Welcome to Week 6. Yesterday we had a very big turnout of fathers, grandfathers, family friends and students for our annual Father’s Day Mass and barbeque. A big thank you to Father Jiss, Deacon Mark, the Student Leadership Team and Mrs Wright and Mrs Cass for making this such a special recognition for all the fathers in our community.

I am very proud to announce our new student leadership team for 2025:

• College Captains - Josh Cameron and Madi James
• Gallagher  Captains - Ed Maloney and Izabelle Cartwright
• McAuley Captains - Angelic Sutherland and Bridie Sullivan
• Nagle Captains - Callum Holt and Eliza Taylor
• Rice Captains - Lachlan Bailey and Izaiah Carter-Pahulu

This year there was a total of 6 nominees for College Captain and 19 nominees for House Captains (our biggest number yet). Students underwent a rigorous process of written applications, interviews, and speeches before voting commenced. Congratulations to all these students and their families - Hennessy will indeed be in good hands under the new leadership team who commence their new roles next term.

Year 12 students have completed their Trial Examinations and teachers are returning their marks. This task is excellent practice for the real thing in the HSC and an opportunity to use feedback to improve marks and exam techniques. I am hearing of some very strong results across a variety of subject areas.

On Wednesday night I had the great privilege of attending the Visual Arts/Music Showcase. It was wonderful to see the work of our talented students and also to see the range of themes and performances on display. A huge congratulations to Mrs Riordan, Mrs McLachlan and Mrs Hill for their hard work in preparing students. Creative Arts are an important part of the Hennessy experience and provide opportunities for students to develop their skills and talents in these areas.

PC times have been a buzz of activity as PC classes compete in a variety of activities in the Hennessy Olympics. These activities are a wonderful way to start the day and for students to work together as a team either in a sporting or academic activity.

The Hennessy Hall will be a hub for the upcoming Archdiocesan Assembly from October 18 - 29. Please contact the Hennessy Front Office or the Parish Office if you would like more details about this important event.

A Prayer for Fathers

Blessed are you, Lord and Father of all life,
for the gift of the fathers of our families.

We honour them, and we thank you
for all the good things that are ours because of them.

Their love for us has been a sign of your divine affection
and a sharing in your holy love.

Their continuous concern for our needs and welfare
is a mirror of your holy providence.

Bless those fathers who are separated from us by silence, injury or violence.

Lift the burdens of guilt and touch us with your healing and forgiveness.

We remember our fathers who are now with you.

May they who have shared their very life with us,
live forever with you, our God.

Bless our fathers this day with strength, happiness and good health.

May this blessing and all graces, we pray,
descend upon our fathers in your name,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.