Principal’s Report
Dear Parents, Carers and Students,
As we reach the end of Term 3, reflect on the significant learning experiences that are available for students at our college.
There has been lots occurring in the teaching and learning, some outstanding performances and achievements, and plenty of work happening behind the scenes as we prepare for 2027.
Most importantly, I continue to be proud of the way our students get involved, have a go and represent our college.
Strengthening Teaching and Learning
This year we launched our Instructional Model, which provides a consistent approach to teaching and learning across the College. The purpose is simple, to support teachers in their classroom practice and, ultimately, improve outcomes for our students.
Developing consistency in the classroom is important. We want our students to experience high-quality teaching regardless of the classroom they are in, while still allowing teachers to bring their own knowledge, experience and personality to their practice.
I would like to thank Ms Kylie Hanna for her leadership of this work, along with Mr Ivan Britto and Ms Michelle Lau and the Practice Excellence Team for the work they have done throughout the year.
Our 5 R’s framework, developed by our House Teams and led by Mr Max Eldridge, is another important piece of work. The framework will be introduced across our classrooms from the beginning of next year and will provide a consistent approach to classroom expectations and student management.
The aim is about creating classrooms where students understand the expectations, relationships are positive and learning remains the priority. This work supports the Berry Street Education Model that has been adopted by the school. Creating a positive classroom climate with regular routines that has been led by Ms Andrea Bellgrove and Ms Sally Walsh.
District Athletics.
Last week, I was requested to attend the District Athletics at Casey Fields to present medals to competitors. Congratulations, to all student who represented our college. A special mention to the below students who won their respective events.
1st place – Qualified for Regionals on Tuesday 6th October
Girls 16 Year Olds Javelin Throw – Lahaina Taputoa 17.67
Boys 14 Year Olds Discus Throw – Muhammad Hassan 28.8
Girls 18-20 Shot Put – Akasha Vitale 8.00
Boys 17 Year Olds Long Jump – William Chau 5.30m
Boys 14 Year Olds Javelin Throw – Talon Armstrong 18.62m
Boys 15 Year Olds Discus Throw – Ej Ioasa 26.51m
Boys 18-20 800 Meter Run – Noah Taylor 2:49
Boys 12-13 200 Meter Dash – Michael Malyshev 28.04
Girls 18-20 Discus Throw – Akasha Vitale 12.9
Boys 16 Year Olds Long Jump – Aadil Shamim 4.93m
2nd place
Boys 18-20 Triple Jump – Vincent Wang 8.23m
Boys 17 Year Olds Javelin Throw – Kobie Harkness 27.39m
Boys 18-20 100 Meter Dash- Maceon Armstrong 13.79
Girls 15 Year Olds High Jump – Olivia Fodor J1.30m
Boys 17 Year Olds High Jump – William Chau 1.60m
Boys 16 Year Olds 200 Meter Dash – Mohammad Painda 32.59
Boys 15 Year Olds Shot Put – Ej Ioasa 9.20m
Girls 18-20 Javelin Throw – Akasha Vitale 13.84m
Girls 16 Year Olds Discus Throw – Ehllena Ula 16.90m
Boys 14 Year Olds Long Jump – Yasir Ali 4.67m
Boys 14 Year Olds 4×100 Meter Relay – Hampton Park SC 53.39
3rd place –
Boys 12-13 100 Meter Dash – Charlie Sarith 13.76
Boys 18-20 Discus Throw- Vincent Wang 17.10m
Girls 18-20 Long Jump – Akasha Vitale 3.45m
Boys 18-20 Shot Put – Vincent Wang 8.50m
Boys 18-20 200 Meter Dash – Maceon Armstrong 27.82
Girls 18-20 200 Meter Dash – Akasha Vitale 36.56
Boys 12-13 High Jump – Michael Malyshev J1.45m
Boys 18-20 Long Jump – Vincent Wang 3.76m
Boys 16 Year Olds Shot Put – Jazzrel Baylon 10.50m
Boys 12-13 400 Meter Run – Charlie Sarith 1:04.93
Boys 18-20 400 Meter Run Noah Taylor 1:11.77
Boys 18-20 Javelin Throw – Vincent Wang 16.24m
Girls 14 Year Olds Long Jump – Valentina Vinci 3.63m
Congratulations and best wishes at the Southern Zone Athletics carnival.
Student Wellbeing
Last week we celebrated R U OK? Day, and our Wellbeing Team put together a fantastic day for our students.
From breakfast in the courtyard, a range of exhibitors and activities, to the petting zoo at lunchtime, there was plenty happening. More importantly, it provided an opportunity to stop, connect with others and think about our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around us.
