Term 1 : Friday 2 February 2018

From the Principal
Principal Ross Whelan

Perhaps you can even think back to your first day at Kindergarten.  What do you remember?  Who did you meet and do you still know that person today? 

First day experiences, whether at school or work or family experiences are life changing times aren’t they?  There is a mixture of emotions, excitement, nervousness, optimism, anxiety, positive and hope.

We know that for your child whether they are in Prep or Kindergarten; Year 7 or Year 12, the first day – the first week needs guidance and assistance from the wise adults in your life – Mums and Dads; Classroom Teachers; School Leaders.  Let your children know that they have teachers and staff at College who can help in every area. 

The 2018 year moves into full pace quite quickly.  Our Swimming Carnivals occur quickly; the Senior School students move to their Camping Program next week with a focus on the year ahead; and class work generally expects the students to become organised and active in their learning.

New staff to the College have been introduced and welcomed at Assemblies and you will now read about them in this newsletter.  The Oval and Physical Education Centre work continues throughout Term 1 to be completed soon after Easter.

We will soon call for Volunteers to be part of the Class Parent Network – our version of the Parents and Friends of the College and we look forward to a number of occasions to build community throughout the year.

2018 is shaping up to be an exciting time.  We look forward to meeting new families and we trust you will have all of your family’s learning needs met here at Thomas Hassall Anglican College.

‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’ – Philippians 4:6

 

Mr Ross Whelan
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
Roger Young

I trust that all the families had an opportunity for break and had a chance to regroup. A fresh school year is an exciting opportunity to make a new start, lay a solid foundation and build upon a solid base. I am very optimistic about the year ahead and all that it holds because I know that despite the inevitable challenges God has made a way for us to move forward.

The new oval with its freshly laid grass is a sight to behold. The space is starting to come alive and is calling for a vision for future events, sports and general activity that will be used for many years to come. We anticipate our new sports complex will become available sometime in Term 2, and this will expand our vision in terms of what we might be able to achieve.

We have had a positive time in the first days of school with the Ready-Set-Connect program. This has given students an opportunity to connect with their Pastoral Care teachers and old friends while welcoming of new faces to the Thomas Hassall community. Thanks to all the team and especially Mr McCormack in their efforts to get the year started with such a positive focus.

Next week most of the Senior School will have the opportunity to attend camps specially designed to build skills and resilience while at the same time promoting friendships and team. I understand there is a temptation to keep students at home when they are feeling anxious but camps are an important part of the education experience. The camps are very carefully planned and supported with terrific programs and well trained staff.

The day after the Camps we will have the Senior School Swimming Carnival. This is a challenge in terms of the timing (being the day after the camp), but the day is usually great fun and one of the highlights of the College calendar. I am anticipating that students will both support and participate at the appropriate level. There is always great things for students to get involved with even when they are not confident in the water.

Finally, we will have an opportunity to celebrate with students who achieved outstanding results in the HSC in the next few weeks. As we have been chatting with these students their positive messages reflect some of the strategies we have put in place over the last few years. I will continue to share some of these insights with you in the months ahead.

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

 

Mr Roger Young
Deputy Principal - Senior School Student Development
Principal's Awards

Well done to all of the recipients.

 

  
Term 1 Important Dates
Monday - Wednesday 5-7 February 2018 Senior School Camp Week
Thursday  8 February 2018 Senior School Swimming Carnival
Thursday  15 February 2018 Junior School Swimming Carnival
Saturday 24 February 2018 2019 Scholarship Test
Wednesday  28 Feb - 2 March 2018 Year 6 Canberra Camp
Mon-Fri 5-9 March 2018 College Photo Days
Wed-Fri 7-9 March 2018 Year 5 Camp
Friday 16 March 2018 College Open Day
Thursday  22 March 2018 Years 7 &12 Parent Teacher Night
Monday 26 March 2018 Years 9 & 10 Parent Teacher Night 
Thursday 29 March 2018 Senior School Cross Country
Friday  30 March 2018 Good Friday Public Holiday
Monday 2 April 2018 Easter Monday Public Holiday 
Thursday  5 April 2018 Year 8 &10 Parent Teacher Night
Junior School Parent Teacher Night
Tuesday  10 April 2018 Junior School Parent Teacher Night
Friday  13 April 2018 Last Day of Term 1 

 
2019 Scholarships Years 7 and 11

We are very pleased to offer a limited number of Academic Scholarships for students entering Years 7 and 11 in 2019. To be considered for a Scholarship students must register and sit the ACER examination. Outlined below are the details regarding how to apply.
 

