Filter Content
- Principal's Report
- Teaching & Learning News
- Mission & Ministry Report
- The Leaders Lounge
- Year 12 v Staff - Touch Football
- Earth & Environmental Science
- ADF Visit to Young
- Reminders
- Year 11, 2025
- NAIDOC Week & Regional Mass
- Year 7 Science
- Basketball Camp
- Special Award Winners
- Silver Awards
- Year 9/10 PASS
- Variety Night 2024
- Art
- Aerospace Camp
- Boots to Scrubs
- Careers News
- Free screening - Embrace Kids
- Young Legal Outreach
Welcome to our final newsletter for Term 2. I would like to thank all our families, staff and students for their support and hard work this term. The introduction of consistent routines this year is making a noticeable difference to ensuring that learning spaces are productive, calm and orderly.
Our annual variety night was held last Thursday night where students showcased their many talents to a very large crowd of supporters. Auditions were held before the night, resulting in a lineup of quality acts. Students performed public speaking, musical pieces, singing and dance. I would like to especially thanks Mrs Riordan, Mrs McLachlan and Mrs Hill for their hard work behind the scenes in making this such a successful evening. Hennessy aims to provide the opportunity for all-round learning experiences and this opportunity is an excellent example of the creative arts opportunities on offer.
We have begun a routine of morning assemblies on the first day of each week. These assemblies replace PC class and allow us to come together as a College to pray, do an Acknowledgement of Country and sing the National Anthem before hearing about what is on for the week. A goal for the Student Leadership Team this year has been to improve our singing of the National Anthem; this is a good forum to continue improving in this area.
At last Tuesday’s whole school assembly we had the pleasure of announcing some very prestigious awards. James Payne and Jasmine Sullivan were both awarded the Helen Handbury Award. This Award recognises Year 12 students in rural and regional Australia who have shown outstanding community leadership. Zac Long was awarded the Future Leaders Future Justice Award which recognises Year 12 students who have shown leadership and initiative on intergenerational equity and future justice. Congratulations James, Jasmine and Zac!
Reports for Year 7 - 10 students will be available via Compass this afternoon. Parent/Student Teacher Interviews for Years 7 - 11 will be held online from 4:00 - 6:00 pm on 1st August.
Just a reminder that tomorrow is a pupil free day as is the first day of next term so all students return to school on July 23.
I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe break and look forward to seeing you all again in Term 3.
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Year 12
Congratulations to Year 12 who have mostly finished their assessments apart from the Trials and some major works which are due in Term 3. It’s a huge task and they have handled it well.
The Trial HSC Timetable is now final - these will be in Weeks 3 and 4 of Term 3. Students will only be required to be at school for their examinations but may access the library at other times.
Over the holidays students should be using time to study for the exams. The best type of study is to practice past paper questions as this helps develop written skills which is essentially what the exams are testing. Just reading over notes and making study notes are useful to consolidate knowledge but are not effective unless they lead to practicing the application of that knowledge. ATOMI is also useful and a great starting point to revise content. Past papers are available on the NESA website along with criterias, some sample answers and marker feedback. Most students will have access to other papers as well from their class teachers.
Subject Selections for students in Year 11 2025
Subject Selections for Year 11 2025 will take place in week 4 of Term 3. There will be a Parent Information Session on Tuesday 13 August and selections will open after this. During Period 5 on 13 August a subject market will take place in the Hall and students will have time to talk to current Yr 11 students about their subjects. The market will also be available for students and parents from 5:30pm - 6pm. This will then be followed by the Parent Information Session in the Hall at 6pm - 7pm
On Thursday 15 August Year 10 students and parents will have an interview with a member of the College Executive to discuss their subject selections for Year 11 2025. More information re this process will be given next term
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES
SAVE THE DATE
Year 7-11 Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences are in Week 2 Term 3
When: Thursday 1st August from 4pm-6pm. Students have normal classes that day. Conferences will be conducted online and provide families the chance to discuss their student’s Semester 1 Report.
Conference bookings will be available via Compass from the start of Term 3.
Reports
Semester 1 Reports for Year 7-10 were published on Thursday 4th July. Parents are able to download their child’s reports via the parent portal on Compass. Students can also download their own report from Compass.
Report grades follow NESA’s Common Grade Scale:
- A: The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations.
- B: The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations.
- C: The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills.
- D: The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills.
- E: The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills.
