Yet another year begins and already Year 8 have had their first major challenge – attending their roll call in alphabetical order. Alphabetical challenges aside, Year 8 has made quite a successful transition into their second year in high school.

There has been much rejoicing over the reinstating of handball and their newfound freedom in the playground no longer being confined to the Year 7 area. This has brought with it the new issues of making sure you get to class on time.

Year 8 turned out en masse to support Valentine’s Day, which was an overwhelming success. With many a lovelorn soul sending chocolates and much anticipated serenades to their fellow students, all in the name of raising some additional funds for the Year 12 formal.

I have been very impressed by some of the positive affirmations coming to me from their teachers. If they can keep this up it will set an excellent note for the year to come. As ever, I am looking forward to guiding them this year as they continue to grow, learn and mature.

Mr Judd Newton

Year 8 Adviser

Welcome back to another year!

It has been great to see so many Year 10 students start the year so positively, although it was not the way we expected to start. I welcome all of our new and returning students and their families to Henry Kendall High School.

We have 6 new students joining us this year and I commend how welcoming the rest of Year 10 have been, making sure our new students know where they are going and have somewhere to sit at break time. I would like to recognise all students who are taking on an active role in supporting each other it has been great to see Year 10 students grow.

All students are settling into their new electives and seem to be taking on the new challenges of being in Year 10. They will be given their assessment booklets which will also be on the school website. This provides them with an overview of all tasks that they have and when they are due.

I encourage Year 10 to organise themselves to ensure they submit all tasks by the due date. It is important for students to be aware when assessments are due. If you are away for any reason you will be required to complete an appeal form and follow process.

Our Peer Mentors also have an exciting opportunity to demonstrate their flare for leadership as they join Year 7 on their camp in Week 10. A wonderful chance for these students to become role models to the incoming Year 7 cohort and develop a sense of adventure along the way.

There will be a number of events and organisation that will take place in the coming year. This will include; information nights for Stage 6, selecting subjects for the final years at school, to organising their senior jackets. Also the Stage 6 Preparation Program, plus the numerous school events to occur during the year. I highly recommend Year 10 continue checking the Google Classroom, as I will be posting important dates and information up on the page regularly.

I look forward to seeing Year 10 grow and mature this year, as they start moving through the final stages of high school.

Be kind to others and yourself, stay safe and bring on 2022.

“Self-belief is the secret to success”

Miss Crystal Reynen

Year 10 Adviser

What an amazing start to the final year for Year 12’s school journey. We may have come back with restrictions however, Year 12 students came back with such positivity and motivation to pursue their personal best in their HSC. I was overwhelmed with the amount of teachers that came and told me how industrious the students had been over the holidays, especially with their major projects.

Year 12 will be fundraising this year. Our first fundraiser was Valentines Day where Year 12 sold lollipops, chocolates and serenades. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Gillard for organising the songs for students to perform in the serenades.

Thank you also to Mrs Kostalas, for the SRC’s support in selling the items the week before. Year 12 and myself were overwhelmed with the support from the school community, not only with the amount that was bought but the positive attitude to hearing us serenade 125 people throughout the day.

Just a reminder that assessment tasks have begun, if students are struggling please encourage them to come and seek support early. Students who have elected to have a mentor are encouraged to make contact to set up a time to commence sessions.

Flexible attendance has been granted to students. If any Year 12 student has any questions about this please come and see me.

I’m looking forward to having a great final year with this amazing group of students.

Miss Cassandra McLennan

Year 12 Adviser

Student Services