Term 3 | The Way Newsletter | Friday 4 September 2026

Latest UpdatesBack to Top

From the Principal
Principal

This weekend we celebrate Father’s Day, a special opportunity to pause and give thanks for the fathers, grandfathers and father figures who have helped shape our lives. While every family story is different, Father’s Day invites us to reflect on the quiet and lasting influence of those who have guided us and stood beside us through the different stages of our lives.

I think of my own father with deep gratitude. He was always encouraging, and I knew he was in my corner. He supported my involvement in extracurricular activities, cheered me on in the things that mattered to me, and, like many dads, patiently taught me practical life skills — including how to drive. He passed away a few years ago, but his legacy remains. His steady presence in my life continues to shape the way I understand the influence a father can have in the life of a child.

Dads often teach us in ways that are both spoken and unspoken. They teach us courage to try again, patience when they walk beside us through difficulty and generosity when they give their time and attention. Whilst it is the big moments we often remember it is really the ordinary, everyday moments that leave the deepest impression.

At the heart of this is the importance of family. Families are central to the strength of our communities and the health of our society. It is within families that we first learn how to love, forgive, share, persevere, listen, serve and belong. In our homes children learn what it means to be known and valued. They learn how to navigate disappointment, celebrate achievement, manage conflict and care for others. When families are supported and strengthened, communities are also strengthened. Thank you for sharing your families with us. The father’s day breakfast today was special because you care and you came.

As a Christian community, we also take great strength from the model given to us in the Bible. God is described as our heavenly Father. He teaches us how to love and how to forgive.  

This Father’s Day, we give thanks for the fathers and father figures in our community, and we acknowledge the many ways they contribute to the lives of children and families. May it be a special weekend for you and your family.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God

1 John 3:1

Mrs Karen Easton
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
Chris Wyatt

In their research focused on the correlative relationship between self-discipline and academic performance, Duckworth and Seligman (2005) suggest that “self-discipline predicts academic performance more powerfully than IQ does, accounting for more than twice as much variance in final grades”.

So, what is self-discipline (or self-regulation) and what does it look like for students at Thomas Hassall?

A well-established practice at the College is the use of our Positive Learning Behaviours. These behaviours are a set of practical learned strategies and approaches that are foundational for students learning well in and out of the classroom. The Positive Learning Behaviours are:

Positive Learning Behaviour

Primary Focus
Engage Actively monitoring and taking charge of their learning.
Value Respecting their own learning needs and those of others.
Respect Proactively seeking guidance and acting on feedback.
Manage Identifying distractions and taking practical steps to eliminate them.
Persist Embracing challenge and using strategies to push through.

These have been part of College life for many years but we have recently embarked on a renewed focus, acknowledging their importance in supporting individual learning growth. It is important to acknowledge that these behaviours are relevant for all students from Prep to Year 12 and they cannot simply be ‘mastered’, instead they can be developed to meet different challenges and contexts.

Last week at the Senior School Assembly I reminded the students of the Positive Learning Behaviours and shared the following quote with them…

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." Will Durant

My message to the students was simple…if they use the Positive Learning Behaviours more often, they will learn better. Students who are able to self-regulate by applying these behaviours more regularly will experience greater, more consistent learning growth.

Reflecting on my schooling experience, I don’t recall a specific focus on self-regulation or the development of learning behaviours. Perhaps they came more naturally, maybe a less complicated childhood promoted them without the need for discussion, or possibly research has brought new insights to light. Regardless of the reason, the research is clear and supported by observational data; students who are able to manage their emotions, focus more consistently, seek and respond to feedback, and embrace challenge with the use of practical strategies experience greater learning growth. It is also important to note that this process builds momentum as behaviours lead to learning and learning fuels behaviours.

When reflecting on these behaviours, I also note the importance they have beyond the classroom. Anecdotally, we see a strong correlation between a student’s ability to self-regulate and their capacity to manage complex social contexts in the playground.

As we renew our focus on these behaviours at College, I encourage parents to join us as we partner in supporting our students’ learning. These are behaviours that you can expect and promote at home too. One clear and easy way to do this is by naming them when you see your child using them or when there might be an opportunity to use them. Awareness is an important first step in the process of developing each of the Positive Learning Behaviours.

Mr Chris Wyatt
Deputy Principal
From the Chaplain
Denis Oliver

Our Father's Day breakfast is one of those occasions when families intentionally pause to honour and spend time with their fathers. It is a wonderful tradition, and a reminder of how much those relationships matter. As I reflect on Father's Day, I find myself thinking not only about my own fathering journey but also about a change I've noticed as my children have grown older.

When they were young, I was at the centre of their world. Now that they have moved out, and with the busyness of life, weeks can pass without much contact. That's a normal part of growing up, but it does make me wonder: does God ever feel like a forgotten Father?

