2025 - Term 3, Week 8
Principal's Report
Welcome to our Week 8 newsletter. Last Monday, Hennessy had the privilege of hosting a visit by the Executive Director for Catholic Education, Mr David de Carvalho.
Mr de Carvalho had a very busy day at Hennessy meeting staff, student leaders, Community Council reps and the College Executive Team. He also visited many classrooms. Mr de Carvalho reported that he was very impressed by the friendly staff and students, student leaders who were able to speak confidently to him about the issues facing them and very engaging classes which he visited. He was also shown the plans for the future building program for the Admin Block and the Science Block. Mr de Carvalho agreed that there needed to be movement to begin the tender process for these building programs and promised to follow up on this.
I am very pleased to announce that Mr Brad Milner has been appointed as the new Director of Students. Mr Milner brings a wealth of experience to this role. He is currently Deputy Principal at Eden Marine High School and has previously worked in various roles at Edmund Rice College Wollongong, St Pius X Chatswood and Lake Illawarra High School. He will commence in his new role at the start of Term 4.
On Tuesday and Wednesday last week, we welcomed our Year 7 Class of 2026 as they attended two orientation days. The students began their visit with a short prayer service and activities, then started working through a special timetable that allowed them to experience one period of each of the subjects they will study in Year 7. The third orientation day will continue in this vein in Term 4 on November 6, followed by a parent information evening.
The Catholic Mission Team has returned to present retreat days to Years 7, 8 and 9 this week. Students have enjoyed the engaging presentations, which have encouraged them to see the place of God in their lives. It was very refreshing to meet these young people who gave up a year to share their faith with school students.
The eSafety Commissioner has been in the media lately talking about the pitfalls of social media for young people. This link is a useful read when supporting your children in the use of mobile phones and social media:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/are-they-old-enough
Last Sunday, Carlo Acutis was canonised as the first Millennial saint. Even though he died tragically from leukemia at the young age of 15, he had a big impact. He is recognised for his strong faith and his love of the Eucharist. He was a clever user of IT and used his skills to share his faith with others. He is known as the ‘Saint in Sneakers’, ‘the Patron Saint of the Internet' and ‘God’s Influencer’. After his death, many young people began to pray to him.
The Vatican said Carlo has performed two miracles since his death, the first involving the healing of a Brazilian child suffering from a pancreatic malformation, the second involving the recovery of a Costa Rican student injured in an accident. Relatives of both prayed for help from the teenager.
Saint Carlo Acutis, who was born in 1991, is a great example for all generations of a short, faith-filled life.
Kathy Holding
Principal
Mr de Carvalho, Mrs Holding and the College Leadership Team
Mission & Ministry Report
As we approach the end of Term 3, it’s important to pause and acknowledge that not all of us are in the same headspace when it comes to assessment, classwork, and friendships. This time of year can feel challenging for many different reasons, and we know that not everyone reacts to situations in the same way.
Recently, we’ve noticed some issues arising in interactions between students. While it’s true that you don’t need to be friends with everyone, it is essential to remain respectful and kind to each person you meet. Respect and kindness are the foundations of a strong community, and they make a real difference in how we support each other.
In addition, there has been some inappropriate communication between Year 7 students on their email accounts, with a number being flagged through our automatic monitoring system. For the remainder of this term, Year 7 students will not have access to their Gmail accounts to move into a proactive space. However, they are still able to contact their teachers through Compass.
Last Tuesday, we joined with St Mary’s Parish to celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Many thanks to Mr Luke Miller and Ms Jillian Murray who worked to create a beautiful Mass, providing our College with a special opportunity to connect with our Parish community.
We also celebrated Father’s Day with a Mass that continues to grow each year. Thank you to the wonderful men and families who joined us, we served over 100 bacon and egg rolls afterwards, which added to the spirit of celebration and gratitude.
This week, we welcomed back the Youth Mission Team, who worked with our College juniors. It was inspiring to see our students respond with such energy and openness to the call of living a faith-filled life.
