Term 1 | The Way Newsletter | Friday 13 February 2026

Latest UpdatesBack to Top

From the Principal
Principal

Welcome to 2026 – A Year to Discover

I hope you have had a relaxing break and that you are ready for the year ahead. I want to extend a warm welcome to our new students, staff members and families who are joining our community in 2026. The first two weeks have been filled with lots of energy and excitement. Classrooms are buzzing, friendships are rekindling and there is a familiar rhythm of learning returning. It has been a great start and I am grateful for the positivity shown by everyone as we embark on a new academic year.

This year, our College theme is Discover. It invites all of us - students, staff and families to think beyond ourselves and lean into opportunities for growth. I am hopeful that we can challenge ourselves to discover potential, to uncover new possibilities and to learn how to reflect and take responsibility for our actions. We all continue to learn and grow no matter how much experience we have and it is often in the times of struggle or mistakes that real learning occurs. Discovery is an active journey, and I encourage you to support one another as we learn, question, explore and grow.

We have some new staff who have started at the College. I want to introduce our new P-12 Deputy Principal, Mr Chris Wyatt who has been busy meeting students from Prep to Year 12 and making himself known across the College. Please look out for an opportunity to meet him at the upcoming swimming carnivals, meet the teacher events or at the Parent Café on Friday mornings.

Mrs Kylie Singles, will be the acting Head of Junior School for 2026, and Mr Jason Corbett‑Jones, is our new Head of Senior School. Both have been actively setting clear expectations for the year ahead and supporting staff and students as we establish strong foundations. Thank you to our families for supporting our refreshed mobile phone expectations. The policy guidelines have been thoughtfully updated to promote student safety and encourage rich, in‑person relationship skills. If you do need to contact your child during the day, please leave a message with the Admin staff.

This week Junior School families have had the chance to meet classroom teachers and hear from Mrs Singles at the recent Meet the Teacher sessions. I do trust that this time was helpful so that you can support your child’s next steps in learning. Our staff are committed to creating strong learning experiences so that curiosity is encouraged and every learner is seen and able to make progress.

In the Senior School, Years 8, 9 and 10 camps have already taken place, offering students an important opportunity to build resilience and step outside their comfort zones, offsite. Years 7, 11 and 12 have completed onsite activities designed to promote connectedness alongside developing strong study skills.

Next week, I am excited to have Dr Justin Coulson returning to the College for a second year. In 2025 he spoke about resilience and how we can build ways for our children to manage challenges through facing them. This year he will speak about anxiety and provide helpful strategies for all parents. Please make sure you book in through the link provided in this newsletter and I encourage you to bring friends and other members of your family along. One thing I recall from last year was his message that our children need to experience the struggle. It is during the hard times that they learn to be stronger and develop stronger skills. We cannot protect them from everything, but we can teach them protective measures so that they can stand confidently.

I am looking forward to the many stories of discovery that will unfold this year.  

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." 
- Proverbs 3:5–6

Mrs Karen Easton
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
Chris Wyatt

The last few weeks have been a series of first impressions. As I have begun my role as the new Deputy Principal at the College, I have been conscious of the impression I leave on students, parents and staff in my early interactions. I have also had the unique opportunity to gather a range of first impressions of the College as I’ve been involved in events from Prep to Year 12. I thought I would share a little about my initial experiences, beginning with the latter.

The outworking of the Christian ethos is clear, purposeful and impactful. As staff gathered for professional development days at the start of the year, we began with a time of reflection and worship led by staff from across the College. Being reminded of the College’s mission and the God at the centre of it, clearly set the tone for the year ahead. This has been mirrored in early interactions with students, as staff have taken time to share devotions and pray with them.

This is a welcoming community. You may not have considered this, but the role of a Deputy Principal is unusual. While I have opportunities to interact with all students, I have direct responsibility for only a few classes. This can result in limited individual connections. Despite this, I have been pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome I have received and by the number of students who have gone out of their way to introduce themselves, use my name, greet me as we cross paths, and be open to my involvement in various activities. This has also been the case with the parents I have had the opportunity to meet.

There is great potential here. I have been impressed by the calibre and capacity of both the students and staff. This has been evident across all areas of College life and was further acknowledged today at the High Achievers Assembly, where we celebrated some of the outstanding results from last year’s graduates.

This final point segues into the first impression that I have sought to leave on the student body this week. My message to students has been consistent and simple: we have high expectations of them and we are committed to providing high levels of support.

While students often see expectations (or rules) as draconian or burdensome, I have encouraged them to view them through a different lens. We set expectations because we believe they can rise to meet them. In doing so, they will reach their potential and help create a positive learning culture across the College.

Equally, it is only fair to have high expectations if we are committed to providing high levels of support. Much of this support is obvious in the teaching, learning, and pastoral care provided by staff. However, other forms of support include clarity, consistency and, where necessary, consequences. This age‑appropriate support is critical in helping students move from being disciplined to having self‑discipline, an essential part of development and maturity for all young people.

