The past fortnight has been a celebration of the wonderful things that happen within our Hennessy community.  Tomorrow, I have the privilege of joining with Year 9 students who have consistently met the expectations of the College. Some of these students have also demonstrated the ability to improve their commitment to the behaviour expectations by progressing more than 10 points higher than their previous scores. 

Earlier this term the Year 10 students were involved in the Driving Simulator program provided by the local Rotary club. This is an important program that educates students in the importance of driving without distractions. We thank Frank and his team from Rotary for providing our students with this opportunity. 

We were also visited by Karen Clark the Young Police Youth Engagement Officer who delivered the Love Bites program to our Year 10 students. As an important part of the pastoral program, students were engaged in the discussion of respectful relationships. The Love Bites program also incorporated creative workshops and community campaigns. Students created meaningful and insightful responses to the challenge of creating a whole-of-school commitment to respectful relationships.

Last week was a momentous week where we welcomed our incoming Year 7 class of 2023 for two orientation days. Students respectfully took part in an opening liturgy, shared in games with their House and College Captains and House Leaders and got a taste of school life at Hennessy. A big thankyou to all the teachers who were involved in putting together lessons and activities for the days and to Mrs Jessica McInerney for overseeing the days. Our graduating class of 2028 has much to look forward to and we are so pleased to be joining together in their educational journey.

On Friday we celebrated Remembrance Day in the church with a moving ceremony organised by Mr Mitchell. Students showed the utmost respect joining in with responses, learning about the reasons and importance of Remembrance Day and in listening to Skylah Apps play the Last Post on the Trumpet. We thank the Army Cadets who led the ceremonies and to all students and staff who contributed to the running of the liturgy.

Last week we said our final goodbyes from the College to the graduating class of 2022. We are so proud of the young men and women who graduate from our College and recognise the wonderful contributions they have made to our school as well as to the wider community. A great night organised by Mrs McInerney was held and we were able to enjoy celebrating their official last night of formal education.

As we move towards the end of a fantastic year - we remember those who are not as fortunate as us and look toward supporting the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. This year we will be doing a canned food/ long life items drive, and also an event “Lunch on the Lawns” to donate funds towards this very worthy cause as part of our mission as a Catholic school.

Next week I join the Year 10’s on their Camp to Canberra and wish the Year 7’s a great time on their Camp in the second half of next week. There are so many wonderful events and programs still to come for the remainder of the year at Hennessy that really emphasise the great work that the students and staff are involved in.

Mary Wright 
Assistant Principal Mission & Ministry