School News
VADEA Conference
10-11 May 2019
Dawn Keft and Gemma Lucca attended the annual Visual Arts and Design Educators Association (VADEA) Conference on 10 – 11 May. This was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art and in part, at the NSW Art Gallery in Sydney.
The conference program incorporated diverse viewpoints that addressed the theme of ‘Future Present’ with artist talks including Alex Seton, Darren Sylvester, Janet Laurence and Guido van Helten; art education and curriculum presentations; the work of emerging artists in the National: New Australian Art Exhibition at the MCA; makers marketplace; papers and workshops from visual arts educators in specialist learning spaces including the creative learning studios, seminar room, multimedia room and digital studio.
This professional development has enabled us to enrich and invigorate learning opportunities within Visuals Arts at Henry Kendall.
Student Services News
Last week I had the privilege of attending the ProPsych Mental Health in Schools Conference. It was a very informative 2 days with highly credentialed presenters. Participating in the conference expanded my growing knowledge, awareness and skill base while extending my understanding of mental illness and wellbeing issues. The information gained will assist my future leadership of student wellbeing at Henry Kendall High School to create long term and evolving approaches to mental health.
A few of my favourite presentations were Georgie Harman, the CEO of Beyond Blue, who discussed the new national mental health framework for schools “Be You”. Dr Madeline Wishart who presented her work in developing the coping skills in Gen Z and Julia Nordlinger, the designer of multiple positive and inclusive programs for schools. She presented her work in supporting GLBTIQ students and their caregivers.
The conference also gave me the opportunity to register our school for the Future Proofing Mental Health Study with the Black Dog Institute. Year 8 students in 2020 will have the opportunity to engage in this program.
Mrs Tracy Smith
Head Teacher Student Services
Allergy and Anaphylaxis
We are asking for your help to support the students in our school who are at risk of anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is potentially life threatening.
Food allergies are the most common cause of anaphylaxis. There is no cure for food allergy; therefore avoidance of known food allergens is crucial. Peanuts and tree nuts are the foods most likely to cause anaphylaxis.
The school is supporting students at risk of anaphylaxis by:
- Training staff
- Encouraging students to wash their hands after eating
- Educating students about food allergies
- Choosing not to sell foods in the school canteen which have peanuts or tree nuts (e.g. hazelnuts, cashews, almonds, etc.) in the main ingredients list
We ask you to support students at risk of anaphylaxis by:
- Not sending food which has peanuts or tree nuts (e.g. hazelnuts, cashews, almonds, etc.) in the main ingredient list. Note: products containing traces of peanuts or tree nuts can be sent to school.
- Teaching your child not to share food with friends that have a food allergy
- Encouraging your child to wash their hands after eating
- Asking your child to get help immediately if their allergic schoolmate gets sick
- Explaining to your child that teasing a student with an allergy or tampering with their medication is bullying and could be life-threatening
With your help we can provide a safe environment that meets the needs of all our students.
Ms Janelle Wilkinson
Student Services
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
A big thank you to all the staff who contributed to Australia's Biggest Morning Tea this morning. Every dollar raised helps support those impacted by cancer.
Mrs Donna James
Deputy Principal