I am pleased to say that students have responded brilliantly over the first two weeks. To my surprise, I even had some senior students tell me that they felt the new mobile phone policy made sense and would help them avoid distraction during school hours.

I look forward to working with the community as we collectively maintain high expectations and provide high support for the young people of the College as they reach their potential.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
- Proverbs 22:6

Mr Chris Wyatt
Deputy Principal
From the Head of Junior School
Kylie

It has been wonderful to welcome our students back to Junior School and to see the positive and settled way in which the year has begun. Our returning students have transitioned smoothly into their new classes, and it has been particularly pleasing to see new students quickly becoming part of our Junior School community. The start to the school year has been calm and purposeful, setting a strong foundation for learning ahead.

Our Kindergarten students and Prep students have made an excellent start, demonstrating enthusiasm, curiosity and growing in confidence as they become familiar with school routines and expectations.

Today I attended the Year 3–6 Swimming Carnival and am incredibly proud of the positive sportsmanship displayed throughout the day. Events such as these not only promote physical activity and confidence but also strengthen our sense of community and belonging. Well done to all students for their effort and House pride!

Staffing News

We also warmly welcome new and returning staff, as well as staff members who have taken on new leadership roles within the Junior School:

  • •            Mrs Elise Hona – K Blue
  • •            Miss Hannah McLachlan – K White
  • •            Mrs Natalie Marre (Team Leader) – K Purple
  • •            Mrs Georgia Street – 2 Blue
  • •            Ms Danica Potgieter (Team Leader) – 2 Yellow
  • •            Ms Shivani Nadan – 3 Yellow
  • •            Mrs Ferah Tobiya – 4 White
  • •            Mrs Angela David – 5 Red
  • •            Mr Simon Thomas (Team Leader) – 6 Yellow
  • •            Mr Peter Butchatsky – Junior School Chaplain

Everyday Matters

We know that regular school attendance is vital for school success. Each day at school provides valuable opportunities for learning, connection and growth. When students attend consistently, they build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, develop positive learning habits, and gain confidence in their abilities.

Just as importantly, being at school every day supports social development. Students strengthen friendships, learn to work collaboratively, and feel a deeper sense of belonging within our school community. Even occasional absences can mean missing key concepts, class discussions and shared experiences that are difficult to replicate.

We understand that illness and unforeseen circumstances do arise; however, we encourage families to prioritise school attendance wherever possible and to schedule appointments and family holidays outside school hours when able. By working together to support regular attendance, we help ensure every child has the best opportunity to thrive, achieve and feel connected at school.

Uniform          

I would like to take this opportunity to remind families of our uniform standards. In particular, boys’ hair should be kept to an appropriate length above the collar, girls’ hair should be tied up, necklaces and bracelets are not permitted for girls, and boys are not to wear necklaces, bracelets, or earrings. Wearing the correct uniform helps to set a positive tone and promotes a sense of pride and belonging within our Junior School community.

I look forward to seeing you at the Parent Cafe and upcoming Junior School events.

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

Beginnings: A Fresh Chapter at the College

A new year brings a unique kind of energy - a mix of high-hopes, exciting changes and perhaps just a touch of those first-day nerves. Whether you are joining us for the very first time or returning for another year of growth, welcome to the Thomas Hassall community. We hope your time here is defined by great opportunities, the spark of new friendships and a deep sense of belonging. 

Creating Space to Flourish 

To help our students stay focused and present, we’ve introduced a few refinements this term: 

  • - Mobile Phone Policy: Greater clarity to help students "unplug" and engage more with one another. 
  • - Student Concerns: A simplified system designed to provide clear, constructive feedback, allowing students to get back on track quickly and confidently. 

Leadership Updates 

We have some familiar faces stepping into new roles to support our community this term: 

  • - Mr. Hayden Ward will be the Acting Director of Welfare while Dr. Nala is on maternity leave. 
  • - Ms. Priya Sharma will serve as Welfare Coordinator for Term 1, alongside her role as Year 8 Advisor. 
  • - Director of Teaching & Learning: I will be continuing in this capacity while also stepping into the role of Head of Senior School. 

Looking Ahead: A New Way to Connect 

I am particularly excited to see more of you on campus this year. We will be moving all our Parent/Teacher events back on-site, but with a fresh twist. 

We are currently rebranding these evenings to reflect a more collaborative, three-way conversation between teachers, parents and students. I am currently putting the finishing touches on a new name for these events and will share the dates and details with you very soon. 

I look forward to partnering with you as we navigate this year together. 

Mr Jason Corbett-Jones
Head of Senior School
From the Assistant Chaplain
Peter Butchatsky

Who’ll be there for you?

So no one told you life was gonna be this way
Your job's a joke, you're broke, your love life's D.O.A…

If you’re from Gen X, like me, these words might bring back some memories! These lyrics from the theme song from the hit US sitcom, Friends, by the Rembrandts, sum up the disappointment and despair brought about by broken dreams and hopes.

But…
I'll be there for you
(When the rain starts to pour)
I'll be there for you
(Like I've been there before)
I'll be there for you
('Cause you're there for me too)

Thank God for our friends, right?