Applications close: midnight AEDT Monday 5 February 2018

Test Date: Saturday 24 February 2018

Application Fee: $95

Location: Thomas Hassall Anglican College

Steps in the Scholarship Process:

  1. Register online to sit the ACER Scholarship examination at http://www.thac.nsw.edu.au/scholarships 
  2.  An invitation to sit the examination will be sent prior to the examination date, including location at the College and requirements for the exam. In the meantime, please advise the College if there are any changes to your contact details.
  3. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their scholarship applications in early April 2018.
  4. Online individual reports will be available to parents from Thursday 5 April 2018.

 

If you have any questions please contact Miss Claudia Muñoz, Enrolments Co-ordinator (Years 7-12) on 9608 0033.
Congratulations to our Year 12 HSC Students 2017

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Year 12 Class of 2017
Year 12 Class of 2017

You will be pleased to know that the 129 students who sat for the HSC have all received results to establish very positive futures. While 85% intend to pursue University and tertiary study, and others to apprenticeships and work, all students will be well placed going forward.

The highest ATAR was recorded by Cameron Eggins with a result of 99.75.  Cameron along with Jemima Leslie have been listed as HSC All-Round Achievers by NESA for 2017.  Georgia Cosier placed 7th in the State for Music.  Sophia Kovac received a High Distinction for her Society & Culture PIP placing her in the Top 10 of NSW.  

These 4 students deserve special mention and Year 12 families and staff will be rightly pleased for every student. Some of the highlights include the following:

  • Top ATAR: 99.75 to Cameron Eggins who is also Dux of the College for 2017.
  • HSC All Rounders – awarded for achieving 90 or more in the best 10 units:  - Cameron Eggins & Jemima Leslie. 
  • HSC Top Achiever: Georgia Cosier 7th in the State for Music 1.
  • Sophia Kovac – High Distinction Society & Culture PIP –  State Top 10 
  • HSC Distinguished Achievers: 24 students made the Distinguished Achievers List for students achieving at least one Band 6 in their results, with a total of 42 Band 6 results.
  • 10% of the cohort received an ATAR over 90*
  • 30% of students received an ATAR over 80*
  • NESA Nominations in Performance for the most outstanding performances in the HSC Examination:
      2 Music Students were nominated for ENCORE
    All 11 Drama Students were nominated for Onstage

The 2017 results are worthy of note and it should provide continued confidence across our College Community moving forward.

We wish all the students well in their futures as they move onto new chapters in their lives.  
Changes to Senior School Leadership

Both Mr Young and Mrs Bessant will continue to be our Deputy Principals in 2018.

I have asked Mr Renshaw to take more leadership of the Senior School day to day programs.  He will be the Head of Senior School in 2018.  Mr Renshaw is well known and highly regarded by our College community.

The change will allow Mr Young to further implement and develop some of our whole College initiatives, including:. 

  1. The programs to take place as part of the new Physical and Education Centre and Oval including the increasing number of TAP Programs;
  2. The growth of our Creative Arts Program will be given a much more dedicated space in our present John Lambert Auditorium;
  3. The emerging Global Education Program given the addition of new overseas excursions that will now take place and;
  4. The growth of the Vocational Education Program, which will cater for an increasing number of students who aspire to do an apprenticeship given that the south west of Sydney continues to develop. 

Mr Renshaw will have greater leadership of our Learning and Teaching programs in the Senior School and more of the detail around the day-to-day programs for students.

You should feel free to direct your questions or concerns to either Mr Renshaw or Mr Young.  Their roles will continue to emerge during the year.  Thanks for your understanding of such a change. 

Ross Whelan
Principal

 
From the College Manager

STAGE 12 20-12-16 (Before)

STAGE 12 20-12-16 (Before)

Stage 12 1-2-18 (Current)

STAGE 12 1-2-18 (Current)

Turf installation in progress

Turf installation in progress (1-2-18)

Boulevard sandstone log retaining wall under construction

Boulevard sandstone log retaining wall under construction

The most significant progress is with the laying of the "Gully Gold" couch turf over the new playing field on the western side of the College. The recent extremely hot and dry conditions were not very favourable to laying turf during the holidays, hopefully we might get some rain over the next few weeks to stimulate growth and knit it all together. The sandstone logs for the project's external retaining walls are also currently being installed. This will become a significant feature to the western end of the College's central boulevard. 

