Welcome to the final newsletter for Term 3. This has been a very busy two weeks. The highlight has been yesterday’s Year 12 Graduation Mass. We had over 200 family and friends of Year 12 students as well as special guests, Hennessy students and staff at this special occasion. Fr Jiss and Deacon Mark celebrated the Mass which was a very beautiful and fitting end to their Hennessy schooling. The Mass was followed by their Awards Ceremony. A big thank you to Mr Miller, Mrs Wright,  Mrs Riordan, Mrs Hardy, Mrs Noakes,  Mrs Inwood and Mrs Willis for their work in making this day so successful. The students were finally farewelled with a Guard of Honour as they formally left the school grounds. We keep Year 12 in our prayers as they continue preparing for their Higher School Certificate exams, which commence on Tuesday, October 15.

It is with sadness that I announce the resignation of Miss Jess Buchanan. Miss Buchanan has been Religious Education Leader since 2022. .She has worked tirelessly to make the Religious Education department a place where faith and learning can come together. She has been instrumental in launching the CSYMA program at Hennessy. She will be remembered as an outstanding teacher and a supportive colleague. Miss Buchanan will work with the Catholic Identity Team at Catholic Education in Term 4 before taking up a position in a Canberra college in 2025.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our families for their support and to wish everyone a safe and happy break. School commences for students on Tuesday, October 15.

Year 11 Preliminary Exams 

Congratulations to all Year 11 on completing their Preliminary Examinations. Year 11 will commence the Higher School Certificate course on Tuesday 15th October. Students will also have an information session where they will discuss HSC pathways and how to discontinue courses. 

Year 12 Class of 2025
On Thursday 17th October, we will be running a NESA Year 12 Assessment and expectations information session in our College Hall at 6pm. All students/parents are to attend. 

Higher School Certificate - Year 12, 2024
Higher School Certificate commences on 15th October. Students are reminded to check their Students Online account to confirm that their details have been entered correctly. A reminder that all students should be present 40 minutes before the first examination, therefore students completing the English Papers on Tuesday 15th October should be at school at 9am. 

Students are to wear their College summer uniform for the examinations. 

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. 

Students are to ensure that they are checking Schools Online regularly as this is the point of reference for all examinations. Below is an overview of the HSC Examination Period. 

Congratulations to the Year 12 Class of 2024 and the award recipients.

Kind regards, 

This week, our Year 7, 9, and 11 students participated in Elephant Education sessions, focusing on the critical topics of respectful relationships and consent. In today’s world, we recognise that these discussions not only challenge us but also help shape the strong values of our Catholic community. Sessions like these provide an essential platform for our students to hear messages that support them in making well-informed decisions throughout their lives.

Earlier in the week, I had the pleasure of travelling with Mrs. Cass and Mrs. Holding to the Year 11 Student Leadership Team Retreat. It was a wonderful experience as we challenged ourselves and one another, deepening our understanding of teamwork, honesty, and vulnerability. Surrounded by beautiful nature, we spent time in prayer and reflection, strengthening the bonds within our group. The College is in excellent hands as we look forward to the leadership of 2024/2025.

Lastly, a heartfelt congratulations to the Year 12 Class of 2024, who finished this week! Your willingness to serve the College in so many ways has been remarkable, and you will be dearly missed. We wish you all the best for your upcoming HSC exams and look forward to celebrating with you at your graduation dinner.

In science this term Year 8 have been learning about the body systems and completing dissections as part of their unit. 

Here they are hands on with the dissections. 

Silver Awards
During Term 3, a number of students have earned Silver Awards (30 house points), showcasing their outstanding accomplishments across various fields.

Jemima Mergard
Jemima has demonstrated remarkable dedication through her participation in sports, volunteering, and leadership roles. From the College Swimming and Cross Country Carnivals to her contributions at the CSYSMA Confirmation retreat, she has shown consistent enthusiasm. Additionally, her involvement in Parish Liturgies, Youth Group, and academic competitions highlights her well-rounded excellence.

Liam Payne
Liam has stood out for his sporting achievements and leadership as Year 9 Captain. He has actively participated in swimming, athletics, and team sports, while also volunteering at major school events. His leadership in school liturgies and youth groups, along with his service as a referee, reflects his commitment to both Living Spiritually and Acting Justly.

Jack Willis
Jack’s academic effort, leadership, and sports involvement have been excellent. His dedication to community service through St Vincent de Paul, participation in Engineers Without Borders, and contributions to school arts and music make him a well-rounded achiever.

Eli Terry
Eli has excelled across multiple areas, from his impressive participation in swimming and rugby to his outstanding academic efforts in Geography and Science. As Year 7 Captain and a student ambassador, Eli has demonstrated leadership and commitment to school and community service.

Ruby Holt
Ruby’s achievements range from sport, where she placed 2nd in the College Cross Country, to community service with St Vincent de Paul. Her success in netball, cross country, and dance, including 1st place at the Cowra Eisteddfod, reflects her dedication and talent.

Dieter Dickinson
Dieter has demonstrated remarkable leadership as a passionate leader of Nagle House. He excelled in sports, including basketball, soccer, and cross country, and represented Canberra Goulburn at the CCC Cross Country. He has also been an active volunteer, displaying commitment to community service.

Jasmine Sullivan
Jasmine has shown excellence in both academics and co-curricular activities. She participated in all swimming events, was the runner-up Age Champion in the Athletics Carnival, and consistently volunteered at school and community events, such as the Colour Run and St Vincent de Paul Breakfast Service. Jasmine’s involvement in Parish Masses and College Liturgies also reflects her dedication to the school’s spiritual life.

Caitlin Drum
Caitlin has been a committed participant in all events at the Swimming and Athletics Carnivals and reached the state level in cross country. She represented the school in soccer and netball while also volunteering for events like Shrove Tuesday and managing a Beach Volleyball team. Her strong academic efforts in Agriculture further highlight her drive to succeed.

Camden Cummins
Camden has excelled academically, particularly in Studies of Religion and Modern History. She has participated in various sports and volunteered her time at school events. Her involvement in College Liturgies and Parish Masses, along with her role as a leader, demonstrates her commitment to both the school and the broader community.

Congratulations to all of our Silver Award recipients on their remarkable accomplishments.

Students commenced by producing blind contour drawings, investigating the work of Cubist artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, and finally creating their own free-standing masterpiece out of clay.

Our students were buzzing with excitement last week in the Hospitality kitchen as many put their hands up to get involved in baking for the Annual Young Show! From cakes to slices, the kitchen was alive with creativity and hard work. A big well done to everyone who took part, and a special congratulations to those who walked away with prizes or special recognition. 

Graduation Mass

Awards

Guard of Honor

Earlier this week, our Year 11 Hospitality students had the incredible opportunity to visit Art of Espresso and meet local roasting extraordinaire Adrian Capra, along with some of his talented team members, Xav and Elisa. The students gained invaluable insights into the industry, learning how Adrian connects with growers, imports beans, and masters the art of roasting, packaging, and delivery. A huge thanks to Adrian and his team for sharing their expertise and passion with us.