Welcome to Week 7. Each House has been working hard on its Caritas fundraising project during Lent, which a real sign of our mission to ‘live justly’. I would like to acknowledge the management of our Canteen from Juicy Lucy. During Harmony Week, they have provided a Harmony Day menu for each day of the week and contributed $1 per meal to Caritas - thank you for your generosity and support! 

I also want to acknowledge our student leaders who meet each week and not only provide feedback on issues of concern from students but also actively organise and participate in various events. They are wonderful role models for other students and their commitment and creativity are much appreciated.

Next Wednesday is our first round of Parent Student Teacher Interviews for this year. Details of how to book are on Compass., interviews can be either face-to-face or online. Students in Year 12 are expected to attend classes on the day and to attend interviews during their study periods or breaks. Students from Years 7 - 11 are not required to attend classes but to attend interviews with their parents/carers in their full school uniform. Supervision will be provided for Years 7 - 11 students if required. These interviews are an important opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, to discuss student progress and how to achieve further improvement.

On Tuesday afternoon, staff met again to be involved in professional learning around our reading focus for 2024. Students ‘learn to read’ in their younger years but as they become more competent they ‘read to learn’. This professional learning is providing staff from all subject areas with strategies to further develop reading skills for their students.

If you ask most students if they can multi-task and particularly if listening to music helps them to study they will agree with both of these statements. The flyer below is from the UK and presents a strong case that music can be a distraction and affect our focus; something to consider if study is to be effective.

This is the last newsletter before the Easter break. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our families a happy, safe and holy Easter. School returns on Tuesday, April 2.

Year 10
Students will be completing their HSC Minimum Standards testing over the next few weeks. Students need reading, writing and numeracy for everyday life after school. This is why students in NSW are being supported to meet a minimum standard of literacy and numeracy to receive the HSC. To show they meet the HSC minimum standard, students need to achieve Level 3 or 4 in short online reading, writing and numeracy tests of skills for everyday life. If students do not make the minimum standard in any of the tests they will be given more opportunities to take the tests and any support needed to ensure success.

Year 7 and 9
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) began this week  and will conclude on Thursday. The standardised testing program is conducted annually for students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. It assesses students' proficiency in key areas of literacy and numeracy, providing valuable insights into their academic progress and areas needing improvement. NAPLAN aims to assist parents, educators, and policymakers in evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs and ensuring students are equipped with essential skills for future success. The results offer a snapshot of individual and collective performance, helping identify strengths and areas for targeted support. Congratulations to students who sat the test and  in particular to year 7 who were excellent throughout the testing.

A Morton
Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning

We are drawing closer to Easter and Holy Week and have seen the great preparation from our students who have been so heavily involved in Caritas fundraising. Last week saw a  very successful 100 Club run by Nagle and a Mufti Day. Next week we will conclude our Project Compassion focus with Rice and their BBQ. 

Next week will also begin our entry into the Easter Triduum with our celebration of a Passion Play on Thursday in Period 3. Our students have been practising hard in their breaks and studies to pull together and show the Passion of Christ. We are looking forward to this prayerful reenactment of Christ’s last earthly moments. There are many opportunities you can also join in the many St Mary’s Parish Easter celebrations.

I am looking for actors and actresses to also help out with the Stations of the Cross run by St Mary’s Parish at the Arboretum on Good Friday. If you would like to be involved please let me know. 

Youth Group will also be held on the 13th of April to celebrate the end of term we would love to see you there straight after the 6.00pm Parish Mass.

It has been wonderful to see that students have been involved in all sports and extra curricular activities that have been on offer at the College already this term. There have already been many students receiving House Awards at the College and I encourage students to continue with their efforts in pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones to try new and exciting ventures. 

A reminder that Chewing Gum is not acceptable at school. Students who are chewing gum will be asked to partake in community service around the College. Students distributing gum will have it confiscated by staff.

I have spoken to all students this week who are making a pattern of being in the incorrect uniform. The College Uniform is a way that we show pride in our community and also respect for our environment. Students who are not in the correct uniform must provide a note to their PC Teacher before 9am.

As we approach Easter Sunday, we're reminded of the profound significance as a time for faith, hope, and renewal. It's a time to reflect on the journey of sacrifice, love, and ultimately, the triumph of the risen Christ.

In the midst of our celebrations, I also take a moment to extend warm wishes for a safe and holy Easter to each and every member of our Hennessy Catholic College community. May this season bring you peace, joy, and a deeper connection to the spiritual blessings of renewal and growth.

May you cherish this time to come together, whether in person or in spirit, to celebrate the eternal message of hope and redemption. May the spirit of Easter fill our hearts and homes with love, kindness, and compassion.

Wishing you all a blessed Easter filled with the presence of the risen Christ.