The Bible suggests he does. In Moses' song to Israel, he says:

You deserted the Rock, who fathered you;
you forgot the God who gave you birth.
- Deut. 32:18

God's people had not stopped believing he existed. They had simply become distracted. They enjoyed his blessings while forgetting the One who had given them. Children caught up in their own lives.

I wonder whether we can do the same. We fill our days with work, family, entertainment, and countless other good things. Yet it is possible to become so busy enjoying God's gifts that we forget God himself.

And what gifts he has given us. He gives us our daily bread. He gave his one and only Son so that we might have eternal life. He gives us his Spirit, through whom we cry, "Abba, Father." He gives us his ear whenever we pray and invites us to bring every joy, worry, and burden before him. As James reminds us, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

This Father's Day, as we thank and celebrate our earthly fathers, perhaps it is also a good opportunity to remember our heavenly Father. The Father who created us, sustains us, listens to us, and through Jesus welcomes us into his family.

Why not take ten minutes to make a list of all the good things God has done for you? Then spend another five minutes working through that list and thanking God aloud for each one. It will be good for your soul. And perhaps it will also be good for your children to overhear a father or mother remembering and thanking their heavenly Father?

Reverend Denis Oliver
College Chaplain
Head of Junior School
Kylie

Celebrating Stories, Community and the Gift of Learning

What a wonderful few weeks we have had in Junior School! The beautiful weather added to the excitement as we celebrated Book Week: A Symphony of Stories. Seeing our students arrive for the Parade dressed as much-loved book characters was a highlight, with their creativity and enthusiasm capturing the joy of reading.

One of my favourite childhood books was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. I still remember the wonder of stepping through the wardrobe into another world. Great stories expand our imagination, help us see through another’s eyes and introduce us to courage, friendship, sacrifice and hope.

Our Book Fair was another wonderful celebration of reading. I was delighted and surprised by the sheer number of families purchasing books in the JS hall. Thank you to our families for your support and to our staff for making the Fair such a success. Open Classrooms have provided another opportunity for families to share in their children’s learning. Seeing classrooms, exploring books and hearing about learning experiences strengthens the partnership between home and school and reminds our children that their learning matters.

We have also enjoyed celebrating Fathers’ Day and the special adults in our children’s lives. Thank you to our PCN for organising the beautiful gifts to sell, and to the fathers, grandfathers and special adults who contribute so much to the lives of our students.

At the heart of our Christian school community is a commitment to nurturing the whole child growing in learning, wisdom and service. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to “Start children off on the way they should go.” This is a responsibility we share with families.

Thank you to our Junior School families for the encouragement, engagement and partnership you continue to show. It is a privilege to walk alongside our students as they discover, imagine, question and grow.

Mrs Kylie Singles
Head of Junior School
From the Head of Senior School
Jason CB

Last Thursday, our HSC Art, Drama, Music, Timber, Extension English, History and Society & Culture students showcased their major works at Illuminate. It was a fantastic evening enjoyed by so many of our families, alumni, staff, and current students. These works represent the culmination of years of dedication and skill development—all made possible by the steady support of our wonderful teachers and parents. Congratulations to everyone involved!

On Tuesday night, I had the pleasure of attending the Music Ensemble Night, brilliantly led by Mr Lachlan Kennedy and his fabulous music team. It was inspiring to see the beginnings of the very talents that may well be featured at a future Illuminate evening. The spirit of community, encouragement and support in the room was wonderful to witness.

The rest of the term remains vibrant and busy with upcoming HSC practical performances, Preliminary Exams, marking, excursions and our fond farewells to Year 12.

Finally, with spring in the air, thoughts naturally turn to the summer uniform. After a winter of growth, many students may need a size update or a quick refresh on worn shirts and pants. Please take a moment to check the fit and suitability of your child's uniform as we prepare to transition into the warmer months.

Mr Jason Corbett-Jones
Head of Senior School
From the Junior School Director of Teaching and Learning
lisa

book

Rhiannon C, Emilie D, Arwen D, Lexi G, Tatiana L, Brayden L, Elise M, Hadassah P, Elizer S, Scarlett Z

Last Monday 24 August, 10 students from Stage 3 wrote and illustrated a book in a day. This was to enter a competition that runs across Australia. Write a Book in a Day is a fun and creative team writing competition for students in Years 5 to 12 with some unique aspects:  

  • - It involves a collaborative team effort, where students plan, write and illustrate a book.  
  • - Every story grows from a unique set of parameters that are given to each writing team. 
  • - The book must be completed within one school day. 
  • - Completed books are shared digitally with children in hospitals across Australia. 

book

However, to get the book judged and published, money needs to be raised. But the money doesn’t go to the students, or the schools. It goes to the Kids’ Cancer Project. This is an independent national charity supporting childhood cancer research.

