2024 Yearbook

COLLEGE YEARBOOK 20 24 HENNESSY CATHOLIC COLLEGE

KATHY HOLDING PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

2025 was the archdiocesan year of the Holy Spirit. Hennessy students were challenged to focus on the fruits of the spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. My motto is always that ‘Country kids can do anything’ and this is nowhere more evident than at Hennessy. I believe that Hennessy students are very special. It is an absolute privilege to work with young people and to watch them learn and grow. We are so fortunate to have such talented, friendly and generous students in our care. This year we welcomed many new students to Year 7 and Year 11 as well as other year groups. Our Year 12 Class of 2024 has now left and eagerly awaits their HSC results, this class will be greatly missed for their positive influence on the College community. Special recognition must also go to our student leadership team led by Jasmine Sullivan and James Payne. The student leadership team have worked tirelessly to be a student voice and to organise engaging and fun activities for the College. A huge thank you to our many parents and carers for their support. Student outcomes will always be at their best when supported by a strong school/home partnership. I would also like to thank the Community Council for their support and wisdom this year, led by Mrs Natalie Turner. I would like to acknowledge Father Jiss and Father Mark who are much valued members of our Hennessy community. Their ongoing support and guidance and involvement in masses and liturgies has been much appreciated throughout the year. We wish Father Mark all the best in his move to a new parish in 2025.

I would like to thank the College Leadership team of Mrs Wright, Mr Morton, Mrs McInerney, Mr Mergard and Mrs Woods. Their leadership, creativity and ongoing support is much valued.

Thank you to the Hennessy staff who are a very special group. They are talented, professional and hardworking and go above and beyond to do the best for the students in their care.

This year we began our Classroom Mastery journey. This involved consistent classroom routines across the school. The goal has been to ensure that classrooms are safe and orderly places where productive learning can occur. I love taking families who are enrolling their children around the College. I am always confident that no matter which classroom or time of day, I know that I will see focused and settled classrooms. I would like to thank the Hennessy staff and students for their support of this program. This year we bid a fond farewell to several staff who have each made an enormous contribution to the Hennessy community over their time here. Congratulations to Mr Andrew Morton who has been appointed as Principal of Santa Teresa School in the Northern Territory. Mr Morton will be missed as being a friendly, caring and supportive colleague and leader. Mrs Emily Yeo joined Hennessy in 2022. She has been a much-loved teacher who will be greatly missed, she successfully combines professionalism with a supportive environment where her students feel welcome and valued. Mrs Anna Cusack joined the Inclusive Education department at Hennessy in 2020. Mrs Cusack will be fondly remembered for the caring support of the students she works with as well as being a thoughtful and generous colleague. Ms Philippa Butcher joined the Hennessy teaching staff last year. Ms Butcher has a strong passion for Science which she shares with her students. She is to be commended for the outstanding work she has done in making her lessons both engaging and informative.

Farwell to Miss Joy Cass who has been a valuable of the Inclusive Education team. She has shown a genuine commitment to supporting the students she has worked with in 2024.

Miss Camille Carberry steps back into a full teaching role after being the Leader of Mathematics. Miss Carberry is to be congratulated on her management of a dynamic and successful maths department. Thank you Miss Carberry for your work in this role.

Thank you to Mrs Hill who has shared the leadership of the Creative Arts Faculty. Mrs Hill’s passion for the arts and her creativity have added much to the department.

I am really looking forward to great things in 2025. We have some very exciting new initiatives planned to further enhance student learning and wellbeing at Hennessy

Finally, I would like to extend my most sincere wishes to everyone in the Hennessy community for a happy and special Christmas and a relaxing break.

God bless

TEACHING AND LEARNING Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning ANDREW MORTON

As we bid farewell to another academic year, it is with great pride and gratitude that I reflect on the 2024 teaching and learning that we have embarked upon together. Our school community has continuously exemplified dedication and resilience. Our classrooms have witnessed exceptional growth and achievement this academic year. Our teaching staff have tirelessly strived to ignite a love for learning in each student. It is their dedication and commitment that has formed the culture and academic success of the College. Congratulations to all students for completing their HSC exams - it is a culmination of many years of hard work. We received 27 Band 6’s. I would like to specifically congratulate our top 5 students, Benjamin Knapman, Cybele Hewitt, Elizabeth Sinclair, Lily Boda and Lily Murphy on their amazing results. It is an exciting time ahead for everyone. As we look ahead, we remain committed to nurturing an environment that fosters not just academic excellence, but also social and emotional well-being. Our dedication to cultivating lifelong learners equipped to face a rapidly changing world remains unwavering.

Benjamin Knapman College Dux ATAR - 98.95

Cybele Hewitt ATAR - 97.90

Elizabeth Sinclair ATAR - 95.55

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Lily Murphy ATAR - 91.65

Lily Boda ATAR - 92.15

TEACHING AND LEARNING I extend my deepest appreciation to our incredible teaching staff for their tireless efforts, our students for their enthusiasm and determination, and our supportive parent community for their unwavering encouragement. It’s been a wonderful year and I would like to thank all the KLA leaders and staff for their enthusiasm and dedication to their work. A huge thank you to our departing staff - Mrs Yeo, Ms Butcher, Mrs Cusack, Miss Cass. Your contribution to the College has been deeply appreciated by both your fellow staff members and students. I wish you all the best for your future endeavours.

