Welcome to Week 4! Our Year 12 students began their Trial Examinations on Monday. We are truly blessed to be currently able to give our HSC students a ‘normal’ routine and preparation for their HSC exams. The HSC exams, results and due dates for major works have all been moved back to allow for current disruptions in Greater Sydney schools.

Last night we held our monthly Community Council Meeting, topics discussed were:

• A walkathon, which was planned as a major fundraiser to replace the deb ball,has been postponed until Term 4 so parents can attend and hopefully to find finer weather
• The uniform committee is currently considering an alternative option to skirts for girls and the introduction of a long sleeved shirt for girls in the winter terms. Delays with shipping of samples are currently holding up this process.
• The Year 11/12 immersion trip to Darwin was discussed. This trip will occur in the mid-year break between Terms 2 and 3 next year and the organising company is providing free cancellation and an attractive discount for our students.
• Feedback from the Tell Them From Me student surveys was discussed and possible short and long term goals based on this feedback. Overall this feedback was very positive but there were some key patterns in the feedback which will direct us in future planning.

Mr Mark Chifley, Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing, has tendered his resignation and will return to Canberra in 2022. Mr Chifley will be greatly missed for his generosity, positivity and commitment to Hennessy. He has developed strong relationships with students, staff and parents and is a valued member of the Hennessy community. He has been instrumental in establishing our vertical Pastoral Care and House system, working closely with students from Years 7 - 12 to support their wellbeing and recently developing the alternative immersion program. The position of Assistant Principal is currently being advertised.

Another staff member who is choosing a change of career direction for 2022 is Mr Mark Schmidt. Mr Schmidt is currently the TAS/VET Leader and will step down from this role next year to return to the classroom full-time at Hennessy. Mr Schmidt has passionately promoted and developed the many TAS and VET subjects offered by the College. He is a much respected leader because of his hard working nature, enthusiasm for his subject area and generosity in his dealings with others. His role is also currently being advertised.

The reading from John last Sunday gave us all a wonderful reminder that when times are tough this is when our faith is most needed.

‘I am the bread of life.

He who comes to me will never be hungry;

He who believes in me will never thirst.’

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Kathy Holding