Farewell Year 12

On Thursday 21 September we will celebrate the Year 12 graduation. This most important event on our school calendar marks one of the last formal occasions that our Year 12 students will be together as a year group; as such it is seen as a rite of passage. As I take this opportunity to congratulate Year 12 on not only this significant achievement, but on the successful completion of 13 years of schooling. As we farewell our graduating Class of 2023 I’d like to share some extracts from my speech at this week’s Graduation Ceremony;

Congratulations Year 12!!

Your graduation is the end of one of the most significant journeys of your life and it is the beginning of the unknown journey of your future. Year 7, 2018 and now Year 12, 2023. You are a very special group of young men and women who shine in many ways. A group who care about each other no matter how different they may be, because you have looked for the positives in every experience.

Over six years your bright personalities have left a mark on the culture of what this school is. We asked you to be the best version of yourselves and to make each moment count. We asked you to always persevere. And you have achieved something to be rightly proud of. What will you now ask of yourself, for the questions are yours to ask? In the words of the poet William Earnest Henley, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” There are times when we all compromise – that is a necessary part of the human condition. But not on the things that really matter to you. As an aspiring artist I was told that the subject matter in my paintings was too uncomfortable for people, and that the paintings were too large, and that no-one would buy them. It was pushed on me, even by some close to me, that if I couldn’t sell my works I wouldn’t amount to anything as an artist. And this led to some heated exchanges at times. But my art was mine. It was and is important to who I am. It was not to be compromised. I made very clear choices at that time that I would be the master of my fate. And still I have never compromised on my art. What I ask of you is, be the captain of your soul. Do not compromise those things that define you right now and will continue to define you.

The last six years have been about so much more than absorbing and understanding content so you can sit HSC exams. You have grown physically, you have grown socially, but you have also grown as people. You have developed characteristics that are essential to a fulfilling life. These embody a positive attitude backed by purpose, and therefore will have a lasting impact on your life.

A Chinese proverb once resonated with me; “Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.” Learning is much more than subject content or consistent high achievement. It is a life-long love of learning. In the end it is a sum of small choices. Each time you decide you WANT to learn something, you grow as a person and are intrinsically rewarded. When I went to university it was to art school. I wanted to be an artist, and finished a three year degree. I was already at uni, so decided to tag on a teaching degree while I was there – but had no intention of using it. The first six months of study were pretty mundane – teaching theories, methodologies, all from a book or a lecturer. But when I did my first teaching prac, my world changed. Being in a classroom, teaching my passion to others, ignited a spark in me and my direction in life changed. I was still passionate about art, but my learning was in teaching. And throughout my career, as each new challenge arose – Head Teacher, Deputy Principal, Principal - I have found myself continually learning a new set of skills. And while I have yet to find any joy in financial management, I have learned how to do it. For you learning will now have nothing to do with marks and ranks. It is an attitude toward life. Be a learner and be open to possibilities – always.

I talk a lot about leadership, but not in the context of being elected or appointed to an office. The office does not teach someone how to be a leader. Leadership is an attitude cultivated over time. Are you one to stand for what you believe in? Do you have a purpose and follow that purpose to get the ends you desire? Do you have a vision? Be the master of your fate. Be the captain of your soul. Don’t allow others or circumstances to dictate your purpose for you. Discard the doubters. Be the leader of your today and your tomorrow.

Many see citizenship as someone else’s responsibility. But the truth is, it is more important now than ever before. We all face a rapidly changing, highly interconnected and uncertain world. This future presents significant challenges but also tremendous opportunities. Will you be someone who takes a role in social justice? Will you make decisions that make a difference to the place where you belong? Will you be someone who looks for similarities instead of differences? These things do not need to have a global impact; all changes start small. Remember, the distance between our dreams and reality is called action.

Finally, character. If there is any one thing that is evidenced by your daily choices it is your character. A J Perez once said, "I’ll take character over reputation. Your character is who you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." We all have a public face. Behind the façade, who are we really? It is easy to say hurtful things about someone just to fit in with the crowd. How many people use social media to criticise or degrade someone – and all can see it. But would they say these things to a person’s face? Is this truly a reflection of who they are? If not, why be the keyboard warrior? The answer to this question reveals true character. Integrity and respect come from being true to yourself at all times. As you go forward in life be sure to look inward when you consider your actions and be sure that they reflect your true self.

And so, when I say that what you have achieved and taken from the last six years at Henry Kendall High School is so much more than a HSC; this is what I am talking about. These are the characteristics that have been developed, tested and refined, shaping who you have each become and will have a lasting impact on your lives.

While I sincerely hope that the HSC results provide the success for which you strive, I hold a greater hope that these characteristics underpin your sense of purpose and lead to a rich and fulfilling life. You are amazing individuals, all in your own right. Wherever you go, whatever you do, let these guide you.

On behalf of the staff at Henry Kendall High School I wish each and every one of you a life of purpose, happiness and joy. Seek out challenges, be courageous and true to yourself, and make a difference your way. Believe in your intelligence on the journey towards the HSC and beyond. Promise me that you will be the master of your fate and destiny. And when times get tough, hold your head high and be the captain of your soul, always.

Farewell Year 12!!

SAS Staff Recognition Week

September 4-8 is School Administration and Support Staff (SASS) Recognition Week.

This week is an important opportunity for our community to recognise and celebrate the valuable work school support staff do every day of the school year. In 2023 there has never been a more important reason to recognize our General Assistant, Administrative staff, those in the science lab, the library, technology, and applied sciences, for those working in the classroom and supporting the wellbeing of students.

The 2023 theme for SASS Recognition Week is Enhancing Public Education. These staff members ensure that our school is able to function and play a vital role in supporting our school community; from the teaching staff to the students and families, as well as each other. They truly enhance all that our school offers.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognise and thank the dedicated SASS team at Henry Kendall High School. They are committed, caring, optimistic, talented and inspired individuals who we truly appreciate for their professionalism and hard work, as well as the fun and laughs they contribute to our culture every day.

Student Mobile Phone Restrictions

As you are aware, the governments mobile phone policy takes effect from the start of Term 4. The key points to be aware of are;

The new policy will apply to mobile phones, all headphones, iPads, and smart watches and will occur during all school hours, including break times such as during lunch and recess.
Students will receive a mobile phone pouch on their first day of term. This pouch is theirs and is to be brought to school every day. There is a space for them to write their name.
Mobile phones and other devices are to be placed in the pouch on entry to the school grounds, the pouch locked and placed in their bag for the duration of the school day.
Students unlock their pouch at an unlocking station as they leave the school grounds at the end of the day, or at the school office if required to leave early.
This policy applies to school events at alternative venues.
Students who have a medical, wellbeing or learning need which will require them to access a mobile phone as defined in their health care plan and supported by medical advice may apply for an exemption. All exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis through application to the Principal. Supporting evidence from a medical practitioner and medical sign-off will be required, and the application will be assessed at a level that requires a student health care plan.
In case of emergencies, parents can get in contact with their children through the school office on 4325 2110.
Student failure to comply with the policy will result in disciplinary measures being applied.

We are excited to make our school a mobile phone-free space to improve learning and engagement.

Andrew Backhouse

Principal

Canteen 2023Term 3

Canteen 2023

Term 3