Year 7, 9 & 11

As the busy term comes to an end I would like to congratulate all our students for their wonderful participation in their learning. Lots of extensive and thought provoking assignments and tasks have been completed. I would like to note the efforts of Year 7 in regards to the quality of their Identity Projects.

A reminder to all parents and caregivers that all assessment information for Year 7, 8, 9 & 10 can be found on the school website.

Henry Kendall High School: Home

The Scope and Sequence Documents for Year 7 & 8 can be found in School Years under Courses. The documents outline the course content for each term and the assessment tasks and timing for each courses. Year 9 & 10 information can be assessed through the School Year tab under Assessment Handbooks- these documents contain all relevant information around course content, assessment, procedures and policies.

Year 9 have also been working hard on their various tasks, in particular they have all engaged in lots of NAPLAN preparation and they completed their English narrative task in the formalised setting of the MPC last week. The whole cohort worked diligently on their narrative and the English staff have been pleased with the growth of their creative writing.

Year 11 are embracing the new chapter in their lives as senior students and have completed a rigorous term of assessments and new experiences. All students are to be congratulated on their diligence in organising and completing all their tasks. A reminder to seniors to balance all their hard work with rest over the break ready for Term 2.

Year 7 have been busy working on their 7 Steps to Writing Success Program and have produces some excellent pieces of writing. They have all engaged in the wonderful world of figurative language and have delighted each other in the sharing of their stories. Below are some samples of their creativity.

Lost in a Forest

She walks slowly, alone in the dark forest, listening to the drumming heartbeat, the stomping footsteps and the heavy breathing of an unknown creature. The leaves crunch as she steps, cushioning the soles of her feet. She can taste the tense, cold air as it trickles down her throat. The damp air and the fresh, cut bark was sneaking up her nose. Sweat drips down her back. The cold earth awakens her shivering feet. Feeling tense, scared, helpless and cold, she keeps walking. An unknown, high pitched monster scream was getting louder and louder. Dark noises make her ears squeal. With leaves forming a small trench, a dark cave comes into sight. She can taste the leaves around her. You can hear her heart pounding from the outside of her goose-bump covered chest.

By Mikayla Plant

The Secrets of the Forest

The cold narrow body shaking fog covers the path that lies ahead of me. The mysterious trees tower over me the rotten, brittle leaves are in every direction. The chilling desolate darkness surrounds the forest. I hear the whistling cold breeze of wind swirls behind me I hear fear inducing breath on my neck. My heart is racing but I also hear horrifying grolwos as l am wondering down the path, I can fell the brittle leaves crunch beneath my boots. I still feel the freezing wind behind me, the trees are surrounding me I can feel the compacted moist dirt as I stroll off the path.

By Phoebe Dodds

The Stolen Generation

The Stolen Generation was a cruel time. In the early 1900s it was government policy to take Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children away from their families. The children that were not “full blood” were torn away from their families, and put into the wider white society. Many of these children were taken a long way from from their homes and put with people that were from different regions and spoke a different language. Lots of children never saw their families again. Over 100,000 children were taken away. In 2008, the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, made an apology on behalf of the government to the Stolen Generation.

Dear Mama,

At breakfast we eat bread and milk. We aren’t allowed to talk during breakfast otherwise we will get into trouble. I miss the days where we would sit on the verandah and eat damper thick with golden syrup and drink sweet, milky tea. I miss our house that had such a big yard. I miss when you would take me to the river and teach me how to fish and swim. I miss the stories you told me, but I still remember them. All I want is to come home and see you. I miss the beautiful clothes that you used to sew for me. Instead, I got given other clothes that were faded.

The girls told me I would never go home, and that I would get used to the place, but I never did. Every morning we are taught how to read and write, and in the afternoons we cook and clean. The soap hurts our hands and sometimes makes them bleed. Every night I dream about running into your arms but when I wake up, you’re not with me. I got given a new name, but I still whisper the name you gave me over and over. At night, I sing quietly, sending the notes to your fire. I imagine that you can hear my voice. I’m angry that they took me, and I’m also sad because I miss you. In winter, we have to do exercises outside in the cold. When we are outside, we huddle together to get warm. Some of the older girls are taken by white families. But I don’t want that.

