End of Term 2 - 2024

Deputy Principal's Report

2018 has been an outstanding year and special congratulations to all our students, staff and families for efforts and commitment this year.

Year 12 2018- WE MISS YOU ALL!!!!

This term we farewelled our Year 12 - a fantastic and respected group of young adults. We wish Year 12 all the best in their journey beyond Henry Kendall High School and look forward to sharing their results next week. Special thanks is to be shared with Mr Mellish and Mrs Wearne for their tireless efforts in supporting Year 12 this year.

 

As this newsletter is published Year 12 will have received their HSC results - published on Thursday 13 December. Something I would like Year 12 to consider…..

Year 7 2019

Welcome to the Henry Kendall High School family! Tuesday 4 December, was Orientation Day for our incoming Year 7 group. Students participated in a wonderful day, meeting their new teachers and peers and getting to know their new school. It was fantastic to see so many parents and carers here, to not only support their children, but to familiarise themselves with our school culture.  All students in attendance received a show bag of goodies that included a DVD of what to expect at Henry Kendall High School, as well as a Year 7 handbook.  The day was extremely busy with a full program of activities designed to promote student interaction and introductions to staff. Thank you to our partner schools, Middle School and Student Services teams, Ms Reynen (Year 7 Adviser 2019), and the office staff for supporting the students and HHenry Kendall High School.

Stage 6 Preparation Program

Henry Kendall High School values the importance of transitioning from Stage 5 into Stage 6, i.e. the transition from junior schooling to senior schooling.  This year the school has again conducted the Stage 6 Preparation Program which offered students programs in preparing for the HSC pathway,  cultural excursion to Terrigal, goal setting, HSIE site excursion, taster lessons for their Year 11 subject patterns and lessons in stress management, First Aid, critical thinking, driver ed, financial literacy and preparing for subjects in Year 11. Year 10 ended their year with a Celebration Dinner and Dance held at the Coast Bar and Grill, Gosford.

 

Constructive evaluations from all facets of our school community will be used to improve the program in 2019. Thank you to parents and carers for your support of this worthwhile program. Congratulations to Year 10 and we look forward to working with you in your move to Stage 6.

Uniform

Schools are often asked why should students wear a uniform? According to many sources the advantages of wearing a school uniform include:

 

1. Uniformity

Educators and experts who are in support of school uniforms believe that buying kids uniforms contributes positively to their behavior. For instance, it is believed that when students wear uniforms, they feel more professional and thus behave accordingly.

2. Easier Mornings

 

When there's no debate on what a student is allowed wear to school, mornings are easier for all parties involved. Everyone knows exactly what the kids need to wear: their regulated school uniform.

 

Instead of worrying about what outfit to put together or where that one specific top is, you know exactly what you're wearing before you get out the door. By getting rid of this modern problem, there can also be a decrease in morning arguments.

 

 

 

3. Dress Code Control

Schools without a school uniform policy still have rules on what type of clothing is and is not allowed in school. There are usually rules regarding modesty issues, visible logos, offensive text on clothing, gang colors, and symbols. With this, teachers and administrative staff must monitor students' attire.

 

Of course, all of this is avoided when students are in uniform. This also relieves administration of the extra responsibility and headache of tracking what everyone is wearing.

 

4. An Even Playing Field

One of the most obvious arguments for school uniforms is, by having all children dressed the same, there is a decrease in bullying and teasing.

In an era of status brands and high-fashion trends, clothing has become a definitive status symbol for children and teens. By balancing out the playing field with uniforms, there is less opportunity for children to be picked on or shunned for their clothes.

 

5. School Spirit

There is a sense of identity and community shared through school spirit. Many experts believe that when the entire student body is dressed in uniforms, they develop a stronger team mentality. Boosting camaraderie when everyone is dressed alike leads to a sense of unity and belonging that many schools do not have.

 

6. Simple Economics

Buying a few school uniforms, instead of a new school wardrobe, every Fall is much more economical. School uniforms are designed to stand up to everyday wear and repeated washing, so most parents will find that they can get away with buying a few sets. Doing one week's worth of laundry for just school clothes will simplify the process and allows your child to focus on what's more important: going to school.