The Physical Education Centre building is now at the "lock-up" stage with windows, doors and external cladding in position. The main focus at present is the installation of the internal infrastructure with doors, windows and wall linings going into position.

Warren Murray
College Manager 
Welcome to our New Senior School Staff for 2018!
From the Chaplain

There are many aspects to the College motto and many ways to approach what it means. One way of looking at what it means is how the Bible uses this term. Paul encourages Christians to conduct themselves in the most excellent way in 1 Corinthians chapter 13, and that way is love. 

This is what is says: 

'And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails.' 

Love is the most excellent way. But our concept of love is sometimes very romantic. During one of our staff days, Bishop Peter Linn encouraged all our staff, that love is ‘painful’ and ‘tough’ and that deeds without love are worthless. He also said to staff that love is indispensable, it is focussed on other people and shows itself in actions.

This the more excellent way we hope our staff will approach the learning of our students and how everyone in the community of Thomas Hassall will be united. 

Stuart Tye
College Chaplain

EventsBack to Top

2018 Term Dates
Term 1
Friday 26 January Australia Day Public Holiday
Monday 29 January Term 1 commences - Years 1-7, 11 & 12, K Testing
Tuesday 30 January Years 8-10 commence, K Testing
Wednesday 31 January Kindergarten commence
Thursday 1 February Prep Blue and Purple commence
Friday 2 February Prep Red and White commence
Friday 30 March Good Friday Public Holiday
Monday 2 April Easter Monday Public Holiday
Friday 13 April Term 1 concludes
Term 2
Tuesday 1 May Term 2 commences
Monday 11 June Queen's Birthday Public Holiday
Friday 29 June Term 2 concludes
Term 3
Monday 23 July Term 3 commences
Saturday 25 August  South West Festival 
Monday 27 August Mid Term Break (Staff & Students)
Friday 28 September Class of 2018 Graduation Assembly
Term 3 concludes
Term 4
Tuesday 16 October Term 4 commences
Monday 12 November Mid Term Break for all students
Wednesday 5 December Celebration - Junior School
Thursday 6 December Celebration - Senior School
Friday 7 December Term 4 concludes

 

WellbeingBack to Top

From The College Nurse

To avoid this it is important that we stay safe in the sun. Please remind your child to:

  • Wear their hat to school
  • Wear hats and sunscreen on sports days
  • Take a drink bottle to sport
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Sit in the shade whilst eating their lunch

TOP TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR CHILD TO DRINK MORE WATER AT SCHOOL

  1. Bring a water bottle or juice to College each day.
  2. Freezing their water bottles overnight and/or allow them to purchase a refreshing snack from the Canteen
    • Frozen fruit tubes or fruit cups can be purchased  from the Canteen for $1
    • Chilled bottles of water can be purchased from the Canteen for $1 - $2

Karen Tindall
College Nurse

LearningBack to Top

News from the Senior IRC

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Game vs novel competition

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New Books in the IRC

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New Books in the IRC

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New books in the IRC

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New books in the IRC

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New Books in the IRC

Game vs Novel - Term 1 Competition

Which is better ... the video game or its novel?

How similar are game novels to their electronic cousin's?

Can a game novel be better than its video game?

Borrow and read a video game novel based on a game you have played and collect and complete a Game VS Novel form to go into the draw to win a fantastic prize!

For more information please see Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith in the IRC.

Reader of the Month

The reader of the month competition is back for 2018!

Each month a prize is given to the student who borrows and reads the most books. Open to all grades. Will you be the first winner this year? Borrow a book from the IRC and start reading today!

What's new on the shelf?

A famous doomed city is brought back to life in a new addition to the IRC!

Pompeii - Robert Harris

"All along the Mediterranean coast, the Roman Empire's richest citizens are relaxing in their luxurious villas, enjoying the last days of summer. The world's largest navy lies peacefully at anchor in Misenum. The tourists are spending their money in the seaside resorts of Baiae, Herculaneum, and Pompeii.