But what if those friends aren’t all that you’d hoped they would be? What if they aren’t always there for you?

Sadly (as the show often taught us), we can’t always rely on our friends - or even family members - to care for us. People are too often self-absorbed and busy. Worse still, we might discover that they weren’t genuine friends in the first place. And of course, distance and death can separate us from those people we have grown to love and trust.

This week I shared the story of Tiwi Islander and former AFL star Anthony McDonald-Tipungwiti with students from Years 7, 11 and 12.

Anthony’s story is one of courage and effort through adversity, but it is mainly about the friendship and love of a middle-aged Victorian woman named Jane McDonald, who he came to know as “Mum.”  If you have a spare few minutes I encourage you to read it for yourself here.

Jane McDonald’s care and concern for the young Anthony gave him a chance at a new life, a proper education, and a new family. Without her, his dream of becoming an AFL player would have almost certainly been dashed.

However, although he learnt to rely on Jane, she kept pointing him towards her own source of love, strength and comfort - Jesus Christ. In an interview with The Age Newspaper in 2016, Anthony shared the difference that a relationship with Jesus has made for him:

"Everything changed when I accepted God into my life," he said. "I went to the church down the road last year and the pastor had a talk and it was the right time for me to go to that path like my brothers and sisters, and change my life. It gives me a lot of strength and courage to know that He's there, to help me and guide me through…”

Anthony had learnt the hard way that people wouldn’t always be around for him. And he knew that might be true even for his new “Mum”, Jane. But he had found a friendship with the God who would always be there for him. The great thing is, that no matter where we are in life, all of us have free access to the same God through Jesus.

God has said,
“Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.”
- Hebrews 13:5-6:

In the year ahead, I pray that we might all find that security and confidence to overcome challenges and adversity with the help of our friends, family members, College community and of course, our ever-loving God.

Mr Peter Butchatsky
Assistant Chaplain

Upcoming dates

Date Event
Wednesday 18 February Senior School Swimming Carnival
Thursday 19 February Dr Justin Coulson Wellbeing Night - 6.30-8.30pm 
BOOK HERE
Friday 27 February Police Parent Session - MRK Cafe 8.30am

Please see Sports Update articles for all important sporting dates.  
Onsite Allied Health Services

To support our families and reduce the travel time for external appointments, we are delighted to offer onsite Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy services.

We have partnered with a team of experienced professionals who will be available to work with students during the school day. We encourage you to read their articles below to meet the team and find the right support for your child.

Michelle Michael - Thriving Oaks Occupational Therapy

I’m excited to be offering occupational therapy services at the College in 2026, supporting junior school students to work towards their goals and developmental milestones.

As a mum of twin girls and with over 20 years’ experience across paediatrics, aged care, leadership and short-term mission work, I understand how busy family life can be. I’m pleased to be able to offer this service within the school setting to help reduce the pressure on families.

I love supporting children, parents and guardians, and teachers by sharing practical strategies that help children build motor skills, everyday life skills, independence, regulation, and executive functioning (the skills that help them plan, focus, manage emotions and get things done).

If you have concerns about your child’s development or school performance, or would like to find out more, please contact me:
E: [email protected]
PH: 0418 448 763

Michelle Michael (Occupational Therapist)
Thriving Oaks Occupational Therapy
Please note this is a private service and fees apply.

Julia McLean - Kids Floutish Speech 

julia

Hello Thomas Hassall Junior School families,

My name is Julia McLean. I am the owner of Kids Flourish Speech Pathology and I have the great privilege of offering Speech Pathology services on Fridays and Thursday mornings at your school, during the school term.

I am an experienced Speech Pathologist with over 16 years of experience working with infants, preschoolers, and primary school aged children. My core areas of interest and specialty are developing: preschool language, speech and social skills; school aged language, speech, literacy and social skills; supporting children with Autism, Developmental Delays, or learning disabilities to promote their language and social communication skills; developing low technology supportive communication systems; assessment and screenings; and training and resourcing families and educational staff.

I believe that therapy should be fun and rewarding, based around a child’s interests and tailored to meet their/their family’s goals. I love working closely with caregivers and educators so that therapy can easily happen across a child’s week. As a mother to three children myself, I understand the demands of family life and how little time may be left for home practice. I will work hard to ensure that expectations are realistic and possible.

Please note that this service does incur fees. You may be able to use Extras cover with a private health fund to claim back part of the cost of the service. If you are interested, you will need to contact your health fund for more details. Depending on your child’s needs you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate which is for up to 5 sessions/calendar year. You will need a referral from your GP to claim back from Medicare. While I am not NDIS registered, I am able to see children who are self or plan managed.

If you are interested in discussing Speech Pathology services further or in booking an appointment, I would love to hear from you! You can contact me via email at [email protected]  or by visiting my website www.kidsflourishspeech.com.au

Julia McLean
Speech Pathologist

Jane Wills Speech Pathology 

jane

I have loved being part of the College since 2023 and working with students in speech pathology.

