Welcome to Week 3. This week our Community Council has been very active in spite of COVID rules that they need to meet virtually. On Tuesday night the guest speaker for the Open Forum was John Harper. John Harper is an important name in regional mental health, he regularly runs discussion groups and presents at conferences and is well known for his Mate Helping Mate series of podcasts. John discussed issues of mental health for both adults and students and presented a very engaging and common sense approach. Two of his messages were that mental health is everyone’s business and we can all help others by being good listeners/neighbours/friends. John also spoke on the importance of seeking professional advice when necessary. A big thanks to Mrs Linda Cavanagh for organising this event.

Several issues concerning the girls uniform options were also raised and will be tabled at the next Community Council Meeting. Please do not hesitate to contact myself or a member of the Community Council if you would like an issue to be discussed. The current parent members are: Linda Cavanagh, Peita Payne, Natalie Turner and Charlie Cleverdon.

On Wednesday night the Community Council met virtually again to ratify the budget for 2021. The Council also supported the very exciting news that we will extend the current Music Room to double its size and to have three internal soundproof practice rooms. Funds for this will come from the Community Council Building Fund and College funds allocated to building and maintenance. We are hoping to begin this project in early 2021 subject to Hilltops Council approval.

Today a group of Year 10 students will begin their Peer Support training. This is a great initiative for our incoming Year 7 students and a leadership opportunity for our Year 10 students.

Last Friday Dolly, the black labrador, had a brief visit to the College in her role as the Hennessy Wellbeing Dog. She will make short weekly visits this term to familiarise herself and the students with her role. A big thanks to Ms Trisha Stadtmiller for initiating this program, doing this training and bringing Dolly to school.

Please continue to keep our Year 12 students in your prayers as they work through their HSC examinations. The exam supervisors are describing this group as calm, well-prepared and polite.

Today the local police spoke to the whole school community on the dangers of inappropriate use of mobile phones and social media and the law in relation to inappropriate activities. The world of technology is an amazing one which many of us did not experience as children. Whilst technology offers many benefits it can also create many issues when used inappropriately and the young people in our care need support and guidance in navigating this complex new world. At the end of the day nothing can beat face to face friendships as opposed to online ‘friends’.

I hope you take some time over the weekend to enjoy our beautiful green environment after all the recent rain.

Kathy

Teaching and Learning News

Learning Dynamically…Inspiring Futures of Hope

YEAR 12 HSC EXAMS

These continue until November 11^th. All exams are on Compass and students have personal exam timetables via Students Online. If any student is unwell or has an issue with attending an exam they should contact Mr Fouracre to go through Illness/Misadventure procedures – forms for NESA are on the Yr 12 Google classroom page.

PAT-R and PAT-M TESTING Years 7-10

PAT testing has been occurring for all students in Years 7-10. The data collected from this process allows teachers to differentiate learning and identify individual growth over a period of time. Additionally, this will be added to their Compass profile under the Analytics tab later in the Term.

STAGE 5 ELECTIVES

I am still moving students where possible so appreciate the patience everyone has shown. It is not too late to change as well!

ANDREW FOURACRE                                                   IAN MERGARD 

Acting Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning Acting Director of Studies

Social Media Safety

As you will be aware teenagers from time to time make mistakes. Over the last week we have had students involved in sexting or in their terminology ”sending  nudes”. As a result we had a visit this morning with the local police addressing the entire student body to inform them of the risks of sending and receiving nudes.

Any child under the age of 18 who makes, sends, keeps and forwards on a nude has committed a crime. These include possessing and trafficking child pornography.  As a college we understand that students will make mistakes and are her to support them through a tough time for them and their families, we are also obliged by law to inform the Police. The police will take the action they deem appropriate.

If your child receives a “nude” they need to delete it  and straight away inform a trusted adult. If they are asked to send a nude they need to again inform a trusted adult. If it becomes a continuing problem they can reported to the police, the social media platform or the eSafety commissioner.

