Deputy Principal's 

Report - Years 8, 10, 12

What a year it has been!!

Again, we reflect on our wonderful school community and thank everyone for their resilience and perseverance this year. Values most evident in our wonderful students recognised at the Presentation Assembly on Tuesday night a big congratulations to our award recipients and our students in general for their dedication to their learning journeys this year. 

What a great year to be back with face-to-face teaching! Which in many ways makes our State and National exam results even more impressive. 

In May we ventured into our first NAPLAN online experience, which was a challenge however, the actual exam period in regard to set up, organisation and student participation was fantastic. All students were given the opportunity to do their very best in the exams. Our results were incredibly pleasing achieving our Departmental mandatory target for both Year 7 and 9 Reading. Continuing our above state average results in Year 7 & 9 Reading and Writing. With 1 in 3 Year 7 students in the top two bands for reading and 1 in 4 Year 9 students in the top two bands. These results have been built through the Literacy and Numeracy focus groups. The success of these groups is evidenced by the 2022 Numeracy data, where Year 9 students performed 1.2% above State average and 1.4% above Similar schools average. 

Every student in Year 10 who has completed the Reading and Numeracy test reached the National Standard in their first attempt. With only a small percentage of students still working towards their writing standards. Year 10 were well prepared and took their exam preparation and completion very seriously. The Maths and English staff did a great job working with their students to achieve these results. 

The Higher School Certificate class of 2022 has also been a successful year at Henry Kendall. The Year overall is a very academic one with students achieving a lot of final assessment marks over 90% representing an expert knowledge and application in their subject areas. Every student in this category has also received and most have accepted Early Entry Offers to University. They are a wonderful bunch of individuals, and we will celebrate their successes at their formal on the 16 November at the Crown Plaza. Year 12 would also like to say a huge thanks to the P & C for supporting this occasion with your wonderful donation. 

I would like to personally thank the wonderful Year Advisers I have been working with this year, they have worked tirelessly to ensure every student at our school has the opportunity to reach their personal best. 

To Mr Newton who has supported Year 8 through the trials and tribulations of their second year at high school, with great kindness and care. Year 8 have been a delight and we have both enjoyed many moments of great pride as many have excelled both academically and personally. We look forward to their successful transition into Stage 5. 

Year 10 have also been a complete pleasure to work with in 2022, I could have not done it without the ongoing support of Ms Reynen. Year 10 have grown into wonderful ambassadors for our school and shown maturity as they move into the Senior School. To all the students who have left us to move into employment and other pathways we wish you the very best. To all the new students joining us from around the world and other schools nearby.....welcome!

To Ms McLennan! What can I say! We really had the best of times with our amazing Year 12 cohort! Words cannot express my gratitude to you for your dedication to our lovely students. 

As your Deputy, there has been, many occasions when teachers have reflected on what a wonderful group you are and what a pleasure it has been to teach and work with you. The development of well-rounded individual is indeed a community effort, and one important member of your community has been Cassie McLennan. As your Year Adviser Ms McLennan has been your advocate for all elements of your high school lives.  I would like to publicly thank Cassie for her dedication to this important role, as she has made a difference to many young lives through her compassion and consideration of others. 

As you make your pathway into the Brave New World of adulthood remember that it certainly is an “age of foolishness”, always be true to yourselves and the values you have learnt along the way. I am confident that you will all make a success of whatever you put, your minds too. Remember you have been equipped with a wonderful Public Education use your knowledge wisely. 

I will miss you all!

Looking forward to a great 2023, welcoming our new Year 7 students. 

Merry Christmas!!

Natalie Wearne

Deputy Principal