Welcome to the final newsletter for 2022. Today has been a wonderful example of what Hennessy is all about. We began the day with the HSC results for the Class of 2022. Students performed well across a wide range of subjects. We saw high results and many examples of impressive growth. 25.3% fo students received either Band 5 or 6 results. 13 students were placed First in the diocese. Five students earned ATARs of more than 90:

Damon Xia - 96.75
Charlie Tuckfield - 96.05
Sarah Dillon -95.5
Grace Hoey - 90.95
Jordan Beath - 90.25

The staff joined the class of 2022 in a celebratory morning tea. We then joined members of the local St Vincent de Paul conference for a Christmas liturgy in the Hall. There was such a strong sense of respect, prayerfulness and joy in celebrating our final liturgy for 2022 (there was some of the best singing of 2022 as well).

Hennessy is a school which is truly living up to its Vision Statement to Live Spiritually, Learn Dynamically, Act Justly.

I would like to extend my best wishes to all our families for a very Happy Christmas and restful break.

God bless

Kathy Holding
Principal 

YEAR 12 2022

Congratulations to all students for completing their HSC exams - it was a pleasure to see them to celebrate your HSC results today.

2022…THAT’S A WRAP!

It’s been a long year and I would like to thank the KLA leaders and all staff for their capacity to be adaptable as we went through our first full year since 2019. We all got through it well and students generally coped with the return to normal. 

A thank you to our departing Assistant Principal, Mrs. Hibbert. Her contribution to Hennessy over the last 11 years has been immense and her impact on student learning has been noticeable. We also farewell our departing teachers - Miss Chen, Mrs. Mergard and Mr. Stratford. Your contribution to learning has been deeply appreciated by students.

A reminder school starts for Years 7,11 and 12 on Wednesday 1st February (Day 3) and for Years 8-10 the following day. Timetables will be loaded to Compass the week before. 

I wish all students and their families all the best for the Christmas break and look forward to seeing you in 2023.

IAN MERGARD
Acting Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning

JANICE DUNK 
Acting Director of Studies

Over the last fortnight we have continued to celebrate the greatness that is the Hennessy Catholic College Community. We combined with St Mary’s Primary School to walk together in the Cherry Festival celebrating the theme “Young at Heart” and winning one of two available prizes - Best Float reflecting the theme “Young at Heart”. It was so wonderful to show the community what a truly inclusive Catholic community we have and how much we value our relationship with St Mary’s.

We also celebrated the winners of the House Cup, Nagle, by far the best House this year winning nearly every large school event and demonstrating fervently all aspects of college life. As a member of Nagle, I look forward to another year of winning next year.

A big thank you must go to the staff who coordinated the Presentation evening. In particular Mrs Holloway, Ms Carberry and Mrs Dunk who led the proceedings. It was a fantastic night demonstrating the wonderful students we have at the College.

Over the last week I have been impressed by the students and staff who have been involved in the review of the uniform policy. The policy has previously been presented to the Community Council for consultation at their final meeting for the year. Students and staff have respectfully put forward their ideas for review by the executive team to be considered at the next meeting. Already the first unanimously agreed idea has been actioned and in 2023 every Thursday students will be able to wear the College Sport Uniform, regardless of whether or not they have sport. Students may also choose to wear their academic uniform if they see fit.

Our Student Leadership Team demonstrated impeccable organising skills with their execution of Lunch on the Lawn - raising money for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. It was fantastic to see how much the school supported this event. Nearly the whole school gathered on the oval on picnic tables and listened to live music provided by the students.

This week we have also been gearing up for the Cambodia Immersion, led by Mrs McInerney and Miss Hayes. It is so wonderful to see the Immersion return to Hennessy after a COVID hiatus and for the first and only time it will be offered in 2023 to both the Year 11 and Year 12 students. Expressions of interest have already been posted on Compass, however, it is not too late, if you are still interested there is time to fill out the form. There will be a parent information session in Week 1 of 2023 and I look forward to seeing all those who are interested in supporting this great cause.

This year we have so much to be thankful for, our Hennessy Catholic College community has reached out into the Young and greater community and provided a helping hand in many ways - from the Vinnies sleepout, to fundraising for CARITAS, Dine and Donate and the Christmas Appeal.

We now give thanks for the opportunity that we have been given to participate in these events, as well as to give thanks to the students, parents and staff who have all made being a part of this excellent community a very special one.

And so as we enter into the Advent season in preparation for Christmas we reflect on the words of George Matthew Adams:

"Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide-open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years… Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart."

Welcome to the final “Leaders Lounge” article for 2022. To kick start our final weeks of the 2022 school year, the Leadership Team and staff at Hennessy have been working hard on making our last 2 weeks of school, fun and enjoyable for all. Because as we know, drawing closer to Christmas and the end of the year, we all get a little bit excited and exhausted. However, as we enter December running, this amazing weather could not have come at a more fantasitic time, as we edge closer to holidays. 