Next week, we will gather for our end-of-term assembly where we will share the resilience and mental health projects that each PC has been working on during SWS. These projects have seen students collaborate to address important issues that affect them and their peers. We are excited to see who the winning project will be at assembly and look forward to celebrating our Silver Award recipients as well.
As we move to the end of the term, let us give one another space, patience, and compassion. Together, by showing empathy and kindness, we can continue to build a community where every student feels valued and supported.
Mary Wright
Assistant Principal - Mission & Ministry
YMT Retreats
Teaching & Learning News
YEAR 11 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS
Our Year 11 students commence their Year 11 Preliminary Examinations this Friday through to the 24th September. Students have been sent their personal timetables for the examination period. Students are expected to attend all examinations, unless extenuating circumstances and they contact the school prior to 8:30am and follow the illness/misadventure procedure.
STAGE 5 SUBJECT SELECTIONS
This week, we had the opportunity to meet with Year 8 and Year 9 students to discuss the exciting possibilities available through their Stage 5 elective choices as part of planning for 2026. During these sessions, students were guided through the process for submitting their preferences, the importance of selecting subjects that align with their interests and strengths, and strategies for making informed decisions.
We were also pleased to connect with some families online to share information and answer questions regarding the selection process. Students will have until Friday, 12 September to submit their elective preferences. This information will enable us to identify areas of student interest and begin planning for 2026 accordingly.
As our students prepare to select their Stage 5 subjects, this is an exciting opportunity for them to shape their learning journey. Elective subjects allow students to explore areas of interest, develop new skills, and engage in learning that they truly enjoy.
When students choose electives they are passionate about, they are more likely to stay motivated, achieve their personal best, and build strong foundations for future pathways. Electives provide a chance to experience a wide range of subjects beyond the core curriculum, helping students develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence in their learning.
We encourage students to think about:
✔ What do I enjoy learning about?
✔ What are my strengths and interests?
✔ Which subjects will challenge and inspire me?
For more details on elective options and course content, please visit our Stage 5 subject selection booklet via our College website. Elective Booklets
Selecting subjects thoughtfully now sets the stage for success in the senior years and beyond.
If you have any questions, please reach out to any of our KLA Leaders, Mr Mergard, Mrs Parkman or myself to support your selection process.
YEAR 12 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE - TERM 4
The Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations for the 2025 cohort will commence on Thursday 16th October and conclude on Monday 10th November. These assessments are a significant milestone and an opportunity for students to demonstrate the hard work and commitment they have invested throughout their studies.
We expect all students to attend their examinations on time and be prepared to do their best. Students must arrive 10–15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of each exam to allow for a smooth and punctual commencement. Please note that students can access the full timetable via their school online account or through the official NESA website: 🔗 HSC 2025 Student Timetables
HSC results and ATARs will be released on Thursday, 18 December 2025. To celebrate this achievement, we invite all Year 12 students to return to school for a morning tea at 11:00 am on Thursday 18th December. This will be a wonderful opportunity to share successes and reflect on their journey through the HSC.
Success in the HSC is not just about what students learn in the classroom—it is also about how they prepare. Effective preparation builds confidence, reduces stress, and leads to improved results.
Students are encouraged to:
✔ Use feedback from teachers to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
✔ Seek support when needed—whether through study sessions, tutorials, or speaking with teachers.
✔ Complete practice papers to become familiar with exam formats and question styles.
✔ Attempt timed exam questions to develop time management skills under exam conditions.
✔ Utilize all available resources, including past papers, study guides, and online tools.
Consistent study and active engagement with these strategies can make a significant difference in performance. Remember, preparation is the key to unlocking success in the HSC.
YEAR 7 2026 - ORIENTATION DAYS
Last week, we were delighted to welcome the Year 6 students who will be joining our Year 7 cohort next year. Throughout the two days, students engaged in a variety of subjects, including Art, Sport, Geography, English, Cooking, Woodwork, and Science. This experience provided them with a valuable insight into the opportunities and learning experiences that high school has to offer.
We extend our sincere thanks to the teachers who designed and delivered engaging lessons to showcase what life in Year 7 will look like. It was a wonderful day of meeting new friends, exploring new subjects, and building excitement for the transition to high school.