Thanks to strong corporate and community support, this charity has been able to raise over $75 million going towards funding vital scientific research for childhood cancers.

So, how are we going to raise the money? Students in Stages 2 and 3 Junior School Voice (JSV) are onto it.

On Monday 24 September, the word ‘BOOK’ will be drawn onto the concrete in the amphitheatre. Each grade from Year 3 to Year 6 will have to cover a letter with coins. All the coins collected will be sent to the Kids’ Cancer Project.

How can we all help?

  • 1. Let’s start collecting coins – 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2
  • 2. Let’s ask friends and family to check the backs of drawers to find old coins.
  • 3. Let’s collect the coins in a plastic bag and bring them into College.
  • 4. Let’s see which grade brings the most coins!
  • 5. Let’s do what we can to help beat childhood cancer.
Ms Lisa Hansford
Director of Teaching and Learning - Junior School
The Staffroom Series

Welcome to The Staffroom Series, a new feature where we introduce you to some of our teachers and support staff across the College.

Through this series, we will learn a little more about their roles and get to know the people behind the work they do each day.

 

michael

ⓘ

What is your role at the College and how long have you been here?

I am the Coordinator of Operations - Senior School, so my role is supporting the day to day running of the Senior School. This involves managing staff absence and cover, room changes, events, excursions and planning for any activity that may happen in the senior school outside of our normal timetabled routine.

♡

What do you love about teaching at Thomas Hassall?

As I only teach VET in Years 11 and 12 these days, it is great to see students make the link between College and being ready for the ‘big bad world’. Some of the most rewarding times are when students return a year later and tell me all the stories of what they are doing in their career, and how the support and systems we taught them here at College have prepared them so well for their futures.

!

What is one thing students or staff might be surprised to learn about you?

I was once, a high level soccer referee, competing and coming second in the national titles before injury ended my career early.

↗

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be doing?

This is always a hard one to answer. I love music and live events, so would probably be working in that field, although it is very difficult area to manage a family/work life balance. Otherwise I would be working somewhere in sport, either as a coach or sport management.

✝

Do you have a favourite Bible verse?

Isaiah 30:15 where the Lord states “In repentances and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength”. I find it very reminding that we are strength through our faith. We don't need the noise of the world to help us manage any situation.

✦

Share a learning moment that has brought you joy recently.

I did a practical task recently with one of my classes. A student who has many identified learning challenges was getting right into the lesson, and very quickly extended himself beyond the level I expected of anyone. In such a short period of time, he had excelled so far that he was able to then go and support the rest of the class as they tried to grasp the concept, with them all welcomingly seeking his assistance. It was such a great moment to see a student achieve when he so regularly has setbacks, and, the connection that was drawn between him and his peers which doesn’t normally come naturally.

 
ⓘ

What is your role at the College and how long have you been here?

I am a member of the Junior School Learning Enrichment team. I started out as a parent helper during 2011. I was then employed as a casual employee in 2012 and become a full time employee in 2013.

♡

What do you love about teaching at Thomas Hassall?

In my role as a Learning Enrichment Assistant, I work with students in the lower grades, teaching them Literacy and Maths. I enjoy watching them strive and show an enthusiasm to learn and better themselves each day. I also cherish the feeling of community/family that Thomas Hassall gives me.

!

What is one thing students or staff might be surprised to learn about you?

 I love to read! I love that a book can take me on an adventure or to a far away country and that I can live this journey in my mind. I love listening to Country music and will often have a CD (yes, I'm old school) playing in the background while I am cooking or sewing.

↗

If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?

If I wasn't a Learning Enrichment Assistant, I would probably still be a Pharmacy Manager. I enjoy helping people and I felt my time had moved from health to education.

✝

Do you have a favourite Bible verse?

He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge 
Psalms 91:4

✦

Share a learning moment that has brought you joy recently.

As part of one of the Literacy programs that I teach, I was thrilled to see some of my students catch up with their class peers with their words per minute read. When I shared this information with them, the smiles on their faces made my job teaching them feel rather special! 

vekd

 

ana

ⓘ

What is your role at the College and how long have you been here?

I have been at Thomas Hassall Anglican College for just over 10 years and throughout this time, I have worked as the Junior School Administrative Assistant.

♡

What do you love about working at Thomas Hassall?

One of the great benefits is to be able to work in a Christian College. To be able to work alongside people who share the same faith is such a blessing. I really enjoy supporting the Junior School teachers and assisting in our Admin office. I feel very fortunate to work alongside my husband, Angelo and my daughter Natalie, who is a teacher in the PDHPE department. It truly makes Thomas Hassall a very special place.

!

What is one thing students or staff might be surprised to learn about you?