Welcome to Week 7 at the Leaders Lounge! As Rice House captains, we extend our appreciation to every one of you for your remarkable dedication and spirited contributions throughout the term. Your commitment to embodying the values of our school - living spiritually, learning dynamically, and acting justly - has truly made a difference.

We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the Hennessy students who wholeheartedly participated in last week's 'Row with Roy' event. This inspiring initiative aimed to raise awareness and support for those affected by MND, and we couldn't be prouder of Roy for his incredible determination in completing the full 24-hour challenge. To every participant, your compassion and enthusiasm truly embody the spirit of our school community.

 

This Friday promises to be an unforgettable experience as Hennessy House invites everyone to join in the excitement of "RAVE IN THE CAVE" during breaks one and two. Big thanks to Lily Murphy and the dedicated team for their tireless efforts in making this event possible. Remember, students need a minimum of three house points to participate, so let's come together for an afternoon of fun and enjoyment!

For this Tuesday’s SWS we held house meetings and games. Congratulations to all who have received house awards so far. After our meeting Rice split into Volleyball, card games and some worked on their Easter colouring in competition. It was great to see so many people working together and having fun.

Congratulations to Year 10 and 11 Ag students who participated in the Merino Ewe Junior Judging on Friday. Especially to Katie Glasgow who came 2nd overall and to Adele Whitechurch and Caleb Schiller who also made it to the final.

As a part of this, Year 12 cooked up a BBQ on Monday morning and we sold Fairy Bread to the school in break 3.

A round of applause to G1 for securing the Leading PC Award for Week 6, followed closely by M6, N1, R4 & R5. Your dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed - keep shining bright!

As Week 8 marks Rice's Caritas fundraising week, let's join forces in supporting this noble cause. Indulge in a delicious Rice BBQ on Thursday during breaks one and two, followed by a refreshing spiders stall during break three. Together, let's demonstrate our school spirit and make a meaningful contribution to our community.

Thank you for tuning in to this edition of "The Leaders Lounge." Wishing you all a happy and safe week ahead!

 

We hope everyone has a happy and safe Easter break,

Amelia Rowan & Caitlin Drum

Rice House Captains

!!GO RICE!!

Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday 27 March for all students in Years 7-12. You can book times with your child’s teachers through Compass via the mobile app or web browser. For instructions on how to make a booking using Compass, please go to https://www.compass.education/guide/#Parent-Teacher-Conferences or contact the Hennessy Office for assistance with your bookings.

DATE: Wednesday 27 March 2024

DURATION: 5 minute interviews

SESSION TIMES:

Interviews will be conducted in two sessions:

• Face-to-face meetings (8AM-1PM) - Teachers are available for face-to-face conferences with parents and students on the Hennessy campus.
• Video conferences (2PM-6PM) - Teachers are available for online meetings via Microsoft Teams. A list of teleconference links will be published just prior to the interviews.

WHO: Conferences are open to all students in Years 7-12.

Years 7-11 classes will be cancelled for the day but students are expected to join their parents/carers in Conferences with teachers. Students must wear their uniform when attending conferences. Students who require supervision may study in the library during school hours.

Year 12 classes will run as per the usual Day 8 timetable and school attendance is mandatory. Year 12 conferences can be booked outside of class time (i.e. breaks, study lessons or before/after school). NB: A standalone Year 12 Conference session will be conducted in Term 2 ahead of HSC Trial exams.

On Wednesday afternoon Hennessy participated in the Jordan McLean Cup and were able to continue their winning streak and retained the Cup.

Results of the evening were;

13’s Hennessy 18 – Young High 22 

Open League Tag – Hennessy 50 – Young High 6

Open Tackle – Hennessy 14 – Red Bend 22

15’s Hennessy 54 – Young High 0

9.2 have been presenting their mental health mindfulness sessions. They have participated in Matilda’s Pilates, Archie’s Tai Chi session and were all smiles over Harjot’s Happiness Hunt to name a few.

Year 9 History learnt about production and efficiency when they joined the assembly line as part of their Industrial Revolution unit.

Students have received an Easter Colouring in Competition which will be due back to A1 on Thursday Morning 28th of March at 9am.

Students need to write their name and PC on the back of the colouring in and place it in the box in A1.

Every entrant will receive a house point (only one per person), with first place receiving a $20 Juicy Lucy's voucher. 

As part of NSW Merino Wether Challenge, the wether lambs were collected from Wagga, last week after travelling from Warren. 

The students will handle, halter train them and hopefully have them weighing 70kg in August. To compete at the wether challenge being judged on carcass, wool and restocker value. 

Welcome to the Hennessy Catholic College, Franklin, Cruise, Dynasty, William, Benjamin and Morto!