Welcome to the 2023 school year. The year has had a busy but positive start. We have welcomed many new students, particularly from Years 7 and 11. Already new friendships have been made. Our ‘old’ Hennessy students are to be commended for making the new students feel welcome.

On Tuesday night we hosted our new Year 7 families in our annual Meet and Greet. Parents had the opportunity to meet staff, hear about Year 7 curriculum and pastoral care and enjoy catching up with drinks and nibbles on the Parish Lawn afterward. It was wonderful to see so many parents, carers and staff in attendance which made this is a strong example of the welcoming and friendly nature of the Hennessy community.

This year we welcome three new staff:

• Mr Andrew Morton is our new Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning. Mr Morton joins us from Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn.
• Mrs Jane Morgan is teaching HSIE, English and Studies of Religion. Mrs Morgan joins us from Yanco Agricultural College.
• Nik Nur Shuhaimi is joining Bek Shealy as our second Catholic Care counsellor so we are now able to offer counselling nine days per fortnight.

Our theme for 2023 is’ Walking Together’. This is also the archdiocesan theme for 2023. At Hennessy we will strive to walk together to support each other and to encourage each other to grow in faith and learning.

There is a vacancy on the Community for a parent representative. This is an opportunity to be a representative voice for the parent community. The role of the community council is outlined in its constitution as follows:

6.1 The Council provides the opportunity for members of the school, parish and Archdiocesan communities to support the mission of Catholic education in the school. Working with the Principal, Parish Priest and staff, the members of the Council and its committees provide leadership to the wider school community. 

6.2 The Council has a decision-making role in certain policy areas and an advisory role in others. The policies of the school are always set within the mission of Catholic education. In the areas where it has responsibility for the development and monitoring of school policy, the Council operates within the policies and procedures determined by the CEC and the CEO. 

6.3 The Principal has responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and management of the school. 

If you are interested in nominating for this role, please email me at kathy.holding@cg.catholic.edu.au depending on the number of nominations we may need to go to a ballot.

This year we are focusing on Student Voice. Already students have been involved in providing input regarding the uniform. Further opportunities for student voice are also being provided by the opportunities for students from Years 7 - 10 to become Year Level Captains. More details are provided in this newsletter.

Tomorrow is our annual swimming carnival and it looks like the weather will be perfect! Parents are very welcome to attend and support our students. I know the Houses are each becoming very enthusiastic (and competitive) so it should be a great day.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or any staff member if you have any queries or concerns.

Kathy Holding 
Principal