But the carefree lifestyle and gorgeous weather belie an impeding cataclysm, and only one man is worried. The young engineer Marcus Attilius Primus has just taken charge of the Aqua Augusta, the enormous aqueduct that brings fresh water to a quarter of a million people in nine towns around the Bay of Naples. His predecessor has disappeared. Springs are failing for the first time in generations. And now there is a crisis on the Augusta's sixty-mile main line - somewhere to the north of Pompeii, on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

Attilius - decent, practical, and incorruptible - promises Pliny, the famous scholar who commands the navy, that he can repair the aqueduct before the reservoir runs dry. His plan is to travel to Pompeii and put together an expedition, then head out to the place where he believes the fault lies. But Pompeii proves to be a corrupt and violent town, and Attilius soon discovers that there are powerful forces at work - both natural and man-made - threatening to destroy him"

Robert Harris's Pompeii  paints a vivid picture of life around the Bay of Naples just before the famous eruption of Mt Vesuvius. Exciting, suspenseful and intriguing, this novel is filled with mystery that will have you hooked right through to its explosive finale. Main character Marcus Attilius is a wonderful protagonist, an honorable man trying to do the right thing in a corrupt society. His journey brings us into contact with a wide range of fascinating characters, who all help to bring ancient Pompeii to life.

Pompeii is guaranteed to be a jot with any reader who loves mysteries, historical fiction and Ancient Rome.

Lots more exciting new books have arrived in the IRC! Make sure to check the new book stand for all the new titles!

Missing books from 2017

Students in Years 8 to 10 who still have Library books from 2016 need to return them to the IRC as soon as possible. If any students require a printed list of their loans please speak to Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith.

Mrs A Comiskey & Mr M Smith
Senior IRC Library Team

 
New Merit Scheme for Senior School

Throughout 2017 the Senior College undertook a thorough review of its ‘Award’ or ‘Merit’ System. We have decided that the time was appropriate for an overhaul of this system and members of the College Staff have spent time creating a new system for the Senior College from January 2018.  The Student Recognition Scheme seeks to expand and enrich the ways in which the College acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of our students.  This new approach is accessible to all students and encourages them to reach for new heights in their Engagement in College Life, Learning and Service to the College and broader Community. We acknowledge that the retirement of an old system can have its complications. We will seek to communicate with students and families and clearly explain how this new system will work. Please watch out for communication in the coming days and weeks. 

Performing ArtsBack to Top

Musical Participants Wanted!

Musical Participants wanted!
Come and join this year's awesome Musical ‘Leader of the Pack’!

If you love to sing and dance, it’s not too late to sign up!

Rehearsals begin again in Week 3. Please refer to the updated rehearsal schedule and note that there is an extra Saturday rehearsal on the 3rd of March.

Please email [email protected] to be added to the Musical Canvas Page. If you are interested, please see Mrs Hazel in M block for an application form. Alternatively, you can print off the application form attached and submit it to Mrs Hazel in the M block staff room. 

Please note students from Year 4 are welcome to apply. 
Music Tuition 2018

Another year commences – new and continuing students begin their private music lessons for 2018!

Tuition is back on at the College from week 3 or per negotiation with their tutor. If you would like to learn a musical instrument this year please contact the Creative Arts Department or email [email protected].  

Music is such an important part of the College and every student is encouraged to learn an instrument.

Nicholas Lane
Acting Coordinator of Creative Arts 
New Piano Teacher - Jane Andino

Jane Andino is a pianist, composer and teacher of Piano and Music Theory.

She is offering piano and theory classes at the College on Wednesdays. Jane is a very experienced teacher and currently teaches at her studio in the Blue Mountains and at Mamre Anglican School. She also accompanies for the Penrith City Choir and performs in Latin-Jazz groups.

If you are interested in piano or theory classes with Jane, please fill in the attached tuition form or email [email protected]

Instrument_Tutorial_Program_Application_Form_2016_v_2.pdf

PDF icon Instrument_Tutorial_Program_Application_Form_2016_v_2.pdf

 
Ensemble rehearsals in motion

All College Junior & Senior co-curricular ensembles commenced rehearsals this week, and it has been great to kick-start our exciting music programme for 2018. In case you’re wondering, rehearsals are ALWAYS on, unless advised by Mr Mark or Mr Lane. We look forward to having everyone back performing in their ensembles this year, and of course growing our program.

If your child plays an instrument and/or sings, are is interested in joining an ensemble, please contact [email protected]

There are many exciting performances coming up this term for both our Junior and Senior ensembles. We look forward to sharing those with you as the weeks go by.

Byron Mark
Ensembles Manager

 

New House Shirts for Senior School

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House Shirts
House Shirts

In 2017 the College undertook a process of designing and creating a suite of new House Shirts for our ever-growing House System. The House Shirts will become part of the compulsory student uniform and will be worn at all Sport Carnivals and other relevant House Days (e.g. House Cup Soccer) throughout the year.

