Principals Report
Fabulous On Track Show 2022
On Wednesday 11th of May we held our 2022 OnTrack show at The Entertainment Grounds. This 2-hour live music show showcased the fabulous talent across the Henry Kendall High music program with an array of stunning performances.
A huge congratulations and thanks to all involved in the event for 2022 – staff and students alike. It was the largest parent audience that we have had at OnTrack, and they were treated to fantastic performances and the wonderful talent of our music students. The quality delivered was just outstanding and the buzz the students got from performing on stage in front of a live audience was palatable. It is always great to see the way that opportunities such as the arts can bring individuals out and give them a form of expression we often don’t otherwise see.
We were treated to several HSC performance pieces in development, Year 11 students exploring expressive pieces as they begin their HSC pathway, and some brilliant work from the junior school. Performances included classical guitar, punch and alternative rock, contemporary genres, and original works. Very impressive and it is exciting to see the depth of talent across our music program that will continue to provide such quality for many years to come.
Particular thanks to Mr Walters and Mrs Gillard for their enormous work in preparing the students, and in organising and delivering the event. I’d also like to recognise the support of the many staff behind the scenes both on the night and leading up to it.
Uniform
School uniform is an important part of our school. It not only identifies students as members of our community, but it also represents belonging and pride in our school and sets a standard of expectations.
Since returning from lockdown last year the standard of uniform across our school, generally, has dropped. As we enter the colder months this is also typically exacerbated.
As a school we are placing a renewed emphasis on addressing our uniform standards and getting them back to our previously high levels. We know that in most instances, students out of uniform and doing so by choice, and not because they do not have the uniform. And in most cases, parents are unaware.
I have included in this newsletter a visual outline of the school uniform expectations so that parents and carers are updated.
There are occasions when students cannot be in part of the uniform for very legitimate reasons. In such cases parents are asked to provide a note of explanation for that day/days and the student will be given a uniform pass.
Students who are out of uniform without a note from home will be given detention and they will be required to attend. Additionally, in cases such as incorrect jumper’s students will be asked to swap their jumper for a clean, school jumper for the day which will be swapped back at the end of the day.
Parents and carers support in reinforcing the school’s expectations with their children will be greatly appreciated.
Swimming Carnival
On the 29th of April we were finally able to hold our annual swimming carnival at Gosford Pool. With Zone Representation already determined, the carnival had slightly less emphasis on competition and was much more about bringing the school together after two highly disrupted years. In this light it was a fabulous day with both staff and students enjoying a rare occasion of sunshine and a lot of fun, involvement and racing – both serious and not so!
NAPLAN
NAPLAN was conducted from the 10th to the 12th of May, and this year the examinations were online for the first time. This is a challenging and anxious time for many students, and I can only express praise at the way Years 7 and 9 conducted themselves and gave their best efforts.
Later in the year I look forward to reporting to the school community the undoubtedly strong results from this years examinations.
Parents & Community Association
At this time our P&C meetings will be at 7.00pm in the Staff Common Room of the school’s administration building on the following dates.
- Tuesday 24 May – General Meeting
- Tuesday 16 August – General Meeting
- Tuesday 8 November – General Meeting
Mr Andrew Backhouse
Principal