As Young celebrated their annual ‘Cherry Festival’ on the 2nd-4th of December, Hennessy had their Year 12 music students perform on Friday evening. Along with that Hennessy entered the annual Cherry Festival Parade, combining with St Mary’s Primary School, to participate in the parade on Saturday 3rd December. With the theme ‘Young at Heart’, Hennessy decorated a bus as a ‘Minion’, which was accompanied by students dressing up as what they wanted to be when they were younger. With great success within the parade, Hennessy and St Mary’s shared the win of best themed ‘Young at Heart’ award. 

Additionally, on Wednesday the 7th of December Hennessy welcomed back their ‘Presentation Night’, recognising and acknowledging the amazing students we have at our school, through their determination, commitment and dedication to their studies, extracurricular, sporting, leadership and much more. Presentation Night highlighted the excellence and talent we have here. With the night reflecting Mrs Holdings statement, “country kids can do anything!”. 

As a fun and exciting new initiative to invite into the Hennessy school community, the Leadership Team have been working hard on providing fun and engaging school activities. With the most recent ‘Lunch on the Lawns’, were we invited students to come together and celebrate the end of an amazing school year, with an all school lunch on the oval. Whilst also raising awareness for the Saint Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal, with students and families kindly donating non-perishable and Christmas items, for the flood affected victims within our region and families doing it tough this Christmas. The Year 12 music students provided entertainment for this event, as well as the seniors of each house put together various stalls. With McAuley hosting the barbeque, Rice hosting the drinks stall, Nagle hosting a lolly stall and Gallagher hosting a cake stall. With the event being an overall success, as students engaged and enjoyed their relaxing lunch on the lawns. Thank you to all who have contributed to this great cause.

Thank you for reading this week's edition of “The Leaders Lounge!”. On behalf of the 2022/23 Leadership team, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy your break, stay safe and enjoy this break with your family and friends. Make sure to stay tuned for the exciting events we have in store for you all next school year, we are looking forward to an amazing 2023 school year. 

Emily Pratt 
McAuley House Captain

Students from the Hennessy Catholic College Chess Team competed in the Country Secondary Schools Chess Competition and were Champion Runners-Up in the Riverina Division against 22 other secondary schools. Congratulations to Will Adams, Jimmy Cronin, Jorja O'Brien, Ryan Blake and Benny Knapman on a great effort.

This continues our tradition of great performances in this knock-out competition where we have been Champion Runners-up in 2016, 18 and now 2022. Hennessy were Riverina Champions in 2021.

Yesterday some Hennessy Agricultural students were able to attend SELX in Yass to sell the College lambs. 

Corey, Holman Tolmie sold 9 XB Lambs raised and shorn by the students. Thanks to the generous donations and purchases of our livestock agents and regular buyers, these lambs raised $2550, which will help fund Hennessy's ag plot in 2023.

A big thank you to Jock/Corey Holman Tolmie Pty Ltd, South Eastern Livestock Exchange - SELX, Riverina Australia (AMBOS) and all buyers!!

Thank you also to local producers who donated the lambs, Bernadette Kerr & Stephen Hunter and finally to Mr Moncrieff for transporting the lambs to Yass.

The Hennessy House Cup and Awards System has wrapped up for 2022. Congratulations to the amazing students in Nagle House, who were our Champion House for 2022, followed by Gallagher in second place, McAuley in third place and Rice were placed fourth. 

The House Cup and Awards system rewards students who demonstrate all attributes of the College mission and vision to ”Live Spiritually, Learn Dynamically and Act Justly — inspiring futures of hope”. The following students were exceptional and received Gold Awards this year; Mia Davidson, Elisabeth Hall and Eliza Taylor. We also had 11 students attain Silver Awards throughout the year including; Jasmine Sullivan, Emily Pratt, Stephanie Clark, Hugo Davidson, Lillian Williams, Jack Murphy, James Payne, Esnia Brits, Jorja O’Brien, Sonika Brits & Luke Jewitt. Additionally there were 74 students with Bronze awards and 236 students with House Awards. Congratulations to all students who gained points throughout 2022.

Throughout 2022 all Nagle house students have strived for their best in class, during sporting activities or during volunteering activities to show the Hennessy motto of living spiritually, learning dynamically and acting justly. By participating in numerous activities starting from Term 1 until Term 4 we were able to gain the most points and take home the house cup trophy for 2022. Some activities we participated in include Dine and Donate where over 40 meals were made for people in need, Vinnies Winter Appeal and the Vinnies school sleepout where money was raised for St Vincent De Paul, participating in the Melbourne cup day fashions on the field and minute to win it challenges and all college carnivals including athletics, swimming and cross country. All Nagle students were constantly trying their best and taking up new challenges and opportunities where we could experience new things and earning more points for our house.

By Riley Dixon & Camden Cummins

Congratulations to Sophia Hackett who was awarded a Vocal Scholarship by the Young Regional Conservatorium.