End of Term 2

Year 7, 9, & 11 Advisers Report

Year 7 have had an outstanding start to high school. As I walk through the playground, I see many smiling faces and many great friendships that have been formed.

 

Year 7 most definitely hit the ground running this term, dealing with many challenges and obstacles along the way. The way in which they have dealt with these problems with such maturity and resilience, has been impressive. I have seen many emotions and have had many wellbeing discussions with individual students and groups. During all discussions as a year group, we have always brought our focus back to our five key principles – Responsibility, Resilience, Gratitude, Empathy and Teamwork. All students have exhibited one or all of the actions labelled above as some point during the term, this is particularly pleasing, and they should be extremely proud of themselves. 

 

One of our most important days as a year group, was in Week 9 when we completed our Resilience in Our Teens (RIOT) workshop. Students participated in the RIOT workshop, focusing on a reflection of their own sense of wellbeing and identifying key skills to overcome challenges. These skills were focused towards Year 7 camp, and how students could utilise these strategies to overcome the challenges associated with certain activities. Students had a great day filled with fun; in particular the scissor, paper, rock challenge and the cookie monster challenge. 

On a personal note, seeing some of our Year 7 students representing their culture during Harmony Day in Week 8 was very pleasing to see. The students represented themselves, their culture and their year group with pride and maturity. 

We also went to the Great Aussie Bush Camp located in Kincumber and gave it our best shot in the most Henry Kendall High way possible, showing great teamwork and positivity throughout. The students were also able to pick their cabins and this assisted in the formation of some very positive activity groups. We had such a fun adventurous time and I hope over the Easter Holidays they can recharge their batteries for another busy but exciting term to come.

 

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Year 7 in Term 1, and I look forward to continuing our journey together in Term 2 and beyond. 

 

Have a safe and happy holiday, and see you all for Term 2.

 

 

Mr Matthew Hoole

Year 7 Adviser

 

 

 

It is with a mixture of pride and sadness that I write this latest Year Adviser piece for our school.  

 

Playing the part of pride comes Year 9 who have just completed their NAPLAN and did so with an amazing level of cooperation, maturity, and patience. They are to be commended on both their behaviour and perseverance. Well done guys! 

 

Now comes the sad part. As part of my ongoing professional development, I have accepted a role as a Drama Teacher in Victoria to commence at the start of Term 2 this year. As a result, I will no longer be able to continue in my role as Year 9 Adviser at Henry Kendall. 

 

I could not have asked nor wished for a better year group to have spent the past 2 years with and I know that their incoming adviser will adore them just as much as I have. Year 9 is shaping up to be a brilliant, kind and generally wonderful group of humans and I can only imagine that this trend will continue. I wish them luck for both now and for the future.  

 

Signing off for the last time,

 

 

Mr Judd Newton

Year 9 Adviser

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow Term 1 complete!! Can you believe that we are 1/3 of the way through Year 11. Time flies when you are having fun.  The consensus is that they have approached their senior studies with maturity and have shown dedication to their learning. They should be proud of their conduct and be considering strategies to maintain it as they progress towards the HSC next year.  

 

A few weeks ago, Year 11’s senior jackets arrived! They have been eagerly waiting for them.  Many agree that their jackets look great, including junior students who are now excited to have their own in the future.

The final weeks of this term have been incredibly busy for all Year 11 students as they have had assessment tasks for most courses within a fairly short amount of time. Students are encouraged to reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement during this period, as this is a valuable opportunity for them to begin building healthy habits for their learning and their well being to support themselves throughout future assessment heavy times.

During the holidays I encourage everyone to practice some mindfulness.  The practice of being mindful allows teens to cope with frustration when they are faced with something difficult in their lives. It can also be used when they need to focus their attention on something specific and not allow distractions to derail them. The more teens practice being mindful, the better they get at it. 

 

April is known as Active April so below is some activities to try over the break.

Week 1

  • Monday: Have a day with less screen time and more movement.
  • Tuesday: Set yourself an exercise goal or sign up to an activity challenge.
  • Wednesday: Move as much as possible, even if you’re stuck inside.
  • Thursday: Make sleep a priority and go to bed in good time. 
  • Friday: Relax your body & mind with yoga, tai chi or meditation.

Week 2

  • Monday: Be active outside. Dig up weeds or plant some seeds.
  • Tuesday: Try a new online exercise or dance class.
  • Wednesday: Spend less time sitting today. Get up and move more often.
  • Thursday: Focus on ‘eating a rainbow” of multi-coloured vegetables today. 
  • Friday: Regularly pause to stretch and breathe during the day.

Lastly, I would like to wish all of Year 11 students and their families a Happy Easter. Enjoy the break, stay safe and be kind to yourself and others. 

 

“Self-belief is the secret to success.”

 

Miss Crystal Reynen

Year 11 Adviser