Welcome to Week 6. The Opening College Mass, held last Monday, was a very special event. We not only sought blessings on the new school year but welcomed many new students and teachers as well as inducting our Year 11 Vice Captains. I spoke about our 2020 theme of ‘acting justly’  Pope Francis’ challenge to us:

“That is why I would remind you of the most important question of all. “So often in life, we waste time asking ourselves: ‘Who am I?’ You can keep asking, ‘Who am I?’ for the rest of your lives. But the real question is: ‘For whom am I?’”. Of course, you are for God. But he has decided that you should also be for others, and he has given you many qualities, inclinations, gifts and charisms that are not for you, but to share with those around you.”

We also began Lent with an Ash Wednesday liturgy in the Hall. Students will be challenged to ‘act justly’ throughout Lent by hearing the stories of people from various Third World Countries and making contributions to Project Compassion. The Dine and Donate program run in house groups is an excellent example of our students acting rather than just talking about justice. The next Dine and Donate is on Tuesday, March 10.

Our first Community Council for 2020 was held last Wednesday. Mrs Linda Cavanagh was elected as Chairperson and Mrs Natalie Turner as Vice Chairperson. I would like to extend a big thank you to both of these members and to thank all Community Council members for their contributions. The team for 2020 is:

Linda Cavanagh - Chairperson / Parent Representative

Natalie Turner - Vice Chairperson / Parent Representative

Gary Harton - Secretary

Peita Payne - Parent Representative

Charlie Cleverdon - Parent Representative

Tracey Cullen - Staff Representative

Father James Onoja - Parish Priest

Sharon Hibbert/Mark Chifley - Hennessy Leadership representatives (alternating)

Plans for the 2020 Debutante Ball were discussed and we are seeking a guest speaker for the Term 2 Open Forum.

This week we farewell Ms Zoe Lynch as she begins Parental Leave. We wish her and Will all the best on the birth of their first child. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her time at Hennessy - I have heard wonderful things about her from both students and staff.

Parent/Student/teacher Interviews will occur on Thursday, March 12. Please take this opportunity to discuss with your child and their teacher, their strengths and how they can move their learning forward. 

How wonderful it has been to hear raindrops this week. Please keep all those affected by drought in your prayers.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are concerned about anything or just if you would like to introduce yourself. My email is kathy.holding@cg.catholic.edu.au