Welcome back to Term 3. Firstly, I would like to thank Mrs Wright for taking on the role of Acting Principal in my absence. Mrs Wright is a very strong and competent leader and it is great to know that the school was in such safe hands while I was away.

This term, we are very excited to welcome four new staff members:

• Mrs Michelle Rathjen is joining us from Young High School. Mrs Rathjen is a very experienced Science teacher.
• Ms Antonia Barreto is joining us from John Therry Catholic College in Rosemeadow and is a very experienced English teacher.
• Miss Vanessa Mitchell is an ex-student who is joining us in her first teaching position.
• Ms Rebekah Meharg is joining us as a Classroom Support Assistant from Young North Public School.

We warmly welcome each of these staff to the Hennessy community and look forward to working with them.

Staff were very privileged on the first day of term, to have both Dr Patrick McCardle and Father Richard Thompson present a day of faith formation around the notion of Pilgrims of Hope. Patrick McArdle is the Chair of the new Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited (CACGL) Board. Father Richard would be known to many as a former parish priest in Young and is now the Vicar General for the Archdiocese. They led the staff in an exploration of pilgrimage and hope and how this can be incorporated into our daily lives; the day was one of discussion and reflection. We thank them both for giving up their time to spend the day at Hennessy.

On the theme of pilgrimage, Mr Ian Mergard and Mrs Emily Nowlan have returned from a pilgrimage to Rome and Sienna. This pilgrimage involved staff from across the archdiocese, led by Archbishop Christopher Prowse. They spoke enthusiastically of what a special privilege this was to experience a pilgrimage.

Another pilgrimage was our adventurous group of staff and students who visited Cambodia and Vietnam as part of their Immersion Program. It is lovely to hear stories of the trip and to talk to students about the profound effect such an experience has on their lives. A huge thank you to Mrs McInerney, Mrs Noakes and Ms Inwood for being a part of this trip and being involved in the huge amount of organisation needed to make such an event happen. A big thank you also to Mrs Navori, Mr Croese and Mr Kershaw, who were a part of the group.

Last night we held our Years 7 - 11 parent-student-teacher conferences. This is an invaluable opportunity to spend time with your child’s teacher to discuss their progress. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher if you were unable to make the meetings last night.

Year 12 students embark on their Trial Examinations next week, please keep them in your prayers.

God, You fill us with hope               

God, You You fill us with faith

God, you will us with love

You accompany us on life’s journey   

Open our ears to Your voice

Open our ears to your beauty.

Open our hands to your work.

And open our hearts to your Spirit.

Amen.

YEAR 12 HSC TRIAL EXAMS

Year 12 Trials begin on Monday, 4th August (Term 3, Week 3, Day 1). Students are expected to be preparing for these exams. The exams form the final in-school assessment task for HSC Courses. One of the best ways to prepare for the trial exams is to complete past HSC papers. Students will gain valuable experience in answering actual HSC exam questions, on HSC-formatted documents.

Past HSC papers are free to download from the NESA website: https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/resources/hsc-exam-papers. HSC teachers are happy to provide feedback to students that complete past papers.

Here are some suggestions to assist with studying for your up and coming examinations; 

Here are some key tips and reminders to help them stay on track:

✅ Create a Study Plan – Encourage your child to set up a realistic study timetable that includes breaks, revision time, and time for rest and sleep. A balanced routine is essential.

✅ Practice Past Papers – Using previous HSC exams helps students familiarise themselves with question types, improve time management, and identify areas they need to work on.

✅ Stay Active and Eat Well – Regular exercise, healthy meals, and plenty of water can improve focus and reduce stress.

✅ Limit Distractions – Help your child find a quiet, organised study space and consider reducing screen time or social media during study hours.

✅ Check in, but don’t pressure – Be available to listen, encourage small wins, and celebrate progress without adding pressure.

✅ Know When to Ask for Help – Remind students that teachers, mentors, and school counsellors are there to help. If they’re struggling with a subject or feeling overwhelmed, early support is best.

YEAR 10 SUBJECT SELECTIONS

INFORMATION EVENING/SESSIONS FOR YEAR 11, 2026

YEAR 11 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS

Year 11 End of Course Exams being on Monday 15th  September (Term 3, Week 8, Day 10).
A draft copy of the Year 11 Preliminary timetable will be available next week.