Please read the link below and as difficult as it may seem at times continue to talk with your child about your concerns

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/big-issues/sending-nudes-sexting

Student Success

Charlotte Doldissen was nominated for an award called "Australian Olympic Change-Maker" the program aims to - build a better world through sport. The Australian Olympic Change-Maker program recognises students who are helping do that in communities across Australia, by demonstrating the Olympic spirit through leadership and driving positive change in their school or local communities. She was was presented her certificate by Mrs. Holding.

Her nomination clip is below

https://youtu.be/06whWsxgfng

As always if you have any concerns please seek out a member of the College’s Wellbeing Team

Mark Chifley

Assistant Principal – Wellbeing and Mission

CAPTAINS REPORT 

Welcome back to term 4, from your College Captains, Joy Cass and Liam Jewitt. We’d like to ask that you keep the graduating year 12’s in your thoughts and prayers during their HSC. So far, it’s been a busy start to the term and fast approaching are the final stages of 2020. We have an exciting few weeks ahead of us, with Movember running throughout the month of November for year 12, and Melbourne Cup day next Tuesday 3rd of November. 

As your captains for 2020/21, we are working together with the leadership team to bring about positive change in the school environment, encouraging students to become more involved in life at the College and allow them the opportunity to be more involved in decision making, exemplified through surveys and voting procedures.

Before we go, here’s a fun fact about us both. 

Joy - I have been dancing for 14 years, and am proud to be leading with Liam and the leadership team for 2020/21. 

Liam - I’m a mad Melbourne Storm supporter, and am especially looking forward to working with Joy and the team to make 2020/21 an enjoyable year for the staff and students of Hennessy Catholic College.

Thank you, and we look forward to an enjoyable term 4 with you all.

PEER SUPPORT 

Today, we inducted 21 students into the Peer Support program. Students were trained in the following areas; resilience, anti-bullying & relationships. The aim of the Peer Support program is to ensure inclusion and belonging at Hennessy. The students who were inducted all identified that they would have liked to have their program available when they were in Year 7. They will work with the Year 7 class of 2021over 10 sessions in Term 1 and then on occasions for the rest of the year. They will help guide and support them as they transition into high school. 

The leadership and teamwork that the students demonstrated showed that we will have outstanding student leaders involved in our Peer Support program. 

BIKE/SCOOTER SAFETY

A friendly reminder that if your child is riding their bike/scooter to school that they should abide by the road rules especially in relation to helmets. 

LEADERSHIP INDUCTION 

Last week, we officially inducted our 10 student leaders for 2020/2021. The students have identified their three focus areas as; sustainability in the College, cultural awareness/identity to all and improved health access for students. 

Here is a little bit more about the students leaders that you may not know, they would like to share some wisdom or advice.

College Captains 

Joy Cass - may be small in size but, she is quite a surprise, she can dance, run and likes to get a job done. Joy's goal for leadership would be that all students were able to work together and everyone feels that they can have their voice heard. Something you may not know is that Joy's famous cooking is a compliment to her mother. Her advice to you is enjoy every moment that comes your way. 

Liam Jewitt - whilst the opposite height to his partner, Liam is gentle and kind, quietly spoken. Some may not know he has had the ambition of being College captain since Year 6, lucky his leadership skills outweigh his netball skills. If Liam won the lotto, he would use it for his family, friends and then give to his community. Showing his generous nature. Additionally, he goes for the best NRL team in the competition being Melbourne Storm. 

Gallagher House Captains;

Jannat Bakri - our quiet achiever, she is a hard worker, always putting 200% into everything she does. During Jannat’s leadership she hopes to bring more cultural awareness to the community, she is starting this to showcase students' diversity. If she could tell the junior students one thing, she would like them to know never worry about what others think about you or your actions, you are unique. 

Emily Dillion - whilst she hopes to grow up and be as cool as Ms Jasprizza, she has other ambitions such as winning the lotto and donating some money towards Life Charity Focus to ensure that the children in Uganda have necessities they need to live a happy and safe life. Emily would like you all to ensure that you should not rush anything, take it all in one step at a time. 