Ian Mergard
Director of Studies
I am pleased to share the results of our recent Cyber Safety survey, in which 280 students from Years 7-10 participated. The survey is an excellent and informative resource as it is an anonymous and honest reflection of only our students and their digital experiences. Following the survey, students attended an informative session with the Cyber Safety Project. The findings from the survey reveal both encouraging and concerning trends regarding digital device use among our students.
One notable statistic is that 69% of our students are allowed to take their devices into their bedrooms overnight. Research indicates that this practice can negatively impact students' ability to self-regulate their screen time and disrupt their sleep hygiene. Additionally, studies have shown that online bullying is most likely to occur between 11 PM and 2 AM.
To help mitigate these risks, the Cyber Safety Project recommends several strategies for families to implement at home:
- Use a Separate Digital Alarm Clock: Encourage students to use an alarm clock that is not on their phone.
- Designate Common Spaces for Device Use: Devices should be used and charged in common areas of the home, rather than in bedrooms.
More detailed strategies and resources are available on the Cyber Safety Project website, which also offers valuable parent emails to help maintain digital safety at home. https://cybersafetyproject.com.au/families/
As written about in last weeks newsletter and to support, we have extended the Hennessy Catholic College Mobile Phone Policy:
- Years 7 and 8: No mobile phones are permitted for students in these year levels.
- Years 9 to 12: An educational pathway will continue, focusing on safe digital use.
The eSafety Commissioner has recommended several of our pastoral program providers to further support our students:
- Real Talk: Completed by Year 8 and Year 10 students in Term 1.
- Cyber Safety Project: Recently completed last week Years 7-11.
- Elephant Education: Scheduled for Term 4 for Years 7 and 9.
We remind all parents and students to adhere to our Child Safety Policy. Students in Years 7 to 10 must be physically signed out at the front office by a parent or guardian for appointments. Students cannot leave the College unaccompanied.
Dental Care NSW - Mobile Dentist will be visiting Hennessy Catholic College again in August, 2024. The mobile dentist will be conveniently located in the Admin block of the College and will be available for students to access.
There are options for families who are eligible for the Child Dental Benefit Scheme to receive free Dental treatment. Please see this link for information and consent. https://dentalcarensw.com/online-consent-form/
More information is available on Compass. Please note, all consent forms (online and physical) are due by July 30th.
We wish you a safe and happy holiday. Keep warm during these winter months, and may God bless you with rest and rejuvenation. We look forward to seeing you at the beginning of Term 3.
Assistant Principal - Mission & Ministry
Welcome back to the Leader's Lounge! This week brought to you by Rice House Captains Caitlin and Amelia.
Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Hennessy Variety Night! It was a terrific evening, full of incredible talent and exciting performances. From musical performances and speeches to stunning dance routines, the night demonstrated our community's diverse strengths. The commitment and hard work were clear in every action. The hours of rehearsal and planning paid off, as your performances showed the crowd. Whether you were singing, dancing, playing an instrument, or acting, you all offered something special and different to the stage. Many thanks to the students and staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event a success. Your efforts, from setting up the stage and controlling the sound and lighting to arranging the performances and ensuring everything ran properly, were appreciated. Thank you to everyone who came and supported Hennessy. Your enthusiasm and clapping made the evening even more memorable for the performers. Your contribution is vital and helps create a strong sense of community. Events such as the Hennessy Variety Night highlight our school's vibrancy and talent.
The annual year 12 vs Teachers State of Origin Series has begun with a game of touch football between the year 12 students and teachers. It was certainly something to watch, with the teachers narrowly taking out the win, thanks to Mr. Watson, who played exceptionally well. It was a fun event that brought the whole school to the steps to watch the game, engaging in the collective school spirit. The teachers have now chosen for us to play netball next. This will happen Friday week one next term.
In the last couple of weeks, we have had many sports teams represent the college, including the open basketball, Country Cup football and chess teams.
Today we held a bacon and egg roll fundraiser for a new water cooler near E block.
Well done to everybody for a successful term 2. We hope you all have a happy and safe holidays. Go Rice!
Year 12 Earth and Environmental Science students have enjoyed some lab time lately exploring climate change through modelling ice core analysis. They have also been working on developing their revision and study skills with some study sessions at the Hilltops Community Library.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) are coming to Young during the school holidays.
|
Location |
Date |
Time |
|
Bunnings Car Park 288 Boorowa St Young 2594 |
Saturday 13th July 24 |
8am-2pm ADF bus |
|
Young Library Campbell street Young 2594 |
Saturday 13th July 24 |
10am-12pm This will be a presentation |
|
Bunnings Car Park 288 Boorowa St Young 2594 |
Sunday 14th July 24 |
8am-3pm ADF bus |
You will have the opportunity to speak face to face with serving ADF personnel about their defence careers. No booking is required
Riveting new unit on Simple Machines.