Early, before they all wake up, I walk quietly through the halls and step out the door.

I am going to return to you, mama.

See you soon. I love you

By Tansy Neaves.

Extreme Everest

“Woosh” went the air as it funnelled through my cold blue ears. Snow was rushing past me and some of it ricocheted of my skin-tight suit. I landed at Everest Base Camp and instantly cut my chute so I could release and find my tent. Tomorrow was the day I’d been waiting for. The day we got to climb towards the summit and plant our own custom made flags. “Slump” I fell onto my bed, sleeping like a young bird just born into a cosy nest, however, I was still as eager for tomorrow.

Jack North

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is

an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It has been an everyday part of the school calendar since 2008.

NAPLAN tests the sorts of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life, such as reading, writing, spelling and numeracy. The assessments are undertaken nationwide, every year, in the second full week in May. At Henry Kendall High School we will be participating in the nationwide testing on the following days:

Language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation)- Tuesday 9 May
Writing- Tuesday 9 May
Reading- Wednesday 10 May
Numeracy- Thursday 11 May
Catch-Up Test Day 12 May

NAPLAN tests skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time through the school curriculum.

Information letters have been distributed to all students and all parents and caregivers can contact the school with any further enquires.

The NAPLAN results will provide important information to schools about what each student can do, and will be used to support teaching and learning programs. Parents will receive a report indicating their child’s level of achievement.

Uniform Reminder

As the colder weather approaches a reminder about our uniform policy and school standards:

Hooded jumpers are not permitted
Black tailored slacks – no jeans or leggings
Juniors must wear a navy blue jumper with the school crest or plain navy blue jacket.
Seniors must wear a green jumper with the school crest or plain green jacket.

Recently we have had an increase in distribution of our spare uniform supply and are very low in stock as a result. These uniforms are used to support our school community. If families have uniform that are no longer required can they please forward them to the school office. We would like to thanks the communities’ members who have already donated uniforms.

We have a wonderful community reputation which, is reinforced constantly with our students displaying their school pride in the correct uniform.

Mrs Natalie Wearne

7, 9 & 11 Deputy Principal

Year 8, 10 & 12

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 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 a challenge.

Henry Kendall High School has a detailed assessment policy in place to support senior students. A copy is available on our website. Both Years 11 and 12 were issued with these at the beginning of term. Some 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.
Technology glitches are not a valid reason for misadventure. Students must be organised and have a backup 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.

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

Congratulations to Year 12 on your conduct and application during the mid term examinations.

Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10) Assessment Booklet

Year 10 will be issued with their assessment booklets at the beginning of next term, whilst Year 9 had their assessment booklet issued during this term. I ask parents to take the time to look at 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. The assessment schedules are also published on the school website.

Planning For Senior Pathways

Term 2 is a significant time for Year 10 as they will be involved in the decision making process for their Senior Pathway in 2018.

There are two Senior Pathways Information Evenings scheduled for Thursday June 1 and a second meeting Thursday 15 June. Both nights are critical in supporting Year 10 in their decisions for 2018 and beyond so please be sure to have these dates locked in.

In addition, at one of these evenings , Year 10 will also be receiving information in regards to the Stage 6 Preparation Program students are required to participate in at the end of the year. This program is designed to assist students in the transition to Stage 6. I look forward to launching this program with you all.

Stranger Danger

It has come to the schools notice that there may be an individual following students before and after school in a red car. He is Caucasian in appearance with dark hair and has been known to call out to students recently. Please encourage your child to report any suspicious people to yourself and the school so appropriate reporting actions can take place.

Whooping Cough

The school received notification this week of a confirmed case of whooping cough. All parents were e-mailed appropriate advice about this health condition. Please contact the school should you have any queries.

To all our students have a safe break, rest up and we look forward to seeing you all back for another busy term 2.

Mrs Donna James

8, 10 & 12 Deputy Principal

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