Year Advisers Reports
Years 7, 9 & 11

YEAR 7

I am going to start by directly addressing the elephant in the room which is, of course, the current lockdown. This term for Year 7 represents an entirely different experience and for some quite the challenge. The reality of the situation is that though this isn’t the fault of any student we must strive together to find the light at the end of the tunnel (so to speak). And so Year 7 has.

I have seen so many examples of students building their resilience, coming up with creative solutions and actively engaging with the online learning that it does fill me with a sense of pride (see the example of the amazing colour wheel made by our own Brooke Warren).

Every Friday morning we have an Online Year Assembly and though there is a definite want to return to school, flying in the face of the usual “please don’t make me go to school today” trope, there is humour, excitement, and anticipation – particularly in our quite competitive general knowledge quiz.

I would like to thank all the teachers, parents, support staff and students for their commitment and hard work in this trying time. It is by no means ideal, but I am incredibly thankful for having such an excellent, lively and committed group of students.

Mr Judd Newton

Year 7 Adviser

YEAR 9

Wow, who would have thought that we would have completed a whole term of online learning. I never thought we would back in this crazy unprecedented situation.

Firstly, I would like to say congratulations to Year 9 for the consistent effort and perseverance during this difficult time. It is certainly not how we thought term 3 would pan out. You have done a fantastic job completing most of the work and staying in touch with your teachers. You guys are amazing!

Secondly, I would like to thank all the parent/s/carers for your constant support. This is not what you envisaged Term 3 to look like and having to your children in another capacity. It is truly appreciated by all the staff at Henry Kendall.

Lastly, I would like to thank all the Year 9 teachers, Student Services and both Nat Wearne and Gareth Wright for their constant support not only for me but for all of Year 9. Without your support, Year 9 wouldn't be where they are today and the skills they are learning will be vital for their futures.

During the term we have had several Year Assemblies via zoom. This was a great opportunity to talk to Year 9 and to see their smiling faces. During these calls we talk about any updates, general chit chat and a few jokes here and there. We have also be doing our weekly Henry’s Hero draw. Congratulations to all the students who have won during this term.

September is Self-care month.

Very important during this time. Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential. No one is perfect. But so often we compare our insides to other people's outsides. This month I am encouraging everyone to be kinder to themselves (as well as others), especially when things go wrong. Self-care increases our resilience and helps us get more out of life. It also helps us accept others as they are too. So, during the holidays I encourage you to try the following activities each day.

Week 1:

Monday- Focus on the basics: eat well, exercise and go to bed on time.

Tuesday- Give yourself permission to say ‘no’

Wednesday- Be willing to share how you feel and ask for help when needed.

Thursday- Aim to be good enough, rather than perfect

Friday- When you find things hard, remember it’s ok not to be ok.

Week 2:

Monday- Enjoy photos from a time with happy memories.

Tuesday- Don’t compare how you feel inside to how others appear outside.

Wednesday- Take your time. Make space to just be breathe and be still.

Thursday- Let go of other people’s expectations of you.

Friday- Accept yourself and remember that you are worthy of love.

I would like to remind Year 9 to make sure that you take a break during the holidays and stay safe. Enjoy the break, be kind and I look forward to seeing your smiling faces soon.

Look after yourself and remember

‘Self belief is the secret to success”

Miss Crystal Reynen

Year 9 Adviser

YEAR 11

What a dynamic and challenging term, Term 3 has been. Year 11 students should be incredibility proud of the way they have conducted themselves. It has been amazing to receive so many positive comments from their classroom teachers. Not only have the majority of them kept on top of all of their work. They have gone above and beyond in regards to the wellbeing of their peers. It has been wonderful to see the positive shout outs the students are submitting for each other and the general sense of perseverance the year has displayed.

It is important as we come near to the end of the Year 11 courses, that students ensure that they are completing both course work and their assessment tasks. By now all Year 11 students would have been given some, if not all of their notification for their final task. These tasks are in place of the end of course exams and count towards student’s final Year 11 marks. I urge any student who is having issues in regards to finding balance with their course work and assessment work to reach out to either Student Services or myself.

I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate our whole leadership team that was elected. They underwent the whole selection experience, from a formal interview to speeches to their peers and teachers, online.

Each and every one of the students stepped up to the challenge and did exceptionally well. They conducted themselves with pride and showed absolute commitment to the school and the vision they have for the future.