In closing, let us carry forward the invaluable lessons learned this year and continue to strive for excellence in teaching and learning.

Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning Andrew Morton

MISSION & MINISTRY Assistant Principal Mission & Ministry MARY WRIGHT

As we reflect on the year 2024 at Hennessy Catholic College, the theme of "Learning Dynamically Through the Spirit's Fruits" resonates deeply within our community. This year has been marked by spiritual growth, leadership development, and a commitment to service, in the portfolio of Mission and Ministry.

In the Ministry space, we have been fortunate to have Mr Miller at the helm as the Liturgies and Ceremonies Coordinator. His dedication and care have created numerous opportunities for our students to connect with their spiritual journeys. The Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Program (CSYMA) has flourished this year, with over 20 students from Years 9 and 10 participating. These students have demonstrated remarkable leadership and personal development as they explored their faith, leading sacramental retreats for children from our feeder primary schools—St Mary’s Young, St Joseph’s Boorowa, St Joseph’s Grenfell, and Trinity Murrumburrah. We eagerly anticipate the continued growth of this program in the coming year. Our students have also engaged in a diverse array of pastoral programs to address the challenges of today's world. The Year 10, 11, and 12 girls participated in the Tomorrow Woman program, which empowered them to own their stories and share them courageously. Additionally, the Cyber Safety Project provided invaluable tips on safe internet use, while various programs focused on mental health, respectful relationships, and consent, addressing these critical issues head-on.

This year, our charity initiatives included support for Caritas, the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal, Catholic Mission Month, and the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. It is heartwarming to witness our students generously contributing their time, talents, and resources to causes that make a significant impact within our community. A special thanks goes to our Student Leadership Team and House Leaders for making these activities relevant and engaging, from Caritas weekly activities to the sock decorating and parade for Mission Month, culminating in the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. We continued our Year Level Captain Team this year, who played a vital role in organising and leading the Year Level Challenges throughout the terms. It was inspiring to see students supporting one another and actively participating in the diverse activities on offer. Hennessy Day was a resounding success, thanks to the tireless efforts of Mrs McInerney. This day celebrated our founder, Jerome Hennessy, and the lasting impact he has had on our community. Our Year 11 and Year 12 students stood out with their exemplary leadership in managing the PC's and running various activities. Our Student Leadership Team tackled significant issues such as Mental Health Week and the Olympics Challenge, showcasing their remarkable leadership skills and commitment to fostering a positive change in the world. The support from our House Leaders has been invaluable this year, encouraging participation in co-curricular programs and promoting the health, wellbeing, and community spirit of our college. Their dedication has provided numerous leadership opportunities for all students, and we commend them for their unwavering efforts. As we approach the Christmas season, let us reflect on the words from Luke 2:14: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests." We wish our entire Hennessy Catholic College community a safe, happy, and holy Christmas and break. We look forward to what 2025 has in store for us as we continue our journey together.

ENGLISH MATTERS

PATRICIA STADTMILLER

English KLA

Thank you to the English team for 2024 – Mrs Mergard, Ms McLachlan, Mr Bell, Ms Rogers, Mr Bigwood, Mrs Duff, Mrs Cooke, Ms Buchanan and Mrs Cullen. Your expertise, professionalism and willingness to work collaboratively to facilitate optimal teaching and learning is highly valued. Our English staff have enjoyed the opportunities presented by the implementation of the new Year 7 and Year 9 English syllabuses in 2024 and look forward to the implementation of the new Year 8 and 10 syllabuses in 2025. Thank you to our Inclusive Education staff - Mrs Livolsi, Mrs Cusack, Mrs McKnight, Mrs Hughes, Mrs Cafe, Miss Cass and Mr Prindable who are such an integral part of our differentiated learning programs and enrich the educational opportunities for our students. Thank you also to Mrs Cullen for overseeing the coordination of Inclusive Education within the College and to our librarians Mrs Smith and Mrs Shean for supporting our students’ love of reading. Importantly, thank you to all our students, their parents and care-givers for their commitment to dynamic learning in English. Within the English Department in 2024 we have been focusing on the College’s Classroom Mastery initiatives. These are designed to: create consistently productive, safe and calm learning environments; improve student learning outcomes through increased engagement; and effectively apply evidence from the Science of Learning and the insights of cognitive load theory. Our English students have been honing their English skills and knowledge in preparation for the increasing academic rigour they will experience in 2025, developing their appreciation of the rich and varied literary world particularly in relation to creative and critical writing, historical fiction, multi-media texts, picture books and poetry. In 2024 our Year 7 and 8 students had the pleasure of participating in the live performance of Poetry in Action titled “The Power of Poetry” which introduced students to poetry that contains some large ideas and lots of heart. This show followed a fractured attempt by the Poetry in Action troupe to present a show with their star actor, Candice, missing in action. Their challenge was to be able to convey the power of poetry with a ring-in actor with no knowledge of poetry and to express how poetry can perfectly capture a moment, transform an opinion and bring about change. Years 9 and 10 were similarly engaged when watching a performance of “Words of War” which brought to life the world and works of Wilfred Owen. This captivating show reverberated with passion, anger, humour and heartbreak as it followed the life and works of Owen and the influences that led him to become one of the most striking and brilliant voices of his era. This dynamic show took students through the horror, heroism and hopelessness of conflict; examining people’s attitudes to war and how, through Owen’s poetry, we can come to a better understanding of war today.

