Principal's Report
Farewell Year 12
On Thursday 27 September we celebrated 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 2018 I’d like to share some extracts from my speech at this week’s Graduation Ceremony;
"Congratulations Year 12 students, the class of 2018. Year 7, 2013 and now Year 12, 2018. You are a very special group of young men and women who have shone in many ways this year. A group who typically care about each other no matter how different they may be from each other and look for the positive in every experience.
Your journey at Henry Kendall High School has come to an end but your smiling faces, sense of humour and bright personalities will endure. It seems impossible that just six short years ago you entered Henry Kendall High School for the very first time. Right from the outset your teachers set you the task of being your best self at all times and making every moment, both in and out of the classroom, count. We asked you to always persevere. We can see now that you accepted their challenge and even though there have been some bumps in the road, I hope you feel happy and contented with the choices you have made along the way. The school is proud of you and the risks you have taken to improve your skills, challenge your learning, and step outside your comfort zone. You must continue to do this always. As the immortal Dr Seuss once said ‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.
Each one of you have qualities that have shone brightly. You are all stars who have shone in some way. Nobody is outstanding at everything but we are all brilliant at something. You, Year 12, have strengths beyond your years. Whether it is in the Mathematics classroom, in the literary world, on the Performance Stage, in the sporting arena, as a school leader or as a supportive friend. I am truly confident that all of you will make a difference in our world and find your true calling in life - or as in today’s world – callings - for you can take many pathways and have many careers.
There have certainly been many highlights throughout your time here. The school’s proudest moments are grounded in the fact that you care for others and work together to show gratitude for what you have been given. You accept challenges without fear of judgment, as you are all comfortable being who you are.
Inclusivity and diversity makes Australian society unique and very special. The true value of a comprehensive education is the opportunity to live and work with people who are very different from ourselves – they have different strengths, talents and abilities to us; many have different cultural backgrounds; but together in the same school we become friends, colleagues and collaborators. You, Year 12, learnt from each other and more importantly have built a community of harmony and inclusivity.
The wonderful way you support and praise each other on performance nights, at exhibitions and sporting events is uplifting. I know the school community feels honoured and proud to know you. I certainly do.
Because you are so important to all of us at Henry Kendall, I urge you to continue to learn and grow into the successful and compassionate citizens Australia needs for future social, economic, academic and cultural success. You are our future. Don’t falter from your goal. Never, ever let anyone tell you that you cannot be whomever, or whatever, you please.
Your only mistake would be in not trying. Be brave. Always move forward.
And finally, whilst on your journey to brilliance you must always remember to take care of each other and promise to be yourself, because everyone else is taken and no one but you, can do the things you do. Remember, it takes courage to grow up and become the person you really are. And NEVER FORGET, you are Henry Kendall people. There is always something special in that."
Farewell Year 12, may fortune always follow you.
Mock Trial Team
Our 2018 Mock Trial Team have achieved amazing feats this year, making it through to the final 12 schools in NSW before being narrowly pipped by Merewether Selective High School. This outstanding feat is put further in perspective when we consider that Henry Kendall High School were one of only two public schools to make the top twelve, the only comprehensive school, and the only Central Coast school.
Throughout this year’s competition our team has been wonderfully supported by Hayley Dean, a solicitor with the Gosford Legal Aid Office. Hayley sent me a letter of praise and acknowledgement to our team, and I have included a section of this below;
“I wish to convey my sincere thanks to Ms Kostalas and the 2018 Mock Trial team for all the work and effort during the 2018 Mock Trial Competition.
I was immensely proud to see a public high school, like the one I attended, compete amongst the best in the state, often opposing schools who have far greater funding and social or academic advantages. Public Education, especially non-selective schooling, comes with some very specific advantages as well - mainly it accurately reflects the real world that young people will have to navigate without the cushions of advantage. My faith in public education is confirmed when I encounter amazing teachers like Ms Kostalas.
However, my biggest praise is reserved for students. Significant and measurable leaps in legal reasoning were made by all who participated in this competition. If any of them go on to make a future career using their analytical skills, advocacy skills and even acting prowess, I am sure they will do very well in their chosen fields. The students were committed, passionate and quick learners. I wish them the very best in their future studies and lives. I hope this experience will confirm that public school students have every chance to develop their abilities through effort, commitment and perseverance. They have these attributes in spades.”
Congratulations to Mrs Julia Kostalas and her dedicated band of litigators; Eli Clarkson, Alexandra Sidiropoulos, Katie Lewis, Leo Coleman, Thomas Marsh and Luke Mirfield.
Student Leaders Investiture
Our 2019 School Leaders Investiture was held on Wednesday 12 September. This was an occasion for the school community to induct and celebrate our elected School Captains, Vice Captains, Prefects, House Captains and Student Representative Council.
We are again fortunate in the calibre, integrity, motivation and character of our student leaders, as we have been in throughout 2018.
I would like to acknowledge our school leaders of 2018, and in particular our Captains – Mae and Joel, Vice Captains – Georgia and Lachlan, and Prefects - Jess, Sophie, Nikki, Ellie and Caylyn. The school leadership team of the past twelve months have been outstanding ambassadors for not only the student body, but for Henry Kendall High School. I thank you for your dedication, your integrity and your humour as a group of people. You have had a tangible influence on our school culture, always providing a positive and proactive outlook, and it has been a privilege to work with you.
I congratulate our student leaders elect for 2019; Captains - Alexandra and Senjay; Vice Captains – Tiarna and Eli; and Prefects Mason, Oscar and Gemma. You will make an outstanding leadership, and each of you have been elected to these important positions because you have the potential, traits and abilities that your peers and the staff have recognised in you. Your contribution over the next twelve months will be rewarding on many levels.
Performing Arts Nights 2018
Our annual Performing Arts Nights were held on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 September. The high calibre of performance and quality of show that Henry Kendall High School is renowned for was again on display on the Monday night, and it was wonderful to have the schools in our learning community join Henry Kendall High School on the Tuesday night.
Congratulations to Mr Damien Clift, Mrs Mary Gillard and Mrs Jade Draper for their coordination and leadership of this fabulous event, and to the many staff who assisted and ensured two quality productions.
Most importantly, congratulations to our students whose extraordinary talents again shone through.
SAS Staff Recognition Week
School Administrative and Support Staff Recognition Week was 3 - 7 September 2018. The school community is made up of a lot of different people, all of whom play a part in the running of schools and the provision of quality education to students.
School Administrative and Support Staff, whether they work in the office, the library, on the school grounds or in a classroom setting, are important contributors to the success of the school and students’ education. SAS Staff Recognition Week is an opportunity for the school community to acknowledge the vital role and contribution that SAS Staff play in public education, and to the culture and success of Henry Kendall High School.
Our learning community recognises this contribution and thanks our SAS Staff for all they do.
Parents & Community Association
Please be aware that there is no P&C Meeting in October. Due to a clash with the Year 12 formal the November meeting has been transferred to Tuesday 27 November and this will be the final meeting for 2018.
Mr Andrew Backhouse - Principal