End of Term 1 - 2024

Principal's Report

The last newsletter for the year provides me with the opportunity to thank all parents, carers and community members who have so willingly assisted the school in 2019. Whether it is through sporting teams, P&C, parents as tutors, coffee shop, your opinions in our major curriculum review, attending information evenings or any of the myriad of ways that you have involved yourself in the school, I thank you. The opportunities that we are able to provide to students is so much enhanced by your assistance.

As with every year many students of Henry Kendall High School have attained achievements are of the highest order. It is vitally important to also recognise that the great majority of our students achieve lots of things on an ongoing basis. Such achievements may not ‘make the news’, but important personal milestones in all areas of endeavour are happening day by day, and each student of this school benefits from a culture of success. It is fantastic to see that all of our students really want to succeed, and this is the key to our school for which all of its members are to be congratulated.

Fantastic HSC Results

Well done to our 2019 HSC students with the release of strong and well deserved results. Of particular note;

  • Henry Kendall is the number one ranked comprehensive high school on the coast, and third overall. We have achieved this result in five of the past six years!
  • 15 students attained a total of 24 band 6 results.
  • 60.3% of students achieved in bands 4-6 – this is one of the highest result in the top three bands we have ever attained.
  • Our highest individual result was 97 in Mathematics, and our top ATAR was 96.25.

In addition to this, many students exceeded their expectations and in some cases, getting over the line is the achievement. Each and every HSC outcome is celebrated in our school. Congratulations to Year 12, 2019!

 

I take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all of our wonderful HSC teachers. The selfless work they do is a significant factor in the achievement of our students. Their dedication, passion, drive, subject knowledge and depth of educational expertise is valued and appreciated.

Bring on 2020 as HK Turns 50!!!

In 2019 we have enjoyed many wonderful student and staff achievements – across academic pursuits, the sporting field, creative and performing arts exhibitions and performances, and through many other areas where our students have been able to demonstrate their talents and leadership skills.

 

We have utilised the latest theories about future focussed learning to rethink our approaches to curriculum design. Our extensive Stage 4 curriculum review has provided enormous feedback from across all stakeholders – and most significantly from our students. This, coupled with research guiding our directions, will see significant changes to the way we deliver teaching and learning from 2021. These exciting changes will move Henry Kendall High School away from a content driven and orientated curriculum to one that is focussed on developing the skills, mindsets and adaptability our young people will need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

 

As we talk about the future I am also drawn to our past. In 2020 Henry Kendall High School will turn 50. This important milestone celebrates our rich diversity, the strength of our school culture, and the many iterations that our school has undergone in those 50 years. From beginnings as the annex to Gosford High School, to becoming one of the largest schools in NSW, to then welcoming Gosford Public School in as a shared site, Henry Kendall High School has continued to evolve.

 

However, it is not the physical or structural evolutions that have always set this school apart. It is something far less tangible, and far more important. It is it’s culture, and for me school culture is something that cannot be understated. It is also something that is not easy to define. From the moment you enter our gates, it is something that can be felt. A quiet energy and yet calmness. It is reflected in the things that matter to our students. Having a voice, caring for others, acceptance of individual differences, celebrating achievement and supporting each other. It is fundamental to the beliefs that the staff bring to their work each day. Refusing to accept mediocrity, commitment to a shared vision, embracing new ways and continually striving to achieve the best for our students.

 

Those that have been at the school for a long time, and those that have moved on, tell me that these are not recent elements for our school. They have been there for a long time. Interestingly, culture is organic. It is never complete and must be continually built. Yet, over 50 years the integral fabric that draws people to this school has not changed despite faces that have come and gone and buildings that have changed.

 

I have had the opportunity to work in many schools over my career. Although teaching is never ‘just a job’, it is only this school that has created a sense of identity and belonging to which I have subscribed and committed. It is this same identity and belonging that brings tears to our Year 12 students on the day they graduate, and in staff who leave for other destinations.

 

Over 50 years this school has developed a culture that is student centred and fundamentally defines its identity. It is a culture that is made up of many, many elements that are our collective values and beliefs in action. And while ever we recognise the importance of culture in who we are, our school will flourish.

As we celebrate our 50th year in 2020 we continue to evolve. And I do see it as evolution, not improvement. What was in place before was right for that time. Now we need to evolve in what is right for our future. Our 50th year will see a renewed focus on student leadership and student voice, development of project based learning as a fundamental component in the curriculum, emphasis on formative modes of assessment, significant changes to our reporting structures, and partnerships with industry that enhance opportunities for our students. As we continue to evolve our goals will remain future focussed, and not about compliance. We are thinking about what is important and what will make a difference. And so we should be. Bring on 2020!

Inspired Student Leaders 2019

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our student leadership body for 2019 – our school captains, vice captains, prefects, student representative council and house captains. The variety of school leaders we have at Henry Kendall High School work to support the school in many ways. From volunteering for community service, fundraising for charity, dealing with individual student issues, representing the school at special events, raising ideas with the teaching staff and executive, and generally promoting all the positive aspects of this great school.

 

In the short time I have been working with them there are a number of strong qualities that are evident in our incoming student leaders of 2020. They have the belief that they can make a difference. They participate and lead in activities with willingness and enthusiasm. They consistently model positive values and attitudes and set an example - wearing the correct uniform, treating people with respect, encouraging others to behave appropriately, doing their best and enjoying school.  Even more than this, they articulate the importance of positively influencing our school culture. And they are proud of their school. These qualities will stand them in good stead to undertake their duties. I congratulate our school leaders and have every faith in the positive impact they will have through 2020.

 

Thank You for 2019 and Merry Christmas

School concludes for students and staff this year Wednesday 18 December 2019. Arrangements for the start of 2020 are;

  • Tuesday 28 January 2020 School Development Day (no pupils).
  • Wednesday 29 January 2020 school resumes for Years 7, 11 & 12.
  • Thursday 30 January 2020 school resumes for Years 8, 9 & 10.

As Christmas rapidly approaches I would like to congratulate the staff and students of Henry Kendall High for their hard work throughout a busy and productive year. On a great many levels it has been another significant year for Henry Kendall High School. Our school remains intensely focused on providing the best possible learning environment for every student. I wish you all a safe and happy festive season and look forward to continuing to shape the future of Henry Kendall High School in 2020.

Mr Andrew Backhouse

Principal