Our English staff have been privileged to journey with our students and their families throughout 2024. We wish all our teachers, students and families a safe, happy and holy Christmas season.

Mathematics KLA CAMILLE CARBERRY MATHEMATICS MATTERS

Students developed a range of knowledge and skills in Mathematics this year; by working through textbooks, Education Perfect, Mathspace, worksheets and hands-on activities.

Congratulations to the Year 12 students who have recently completed their HSC examinations.

HSIE HIGHLIGHTS HSIE KLA AMANDA COOKE

Thank you to our amazing HSIE staff who have worked tirelessly to deliver a high quality and engaging education to all of our students in 2024 - Mr Bigwood, Ms Cass, Ms Jasprizza, Mr McAllister, Mr Miller, Mr Quinn and Mr Watson. A warm welcome and congratulations to Mr Watson on his permanent appointment to Hennessy, we look forward to continuing to work with you in the HSIE faculty. 2024 saw the HSIE Department's incorporation of the College’s Classroom Mastery initiatives. These initiatives create productive, safe, and calm learning environments, making lessons more engaging, which in turn, enhances student learning. Students are able to take part in hands-on activities designed to spark their interest, increase their learning and foster a love of HSIE. CLASSROOM MASTERY

VIRTUAL LECTURES Business Studies and Ancient History students have had some fantastic opportunities to learn from experts in their fields this year. David Broadbridge, author of the Qantas Case Study, joined the Business Studies classes via Zoom, offering valuable strategies and insights aimed at boosting HSC results. Year 12 Ancient History students were privileged to meet Dr Estelle Lazer, a world renowned archaeologist who specialises in human remains from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Dr Lazer shared her extensive knowledge on the ethical considerations surrounding human remains, the impact of new technologies in archaeology, and the ongoing challenges of conservation and site management.

HISTORY Year 9 History have been studying Australians at War as their core unit. To consolidate their learning, students constructed their own trenches from WW1 HISTORY ELECTIVE To conclude their study the ‘Evolution of Warfare’, students in History Elective were able to build their own model, detailing the features and limitations.

Year 12 Business Studies students had the chance to get hands-on in the Hospitality rooms, where they explored the processes that businesses use to make sure their products are consistent, reliable, safe, and fit for purpose. BUSINESS STUDIES

As a part of their study of Ancient China, Year 7 History were given the opportunity to construct their own Terracotta Warriors out of playdough.

SCIENCE REFLECTION SCIENCE KLA CONOR QUINN

As the year comes to a close, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on the achievements and experiences of the Science Department at Hennessy Catholic College in 2024. This has been a year of growth, discovery, and success across both Junior and Senior classes. Our Junior students have made fantastic progress, engaging deeply with their studies and embracing new challenges. For our Senior students, 2024 marked the culmination of their hard work as they completed their HSC courses in Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, and Physics. Their dedication to their studies has been inspiring, and we wish them all the best as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives. One of the year’s highlights was the Year 12 Sydney Excursion, where students visited the Museum of Human Disease, the Australian Museum, and Sydney University. These experiences provided valuable insights and hands-on learning opportunities that enhanced their understanding of key course content. Meanwhile, our Junior Science students participated in the Science and Engineering Day hosted at the Young PCYC. Competing against other schools, they demonstrated exceptional teamwork and problem-solving skills in a variety of engaging challenges. This year also saw the introduction of drones in Design and Technology classes, an exciting addition that has opened new doors for integrating cutting-edge technology into our teaching. We’re looking forward to building on this innovative start and further expanding our programs in the coming years. We would like to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work of the entire Science Department team. A special thank you to Ms. Philippa Butcher for her years of dedication and passion for teaching Science. While we are sad to see her go, we wish her the very best as she takes on her new role at Oran Park Anglican College.

At the same time, we are thrilled to welcome Ms Elaine Zukauskas, who will join our team in 2025, and to see Ms. Camille Carberry stepping into an expanded teaching role next year.

Looking ahead, 2025 will be an exciting time as we begin implementing the new NESA syllabus with Years 7 and 9 while also preparing fresh programs for Year 8 and Year 10 for 2026. The department is eager to embrace these opportunities to ensure our students continue to thrive in a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

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On behalf of the Science Department, I would like to thank all students, staff, and families for their support and contributions throughout the year. Your commitment to learning and to our school community makes everything we do worthwhile. As we head into the holiday season, I wish everyone a joyful and restful Christmas, filled with family, friends, and plenty of cheer. We look forward to an even brighter 2025! Warm regards, Conor Quinn Science KLA Leader

Thank you to the 2024 PDHPE staff including - Miss Emily Coffee, Mr Brendan Croese, Mrs Janice Dunk, Mr Joseph Kershaw, Mrs Brooke McCann, Mrs Jorja McGrath, Mrs Lucy McGuiness, Mrs Jessica McInerney, Mr Andrew Morton, Mrs Emily Yeo PDHPE BROOKE MCCANN & MRS JANICE DUNK PDHPE KLA

