Welcome to our newsletter for Week 4! I know farmers are looking for rain but at least we are having sunny autumn days in the meantime. 

The beautiful weather shone on the major College events held over the last fortnight. Our annual athletics carnival was held last Monday and staff were very impressed by the high level of attendance, particularly Year 12 students and the high level of participation. Mr Croese and his team must be thanked for their excellent organisational skills.

Our annual Open Day was held last Wednesday. The day was a big success with 71 students passing through our gates which is a much greater number than last year. Families were welcomed by Dolly, our well-being dog, then student tour guides took them around the College to see a variety of activities and displays including: sports, science escape rooms, sheep and chickens, pastoral care and Cambodia Immersion displays, cupcake decoration, RE activities in the chapel, musical performances, art experiences, medieval history displays, public speaking, maths games, VR experiences and afternoon tea in the Hospitality kitchen. This was a great way to showcase what our College offers for prospective enrolments. Enrolments are now open and can be completed via our website and then an interview will be scheduled. This day was a strong example of the teamwork of our staff and students in working together to provide such an enjoyable day.

The College is named after Monsignor Jerome Hennessy and we recognise his contributions through an annual mass, House stalls and an activity afternoon organised by Year 12 students. Hennessy Day was on Tuesday and began with House stalls in the break to raise money for the Vinnie’s Winter Appeal. Mr Miller, Mrs Wright and Mrs Riordan prepared a beautiful mass followed by activities, in which students participated in pastoral care groups. The winner of the activities was once again McAuley 6. It was reassuring to see how the different pastoral care groups work together (each group has approximately 15 students ranging from Year 7 to Year 12). Students have formed strong bonds with their pastoral care group and it is encouraging to see that they have friendship support outside their year cohort. Mrs McInerney should be recognised for her organisation and coordination of the afternoon.

This term we are focusing on the next group of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit: patience, kindness and generosity. Monsignor Hennessy was a wonderful example of each of these gifts. We are encouraging students to be more patient with those around them, to show kindness through a warm and friendly disposition towards others and to be generous by unselfishly sharing with others.

On Tuesday afternoon staff participated in a Twilight Professional Learning Activity led by Ms Jess Colleu Terradas from Catholic Education. Reading has been identified as an area for improvement for Hennessy students and staff have been working on improving their skills in embedding reading and vocabulary skills into their lessons, no matter what subject.

Hennessy is very proud of its uniform and most students wear it with pride, please ensure that your child wears the correct uniform, particularly the College tie.