Our next Orientation Day will be held on Thursday, 6 November, and we look forward to welcoming our future students once again.
CLASSROOM CONCERNS
As the term has been progressing we have seen an increase in classroom concerns. As you are aware, we have been refining the classroom concerns process as such, here are the updated steps and stages. As well as the sanctions for each stage for students who are not meeting our College expectations.
-1, Classroom Concern Level 1 Any Subject - Warning and Chronicle Entry (management by classroom teacher), -1 point for student.
-2, Classroom Concern Level 2 Any Subject - Warning and Chronicle Entry (management by classroom teacher, KLA leader and contact made with parents by the staff member who wrote the concern), -2 points for student and an email sent to student.
- 3, Classroom Concern Level 3 Any Subject - Automated Chronicle Email to parents/carers (management by classroom teacher, KLA leader and contact made with parents by the staff member who wrote the concern), -3 for student. The student will be withdrawn from representing the College in extracurricular activities, including excursions and sports teams for 3 weeks.
-4, Classroom Concern Level 4 Any Subject - (management by classroom teacher, KLA leader. Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning, Phone Call to Parents/Guardians, -4 for student. The student will be removed from the playground for a week and will be withdrawn from representing the College in extracurricular activities, including excursions and sports teams for that term.
-5, Classroom Concern Level 5 Any Subject - management by classroom teacher and KLA leader and Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning Phone Call to Parents/Carers to organise class withdrawal for a day and an interview with Assistant Principal. The student will be removed from the playground for a week and will be withdrawn from representing the College in extracurricular activities, including excursions and sports teams for that term.
-6, Classroom Concern Level 5 Any Subject - management by classroom teacher and KLA leader and Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning Phone Call to parents/carers to organise a one-day external suspension and an interview with Assistant Principal. Students will also be removed from representing the College in extracurricular activities including excursions and sports teams for the rest of the term.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Regular school attendance is one of the most important factors in a student’s academic success. Every lesson matters, and when students miss classes, they miss vital learning opportunities that cannot always be fully recovered.
Why Attendance Matters:
- Students who attend school regularly develop stronger understanding of concepts and skills.
- Poor attendance creates educational gaps that make it harder to catch up and can lead to reduced confidence in learning.
- Consistent attendance improves future opportunities, including post-school study, training, and employment.
The Impact of Missing School:
- Missing just one day per fortnight adds up to 4 weeks of school per year.
- Over Years 7–10, this equals an entire term and a half of lost learning.
- Students with poor attendance are 2–3 times more likely to struggle with literacy and numeracy compared to those with regular attendance.
Beyond academics, regular attendance helps students build friendships, develop social skills, and prepare for life beyond school.
We encourage families to support their children by prioritising attendance and contacting the school early if any issues arise. Together, we can ensure every student has the best chance for success now and in the future.
CLASS SPOT LIGHT - YEAR 12 AGRICULTURE
This week, our Year 12 Agriculture class has been working diligently on their final elective unit, exploring a range of biotechnologies, innovative farming solutions for the agricultural industry, and the ethical considerations associated with these developments. Students have also examined processes related to biofuels and their applications within agricultural systems.
As part of this learning experience, the class had the opportunity to visit Blantyre Farm, where they gained valuable insights into the use of biofuels and how these are converted into transferable energy sources.
We extend our sincere thanks to Edwina and Shelley at Blantyre Farm for their generosity in hosting our students and providing such meaningful, hands-on experiences to support their HSC studies.
Year 12 Agriculture
Jessica McInerney
Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning
Year 7 French
Bonjour! Our Year 7 French Banquet was a wonderful celebration of food, teamwork, and creativity.
The day kicked off with our capable Year 10 and Year 11 Hospitality students, who prepared the essential components of each dish. Then, during periods 1, 2, and 4, the Year 7 students stepped into the kitchen, supported by their older mentors, to cook up a delightful menu of nine traditional French favourites. These dishes included mini quiches, vol-au-vents, crêpes Suzette, and croque-monsieur.
Working in small groups, each team had about 35–40 minutes to complete their dish and make sure there was plenty to share. Once plated, the dishes were presented with flair, and everyone came together during break 3 to enjoy a banquet worthy of France itself.
