Queanbeyan West Public School is a dynamic K-6 school known for its strong community spirit and commitment to inclusive, student-centred learning. With around 400 students - including 4 supported learning classes within the mainstream setting - relationships sit at the heart of the school’s approach.
Under the intentional leadership of Pete Baum, families are recognised as genuine partners in each child’s learning journey. That commitment to partnership has been further strengthened through Hero, which embeds visibility into everyday classroom practice and deepens the connection between school and home.
Authentic Learning Journeys
Rather than communication being confined to set points in the year, teachers capture and share authentic learning as part of their normal workflow. Families gain meaningful insight into their child’s progress throughout the term - building clarity, shared understanding and trust.
Speaking with the Hero team, APC&I Gemma Hawkins explained that authenticity is central to their approach.
“Don’t just choose the best day from the best lesson at the best time.”
Learning isn’t curated for display, it’s shared as it is.
“If they scribble something out or if they don’t know how to use the lines, that’s going to be evident in their work sample so that their parent knows that all year round.”
With learning evidence visible and organised in one place, conversations happen earlier and more naturally.
“It means feedback to students is timely, and parents are empowered to get in touch if they see something unexpected, rather than waiting until Week 10 of Term Four.”
Reflecting on the shift, Gemma noted:
“We should be having those conversations as they are needed - and we have.”
Strengthening the School-Home Connection
For Queanbeyan West, Hero has become more than a platform - it has become a genuine partner in strengthening the connection between school and home.
By establishing a clear and consistent rhythm of communication, Hero aligns with the school’s priorities: building shared understanding with families while enabling teachers to stay focused on what matters most - knowing their learners and supporting their growth.
If you’re interested in exploring how Hero supports effective home–school communication, and in hearing stories of success from New South Wales SSPs and support units, feel free to get in touch for further information.
