2023 Yearbook

MISSION & MINISTRY

As we turn the pages of yet another memorable year at Hennessy Catholic College, it is with immense pride that we reflect on the unwavering commitment of our community to live out the mission of the church. This year we have had the theme Walking Together and I can say on reflection, how proudly I have seen this, from the physical act of walking together to the compassion and kindness from our staff and students to each other. One of the remarkable aspects of our community spirit is our dedication to fundraising for designated church-supported charities. This year, our collective efforts have produced an astounding total of $6,704.74. This generosity has not only benefited those in need but has also reinforced the core values that define our Catholic identity. Term 1 - Caritas - $1,107.65 Term 2 - Hennessy Day for St Vincent de Paul’s winter appeal - $2,224.05 Term 3 - Missions Australia - Socktober - $207.10 Term 4 - Melbourne Cup for St Vincent de Paul’s Christmas appeal - $1,766.55 Our Year 12 class of 2023, in particular, has exemplified the spirit of giving by fundraising for CanAssist, a local organisation close to their hearts. Their efforts culminated in a heartfelt donation of $1,398.95. We extended a warm invitation to Gail from CanAssist Young to accept this contribution on behalf of the Year 12 class, acknowledging their dedication to making a difference in our local community. Beyond fundraising, our college has been an active participant in various community events, winning the Cherry Festival's Best Float award for our vibrant "Stone Fruit Salad Yummy Yummy" big red bus. This achievement showcases our creative spirit and the enthusiasm of our community. The second year in a row we have taken out this award! A special commendation goes to the Parish Youth Group which only began this year and the consistent commitment of its attendees to living out our mission. The dedication of our students was also evident in the high numbers of attendees at Parish mass this year. It is with pride that I can say that we are living out the true meaning of the Gospel. Our dedicated teachers have also played a crucial role in staffing camps and retreats, providing students with enriching experiences that foster personal and spiritual growth and I would like to thank them for their time and support of our students in knowing that the education that we provide at Hennessy is not just in the classroom. Throughout the year, our pastoral programs, under the leadership of Emily Nowlan, Nagle - Words Not Deeds, Luke Miller, Gallagher - Noble Victory, Jorja McGrath McAuley - Good Today, Better Tomorrow, Susan Cass - Rice, The Good Seed Will Grow, have addressed important topics such as appropriate relationships, consent, resilience, and cyber safety. The Pastoral Team and their tireless work in supporting our students is an integral part of our school and I thank the House Leaders and Pastoral Care Teachers for all their work.