My core area of specialty is the assessment and therapy of children with a range of speech and language difficulties, learning disabilities, developmental disabilities and autism. I have over eleven years of experience, as well as an additional eight years of experience working in a school context.

I am also a mother to four children. I understand the busyness of family life and will aim to make therapy meaningful and achievable for you and your family.

Please note that this service does incur fees. See https://www.janewillsspeechpathology.com.au/faq/ for more details, or give me a call on 0423 106 006.

If you are interested in finding out more about my services or booking in an appointment, please contact me via email at [email protected] or call me at 0423 106 006. I am available Monday to Wednesday and Julia McLean is available Thursdays and Fridays.

Mrs Jane Wills
Speech Pathologist
College App

Do you have the College App?

The College App allows you to easily see your child’s timetable, calendar of events, provide permission for excursions and give a reason for any absences.

To ensure you continue to receive College communication, please make sure you have the College App installed and notifications turned on.
NCCD Data Collection

Information for Parents on the NCCD

As a mandatary requirement, the College will participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data this year. The NCCD is an annual collection of data that all schools in Australia participate in. Through this collection, data is collected about the number of school students with a disability and the level of reasonable adjustments with which they are provided. Under the Education Act schools are required to report this information required for NCCD to the Australian Government.

Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our students is important to us. We do not disclose any student names or any specific information about your student to any authority. If you have any questions, please access the public information notice at www.education.gov.au/notices or contact Mrs Lawler (Junior School) or Mrs Skene (Senior School).

A Message for All Parents and Carers in the College.

The Learning Support Team advises staff of any specific requirements that your student may need. Any information that you have forwarded to the College about your student is shared routinely with the relevant staff at the beginning of the year so that we can suggest appropriate teaching strategies to best help any students with specific needs. We also routinely complete some simple assessments on many of our students in each year group in order to provide up to date strategy information for teachers, government censuses, and in the Senior School, to gauge eligibility for Disability Provisions provided during examination periods.

We recognize the sensitivity of this information and assure you that it will be shared discretely with teachers. Any shared information will be kept securely and appropriately by teachers and stored according to legislative requirements.

Please recognize that sharing this information is essential if we are to address the learning needs of our students. We appreciate it when parents and caregivers regularly forward updated information regarding their son or daughter as it assists us to cater for each student’s requirements.

We thank you for your co-operation and please feel free to contact Learning Support at any time.

Mrs Lawler (Junior School Learning Support) and Mrs Skene (Senior School Learning Support).
High Achievers Assembly

Today was a significant occasion for our Senior School as we gathered to acknowledge the academic excellence of our 2025 HSC High Achievers.

The celebrations began in the morning with a special Morning Tea, bringing together our returning students and the teachers who supported them through their final years. It was a wonderful opportunity for our alumni to reconnect with staff and share stories of their first few weeks of life beyond school in a relaxed and intimate setting.


high

Following the morning tea, the group moved to the hall for a formal Senior School Assembly.

By publicly acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the Class of 2025, we hope to set a visible benchmark for our current Senior students. Seeing their peers return as successful young adults serves as a powerful reminder that the effort put in today lays the foundation for tomorrow.

Congratulations once again to our High Achievers. We are proud of your results, but even prouder of the young adults you have become.
Parent Community Network

Are you interested in joining our Parent Community Network in 2026?

Thomas Hassall Anglican College welcomes and encourages the involvement of our College Community in activities and programs. 
The Parent Community Network is supported by the College Community Relations staff. A termly meeting will be held at the College in order to get to know each other, discuss upcoming activities and plan ahead.

Parents, carers or grandparents of current students join our Parent Community Network with the key objective to work in teams to help foster friendships and provide support amongst our families. The Parent Community Network aim to: 

  • Welcome new parents to the College 
  • Encourage participation to parents of your Year Group 
  • Support the College with running events such as the Mother’s Day stall 
  • Give feedback and make suggestions on matters relating to the College 
  • Facilitate social gatherings

Induction and Training is mandatory for all Volunteers at the College which will take place in Week 5 of Term 1.

If you are interested in joining the Parent Community Network and attending the training, please visit our website to fill in an application form

The safety of our students is a priority, so please note that it is a requirement that all volunteers complete the online Working With Children Check forms (WWCC) and submit their approval number to the College for verification, this is free for Volunteers.  If you do not have your WWCC number yet, you can still register and attend the training although you will not be able to volunteer until WWCC clearance is received.

We look forward to you joining us.

Mrs Carmen Pasapera
Director of Marketing & Community Engagement
Can you host Japanese Students?

We are excitedly anticipating a visit from Fukuroi High School, who will be visiting the College from 18 - 22 March, 2026. Hosting students will provide your family with an amazing intercultural experience. We have always had such positive feedback from families who have hosted and it is a vital part of our Japanese language program within the College community. The Japanese students are here to experience Australian Culture and our style of family life to improve their spoken English. 

