FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Year 12

Congratulations to Year 12 who have mostly finished their assessments and begin to look ahead to the Trials in Term 3. It has been a huge task and they have handled it well. 

The Trial HSC Timetable is now final - these will be in Weeks 4 and 5 of Term 3. Students will only be required to be at school for their examinations but may access the library at other times. 

Over the holidays students should be using time to study for the exams. The best type of study is to practice past paper questions as this helps develop written skills which is essentially what the exams are testing. Just reading over notes and making study notes are useful to consolidate knowledge but are not effective unless they lead to practicing the application of that knowledge. ATOMI is also useful and a great starting point to revise content. Past papers are available on the NESA website along with marking criterias, some sample answers and marker feedback. Most students will have access to other papers as well from their class teachers. 

So while Year 12 students should rest, it’s not the time to ‘down tools’ - it’s the time to ramp up the study habits. 

Year 10: Subject Selections for next year’s Year 11 2024

Subject Selections for Year 11 2024 will take place in week 2 of Term 3. There will be a Parent Information Session on Tuesday 25th July and selections will open after this. During Period 5 a subject market will take place in the Hall and students will have time to talk to current Year 11 students about their subjects.

Then, on Thursday 27th July, there will be interviews with all current Year 10 Hennessy students and their parents. Year 10 students will have the day off classes and only be required to be at school for their interview. There will be a link sent to parents week 1, Term 3 to book a 20 minute appointment time. Interviews will be in the College Library with members of the College leadership team. The interview is a compulsory component of the subject selection process. This is a great opportunity to ask questions so that everyone understands all the relevant requirements and pathways of study.

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES

Year 7-11 Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences are in Week 3 Term 3

When: Thursday 3rd August from 8am-6pm (Year 12 students have normal classes that day and are not expected to make interview bookings). More details to come.

Reports

Semester 1 Reports for Year 7-10 will be published on Friday 30 June. Parents will be able to download their child’s reports via the parent portal on Compass. Report grades follow NESA’s Common Grade Scale:

• A: The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations.
• B: The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations.
• C: The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills.
• D: The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills.
• E: The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills.

Ian Mergard
Director of Studies