The day was a memorable and rewarding experience, highlighting collaboration, imagination, and the joy of French cuisine. Congratulations to all involved—très bien et bon appétit
Dine & Donate
McAULEY HOUSE
"This was my first year participating in Dine and Donate, and I really enjoyed being a part of it. After school, many students and their parents came together to help prepare meals for those less fortunate. We spent the afternoon making a pasta dish while enjoying time with family and friends. It was heartwarming to see so many families smiling and working together for a great cause.
Overall, we made 73 meals that were donated to a local initiative supporting people in need. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back and become more aware of the impact we can have. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to make a difference in someone’s day while learning a valuable everyday skill."
— Riley Noakes
McAuley Photos
NAGLE HOUSE
In Week 7, Nagle came together for a wonderful afternoon of food, family, and community spirit through our Dine & Donate program. Using the school’s fantastic Hospitality facilities, students teamed up with their parents, siblings, and friends to cook up a classic favourite – Spaghetti Bolognese. 👩🍳👨🍳
With Italian-themed music setting the mood 🇮🇹🎶, families chopped, stirred, and laughed together before sitting down to enjoy their delicious creations. It was a true family affair, with students and families from Year 7 through to Year 12 taking part. 🥗🍴
The generosity extended beyond the table too—70 meals were prepared in total, with 30 donated to Vinnies and the rest stored at the local Parish Centre for those in need. 💚
A huge thank you goes to Mrs Nowlan, whose organisation and enthusiasm made the event such a success. 🌟
Dine & Donate is more than just cooking – it’s about connecting, caring, and contributing. What a fantastic way for our Nagle community to come together and make a difference! 🙌
Eliza Taylor
Nagle Photos
Gallagher Photos
Year 8 Geography - Speed, Distance & Time
On Tuesday afternoon, our Year 8 Geography students took their learning beyond the classroom and into the field. As part of their study on Distance, Speed, and Time, students engaged in hands-on fieldwork around the College Oval.
Using stopwatches and trundle wheels, they recorded data and calculated measurements, applying key geographical skills in a practical and engaging way. The activity not only reinforced classroom concepts but also encouraged teamwork and critical thinking.
A great time was had by all, and it was fantastic to see students so actively involved in their learning!
Year 10 & 11 Hospitality
The heat was on in a different way this week in our kitchen as our Year 10 and 11 Hospitality students traded their aprons for academic attire, working together in the lead up to their Preliminary Exam prep. Instead of culinary creations, they're crafting comprehensive syllabus notes, hoping to rise to the occasion!
Year 7 Science
As part of their Cells and Classification unit, Year 7 students have been busy learning how to use microscopes to observe specialised plant and animal cells. This hands-on experience allowed students to explore the intricate structures that make up living organisms, sparking curiosity and deepening their understanding of biology.
It’s been a fantastic opportunity for students to apply their scientific skills and see the wonders of the microscopic world up close!
Careers News
CatholicCare - Foster Care Information Session
Marymead CatholicCare, a not-for-profit agency seeking your assistance. Our Permanency Program have scheduled a Foster Care Information Session in Young on Thursday afternoon @ 5.30pm on 18th September 2025.
There is a shortage of foster carers and we are trying to spread the word through various communities in the hope that anyone interested would be able to reach out and attend our information session. The session will allow interested persons to find out about the different types of care they could provide as well as the process involved to become a foster carer.
We are asking if you could possibly email the attached flyer out to staff and parents within your school as soon as possible. The flyer has a QR code that interested persons just need to scan to register to attend the session and we will then send them the address details of where it will be held. Also, if you happen to be having a newsletter going out to parents in the next week or so it could also be included in that, if that is an option.
Community support is crucial for us to be able to help provide loving and safe homes for vulnerable children. We hope you can assist. Please let me know if you have any questions or need further information.
Kind Regards,
Roma White
Administrative Assistant
Permanency Program
Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn
M. 0419 795 709 | P. 02 4827 1611
PO BOX 3167 Manuka ACT 2603 | mccg.org.au