End of Term 2

Principals Report

The last Newsletter for the year provides me with the opportunity to thank all parents, carers and community members who have so willingly assisted the school in 2022. Whether it is through sporting teams, P&C, parents as tutors, coffee shop, helping us manage through Covid-19 outbreaks, attending information evenings or any of the myriad of ways that you have involved yourself in the school, I thank you. The opportunities that we are able to provide to students is so much enhanced by your assistance.

 

As with every year many students of Henry Kendall High School have attained achievements are of the highest order. It is vitally important to also recognise that the great majority of our students achieve lots of things on an ongoing basis. Such achievements may not ‘make the news’, but important personal milestones in all areas of endeavour are happening day by day, and each student of this school benefits from a culture of success. It is fantastic to see that all of our students really want to succeed, and this is the key to our school for which all of its members are to be congratulated. 

Fantastic HSC Results

Well done to our 2022 HSC students with the release of strong and well-deserved results. Of particular note;

  • This cohort were impacted by Covid-19 through both of their senior years of study, making their achievements all the more noteworthy.
  • Henry Kendall High School is the number two ranked comprehensive high school on the coast!
  • 17 students attained a total of 20 band 6 results.
  • 69.3% of students achieved in bands 4-6 - this is the highest result in the top three bands we have ever attained.
  • Our highest individual result was 99 in Mathematics Standard 2 and 19th in the state, and our top ATAR was 92.85. 

In addition to this, many students exceeded their expectations and in some cases, getting over the line is the achievement. Each and every HSC outcome is celebrated in our school. 

 

Congratulations to Year 12, 2022!

 

I take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all of our wonderful HSC teachers. The selfless work they do is a significant factor in the achievement of our students. Their dedication, passion, drive, subject knowledge and depth of educational expertise is valued and appreciated.

 

School Uniform

Thank you to parents and carers for your ongoing support of the school’s uniform policy. Going into 2023 we are emphasising that our high expectations will be maintained and encourage parents to ensure that any new uniform purchases for next year met our requirements. Please be reminded of the following:

  • School sports shorts are available through LOWES. In particular, girls are not permitted to wear tights or high cut shorts.
  • Sport shorts and shirts are only to be worn for PE and PASS periods, or on a Tuesday.
  • Hooded jumpers of any kind are not permitted, nor are non-school jumpers. LOWES sell are variety of approved school jumpers and jackets.
  • Plain black leather upper shoes are the uniform. Please be aware skate shoes are permissible if all black. 
  • White socks are uniform, not black.
  • Students are required to bring a note if they are out of uniform. If they do not have a note they will be given a detention for being out of uniform.
  • Although not needed at the start of the year, LOWES have the school’s tracksuit pants available. Students are permitted to wear these every day of the week in the cooler months.

Thank you for your support in ensuring your children are starting the year with the correct uniform. Please see attached Henry Kendall's current uniform policy.

NSW Health Message

As our community would be aware, the rise in the use of vapes and e-cigarettes is a serious concern. In the lead up to the school holidays, NSW Health is urging parents and carers to be aware of the dangers of vaping among young people.

 

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant encouraged parents to have early conversations with young people to help discourage vaping.

 “We are encouraging parents to be aware of the dangers vapes pose and to be on the lookout for devices which could look like USB sticks, pens or highlighters,” Dr Chant said. 

 “Vapes contain dangerous ingredients which could cause irreversible damage to the health and development of young people. There is no such thing as a safe vape.”

 

Please see the attached press release from NSW Health for more important information.

Thank You for 2022 and 

Merry Christmas

School concludes for students on Friday 16 December and for staff on Tuesday 20 December. Arrangements for the start of 2023 are;

  • Friday 27 and Monday 30 January 2023 School Development Days (no pupils).
  • Tuesday 31 January 2023 school resumes for Years 7, 11 & 12.
  • Wednesday 1 February 2023 school resumes for Years 8, 9 & 10.

As Christmas rapidly approaches I would like to congratulate the staff and students of Henry Kendall High for their hard work throughout a busy and productive year. On a great many levels it has been another significant year for Henry Kendall High School. Our school remains intensely focused on providing the best possible learning environment for every student. 

 

I wish you all a safe and happy festive season and look forward to continuing to shape the future of Henry Kendall High in 2023.

 

 

Mr Andrew Backhouse

Principal