Welcome to our Week 6 newsletter. The beautiful weather is making for a very pleasant time in the playground. Yesterday there was so much evidence of happy students enjoying the sunshine and their friends. McAuley PC2 was running a cake stall for charity, Hospitality students were taking orders for Cafe Jerome, soccer trials were occurring on the oval and our visitors from the Youth Mission were enjoying spending time with our students in the playground - what a wonderful day to be a Hennessy student!

The School Community Council meeting was held on Wednesday night. We thank Letitia Beal, who has joined the Community Council as the fourth parent representative. Letitia joins Natalie Turner, Peita Payne and Martin Sullivan as our parent representatives. 

Year 12 reports were published on Monday and Year 11 reports should be published today. Years 7 - 10 reports will be published in the last week of term. Watch this space as we prepare to also share PAT results for Reading and Maths with families for Years 7 - 10. PAT tests (Progressive Achievement Tests) are mandated in all Catholic Education schools to occur twice a year in Years 7 - 10. They provide valuable data for teachers on student progress and a snapshot of their skills. Parents will find this data useful to plot student progress and also to see where their child’s results map against the national standards. 

There seems to be a spike in Covid cases at the moment. If your child is unwell, please keep them home to avoid infection of others.

On Wednesday night I attended the final Cambodia information session. There was an excited air of anticipation both from students and parents. This is a very unique experience which is not just a strong example of service but will also give students a greater perspective on world poverty and the cultural aspects of both Cambodia and Vietnam. A huge thank you must go to Mrs Jessica McInerney for once again coordinating this event, this time ably supported, in the multitude of administration tasks, by Mrs Melissa Noakes and Ms Shelby Inwood. 35 students are going on this trip along with six staff - Mrs McInerney, Mrs Noakes, Mrs Inwood, Mrs Navori, Mr Kershaw and Mr Croese. Thank you to all these staff for giving up their time to adventure with the students. We wish them all safe and happy travels.

Just letting you know that I will be on leave for the last three weeks of this term and Mrs Mary Wright will be Acting Principal during this time.

YEAR 11 & YEAR 12  ASSESSMENT TASKS

We are now starting to see lots of Assessment Tasks coming in for our Year 11 & Year 12 students. Just a few reminders about expectations around Assessment Tasks; 

• Should a student be absent on the day of an Assessment Task - a parent/caregiver must call the College prior to 8:45am advising the reason for their absence
• On the student's return, they must complete an illness/misadventure form and attach any supporting documentation - this must be submitted to Mrs McInerney
• Should the task that the student was completing be an unseen task - they will be issued an alternative task still meeting the same outcomes
• Partial absences - on the day of Assessment Tasks - students are expected to be present for the whole day - should a task be an in-class task and they are not present prior to that task without explanation they may receive zero for that task

The Stage 6 Assessment Policy is available for all students/parents/caregivers to view. Please do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions. 

YEAR 11 & YEAR 12 ASSESSMENT CALENDARS - TERM 2 

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.

SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD THROUGH THE HSC 

Discover effective strategies to help your child navigate the pressures of the HSC. Learn practical ways to foster emotional wellbeing, encourage positive communication, provide essential academic support, and maintain a healthy balance throughout their critical final years.

Catholic Schools NSW is hosting a Parent/Carer information session. If you are interested, here is the link to register. 

This week, I had the pleasure of quickly dropping by the Oval and seeing the Year 9/10 PASS completely engaged in a game of intense Gridiron. There was high levels of engagement, competition and amazing sportsmanship.

It has been another exciting and eventful fortnight at Hennessy Catholic College. Among the highlights, this week brings the much-anticipated final showdown between McAuley and Gallagher – a result of the tie on Hennessy Day. The competitive spirit and house pride have been nothing short of inspiring, and we look forward to seeing which house takes the title in this final face-off.

We also had the privilege of welcoming the Youth Mission Team back to Hennessy. Their work with our Year 10 and Year 12 students during retreat days has left a strong and lasting impression. The messages of making positive life choices and stepping into leadership resonated deeply with our students, and it was incredibly pleasing to see so many rise to the challenge.

Looking ahead, a special occasion is on the horizon. Our Hennessy Parish Mass will be held on Saturday, June 14th, and I warmly encourage all members of our community to attend. This Mass will be particularly meaningful as we support Year 12 student Kaelan Dal Molin, who will be completing his sacraments after faithfully participating in the RCIA program. Please keep Kaelan in your prayers as he prepares for this important moment in his faith journey.

A gentle reminder about the importance of wearing the College uniform with pride and respect. Unfortunately, we have noticed some uniform infringements this fortnight, particularly concerning facial hair, acrylic nails, and nail polish – all of which are not appropriate for the College environment. In addition, please remember that ties are a compulsory part of the winter uniform and must be worn fastened to the top button at all times.

It has also been pleasing to see so many of our students seeking out ways to earn individual house points. At Hennessy, we encourage all students to make the most of the opportunities offered – and there is truly something for everyone. Whether it’s trialling for a sporting team, volunteering for the Young North Food Van, or attending our upcoming Parish Mass, each step is a chance to grow, give back, and shine within our community.