Welcome to Term 3. It has been wonderful to start our new term by welcoming new students across Years 7 - 11. Hennessy numbers are gradually growing (current enrolment is 480) and I believe this is a reflection of the quality teaching and learning at the school and the strong pastoral care focus. 

We began the term with a special day for Year 12 focusing on motivation, study skills and some fun activities. Year 12 has certainly not had the final year that any of us could have imagined, but this wonderful group of students is responding with resilience and good humour. We are encouraging them to have dreams and aspirations to work towards and to assist them with the best possible preparation for university, TAFE or work.

Today many of you will be participating in the online Parent Teacher Student Interviews. Whilst it is not ideal to not meet with teachers face to face, there are also advantages for some families in not having to travel or leave work to attend interviews. We are keen to receive feedback on how this process works.

Year 10 are busily selecting subjects for Year 11. This is an exciting time for them as they move on to the next stage of their schooling where they have choice and the opportunity to really focus on their passions and talents. Parents and carers have been invited to see Mrs Hibbert’s presentation online but please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have any questions regarding the selection process. Each student will have the opportunity for a personal interview to ensure that they have made good choices.

We continue to keep those suffering or affected by COVID-19 in our thoughts and prayers. Please remember that we are requested to keep the number of adult visitors to the school to a minimum. If you need to speak directly to a member of staff please come via the Front Office so we can sign you in and organise a meeting space.

Guidelines from Catholic Education Road Map Term 3 update: 

• Schools should limit the number of adult visitors/volunteers on school sites.
• Parents should avoid routinely entering the school building where possible but can attend scheduled school events and meetings with teachers. Physical distancing and hygiene measures still apply.

Please note that Catholic Education regularly updates their website in relation to COVID-19 guidelines. These can be accessed at https://cg.catholic.edu.au/

Pope Francis on Hope:

"Dear young people, do not be afraid of making decisive choices in life. Have faith; the Lord will not abandon you!" 

"From my point of view, God is the light that illuminates the darkness, even if it does not dissolve it, and a spark of divine light is within each of us."

STAGE 5 SUBJECT SELECTION 2021

Yesterday the classes were released for Year 9 and 10 Electives 2021 via Compass. Students who wish to request a change need to see Mrs Hibbert during breaks when she is available.

If they wish to change to a subject then they can change if:

• A vacancy exists and they originally selected it as one of their 3 selections
• A vacancy exists and they get permission from parents to change (forms will be available)
• No vacancy occurs but they can be placed on a ‘waitlist’ until one does occur – when this happens Mrs Hibbert or Mr Fouracre will see them to confirm they wish to still change.

YEAR 11 SELECTIONS 2021

These have commenced and they close next Monday August 3^rd at 5pm. A link to the Parent Information session is available below.

After selection closes students should bring in their receipt to the Front office by Friday Week 3.

YEAR 12 STUDY

Year 12 will have additional study sessions in Weeks 2,3,4 each Wednesday until 6.30pm. Many Year 12 teachers will be at these study sessions to assist with Trial preparation. The Trial Timetable is now on Compass.

Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning          Director of Studies

SHARON HIBBERT                                                    ANDREW FOURACRE 

This term the College’s Wellbeing Team have continued working with students to identify who is their support network. The Wellbeing team appreciate the tremendous resilience that our students have displayed when faced with the  ever changing situation. One of the greatest supports that students have are their own peers and we encourage them to continue to look out for each other and as “R U OK”.  If they are concerned about a mate we encourage them to reach out to a trusted adult at home, or school or within the community. 

The leadership process for the College and House Captains began last Tuesday with students attending a leadership presentation at the College.

The Student Action Group meet again this week and formalised the direction of the group. Originally stemming from last semesters Bullying Survey, the group has morphed into addressing issues including bullying but have broaden their scope to include student wellbeing and social action causes.

The Last day of term 2 the Year 10 as part of their PEHPE course attended a presentation by Georgina Josephine Foundation. The students were engaged in an interactive process to highlight the responsibilities of being charge of a motor vehicle.

