Wellbeing@Hennessy

Hopefully the Christmas break was a time for you and your families to relax, reconnect and recharge batteries. As we approach 2021 we hope that the virus will soon be under control and as much as possible life return to normal. Let us take courage in the words of St Mary Mackillop “ Be calm and full of hope” 1873. As a College community we indeed are full of hope for 2021 and will remain calm with whatever 2021 throws at us.

It was great to see all the students return over the last week. Our new year 7’s with crisp uniforms and excited looks enjoyed the final day in their transition to high school on Friday. The rest of the students returned hopefully willing to learn and with a new zeal for learning throughout the upcoming year. As with the start of every new year we encourage students to approach with enthusiasm and in the knowledge that the staff are starting afresh and eager to engage in teaching and learning

Some reminders for students as they begin the new year: 

Phones can be a distraction for students as they engage in learning. With this in mind and being Covid friendly students are required to place their phones in pockets in every classroom at the start of each lesson. They will then collect them at the end of the lesson. On occasions students maybe directed by their classroom teacher to use their phones to support their learning otherwise they are to be placed in the phone pocket. 

If your child is absent they are required to bring a note to their PC teacher on their return to school. It is is a legal requirement for the College to be accountable for students. It is also aids the college’s ability to track and support student Wellbeing.

As I mentioned it was great to see students return in their correct uniform. Part of the presentation of students is their grooming. Boys need to be clean shaven, some have returned with their holiday growth still visible. Boys will have until next Monday to rectify the problem.  Hair that touches the collar needs to be tied up for both boys and girls.

Over the upcoming weeks the College will be hosting Community BBQ’s at Cootamundra, Boorowa, Harden and Grenfell. This is an important event that allows the College to touch base with our feeder schools and their communities. It is also an important part   of the K – 12 pathway that both our feeder schools and Hennessy are part of. 

Next week Year 11 will participate in their retreat. One of the goals of the retreat is to allow the year to bond together as they take on the role of being College leaders and role models for the rest of the student body. It will allow students also to get to know each other and learn the qualities and strengths of their peers. It will also be a time for those students who wish to stand for House Vice Captain to start formalising there applications as voting will occur in Week 3.

With the closure of international boarders we are not able to travel to Cambodia. The college is exploring other options within Australia. We will keep you updated

Road works are taking place in Dundas Street, and the drop off and pick up for buses has been transferred from Dundas Street to Caple Street. This requires students to gather in the under croft area of an afternoon and listen for their bus to be called.  To ensure the safety of our students we request that you do not use Dundas street for parking and pickup. Students must exit from the gate near E-block and use the pedestrian crossing at the top of Dundas Street. With the increase in traffic this is vital for the safety of all in our community

As always if you have any concerns please contact your child’s PC teacher first or any member of the Colleges Wellbeing Team.  We look forward to working with you this year

Mark Chifley

Assistant Principal Mission and Wellbeing