Year 8

Year 8 have made an excellent start to 2019. Students are already building positive relationships with their new teachers and are adjusting well to new routines and new courses. Year 8 as a group appear to be enjoying the added responsibility that comes after leaving the security of the Middle School program.

I am continually encouraging Year 8 to make the most of their schooling years and to get involved in as many activities as possible. It was very pleasing to see so many Year 8 students attending and competing in the swimming carnival. The students all had a great day and there were plenty of smiling faces. Congratulations to Max Finn and Tabitha Cockburn who performed particularly well on the day.

All Year 8 students have been issued with an Assessment Booklet which outlines the details of all assessment tasks for the entire year. Students are encouraged to use this as a resource to help with organisation. Many assessment tasks have already been issued to students with most subjects having their first task due at some stage before the end of Term 1. It is important that students carefully plan and manage their time to ensure that all deadlines are met, and that stress is kept to a minimum. I have mentioned many times to the students that it is always best to start tasks early. Remember that your teachers are your best resource, so please seek clarification when you are unsure of task requirements.

I would like to welcome the new students that have joined Year 8 in 2019 and I look forward to working with you over the next 5 years. I would also like to thank the Year 8 cohort for the way they have accepted their new friends.

Our Vivo positive reward system returns in 2019. Students are awarded ‘Vivos’ for positive behaviours and can redeem their points for many different rewards. Additionally, top Vivo earners from each year group receive regular school canteen vouchers and can also be invited to the end of year rewards excursion. Congratulations to Lachlan Knowles, Jayd McAlpine, Sophia Thomas and Cooper Wilson who have all made great starts to the year.

Year 10

It was wonderful to see the Year 10 all assembled on the first day back keen and ready for their last school year as juniors. Looking at the new Year 7’s it seems like such a short time ago that I was welcoming this cohort for their first year at Henry Kendall High School. Where has the time gone!

The students have quickly settled into their new routine and are beginning to avail themselves of more of the opportunities presented to them at Henry Kendall High School. Many Year 10 students conquered Kosciuszko and the peer support students will be heading to camp at the end of the term, as well as upcoming careers markets and snow trip again for the PASS students. We have also welcomed a number of new students to Year 10 and I would like to thank and congratulate all of the students for being so helpful and welcoming.

One disappointing aspect is attendance and participation in the school carnivals. These are an important and memorable part of school life and I hope to see more students at future carnivals.

Next term students will be beginning the organisation for their senior jackets. Please look out for letters and information regarding this. I also urge the Year 10 students to regularly check their school email as this method of communication between the school and students is becoming increasingly more important.

Finally I would like to congratulate Archie Tebbutt for achieving Silver at the recent NSW Junior Athletics in Racewalking. Best of luck for your next event Archie!

Year 12

Year 12 are to be congratulated on a very successful start to 2019. They have been working extremely hard across all courses whilst continually contributing to the enthusiastic and positive atmosphere at Henry Kendall High School.

Swimming Carnival

Year 12 showed outstanding enthusiasm as they participated in their final school swimming carnival last week. I was very proud of the positive role modelling and respect toward our community that was shown on the day. Year 12 participated in every fun race and actively chose to participate in the first annual ‘Dance Off’ as a year group. We must also congratulate our very own super fish, Karl Suczynski on his age champion title and look forward to hearing about his future success in the pool.

Lions Youth

On Tuesday 19 February, I had the privilege of watching Mason Colwell, Alexandra Sidiropoulos and Senjay Turner speak at the Lion’s Youth of the Year competition. Breakers Country Club hosted a range of Lion’s Club members from across the Central Coast. We listened to some unseen questions and intriguing speeches on the night that I’m sure was very daunting for you all. I would like to congratulate these students for their excellence on the night and the positive image they presented within our wider community. Senjay Turner has advanced to the next round and Mason Colwell was awarded best speaker on the night.

Valentines Day

Year 12 certainly spread the love around the Henry Kendall community on Valentines Day, 2019. Lead by the SRC, the students were allowed to purchase a chocolate, serenade or a combination of both for the special one. Our wonderful Year 12 music class lead a range of serenades that ran across four periods. They did a wonderful job and certainly added a cheerful spark to classrooms and offices across the school, including Mr Backhouse’s. Thank you again for your time and effort on the day and kicking off our formal fundraising with love.

Planning is important

We are coming up to a very busy assessment schedule in Year 12 and I highly encourage students to use their mentors and planning tools offered to ensure you stay on top of your studies. There is a study planner placed on our google classroom which will allow you to plan and develop a maintainable and healthy plan. Your weekly plan should include:

1. Fun stuff first

Add the fun things to your planner first and you'll never miss out on doing what you love.

2. Study in gaps

Add study into the gaps to create balance. You will fit study in with time to spare!

3. Guide - not rule book

It's OK to take a night off - just using your plan 50% of the time will make a huge difference.

Thank you again for a great start to the year. We have a lot of big and exciting things ahead and I look forward to work closely with you all.

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