Welcome to the first newsletter for Term 2. Our term began with a staff day where all staff were trained in safeTALK which is a suicide awareness program.  This was a valuable day which further equipped all staff to be informed on this very important topic. It was very positive to see so many students and staff attend local Anzac Day services throughout the region. We were very fortunate to have our Hilltops Mayor, Mrs Margaret Rolls, our local state member, the Honourable Mrs Steph Cook and  24 members of the Veteran Bike Club attend our Hennessy Anzac Day service. Mr Jay Moriarty, the Vice president of the bike club, gave the Anzac Day address and students really enjoyed talking to the club members after the service.

It is with mixed feelings that I announce the following resignations from Hennessy. For each of these people, I am happy for them to be moving on to new experiences and opportunities but I am very sad for them to be leaving our community.

Mrs Jenny Holloway has been working at Hennessy, and formerly St Mary’s, since 1999 in the front office and as the principal’s assistant. Mrs Holloway will be greatly missed for the huge contributions she has made to the foundation and development of the college in her time here. For the staff and students at Hennessy, Mrs Holloway has been someone who is always ready to listen, to support them when needed, to attend to their injuries and sickness, to ensure that their stories are known as well as someone who is valued for her efficient and friendly manner.  She has worked with eight different principals in her role and each of them has found her to be a person of extreme loyalty, insight, kindness and someone they could trust always.

Mrs Emma Wark has been working as a learning support assistant for the past seven years at Hennessy. She will be moving on to a law position at Cowra. This is a wonderful opportunity for Mrs Wark but she will be greatly missed by both staff and students for her kindness and outstanding support of the students in her care. Mrs Wark can always be relied upon for her enthusiasm and her genuine interest and care for the students she works with.

Ms Bec White, our canteen manager has also announced that she will be ending her canteen lease at the end of the term. Bec is a much-valued member of the Hennessy community. She is much loved by students and staff for her ready smile and amazing selection of food. She has been at Hennessy for 15 years and has provided invaluable service over this time.

I am sure everyone in the Hennessy community will join me in extending our deepest gratitude and best wishes to Mrs Holloway, Mrs Wark and Ms White.

At Wednesday night’s Community Council Meeting, a new hat was added to the uniform list. This is a two-sided bucket hat (school colours and crest on one side and House Colour and crest on the other side). This hat will be a great addition to our uniform to provide better sun protection and to further promote House pride. We will let you know when this is available to purchase.

The cross country and colour run were held on Monday in cold conditions. Students really enjoyed the day and there were some very strong cross-country results. Thank you to Mr Croese and his team for such an enjoyable event.

In our year of Walking Together we can reflect on the St Mary MacKillop quote - 

“So great is the strength we possess in our unity.” Hennessy continues to have many wonderful examples of being a unified community thanks to its students, staff and families.

Kathy Holding 
Principal