Thank you to Ms Debbie Edwards and the Wellbeing Team for the considerable work that went into making the day such a success.
Celebrating Student Talent
Our students have also continued to make us proud through the performing arts.
The recent 4C’s performance was a fantastic showcase of the creativity and talent of our students. They performed with confidence and enthusiasm, and it was wonderful to see them take to the stage and enjoy the experience.
Thank you to Ms Kelly Krieg, Ms Sally Carruthers and the Performing Arts Team for the time and commitment they give to our students.
Our recent Multicultural Evening Performance was another wonderful evening. It was great to see our students sharing their talents and celebrating the diverse cultures that make up our College community.
Thank you to all of our students who performed and to the Performing Arts Team for supporting them.
Model United Nations
Recently, two HPSC teams participated in the Model United Nations, representing Cuba and Spain.
The students spent six weeks researching their countries, preparing position statements, drafting amendments and developing their speeches and debate points. They did an outstanding job. Cuba held their own against the USA, while Spain successfully had two amendments passed. Well done to Jing Yi Chua, Rheya Goetjens, Diana Nanthalak, Nayab Nawrozi, Zahra Nazari, Samera Nazari, Shalom Peti and Neelab Rezae.
Lady Casey Mural
I was particularly proud of three of our Year 11 students last week.
Maddie Gittens, Mariah Gittens and Keira Dekrell were part of a panel with local government, WHISE and GenVic to launch and discuss the first ever student-led commemorative justice initiative in Australia.
Their work focused on recognising an overlooked woman of Casey — Lady Casey — and has culminated in a mural that can now be seen at 112 High Street, Berwick.
What impressed me most was not simply the finished mural, but the confidence, commitment and maturity the girls demonstrated throughout the project. They were outstanding representatives of Hampton Park Secondary College, and I congratulate Maddie, Mariah and Keira on what they have achieved.
Write a Book in a Day
Last week, two teams of students from our college took on the Write a Book in a Day challenge, raising money to support children with cancer. They wrote two books, in eight hours. That is quite an achievement. Thank you to Mr Antill and Ms Dixit, along with Ms Gabi Pelan, Ms Anna Mendoza, Ms Crystal Corocher and Mrs Emelia Eldridge, for supporting and supervising the students throughout the day.
Well done to Elizabeth Beck, Jordan Chilcott, Sharmaine Dumasig, Caitlin Irving Nguyen, Asma Muniree, Truc Nguyen, Kat Podsytnik, Pari Roshan, Ricky Siv, Leanna Wilkinson and their fellow team members.
Staffing for 2027
Our recruitment for 2027 is well underway. With growing enrolments, six staff taking family leave and two staff retiring, we have been particularly busy advertising positions and recruiting new staff. I am very conscious that the people we appoint are important. We want staff who are committed to our students, believe in what we are trying to achieve and contribute positively to the culture of Hampton Park Secondary College.
Courtyard Development
The Courtyard Development is continuing to progress, albeit more slowly than we would have liked. We are currently at the tender stage. I know there is considerable interest in this project, and we will provide further information as we move through the next stages.
Looking Towards Term 4
Term 4 is always an important term.
For our Year 12 students, it is the final part of their secondary schooling. We will celebrate their time at HPSC through the Year 12 Final Assembly before they move into the VCE examination period and the next stage of their lives.
For our younger students, it is also a time to begin preparing for the year ahead, including through our Commencement Program, which begins on Monday 23rd November.
It is an important time for students to reflect on where they have been, consider where they want to go and take responsibility for their next steps.
Important Dates
Please keep the following dates in mind:
- Friday 18 September – Last day of Term 3. Students dismissed at 2.30pm.
- Monday 5 October – Term 4 commences at 9.00am.
- Year 12 Final Assembly – Further details to follow.
- VCE Exams commence – Please refer to the VCAA timetable.
- Monday 2 November – Professional Practice Day for teachers. Student Free Day.
- Tuesday 3 November – Melbourne Cup Public Holiday.
- Friday 20 November – Curriculum Day. Student Free Day.
- Monday 23 November – Commencement Program begins.
To our students, thank you for the way you continue to represent HPSC. Whether it is performing on stage, debating at Model UN, writing a book, contributing to a community project, succeeding in the classroom or simply making the most of the opportunities provided to you, these are the experiences that help make your time at secondary school meaningful.
And to our families, thank you for your ongoing support of the College and your children.
I hope everyone enjoys a well-earned break. Take the opportunity to slow down, spend some time with family and friends and recharge.
We have plenty to look forward to in Term 4.
Wayne Haworth
Principal
Hampton Park Secondary College