NATIONAL TREE PLANTING DAY

Students took part in the National Tree Planting Day, successfully planting over 150 seedlings along the creek bank near the weir. This initiative aims to enhance the local ecosystem, prevent erosion, and support wildlife habitats in the area. This event was a cross-curricular effort, with students from Science, Geography, Agriculture, and Earth and Environmental Science classes all contributing their skills, knowledge, and willingness to get their hands dirty. By working together, they applied their classroom learning to a real-world project, making a tangible impact on our local environment. A special thank you goes to Mrs Meghan Navori, Ms Katrina Hudson, Mrs Michelle Cronin, Mr Jonathon Watson, and Mrs Maryann Schiller for their assistance in the planting process.

An Exciting year in Technology Agriculture/Food, with Mrs Schiller. Students have been very lucky to experience the hands-on approach to growing day old chickens and laying hens with day-old chickens coming from LPC. The students regularly weighed the chickens, monitoring growth and health. With vigorous, growth and changes in shape, appearance, eating and behavioural habits are monitored. The students also worked in vegetable gardens, growing a mixture of vegetables, with the occasional taste testing and experimenting. In the kitchen, students cooked and learned various kitchen-handling skills and techniques for preparing favourite egg recipes such as pancakes, dip-dip eggs, mini quiches, fried rice, cupcakes and biscuits, to name a few. Food waste is used at the Ag plot, to feed the laying hens or fertilise gardens and increase the nutrients in compost bin. Within the classroom, students designed chicken feeders, water containers and brooder boxes after learning about what is essential for a chicken to survive. TAS-VET MEGHAN NAVORI & MR BRENDAN CROESE TAS-VET KLA TECHNOLOGY AGRICULTURE/FOOD

AGRICULTURE

Students conducted a chicken growth trial, analysing chicken weights and growth by comparing two feeds. The arrival of the six wethers provided a hands-on experience and challenge of weighing, diet management and handling of the freshly shorn merino wethers from Egelbra Stud. Within the classroom, students are fully engaged in the science and practice of animal production, plant production, agriculture in Australia, and farm Case Studies. The highlight was visiting Blantyre Piggery and YLAD Living soils and getting to know local Agricultural Sustainable businesses.

TEXTILES

After a long hiatus, textiles made an appearance at the College this year with great success.

Four Year 8 classes enjoyed their rotation of learning the basics of hand stitching such as running, back, hem and blanket stitching, how to sew on buttons and the culmination was the creation of a small hand stitched monster. The College’s sewing machines were serviced and students in Term 1, 2 and 4 enjoyed mastering the skills required to operate these. Mrs Moncrieff, our kitchen assistant, was monumental in our success with this course, being a seamstress with a great love of textiles. We were also so fortunate to have a volunteer, Mrs Linda Humphrey, a retired nurse in our community, visit our class almost weekly to lend a hand and her expertise. The year ended with students creating a tote bag which we look forward to seeing being put to good use, carting PE clothes to school for prac lessons next year.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY Year 8 Digital Technology have been building upon their digital literacy skills and learning how to use their devices more effectively. Across the unit they have undertaken research projects, coding tutorials, app development and design programs such as Canva. Through these tasks the classes have explored the changing nature of technology and how it influences the progression of society. The class has provided the opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and learn computer skills that can be applied across multiple subjects.

AGRICULTURE Stage 5 Agriculture is a passionate and motivated group of students eager for agriculture's future. Some designing and

reshuffling of the Ag plot, with the final location for the laying hens, with three fresh pens and a large outdoor yard providing an ideal laying hen environment. The eggs collected by students are delivered to the cooking classes for use. Students enjoyed handling the six wethers, naming them Franklin, Cruize, Dynasty, William, Benjamin, and Morto. Students were fortunate to travel to Crookwell for the Southern Merino Breeder, Merino ewe competition and attended the SWS Merino Field Day at Harden. This year's vegetable gardens have been very productive, with vegetables harvested all year round and cherries being big and luscious on the tree. Students have studied Poultry Production, Pork Production, Sustainability, Wheat Production, Sheep Production and Vegetables. Thank you Ms Katrina Hudson for all her time, motivation ensuring the success of the Ag Plot.

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Yr 9/10 Food Technology was bursting at the seams with enthusiastic students wanting to hone their skills in the kitchen! 2024 saw us begin with studying Food Inequity, coming to a greater understanding of the food crisis that is prevalent in our world. Realising this inequity exists in our own community was an important reality check for students. The highlight of our study of the Food For Special Occasions unit was a visit and demonstration by @NakedCakesByMorgan who wowed us with her knowledge and expertise in cake decorating. Morgan brought in a large cake, decorated it while chatting with students about the tips and tricks of this specialised trade. And we got to eat the fruits of her labour! Delicious!! Food For Specific Needs was our focus in Term 3 as we adapted recipes for particular dietary needs and diseases. With the Paris Olympics in full swing, a focus on the dietary needs of athletes was of interest. Students enjoyed the healthy options that were created in the kitchen and they realised that hot chips made from sweet potato did actually hit the spot! Food Trends concluded the year as students looked at diets and trends that are currently ‘in,’ along with the importance of sustainability a hot topic at the moment.