McAuley House Captains;

Giselle Capra - is passionate about health and great choices. She always has a smile on her face,Giselle encourages everyone to get involved in as many areas as possible and never be afraid to ask for help. Whilst her health expertise and food choice is always spot on, her cleaning up skills can be questionable - we usually wash tea towel Giselle not cook them. 

Alice Stuart - When asking Alice, what words of wisdom do you have, she responded - ‘sit next to the smart kid’. Whilst Alice is yet to see her true talent of how influential she is to her peers, this role will show Alice she has got this, she is a natural leader! Alice always gives everything her best shot and does not mind a good chat. Alice brings wisdom and strength to our leadership team. 

Nagle House Captains;

Mia Hennock - Mia is a go-getter, always likes to set goals and challenge herself and her peers. In her role as a student leader, she would love to see students participate in more activities however, she does want people to know that she gets rather upset when people push in the canteen line. If one cartoon character would reflect Mia, it would be Lisa Simpson. 

Olivia McLennan - passionate, cheeky and determined would be how I would sum Olivia up. She is always thinking about others and inclusive of all. She regularly likes to quote others around her, so her wise words of wisdom would be ‘our students are the school’s best ambassadors’ so ensure that you take the opportunities as they come. Olivia would love to be a historian when she grows up. 

Rice House Captains;

Justin Garlick - loves a chat, starts his day with a coffee and cheesymite scroll. Justin’s ambition during his role is to provide more opportunities available to all at Hennessy. He is very compassionate and caring and always looking out for those around him. If Justin could give you some advice it would be; no matter what life throws at you, you are strong enough to take it on even if you do not think so! 

Grace Gibson - approachable, determined and strong willed to never give up. She is fierce on the tennis court. Grace is passionate about improving the health facilities and access to support at Hennessy and she would like to get a conversation started to help any student. Whilst, she would love to be lapping the main street in a nice car she knows that she needs to put the hard yards in now to hopefully be a veterinarian. 

As you can see we have a very diverse and unique student leadership team. We would like to wish them all the best as they work with the student cohort over the next 12 months. 

TIK TOK CHALLENGE

Last week on the Parent Portal, I posted this message so that you updated with the latest trends. Just a quick message to advise communities to be on the lookout for a concerning TikTok challenge that appears to be gaining popularity amongst some young people.  The challenge involves young people engaging in the dangerous act of ‘assisted asphyxia’. 

Essentially, it involves a young person being filmed in a squatting position with their arms crossed against their chest.  The young person is seen deliberately hyperventilating (breathing in and out in quick succession) before standing up and holding their breath.  Pressure is then applied to the chest of the young person by one or two others, which prevents their chest from expanding to allow for the intake of a breath.  The young person then appears to momentarily lose consciousness. 

A number of these videos have been circulated by some students within NSW schools, (filmed at school, wearing school uniform), so please be aware.  Whilst there is no offence associated with this trend, the kids involved probably don’t understand the very real physical danger they are putting themselves and their friends in.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate in contacting us.

HOUSE POINTS UPDATE

NAGLE 31   MCAULEY 23  GALLAGHER 15   RICE 13

Term 4 Hennessy Awards Progress:

https://tinyurl.com/hccyawards2020

We have recently introduced an Awards program where we are recognising students achievements/success. This term is a pilot program in which we are working out the things that work well and areas we need to improve.  

The focus of the rewards system is on all round effort and participation in the THREE key Hennessy areas ■ Live spiritually ■ Learn dynamically ■ Act justly.

I have posted to the Parent Portal the presentation that was delivered to the students Week 1. We ask that you have any feedback please email myself or Mrs Dunk. 