 

7. Weekend Style

With all the money a parent saves by not having to buy day-to-day clothes, they can choose to let their children buy a few nicer and more fashionable pieces for weekends and evenings. Wearing a uniform five days a week might make students appreciate their weekend fashions even more-so. This could also inspire them to take good care of them and appreciate their freedom and individuality outside of the school system. Many educators also theorize that students can become distracted by fashion trends and status symbol clothing. Therefore, when all students are dressed in regulated uniforms, there is less focus on fashion in the classroom and more focus on learning.

Source: https://www.verywellfamily.com/school-uniform-pros-2101089

 

As you prepare for school next year please be reminded we are a proud uniform school. A few considerations for 2019:

  • The Henry Kendall High School uniform is sold through Lowes, Gosford. There is also an online order facility for parents- please contact the Gosford store for details.
  • Sports shorts are to be the ones supplied by Lowes only.
  • All black upper leather shoes must be worn according to OHS policy. Shoes must cover the students entire foot.
  • Hooded jumpers are prohibited from Henry Kendall High School. Lowes sell the school jumpers - Year 11, 2019 will have their ordered jackets supplied very early Term 1.

Please look out for the schools e-mail/letter explaining the uniform requirements for 2019, and thank you for your ongoing support in this area.

 

Lastly thank you to all families for your support of our fabulous school in 2018. I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas with your families and look forward to more success with our Henry Kendall family in 2019.

Mrs Donna James

Deputy Principal - Years 7, 9 and 11

As another great year ends, I would like to thanks all the wonderful Henry Kendall community for their hard work and perseverance in 2018!

 

In particular, I would like to thank my dedicated Year Advisers who have worked tirelessly with me to ensure that every student at our school has the opportunity to reach their personal best. To Miss McLennan who has supported Year 8 through the trials and tribulations of being Year 8. She has shown kindness and consideration for all students. Miss McLennan has also enjoyed many moments of pride as Year 8 have excelled both academically and personally. We look forward to their successful transition into Stage 5.

It has also been a pleasure to work with Mr Quilty and Mrs Draper this year supporting Year 10. To Mr Quilty we have really missed you this year, I have deliberately used 'we' as the students have missed you as much as I have. We look forward to the return of your happy smiling face! To Mrs Draper we thank you for all your efforts and the ongoing support for Year 10. Looking forward to a fun 2019 with our senior students.

 

Year 10 would also like to thanks Mrs James for the Stage 6 Preparation Program in the last two weeks of this term. Year 10 have loved the activities and have truly appreciated all the opportunities and experiences available to them in the last weeks of Junior School.

To Mr Mellish! What can I say! We really had the best of times with our amazing Year 12 cohort! Words cannot express my gratitude to you for your dedication to these lovely individuals.

 

“As your Deputy, there has been, many occasions when teachers have reflected on what a wonderful group you are and what a pleasure it has been to teach and work with you. The development of well-rounded individual is indeed a community effort and one important member of your community has been Michael Mellish. As your year adviser, Mr Mellish has been your advocate for all elements of your high school lives.  I would like to publically thank Michael for his dedication to this important role, as he has made a difference to many young lives through his compassion and consideration of others.

 

As you make your pathway into the, Brave New World of adulthood remember that it certainly is an “age of foolishness”, always be true to yourselves and the values you have learnt along the way. I am confident that you will all make a success of whatever you put; your minds to. Remember you have been equipped with a wonderful Public Education use your knowledge wisely.

 

I will miss you all!”

Anti-Discrimination Youth Forum

On Monday 26 November 2018, Henry Kendall High School had the privilege of hosting the Anti-Discrimination Youth Forum.  School leaders were given the opportunity to meet with the members of the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW and The Acting Education Services Manager Felicity Huntington and Claire Williams the Community Education Officer. Students listened to the various speakers and then participated in group discussions and feedback around areas of concern and change.  All students’ presentations are to be considered by the members for further discussion and inclusion in political debate.

Mrs Natalie Wearne

Deputy Principal - Years 8, 10 and 12