As always if you have any concerns please don’t hesitate to contact in the first case your child’s Pastoral Care teacher, House Leader or any member of the Colleges Wellbeing Team.

Mark Chifley

Assistant Principal – Mission and Wellbeing

SOCIAL JUSTICE DAY 

Gallagher House has the pleasure of hosting Social Justice Day in 2020, it will take place on Tuesday 4 August in Week 3. Our aim as a House is to raise awareness and show solidarity for those people who are dealing with Cancer in their lives. As you are all aware this is something that touches all our lives at some point in time. Students and staff will be able to show their solidarity and support by wearing a yellow accessory with their uniform. Accessories include yellow ribbons, hat/beanie, scarves, socks, etc. 

During SWS on Tuesday 4 August all students will be invited to write a message of Hope on a paper daffodil. The flowers will be joined together to spell out the word HOPE that will be displayed in the library. My thanks to the students in Gallagher who have been very busy preparing and planning for this important event. This activity is a perfect example of how the Hennessy community is Acting Justly in 2020.

Mr Luke Miller

Gallagher House Leader

YEAR 12 JERSEYS 2021

Students have been given a note this week for the Year 12 Jerseys for 2021. The notes and money are due back by 31st July, 2020. 

STUDENT LEADERSHIP 2021

This week Year 11 students started the process of Student Leadership for 2021. They had a presentation where they were challenged to think about what a leader is, how they would like to lead the College in 2021, what impact they can have. Students have now been provided with the application package where they can complete and return to Mrs McInerney by 7th August, 2020. 

TERM 2 HOUSE POINTS UPDATE: 

Term 2 Results:

                                 

Nagle 1st,                    Rice 2nd,                 McAuley 3rd,              Gallagher 4th.

OVERALL 2020 CUP progressive tally: 

Nagle 1287,

Gallagher 1283,

McAuley 1233,

Rice 1165.

YEAR 12 STUDY/HEALTH & FUN DAY

Last Tuesday, the Year 12 students were motivated to think about the term and how we can kick start their final weeks of schooling. On the day we had some study tips and techniques, they looked at how to support their careers and sell themselves to be more employable, they had a master chef challenge, riddles, scavenger hunts, a posture technique discussion from the talented James Shannon and then a Touch Football championship. The winners on this day were the ‘Stereotypes’ on 200 points and in a close second was the ‘Neutral’ team who had 198 points for the day - they were strong in the riddles. Congratulations Year 12 it was a great day and you were very involved. 

LOOKING AHEAD

WEEK 3 

• Tuesday 4th August - Social Justice Day 
• Wednesday 5th August - Year 12 Study 
• Friday 7th August - Year 11 Leadership Nominations Due

WEEK 4  

• Wednesday 12th August - Year 12 Study 
• Thursday 13th August - RED DAY

Mrs Jessica McInerney 

Director of Students

In Week 7 of Term 3 on Tuesday 1st September, Nagle House and Hennessy Catholic College will be hosting a “Dine and Donate” event in the hospitality facilities at school.

"Dine and Donate” has been created in order to raise funds and also prepare and donate vital meals to the less fortunate in the Hilltop’s community. The initiative consists of a student coming to school and preparing meals. Due to COVID 19 we are unsure if parents will be able to attend, this will be decided in week 5. The student and their parents, if able to attend due to COVID 19 will then sit and eat one meal each with the other students and parents. The remaining meals will then be packed and sealed and donated to local charities to be given to those less fortunate.

We invite you to attend this event with your child to support our community.

The cost of entry for each individual is $10 which will be used in order to supply the food that will be cooked and any remaining profit will be donated to local charities.

This event is open to students in years 10-12 as well as their families. Information notes are available on the Nagle Classroom page or directly from Mrs Nowlan in the House Leaders Office.

Please contact me at the College if you would like more information.

Regards

HSC artworks are starting to be finalised.  Bridget Summerfield has researched the artist Takashi Murakami along with the effects of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulting in a book of imagery that captures her allegorical response to both.