Teaching and Learning News

Learning Dynamically…Inspiring Futures of Hope

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

It’s been wonderful to see the students settled back into classes so quickly and for those learning at home due to COVID requirements being able to access their learning. Elective changes end tomorrow so hopefully students are in the subjects they want to do for 2022. 

It’s been a busy start to the year as we have already had the Year 11 Information talk with students and a link is available on Compass for parents. Tomorrow Year 10 will do the All My Own Work program and then from next week onwards they can also begin their attempts to meet the minimum standards for the HSC. 

Staff have also been busy looking at data from last year to inform what they will be doing this year and are already accessing numerous professional learning opportunities. I have been part of a number Future Schools presentations looking at the next direction of education in Australia. I have also been chatting to representatives from two other dioceses in Australia about the great things happening at Hennessy. 

A friendly reminder about the following:

• there is no flexible timetable for seniors and they are required to attend all study lessons unless they have a valid reason for being absent
• laptops must be fully charged each night; if they run flat during the day, students will need to use pen and paper for their learning instead
• students need to ensure they have the correct equipment for all classes. With COVID restrictions in place borrowing of equipment is not encouraged.

Remember your first ‘port of call’ for any classroom matter should be your child’s class teacher. They are only too happy to provide assistance. 

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES

COMPASS PARENT PORTAL 

In Week 4, Year 7 students will sit a numeracy and literacy diagnostic quiz. These two quizzes are “low-stakes” meaning that there is no prize or penalty attached to the results. The purpose is twofold: Firstly, the results will help teachers to deliver targeted lessons that meet students needs. Secondly, our students will gain valuable experience when doing summative tests without the pressure that comes with “passing”. Therefore, if a student thinks that they did not put their best foot forward on the day, we can give them another opportunity. 

Have a wonderful week.

For the diary: Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences Semester 1

Thursday 31 March 2022

Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning

IAN MERGARD

Director of Studies