Year 7

I would like to congratulate Year 7 on another successful term. It has been great to watch them continue to work hard. I would like to remind all students that if they are having an issue with an assessment task to come and talk to their teacher or myself, so that we can help them and ensure it is submit on time.

Year 7 have been very busy working on their Ancient Egypt Artefacts. We were all blown away by the quality and creativity that was presented. In PBL students have been working on a integrated project of creating the perfect party through their ‘Party Planners’. This combines maths technology and English. Encouraging students to plan, budget and present. I was lucky enough to be involved in observing the presentations, I was very impressed with their parties.

Students in Year 7 have been avidly studying the play ‘Honey Spot’ by Jack Davis, the play explores varies themes such as friendship, racism and culture. It is a touching story of two families who seem to have nothing in common … until danger strikes, forcing them to face their prejudices. Student have loved performing sense from the play and analysing the characters. They also have been exploring traditional Indigenous knowledge using a seasonal calendar designed by elders in Arnhem Lands and learning traditional language.

It has been great to see Year 7 taking on extra curricula experiences with music, drama and sport. It is wonderful to not only see students enjoying these experiences but other students supporting their peers.

The first semester Year 7 reports are a wonderful opportunity to discuss your child's progress and parent teacher interviews will be conducted early Term 3. To all Year 7 students and their families, congratulations on a successful term and have a wonderful, safe holiday.

Miss Cassandra McLennan - Year 7 Adviser

Year 8

Term 2 has been very busy with Year 8 students being involved in sports teams, cross country, musical events and much more. Add to that many tests, assignments and challenging tasks in the classroom – I’m sure students will be looking forward to their break.

It was a great pleasure to read through the Year 8 reports. Most of the students are enjoying their participation in a broad range of courses and achieving excellent results. They are trying their best at school which is very pleasing.

Year 8 were very fortunate to be involved in the SALSA program the last 4 weeks of this term. Year 10 students were trained to be peer mentors and lifestyle activists, and delivered a program promoting healthy lifestyles to all of Year 8. It was a great opportunity for the students to learn about healthy lifestyles from older students who provide positive role models.

Wellbeing is very much a focus at the moment and to enhance this Year 8 will participate in a wellbeing day. Students will participate in talks and activities concerning mental health, stress and relaxation techniques and positive online profile. The day concludes with a performance by Brainstorm productions “Cyberia” which is a fun and engaging interactive performance.

I wish the Year 8’s a fantastic, relaxing holiday and look forward to seeing them back in Term 3 recharged, ready for semester 2.

Mrs Julie Starkey - Year 8 Adviser

Year 9

What a busy term it’s been! Year 9 have had a very successful Term 2. They have been involved in many extra- curricular activities including Come and Try day, school cross country, involvement with an Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP) program, as well as academically having sat the NAPLAN test and completing subject assessment.

Students in Year 9 have also been really involved with the Vivo program. The number of Vivo awards I have handed out is a testament to the effort that Year 9 are displaying in the class room and out of the class room.

I hope Year 9 have a safe and relaxing holiday and come back to school refreshed and ready to tackle Term 3.

Mr Jason Morris - Year 9 Adviser

Year 10

Congratulations on a great term everyone! As many of you receive your semester one reports, a true reflection of your hard work and application to school will be evident. For some, there is a little room for improvement, please acknowledge these comments, seek help when required and come to each lesson ready to learn. As you rapidly move toward your fancy senior jackets, recognise that you are role models for many of our younger students and positive attitudes and behaviours must be displayed both in the classroom and out in the playground.

Stage 6 Prep Nights

We had a great turn out to both of our Stage 6 Preparation nights. As you can all agree, these nights were extremely important and informational. It is now time to pick your subjects wisely for the next two years. You will have the opportunity to discuss your selections during the Year 10 interviews next term.

VIVO Rewards

Congratulations to Year 10 who finished first in the Term 2 VIVO reward assembly. Year 10 were awarded for their commitment, respect and responsibility. I am extremely proud of the effort and commitment many of you are displaying within the school community. Keep up the great work.

Try a Skill Day & Insight Day

Thank you to Mrs Hawker for organising a fantastic trip to Ourimbah TAFE for the ‘Try a Skill’ day and the careers expo at Avondale College. Students were able to participate in a range of hands on experiences and developed great insight into many future opportunities. We also had four of our Aboriginal Students gain an insight into university life, participating in ‘Insight Day’ at Ourimbah University.

Chess Champions!

They can sing, they can rock and they can also play Chess! Congratulations to Oscar Tebbutt, Mason Colewell, Zac Hegyessey and Senjay Turner of attaining the title of ‘Central Coast Chess Champions.’

SALSA

Thank you to those Year 10 students who have participated in the Students as LifeStyle Activist (SALSA) program. They are working collaboratively with Mrs Starkey and Mrs Bath to motivate other HKHS students to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Keep up the great work.

Sport

Congratulations to our Year 10 Cross Country Champions - Gemma Sharpe, Taiya Baker and Mitch Wood.

Miss Tegan Perkins - Year 10 Adviser

Year 11

Year 11 have now passed the halfway point of their Preliminary HSC. The students have made significant progress throughout this term and are continuing to develop and refine their skills within each course.

Although the volume of course work is continuing to increase, I would like to encourage the students to persevere with the effort they have displayed so far. Remaining organised and seeking assistance from your teachers will help you throughout Term 3.

As mentioned earlier this term, the process for selecting students for the 2018 School Captains, Vice Captains and Prefects will commence shortly. There are many students in Year 11 who have significant leadership qualities that would bring value to the role. I would like all students to consider what strengths and skills they could bring to the role and take this opportunity to give back to the school and community.

I hope that you all have a safe and relaxing holiday and look forward to seeing you back in Term 3.

Mr Michael Mellish - Year 11 Adviser

Year 12

With one term of classes remaining, Year 12 are well on their way to completing their high school journey here at Henry Kendall. I would expect that these holidays will be spent completing major projects, preparing draft responses for the trial exams, and catching up on sleep. With such little time remaining, it is imperative that all students are working to their personal best to ensure that they receive a HSC of which they are proud.

To help students achieve this, the Target Top 20 Program was recently launched. A number of students have taken up the challenge, and it is now up to them to ensure they fulfil the requirements of the challenge. Completing 20 ‘top band’ responses is a difficult task, but the Year 12 teachers are ready and willing to help any student who wishes to try.

Early next term a letter will be sent home outlining important dates and details as to the informal and formal activities that take place as Year 12 transition to the next phase of their lives. The following are some dates that you might like to place on the calendar right away:

Week 4 and 5 beginning Monday 7 August – Trial HSC Exams
Thursday 21 September 9.30am – Year 12 Graduation
Monday 20 November – Year 12 Formal

I cannot stress enough how important it is for students to increase their revision and drafting routine as we approach the trials and HSC. The students who receive the best results, are those who prepare the best.

Enjoy the break!

Mr Blake Wawrzyk - Year 12 Adviser

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