We have had a great start to the term and have enjoyed seeing the students well rested after a well deserved break. We are now moving into the final weeks of Year 12 as they begin preparing for their trial exams and I wish them the best of luck.

This week I was able to lead the Year 11 Leadership Session. In particular we looked at the themes of Servant Leadership, what the cohort would like their legacy to be at Hennessy and the leadership process of the College. Students engaged in meaningful discussions around what the difference between character and skill were. At Hennessy we are so proud of the diverse group of students that we have and all the different strengths that they have. We take seriously our role in assisting students in developing their skills in leadership that include public speaking, time management, organising and running events and meetings. Our fantastic group of Year 11’s took up the challenge and demonstrated strong leadership skills in so many facets of the session. Nominations are now open for the Year 11 students to either nominate themselves or their peers. In the coming weeks, students will submit formal applications, speak to the school at assembly and the school will vote on the leaders. I encourage all Year 11 students and their families to discuss the opportunity that leadership presents at our College and the favourable view that employers and universities have of students who respond to this call.

I had the pleasure of reading most of the students' Semester 1 report cards and was pleased with how all students have taken the opportunities provided at the College. In light of this we are trialling a rewards program with the Year 9 students, that if successful, will roll out to the rest of the College. Year 9 students are given the opportunity to meet or exceed the College expectations of behaviour and academic participation. In Week 5 and again in Week 10, students who have been identified as meeting these expectations will have a group-determined reward. We look forward to working with the students with this initiative of highlighting and rewarding positive behaviour.

This week we welcomed Nathan Galea from the Catholic Education Office in Canberra Goulburn to our Year 10 Religion classes to launch with us the Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia (CSYMA) at Hennessy. Students who have elected to be a part of the program will meet once a fortnight during a lesson. The program will help students develop their leadership skills and their faith journey in different ways. We are looking forward to seeing the fruits of the Holy Spirit with this program. 

A reminder that the College has moved to online consent for all events, please check the Compass app for events, incursions and activities and do not hesitate to contact the school if you are having any issues.

Mary Wright
Assistant Principal Mission & Ministry