Christmas Cooking always wraps the year up, ending the year with sugar and on a high!

HOSPITALITY This year has been a remarkable one for Hospitality students, showcasing their skills through a variety of events and opportunities. Highlights included catering for the Leadership Luncheon, creating mocktails for the Year 12 Graduation Dinner, preparing and serving at the Year 6 Graduation and assisting with the Year 7 French Banquet. Café Jerome remained a favourite throughout the year and the inaugural Hennessy High Tea was a resounding success, particularly with its Christmas-inspired menu. Students gained invaluable experience through industry visits

to the Australian Hotel and Art of Espresso, as well as mandatory work placements around the region, with many securing part-time jobs as a result. A new partnership with the Hilltops Community Hub saw students prepare hundreds of meals for those in need, demonstrating their commitment to community service. Special thanks go to Mrs. Rowena Moncrieff, our dedicated kitchen assistant, whose hard work and support made much of this possible.

VET IT Year 12 students completed their studies in Information & Digital Technology and were successful in obtaining a Certificate III in Information Technology. Year 11 students commenced the course and also completed a week of work placement with Amazon Web Services and were awarded 2nd in the State for their week-long project. Areas of focus include innovation, safety, cybersecurity, working in the industry, along with computer hardware, operating systems and cloud computing.

SPORTS COACHING This year’s Sport Coaching program focused on developing students' foundational knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience. Students studied Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) requirements in the sport industry, learning to identify hazards, implement safety protocols, and ensure compliance. They enhanced their coaching abilities through communication strategies, motivation techniques, and structured training session planning. The program’s highlight was conducting real world coaching sessions, where students applied their skills, managed group dynamics, and received constructive feedback. These experiences have prepared them for future success in the sport industry, instilling professionalism, safety, and excellence. Students also visited Young North Public school to coach primary school students in Touch Football and Netball. They also helped out at an NRL development day coaching students the basics of League Tag.

PEER SUPPORT

Starting high school can be a whirlwind of emotions – exciting and fun, but also daunting and overwhelming. The peer support program in 2024 helped to ease the Year 7’s transition into the new chapter of their lives, with the help of Year 10 group leaders. This program is designed to offer new students with a warm welcome and steady guide through their start of high school. The groups meet for an hour once a week for the first term, participating in a variety of fun games and activities, creative projects and thoughtful discussions about our focus areas: resilience, positive relationships & anti-bullying. Activities included designing anti-bullying posters to put around the school, participating in a newspaper dress-up competition, and

embarking on a scavenger hunt to learn their way around the school and its staff. These activities helped students to build teamwork and create fun & lasting memories. We also helped foster connections between students who might not usually interact, and develop deep friendships early on. It also helped to build a steady support system for young students within the school, so they always know they can go to their peer support leaders for advice or when they need assistance.

Through this mentorship, the Year 10 students gained invaluable leadership skills and a deeper understanding of their younger peers. We learned to lead with empathy, manage group dynamics, enforce rules and boundaries, and advocate for people in need. This is also an opportunity for us to practise organisation, prioritisation and discipline in advance for the next few years. We were able to not only help other students, but also grow as people and prepare ourselves for future challenges in school.

As we look back on the experience and positive memories, we can confidently say that peer support was a fun and a helpful experience not only for us peer support leaders but also the new year 7’s coming to the school, which was a completely different environment and social setting for them to get used to.

Sam Malkav & Lillie Gunning, Year 10 Peer Support Leaders 2024

MARIANNE MCLACHLAN & MRS LEONIE HILL ART

KLA Leader

Students commenced by producing blind contour drawings, investigating the work of Cubist artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, and finally creating their own free-standing masterpieces out of clay. YEAR 7 ART

ART PROJECT MONSTERS

We are excited to share a wonderful project involving our Year 11 students and the young children at Milestones Preschool. In a heartwarming collaboration, our students have been working closely with the preschoolers to bring their imaginative drawings and descriptions to life by creating 3D sculptures. This initiative has provided an incredible opportunity for our Year 11 students to apply their artistic skills and creativity while engaging with the younger children in a meaningful and inspiring way. The preschoolers have been thrilled to see their ideas transformed into tangible works of art, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. We are proud of the dedication and enthusiasm shown by our students throughout this project, and we look forward to sharing the final sculptures with the entire school community soon. This collaboration not only highlights the talent and ingenuity of our students but also reinforces the strong bonds within our local community.

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YEAR 8 ART

This year the students in year 8 have completed tasks related to the two topics of Printing and Pop Art.

In Printing the students are required to create a lino stamp that they print through the reduction process. The students in both classes were very creative in the presentation of their work including ghost prints.

For the second unit of the semester the students researched the build up to the pop art movement and how artists like Henri Matisse inspired the Pop artists Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Claus Olderburg, Idelle Weber, Roger Raushenburg and John Jasper

YEAR 9/10 VISUAL ARTS Over the year students have participated in numerous creative activities, where skill, craftsmanship and emotive qualities have been captured for all to enjoy. Term 1: Artists Books Students analysed the work of Shaun Tann and his book ‘The Lost Thing’ then created their own ‘artists book’ learning how to bind and create a visual storyline.

