YEAR 7

“May you live in interesting times”.

This seemingly innocuous phrase is often referred to as one the greatest of all curses, it is, however, a phrase which summarises this year well.

Year 7 2021 has experienced many things. From the excitement of camp, the thrill of vaccination, the anticipation of presentation day, to a global historical event, and they have pulled through. It is now, as everything is wrapping up, that we look to the new year and what adventures Year 8 will bring.

We are incredibly proud of how Year 7 has performed this year despite its uncertainties and there can be little doubt that they will grow from these events. Bring on Year 8 2022!

Mr Judd Newton

Year 7 Adviser

YEAR 9

I cannot believe that we have finally come to the end of what has been one crazy year. Who would have ever thought that 2021 would be one unprecedented year. Having one whole term of online learning was never on my radar.

Firstly, I would like to thank and congratulate the whole of Year 9 for their dedication and commitment to learning during this year. You have truly started to mature into the second phase of your schooling. Not only have you learnt new skills at school, but you have learnt vital and valuable skills during lockdown and online learning that you may not realise yet.

These skills include resilience, self-awareness, adaptability and perseverance. These are life skills that are essential not only at school but out in the real world where school is a distant memory. As we move on to Year 10, I encourage you to continue your commitment to learning and be you best self. I am super proud of the way you have completed Year 9.

Secondly, I would like to thank the parents and carers of Year 9 students. This has been a trying year to say the least and I sincerely thank you for the continued dedication to your child’s education and for the support and guidance you give them.

Thirdly, I would like to thank our Year 9 Deputy Principal, Mrs Natalie Wearne for her continued support, guidance and commitment to the students in Year 9. You are truly a role model not only for me but the students.

Lastly, my thanks to all Year 9 teachers for your continued effort, commitment, perseverance and support over an unpredictable year. The students all appreciate you and the hard work you do for them.

While this year is not what we thought it would be, with a number of significant events cancelled, there still has been a number of achievements from the Year 9 cohort. Most notable, Milana St Clair released her debut album under her stage name of 'Saint Milana'.

The album is titled 'why do we think the world is ending?' It is available on all streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube music or you can purchase the album via iTunes or Amazon music. We are super proud of you Milana and cannot wait to see where your music journey takes you. Just click on the link below to hear her songs. https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/saintmilana/why-do-we-think-the-world-is-ending?fbclid=IwAR2DuWgQROxgmDihgIHEsfqjjk8bZwJgBHoFtzj4hgnA1ltkTincu_dxj9U

Year 10, is going to bring many adventures and opportunities. This includes peer mentoring, Stand Tall, Stage 6 electives, Stage 6 Prep Program and many more. I look forward to seeing where 2022 will take us.

I wish Year 9 students and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Enjoy the break. Relax, stay safe and be kind to one another.

See you all next year, and remember

“Self- belief is the secret to success”.

Miss Crystal Reynen

Year 9 Adviser

YEAR 11

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of Year 11 on their achievements this year. It certainly was not the Year 11 journey we had expected, however Year 11 as a whole rose to the occasion. Throughout the year they have shown how mature, dedicated, and resilient they are. They have grown as a year group and rose to every challenge, all while supporting each other. Their teachers are incredibly proud of their efforts this year.

I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate our incoming Captains for 2022, Jade Sweeney and Harrison Day and Vice Captains Arabella Kimber and Joshua Emms and Prefects Emma Stone, Annabel Worrad, Charley Newton-Kasteel, Mackenzie Goodhew and Tamika Williams. All students took on the challenge of interviewing and presenting speeches not only to their peers but all the teaching staff at HKHS via zoom. Although different to our normal process, all candidates took it in their stride. All students did incredibly well at all stages, and they should be proud of themselves.

Macquarie University's Year 11 Emerging Leaders Award is an award that students have to self nominate for and complete an application. We had three students Harrison Day, Mackenzie Goodhew and Emma Stone apply, all three students were successful.

I hope all Year 11 students and their families take the time to have a much needed break before we start the final 12 months of their schooling journey. I know they are excited and ready for the times ahead. I look forward to working with them all next year.

Miss Cassandra McLennan

Year 11 Adviser

Wellbeing Corner

COVID-19 in children and adolescents: vaccines, transmission at school and disease outcomes