Welcome to Week 3. COVID puts restrictions on many events and they often look different to the usual routines. Last Friday’s swimming carnival was an example of this where students had to be separated into cohorts and visitors were not permitted. In spite of all of this the carnival was an outstanding success with many strong swimming performances and lots of enjoyment and laughter. A big thank you must go to Mr Brendan Croese and his team for organising this successful day. Teachers worked hard at their various roles and our students displayed resilience and flexibility in making the best of a different situation.

We are not permitted to have an opening school mass this term so instead we plan to have six separate year masses to open the school year and to welcome new students and staff. Parents and carers will not be permitted. Thank you to Father Jiss for supporting this complicated scenario. The first mass will be on March 8.

You may have seen yesterday’s email announcing our new Business Manager, Nadine Woods. Nadine is replacing Gary Harton who has been in this role since 2005. Gary was the first business manager for Hennessy. His contribution to the community is impressive. He has been instrumental in both financial and facilities planning at Hennessy during a period of growth and all of the new buildings and renovations are thanks in no small part to his strategic foresight and management skills. I know the whole College joins me in wishing Gary all the best for the future and to sincerely thank him for his wisdom, generosity and commitment to Hennessy during his time here.

Being the mother of three boys, I know that raising teenagers is not always easy. This attachment, supplied by Catholic Education, gives some very useful and timely advice to parents of high school students. Please take the time to read it.

Please see the article at the end of the newsletter. 

We continue to have small COVID numbers which is very reassuring. Please continue the twice weekly testing routine with your children. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries. kathy.holding@cg.catholic.edu.au

Stay safe

Kathy