Yr 12 Graduation

As I sit down to write this newsletter contribution, I’ve come to the realisation that this will be the last one that I will write as Year Adviser of my amazing Year 12 cohort.

This past term has gone by so fast and each week has been filled with activities preparing them for their HSC, graduation and celebration days. For me, it has been bitter sweet. Seeing the students grow into such talented young adults has been extremely rewarding, yet each week creeps closer to the day that they will be set free into the ‘real world’ leaving a ‘Year 12 size hole’ in the school.

Over the past several years, I have been writing about the consistent effort and dedication that the students have given to their learning. I’ve mentioned the time spent contributing back, volunteering, supporting younger students, fundraising and implementing activities purely focused on improving school spirit. This is something that has never wavered from their first day of high school to their last. I believe it is a true reflection of the their selfless nature and it is something that I am truly proud of.

The time remaining before the commencement of the HSC exams will undoubtedly be tiring. It will be filled with sleepless nights, weekends at friends houses studying, hours spent on the NESA website completing past HSC exam questions and constant back and forth emails with teachers. It will be tough, draining and will have you questioning whether you have it in you. At this time, I want you to reflect back on your time at Henry Kendall High School. Think of those times in Year 7 when you didn’t know anyone and how the friends you now have will be with you for life. Think of the time when you had to stand up in front of the whole school community and perform at PAN, overcoming your fears. Or think of the times when you thought you wouldn’t get that assessment completed in time, yet your results proved that you had it in you all along. You have persevered through 6 years of high school. You have achieved so much in such a short period of your life. You have what it takes and I know that you can achieve whatever you set out to. Believe in yourself the way that your teachers believe in you.