Welcome to the final newsletter for Term 1. It is with sadness that I inform the community of the passing of Kathy Holding’s father, Ted Brown. The school community holds Kathy’s family in our prayers and asks for eternal peace granted by God to be upon him. 

Currently the Year 7 students are in Collaroy. The weather has been very kind to us and the students are having an amazing time doing lots of outdoor activities, enjoying each other’s company and making new friends. It is an absolute privilege for our teachers to get to know this group a little better and to share in their enthusiasm and happiness. Many thanks to Mrs Nowlan for coordinating this excursion and to all those staff who have attended over the three days.

Many parents took up the opportunity to meet with teachers face-to-face or via Teams last week for Years 7-11 Parent Teacher Student Conferences. This was an excellent opportunity to talk about student progress and get to know our families better. Thank you to Mr Mergard for organsing these evenings and to all the teachers involved

Today, the school participated in a Passion Liturgy in the Hall to reflect on the Stations of the Cross. A reminder that Easter falls in the middle weekend of the holiday break.

Anzac Day also falls in the holiday break. It has been a long tradition at Hennessy, for students and staff to march in Young and the surrounding towns. I would like to encourage students to show their support of this significant event by joining their local march to represent Hennessy. Further information will go out on Compass next week.

Anzac Day event times are as follows:

Bimbi - 2:00pm
Boorowa - 10:30am
Cootamundra - 10:30am
Grenfell- 10:15am
Harden - 10:45am
Young -  10:30am

I would like to thank everyone for making Term 1 such a positive start to 2025. School returns for students on Tuesday, April 29. A reminder that our athletics carnival is the first Friday of Term 2, May 2. 

I would like to wish all our families a safe and happy break and a peaceful and special Easter.

Matthew 28:6: "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.....

YEAR 12 - FINANCIAL LITERACY
Last week, we hosted Richard Hewitt from Nimbus Insurance. He spoke with the Year 12 students about effective habits to set yourself up, looked at downfalls and potential dangers in borrowing money, discussed challenges that exist for young people when purchasing property. Richard provided a very valuable understanding and insight to financial wellbeing. It was a fantastic opportunity for the students. 

CLASSROOM CONCERNS PROCESS
As the term concludes, students will return their points back to zero commencing the start of next term. 

Below is an overview of the process in which is in place at Hennessy. If you wish to discuss your child, please contact a House Leader, the Director of Student Growth or myself. 

-1, Classroom Concern Level 1 Any Subject - Warning and Chronicle Entry (management by classroom teacher), -1 point for student.

-2, Classroom Concern Level 2 Any Subject - Warning and Chronicle Entry (management by classroom teacher, KLA leader and contact made with parents by the staff member who wrote the concern), -2 points for student and an email sent to student.

- 3, Classroom Concern Level 3 Any Subject - Automated Chronicle Email to parents/carers (management by classroom teacher, KLA leader and contact made with parents by the staff member who wrote the concern), -3 for student. The student will be withdrawn from representing the College in extracurricular activities, including excursions and sports teams for 3 weeks. 

-4, Classroom Concern Level 4 Any Subject - (management by classroom teacher, KLA leader. Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning, Phone Call to Parents/Guardians, -4 for student. The student will be removed from the playground for a week and will be withdrawn from representing the College in extracurricular activities, including excursions and sports teams for that term.

-5, Classroom Concern Level 5 Any Subject - management by classroom teacher and KLA leader and Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning Phone Call to Parents/Carers to organise class withdrawal for a day and an interview with Assistant Principal. The student will be removed from the playground for a week and will be withdrawn from representing the College in extracurricular activities, including excursions and sports teams for that term.

-6, Classroom Concern Level 5 Any Subject - management by classroom teacher and KLA leader and Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning Phone Call to parents/carers to organise a one-day external suspension and an interview with Assistant Principal. Students will also be removed from representing the College in extracurricular activities including excursions and sports teams for the rest of the term.

YEAR 12 UAC

UAC applications for study at uni in 2026 are now open for domestic students. Year 12 have been encouraged to open an account and start to explore their options. 

YEAR 11 & YEAR 12 ASSESSMENT CALENDARS - TERM 2 

CLASS SPOTLIGHT – YEAR 8 TECHNOLOGY
This week I popped into the Year 8 classes - they were so engaged and interested in what they were doing. Check out the skills they were learning! Well done Year 8.

