Welcome to Week 6. Yesterday we had a very big turnout of fathers, grandfathers, family friends and students for our annual Father’s Day Mass and barbeque. A big thank you to Father Jiss, Deacon Mark, the Student Leadership Team and Mrs Wright and Mrs Cass for making this such a special recognition for all the fathers in our community.

I am very proud to announce our new student leadership team for 2025:

• College Captains - Josh Cameron and Madi James
• Gallagher  Captains - Ed Maloney and Izabelle Cartwright
• McAuley Captains - Angelic Sutherland and Bridie Sullivan
• Nagle Captains - Callum Holt and Eliza Taylor
• Rice Captains - Lachlan Bailey and Izaiah Carter-Pahulu

This year there was a total of 6 nominees for College Captain and 19 nominees for House Captains (our biggest number yet). Students underwent a rigorous process of written applications, interviews, and speeches before voting commenced. Congratulations to all these students and their families - Hennessy will indeed be in good hands under the new leadership team who commence their new roles next term.

Year 12 students have completed their Trial Examinations and teachers are returning their marks. This task is excellent practice for the real thing in the HSC and an opportunity to use feedback to improve marks and exam techniques. I am hearing of some very strong results across a variety of subject areas.

On Wednesday night I had the great privilege of attending the Visual Arts/Music Showcase. It was wonderful to see the work of our talented students and also to see the range of themes and performances on display. A huge congratulations to Mrs Riordan, Mrs McLachlan and Mrs Hill for their hard work in preparing students. Creative Arts are an important part of the Hennessy experience and provide opportunities for students to develop their skills and talents in these areas.

PC times have been a buzz of activity as PC classes compete in a variety of activities in the Hennessy Olympics. These activities are a wonderful way to start the day and for students to work together as a team either in a sporting or academic activity.

The Hennessy Hall will be a hub for the upcoming Archdiocesan Assembly from October 18 - 29. Please contact the Hennessy Front Office or the Parish Office if you would like more details about this important event.

A Prayer for Fathers

Blessed are you, Lord and Father of all life,
for the gift of the fathers of our families.

We honour them, and we thank you
for all the good things that are ours because of them.

Their love for us has been a sign of your divine affection
and a sharing in your holy love.

Their continuous concern for our needs and welfare
is a mirror of your holy providence.

Bless those fathers who are separated from us by silence, injury or violence.

Lift the burdens of guilt and touch us with your healing and forgiveness.

We remember our fathers who are now with you.

May they who have shared their very life with us,
live forever with you, our God.

Bless our fathers this day with strength, happiness and good health.

May this blessing and all graces, we pray,
descend upon our fathers in your name,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Year 11 Preliminary Examinations 

On Tuesday I met with the Year 11 and reviewed the Year 11 Preliminary Examination timetable and ruling. Year 11 will sit their first formal examinations in Stage 6. Some tips to help prepare for the examinations; know your syllabus, completing practice papers, set goals, have a schedule to help with your time management and seek advice from your teachers. 

Each subject has specific requirements for equipment for the examinations and the students should familiarise themselves with them, they can be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/hsc/rules-and-procedures/exam-equipment-list In addition to that, we have met with the students and explained the rules and procedures around the exams should they wish to read through they can be found on the NESA website https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/wcm/connect/7f63462b-d33f-4c63-9e1e-c971fab0d36b/2024-rules-and-procedures-guide.pdf?MOD=AJPERES. 

Should your child be unwell for the preliminary examinations; 

• A parent/carer must contact the College before the examination commences 
• A student must provide a medical certificate
• A student must complete an illness/misadventure form and hand to Mrs McInerney to support the missed examination
• The exam will be rescheduled (notification via Compass). 

Year 11, 2025 Subject Selections 

I would like to thank all the students and families for their commitment to their child’s education. Through being involved in our subject selection process and interviews to help support their Stage 6 Higher School Certificate program. 

CAPA HSC Showcase 

On Wednesday evening, we had the pleasure of being part of the CAPA HSC showcase - where we were presented with outstanding talent in both our Art and Music classes. It was fantastic to see the skill level of students in the Art class and showing their creativity through their pieces. The Music students were able to put on a performance, it was so much fun to experience these moments with the students and helping them prepare for their final piece. Congratulations to all students, I congratulate you on your talent. Thank you to Mrs Hill, Mrs McLachlan and Mrs Riordan for their hard work behind the scenes to host such a successful evening. 

TAS HSC Showcase 

Next week we will be privileged to see the hard work that the boys have put into their final pieces. Our HSC markers will be at the College next Friday. Thank you to Mr Schmidt and Mr Hem in supporting the students in their major works. 

Up and Coming Activities 

• Aviation Careers (select students) - 3rd September 
• HSC Metal, Timer and Construction showcase - 6th September 
• Year 7, 2025 Orientation Days - 11th & 12th September
• Year 11 Preliminary Exams - 13th - 20th September 
• Year 12 Graduation & End of Term 3 - 26th September 
• Last day of school - 26th September
• Pupil Free Day - 27th September
• Term 1 commences - Tuesday 15th October 
• HSC Commences - Tuesday 15th October - Thursday 7th November 

As the year has progressed, we have reached an exciting milestone by finalizing our student leadership team for 2024/2025. I am thrilled to introduce this enthusiastic group as they prepare to take on their official duties next term. Leading Gallagher are Edward Maloney and Izabelle Cartwright; McAuley is represented by Bridie Sullivan and Angelic Sutherland; Nagle's leaders are Eliza Taylor and Callum Holt; and Rice is guided by Izaiah Carter-Pahulu and Lachlan Bailey. The Year 7 students of 2025 will meet the new leadership team during their orientation days this term, with the team set to begin their journey with a retreat in Week 10.

In other exciting news, on Thursday morning, we gathered to celebrate Father’s Day with a beautiful Mass and a BBQ breakfast, attended by over 80 members of our community. A big thank you goes out to all the parents, grandparents, uncles, and friends who made the time to join us in this special celebration. Your presence and support mean the world to us.

On Tuesday the 10th of September we will join with St Mary’s to celebrate the namesake of our parish, and the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. More details will be available on Compass very soon.

Last week we had a wonderful sharing of parish ministry with a car blessing - students, staff and parishioners joined together to be part of this ministry and have the opportunity to have their cars to be used to glorify God.

Tomorrow night, we look forward to the Hennessy Parish Mass for Term 3. It’s another wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, and I encourage all families to join in. After Mass, there will be a youth group gathering filled with pizza, games, and a shared exploration of faith—a great way to connect and grow together.

This week also saw the launch of the much-anticipated HENS Cup, driven by our Year 11 students. Being part of the Hennessy Elite Netball Squad takes true heart and dedication, and it has been incredible to witness students from all year levels eagerly stepping up to compete. The hall has been buzzing with energy, with spectators adding to the excitement. This event has truly highlighted the spirit of our school community.

Finally, as we reach the midpoint of Term 3, I’d like to remind everyone about our hands-off policy at the college. It's important to remember that playful hands-on behavior can quickly escalate into something more serious, leading to power imbalances. If any students witness hands-on behavior, we strongly encourage them to report it to a teacher to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.