Mrs Dunk provides a weekly house points update and this week has further updated a leader board for the students who have received points in the first 2 weeks. We recognise the importance that students should be recognised for their involvement in the College community. 

jessica.mcinerney@cg.catholic.edu.au / janice.dunk@cg.catholic.edu.au 

MOVEMBER 

Following tradition, Year 12 have decided to take part in Movember once again in 2020. This is a great initiative that aims to raise funds and awareness in relation to men's mental health. The students and teachers can either grow a mo for the entire month, or walk 60km for the 60 men who are lost each hour around the world to suicide. The link below is available for students in year 12 to sign up, or for donations. 

https://movember.com/t/hennessy-catholic-college?mc=1 

MELBOURNE CUP

Next Tuesday 3rd November, we will be hosting our annual Melbourne Cup activities. This year the students were surveyed and they selected “Aussie Icons” as the theme for the day. 

On the day, there will be activities in year groups, fashions on the field, watching the famous race and Pastoral Care sweeps. 

RATION CHALLENGE 

In Term 3, we had several brave students participate in the Ration Challenge The Ration Challenge is a powerful, physical learning experience that can be done at home or in the classroom.

They ate the same rations as a Syrian refugee for 5 days (from 14-18 September) and some were sponsored to do it. The money they raise will provide emergency food, hygiene kits and life-saving support for people hit hardest by the coronavirus, by sharing their experience, they’ll help create more empathy and compassion in society. Congratulations girls for your hard work and success. 

LOOKING AHEAD

WEEK 4

• Tuesday 3rd November - Melbourne Cup - Hennessy Activities 

WEEK 5

• Thursday 12th November - 5:45pm Year 12 Graduation 

WEEK 6 

• Tuesday 17th November - Year 7 Orientation Day 1 & McAuley Dine and Donate
• Wednesday 18th November - Year 7 Orientation Day 2

REMINDER:

 Year 12 , 2021 SYDNEY EXCURSION notes and deposits are due 9th November, 2020.

YEAR 12 GRADUATION DINNER

Year 12 Graduation Dinner will be held Thursday 12th November. Tickets are available at the College front office. Cost of the ticket is $60. The location will be in the College Hal. 

Students are expected to arrive around 5:30pm for a group photo at 5:45pm and formalities at 6:00pm. Students will not be allowed to collect their tickets for the Graduation Dinner until all textbooks are returned or paid for it lost. Looking forward to an amazing night. 

ELEVATE PARENT RESOURCE 

Elevate is an organization we have used to help support our students with study tools and techniques, they are now also providing parent webinars. For those who are interested in listening in, the dates are below and here is the link to register. https://get.elevatecoaching.info/au/register 

Mrs Jessica McInerney 

Director of Students 

Following tradition, year 12 have decided to take part in Movember once again in 2020. This is a great initiative that aims to raise funds and awareness in relation to men's mental health. The students and teachers can either grow a mo for the entire month, or walk 60km for the 60 men who are lost each hour around the world to suicide. The link below is available for students in year 12 to sign up, or for donations.
 
https://movember.com/t/hennessy-catholic-college?mc=1  

Year 12 Work Studies started their 3 x 1 hour voluntary sessions at the local St.Vincent De Paul store yesterday Tuesday 27th October. While in the store we learnt about the services provided to the local community learning very quickly that it is not just a store for clothes, toys and books.

The local community and surrounding districts are lucky to have the provision of so many services, allowing those in need to have more comfortable living, and also provide the opportunity to volunteer for those who are wanting to give back to their community.

While attending the store the students helped out with behind the scenes chores in order to help catch up on regular daily tasks within the organisation. The students washed down toys, checked to see that batteries were working, removed damaged items, labelled books with price tags and ironed clothes ready to be placed on the shelves. We would like to thank Ms Bronwen Grovenor and look forward to our next visit in two weeks.

Y8 Music classes have been working on their reading and playing skills to contribute to group accompanying on guitar, keyboards and drums. Focus on the 12 Bar Blues has enabled the students to explore the area of improvisation using a blues scale. The students continue to enjoy developing their composition skills using the Noteflight composition program. While there have been vocal training restrictions due to Covid-19, the students have done very well and we look forward to seeing those who have chosen Elective Music back in the music room next year.