End of Term 2

Principals Report

A busy term ahead.....

We are now into the final term of the year; however, the pace isn’t easing. The coming weeks will bring many events, excursions, assessments, and much to celebrate for the Year of 2023.

 

Our Year 11 students move into the first term of their HSC studies and assessment tasks and will conclude the year with the Life Ready camp.

 

Year 10 now have their subject patterns for the senior school, and in the coming weeks will shift their focus towards the Stage 6 Senior Preparation Program to get them ready for the changes ahead.

 

All year groups are finishing off their learning programs for this year, with school reports on the way. Our staff are already evaluating teaching programs and developing renewed directions for the new year.

 

Christmas might be approaching, but we are a long way from done for 2023!

World Teachers Day 2023

The wisdom and expertise of teachers shines brightly in our school where they work so hard to give Henry Kendall High School students the best future possible. I am honoured to lead a staff of 61 fabulous teachers who are backed up by wonderful temporary and casual teachers, each adding volumes to the fabric of the education and opportunities we give our kids.

 

Each year our school nominates two individuals for recognition on World Teachers Day who are given the opportunity to attend a regional dinner. This year we are recognising Melanie Bailey and Jade Ridley – two fabulous teachers from a school of fabulous teachers. Congratulations Mel and Jade, and hats off to all in our profession for World Teachers Day 2023.

University of Newcastle Kickstart HSC Seminar for Year 12 - 2024

Our local university is providing a fantastic opportunity to give our 2024 Year 12 students the best possible support as they enter their HSC year through the Kickstart HSC Seminar. This program recognises how overwhelming the HSC can be at all stages, which is why the university has partnered with InspirationED to present a set of free seminars designed to handle stress and motivate students in the lead up to their studies. These seminars cover:

  • Practical tips to handle stress & motivation
  • Tried-and-true strategies to nail your HSC
  • A straightforward guide to understanding the ATAR
  • An English seminar on the common module & how to write better essays.

The seminars aim to provide real insights and direct, actionable advice. In these 45-min sessions, they share the best study strategies, exam techniques, and ways to stay on track during your HSC year.

 

They also provide wisdom from the experts: The seminars feature expert HSC Markers and qualified counsellors ready to share their tips and years of experience.

 

For parents, the university also have practical tips on how to support your child through the HSC.

 

Although the seminar is being held at the Callaghan Campus in Newcastle, I recommend our students make the additional effort to attend. Register now for the Kickstart HSC Seminar from 9:30am to 12:15pm on Saturday 18 November 2023.

 

HSC Exams

After months of hard work and preparation, the 2023 HSC examinations are now complete. 

 

Our Year 12 students have worked hard in getting to this important point and are now demonstrating not only the knowledge they have learned, but their capacity to think critically and apply that knowledge. This is a stressful period that tests students, but their tenacity and strength of character will ensure they persevere and achieve their personal best. We wish them well.

End of Years Official Ceremonies 

For the first time in a number of years a sense of normality will see our school celebrate the year that was with a range of important ceremonies:

  • The Year 12 Formal will now be held on Wednesday 15 November at Crowne Plaza, Terrigal.
  • Orientation Day for our incoming Year 7 cohort will be held on Tuesday 28 November.
  • Our annual Presentation Ceremony will be held on Tuesday 12 December at 6.30pm in the school MPC.

2023 Subject Selections

The subject selection process for Years 8, 9 and 10 for 2023 has now concluded and students in those years are aware of their subject patterns for next year. This is an important process in shaping and individualising the learning opportunities for each student, and we do aim to meet as many needs as possible. Now comes the complicated process of building the 2023 school timetable!

Term 4 - School Development Days

The final day for students is Friday 15 December. Staff conclude the year with two School Development Days on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 December. 

 

Andrew Backhouse

Principal