Heathmont Gazette – Issue 5
04/04/2025
Today marks the end of Term 1 for 2025, and what a term it has been! It may have been on the longer side for a first term, but it has flown by, packed with activities, events, and achievements.
From our Year 7 transition program and camp to the whole-school swimming carnival, the term started with great energy. More recently, our Year 7 and 9 students completed their NAPLAN testing, and this week we wrapped up with our Open Night and Parent-Teacher Conferences. Alongside these key events, students have participated in a wide range of excursions and incursions, including the Year 9 9Life program, interschool sports, Year 8 Medieval Day, and guest speakers for our senior students. Our operations committee has done a phenomenal job coordinating everything to ensure smooth scheduling and minimal clashes—a huge thank you to them!
For me, Open Night was a standout event and a testament to the work we’ve put in as a school over the past few years. This year, we saw a record number of families attend, with more of our current students than ever before actively involved—running tours, speaking, managing exhibits, answering questions, and helping with setup and pack-up. Their enthusiasm was incredible, and it was inspiring to hear their passion for the college and its programs. Many families commented on the welcoming atmosphere and the strong sense of belonging our students have, which is exactly what we strive to foster. I also want to acknowledge the dedication of our staff, many of whom put in extra hours to ensure the night was a success.
This term, our staff have focused on two key priorities: improving communication with families and strengthening classroom routines to create a positive learning environment. There are clear signs that our efforts are making a difference. This week’s Parent-Teacher Conferences saw record-high participation, with many staff fully booked for the entire session—a level of engagement we haven’t seen since before COVID. Moving forward, you can expect an email from your child’s teachers at the beginning of next term, outlining class plans and expectations for homework. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reply directly to their email.
In our regular professional learning sessions, staff have also been refining our approach to classroom management and student engagement. Through our partnership with Real Schools, we continue to embed restorative practices, with a curriculum day in Week 3 of next term dedicated to further developing these strategies. This term, we’ve placed a strong emphasis on setting clear expectations and supporting students in being prepared for learning. A new Compass tag for equipment has been introduced during roll marking, allowing us to track patterns and identify where additional support is needed. If you notice these tags on your child’s Compass feed, please have a conversation with them about the importance of coming to class ready to learn.
While Term 1 has been incredibly busy, Term 2 promises to be just as eventful. Please check the newsletter for key dates, including curriculum days, three public holidays, and a variety of activities and excursions.
As we head into the holidays, I wish everyone a safe and relaxing break. I look forward to hearing about our students’ holiday adventures when they return next term. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in our school community.
Kerryn Sandford
Principal
