The Term has begun with a suite of events to accompany the return to learning.
In Junior School, it was wonderful to partner with Football Australia and Football NSW to celebrate the FIFA Women’s Football World Cup being held in Australia one year from now. Our Junior School students were put through their paces, taught some football skills and then took part in a mini World Cup of their own, where they represented an adopted country and competed against other nations. A great deal of fun was had and it was a wonderful way for Thomas Hassall students to get active, which is so important. Football Australia generously gifted the College a signed Matildas jersey which we will find a suitable place to display to ensure our students can see it and look forward to the finest women’s footballers across the world descending upon our shores to compete next year.
In the Senior School, we are in the season of subject selection for Year 8 and Year 10 students and it was fantastic to hold our Year 10 into 11 information evening together on Tuesday night. We heard from some of the key staff involved in the process and also received their wisdom about Stage 6 learning habits. This was followed by an information webinar for families of Year 8 students on Thursday evening which was well attended in its virtual format. I must commend our amazing production team for their ability to allow the College to host, record and send out such events with all the professionalism of a television studio.
I am confident that the Year 8 and 10 Parent Teacher night facilitated some good conversations between families and teachers and that the Year 7 and 9 Parent Teacher night on Thursday next week will do the same. Often the most valuable discussion will be the one you have with your children about their learning after hearing from their teachers. The College wants every student to be giving their best effort in classes and displaying a positive attitude towards their learning as evidenced through the Learning Behaviours on their reports.
Next week will be College Photo Week so no doubt your children will be up nice and early and preparing themselves to look their best. Can I also highlight the extended Study Centre hours for our Year 12 students on the eve of their Trial HSC examinations and ask families of Year 12 students to consider if this will be a valuable resource for them. Many thanks to the staff who have volunteered for the tutoring hours in the afternoon and the supervision in the evenings to assist Year 12 with their preparations.
It is disappointing that we will not be able to hold the South West Festival this year due to the difficulties with weather and its impact upon our fields and building program schedules.
Finally, it was great to be able to reconnect with each other and with God in our chapel services and assemblies this week. It is so valuable to have both our chaplains speaking to students across the College about the gospel message of Jesus.
