Over the last fortnight we have continued to celebrate the greatness that is the Hennessy Catholic College Community. We combined with St Mary’s Primary School to walk together in the Cherry Festival celebrating the theme “Young at Heart” and winning one of two available prizes - Best Float reflecting the theme “Young at Heart”. It was so wonderful to show the community what a truly inclusive Catholic community we have and how much we value our relationship with St Mary’s.

We also celebrated the winners of the House Cup, Nagle, by far the best House this year winning nearly every large school event and demonstrating fervently all aspects of college life. As a member of Nagle, I look forward to another year of winning next year.

A big thank you must go to the staff who coordinated the Presentation evening. In particular Mrs Holloway, Ms Carberry and Mrs Dunk who led the proceedings. It was a fantastic night demonstrating the wonderful students we have at the College.

Over the last week I have been impressed by the students and staff who have been involved in the review of the uniform policy. The policy has previously been presented to the Community Council for consultation at their final meeting for the year. Students and staff have respectfully put forward their ideas for review by the executive team to be considered at the next meeting. Already the first unanimously agreed idea has been actioned and in 2023 every Thursday students will be able to wear the College Sport Uniform, regardless of whether or not they have sport. Students may also choose to wear their academic uniform if they see fit.

Our Student Leadership Team demonstrated impeccable organising skills with their execution of Lunch on the Lawn - raising money for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. It was fantastic to see how much the school supported this event. Nearly the whole school gathered on the oval on picnic tables and listened to live music provided by the students.

This week we have also been gearing up for the Cambodia Immersion, led by Mrs McInerney and Miss Hayes. It is so wonderful to see the Immersion return to Hennessy after a COVID hiatus and for the first and only time it will be offered in 2023 to both the Year 11 and Year 12 students. Expressions of interest have already been posted on Compass, however, it is not too late, if you are still interested there is time to fill out the form. There will be a parent information session in Week 1 of 2023 and I look forward to seeing all those who are interested in supporting this great cause.

This year we have so much to be thankful for, our Hennessy Catholic College community has reached out into the Young and greater community and provided a helping hand in many ways - from the Vinnies sleepout, to fundraising for CARITAS, Dine and Donate and the Christmas Appeal.

We now give thanks for the opportunity that we have been given to participate in these events, as well as to give thanks to the students, parents and staff who have all made being a part of this excellent community a very special one.

And so as we enter into the Advent season in preparation for Christmas we reflect on the words of George Matthew Adams:

"Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide-open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years… Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart."