Welcome to the last newsletter of 2021.

‘Inspiring futures of hope’ has been our theme for 2021. This has been a very appropriate theme in the times we are living in at the moment. COVID has certainly turned our worlds upside down but has also helped us to focus on the things that really matter - our family, our friends and our faith. 

At this time of year  it is so busy but also a time to celebrate the achievements and milestones of our students. I had the great privilege to be a part of our Year 12 Graduation Mass and dinner on Friday night and was so grateful that parents could also attend. We began with a beautiful Mass celebrated by Father Jiss and organised by Miss Doherty. We then moved to the formal dinner which was organised by Mrs McInerney and Mrs Tanner.  The Class of 2022 looked so smart and grown up in their formal gear! The evening was a time for gratitude, reminiscing and fun.  

Yesterday we then recognised students from Years 7 - 11 who have excelled academically, on the sporting field, for their pastoral achievements and for their contributions to the Hennessy community. Again it was delightful to see so many parents and special guests able to be a part of these ceremonies.

This morning we held a morning tea for students who have received Gold or Silver Awards in 2021. There were 20 recipients in total with special recognition going to Elisabeth Hall in Year 10 and Stephanie Clark from Year 7 who received Gold Awards. This award system recognises students whose achievements fall into one of the three categories of ‘Live Spiritually’ ‘Learn Dynamically' or to ‘Act Justly’. They must have achieved in the three areas to move onto a new level. A particular vote of thanks needs to go to Mrs Janice Dunk who has managed and designed this new system and has recorded over 6000 student achievements in 2021.

All the best for the next chapter in your lives to those students who are leaving Hennessy to pursue a new career, go to university, go to TAFE or on to a new school. I would like to extend thanks to those staff who will be leaving us at the end of the year - Mr Chifley, Miss Doherty, Mr Fouracre, Mrs Keith and Mrs Tyrrell. We will miss you and wish you all the best at your new schools. I would also like to thank Father Jiss and Father Joe for their support of the College and to wish Father Joe all the best for his new appointment.

I would also like to thank Mr Schmidt who will be stepping down from his role as TAS/VET Leader to return to a teaching role and to Mr Bigwood for being Acting McAuley House Leader this year. Your contributions have been greatly appreciated.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone for their support of Hennessy this year and to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a safe and enjoyable break and many good times with family and friends over the holiday period.