Term 3: Portraits Students delved into drawing and painting this term learning how light and dark create depth and emotion in capturing the likeness of others. Contemporary self portrait artists where broken down presenting alternative ways of capturing a person.

Term 4: 3D construction Term 4 provided a 3D clay building workshop with artist Tim O’Reagan followed by wire construction and 3D forms using cane, bamboo and greaseproof paper.

ART YEAR 12

TITLE: ‘Rebirth in Reverie’ (Drawing, printmaking, found objects)

“Art is an escape from reality.” Henri Matisse True metamorphosis is an inner journey that reshapes the self, and it is through escaping, that we can expand our understanding of who we are and what we desire, beyond the limitations of our current reality. My artwork captures my state of metamorphosis through escapism by combining my passion for the arts; music, dance, literature, and visual art. I intend to provoke questions around the boundaries of reality and representation, portraying my state of ‘transformation’ as the universal experience of the human desire, to transcend the mundane and explore alternate realities or states of being. Sarah McDonald

Year 12 art is a shared experience where intellectual collaboration prompts students to excel in their creative endeavours. 2024 has been spectacular and students strived to achieve their best and are congratulated on their persistence and hard work.

TITLE: ‘Fractured Unity’ Captures the essence of a family struggling with turmoil while highlighting their resilience. It shows the complexities of familial relationships, where love and conflict coexist, and adversity tests their bonds. Ultimately, the theme of ‘Fractured Unity’ is one of hope. Families may not return to a state of perfection, but they can find a new way to exist together, embracing their imperfections and learning to support one another through thick and thin. The journey from fractured to unity becomes a testament to their enduring spirit. Shatika Downey

ART YEAR 12

TITLE: Acceptance: A Journey through Goya’s Influence (mixed media: drawing, painting, fabric, found objects. Interactive piece.) Individual names of pieces: Piece 1: Scary Presumptions of the Future Piece 2: To Death, If the Truth isn’t Hidden? Piece 3: No, Not Only the First Comer is Offered a Hand Piece 4: Devoted Affinity Piece 5: Correction of an Unrealistic Facade Original names of Goya’s Etchings: 1.Tristles presentimientos de lo que ha de acontecer(1815)(Sad presentiments of what is to happen), 2. Hasta la muerte(1798)(To Death), 3. Yes, they say and they offer their hand to the firstcomer (1828), 4. Devota profesion(1799) (Devoted Profesion), 5. Correccion(1799)(Correction). Critique “Acceptance”, through its postmodern appropriation of Goya’s Etchings, The Prado Collection develops a new story/meaning to the audience. This work demonstrates how humans can struggle to “find our people” and belonging, as societal expectations influence how we should portray ourselves. The storyline encompasses a human trying to fit into a world of monsters where at first she is scared to show her true self due to the fear of rejection, though in the end, she finds real friends where she no longer needs to hide behind a mask, an unrealistic facade. April Dickinson

Title: Why does it hurt? (oil on Canvas) Critique: "My Body of Work" explores the intense emotions and confusion of growing up and my transition to adolescence and the pressures of a rapidly changing world, where a deep longing for childhood innocence permeates. Yet, despite being forced to grow up, I'll always be that child; where fleeting innocence collides with the uncertainties of self-discovery. Lily Boda

ART YEAR 12

Title: ‘Just The Two of Us” (Graphic Design)

“Just The Two of Us” encapsulates the loneliness of the human condition and the solace found within the small things in life. Lily Basham

Title: ‘Fragile Moments of Self’ Acrylic on canvas

“Memories are the architecture of our identity.” - Brian Sollis Memories are the foundational elements that configure and shape our identities; however, it is a universal misconception that the ‘awe principle’-- the idea that only grand, unreachable moments are worthy of reverence and that only unorthodox moments are reserved for the extraordinary. In my work, I challenge this concept by turning our collective gaze inward, towards the intimate, transparent, and frequently overlooked moments that define who we are. I explore passages of my identity through the lens of my mundane life in rich, warm, and enticing palettes to exude the beauty in which the

moment exudes, each acrylic painting standing as a testament to the realisation; that by appreciating the small, we come to understand the whole, and in embracing the ordinary, we discover the extraordinary in ourselves. My work serves as an imminent reminder that our true essence is formed in the quiet, constant rhythm of reality and challenges the notion that rare, monumental events don’t just forge our identities, but the cumulative weight of everyday actions, and interactions.

Mischa Boxsell

Title: “HUMAN, WOMAN, MAN, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE I'D LOVE TO KNOW” (oil on canvas) Critique:

The art series “HUMAN, WOMAN, MAN, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE I'D LOVE TO KNOW” starkly critiques the negative stereotypes surrounding men. Each piece vividly portrays the emotional and physical constraints imposed by societal expectations. Through raw, unfiltered imagery, the works highlight struggles with male body image, sexual identity, and gender identity, confronting the pressure to conform to rigid masculinity. The series also tackles the reservation of feminine qualities solely for women, challenging traditional gender roles. By exposing the vulnerability and complexity of male experiences, the artwork calls for a more inclusive understanding of gender, urging viewers to rethink and dismantle harmful stereotypes. Dominic Moran

Title: "The Color of Trauma".