As with uniform changes at the College, there will be a changeover period, and while we would like to have the students wearing the House shirt as soon as possible, we are happy for the changeover to occur this year. Our Swimming Carnival is next week after the camps, and the Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 4 May 2018.  These 2 events will be enhanced by a growing house spirit. Thanks for your support for this new initiative as we continue to build a positive culture of House spirit and a sense of belonging at the College.

We are pleased to advise that these House Shirts are now available at Lowes Liverpool – at $34.99.  Please note that Lowes will be having a 20% off sale on Sat 3 February 2018.  
Senior School Swimming Carnival

Get excited for the first College Carnival for this year!

The Secondary Swimming Carnival is a College activity that is occurring on Thursday 8 February 2018 at Prairiewood Leisure Centre. 

Buses will be organised for students who have indicated on their sport permission note, that they need transport to or from the venue.

Students are to wear their College sports uniform (including hat) or appropriate clothing in their house colours while at the carnival. Students need to bring an appropriate swimming costume, towel, sunscreen and a packed lunch (limited canteen facilities available).

Hope to see you all there with your House spirit ready to swim in the pool!
Football Programs for Senior school

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Coach Sonny Makko

Soccer

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Wanderers Senior Boys Soccer

2018 Advanced Pathway Program - 15 years and under Secondary boys football program

The APP Football program will re-commence on Tuesday 13 February under the guidance of our Football Director Sonny Makko.

The continues into Terms 2 and 3 in 2018.

2018 Football Development Programs

This program is held Tuesday afternoons, 3pm to 4pm.

The College offers football programs for Secondary students in Years 7 and 8. The year-long program caters for both boys and girls and will be conducted by our football director Sonny Makko.

The one-hour sessions are designed to improve the skill level of each individual and is suited for all abilities. Students will be involved in fun activities that develop skills and promote understanding of the game.  The program runs for 35 weeks.

The 2018 Football Development Program commences on Tuesday 13 February.

Information flyers and application forms for the 2018 football development programs have been emailed to all College families. Copies are also available at the College office.

For further information, please contacts Mrs Evans, P-6 Sports Coordinator and TAP Coordinator - [email protected]

 
Talented Athletes Program - Swimming

The TAP Swimming program is designed to identify talented students from Years 3 – 12 and offers an extensive training program to students who have represented Thomas Hassall Anglican College at the NASSA carnival level or above.

In 2018 we are excited to extend the program to include an extra day for students to train. 

Days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the College term (except public holidays)
Time: New time for 2018 is 5.45am - 7.15am
Venue: Whitlam Leisure Centre - 90A Memorial Avenue, Liverpool
Cost: Fees will be charged per term
Transport: Parents are to make their own arrangements to get children to the pool for a 5.45am start. Students will be transported by mini bus to College at the conclusion of the session.

The squad-based sessions will be structured to adopt best practices and will focus on stroke development and correction, developing strength and endurance. 

Sessions will include race preparation, dives and turns.

Eligibility
The TAP Swimming program is offered to all students who competed at the NASSA Junior or NASSA Senior Swimming Carnival. However, if there is a talented swimmer who did not attend the College Swimming Carnival they may be assessed to be part of the program.

If you would like more information about the TAP Swimming program, please contact Mrs Evans [email protected]

Brochures are available at the College Office.

 

CommunityBack to Top

Join our Class Parent Network!

Our Class Parent Network is one of the most important ways we achieve community and we would love you to join for 2018!

The Class Parent Network is a group of self-nominated year group representatives from Prep to Year 12.  Class Parents provide social networking opportunities throughout the year by organising gatherings such as morning teas, lunches, holiday activities and casual get-togethers etc.  Most events will be held off-site and are a great way for families to get to know each other outside school hours.

The Class Parents also provide support to staff by getting involved in various activities such as helping in the canteen, reading and literacy groups, assistance at sport carnivals and creative arts events (this year the College Musical), exam supervision and writing, focus group discussions etc.  In 2017, the Class Parent Network were instrumental in the running of the College Bush Dance, Mother's/Father's Day stalls, and Year 6 Dinner.

Class Parents will meet termly at the College to discuss ideas and upcoming activities.  A guest speaker from the College, together with the Principal, may also attend these meetings to provide information and discuss new programs at the College.

We would love you to join our growing number of Class Parents for 2018. To do so, please complete the attached nomination form and return it to the College.