Welcome to a busy Week 2! It has been lovely to see the students returning enthusiastically in their winter uniforms for another term of learning at Hennessy.

We were saddened over the holidays to hear of the passing of Andena Anderson, mother of Riley (Year 12) and Jack (Year 10) and Mr Igoe-Taylor’s mother, Dot. We keep these families in our thoughts and prayers. May they rest in peace.

This term we welcome Miss Emily Coffee, replacing Mrs Jorja McGrath, Mrs Zoe McCarthy returning from parental leave, Mrs Katrain Hudson, replacing Mrs Donna Watson and Mr Andrew Bigwood in his new role as McAuley House Leader. Congratulations to Mrs Jorja McGrath and husband Ben, who recently welcomed baby Albert into their family.

Actions often speak louder than words and this was very evident over the weekend when so many Hennessy students and staff participated in Anzac Day events across the region. I attended the commemoration at Young and was so proud of the behaviour and respect our students displayed, and of those students who were involved as cadets and readers. We then commemorated Anzac Day as a whole school on Monday with special guests the Hon Ms Steph Cooke, Mr Greg Walker representing Hilltops Council and Lieutenant Ken McAllister who very beautifully shared his reflections on the Anzac Spirit and his personal military service. Huge recognition must go to Mr Phil Mitchell for leading both the Young and Hennessy ceremonies. We are indeed fortunate to have such a talented and generous person in our community.

The Annual Cross Country and Colour Run, held in glorious Autumn sunshine,  were most enjoyable events held last Wednesday. There were some very serious competitors who will represent Hennessy at Archdiocesan level and lots of fun and laughs during the colour run. Thank you to Mr Brendan Croese, Mr Luke Miller, Mrs Jess McInerney and Mr Mark Chifley for their work in organising these very successful events.

Last night was our Community Council Open Forum followed by a presentation by David Kobler, from Choicez, titled ‘Raising Teens in a Hyper-Sexualised Society’ . There was a very strong roll up of parents who attended to learn more about this very important topic. We are required to have Community Council Open Forums twice each year and I would be interested in hearing ideas from parents for future guest speakers.

This week we have been hosting our Registration Panel consisting of various panel members from other schools, Catholic Education in Canberra and NESA. Schools are required to renew their registration every five years. The panel visits classes, interviews staff, parents, the Parish Priest and student leaders and looks at documents across a wider range of areas including religious identity, curriculum, pastoral care and attendance procedures. Tomorrow afternoon the panel will present their commendations and recommendations to the College Leadership Team and to the whole staff. I will share their findings in the next newsletter.

Please do not hesitate to contact me by email (kathy.holding@cg.catholic.edu.au) if you have any concerns or queries.

Kathy Holding