FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Congratulations to Year 12 for completing their study at school - there will be more time to celebrate after the exams end (not before) but we wish you every success in the HSC.

Well done Year 11 for completing your exams - it was a bit crazy this year with the unexpected public holiday but well done to you all. Have a great break and then come back with the mindset of hearing and using feedback to improve. The HSC lectures listed below (for Year 12) also have some Year 11 lectures as well if you are interested. 

Year 12 HSC examinations

These are now on Compass for students but every student should log into Students Online to ensure their personal details are correct and to change their email to a private one. 

Below is an article about the top 5 tips for parents to help their children during the HSC examinations. In summary the tips are:

1. Assist with time management

You may be able to use your own experiences to help your child manage time effectively.

If the HSC seems overwhelming, you can help them to break down the course into manageable portions. Be sure to set a realistic study schedule with clear goals for each portion of study and include a reward for each goal.

Be sure to schedule relaxation and fun activities as well and let your child lead the timetable, it's their timetable after all.

2. Be positive

Whenever possible, use positive language and actions around your child studying the HSC.

An example of a positive phrase that encourages without being judgmental is “how can I help with your study today?” This helps steer your child to the right path and gives them control of the situation.

Avoid using negative phrases such as “you’ll never pass the HSC if you don’t study” or “do you really think social media is a good choice right now?”

If under stress, your child may be very sensitive to any criticism whether implied or not. So be sure to ask questions that aren't judgmental and let them know they always have your support.

3. Promote healthy lifestyle choices

A healthy body assists a healthy mind. Encouraging your child to eat and sleep well while staying fit can help them cope with any HSC-related challenges they face.

Research shows that there is a clear connection between sleep and brain activity. We also know that a good night's sleep is important for teenagers' mental health and that it directly affects how well students do in exams.

But it is not just sleep that we should be aware of. Staying active increases oxygen to our brain and stimulates it. UCLA studies found that exercise can increase brain growth and development. What you eat also has a big impact on your brain functions. This is particularly true for younger people who are still actively growing.

You can play a really important role in your child’s HSC year by pointing them to the right foods; healthy proteins and foods rich in antioxidants, encouraging them to stay active and sleep well.

4. Direct them away from distractions

Our kids are living in a period with more distractions than ever before. Phones, gaming,  social media and screen time generally, are a constant presence in their lives.

The use of phones especially can be addictive. A recent study of smartphone users showed that the average user checks their phones more than eighty times a day. While another study uncovered that children who spent two hours or more each day on screens achieved lower results in language and thinking tests.

As parents, you don’t have to rid your home of distractions, but you should talk with your children about reducing the use of their phones so they can stick to their study schedules. 

5. Stay calm and help combat stress

There’s no question that most HSC students are feeling the pressure. In fact, a University of NSW study found that 40% of HSC students displayed symptoms of depression, high stress or anxiety.

By helping to create a calm home environment, you can reduce their anxiety. You could also consider changes to their bedroom, so it is a space where they feel comfortable and relaxed to work.

Meditation is another good way to overcome stress. There are plenty of options to choose from too such as Headspace or Insight Timer.

As a parent or carer, you need to look after your own wellbeing too. As a family unit, you are part of the HSC journey. 

https://www.catholiccare.org/about-us/news-and-publications/latest-news/hsc-parent-support/

Illness and Misadventure during the HSC examinations

NESA has its own forms and these will be on the Yr 12 Google classroom page and Compass. 

It’s also vitally important that if any student is unwell or suffers from misadventure they contact either myself or Mr Mergard urgently for advice.

• Illness - this is for illness on the day or immediately prior to the exam. You MUST see a doctor on the day of the examination to have the correct form (C1) completed and in detail.
• Misadventure - anything that impacts the student immediately prior to the examination and is unforeseeable - you’ll need evidence and we can advise you what to supply. You’ll need to have form C2 completed as well.

Remember HSC exams cannot be rescheduled and you must attend to complete the  course completely OR  must have a valid reason supported by evidence to have the course counted if you do not turn up. Remember you can do exams if unwell (and not in COVID isolation) and still put in an Illness/Misadventure Form. 

Free ATAR/HSC Lectures in the holidays

See here: https://atarnoteslectures.com/nsw?mc_cid=99d045fe67&mc_eid=e36498d918

No harm getting some free advice and exam tips from former students who did pretty well so this may be helpful for a study plan. You might also like to divide them up with friends and share notes. 

SHARON HIBBERT 
Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning 

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES

Last week all students in Years 7-10 took the Progressive Achievement Test (PAT) - Spelling. 

This test helps Hennessy by helping teachers to determine students’ current levels of achievement and observe differences in ability and inferring learning progress over time.

This year’s tests demonstrated that Hennessy’s median score for spelling was generally above the norm for the year levels. Year 8’s median score in particular stood out as it was especially above the Year 8 norm. Well done Year 8. 

How can students improve their spelling at home? Reading is the best way to develop spelling skills. Crossword puzzles and word games are also useful because of the exposure to words in different contexts and meanings. Ultimately, spelling skills are fundamental to communication and will remain a core-skill into the future.