Some of you may know that I like baking cakes from my Croatian heritage, including Strudla (strudel), Krafna (donuts) and other little cakes. I also really enjoy making scented candles for family and friends. I enjoy creating and making things, as it brings me great joy, especially when I can share it with others.

↗

If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?

I did start my working life in the banking sector and if I didn’t get made redundant back in the day, I would’ve probably still been working for the bank. I did consider being an air hostess (because I was tall) but didn’t go down that path.

✝

Do you have a favourite Bible verse?

Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. I love this verse as it is the foundation of what I believe is by understanding that salvation cannot be earnt but it is by his grace we are saved.

I also love this verse; Ephesians 2.10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

✦

Share a moment in your role that has brought you joy recently.

Is helping teachers with tasks for the Junior school. When they are grateful and appreciative of the support I’ve provided, it makes me feel valued and happy. It’s rewarding to know that the small things I do can make their day a little easier.

Upcoming Dates

 

Date

Event

Wednesday 9 September

 Senior School Market Day
Winter IPSSO Finals Day
Thursday 10 September R U OK Day
Friday 11 September Year 7 Vaccination - ONLINE CONSENT REQUIRED
Wednesday 16 September Year 5 Camp departs
Tuesday 22 September Year 12 Prayer Breakfast
Wednesday 23 September Year 12 Graduation
Friday 25 September LAST DAY OF TERM 3

Please see Sports Update articles for all important sporting dates.  
Holiday Programs

Football Holiday Program

foot

Running from Tuesday 6 - Friday 9 October at 8.30am - 2.30pm, this is an all-weather program that will take place at the College.

It is open to boys and girls aged 5-13 of all skill levels.

Students will participate in fun activities, game development and learn soccer skills from accredited coaches.

$65 per day or $240 for the 4-Day Program.

Bookings now open from the button below. 

CodeCamp

code

Join CodeCamp these School holidays where kids design, code, problem solve and become storytellers and creators of technology, by creating games, websites, music and videos or flying drones - in just 2-3 days! 

Wednesday 30 September - Friday 2 October from 8.30am - 3.45pm.
Uniform Change Over

Please note as of Monday 7 September, the uniform changes over to summer.

Senior Students are expected to be in Full Summer Uniform. Junior School Students can either wear Full Summer or Full Winter Uniform for the remainder of this term.

Uniform shop trading hours

If you need to purchase items, the Uniform Shop will be open on Saturday 5 September from 9am - 1pm. 

Next week the uniform hours will be as per regular trade: 

Monday 7.30am – 3.30pm 
Wednesday 8.00am – 5.00pm
Friday 7.30am – 3.30pm

For more information and to make an online order you can click on the button below. 

 

EventsBack to Top

Fathers' Day Breakfast

This morning, our College community came together in record numbers to celebrate Fathers' Day with a warm and welcoming breakfast. More than 1,000 dads, grandads, carers, students and staff filled the campus, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Guests enjoyed hot bacon-and-egg rolls, cooked by our very own MRK staff. Laughter and conversation filled the grounds as families sat together, catching up before the College day began.

The morning was about more than just food, it was about recognising the important role fathers and father figures play in our students’ lives. A short address from the College Principal highlighted the value of strong family connections.

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend.
Fathers' Day Stall

This year’s Fathers' Day Stall was a memorable event, giving students the chance to select a special gift for their dads and father figures. From careful browsing to those last-minute changes of mind, it was wonderful to see the thought and effort that went into every choice. We know these gifts will bring plenty of smiles on Fathers' Day.

parents

A heartfelt thank you goes to our Parent Community Network, whose hard work made the stall possible. From preparing hampers and arranging displays to assisting students on the day, your support ensures this much-loved tradition continues each year.
JUNIOR SCHOOL BOOK WEEK 2026

On Friday 28 August, Junior School students enjoyed participating in Book Week!

To celebrate a love of reading, students dressed up in costumes inspired by their favourite books, with many making it a team effort through creative group costumes. Our teachers also joined in the fun, getting into character and adding to the Book Week celebrations.

Here are just some of the great costumes we saw throughout the day. Check out the Book Week video, featuring our teachers on the College social media platforms.
Illuminate

Last Thursday night, we celebrated the Year 12 Major Works across Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Timber, Society and Culture, History Extension 1, English Extension 2, Drama and Music. The evening honoured the dedication and creativity of our students and teachers, showcasing impressive projects that reflected months of hard work.

Parents and guests enjoyed engaging with the students, discussing their concepts and processes, and were impressed by the high standard of work on display. 

We are proud of our Year 12 students and grateful to the staff and families who supported them.

WellbeingBack to Top

Answers with Dr Justin Coulson

Girls: Trading Anxiety & Perfectionism for Authentic Growth

Webinar recording

It’s a heartbreaking reality: mental health disorders in teenagers are on the rise. Girls are the most affected, and while there are several contributors to this trend, social media is unquestionably a major factor for many of our daughters.

Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok have changed the way girls relate. Social media has changed girls’ expectations for themselves and each other. Anxiety, perfectionism, bullying, and self-loathing are just some of the devastating side effects.

In short, new and impossible standards are leaving many of our daughters feeling like they’re simply… not enough. But there’s hope.

Join Dr Justin Coulson for Girls, where he’ll unpack:

  • Why so many of our girls don’t feel they are enough.
  • How our best-intentioned efforts to help them feel enough backfire.
  • Solutions that shift your daughter’s focus from worrying if she’ll ever be enough to no longer even thinking about it.
  • How to establish a relationship that leaves no doubt that she really is enough.

Watch the recording now:
Healthy Study Habits

With exams just around the corner, many parents will be encouraging their children to spend more time studying. This can also be a valuable opportunity to reflect on your own experiences as a student. What helped you stay motivated and confident during exam periods? Just as importantly, what do you wish your parents had done to support you beyond simply telling you to study?

Developing effective study habits is one of the most important skills young people can learn in high school. Students who develop healthy study methods are more likely to perform well in exams, develop greater confidence in their abilities, and build a stronger sense of themselves as capable and successful learners. These skills also help reduce stress and promote greater independence and resilience.

As parents, we play an important role in supporting our children to develop positive and sustainable study habits. We encourage you to explore the Healthy Study Methods topic on SchoolTV for practical strategies and insights that can help you actively support your child during the upcoming exam period and beyond.

If you are curious about: Space and repetition, the Pomodoro technique, a Study Schedule, Active Studying , the Value of Practise exams and the importance of balance, review the Healthy Study Methods topic.

study

 

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling
Psychologist

LearningBack to Top

Year 6 Life in Term 3

During Term 3 at Thomas Hassall Anglican College, Year 6 students focus heavily on leadership, creative arts participation, Book Week celebrations and transition preparation for high school. Year 6 has also implemented new ways of learning, like engaging book reviews for homework and extension classes that involve brain-ticklers and new activities that have been recently taking place like soccer, basketball, etc. Moreover, they are continuously improving their ability to problem solve, develop greater independence and are working harder each day.

book week 2

book week 1

High School Transition

transition

High school transition has been filled with opportunities and helpful materials, teaching us about Art, Science, Japanese and History. These lessons will translate into real life skills helping prepare us for the future like how science can teach you about medicine and how to filter water from a lake when you're camping. 

Art

Art this year has been better compared to past years as we get to do things that are more exciting like being able to do a painting for Father’s day in September. This encourages us to talk to our parents and find out what they like and dislike and learn about things we didn’t know about them before. We have been learning about Andy Warhol which is our art inspiration for using different kinds of shades and colours when painting. Instead of skin colour being the normal it could be like a green, yellow, any type of colour really.

Mathematics

In Mathematics our tasks have been to expand our critical thinking, learning to perfect our times tables and figure out areas of irregular shape and many more. We have also been learning distributive property, which is when we break a number up and add them by their place value.

Sport

In sport we have been learning to use our abilities in soccer and basketball, increasing our skills and having fair sportsmanship. IPPSO is a sport organisation that has a variety of sports that consist of T-Ball and softball, Netball, Basketball, Soccer, Modified Volleyball, Oztag and much more. They host competitions and training sessions. They also hire experienced people in that sport to teach the kids.

Writing

In writing, we have been learning about literary techniques to enhance our writing skills and capture the reader’s attention. We have been revealing the mystery of the Yahoo creature, researching and writing texts to express our opinion whether we believe Yahoo exists or not.

Science

In science we have been learning about the food chain and ecological sustainability. The food chain is a sequence of organisms in an ecosystem that in an order rely on each other by a staircase of prey to an apex predator.

Geography

In Geography we have been learning about the equator and how seasons and climate zones work. The equator is the invisible line in the middle of the earth, which separates the Earth into two halves: the northern and southern hemispheres. The seasons mark how we live, if the Earth is moved from its tilted axis by a bit our season could become ruined and harsh

Year 6 life is busy and there are so many opportunities for us to extend our knowledge, grow our confidence and work well as a team cohort. 

By Nathan, Darren and Ian
Editors - Evana, and Hannah
Year 6 Students
Junior School Library Update

Can you match the teacher to their favourite genre?

teacher

To celebrate Book Week this year, the Library is launching an exciting new competition for students in Years 2 to 6!  Students need to put their detective skills to the test and match each teacher to their favourite genre. Entry forms can be collected from the Library. The form will include the names of all the participating teachers, along with a list of the different genres found in our Library.

