Principal's message

News from HWPS

Dear Families   

Welcome to this week’s newsletter. 

I hope you all enjoyed the time with your family and friends over the long weekend. 

We are excited to be able to share with you the results of our 2021 Student Attitudes to School Survey. The Attitudes to School Survey is an annual survey completed by all Year 4-12   students in Department of Education and Training (DET) Schools.

In the table below, you will see the results from our cohort of students in 2018 and the results from our 2021 cohort of students.  The categories identified in our 2018 School Review as areas for focus in our 2019 – 2022 Strategic Plan.

As you can see, we have much to celebrate as there has been significant growth in positive responses in each of the categories.

We are very proud of the teaching and learning programs at HWPS and the positive impact they have on student learning and wellbeing. 

STUDENT ATTITUDES TO SCHOOL FACTORS:

Effective Teaching for Cognitive Engagement

*Stimulating Learning

*Effective Teaching Time

*Classroom Behaviour

*Learning Confidence

*Motivation and Interest

Social Engagement

*Sense of Inclusion

*Sense of Connectedness

School Safety

*Respect for Diversity

2018 – 37%

2021 - 85%

Student Relationships

*Teacher Concern

2018 – 44%

2021 - 74%

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

School Council 

Thank you to the many families who voted in this year’s School Council election. The large number of votes that were counted demonstrates the importance our school community place on the role of School Council. Thank you to the members of our school community who nominated for selection and congratulations to those who were successful.

I am very pleased to announce the composition of the 2022 School Council

Parent Representatives:, Anthony Croaker, Cath White, Gabriella Lorenzetti, Hannah McBride-Burgess, Katherine Van Den Berg, Lachlan Bruce, Pat McGrath and Shaun Marcus.

Staff Representatives: Glenys Williamson, Daniel Vuik, Calla Kruger and Demi Barker 

The first meeting of the 2022 School Council was held last night and Office Bearers and Sub Committee Convenors were elected: 

School Council President: Gabbi Lorenzetti

Vice President: Anthony Croaker

Treasurer: Pat McGrath

Executive Officer: Glenys Williamson 

School Council Sub Committee Convenors 

Finance: Pat McGrath

Buildings and Grounds: Anthony Croaker

Community/Fundraising: Cath White

I would like to congratulate and thank all new office bearers for taking on these important leadership roles on the HWPS School Council.

I would like to acknowledge retiring School Councillor, Anna Esposito and thank her for the significant contributions she made during her time on Council particularly, in the area of parent and community partnerships. 

The work of School Council is achieved through our sub-committees. All school councillors are members of at least one. Our sub-committees are also open to other members of our community join. The sub committees meet approximately twice per term. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in further information about the work of our sub committees.

School Council Reporting Meeting 

The School Council Reporting Meeting, at which the Hawthorn West Primary School 2021 Annual Report will be presented, will be held on Thursday 31st  March at 7.30pm. 

The Annual Report is one of the school’s main accountability documents. It includes an overview of what the school has achieved over the past twelve months and incorporates key information on student achievement, and data from the student and parent opinion surveys. A copy of this report will be uploaded to our website by the end of the term.

The School Council Reporting Meeting is open to all parents in our community.

Parent / Teacher conversations: Tuesday 29th and Thursday 31st  March 

From  the start of this year, classroom teachers have conducted extensive assessments to develop a complete picture of your child as a learner. The purpose of the Parent / Teacher Conversations is for the class teacher to meet with families to discuss your child’s achievements and future learning goals. 

It is important that we build a strong partnership between families and the school to support the learning of all our students. During these Parent / Teacher Conversations, we also encourage you to share any relevant information that may have an impact upon your child’s learning.

The Parent/ Teacher Conversations will be conducted over Webex.

Please log into your Compass account to make a booking. 

HWPS Lapathon – Change of date (Friday 1st April)

Due to the number of students who are currently absent from school we have made the decision to reschedule this community event. It is an important opportunity for students, staff, families and friends to gather together to cheer the children on as they walk, skip and run laps of St James Park. Dressing up in crazy house colors is all part of the fun.

We encourage students to seek support from families and friends through sponsorship pledges. All monies raised from this event will allow us to fund another shade sail for our playground.

It’s only  two weeks away so come along and join the fun!

Grounds Update: 

Working Bee Our first working bee for the year is planned for this Sunday 20th March. We have a number of projects we would love some assistance to complete to spruce up our school prior to the Moonlight Cinema.

If you are able to join us for an hour or two please follow the link to register: https://forms.gle/aDMoNp9WBN3dSmVN8

Congratulations to:

• Gina (1G) and Lewis who were married at the weekend.
• The Junior School Council Group for organising Bullying – No Way! Day. The school looked colorful with our students wearing splashes of orange to acknowledge the role we all play in being upstanders and calling out bullying when we hear or see it.

Wishing you all a great weekend. 

Warm regards,

Glenys