Year Advisers Reports
Year 7
One year of high school completed already. Day 1 of this school year doesn’t seem that long ago. We all sat in our school hall, anxious and apprehensive about what was to come. Since that day, our cohort has been part of many academic, sporting and social achievements and can be proud of the people that they are growing into. Overcoming obstacles is a big part of moving through high school and it has been pleasing to see that our students are developing both resilience and problem-solving skills.
As the Year Adviser, the most rewarding thing for me has been witnessing students grow their relationships with other students and with their teachers. This is especially true for those students who started at Henry Kendall High School not knowing many other students. This can be a daunting situation and one that many students have dealt with in a mature fashion.
Throughout the year, students have been rewarded for positive contributions to the school through our Vivo rewards program. The top 10 Vivo earners for the year had a great day at Wet n Wild as a thank you for their excellent behaviour. I can announce that our Top 3 Vivo recipients for the year were:
1. Lachlan Knowles
2. Lachlan Gunn
3. Alexander McGavin
Congratulations on an outstanding year!
Next year will see another challenging and rewarding year. Students will move away from the structures of our Middle School program and be provided with the extra responsibility of working alongside the rest of the school. Students will encounter new teachers and move to new spaces within our school and I am confident that our cohort will rise to this challenge.
I would like to thank the many students who have allowed me to get to know you. We all have our own stories and I have enjoyed learning about the different individuals that we have in this group. I would also like to thank the many parents who have worked closely with myself or other staff members to ensure that we provide the best education possible for the students.
I look forward to hearing all about the good times that people have during their holiday break. I would like to wish you all a happy and safe holiday season. See you all next year.
Mr Matthew Reece
Year 7 Adviser
Year 8
What a fantastic year, Year 8 students have had!
I would like to start by saying how proud I am of Year 8. They have been consistently applying themselves to their studies. Year 8 Yearly Reports have shown Year 8 student’s continual development in all areas of their studies and positive attitudes towards their studies.
Year 8 have been actively involved with many different activities throughout 2018. The sporting events Year 8 Students have been involved with include but not limited to; Swimming, Water Polo, Futsal, Outdoor Soccer, Athletics, Cross Country, Horse Riding, Sporting Gala Day and many more.
It has also been great to see Year 8 being involved in many fundraiser and social awareness days. Some of the days include; Come and Try Day, R U OK Day, White Ribbon Day, Halloween and many more.
Overall, Year 8 should feel very proud of themselves. I wish all Year 8 students a happy and safe holidays. I look forward to seeing them next year well rested and ready for the next and exciting part of our High School journey, Stage 5! See you next year!
Ms Cassandra McLennan
Year 8 Adviser
Year 9
It has been a very successful year for Year 9 students and it has been wonderful to see them grow both academically and socially as they have become involved in many aspects of school life. From reading their reports it obvious that the majority of students are invested in their education and the fantastic results achieved are a reflection of this. This year, Year 9 students have demonstrated a wide range of talent in Maths, English, Science and HSIE, and creativity in Drama, Visual Arts, Music and TAS courses. Over the year you have no doubt seen photos of some of their great work. Also a big congratulations to the students who attended the Vivo excursion – a great reward for the effort they have applied throughout the year.
Many Year 9 students have been involved in extra-curricular and school service activities in 2018. Some of these include SRC, Interact, STAR program, Peer Support, Sound and Lighting, Library Monitors, sporting teams, umpiring and refereeing for primary schools, fundraising activities and Performing Arts Night. These experiences are very beneficial for students as they help to develop their empathy, self -esteem, leadership skills and sense of belonging. I would like to see more students taking advantage of the opportunities available to them at Henry Kendall High School and involving themselves in these activities – they will definitely enjoy the rewards that come from becoming more involved!
Next year will be a very busy one for Year 10. Students will be studying for their RoSA which is their first official school qualification. This means they will need to be very focussed on their studies and in particular, ensure that they meet deadlines. You will be receiving a booklet that outlines assessment schedules for each course so make sure that is kept handy to enable students to keep themselves organised.
Other activities that you’ll be hearing about include the Peer Support Leaders attending camp in Term 1, ordering senior jackets, another round of immunisations, Stage 6 Prep Program and Year 10 Dinner Dance. So as you can see it’s a busy year for the students but also some costs involved for you – just a little warning!
Hope you all have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday and looking forward to seeing Year 10 back next year ready to attack this very important year.
Mrs Julie Starkey
Year 9 Adviser
Year 10
Firstly, a huge congratulations must go out to all Year 10 Students and Parents. A wonderful milestone of finishing their Junior Schooling! This year has been extremely busy, from jackets to Stage Six Preparation Programs, the year has been filled with challenges and memorable moments.
It has been a pleasure stepping into the role of Year Adviser this year and guiding the cohort through, I have had a wonderful time getting to know the students and learning more about them and I look forward to helping them transition into their Stage 6 Senior Studies next term.
This coming Monday will be our Dinner Dance celebrations, starting from 6.00pm at The Coast Restaurant. This is a night for celebration and I look forward to seeing Year 10 dressing to impress. The night will conclude at 10.00pm, your cooperation in prompt pickups is greatly appreciated.
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and happy and healthy 2019, I can’t wait to see the yellow shirts come rolling in next year.
Mrs Jade Draper
Year 10 Adviser
Year 11
As 2018 draws to a close, we can proudly reflect on the achievements of our year group and celebrate a successful year. As a group, you have worked cohesively to support each other and strived to reach your personal best. I strongly believe that you have developed the skills and attributes of successful students and I look forward to watching you excel next year.
Mentoring
Year 12 have now selected their mentor’s as they move toward 2019. Students were notified of their mentor and encouraged to meet with them and set clear goals and plans.This is a fantastic opportunity to have a little extra support in the HSC journey and I would like you to make the most of this.
Vivo Excursion
Year 12 had a fantastic time at the Vivo excursion in Week 7. Students have worked extremely hard throughout the year and thoroughly deserved the fun day out. I would like to congratulate not only the students on the excursion, but all students who were placed in the top 20 for their consistent approach this year
Youth Lions of the Year
Congratulations to Alexandra Sidiropoulos, Senjay Turner and Mason Colwell who have also been successful at making it through the first round of this prestigious competition. We wish them all well in the next round to be held in February next year.
Summer Holidays
As you venture off for your summer holidays, I strongly encourage students to maximise their time and thoroughly prepare for their final year of school. It is a perfect time to ensure notes are up to date and plans are put into place for 2019. Please create a revision schedule that includes structured revision, assessment and relaxation time. I encourage students to have a conversation with their course teachers before the end of term to ensure required work is completed over the holiday period.
I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas holiday period with your family and friends. Enjoy the well-deserved break and refresh your batteries for 2019. I look forward to conquering the HSC with Year 12. It has been a pleasure working with this fantastic year group.
Remember the HSC is like an elephant Year 12.
Miss Tegan Perkins
Year 11 Adviser