Transcript:
As we say goodbye to another school year and our attention starts to focus on the festive period ahead and helpfully some constant warm weather and for the younger students a man in a big red suit, I would like to share some reflections of our year as a College.
It would be fair to say that this year held many uncertainties leading into it, but as the weeks and terms progress and the certainty that remote learning was not an option again many other priorities and challenges arose.
Staff and students started the year with excitement and enthusiasm about being back onsite with all friends and colleagues. What was quickly realised was much learning that we all took for granted at schools was required to be re-taught to many students and that staff transitioning back to face-to-face teaching was not as easy as we had all hoped.
The impact covid and remote learning really had was becoming glaringly obvious for many parents and staff.
There was the finest of margins of what care and support students required verses what level of expectation and standards we set for the students within their classroom for learning for all teachers.
All staff needed to adapt their teaching styles again in a way that engaged students with their learning following the significant time students spent home learning.
Staff needed to find the balance between teaching and learning and wellbeing and engagement and to their credit I believe they did an amazing job in challenging circumstances.
Adaption and evolution for changed practices unfortunately takes time and this was certainly a year filled with that.
Students across the College all faced their own challenges coming into 2022 none more important than the next.
The most common question I was often asked was who was impacted the greatest due to covid?
I know that we all look at things from the perspective of the challenges that it presented to each child and family so this is very difficult to answer.
Is it Foundation students who have not completed both 3- and 4-year-old Kindergarten?
Is it year 12 students that have not had their teachers during their senior years prior to starting year 12?
Is it Year 7 students who did not finish off their primary schooling years by completing and celebrating Years 5 and 6? Or at Hazel Glen students in Years 3 and 4 not finishing their time in the Junior School prior to entering the Middle School?
Is it students in Years 9 and 10 that traditionally disengage from school and drop out and not complete Year 12?
Simply, I don’t know!
What I do know they all need our extensive support, guidance, care, and direction right now.
And what I can proudly say is that the staff at Hazel Glen College were giving all of this and more to your children.
I want to acknowledge the incredible families, carers, and friends of this amazing community.
Your ongoing support and kindness to me personally, the staff and to your children is what makes HGC such an incredible school and community to work, live and learn in.
The partnership that you form with your child’s teachers is one of the most important indicators that determines success.
A partnership that is equal and shared that provides the consistent message that education matters.
After a cautious start to the year, we reinstated camps, college production, excursions, interschool sports, clubs and major college events which was incredibly well received amongst students, parents, and staff.
We also ran a Year 10 expedition to Ngukurr in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.
I am so pleased that we are exploring international travel next year to the USA with a NASA and Sports Leadership trip.
My 3 memorable events this year would have to be the Colour Run, House Performing Arts and our brilliant production, The Wizard of Oz!
I am still trying to get the colour out of my car and ears so thank you to many of those parents who sprayed me!
Over the last few weeks, I have been fortunate to present all award recipients across the College with the academic endeavour, academic excellence and citizenship and co-curricular awards.
What a privilege this was to be able to present these awards and congratulate students on their personal achievements this year. Thank you to all parents that attend these events, it is fantastic to have you there.
Congratulations to Anastasia for scoring ATAR of 97.15 she will be awarded our DUX award at the College Honours Assembly at the start of next year.
We had our first Year 12 graduation presentation with parents present at the college, this was due to our first 2 years being covid impacted.
We had over 800 parents, families, friends, students, and teachers pack the Furze Fitness Centre to celebrate this milestone for the graduating class of 2022.
Our College Captains collectively rang the bell as a symbolic sign off of their 13-year educational journey.
I wish all our students all the success in their future endeavours.
I try hard in my life to see the glass as half full and see challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement.
This year has challenged that belief many times, but what continues to restore my faith “is students”, and what they are capable of achieving when surrounded by the right people both at home and at school.
It is the most rewarding element of my job to see a student’s reactions and pride when recognised for their efforts and achievements at the completion of a task.
So, congratulations to all students for the work and effort they have applied this year.
The past 8.5 years have been the most challenging and most rewarding professional experience of my life.
I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to work at such an incredible educational facility with some of the greatest leaders, educators and educational support staff that inspire me every day to be better.
It has been my honour to be the principal of Hazel Glen College and to have served this community in its aspiration for all our students.
Thank you to all the parents for your ongoing support and in holding me accountable in my role as Principal.
Your feedback I have always taken as an opportunity to learn and grow as a leader.
I will leave Hazel Glen with my head held high and unbelievably proud of what I have been a part of.
I will actively watch from afar the College’s and students’ continued success in 2023!
I wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and festive season.
May God bless you all.
Thank you.
Anthony Stockwell
Hazel Glen College Principal
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