Term 3 has already been a jam-packed term for Year 8. This term we had our Student Representative Council elections for 2023 and we would like to officially congratulate Dolma Tentso, Jhalaena Butao, Lillian Pech and Charlie Willcox for becoming our new SRC Representatives. We are looking forward to all their contributions to our school over the coming year.

Asides from the excitement of SRC elections we also completed our Wellbeing and Resilience In Our Teens (RIOT) training days this term. These days were both focused on building some of the skills which will assist students as they develop throughout their high school journey.

There were many games and challenges to be had, as exhibited by the photo of Brayden Ashbrooke attempting the move the biscuit into his mouth without using his hands.

We will keep building upon these foundations as we move through Year 8 towards Year 9. Fingers crossed that the hurdles of entering the full blown phases of teenagerhood will pose little issue to Year 8.

Mr Judd Newton

Year 8 Adviser

Year 10 have had an extremely busy term so far. Starting with Year 10 into Year 11 interviews. The purpose of these interviews is to discuss the pattern of study for Stage 6 and the progression into careers and life after school. All students were extremely attentive and took on board the advice suggested by Head Teachers. I am proud of the effort Year 10 have demonstrated.

On Wednesday 3 August, Year 10 had the opportunity to attend the B Street Smart - Driver Awareness event at Qudos Bank Arena. B Street Smart is the inspiring initiative of the Trauma Service at Westmead Hospital.

Westmead’s Trauma Service is constantly reminded through their hands on work that young people aged between 15–30 are disproportionately represented in road trauma. As a result, they have a strong commitment to Road Safety Education.

The purpose of B Street Smart is to reduce the fatality and injury rates of young people by promoting safe behaviour as drivers, riders, and passengers.

B Street Smart provides:

Students with first-hand experiences.
An understanding of their responsibilities as a driver and as a responsible passenger.
Information and strategies to avoid serious injuries and death.
Information on how to reduce risk taking behaviour through greater awareness of the consequences of distracted driving, inattention, speeding, drink and drug driving and driver fatigue.

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend however, from all accounts the students learnt valuable lessons and enjoyed the experience.

On Thursday 18 August, a group of Year 10's preformed at the Central Coast Showcase at Laycock Street Theatre. Milana, Luci, Jonathan, Oskar, James, and Evan preformed Kids of America by Kim Wilde. Also, Kathryn and Tiarne from our Special Education Unit performed, they both performed True Colours by Kasey Chambers in the signing choir and My Island Home by Christine Anu in the dance troupe. All students performed extremely well and received an almighty applause from the audience. Congratulations!!

On Monday 5 September Year 10 will be participating in the RIOT workshops. Henry Kendall is one of five schools in Australia that are investing in a whole school initiative called Resilience in Our Teens, which has a focus on anxiety and resilience in our teens.

Students will be participating in a whole day program which has a focus on the following areas:

‘I feel anxious, what does this mean?’
What are teens worried about?
How the brain functions when we feel anxious.
Understanding how to manage the brain and cognitive distortion.
Becoming our own emotional coach – recognising emotions and challenging thoughts.
Calming the mind.

All students within the year group will develop an understanding of anxiety and emotions, leaving with a personal toolkit to manage their own responses in a range of situations. There will also be an opportunity for parents/carers to participate in the parents’ version of the workshop. All teachers have participated in the teacher’s version of the workshop and will be implementing the strategies both in class and in the playground.

Year 10 are also in the process of ordering their senior jackets. This includes fitting their jackets and choosing their nickname on the back of the jacket. The final cost of the jackets is $130. The first instalment of $70 was due on Friday 19 August and the final instalment of $60 is due Friday 16 September. These jackets are a school tradition and will be worn for 2 years (Year 11 and Year 12). If you wish NOT to purchase a jacket, can you please let me know by return email so I can mark it down on my spreadsheet.

I encourage Year 10 to continue to work hard for the remainder of the term. Remember to try your best and be kind to yourself and others.

“Self-belief is the secret to success”

Miss Crystal Reynen

Year 10 Adviser

What an amazing final term Year 12 have had so far. We started the term off with a pancake breakfast where Year 12 and their teachers came together and celebrated the start of their last term back.

They started the term studying hard and finishing content before completing their Trial Exams. Year 12 students should be congratulated on their overall approach to their exams.

Our students were incredibly supportive of each other and encouraged each other through their first major exam experience. We received many comments about how they conducted themselves throughout the process, listening and following instructions which made the whole process calm and positive for all.

Year 12 have been versing staff every week in a mini competition. At the moment Year 12 are in the lead. The staff are eager to take back their winning title over the next few weeks.

Year 12 students have been working hard to get their major works submitted. Society and Culture, Industrial Timber, Visual Arts and Photography teachers have been an amazing support for the students guiding them to complete some very impressive work. Students have their VISTA night coming up where all their work will be on display.

With only a few weeks left of school, Year 12 are very excited and are reflecting on their time at HKHS.

Miss Cassandra McLennan

Year 12 Adviser

Student Services