  • Students attend school on weekdays 
  • Enjoy Family life with you on the weekend
  • Japanese language is not necessary
  • Students just fit in with your family routines – eat your food
  • They need their own bed but can share a room, they will need to be in pairs or in three's.

Families are paid $60 per night ($120 to host 2 students)

If you are interested in hosting students, please click on this link and fill out the online form.

Thank you for considering this wonderful opportunity.

Mrs Fiona Byrne
Languages Coordinator - Senior School
Fundraising Partnership with OzLabels

Labelling uniforms and belongings is the best way to ensure lost items make their way back home. To assist with this, we have partnered with OzLabels.

This initiative supports our community fundraising and offers you a 10% discount when you use the link on the button below. 
Junior School Parent Information Session

Thank you to all the parents and caregivers who joined us on Thursday 12 February, for our Parent Information Session. It was wonderful to see so many of you engaged in our community’s shared goal of supporting our students' growth and wellbeing.

The evening featured valuable insights from our staff, focusing on modern parenting challenges and the resources available to our families.

Wellbeing Resources

Mrs Kylie Singles discussed the ongoing resources from SchoolTV, a resource designed to empower parents with practical strategies and reliable advice. 

As mentioned during the session, we have included the link to the video below, with more information on SchoolTV.

Recommended Reading

Mr Chris Wyatt spoke about the two books he highly recommends all parents to read. Linked below is each of these books. 

The Bonsai Child by Dr. Judith Locke: This book explores why modern parenting styles may be limiting children’s potential and offers practical strategies to help them become more confident and capable.

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: A compelling look at the "great rewiring" of childhood and how we can help our children navigate a phone-based world.

 
Police Parent Session

In an ever-changing digital landscape, staying informed is the best way to support our children.

Please join us for a special Parent Session. We are welcoming a Police Liaison Officer who will be leading a discussion on Cyber Safety.

This session will cover practical advice on keeping young people safe online, understanding current risks and tools for managing digital wellbeing at home.

Date: Friday 27 February
Time: 8:30 am 
Venue: MRK Cafe

We hope to see you there for this important update.

EventsBack to Top

Open Week

The College is excited holding Open Week from March 9 - 14. 

This day is a great opportunity for anyone considering enrolment to see the College in action.

There will an opportunity to visit classrooms, hear from the Principal and ask questions about the College.

Please let your family and friends know and encourage them to register for this event through the button below. 
Dr Justin Coulson Presents

It's heartbreaking to see our kids struggling with anxiety. The statistics paint a stark picture: anxiety disorders are on the rise, affecting approximately one in seven primary school children and one in four adolescents. We see our kids burdened by fears and worries, their confidence fading, and sometimes even experiencing panic attacks. As parents, we desperately want to help but often feel lost or unsure of what to do.

Anxious: Helping Your Child Navigate a World of Worry offers a lifeline. In this presentation, Dr Justin Coulson will unpack what anxiety looks like in children and provide you with simple, practical strategies that are both clinically proven and easy to implement at home.

Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to support your child's emotional wellbeing and help them build resilience in the face of anxiety.

John Lambert Auditorium
Date: Thursday 19 February 2026
Time: 6:30pm
Parking will be available onsite

This is a free event, bookings are now open and are essential. 

WellbeingBack to Top

Abide Lunchtime Group

ABIDE is our College’s Christian lunchtime group. We meet every Friday for lunch in N38 and N37 and play games, share some snacks, hear from the Bible and discuss it in small groups.

All students in Years 7 – 12 are welcome! We start back on the 6th Feb and our theme will be ‘Big Words That End in Shun’, focusing on the book of Romans.

For more information, please contact Mr Mills, Mr Roper or Rev Oliver. 

 
School Transitions

Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means your children are growing up!

However, transitioning is an ongoing process. It can continue long after students have entered their new environment and may encounter difficulties at a number of different stages. These stressors may appear as anxiety and frustration and result in negative or disruptive behaviours. Such behaviours can become problematic making the transitioning process even more difficult for children and parents.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels.

school tv

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling

LearningBack to Top

Welcome to Kindergarten

 We have had a wonderful start to the year in Kindergarten! It has been such a joy to welcome so many excited faces each morning as the children begin their schooling journey. These first few weeks have been busy as we establish classroom routines and help the students learn what College life looks like. They are doing a fantastic job settling in and growing in confidence each day.

It has been lovely to see friendships beginning to form, with children enjoying getting to know one another and building special connections with their teachers. There is already a beautiful sense of community developing within our classrooms.

The students have especially enjoyed learning and reciting nursery rhymes together, as well as exploring 2D shapes through hands-on activities. 

The Kindergarten teachers are very much looking forward to a wonderful year ahead as we continue to learn, grow and celebrate many milestones together.

Mrs Natalie Marre
Junior School Teacher - Kindergarten Year Leader

Year 4 - A Great Start to 2026

Year 4 has settled in wonderfully and students have returned with enthusiasm and a positive attitude towards learning. It has been fantastic to see classrooms already buzzing with focus and collaboration.

kindy

In English, we have started our novel study Storm Boy, exploring its themes and learning about the Coorong. This has supported our work on information report writing, where students are learning to use clear structure and factual language. In Mathematics, students are exploring data by creating and interpreting tables and graphs. Science and Digital Technologies have also been exciting, with students learning basic coding skills and developing their scientific thinking.

