Welcome to Week 6. Last week was a time of endings and new beginnings. We welcomed our Year 7 2023 class for two orientation days. Currently we have 77 students enrolled into Year 7 and it was so delightful to see them enjoying their ‘high school’ experience. They participated in a welcome liturgy, did a wide variety of subject tasters, met their new peer leaders and made new friends. By all reports they had a very enjoyable and successful introduction to Hennessy and are keen to return next year!

On Friday we farewelled the Year 12 Class of 2022. Students, special guests and many family and friends participated in a beautiful mass followed by their graduation dinner. During the dinner many awards were also presented to acknowledge a wide range of achievements for this outstanding group.The students ‘scrubbed up’ very well for the evening and while it was very sad to say goodbye to them it is also exciting to see them begin the next chapter of their lives.

At the mass I gave the students two challenges:

1. “How many times have you been asked ‘what do you want to do when you grow up? There may be many adults here tonight still struggling with this question. Instead of this question I would like you to consider - what will your impact be? How will you make the world a better place? This may be through your work, your talents, friendships, generosity or simply your day-to-day interactions.
   
   
2. 'To thine own self be true' is a line from Shakespeare's play, Hamlet. It is spoken by King Claudius' chief minister, Polonius as part of a speech where he is giving his son, Laertes, his blessing and advice on how to behave whilst at university.
   
   Shakespeare is saying that if we stay true to ourselves first then we can be truthful and honest with others. It’s also about never allowing anyone else to define who we are or we will be living a lie. Sometimes it’s difficult to accept the truth about ourselves, especially if there is a weakness in our personality. Truth is also about what you believe in and the courage to say and do the right thing no matter the circumstances.”

I would like to think that the education that Hennessy has provided for these students has provided them with the courage to be true to themselves throughout life and to have a significant impact on others and their world.

Please keep in your prayers all those affected by flooding and the extreme wet weather we are experiencing at the moment.

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL & THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES

YEAR 12 2022

Save the date: HSC results and ATARs are released on Thursday 15 December. 

In keeping with tradition, we will have a morning tea on that day to celebrate with our HSC students.

YEAR 12 2023

Our new Year 12 students are working hard and most subjects have their first assessment task due in the coming weeks before the end of term. It’s important students get into an effective study routine and allocate time to keep up with classwork as well as tackle assessment tasks. As students have study lessons they may not get as much class time as previous to work on assessments so should be using studies wisely. 

Remember you need to study smarter, not longer - https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/top-10-tips-study-smarter-not-longer-study-skills 

Tips from this article are:

• Space out your studying
• Practice, practice, practice!
• Don’t just reread books and notes
• Test yourself
• Mistakes are OK - as long as you learn from them
• Mix it up
• Use pictures
• Find examples
• Dig deeper
• Make a plan and stick to it

So use your time effectively. You may also consider how much time you have out of school and during the ‘assessment period’ it’s wise not to overburden yourself with other commitments. If you work, then around 8-10 hours a week or 2 shifts is manageable - remember you can work more in the summer break. 

                                                               

IAN MERGARD                                                                             JANICE DUNK 
Acting Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning         Acting Director of Studies

The past fortnight has been a celebration of the wonderful things that happen within our Hennessy community.  Tomorrow, I have the privilege of joining with Year 9 students who have consistently met the expectations of the College. Some of these students have also demonstrated the ability to improve their commitment to the behaviour expectations by progressing more than 10 points higher than their previous scores. 

Earlier this term the Year 10 students were involved in the Driving Simulator program provided by the local Rotary club. This is an important program that educates students in the importance of driving without distractions. We thank Frank and his team from Rotary for providing our students with this opportunity. 

We were also visited by Karen Clark the Young Police Youth Engagement Officer who delivered the Love Bites program to our Year 10 students. As an important part of the pastoral program, students were engaged in the discussion of respectful relationships. The Love Bites program also incorporated creative workshops and community campaigns. Students created meaningful and insightful responses to the challenge of creating a whole-of-school commitment to respectful relationships.

Last week was a momentous week where we welcomed our incoming Year 7 class of 2023 for two orientation days. Students respectfully took part in an opening liturgy, shared in games with their House and College Captains and House Leaders and got a taste of school life at Hennessy. A big thankyou to all the teachers who were involved in putting together lessons and activities for the days and to Mrs Jessica McInerney for overseeing the days. Our graduating class of 2028 has much to look forward to and we are so pleased to be joining together in their educational journey.

On Friday we celebrated Remembrance Day in the church with a moving ceremony organised by Mr Mitchell. Students showed the utmost respect joining in with responses, learning about the reasons and importance of Remembrance Day and in listening to Skylah Apps play the Last Post on the Trumpet. We thank the Army Cadets who led the ceremonies and to all students and staff who contributed to the running of the liturgy.

