Welcome to Week 6. Last week was a time of endings and new beginnings. We welcomed our Year 7 2023 class for two orientation days. Currently we have 77 students enrolled into Year 7 and it was so delightful to see them enjoying their ‘high school’ experience. They participated in a welcome liturgy, did a wide variety of subject tasters, met their new peer leaders and made new friends. By all reports they had a very enjoyable and successful introduction to Hennessy and are keen to return next year!

On Friday we farewelled the Year 12 Class of 2022. Students, special guests and many family and friends participated in a beautiful mass followed by their graduation dinner. During the dinner many awards were also presented to acknowledge a wide range of achievements for this outstanding group.The students ‘scrubbed up’ very well for the evening and while it was very sad to say goodbye to them it is also exciting to see them begin the next chapter of their lives.

At the mass I gave the students two challenges:

1. “How many times have you been asked ‘what do you want to do when you grow up? There may be many adults here tonight still struggling with this question. Instead of this question I would like you to consider - what will your impact be? How will you make the world a better place? This may be through your work, your talents, friendships, generosity or simply your day-to-day interactions.
   
   
2. 'To thine own self be true' is a line from Shakespeare's play, Hamlet. It is spoken by King Claudius' chief minister, Polonius as part of a speech where he is giving his son, Laertes, his blessing and advice on how to behave whilst at university.
   
   Shakespeare is saying that if we stay true to ourselves first then we can be truthful and honest with others. It’s also about never allowing anyone else to define who we are or we will be living a lie. Sometimes it’s difficult to accept the truth about ourselves, especially if there is a weakness in our personality. Truth is also about what you believe in and the courage to say and do the right thing no matter the circumstances.”

I would like to think that the education that Hennessy has provided for these students has provided them with the courage to be true to themselves throughout life and to have a significant impact on others and their world.

Please keep in your prayers all those affected by flooding and the extreme wet weather we are experiencing at the moment.