Yearbook 2021

Wellbeing

It has been another busy year for Wellbeing at Hennessy this year. We welcomed Mr Peter Igo- Taylor to the Wellbeing Team as the Rice House Leader. We temporarally farewelled Mrs Jorja McGrath as she left to have baby number 2. Her position was filled by Mr Andrew Bigwood who did an outstanding job.

Some of the Wellbeing activities included.

Year 11 retreat: Year 11 were lucky enough to participate in their retreat before Covid brought all other camps and retreats to a standstill. On the 9th and 10th of February Year 11 attended their retreat at Galong. This retreat builds on the theme of the Year 10 Leadership Retreat, welcomes new Year 11’s and also prepares the students for the final two years as leaders of the College. The students enjoyed the musical talents and storytelling of Chris Doyle. On the first day, Chris challenged the students to make challenging choices and lead a good life. The second day focused on their upcoming two years of schooling. Shrove Tuesday – Following the Year 11 retreat and their election success the newly elected House Vice Captains were quick to start work by cooking pancakes for all the students on the morning of Shrove Tuesday. Student Voice and Future Leaders -The College’s four Vice Captains attended a Mass at the Cathedral in Canberra celebrating 200 Years of Catholic Education in Australia. They then travelled to Parliament House where then Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Michael McCormack was very generous with his time and met with the four captains and shared some of his insights into leadership. The students also had a behind the scenes tour of Parliament House which allowed them to pass through the security that is normally more tightly sealed than Tupperware. They were outside the Prime Minister’s office and courtyard, visited the Parliamentary Library and the ministerial wing. They were lucky enough to have a tour of the Channel 9 news studio. A tour highlight was the portraits of former Prime Ministers. She Leads conference - Mrs. Hibbert and Mrs. Holding accompanied some of our Year 11's to the She Leads conference in Canberra at the ANU. The girls listened to inspirational guest speakers and participated in workshops that challenged the girls to follow their dreams whilst giving them some practical ideas. The students readily identified goals they want to implement at the College. Community service program - Hennessy continued to be proactive with themes based on Catholic Social Teachings that reflect the needs of the community. Students are active in community service programs including feeding the community through the Young North Food Van and Dine and Donate, these programs promote respect, service and responsibility. We hope to expand this program in 2022 with the involvement of Years 9 and 10 working at the St. Vincent de Paul store during their religion lessons A big thank you to Mrs. Brooke McCann who organised, inspired and accompanied the year 7 Dancing Troupe to the Cowra Eisteddfod. The girls had a fantastic time and were just beaten into 2nd place by 2 points. A big thank you also to Elisabeth Hall and Hayley Grotegoed who gave up numerous lunchtimes to instruct the girls. All the girls involved were a credit to the College and we look forward to going one better in 2022.