We are very proud of how well Year 4 has started the year and look forward to an exciting term ahead!

Mr Kieran Aggett
Junior School Teacher - Year 4 Year Leader
Junior Art Showcase

When I was a university student doing my postgraduate studies in Education, with a degree in Visual Art under my belt, a lecturer asked my class of aspiring primary school teachers to draw a bicycle.  I felt reasonably confident that I could nail this task.  Having recently returned from six months in the saddle cycling through Europe, I considered myself to be pretty familiar with a bike.  In fact, I cycled to uni every day.  So, it was confounding that I struggled with the task.  I knew all the bits - the cogs, the seat, the handlebar, the wheels and pedals but I just couldn’t quite remember how they all fitted together visually.  I had a go but, to be honest, I was disappointed with the outcome.  Everything changed when the teacher wheeled in a bicycle and we all had a second chance to redeem ourselves with a second drawing, this time from observation.

This week I challenged the Year 4 students with the same task.  Taking the same approach, students first drew their best bicycle from memory.  They were then challenged to use the drawing techniques we had been practising during the lesson, spending more time directing our gaze at the object, rather than the page where our drawings were materialising.  The improvement in the students’ drawings is evident here in these ‘Before and After’ images.  For some students, the wheels, which we remember as circles, may appear elliptical, depending on the angle of view.  We tried the same approach with different objects, a pair of scissors, a hand, a shoe and noted our improvements with using our observational skills over memory.

jnr art
jnr art 2
art 3

It is always exciting to see students making progress with their artistic skills, but the deeper lesson here was that making art can help us to know our world better.  Drawing gives us an opportunity to take a quiet moment, both to see and to know.

Mrs Ann McDermott
Junior School Specialist Teacher (Visual Arts)
the Archbishop’s Leadership Commissioning

Every year, Anglican schools across Sydney gather at St Andrew’s Cathedral to dedicate their prefects and pray for them as they begin their leadership journey. With the Cathedral seating around 500 people, it was encouraging to see it filled to capacity - 500 of tomorrow’s leaders being prayed for and commissioned.

During the service, Breanna Cummins from William Clarke College shared openly about her faith in Jesus and how it shapes her identity as both a student and a leader. Three parts of her story especially stood out to me:

She described herself as a Christian with a competitive spirit, someone who tied her worth to success, constantly anxious to perform, and often so overwhelmed that she became physically unwell.

Although she believed in God, she realised she did not understand grace. While recovering, she read Matthew 6:34 and discovered a freeing truth: “God is enough for me. I don’t need to carry the weight of everyone’s expectations. My value doesn’t depend on who is proud of me”.

She learned to see each day as a new gift from God - another chance to grow, not a test to pass.

Leaders

The Archbishop then preached from John 13:1-17, where Jesus washes His disciples’ feet. He explained that this act was a “sneak preview” of the cross: that night, Jesus washed away the grime of the day and soon after, He would wash away the sins of the world. He reminded the students that those who accept the cleansing Jesus offers are called to dedicate themselves to loving, humble service.

After unpacking the passage, he offered several powerful insights:

People won’t always understand you. Leadership often requires doing what others need, even when it’s unnoticed or unappreciated.

Leadership can feel lonely, but you don’t have to lead alone.

Real power, real freedom and real leadership look like serving.

“I don’t want the person I am to interfere with the message of the gospel.”

Although these words were spoken to prefects, they are deeply relevant to adults as well. Parenting, like teaching, is a form of leadership. We, too, are called to lead with humility, grace and sacrificial love.

Please read John 13, reflect on the example Jesus gives, and consider how you might follow His pattern of servant leadership in your own life.

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master.
- John 13:15–16

Reverend Denis Oliver
College Chaplain
Year 7 Settling into College Life

The journey into Senior School has officially begun for our newest cohort. Last week Year 7 stepped into a new chapter of their education, marking a significant milestone in their schooling life.

The first day is always a mix of nerves and excitement, and today was no different. Students hit the ground running, meeting their new teachers and navigating the ins and outs of the Senior School campus for the first time.

year 7

A key part of the day was settling into their Pastoral Care classes. These groups will form the foundation of their support network over the coming years, so it was great to see them getting comfortable in their new spaces.

We look forward to watching them find their feet and grow in confidence as the term goes on.

Mrs Kaye Crowe & Mr Gavin Tat
Year 7 Advisors
Year 8 Camp - AGH Camp Douglas Park

Year 8 went to AGH Camps in Douglas Park last week, as part of the College’s yearly camp program. We were pleased with their engagement with the various outdoor activities planned, with some even occurring throughout heavy rain. Some highlights included the three-person gorge swing and the sky bike, which had a bike suspended in the air and the students riding along a tightrope in a flying-fox type fashion.

camp

Students have been considering what it is like to 'discover,' and how that looks in discovering ways in which we each other, both peers and teachers alike. Additionally, learning to get along is not always easy at this age, but we welcomed and celebrated many instances of this during camp. We will continue to encourage this, and will continue to focus on that, this year and we look forward to partnering with our Year 8 families to see even greater connections and strong leadership within our cohort.