STAGE 6 ASSESSMENT TASKS - TERM 3 

WEBINARS FOR YEAR 12 STUDENTS - APPLYING FOR MEDICINE OR DENTISTRY 

? 9 – 10 August 2025

Intensive Interview Training Workshop (Live Online Interactive)
A comprehensive 2-day program focusing on medical school interview theory, strategies, assessed criteria, MMI and panel-style interviews.
? View Details

? 16 August 2025

Medical School Application Strategy & Guidance Webinar
Covering applications to Australian, NZ, and UK university medical/dental schools.
? View Details

? 17 August 2025

JCU Dentistry Application Advice
Special focus on Indigenous, Rural, and Tropical Health themes in JCU’s selection process.
? View Details

? Free Live Webinars 

UCAT Preparation | Medical Interviews | Academic Insights Program

? View Details

ATOMI STUDY SUPPORT 

As you are aware, our students have access to a range of resources including ATOMI, as students are encouraged to use this to support their learning in class. Here is a tip from ATOMI about building healthy habits around study to increase long term working memory.

Encouraging habit building:

Small, consistent study habits make it easier to revise later on. Recommend strategies:

• Rewatch key lessons to reinforce tricky concepts and refresh what you learned in class.

• Quiz regularly to check what’s sticking and spot areas needing review.

• Write down key takeaways after class—summarising in your own words strengthens understanding

UNIVERSITIES ADMISSIONS CENTRE (UAC) 

The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) plays a key role in helping students transition from school to university and other tertiary study options. Through UAC, students can apply for undergraduate courses at participating universities using one streamlined application process.

UAC not only simplifies the university application journey, but also supports students in exploring a wide range of pathways and course options based on their interests, goals, and academic results. It provides up-to-date information about course prerequisites, selection criteria, and ATAR requirements, helping students make informed decisions about their future.

Applications for 2026 university entry are now open and students are encouraged to begin exploring their options early. By applying through UAC, students can list up to five course preferences and have the flexibility to change these throughout the application period.

We encourage all families to support their child in researching courses, attending open days, and discussing future aspirations. For more information, visit www.uac.edu.au.

It has been a smooth and encouraging start to Term 3, and I would like to congratulate all students on the way they have returned to school with focus and readiness. It has been pleasing to see the majority of students easily slip back into routines with their learning and appropriate behaviours across the College.

However, we have noticed a number of students who are struggling to consistently meet the College expectations regarding uniform. As a reminder, our College uniform is a symbol of pride, respect, and community identity. It is important that students wear it correctly to show respect for themselves and others. Shirts must be buttoned to the top with ties properly fastened, and outer jackets must be plain navy blue. Branded outerwear such as Kathmandu, Macpac, or other logoed jackets are not part of our uniform policy and will result in a uniform infringement.

We have also observed a growing trend of students arriving late to Pastoral Care (PC) in the morning. PC is a vital part of the school day—it is where students build relationships, collaborate across year groups, and engage in meaningful, wellbeing-focused activities. From Week 3, an infringement system will be implemented for late arrivals. Students who are late, regardless of the time, will be placed on the Late Arrival Record and will be required to attend Break 1 detention. As with other College systems, a series of interventions will follow, including contact from the PC teacher and House Leader. Where a pattern of lateness emerges, parents and carers will be invited to meet with the College to discuss and implement an appropriate attendance plan.

We appreciate your support in reinforcing these important expectations at home.

On a more celebratory note, it has been inspiring to witness nine of our Year 11 students put themselves forward for the role of College Captain. Their willingness to step outside of their comfort zone, present publicly, and speak from the heart shows true leadership potential. Mrs Holding and I were incredibly impressed by their thoughtful written applications and mature responses during interviews. We look forward to hearing their speeches at Tuesday’s whole school assembly.

This term, our students are also engaging in their PC Challenge, centred around the theme of Mental Health and Resilience. It has been uplifting to see so many students working collaboratively, whether raising awareness or promoting activities that support mental health. This initiative is not only timely but vital, and we commend our students for their energy and commitment.

Finally, I warmly invite all students, families, and staff to our Term 3 Hennessy Parish Mass, held this Saturday at 6pm. This Mass will be a particularly joyful occasion as we celebrate Lexie McGovern completing the RCIA program and receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. We hope you can join us for this special event in the life of our faith community.