As we approach the conclusion of our Lenten journey, we find ourselves on the cusp of the Easter season, a time of profound spiritual reflection and celebration. This week marks our final days of Lent, leading up to Easter on April 20th. We hope that this period has been a meaningful time of spiritual growth, providing space for God in your lives and preparing your hearts for the joyous Easter celebrations with your families.

Last Friday, our entire school community came together to commemorate the Stations of the Cross, a powerful remembrance of Jesus' final earthly moments. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the students who volunteered to participate in this significant spiritual experience, and a special thanks to Mr. Miller for organizing this important school prayer event.

We are pleased to share the comprehensive Easter timetable for our Young Mission Parishes. This schedule offers multiple opportunities for community members to participate in various Holy Week services across different locations. From the Second Rite of Reconciliation to Easter Sunday Masses, there are numerous ways to engage in spiritual reflection and celebration.

PALM SUNDAY
Sat. 12th Apr -   6.00pm - Young          
Sun. 13th Apr -  8.00am - Grenfell      
                       10.00am - Young   
                         5.00pm - Boorowa  

CHRISM MASS
Mon. 14th Apr - 5.00pm - Canberra   All welcome to join St Christopher’s Cathedral   (Cnr of Canberra Ave & Furneaux St, Forrest)   
Tue. 15th Apr -  5.45pm -  Young 
Wed. 16th Apr -  8.00am -  Young   

MAUNDY Thursday    

Thur. 17th Apr   - 6.00pm - 

Young      - 6.00pm - Boorowa  

(Altar Repose will be only for 1 hour after the Mass in the Chapel)   

GOOD FRIDAY   

Fri. 18th Apr - 10.00am -  “Walking” Stations of the Cross  at Young Arboretum Park commencing at the Yass Street bridge     (for Young Mission)    

Stations of the Cross at 10.00am - Grenfell (Liturgy)   

VENERATION OF THE CROSS  

Fri. 18th Apr - 3:00pm -  at Young   - 3.00pm -  at Boorowa    (Remember to bring a flower or native leaves to put near the cross when    your time comes to venerate at the Altar)   

EASTER Vigil:    Sat. 19th Apr - 7.00pm  - Mass at Young   - 6.00pm  - Mass - Grenfell   EASTER SUNDAY:    

Sun. 20th Apr  - 8.00am - Mass at Boorowa   

9.00am - St Clement’s Monastery, Galong     

10.00am - Mass at Young  

On Tuesday, our school celebrated an extraordinary event combining physical activity and charitable giving. Our Cross Country and Colour Run was a remarkable success, with over 270 students participating and raising funds for Margaret House, a domestic violence shelter chosen by our Year 12 students. We extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Croese and Bob Ashton for their dedicated efforts in organizing this impactful event.

Hennessy Catholic College has a proud tradition of attending all the ANZAC Day celebrations in our region. If you would like to attend an ANZAC Day service in full school winter uniform, please complete the Google form on Compass. This is an important opportunity for our students to honor and remember the sacrifices made by Australian and New Zealand service members.

Hennessy Catholic College will be engaged in the Seasons for Growth program for students seeking extra support around change in their lives. This could involve changes in friendship groups, family situations, living arrangements, health, or moving to a new place. Students will be placed in age-appropriate groups of a maximum of 7 students, working with a confidential and trained program provider from Catholic Care once a week for 8 weeks beginning in Term 2.

The RAGE Program has received an excellent response in Term 2 and will be running a new cohort in Term 3. This strengths-based program aims to help young people aged 11-17 identify and manage feelings of anger. Topics covered include:

- The many faces of anger

- The 4 Ts of anger

- Healthy expression of anger

- Getting through the guilt of anger

- Relaxation, exercise, and diet

The program runs for 6 weeks with hands-on, practical, and engaging one-hour sessions. If interested, please contact mary.wright@cg.catholic.edu.au by April 11.

Students will return to school on April 29th in full winter uniform, including ties. It is crucial to ensure that your complete winter uniform is prepared before returning to school. Please note that ANZAC Day falls on the last Friday of the school holidays and is a public holiday.