The piece captures the turbulent and often overwhelming experience of emotions, embodying the chaos and flux inherent in traumatic experiences. The dominant colours are dark and intense, with deep reds and blacks representing the pain and anger that often accompany trauma. These hues are punctuated by flashes of vibrant, irregular colours—violet, mossy green, cherry red, and blue —that symbolise the unpredictable and often erratic nature of emotional responses to such profound experiences. The interplay of these colours creates a visual representation of the inner turmoil and instability that survivors often feel. The composition is intentionally chaotic, overlapping shapes and lines that intersect and clash. This visual disarray mirrors the fragmentation of self and the confusion that can result from enduring abuse and trauma. The fluid, almost liquid quality of some of the forms suggests the tears and physical manifestations of pain, while the sharper, more angular elements evoke the harsh and invasive nature of the experiences depicted. Through this piece, I aim to convey the depth and complexity of emotions tied to painful experiences, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the psychological aftermath of trauma. The use of colour as a primary expressive tool allows for an emotional connection to the viewer, encouraging empathy and understanding of the intense and multifaceted nature of surviving and coping with physical, and mental trauma.

Sophie Pollock

ART YEAR 12

Title: ‘Echos of the Abyss’ (pen on board) CRITIQUE

“Echoes of the Abyss” captivates the journey within the repercussions of a post apocalyptic war. Each of the 3 smaller canvases portray a story, conveying the realities of how individuals cope and what they long for. Each canvas can be turned 180 degrees, revealing the inevitable outcome of war—death. Inspired by Jeong Ji-Hoon, her works evoked strong emotions and deep contemplation, encouraging me to make an appropriated piece on her work, “The Horizon” (2016).

Leana Li

NAGLE EMILY NOWLAN - HOUSE LEADER

Participation reached inspiring new heights in 2024, showcasing the inclusivity and unity that define our Nagle House community. From dazzling performances in sports to bursts of creativity in door competitions and vibrant classroom transformations that celebrated school spirit, Nagle House shone brightly. Our commitment to service, exemplified by initiatives like Dine and Donate, added depth to our accomplishments. Under the enthusiastic leadership of our House Captains, Dieter Dickinson and Camden Cummins, student participation flourished. Nagle claimed victory in both the Swimming and Athletics Carnivals, with the pool echoing with cheers as swimmers dove in with determination, athletes demonstrated incredible agility, and runners triumphed over challenging terrains.

Beyond the sporting arena, Nagle’s dedication to community service shone through the Dine and Donate initiative. This year, students and their parents came together to cook delicious chicken and pumpkin risotto, preparing and boxing over 40 meals for Vinnies. This heartfelt contribution reflected the spirit of giving and reinforced the values that define our House. PC challenges added an extra layer of excitement, with fierce yet friendly competition across all groups. Congratulations to Nagle 1 for their outstanding victory in the Olympics-themed door competition, with N6 and N3 earning special mentions—and, of course, a well-deserved hot chip lunch!

Our Pastoral Care (PC) groups thrive thanks to the dedication and care of their PC teachers. The bonds they have built with students are deeply appreciated,

and it has been a privilege to witness the students' growth throughout 2024. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible team of PC teachers: Miss Emily Coffee, Mr. Mark Schmidt, Mrs. Michelle Cronin, Mr. Warren Bell, Mr. Bruce Hem, Miss Jessica Buchanan, Mr. Andrew Bigwood, and Mrs. Mary Wright for her assistance. We extend our best wishes to Miss Buchanan in her current role at the Catholic Education Office and thank Mr. Max Townsend for stepping in to support N6 during her absence. Finally, congratulations to Nagle for your hard work, passion, and unwavering House spirit. Your collective efforts have led to us winning the Hennessy Cup for Terms 1, 2, and 3. Let’s keep this momentum and aim to become champions for 2025!

GALLAGHER LUKE MILLER - HOUSE LEADER

The year 2024 has been a busy and rewarding one for Gallagher House, filled with opportunities for our students to grow both individually and as a community. Gallagher students have embraced these opportunities wholeheartedly, contributing to the success and spirit of our house in a variety of ways. One of the highlights of the year was the excellent participation across all three major carnivals: Swimming, Athletics, and Cross Country. It was fantastic to see such a high level of engagement and enthusiasm from our students, with many stepping up to compete and contribute to the overall success of the house.

Another standout event was the Gallagher ‘Dine and Donate’ afternoon, where our students, family members and staff came together to prepare and serve meals for those in need in the Young community. This event allowed our students to make a meaningful contribution and reflect on the importance of giving back. Alongside these events, Gallagher students continued to demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence. Many students were recognized through the House Award system, with numerous students qualifying for Bronze, Silver, and even Gold Awards – a testament to their dedication and hard work throughout the year.

GALLAGHER

A special mention must go to our 2024 student leadership team. Under the guidance of our House Captains, Paul Barrett and Fraser Johnson, with Ayon Peiris serving as Vice-Captain, the team worked tirelessly to promote house spirit and encourage participation from all students. Their leadership and enthusiasm have been greatly appreciated by both staff and students alike. As we look ahead to 2024, we are pleased to announce the selection of Izabelle Cartwright and Edward Maloney as our new Gallagher House Captains. We are confident that their leadership will continue to inspire our students and strengthen the sense of community within Gallagher House.

