Principal's Report
The last newsletter for the year provides me with the opportunity to thank all parents, carers and community members who have so willingly supported our school in 2020. I don’t need to tell you that 2020 has been difficult. It has presented challenges on the largest of scales, but also for each of us as individuals. We have been impacted by changes to our daily lives, where we can go and what we can do. For many there has been loss. For all of us there has been uncertainty, fear, and anxiety.
Through all of this there has also been achievement, and it is important that we recognise this. Each of us has achieved greatly by adapting, persevering and finding a way. As a school community we have risen to the challenge. Whether it be in adapting to online teaching and learning, whether it be through ensuring the best possible outcomes for our HSC cohort, through keeping a focus on being our ‘best self’, or whether it be through providing that bit of extra support to each other that keeps us unified, we have achieved much this year. These achievements reflect our motto; Persevere.
Our individual and collective capacity to persevere throughout this year – a year like no other experienced in our lifetimes – is to be celebrated. For better or for worse, this year has changed us. There are lessons to be learned – about health, resilience, community, and our values – and hopefully these will stay with us throughout our lives ahead.
Waiting on our HSC Results
With the delay in the commencement of the HSC, the release of the HSC results were delayed until the 18 December 2020.
Our School Plan 2021-24
Our School Plan for the next four years will see a renewed focus on wellbeing, student leadership and student voice, development of Applied Learning as a fundamental component in the curriculum, the introduction of Wellbeing and Aboriginal Studies courses for all Stage 4 students, emphasis on formative modes of assessment, significant changes to our reporting structures, and partnerships with industry that enhance opportunities for our students. It also sees the introduction of mandated targets in literacy and numeracy, HSC achievement and student attendance set for all schools by the Department of Education.
As we continue to evolve our goals will remain future focused, and not about compliance. We are thinking about what is important and what will make a difference. And so we should be. Bring on 2021!
Let’s ensure a COVID Safe Summer
As we come closer to the end of the school year, we’d like to extend our thanks to you, our parent community, for demonstrating so much resilience and patience towards the circumstances we faced together. We strived together to get the best outcomes for our students despite the pandemic and you have stayed by our side the entire time. Thank you again.
The Department will be sending a COVID-safe summer pack to each student before the year ends. The contents of the pack will help students maintain healthy hygiene practices and to stay COVID-safe during the school holidays.
Here are some quick tips to help you and your families stay COVID-safe during the school holidays:
- Encourage your children to use their packs whenever they leave the house
- Meet outdoors whenever possible and wear sunscreen
- Meet in small groups
- Encourage good hand hygiene practices and remind your children to cough and sneeze into their elbow
Inspired Student Leaders 2020
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our student leadership body for 2020 – our school captains, vice captains, prefects, student representative council and house captains. As we all are aware 2020 has not been easy. Nor has being a student leader been in these times. I congratulate and recognise our leadership team of 2020 for their fortitude, resilience, perseverance and integrity and for the way in which they have represented our school. They will certainly go on to make their marks as leaders in our society.
In the short time I have been working with them there are a number of strong qualities evident in our incoming student leaders of 2021. They have already galvanised the SRC (Student Representative Council) into an effective team in which each student’s voice is heard. They have the belief that they can make a difference. They participate and lead in activities with willingness and enthusiasm. They report back to the student body on the areas they are actioning. They consistently model positive values and attitudes and set an example - wearing the correct uniform, treating people with respect, encouraging others to behave appropriately, doing their best and enjoying school. Even more than this, they articulate the importance of positively influencing our school culture and they are proud of their school. These qualities will stand them in good stead to undertake their duties. I congratulate our school leaders and have every faith in the positive impact they will have through 2021.
Thank You for 2020 and Merry Christmas
I would like to thank our teaching and support staff for their collegiality and dedication through this year. Our teachers rose to the challenge of 2020 with determination, expertise, selflessness and resilience. Of the many things we have learned in 2020, one of these is that teachers are essential to our society. I would like to thank our administrative and support staff who work tirelessly to support the operation of the school. When the school went into remote learning, they were still here every day making sure that everything worked.
Thank you to our executive team for your unwavering drive in ensuring the ongoing evolution of our school. Your leadership in support of what is best for our students ensures that we will continue to be a school meeting the needs of our learners through this continually changing educational landscape. Particular thanks goes to our Deputy Principals, Mrs Natalie Wearne and Mrs Donna James, for their commitment, drive and extraordinary talents in their roles, and the invaluable support they provide to me.
Thank you to our parents and families for your partnership in the education of your children. We continue to value your support as we continually build upon this inspiring and nurturing school community. I particularly note the support and work provided by our P&C, led by Mrs Helena Murphy. Although small in number, your perspective, efforts and unwavering support make a difference.
Finally, to our students, congratulations on your achievements this year. We have a school of passionate, engaged and enthusiastic young people who excel and display their talents in so many different ways. It is wonderful to see the confidence and pride grow in each of you over your journey through Henry Kendall High School. This is developed through the opportunities that you seize, those that you create, the opportunities your teachers inspire, and the opportunities that this school offers you. Whether you received an award at Presentation Day or not, always work to your best and you can be very proud of your achievements. Take advantage of the opportunities before you and set high expectations for yourselves. Remember, you don’t have to be the best – 'you just need to be your best'.
School concludes for students and staff this year on Wednesday 16 December 2020. Arrangements for the start of 2021 are;
- Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 January
School Development Day (no pupils). - Friday 29 January
School resumes for Years 7, 11 & 12. - Monday 1 February
School resumes for Years 8, 9 & 10.
As Christmas rapidly approaches I would like to congratulate the staff and students of Henry Kendall High School for their hard work, perseverance and resilience through a difficult year. The way in which we have collectively traversed the unknown is something I am very proud of, and a reflection of the strength of our culture as a school community.
In 2020 our school has remained intensely focused on providing the best possible environment to support every student. I thank our parent community for your faith, trust and support throughout 2020.
I wish you all a safe and happy festive season and look forward to continuing to shape the future of Henry Kendall High School in an environment with a bit more normality in 2021.
Mr Andrew Backhouse
Principal