Welcome to my last Havenview Primary School Principal’s report for 2022 – and what a fabulous year it has been - with the last 2 weeks certainly reaffirming the amazing work that has and, still is being done by our wonderful students and staff. The recent recognition of our students for their efforts across a huge range of areas reinforces the aspiration, dedication to learning and resilience shown by our students who recognise that failure is the first step in their journey to success. Congratulations one and all for the growth you have demonstrated in 2022 – whether that be academic, social and/or emotional.

The brilliant work of our teachers and teacher assistants often goes unrecognised. But today I would like to celebrate their dedication in ensuring that our students – your children – are exposed to highly effective teaching and learning opportunities. Every day, every moment, these devoted people, whether working individually or collaboratively, invest heavily, in time and energy, sharing their talents and knowledge beyond the scope of their paid duties. Even when faced with adversity they always go ‘above and beyond.’ In 2022, they have:

• Aligned our school values of We Always do our Best; We are positive learners; We are Respectful and Caring; and We act Safely and responsibly with the Department of Education, Community and Young People (DECYP) Values of Courage, Respect, Growth and Aspiration and explicitly these Values and Expectations to our students
• Participated in professional learning about and the Zones of Regulation and facilitated learning from this framework to support the social and emotional learning of our students - earning praise from our inclusive practice coach who surveyed our students and noted all students could identify the Zones and what they mean.
• Developed, implemented, and reviewed our Whole School Agreed Inclusive Practices.
• Developed, revised, and refined our Behaviour Support Processes in collaboration with our School Association and Parent Group

All of these actions (and many others) have had a positive impact on our school climate, and I am pleased to report great improvements in staff and parent satisfaction survey questions around behaviour, as well as a reduction in the number of recorded behavioural incidents.

Teachers have developed our Professional Learning Teams as Collaborative Inquiry Teams and we are starting to see positive results in our student learning outcomes as a direct result of the work of these teams.

A huge thank you to the ever efficient and supportive administration team of Leanne and Deb – no matter the challenge or busyness of the school day, these ladies make every day easier for us all; no job is too big, nor too small – and their smiles, kindness and generosity is greatly appreciated. Our EFA team of Sharon, Jeremy, and Neville work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our staff and students have a clean, safe and welcoming environment in which to work – please know, all you do is noticed, each and every day – thank you.

As for our ever-inspiring students - the introduction of our Above and Beyond Stars clearly evidences your supportive, caring, and helpful natures. Not to mention your kindness – this characteristic is being obvious, as even our Mayor, Teeny Brumby made mention of it at our Year 6 Assembly.

Finally, a thank you to our amazing parents and community. Thank you to every parent for your support and for the opportunity to share in your child’s life journey – it is a privilege and an honour.  To the School Association, Parent Group and greater community members who have volunteered and assisted during the year – I express our gratitude for the ways in which you have all helped develop our caring culture at Havenview Primary School.

I look forward to 2023 – and the journey we will take together in creating better futures for us all. Merry Christmas and a truly magical New Year to you all.  

Regards

Duncan Murfet                                                                                        Principal