Welcome to the first newsletter of Term 3. I hope all our families had a relaxing holiday break with some respite from the cold and wet weather. Last week our Year 10 students embarked on their ski trip adventure. They returned full of excitement and many of them were sure that skiing would be a sport they would like to try again. Thank you to Mrs Cass for her organisation and Mr Mergard, Mr Kershaw, Mrs McGuiness, Mr Hem and Ms Hudson who supervised this excursion.

On Friday, Hennessy had the privilege of hosting the regional NAIDOC Mass. Students and staff from St Mary’s Young, Sacred Heart Cootamundra, St Mary’s West Wyalong and St Joseph’s Grenfell attended as well as special guests from Catholic Education, Canberra. The theme of this year’s mass was ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud.’ We began with a smoking ceremony in front of the church performed by Aunty Enid and her grandson, Brody and then processed into the church. Thank you to  Fr Jiss and Deacon Mark for saying mass and being part of this ceremony. Thank you also to Mrs Cass and Mr Miller for their organisation and Mrs Riordan for the beautiful singing and music.

This week we have launched a rewards program called the Hennessy Hearts Program. This program supplements the House Points program by recognising those students who do the little things that contribute to the ‘heart of Hennessy’. So far the rewards box is filling fast, a canteen voucher winner will be drawn each Monday at the morning assembly.

Yesterday the 2024/2025 College Captains interviews were completed and speeches will be held on Monday. It is wonderful to see students accepting nominations for these positions. 

You will receive an email concerning the Tell Them From Me Surveys will be open from next Monday. Please take the time to complete this survey. The Surveys give valuable feedback to the College on what is going well and areas for improvement. Students and staff also have the opportunity to complete a survey.

Parent/Student/teacher interviews were held online yesterday. If you were unable to book a suitable time, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher to organise an alternative online or face-to-face meeting.

All the best to our Year 12 students as they begin their Trial Examinations on Monday. Please keep them in your prayers.

May the light of God shine upon our students as they face their exams. May it illuminate their minds, guide their thoughts, and bring them clarity and understanding. May they stay focused and believe in their abilities. We pray they will approach their exams with a positive mindset and a heart filled with determination.