This article is sponsored by Hills Grammar
Surrounded by a 53-acre campus of pristine bushland in Kenthurst, a Sydney suburb, the school’s tranquil and soothing location mirrors what happens inside its walls.
The focus is on providing a supportive and inspiring environment, to get the most from Hills Grammar’s cohort of teachers.
Principal Karen Yager says, “A commitment to staff wellbeing is embedded in our school culture. Their unique qualities and strengths are recognised, valued and nurtured.”
This is done by a series of initiatives.
Leading the way is career development, viewed as a key priority by the school’s leadership.
One such way this occurs is by ensuring experienced teachers are available to share their insights.
“We offer a number of programs, including school-wide mentoring and coaching opportunities designed to enhance staff resilience, growth and a sense of belonging, while nurturing each staff member as a Hills Grammar Original,” says Mrs Yager.
Dr Christine Furner, PhD, facilitates the Professional Learning (PL) and has leading-edge knowledge, as her PhD centred on how teachers learn across their career stages and this extensive research guides the basis of Hills Grammar’s unique programs.
The school has three hallmarks fundamental to its PL programs:
- collaboration
- collegiality
- connection
“For many years, Hills Grammar has provided excellent professional learning opportunities for our staff, as research shows that professional learning is key to boosting student learning,” says Dr Furner. “PL is also important to enabling teachers to grow, thrive, be resilient and progress in their thinking, practice and careers.”
In addition, the school, which educates students from Early Childhood to Year 12, specialises in personalised career stage and leadership development ensuring that teacher’s own learning is engaging, customised and effective.
Staff are also encouraged and offered the chance to utilise Hills Grammar’s fantastic facilities for their own learning and relaxation.
These include the recently renovated Booth Centre, a hub for innovation and creativity. Split over two levels, it is where the Visual Arts and Design and Innovation subjects are held, and includes a pottery kiln, dedicated studio overlooking the treetops and a gallery space to feature artworks.
The lower levels have laser cutters, 3D printing, robotics, modern textile equipment and woodwork rooms.
Alongside this is the sports precinct, which hosts netball courts, oval and synthetic all-weather fields, wellbeing week, ongoing support and learning opportunities and monthly ‘I have noticed’ acknowledgements.
As a welcoming community made up of many stories, cultures, as well as being proudly diverse and inclusive, Hills Grammar is an environment that drives students to learn and be better, partly because of the mindset of their teachers.
Mrs Yager says, “We surround our students with positive, creative and inspiring people, enthusiastic about their own learning and keen to immerse students in the spirit of life-long learning across the whole community.”