Students explored inclined planes, levers, wheels and gears. They also completed a practical activity where students built a catapult. They needed to use a lever, with a mechanical advantage to catapult, a marshmallow.
Jasmine Sullivan and James Payne have been awarded the Helen Handbury Leadership Award for 2024.
This Award recognises Year 12 students in rural and regional Australia who have shown outstanding community leadership.
The award winners will receive funding towards an international trip to experience community development in another culture.
Jasmine has been actively involved in the Hennessy and broader community of Young, as a volunteer and participant for many years, including the St Mary's Parish Youth Group where she is a group leader, encouraging younger members to be involved and guiding them through leading games, small group activities and supporting members to connect with each other. Jasmine has also assisted the Parish Committee with fundraising events such as the annual Parish Fete
She is a very proactive young person, an outstanding role model to others and one who truly reflects the Christian values of our College. Congratulations Jasmine.
James has also been recognised as someone who has shown outstanding community leadership.
He has been a hard working, respectful, and valued member of the College community for the past six years. James is an exemplary student who embodies the College values of ‘Living Spiritually, Learning Dynamically and Acting Justly’ , as well as living out his Gallagher House motto of pride, participation and purpose. His contributions to the College and the wider community, through his selfless acts of service, especially to the Young Hockey Club, the Young Soccer Club as well as the St Mary's Parish Youth Group and the Hilltops Regional Theatre company are recognised by us all here today. James is a wonderful role model for all of us here today through his genuine and ongoing commitment to participation and service. Congratulations James.
Both Jasmine and James will receive funding towards an international trip to experience community development in another culture.
Zac Long has won the Future Leaders Future Justice Award for 2024. The Future Leaders Future Justice Award recognises Year 12 students who have shown leadership and initiative on intergenerational equity and future justice.
Future justice is concerned with what those living today leave behind for future generations.
Zac will receive prize money as part of this award.
The staff at Hennessy Catholic College have been very impressed with the personal growth that Zac has shown over the past six years, most especially over the last two years, as a senior student. He has truly ‘stepped up’ and increased his self confidence and leadership skills along the way. He is a quiet achiever, who has done significant, but unassuming, background work within his communities in the past two years, most especially in the area of IT here at Hennessy. He personifies the College values to ‘Live Spiritually, Learn Dynamically and Act Justly’ and has flourished as a result of his efforts and contributions to Hennessy and the wider community of Young, especially the NSW Rural Fire Service and the Hilltops Regional Theatre Company.
Congratulations Zac.
The first two Silver Awards for 2024 were presented at our College Assembly last week. Silver awards acknowledge a significant contribution to the college, requiring at least 30 House Points with a minimum or 3 points in each area of Living Spiritually, Learning Dynamically and Acting Justly. Our two award winners were James Payne and Sybella Murphy.
James is our current House Cup student leader with 33 points. (11 Living Spiritually, 15 Learning Dynamically & 7 Acting Justly).
He participated in all events in the Swimming, Cross Country & Athletics Carnivals, earning the title of Open Boys Age Champion for Athletics and advancing to CCC Cross Country. Additionally James has been highly involved in our Parish Masses, Youth Group, refereeing soccer and volunteering at Young North Breakfast service.
Sybella has accumulated 31 House Points (10 Living Spiritually, 18 Learning Dynamically and 3 Acting Justly). Some highlights include her outstanding participation in a range of activities including all events at the three sports carnivals, the da Vinci Decathlon, the Junior Girls Dance Troupe, McAuley Dine & Donate and various sports such as netball, touch football, soccer and tennis.
Our Year 9/10 PASS classes have been busy this term learning about strength, speed and power. Students engaged in a range of activities, including group balances and a visit to the gym.
Our Year 11 Art class created clay monsters and then pre-school students from Milestones Day Care Centre prepared drawings of the created monsters. Here are the gorgeous results!
Earlier this term Year 8 students Ryan Sumich and Jack Willis attended an Aerospace Camp in West Wyalong.
The boys were selected to attend the four day camp after submitting a video application and were 2 of 32 young people to attend. Whilst there they learnt about the possibilities that come from a STEM related career.
Please check out the video we received from Jack and Ryan's experience.
