Heatley Secondary College respectfully acknowledges the Wulgurukabaa and Bindall people, the Aboriginal Owners of the land where we learn every day and pays respects to Elders, past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, cultures and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the state.

A better understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures develops an enriched appreciation of Australia's cultural heritage and can lead to reconciliation.

This is essential to the maturity of Australia as a nation and fundamental to the development of an Australian identity.

Dear Heatley Secondary College families

As we draw to the end of our first term, it’s time for students to reflect on what they have achieved so far this year and get set for Term 2.

This term we have had a distinct focus on the teaching of literacy skills in junior school (years 7 – 9) and by conducting walkthroughs of these English classes in particular, school leaders have certainly noticed an increased application in writing skills and an uptick in the demand to read more within the unit of work.  I am certainly looking forward to some improved results in our English Level of Achievement.

On that note, all students will receive an interim report at the end of this term.  This is the perfect opportunity to spend some time unpacking current results looking for positive outcomes and opportunities to improve.  For the first time, effort and behaviour will be graded on a 5 point scale with very clear markers for each grade.  I should point out that if your child receives an N rating for any of their subject areas, this is an indication that they have not completed/submitted enough work for the teacher to make a judgement on the standard of the work for the term. 

What brings you to Heatley Secondary College?

It’s a little known secret that one of the perks of being a school captain at Heatley Secondary College is that you get a free lunch at least once a term and the opportunity to sit down with me and other school leaders and provide advice and opinions about all things Heatley.  My school captains are the eyes and ears of the school and I take their opinions very seriously.

This week I asked them to tell me what it is that we do well at Heatley Secondary College (from a student perspective) and what sorts of things we could do to improve the College.  I was blown away by the depth of this conversation and also by the maturity of our College Captains.  Here’s what they told me:

THINGS WE DO WELL AT HEATLEY SECONDARY COLLEGE:

• This school is a community and everyone gets to know one another
• Because Heatley SC is a public school it offers many diverse opportunities People are accepting and supportive of others.  Heatley gives you the chance to develop an open minded attitude
• As a public school, Heatley has many options. It’s cheaper than a private school and it provides quality education for students with disabilities.  There are many pathways here
• Our facilities are unique! TCTC, PAC, The Cyclone Shelter…………
• The support for students from Clontarf, STARS and Wellbeing is amazing
• The teachers want you to do your best and they really support students
• The rock band
• The recording studio
• Engineering camp

WHAT’S ON THE WISH LIST:

• Newer lap tops (they’re on the way)
• Covered walkways to the Sports Hall, L Block
• More STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths)
• More ARTS (could we do a school musical?)
• Revamping classrooms (D Block is getting a facelift, so is E block and the Resouce Centre)
• More fundraising and discos (over to Student Council)
• Ideas for more clubs and ways to encourage students to get to every class on time everytime

With these young leaders in charge of our future, we are in good hands.  I’m looking forward to the senior captains representing us at the ANZAC dawn service this year and also working with all captains. Heatley Proud I can assure you.

As I sign off for the this term, I wish every one of you a safe and relaxing break and I look forward to seeing everyone back on deck on Tuesday 22 April after our final day on Friday 4 April.

I have my fingers crossed that the weather will be kinder to all of us in Term 2.

Kind regards

Melissa Jackson                                                                                       

Look Who Made The

Northern U19 Girls Football Team....

At just 15 years old, our very own Bella Nielsen has been selected to compete with the Northern U19 Girls Football Team. Showing her prowess and outstanding ball skills on the field, Bella was a standout!!

Fuel For Schools

We are thankful to have the continued support of Fuel for Schools and School Food Program seeing 2025 kick off with some variations to the breakfast program. Continued support from Fuel for Schools who supply much needed milk, cereals and spreads for breakfast for the students, while the School Food Program has enabled wellbeing to incorporate fresh muffins and healthy fruit smoothies into the program. These added foods allow the school to continue to supply breakfast to those who need or have forgotten to have breakfast in the mornings and is available for students from 8 - 8.30am each morning. This term we have also incorporated a whole school pancake breakfast and these will continue twice a term through the rest of the year to continue the connection within the school community.

Lunch time activities have taken off this term with pickle ball being the all-time favourite on Tuesdays which we have extended to both breaks and we are now looking at implementing a second pickle ball area for other students to become involved in these activities. Each Monday, students can engage in a variety of big games in the courtyard with some serious chess games being pondered over and a variety of other big games enjoyed.  Mini Golf happens on Fridays and Just Dance activities have also been implemented with a look at continuing this into term 2.

The Zen Den continues to provide a lunch option this year. Thank you to Eat Up Australia partnered by Women's Veterans Network Australia (WVNA) and the Lions Clubs of Castle Hill and Great Barrier Reef for delivering these cheese toasties for all to enjoy.

Next term, we will continue to run the Rethink program for Year 9 students so they can continue to benefit from this program. Chappy John "The Rock" has been amazing with these students working on their value and worth, creating understanding and abilities in adjusting to change and to work successfully through challenges. Inspiring Brighter Futures will also continue next term with the year 10 students building on their values and goals and becoming inspiring leaders in the community. Term 2 will also see some further programs start with Mel Pershouse, our amazing Youth Support Co-ordinator.

Students Cater for Harmony Day

Harmony Week was celebrated week commencing Monday 17 March, culminating with Harmony Day on Friday 21 March, where our year 12 Certificate II Hospitality class was tasked with the responsibility of planning, preparing, cooking and serving a dish to the school community, dishing up a delicious meal of gluten free pasta with bolognese meat sauce. The students were met with many challenges, mainly the torrential rain preventing a number of students from attending and therefore unable to assist with the planning and prep work but never fear, the Heatley Proud Learner attributes kicked in and our year 8 & 10 Food Studies students stepped up to help out, using their skills and energy to successfully make enough sauce to feed the whole school!

It was a great opportunity for these students to work with the year 12 students and learn some valuable skills. Talk about aspirational

Date Claimer:

Learning Progress Conversations

Our Learning Progress Conversations provide a valuable opportunity for parents and teachers to connect, collaborate and discuss student progress. These meaningful conversations ensure that every child is supported, challenged and inspired on their learning journey. Dedicated teachers and engaged parents working together helps create the best possible experience for our students. 

Bookings will open first week back in Term 2.

Event takes place on Tuesday 6 May, 3.30pm to 6.30pm.

IMMUNISATIONS

Immunisations are taking place in term 2:

• Year 7 - Thursday 1 May
• Year 10 - Friday 2 May

Year 7 and Year 10 students have received a consent form and information sheet with details of the vaccines offered and the diseases they prevent. Parents and legal guardians have been asked to complete, sign and return the consent form so their child can be vaccinated at their school by a qualified provider. If parents do not consent to their child receiving the vaccine, the form must still be completed indicating this preference and returned to the college.

Please contact the college as soon as possible if you have not received your child's consent pack - 4726 8333.