Year Advisers Report 

     Years 8, 10 & 12

The term draws to a close and we are in full swing of the assessment cycle with many students working to complete those final tasks before the start of the Easter Holidays.  

Year 8 has participated in several in-school programs this term, including Smashed Alcohol Education and Backflips Against Bullying. These programs have helped to build upon Year 8’s existing knowledge and developed their understanding further through the engaging mediums of theatre and backflips, respectively.  

It has been a great term so far, bring on Term 2! 

Mr Judd Newton 

Year 8 Adviser

Can you believe that we have already reached the end of Term 1. I feel like this term had flown past. I would like to commend Year 10 on the way they have embraced this term and how they have settled in. 

In Week 7 about 30 Year 10 students participated in the Peer Mentoring Training Day. During the day students learnt what makes a good mentor/leader, how they can help the younger students in the school, and completed team building exercises. These students will now mentor our current Year 7 students. 

While there has been a lot of wonderful events happening in school there are a couple of students who have been representing the school in sport outside of the school environment. Congratulations to Keira White who took part in the Under 15's Central Coast Representative Cricket Team in the Margaret Pedan Shield Competition. The team finished runners up in the competition in Canberra which is a fantastic achievement. Well done, Keira.

Also, congratulations to Jessica Hunter who placed first in the Under 17’s Girls NSW Beach Volleyball Championships. Jessica has been competing for Sydney North at the CHS Carnival where she was selected in the CHS Open Girls Volleyball. Jessica also participated in the Australian Youth Beach Volleyball Championships.  The Australian Schools Cup will also be played in April and Jessica will be attending. This is fantastic opportunity Jessica.

During Week 10 approximately 18 Year 10 students attended the Year 7 Camp as peer mentors. Camp is a great opportunity for the students to test their limits on activities that may challenge them. The students also helped Year 7 to conquer some of their fears as well. 

Some of the activities the students participated in were abseiling, team building initiatives, high ropes, rock climbing, giant swing, archery, and leap of faith. The students had a great time as did I and I am proud of the leaders they are becoming. 

Throughout Term 2 there are several events happening for Year 10. They include:

• Swimming Carnival
• Cross Country
• Athletics Carnival
• Stage 6 information Nights
• Stand Tall

During the holidays I encourage everyone to practice some mindfulness.  The practice of being mindful allows teens to cope with frustration when they are faced with something difficult in their lives. It can also be used when they need to focus their attention on something specific and not allow distractions to derail them. The more teens practice being mindful, the better they get at it. 

April is known as Active April so below is some activities to try over the break.

Week 1:

• Monday: Set yourself an exercise goal or sign up to an activity challenge.
• Tuesday: Move as much as possible, even if you’re stuck inside.
• Wednesday: Make sleep a priority and go to bed in good time.
• Thursday: Relax your body & mind with yoga, tai chi or meditation.
• Friday: Get active by singing today (even if you think you can’t sing!).

Week 2:

• Monday: Try a new online exercise, activity or dance class.
• Tuesday: Spend less time sitting today. Get up and move more often.
• Wednesday: Focus on 'eating a rainbow' of multi-coloured vegetables today.
• Thursday: Regularly pause to stretch and breathe during the day.
• Friday: Enjoy moving to your favourite music. Really go for it.

Lastly, I would like to wish all of Year 10 students and their families a Happy Easter. Enjoy the break, stay safe and be kind to yourself and others. 

“Self-belief is the secret to success.”

Miss Crystal Reynen

Year 10 Adviser

Year 12 students have had an amazing first term of the year and second term of Year 12. They have shown a lot of dedication and perseverance to their studies, which we are all proud of. Although they have been working through a lot of assessment tasks these last few weeks of term it has been good to still see them actively support both their junior peers and each other.   

Year 12 have been enjoying their flexible attendance and have been showing respect to the whole system which has been great to see. 

Along side their studies some TVET students have been out on work placement. They have been receiving amazing reviews from their placements. A few students have been offered part time work out of their placements, which is to their credit, it shows the high standard that the students have held themselves to. 

On March 18, Year 12 went to the Backflips Against Bullying presentation. The Year 12 students' actively engaged in the presentation and many students stayed back in their free period to engage in the positive messages the performance promoted. 

On the sporting front Year 12 students have been actively getting involved. Many Year 12 students have been representing Henry Kendall High School in sport, both at school and externally. At school they have been part of our basketball teams and volleyball teams. Not only have they been part of the team, but we have been lucky enough to host some games and Year 12 are actively going and supporting their peers in their free periods. A special mention to Miranda Topp who qualified for the NSW Gymnastics State team and will be completing at the individuals National Championships.  

I hope all Year 12 students have a restful break and come back ready for Term 2.

Miss Cassandra McLennan 

Year 12 Adviser