbeing. I wish to thank Debbie Edwards, Team leader for Student Services for her leadership in driving the vision into a reality. 

 

Student Surveys

Students undertook the annual Attitude Towards School Survey.  Data obtained from the survey help us to reflect on what is working well and to find further opportunities for improvement. 

 

Pivot Surveys will also be undertaken by students across a range of classes. This survey enables students to provide direct feedback to the teacher about the learning in the various subjects.  By reflecting on the feedback, and by collaborating with other teachers, teachers strive to continue to improve their impact on learning.

 

NAPLAN 

Recently, NAPLAN testing was conducted at our college for students in Year 7 and 9. I wish to thank and congratulate our focused and hardworking students for their efforts in doing their best. We have a strong emphasis on learning growth, as students continue to develop their skills and improve.  I wish to thank Mr Max Eldridge for his leadership and organisational skills in facilitating the administration of the tests. Thanks also to our IT team and support staff for their assistance as this was the first time that across the state NAPLAN test were conducted online.

 

Careers Week

Recently, students enjoyed Careers Week with activities including guest speakers from our Alumni Program, a visit to the careers expo, mock interviews and much more!  All Year 9 students undertook the Morrisby Report. This is a psychometric assessment aimed to match Year 9 students with potential career pathways. At HPSC, we are keen to see students ‘do what they love and love what they do.’ Year 10 Work Experience is rapidly approaching in the last week of Term 2. Well done to all students who have already arranged their placement. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience the world of work. All Year 10 students are expected to be part of this program.

 

Model United Nations

I can report that students with Ms. Hannah Grimm recently represented our College at the Model United Nations at Monash University. Our students represented our college with distinction, while learning a lot and having fun! The topic was "Asylum Seekers and Refugees: A global Humanitarian Crisis." The students represented the countries France, Saudi Arabia and Panama. 

 

National Reconciliation Week- Be brave and make a change.

Over the past week, our students and staff recognized National Reconciliation Week. Recently, our Year 8 students enjoyed a performance by popular Indigenous Singer and performer Scott Darlow. Through songs and stories, Scott enables an improved understanding and awareness about our First Nation people. Thank you to Mr Brad Andrews for arranging this special event.   

 

Last Sunday, Ms. Debbie Edwards (Students Services Team Leader) and Mr Paul Broecker (Assistant Principal) accompanied many of our students with a particular focus on our Indigenous students at Marvel Stadium for an AFL game between St. Kilda and North Melbourne. As part of the Sir Doug Nicholls round, our students were invited to form a guard of honour as the players ran out onto the ground. 

 

 

Multi- Cultural Assembly

Our annual Multi-Cultural assembly held recently was a huge hit with all students and staff. In my view this was the best Multi-Cultural Assembly ever! It was a wonderful celebration of many cultures, one community.

 

Our list of acts included;

  • My Island Home- School Choir
  • Drumming Performance- Noble Park English Language School
  • Afghan Dance
  • Attan Traditional Dance (Afhan/Pakistan/Iran)
  • Traditional Sega Dance (Mauritius)
  • Pasikifika Choir (HPSC with Cranbourne West SC students)
  • Taichi Kung Fu Fan Performance (Chinese)
  • Cook Island Performance
  • Bollywood Dance (Indian)
  • Tongan Dance
  • School Band- Rolling in the Deep- by Adele
  • Samoan Dance
  • Dragan Dance (Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne)

 

Uniform Policy change

Recently, our School Council has endorsed a proposal to allow students to wear their full Physical Education uniform every day. Alternatively, students may choose to wear their Academic uniform. It is important to note however, that students are not permitted to mix the Physical Education and Academic uniform. For example, wearing runners with the Academic uniform is not allowed. 

 

School Council motion: 

The HPSC School Council endorses the proposal for students to wear either the full Academic or Physical Education Uniform each day.  It should be noted, students cannot wear a mixture of Academic and P.E uniform, students select one uniform or the other.

 

Students are encouraged to wear solid protective footwear when engaging in activities like Food Technology, Design Technology, and Science Prac’s. 

 

Staffing

Like many schools we are experiencing some major challenges when it comes to staffing. But rest assured we are working very hard to provide continuous support to students so that their learning is optimized. I wish to acknowledge our Daily organizer Sue Glenn for her outstanding work in covering classes during the high levels of staff absence. 

I wish to remind parents and carers when speaking with staff, to do so respectfully. Kindness, patience, and understanding is always appreciated. Our staff are working hard to support all students and families. Your support and co-operation are much appreciated.  

 

Last week, we farewelled Mr Darryn O’Connor. Darryn is a longstanding staff member and has accepted a new role at Advance College, closer to home on the Mornington Peninsula. 

Ms. Alisha Gibson our Youth Worker has accepted a 6 month contract with Bayside Council. This week, we farewell Ms. Bree Watson (Martin). Bree has accepted a Leading Teacher position at Lyndhurst Secondary College. Best wishes and thanks to Darryn and Bree.

 

Thank you for your continued support of our community.

Wayne Haworth

Principal