Last week we said our final goodbyes from the College to the graduating class of 2022. We are so proud of the young men and women who graduate from our College and recognise the wonderful contributions they have made to our school as well as to the wider community. A great night organised by Mrs McInerney was held and we were able to enjoy celebrating their official last night of formal education.

As we move towards the end of a fantastic year - we remember those who are not as fortunate as us and look toward supporting the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. This year we will be doing a canned food/ long life items drive, and also an event “Lunch on the Lawns” to donate funds towards this very worthy cause as part of our mission as a Catholic school.

Next week I join the Year 10’s on their Camp to Canberra and wish the Year 7’s a great time on their Camp in the second half of next week. There are so many wonderful events and programs still to come for the remainder of the year at Hennessy that really emphasise the great work that the students and staff are involved in.

Mary Wright 
Assistant Principal Mission & Ministry 

Welcome to this week's episode of ‘The Leaders Lounge’ brought to you by Jack and Lukie. 

The Leadership Team had lots of fun and laughs getting to know the Year 7’s of 2023 during their Orientation Days last week. Playing get-to-know-you games and touring the grounds seemed to be a great way to kick off their adventures at the College. Highlights included virtual reality adventures and PE challenges, exploring areas of the school and facilities that they don’t have at their primary schools, like the music, woodwork and metalwork rooms. We can’t wait for them to join our college community next year!

Last Friday, the school came together for a reverent commemorative Remembrance Day Service. This involved the laying of wreaths and poppies for each of the houses. Hennesey cadet members impressively conducted their duties.

Also on Friday, the Graduation Mass and Dinner was held, after being postponed due to the Public Holiday for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral. It was great to see so many families and friends come together to celebrate their graduation. We would like to congratulate the Year 12’s on graduating high school and wish them the very best of luck for their future endeavours. 

Movember is in full swing, with a group of the Year 12 boys growing their mo’s to raise awareness for men’s mental health. If you would like to contribute to our fundraising efforts or learn more, please visit:  https://movember.com/m/hennessy18?mc=1.

For the end of Movember, on the 30th November, we are hosting “Mo Day,” where it is 50c to get a moustache painted on their face to raise awareness for the great cause. There will also be a competition for the best painted moustache  on the day - with canteen vouchers up for grabs for the winners. 

With the HSC finished, the new Year 12s have begun using the Year 12 kitchen area, with tea, coffee and other items and appliances that can be used during the breaks. It has been a great area to bring the year group together and closer outside of our regular classes as well. 

The Student Leadership Team is also planning “Lunch on The Lawn.” This event is going to be on the 8th of December, with live music, stalls, activities and a barbeque. The aim of “Lunch on The Lawn” is to bring the whole student cohort into one area, being the college oval. Lunch on the Lawns is also to raise much needed goods such as canned foods for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas appeal. More information coming soon….

Reminder that Gallagher’s Dine and Donate is on Tuesday 22nd November, open to Years 7-12, book your seat at the table via Compass. 

Coming up is our final rounds of our inter-house competition, with the competition neck and neck with all year groups. Which year and house group will take home the win?! 

Thank you for reading this week's edition of “The Leaders Lounge!” We are looking forward to all these upcoming activities and we hope you have a lovely week!

                 

Jack Murphy                                               Luke Jewitt
College Captain                                          Rice House Captain

On Friday last week Hennessy staff and students participated in a very moving and beautiful Remembrance Day service honouring those who've served and sacrificed. We remember all who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. 

Earlier this week some art students were luky enough to partake in a Victoria Anderson Workshop. Victoria has been a senior art educator and is currently running art workshops at Springfield Art. The art students have been looking at murals in art and worked towards a group piece based on the Australiana presented within the works of Reg Mombasa.

Many students were participated in the Nagle Dine and Donate! With a little pinch of Italy - music, pasta, friends and family - students, teachers and parents were able to all come together to have some fun by creating a delicious meal of spaghetti bolognese, as well as helping the homeless! 

The theme was set as we walked in with beautiful Italian music and the restaurant set up with white tablecloths candles and olive branches. Everything was set up at our work stations thanks to some year 8 students. 

Over 40 meals we made to be distributed to those in need within the Hilltops Community.

We had a great afternoon and enjoyed sharing a beautiful meal with family, staff and friends.

                   

Sophie Maloney                                  Jasmine Sullivan

The Year 9/10 Design and Technology classes created balsa wood towers as part of their structural engineering unit. 

Ben Knapman of Year 10 built a tower with the greatest strength, it held over 63kg which is 600 times strength to rate ratio. 

Callum Holt of Year 9 built a tower with the best design. 

One of our Year 9/10 Metalwork classes had the opportunity to work with Mr Don Smith to assemble the stage for this weekend's Fete. Don commented on how well the boys performed to make his job easier!

Year 9 /10 Art class working on their mural style works/works that tell a story!

Year 12 Work Studies are participating in community service as part of their unit this term. Attached are some images of the students learning price tagging, cash register, labelling hangers and general tidy up of racks. This will continue till the end of the term and hopefully again in the new year.