Hennessy Catholic College is implementing Stymie, an anonymous harm reporting tool designed to support student well-being. Stymie empowers students to report concerns without fear, helping to create a culture of care within the school community. Built in consideration of the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework and recommendations from the Australian Covert Bullying Prevalence Study, this tool provides a safe way for students to speak up.

Students and staff will be briefed on using Stymie in stage groups throughout the day on Tuesday, April 29th. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to creating a supportive and safe learning environment for all students.

As we transition from Lent to Easter, we invite our entire school community to embrace the spirit of renewal, hope, and compassion. May this season bring you joy, peace, and a deeper connection with your faith and community.

Hi All, 

Welcome back to this week's leadership lounge written by your Gallagher house captains, Izabelle and Ed. 

We would also like to welcome our Year 11, Gallagher vice-captain Lachlan Li. Lachie will be a valuable member of the leadership team, and we can’t wait to work with him throughout the year. 

Hi, it’s Lachlan here and I’m excited and proud to be a part of the leadership team for Gallagher house in 2025. A few things you should know about me include my hobbies of soccer on the weekends and playing piano. Enough about me, let’s get back to the news.

This week, the college held the annual cross-country and colour run. We would like to congratulate all age champions, and particularly everyone who got up and had a go. All fundraising from the carnival goes towards the Year 12s charity, Margaret House, which plays an important role within the Hilltops and wider community. 

Today, we held the Stations of the Cross Liturgy, which is an important part of the Catholic Calendar, especially for the upcoming Easter period. It was great to see so many students involved and we thank Mr Miller for running this service so smoothly. 

During the Holidays, we have ANZAC Day ceremonies where we encourage as many people as possible to pay their respects and enter the march at their respective towns. A house point will be awarded to all who attend. 

On Friday, the 2nd May - Week 1, the college will hold their annual athletics carnival at Gus Smith Oval, where we wish to see many students participate in multiple events, getting lots of house points!

Thank you for reading this week's Leadership Lounge. We wish everyone a safe and happy Holiday break!

Izabelle Cartwright, Ed Maloney and Lachlan Li

                  

Term 1 has been a fantastic start to the year for the Hennessy House Cup, with students across all year groups showing enthusiasm, teamwork, and school spirit. From participation in sports trials and teams, Liturgies and Masses, fundraising, volunteer work, academic work, and cultural activities, it’s been wonderful to see our Houses come to life with colour and competition.

We proudly recognise the following students for achieving a House Award (earning at least one point in each area of Living Spiritually, Learning Dynamically, and Acting Justly) during Weeks 1–9 of this term:

Year 7
Lexie McGovern, Oscar Wright

Year 8
Daisy van Leeuwen, Ivy Murphy

Year 9
Jack Willis, Bonny Bromham, Ruby Holt, Chloe Eastlake, Sybella Murphy, Ava Dawe, Sofia Minehan, Kate Faelden

Year 10
Archie Quinn, Azalea Sullivan, Liam Payne, Jemima Mergard, Sophia Hackett, Emily Buck, Kobe Owen, Talia McKay, Micah Reeves

Year 11
Riley Noakes, Joshua Reeves, Lucy Eastwood, Ashlee Peacey, Lachlan Li, Amelia Smith, John Bromham, Leila Ismay, Beau Rice, Evan Lonnen

Year 12
Madison James, Eliza Taylor, Callum Holt, Elizabeth Reeves, Angelic Sutherland, Nicholas Canellis, Bridie Sullivan, Lachlan Bailey, Izaiah Carter-Pahulu, Edward Maloney, Izabelle Cartwright

Congratulations to Azalea Sullivan and Ivy Murphy, who have reached the next level of achievement, the Bronze Award, by attaining at least two points in each area and a total of 15 or more points.

McAuley 6 is currently our leading PC group, Azalea Sullivan is our points leader and the overall winning House for Term 1 will be announced at the start of next term.

Cross Country Winners

Recently our Hospitality students completed work placement to give them a taste of what it is like to work in various hospitality venues. 

We appreciated the following businesses for assisting us in the work placement program; 

Green Ivy
S & AJ
Hussy's
The Australian Hotel
Good Start Early Learning
Salami Bros
Juicy Lucy
Elevation II Cafe
Wilkies
E'Claire's Coffee Shop (Coota)
Courtyard Coffee Lounge (Coota)