Students will have three weeks to complete their entry and return it to the Library. At the end of the competition, the boy and girl from each year group with the most correct teacher–genre matches will each win a brand-new book of their choice.

So, start thinking, start guessing and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You never know, a teacher might just give you the clue you need!

Mrs Arabella Issa & Mr Michael Smith
Junior IRC Library
Junior Art Showcase

2026 IPSHA NSW/ACT Virtual Art Show

art

We are proud to be taking part in this year’s 2026 IPSHA NSW/ACT Virtual Art Show, which features works from 36 independent primary schools, including our own Junior School students, created over the past 12 months.  These include collaborative works by our Year 2, Year 3 (2025) and Year 6 students, as well as individual artworks. This year our school’s artworks were also selected as the banner works for two categories - Portraiture and Sculpture/3D works - which is a special honour. The ‘Art Hunt’ encourages viewers to search for details through the online gallery and the ‘rare 2026 gold coin’ that is listed in the hunt is a ceramic artwork by Samantha A (Year 2).

To access the show, please use the following:

IPSHA Virtual Art Show
Password: IPSHAart2026!

In his Welcome, IPSHA NSW/ACT President, Mr Joe El-Khoury writes, “Together, these works capture the richness of our diverse learning environments and demonstrate how creativity can be inspired through different teaching approaches, cultures, experiences and styles…Thank you to our talented students for sharing their artistic voices, to the dedicated teachers who inspire and encourage creative exploration every day, and to our member schools for championing the arts as an essential part of learning.”

Congratulations to those students whose artworks were chosen to represent our College in the Virtual Art Show. We are very proud of the Junior Art Program here at Thomas Hassall and the dedication that students put into developing a broad range of creative and expressive skills.

Yr 6 Icons Exhibition: Our Fathers

Today we celebrated our fathers at the Father’s Day Breakfast, with a display of Year 6 artworks in the PEC foyer.  Year 6 students created portraits of their dads, firstly with photography, then digitally editing the photos to posterise them.  Students used watercolour paints to hand-colour the prints, inspired by the bright colours used by Pop artist, Andy Warhol, in his portraits of celebrities in the 60s and 70s.  They then created an elaborate, embossed silver frame, with textures of light and shade revealing symbols of their dads’ work, interests, hobbies and beliefs, in the tradition of the icons of the Byzantine Empire.   We think these precious artworks are a fitting way to honour our fathers and all the love, care, strength and protection they give to their children.

dad 1

dad 2

dad 3

“I want the audience to feel how hard working my dad is.”
– Vienna

“I hope people notice my dad’s smile.”
– Emilia

“I want the viewer to know and feel how loving, a great teacher and caring, kind person my dad is.”
– Alessandro

“When you look at this artwork, I want you to think about your dad and feel happy, warm and loving, because I really love mine.”
– Margaret

“In this artwork, I hope you realise the deep connection between my dad and I, and understand how much our relationship means to me.”
– Leo

“I hope people notice that parents always feel a lot of feelings, represented by the noisy frame. Happy Father’s Day!”
– Jason

Mrs Ann McDermott
Junior School Specialist Teacher (Visual Arts)

YEAR 10 JAPANESE EXCURSION

This week, Year 10 Japanese students had the opportunity to learn more about Japanese shodo (calligraphy). Students from the College visited the Japan Foundation Sydney and led by Michie Sensei, learned about the history of shodo and then worked toward creating their own kanji shodo ‘masterpiece’.

Students began with instruction about the five basic strokes of shodo, practicing these until they felt confident to start writing some characters of their own choosing. Students chose one character to master, practicing until they had created a final version, adding their name in katakana and a traditional shodo stamp to complete the process. Finally, a Japanese trivia game played out in groups. To finish the visit, students accessed an Asian supermarket, a Japanese variety store and had the opportunity to partake in some Japanese food of their choice for lunch. 

japanese

In the process of completing these activities, students tested their understanding of Japanese, as Michie Sensei addressed the class using only Japanese. Well done Year 10 Japanese and thank you to the Japan Foundation Sydney, particularly Michie Sensei, for a wonderful excursion.

Mrs Fiona Byrne
Senior School Teacher - Languages Coordinator & Year Advisor
YEAR 7 CERAMICS

As Year 7 students prepare to head into their final term of the year, they have been getting creative in Art, exploring a range of ceramic techniques.

Students have been learning how to create vessels using pinch, coil and slab building methods. After designing their own vessels on paper, they are now bringing their ideas to life as three-dimensional ceramic pots.

year 7 art
art

It has been great to see their designs take shape, with each student creating a unique piece inspired by their own ideas and designs. We look forward to seeing the finished creations.

Mrs Jodie Vella
Visual Arts Technician

Junior School Sports Update

NSW PSSA Primary Boys Softball Champions

liandra

Congratulations to Liandro L, who represented the College at the NSW PSSA Boys Softball Championships in Manly from 25 to 27 August.