Wishing all Gallagher students, staff, and families a Merry Christmas and a happy, successful year ahead!

MCAULEY JORJA MCGRATH - HOUSE LEADER GOOD TODAY, BETTER TOMORROW

2024 was a very successful year with positive growth demonstrated by all students in McAuley House. Throughout the year, students of McAuley House continued to demonstrate the College’s theme to “learning dynamically through the Spirits Fruits”. Students were encouraged to engage with the fruits of love, joy, peace, faithfulness, kindness, patience, and self-control in their day-to-day dealings with others and actions. I would like to wholeheartedly thank the wonderful McAuley House Pastoral Care team for 2024, Mrs Leonie Hill, Mr Simon Quinn, Mr Joe Kershaw, Ms Catherine Riordan, Mr John Krakue, Mrs Amanda Cooke, Mrs Patricia Stadtmiller, Mrs Suzanne Duff and Mr Ian Mergard, for their uncountable support of their students within their classes and for encouraging the students and each other to live out Catherine McAuley’s values of Mercy, Courage and Service.

Thank you all for your support this year. It has been a pleasure to work with you and your families. I wish you all a safe and happy festive season.

Mrs Jorja McGrath McAuley House Leader

As the Year 12’s finish off their final year, I want to say a big thank you to all staff and students in McAuley house. Throughout the year, McAuley has actively participated in various school events, activities and fundraisers for Hennessy; including numerous school carnivals and sporting events, our annual McAuley Dine and Donate and Caritas Cadbury chocolate fundraiser, just to name a few. Throughout 2024, some of the sporting highlights of the year which students in McAuley took part in included the swimming and athletics carnival, as well as the cross country/colour run; where later throughout this term, McAuley also participated in the Hennessy Olympics which consisted of both academic and sporting challenges. One of the biggest takeaways for McAuley this year was M6 taking out the Hennessy Day Cup! Students have also volunteered for the Young North Food Van and been involved with Hennessy Chess Club, Year 7 Orientation, Variety Night and St Mary’s Parish masses. Being your House Captain has been a privilege and thank you to everyone for your hard work and support throughout the year. It’s been an amazing journey and I know McAuley will continue to achieve great things. Best of luck to next year’s leaders; Angelic Sutherland and Bridie Sullivan - you’re in good hands!

Sarah McDonald McAuley House Leader 2024

RICE SUSAN CASS - HOUSE LEADER

THE GOOD SEED HAS GROWN THIS YEAR

It has been an incredibly rewarding year serving as the Rice House Leader at Hennessy, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this vibrant and dynamic community. Participation was truly the key this year, with everyone fully engaged both inside and outside the classroom. Rice House led the way in the House Cup for most of the year, a testament to the dedication and spirit of our students. Our House truly shone in every way, and we are proud to say that we are the most colourful house, taking out the House Colouring Competitions this year! The energy and creativity displayed by our students were fantastic, adding to the vibrant spirit that defines Rice House.

The year kicked off with the lively and energetic Colour Run, where it was fantastic to see so many Rice students participating with great enthusiasm. The turnout was exceptional, and it was heartwarming to witness the joy, camaraderie, and unity among our members during this event. We had so much fun within our Pastoral Care groups, building bonds and encouraging one another to get involved in every activity. Our focus throughout the year remained on creating an environment where every member of Rice House felt included, supported, and valued. We didn’t just aim for participation in events; we sought to cultivate a sense of belonging and pride within our House. The collective effort to make Rice House a place of support and unity is something I am incredibly proud of.

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the amazing efforts of the pastoral care team. Their dedication to the well-being of our students has been remarkable. Always ready with a listening ear, a friendly joke, or words of encouragement, they ensure that our students are well-supported in both their academic and personal lives. A special thank you goes to Mrs McCann, Mrs Dunk, Mr McAllister, Mrs McGuiness, Mrs Mergard, Mrs Schiller, Ms Carberry, and Mr Quinn. Your contributions truly help the "Good Seed Grow." A heartfelt thanks to our House Captains, Amelia Rowan and Caitlin Drum, and Vice-Captain Beau Beddow. Their leadership and enthusiasm have been vital in raising the spirit of Rice House throughout the year. Together, they led us in numerous events, motivating everyone to participate and make the most of every opportunity. Rice House has had an eventful year, participating in a range of activities that have brought us together and showcased our collective talents. From the various sports carnivals to the Mother's and Father's Day Masses, Variety Night, and the Merino Wether Challenge, there was no shortage of moments that allowed our House to shine. One of the highlights was our hosting of the regional NAIDOC Day Smoking Ceremony and Mass, a significant event that marked an important moment in Hennessy’s history. As we look ahead to 2025, I am excited about the new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. I am confident that Rice House will continue to thrive as we strive to ‘Learn Dynamically, Act Justly, and Live Spiritually’. Guided by the life and example of our Patron, Edmund Rice, we will continue to serve with compassion and kindness, working together to inspire futures of hope. Thank you to everyone in Rice House for making this year truly unforgettable. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the future.

Mrs. Susan Cass Rice House Leader “Take courage, the good seed will grow”