HBPS Mother's Day Breakfast
A big thank you to everyone who was able to come along to the recent Mother’s Day breakfast, it was a terrific community event with many families in attendance. Thanks also to the parent/carer volunteers and staff members who assisted with the planning and setting up on the day.
National Volunteer Recognition Week
This week is National Volunteer Recognition Week and on behalf of students and staff I would like to thank the many parents and carers who assist at our school. This help is offered in many ways with the underlying benefit being the support and opportunities that our students get to experience. We are very grateful for this help, thank you!
Department for Education Improvement Strategy
Over the past 18 months the Department for Education has undertaken a process to reflect on, and review, the purpose of public education. This included seeking feedback from students, families and external organisations across the state. A snapshot of the feedback is provided below:
Students: 77% of surveyed children and young people hoped to be happy, healthy and have lots of family and friends whilst 62% indicated that they wanted to learn life skills at school.
Families: 62% of respondents believe ensuring students graduate with the foundational skills needed for work, further study and life is the most important purpose of public education. Other priority areas highlighted by families was teaching children how to problem solve, develop empathy for others and support for children’s wellbeing.
Staff: The majority of staff (71%) hope that children develop a love for life-long learning, a passion for problem solving and the capacity to collaborate as important priorities. Other significant areas highlighted were helping students to be creative, innovative and resourceful.
Industry skills councils: When asked to rank what is the first priority of public education, 37% of the groups surveyed ranked first the importance of students graduating with foundational skills needed for work, further study and participation in society. 31% of other respondents ranked first developing competencies such as how to learn, problem solve, collaborate and innovate.
From this information, the department has identified key priorities that will be a focus of public education into the future. These priorities are underpinned by 4 focus areas, they being:
Wellbeing: Learners feel safe, included, and valued. They have access to support, experiences, teaching, and resources to build their resilience and social and emotional skills to positively and confidently engage in learning.
Equity and Excellence: Striving for excellence in foundational capabilities such as literacy, numeracy and digital in all learners, by providing varied, challenging, and stimulating experiences. These opportunities enable all learners to explore and build on their own abilities, interests, culture and experiences.
Learner Agency: Learners are empowered to develop a sense of identity and responsibility as they participate in the school community and are supported to play a role in shaping their learning experiences.
Effective Learners: At school and throughout their lives, children need to develop the skills to be effective learners so that they can make the most of future opportunities and respond to changes in their world.
This framework will help inform future directions at our school; over the remainder of the year we will spending time exploring the 4 areas of impact in greater depth to help identify themes for us to focus on over the coming 2-3 years.