The team performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament.  Coached by Miss Breanna Evans, our Year 6 teacher, they remained undefeated and were crowned NSW PSSA Champions. This achievement is particularly significant, as it marks the first time NSW CIS has won the Primary Boys State Championship.  Not only did the team demonstrate outstanding talent on the field, but they were also praised by opposing teams for their excellent skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. They were wonderful ambassadors for their schools and the wider NSW CIS community.

To top off this remarkable achievement, Liandro was selected in the NSW PSSA team to compete at the School Sport Australia Championships next term in October. In addition, Miss Evans was also selected as the NSW PSSA Boys Softball Team Manager for the tournament.

We wish Liandro and Miss Evans every success as they represent New South Wales at the National Championships. We are extremely proud of your achievements and look forward to following your journey.

Winter IPSSO Season Wrap-Up

The weekly rounds of the Winter IPSSO competition have now concluded, and we would like to congratulate all of our students on a fantastic season. Their commitment, sportsmanship, teamwork and effort throughout the competition have been outstanding.

Our final placings in the Northern Pool of IPSSO schools were:

Sport

Year 3 & 4

Year 5 & 6
AFL 4th 3rd
Netball 4th 1st
Boys Soccer 1st 1st
Newcombe Ball/Volleyball Equal 1st 4th
Teeball/Softball 2nd 2nd

We are delighted to announce that the following teams have secured a place in the Winter Finals on Wednesday 9 September:

  • Junior Teeball
  • Senior Softball
  • Junior Boys Soccer
  • Senior Boys Soccer
  • Senior Girls Netball
  • Junior Newcombe Ball

Unfortunately, our Junior and Senior AFL teams, Senior Volleyball team, and Junior Netball team narrowly missed out on progressing to the semi-finals this year. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and the way they represented our College throughout the season. 

Information regarding Finals Day has been emailed to teams.

We wish all of our finalists the very best for Finals Day next week. Play your best, support one another, and most importantly, enjoy the experience. We are proud of you all and look forward to hearing about your success!

UPCOMING JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTING DATES
WEEK 7 Friday 4 September NSW CIS Primary Athletics Carnival
WEEK 8 Wednesday 9 September  Winter IPSSO Finals Day
WEEK 9 Wednesday 16 September Back Up Winter IPSSO Finals Day

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sport Coordinator
Senior School Sports Update

CASA Athletics

What a spectacular day it was at the recent CASA Athletics Carnival! Our students took to the track and field with incredible energy, and the results speak for themselves. It was a day filled with grit, determination and some truly outstanding individual and team achievements.

athletics

A Historic Achievement for Vi An D 

A massive congratulations goes to Vi An D, who had an absolutely dominant day of competition. Not only was Vi An named the CASA Age Champion for 12 years girls, she also earned the prestigious title of Female Athlete of the Meet. This incredible honour is awarded to the student who scores the highest number of points across all female athletes at the entire carnival. A first for Thomas Hassall! 

Divine C provided one of the biggest highlights of the day on the track. In a blistering performance, Divine broke the CASA record for the 100m sprint, crossing the finish line in 12.56 seconds. We were all in awe of such speed and composure under pressure! 

PB Fever! Beyond the podium, the most rewarding part of the day was watching the sheer number of students who surpassed their own expectations. We saw a record number of students breaking their Personal Bests (PBs). Whether it was shaving a second off a sprint or finding that extra centimetre in the long jump, the growth and persistence shown by our athletes were amazing to watch and made me very proud. 

Relay Success The excitement went to a whole new level during the relay events. I am so excited to announce that two of our relay teams have successfully progressed to the AICES Athletics Championships. The teamwork and baton-changing precision demonstrated by these groups were second to none, and we look forward to cheering them on at the next level.

Thank you to all the staff and parents who supported our athletes throughout the day. It was a fantastic showcase of our College sporting spirit!

Congratulations to the following students who finished in the top three of their event and will be representing CASA at the AICES Athletics Carnival next week. 

Evangelina P
Paul D
Alessandro C
Juanita O 
Shaun A
Matias L
Adrian T 
Caden K
Divine C
Asha R
Ava V
James S
Nathan G
Ava R
Charlotte P
Liliana C
Callum M
Marcus K

 

Bowls Trio Advance to State Finals! 

bowls

It was a day of precision, strategy, and fantastic sportsmanship as our students represented the College at the recent Interschool Bowls Challenge.

Joel F, Thomas T, and Vansh M formed a formidable team, taking to the greens with focus and determination. The trio performed exceptionally well throughout the day, winning their matches convincingly against tough opposition.

