Deputy Principal's Report
Years 8, 10 and 12

2019 has been an outstanding year and special congratulations to all our students, staff and families for efforts and commitment this year.

Year 12 2019

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.

Year 12 received their HSC results on the 17 December. Something I would like Year 12 to remember……

Year 7 2020

Welcome to the Henry Kendall High School family! Tuesday 3 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, Mrs Hogan (Year Adviser), and the office staff for supporting our new students.

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 3 week Stage 6 Preparation Program which offered students programs in Preparing for the HSC pathway, Amazing Race 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, financial literacy and preparing for subjects in Year 11 . The program also included a Celebration Dinner 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 2020. 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 comradery 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 the school new year please be reminded we are a proud uniform school. A few considerations for 2020:

A uniform review was conducted in 2019 by our student led SALSA team. The changes to be implemented during 2020 are a change in tracksuit, from blue to black, sport shorts in a style to suit girls and junior jumpers will be changing from blue to black. At this stage the school is hoping new stock will be available from semester 2.
Students will be able to wear the new black trackpants every day of the school week. Please be aware no alternate track pant will be accepted as uniform.
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 WHS policy. Shoes must cover the students entire foot.
Hooded jumpers are prohibited from Henry Kendall High School. Lowes sell the school jumpers- Year 11 2020 will have their ordered jackets supplied very early term 1.

Please look out for the schools e-mail/letter giving updates for the uniform requirements for 2020, and thank you for your ongoing support in this area.

Lastly thank you to all families for your support of our fabulous school in 2019. I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas with your families and look forward to more success with our Henry Kendall family in 2020.

Mrs Donna James