Mr Jiarn Vasington & Miss Priya Sharma
Year 8 Advisors
Year 9 Camp - Wedderburn Christian Campsite

Even a rainy start ​couldn’t dampen the spirits of Year 9, as they set off for three days at Wedderburn Christian Campsite. The camp was designed to help foster unity within the grade, encourage students to step outside their comfort zone and to provide a bit of an introduction to the Dukes program, which students can commence this year.

Thankfully, the rain subsided a couple of hours after we arrived at the campsite and students were still able to participate in their first three activities. These included a giant swing, rock climbing, swimming, outdoor laser tag, archery, a crate climb and a vertical challenge. In particular, it was great to see students getting alongside each other, providing encouragement and working together as a team.

A new experience for many students was putting up and staying in tents for the first time! This was a fun challenge and this, along with the day hike, helped give students a sense of the Dukes program.

The hike was to the beautiful Jingga Pool, a freshwater swimming hole, where many students enjoyed swimming or paddling. The descent and ascent was steep but it was great to see our students push themselves and complete this despite the challenge.

In the evenings, we enjoyed roasting marshmallows on a campfire, a night bush walk, a talk from Mr Catto giving an overview of the Dukes program and a movie.

All in all, it was a wonderful time, and it was very rewarding to see the Year 9 students growing into thoughtful, kind and responsible young people. A huge thank you to the Year 9 PC Teachers and other staff who joined us on the camp; we so appreciate you’re the time and energy you put in into making this camp a success.

Mr Samuel Mills & Mrs Roslyn Rodriguez
Year 9 Advisors 

Year 11 Onsite Camp

Year 11 participated in a 3 day program covering a range of activities both academic and recreational. Students engaged in seminars by Elevate Education on study and time management. The also heard talks from guest speakers from Western Sydney University as they explored options for tertiary study.

Year 11

Year 11 completed modules in Stage 6 Maths, English and future career paths. Our peer support leaders connected with Year 7, enjoying a College wide scavenger hunt and combined BBQ lunch. We had the best afternoon on Tuesday, enjoying inflatable waterslides and obstacle course on the top oval with slushies to cool off in the summer sunshine.

Thank you Year 11 for your engagement and enthusiasm during camp week 

Mrs Michelle Palmer & Mr Ben Fracarossi
Year 11 Advisors

Junior School Sports Update

JUNIOR SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL 

swimming

We held our 3-6 Junior School Swimming Carnival today and despite the change in weather, the event was a great success. It was fantastic to see such high participation levels as students took to the pool.

We look forward to sharing the full story in the next edition of The Way. 

CASA Junior Basketball Gala Day

casa bball 2026

Our Junior Boys and Girls basketball teams came together to compete at the CASA Basketball Gala Day, each playing six highly competitive games. Both teams showed fantastic improvement as the day progressed, demonstrating great determination and school spirit.

The boys finished the day in 6th place, while the girls achieved an impressive 4th place.

A big thank you to Coach Taha and Coach Dayla for their guidance, encouragement and support throughout the day.

Well done to all players involved!

UPCOMING SPORTING DATES

WEEK 3

 Wednesday 18 February

Year 3-6 Sport & Summer IPSSO competition commences. 

WEEK 4

 Monday 23 February Years 5 & 6 CIS Tennis Trials (players must be ranked to enter) **
Tuesday 24 February CASA Junior Swimming Carnival. 4PM- 8PM 

WEEK 6 

 Tuesday 10 March

Year 3-6 Cross Country 

WEEK 7

 Monday 16 March  Years 5 & 6 CIS Boys & Girls AFL Trials **

WEEK 8

 Wednesday 25 March NSW CIS Primary Swimming Carnival

WEEK 9 

 Monday 30 March CASA Year 5 & 6 Girls Netball Gala Day
Years 5 & 6 CIS Boys & Girls Hockey Trials **

** Please contact Mrs Evans if you are interested in your child trialling at the NSW CIS Hockey, AFL, Softball, Golf or Boys Netball trials. 

NB – students need to be playing at a high level to be considered for nomination.  Students will only be considered from Year 5 and 6.