While it was a brilliant team effort, Joel was a particular standout, delivering some incredible shots under pressure that helped secure the team's dominant lead. His consistency and tactical play were instrumental in the day’s success.

Thanks to their stellar performance, the boys have now officially qualified for the State Finals! This prestigious event will be held at Club Merrylands, where they will compete against the best school bowlers from across the state.

We wish Joel, Thomas, and Vansh the very best of luck as they prepare for the finals. We are incredibly proud of how they represented the College and look forward to hearing about their progress at Club Merrylands!

Tuesday Sport Revitalised: Year 7–9 Engagement at an All-Time High! 

Tuesday afternoons at the College have taken on a new energy this term, with our Year 7–9 students embracing a revamped sports program. The introduction of a new rotational structure has transformed the way our students experience physical activity, and the feedback from both staff and students has been overwhelmingly positive.

A new approach to variety, gone are the days of staying with one sport for an entire term. The new rotation model allows students to experience a diverse range of activities over shorter, high-impact blocks. This variety ensures that every student, regardless of their sporting background, finds something that piques their interest whether it’s high-energy team sports, individual skill-based challenges, or recreational fitness activities.

sport

Building Skills and Confidence Beyond just having fun, the rotational structure is designed to build a broad base of physical literacy. Students are developing different motor skills and tactical thinking as they transition from one sport to the next. More importantly, they are building social confidence by interacting with different groups of peers in various competitive and collaborative environments.

It is fantastic to see our Year 7, 8, and 9 students so active and inspired. We look forward to continuing this successful model and seeing our students continue to thrive through the power of sport and movement!

Upcoming Sporting Dates
Week 7 Tuesday 8 September AICES Athletics
Thursday 10 September Whelan Cup
Week 9 Thursday 17 September Year 7 Girls Netball Gala Day
Week 10 Tuesday 22 September CIS Athletics

Mrs Irene Focas
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator

Co-curricularBack to Top

Senior Ensembles Evening

Celebration of Musical Excellence: Senior Ensembles Evening

On Tuesday 1 September, our College community gathered for the annual Senior Ensembles Evening, enjoying a showcase of dedication, artistry, and musical brilliance. Featuring students from Years 7 through 12, the night highlighted the depth of talent across our music program, delivering a high-calibre program that delighted audience members from the very first note.

The audience was treated to a variety of repertoire spanning intricate classical arrangements, vibrant vocal harmonies and high-energy jazz. Outstanding performances were delivered by the Senior Vocal Group, Sons of Tonality, Clarinet Choir, Senior Strings, Senior Concert Band, Senior Guitar Ensemble, Intermediate Stage Band and the Senior Stage Band. The polished precision of each group reflected months of rehearsals, disciplined practice and teamwork.

A particularly moving highlight of the evening was the tribute to our graduating Year 12 musicians. These students were presented with their ‘Commitment to Ensembles’ awards, recognising their dedication to College music, with many having participated continuously since their initial steps in the Year 4 Band Program. Adding to the celebration, several accomplished alumni returned to join the Senior Concert Band and Senior Stage Band on stage.

Throughout the program, attendees also enjoyed visual recaps and student interviews reflecting on recent Music Camp experiences, giving our broader community a wonderful look at the growth and camaraderie developed on the camp.

A sincere thank you to our ensemble directors and music staff whose expertise and encouragement bring out the best in our performers, as well as to our dedicated parents for supporting your children’s musical aspirations every step of the way. We look forward to hearing more from these outstanding ensembles throughout our final term of performances.

Mr Lachlan Kennedy
Head of Music Ensembles 

CommunityBack to Top

Prayers & Praises

As one of the College Chaplains, my heart is that our team can support our students, staff and families wherever we are able.

At the moment, Peter Butchatsky our Assistant Chaplain and I serve our staff by being available to listen, pray and encourage them as they care for the young people in their classrooms. Students also know they can come to us if they would like someone to pray with them, offer a listening ear, talk through a concern or seek biblical wisdom for a tricky situation.

Recently, I have been thinking more about how our team can serve our College families as well.

That is where Prayers & Praises comes in.

You may have something weighing on your heart that you would like someone to pray about. You may have concerns you cannot quite put into words, but would appreciate someone praying on your behalf. You may simply need someone to talk to, someone who can help you think clearly, process an issue or offer a biblical perspective.

We would also love to hear the things you are thankful for. It may be an answered prayer, a moment of encouragement, a blessing in your family or something good you have seen in the life of the College. Praising God for His goodness is an important part of prayer and we would love to give thanks with you.

Please feel free to email us with any prayer requests, praises or concerns. It would be our privilege to pray for you and to walk alongside you in whatever season you are facing.

[email protected]

We are here, so please make use of us whenever you need.

Rev. Denis Oliver
College Chaplain
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The Way We Connect – Keeping Our Community Informed

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