Principals Report
2024
Extended Student Leave
On occasion families make the decision to take an extended holiday abroad during the school term. For such holidays an Application for Extended Leave is required by the Department of Education. It is important that this application be submitted to ensure that student absences are recorded correctly, and attendance records are not adversely affected.
The application can be found by following this link:
Senior School
Subject Selection 2025
Our process for establishing the 2025 curriculum has begun with the subject selection process for Year 10 entering into the senior school, and their HSC study pattern, next year. On Thursday 6 June 2024 the first of our Multiple Pathways nights will be held for all Year 10 students and their parents. At this night I will be outlining the importance of senior school studies, NESA requirements for the award of a HSC, the options and requirements for various study patterns, the different types of courses on offer and the benefits presented by each, how the curriculum is set by the school, and subject selection traps and pitfalls. Students will also receive their subject selection booklets detailing each of the courses on offer. This evening will be in the school MPC at 6.00pm.
Following this evening students have the opportunity to discuss their preferred pattern of study with teachers and at home. It is essential that as much information is gathered to inform the decisions of each student in subject selection.
Two weeks later the second Multiple Pathways evening will be held on Thursday 20 June, again at 6.00pm. In this second session the MPC will be set up as a series of subject stalls where each Head Teacher and our specialist teachers will be available to talk about each of the courses and answer questions. This is a fantastic opportunity for students and parents to get direct information from those who can give the greatest insight. It is also important to remember that we do know our students well and their academic abilities, so where advice is given regarding subject suitability it is always done so with the best interests of the student in mind. Advice will also be given regarding preferences when choosing subjects.
It is vitally important that all Year 10 students and parents attend these sessions to ensure decisions are as informed as possible. Following the second session, the online selection process will open until the end of term. Students need to ensure that they make their selections in this timeframe to minimise disappointments, remembering that class numbers must be capped.
In a separate process on Wednesday 26 June, the Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10) Subject Information Night will be held for 2025 elective options. More information will be provided to Years 8 & 9 in the coming weeks.
ANZAC Commemorations
ANZAC Day 2025 fell in the last school holidays, and a group of 20 students and teachers joined the community march from Kibble Park to the Gosford Cenotaph. Henry Kendall High School was the most strongly represented secondary school, and I commend our students for their commitment to this important occasion. Our School Captains, Ava and Utsav, laid a wreath on behave of the school during the ceremony.
In the first week of Term 2, we held our own ANZAC commemorations involving the entire school. This is an important responsibility in ensuring this recognition and respect to a significant aspect of our history is passed on to future generations, and as such our students are heavily involved in leading the ceremonies themselves. I take this opportunity to commend the student body for the solemn respect they gave to the occasions – it was outstanding and a credit to our school.
I thank David Ardley, Cassandra McLennan, and Lisa Selsby for their contributions, as well as our school captains and student presenters. Each year our commemorations are given a special touch by having Mr Malcom McLennan playing the bagpipes during a period of reflection, and I recognise the contribution Mr McLennan voluntarily makes. Additionally, our sound and lighting crew deserve recognition for their efforts in ensuring a slick and professional delivery. Lest We Forget.
Meetings with the SRC Executive
Each fortnight I meet with Miss Ellis and the SRC Executive – our school captains and prefects. The students set the agenda and lead these meetings. This is a valuable opportunity to hear directly the issues and ideas from the student body and discuss the initiatives that our school leaders are seeking to initiate. Our leaders represent the student body in these meetings and ensure that they consult with the wider Student Representative Council (SRC) prior. I value the opportunity to work with the students and to develop their leadership skills, and I am incredibly impressed by their insight, authenticity, energy and commitment in their roles.
Save the Date
Our senior school parent teacher evening will be in the MPC 4.00pm – 7.00pm on Tuesday 18 June 2024.
Mr Andrew Backhouse
Principal