Deputy Principal's Report
Years 7, 9 & 11

Welcome back everyone to a great start to term!!!!! After the challenges of last year, we look forward to a rewarding and successful year here at Henry Kendall.

CONGRATULATIONS and WELCOME YEAR 7 - 2022

Well done to out fantastic new year group this Year. Year 7 have begun the term with enthusiasm and such a positive attitude!!

Unlike other years, unfortunately Year 7 were not able to participate in a full transition program due to COVID restrictions. This certainly has not restricted them in their ability to settle into and embrace a new school environment. A lot of work was completed behind the scenes last year to make the groups transition as smooth as possible.

Henry Kendall’s transition program is definitely a team effort, so I would like to acknowledge the support of our partner schools Point Clare and Gosford primary schools, the tremendous Henry Kendall Student Services team, our ever-enthusiastic Ms Sanki (Year Adviser) and to our parent/carer school community for your support of Year 7. I look forward to working with you all in the journey ahead.

Years 11 and 12

Term 1 has been a busy term especially with Year 11 beginning their Preliminary year for their HSC pathway, and Year 12 are already half way through their HSC year. The rigor of senior study is very different to the junior school, and for some students, the senior course can be challenging.

Henry Kendall High School has a detailed assessment policy in place to support senior students. A copy is available on our website. Year 12 were issued with these at the beginning of term and Year 11 this week. Below are key points for students and parents to remember in relation to the Assessment policy:

All students are to sign for the assessment book and retain a hard copy.
The Assessment Policy is also found on the school website.
Misadventure: in the event of a major illness or problem occurring students must see the DP Curriculum as soon as possible. The student MUST see the DP their FIRST day back at school to apply for a misadventure and submit appropriate paperwork. A medical certificate or statutory declaration needs to be submitted with the paperwork for the task mark to be counted. Examples of the documentation needed are found in the Assessment policy.
COVID-19 Absence Misadventure: Should a student be absent due to COVID-19 they are required to have evidence of a medical certificate through a tele-conference. If an In-Class (IC) task is scheduled, upon return of the student, completion of the task will be determined by the Head Teacher (Subject) and DP Curriculum.
Technology issues are not a valid reason for misadventure. Students must be organised and have a plan of using a USB to back up their work and printing at school if the need arises.
It is also a good idea to map tasks on a calendar or organiser so that they have a visual reminder of what is needed for time planning. Both assessment schedules include this organisation tool.

Please head to the NESA website for more information:

https://www.educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/home

Thank you to our parent community for your ongoing support of this important process.

STAGE 4 AND 5 (YEARS 7, 8, 9 AND 10) Assessment Booklet

Assessment booklets will be distributed for all year groups by the end of week 5 and will be placed on the school website. I ask parents to take the time to review this document with your son or daughter and use it as a planning tool. This skill assists students with time management and also helps prepare them for the rigors of assessment planning in the senior school. Please contact the relevant Year advisor of your child’s year groups should you have any queries.

YEAR ADVISER YEAR 11 2022

Welcome and thankyou to Ms Fitzgerald who has taken over as Year Advisor for Year 11. Ms Fitzgerald is very experienced in supporting senior year groups, and I look forward to working closely with her in the next two years with Year 11.

ATTENDANCE

Critical to student success is consistent attendance in all years. It is recognised that all students, to meet course outcomes in subjects, should be in attendance of 85% or more during the school year. It is also a legal obligation of parents and carers to provide reasons for leave.

The school will send an SMS to parents should your child be absent. Please ensure you follow-up with an explained reason for your child’s absence, as soon as they return to school.

In addition, please also remember that being late to school or leaving early can also affect attendance requirements under partial absences. The school is aware there are reasons this may occur, however it is parental/carer responsibility to provide valid leave reasons.

Mrs Gillard is the school’s staff member monitoring attendance. She will contact parents should students indicate a pattern of leave without explanation.

Please do not hesitate to contact either the Deputy Principal or Year Adviser responsible for your child’s leave, to discuss prolonged absences if required.

Mrs Donna James

Deputy Principal