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

 

UPCOMING SPORTS DATES TERM 1

WEEK 3

 Wednesday 18 February Senior School Swimming Carnival
Friday 20 February CIS Boys Football - Round 1

WEEK 4

 Monday 23 February CIS Softball Trials 
CASA Netball & Football Trials
Thursday 26 February CASA Senior School Swimming Championships

WEEK 5 

 Monday 2 March CASA 15+ & Open Touch Football Trials
Tuesday 3 March AICES Boys 16y Basketball Trials

WEEK 6

 Monday 9 March AICES Girls 16y Basketball Trials 
Tuesday 10 March AICES Girls 19y Basketball Trials 

WEEK 8 

 Monday 23 March Senior School Cross Country 

WEEK 9

 Monday 30 March AICES Senior School Swimming Carnival 
CASA Tennis Gala Day
NSW CIS Hockey Boys & Girls
Thursday 2 April AICES Netball Gala Day

Mr David Tomich
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator

Co-curricularBack to Top

2025 Duke of Edinburgh Hikes

Last December, forty students completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Adventurous Journeys in New Zealand and the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains group explored the Grand Cliff Top Walk, Ruined Castle and the Kedumba Valley, while the New Zealand groups tackled the Kepler Track from Lake Te Anau to Mt Luxmore before returning through lush beech and fern forest. It was inspiring to see students grow through the challenges of hiking for four days, with many saying they achieved more than they initially believed possible.

When students are stretched beyond their comfort zones, they have the ideal opportunity to develop the resilience and confidence we value as a College. These experiences also nurture the social and emotional growth we aim to foster. Australian research supports what we see firsthand: time spent in nature significantly boosts wellbeing. Our Duke of Ed students often reflect that they formed deeper friendships and learned to work well with peers they don’t usually spend time with.

I look forward to another year of growth and adventure!

Mr Dave Catto
Duke of Edinburgh Leader

Does your Child Love to Sing?

Open to all students in Years 3–6, the Junior Choir is a joyful, confidence‑building space where students can discover the fun of singing, enjoy music games and make new friends.

Singing in a choir offers so many benefits for developing minds. It strengthens memory, boosts wellbeing, and nurtures teamwork as students learn to listen, blend and support one another. Most importantly, it gives children a creative outlet where they can express themselves and experience the thrill of performing.

Our Junior Choir enjoys many performance opportunities throughout the year, from school events to special celebrations. These moments on stage help students grow in confidence and pride as they share their hard work with the community.

Rehearsals take place every Thursday from 2:45pm–3:45pm commencing Thursday 19 February, led by our enthusiastic conductor, Mrs Ford, who brings energy, expertise and a love of music to every rehearsal.

We’re looking for lots of new, enthusiastic singers to join us this year.  To register your child for an audition please complete the Expression of Interest. 
A Creative Start to 2026

The start of 2026 is bursting with creativity and energy here at Thomas Hassall!

Our campus is alive with rehearsals as students and staff prepare for the highly anticipated College musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Whether they’re dancing, acting or singing, our performers are working hard to bring this story to life in what promises to be a spectacular production. Keep an eye out later this term for ticket information, you won’t want to miss it!

Next week in Week 3, our Music Academy returns as all co‑curricular ensemble rehearsals commence. If your child plays an instrument or sings with one of our groups, we’re excited to welcome them back for another year of music‑making. We have a fantastic program of performances planned for 2026 and we can’t wait to see our students continue to grow in confidence and skill.

Looking ahead, our bi‑annual Music Camp will take place in the second half of the year. This is always a highlight! More details will be shared soon.

There is so much to look forward to as we begin 2026. We can’t wait to see you at one of our many creative events throughout the year!

Mr Byron Mark
Creative and Performing Arts Coordinator

CommunityBack to Top

Parking around the College

It has come to our attention that some vehicles are being parked on nature strips and blocking driveways in our neighborhood. Unfortunately we have had numerous complaints from our neighbours of parents parking illegally. We kindly request that you refrain from parking in these areas when dropping off or picking up your children from College. Please be mindful of designated parking spaces and respect the property and access needs of those living nearby.


Parking illegally on footpaths or nature strips is a safety concern and can obstruct drivers' and pedestrians' access and lines of sight. Rule 197 of the Road Rules 2014 does not allow parking on a bicycle path, footpath, dividing strip or nature strip. To avoid a fine for illegal parking, please ensure your vehicle is kerbside on the street only. Please refer to the image below from Liverpool City Council of illegally parked and legally parked vehicles as well as other School zone offences. 

PARKING

 

Parking Rules
WhatsApp Groups for Grades

Many parents would like to connect with each other during this time, a great way to do that is through parent led WhatsApp groups.

Parents of the younger year groups have created WhatsApp groups that they are apart of, many have stated how useful they have been.

Parent administrators have asked to extend the opportunity to parents who may not be aware of these groups. Please note that these groups are not run or administered by the College, rather are parent run. If you would like to be added to your child's grade WhatsApp group, please fill in the form and your details will be passed on to the admins.

If you are an administrator of any other groups and are interested in reaching your year groups parents, please email [email protected]

Mrs Carmen Pasapera
Director of Marketing & Community Engagement
The Way we connect

The Way We Connect – Keeping Our Community Informed

If you have a question or suggestion, you can submit it using the form below. This will be a regular feature in our newsletter, helping to keep our community informed.

Please note that while not every submission will receive a direct reply, we will ensure recurring topics are addressed in a way that benefits everyone.

Got a question? Submit it via the button below—your input helps shape what we share!