Term 1 : Thursday 29 March 2018

Thank you to all the parents who had interviews and stayed for the presentations and BBQ. Topics covered included: How to best support your child through the HSC in Year 11 and 12, HSC Illness/Misadventure Procedures, Learner Wellbeing Framework, Student Recognition Scheme, Changes to NAPLAN and Minimum Standards Testing, Year 7 STEM Program and the Duke of Edinburgh Program. I trust that you found the presentations informative and useful as we work together to achieve the best outcomes for your child. I remind Year 8 and 10 parents that there will be a presentation at 6.10 pm in the MRK Café (location change) and a free BBQ dinner on Thursday 5 April. I wanted to take the opportunity to reinforce some of the key messages in regards to work ethic, study methods and the importance of self-regulation.

Study Methods

In the presentations for Year 11 and 12, Mr Cole reinforced the importance of using study methods that work and are based on research as many students use study methods that are not useful and do not achieve the desired outcome of improvement. Our brains are wired to forget and therefore we need to train our brains to remember information and concepts. We forget information learnt very quickly. See the Forgetting Curve below.

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Source: https://securityawarenessapp.com/forgetting-curve/

A common method of study that students use to prepare for examinations is to read a set of notes the night before and hope to remember them. The Forgetting Curve shows that this technique will not work very well even if students spend hours studying the night before as they are likely to forget a lot of the information the next day. This becomes more evident as students move into the Senior Years where the amount of information they need to learn and recall for examinations dramatically increases.

Spaced repetition practice using forced recall of information is far more beneficial method for remembering key information for examinations. Forced recall requires students test themselves on whether they can remember study notes by verbally recalling the notes or re-writing study notes without checking the information. Regularly doing this leading up to an examination results in more information being able to be retrieved and recalled after each review of information. One of the keys to this approach is that you need to start studying early enough before examinations begin to be able to space out your study practice enough to see the benefits. Students need to start this process weeks in advance to maximise the potential benefits. See the Learning Curve below.

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Source: http://thinkedu.net/blog/the-forgetting-curve-interleaving-vs-blocking/

Using a study method that actually works can make an enormous difference to the academic outcomes for your child. If they are not improving in their results they need to genuinely review what they as students are responsible for: work ethic, methods of study and use of actual study time. When they are studying, students need to consider whether they are genuinely using their study time well or whether they are procrastinating or on one of their mobile devices distracted, wasting time.

In addition, we encourage students to seek feedback from their teachers on what they need to improve so they can target specific areas in preparation for assessment tasks.

In summary, students who desire to improve their academic outcomes need to review the following factors:

• Work ethic and how hard they are working outside of school hours
• Level of self-regulation when studying – minimise distractions
• Using study methods that actually work and help them recall and understand concepts and information
• When they start studying for examinations. Start early so they can use spaced repetition practice methods
• How quickly they start assessment tasks after receiving them
• Seeking teacher feedback especially on draft assessment tasks.
  • The last two points requires planning and organisation of their time. Using a study planner will assist in this process.

Lines of Communication

If you need to contact the College, we would encourage you to use the following lines of communication that will assist you in speaking with the right person to resolve any enquiry/concern you may have as quickly as possible.

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I encourage parents to keep the College informed of anything that you feel may impact your child’s performance or behaviour at the College so that we can support and assist them.

 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6

Mr Hugh Renshaw
Acting Head of Senior School

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Follow the link  https://www.poetry-festival.co.uk/ledbury-poetry-competition/

In 2003, I entered my Year 3 class (from Thomas Hassall Anglican College) and we won FIRST and THIRD place which was a very special achievement in an international competition.

http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/5672316.Winners_picked_from_a_record_entry/

I recently sent an email to all College families explaining the rules (if you did not receive this email then please check your email details with the office).

There is no set theme.  Here is a link to the rules:  https://www.poetry-festival.co.uk/ledbury-poetry-competition/ledbury-poetry-competition-rules-2017/

Children’s (up to 12 years old) entries can be handwritten.

Young persons’ entries (12 – 17 years old) must be typed.

How to return entries:

Junior School – please complete an entry form and hand in to me (my room is R2 – the old MultiLit room).

Senior School - please complete an entry form and hand into the Office (they will put them in my pigeon hole).

All entries must be in by Term 2, Week 3, Friday 18^th May.  I will post them to the UK in one envelope.

Young Persons’ prizes (12-17 years old)

First Prize: £100 cash
Second Prize: £50
Third Prize: £25

Children’s Prizes (under 12 years old)

First Prize: £25 book token
Second Prize: £15 book token
Third Prize: £10 book token

Suggested literacy techniques:

Suggested language features:  Alliteration; assonance (the same vowel sound is repeated but the consonants are different; he passed her a sharp, dark glance, shot a cool, foolish look across the room); hyperbole; similes; metaphors; personification; onomatopoeia; oxymoron (bitter sweet); pathos (language which evokes pity) and rhythm - Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shallot uses a strong internal rhythm to build up the sense of unrelenting monotony in the poem.

Students are able to write any style of poem.  However, I would suggest it is better to write poems which do not rhyme (unless you are as talented as Roald Dahl).

Mrs Emma Harris
Junior School Stage 1 Coordinator 

Well done to all of the recipients.

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Game vs Novel - Term 1 Competition 

Make sure you submit your entries to the IRC to be in the running for the major prize, a $30 EB Games voucher!

Two runner up prizes, a book of your choice, will also be awarded.

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

Board Games Club in the IRC

The news is out! The Board Games Club is a hit!

Love board games? Want to challenge your friends playing the latest popular games?

The Board Games Club is held in the Senior IRC during lunch time every Monday.

For more information please speak to Mr Driscoll or the Library Staff.

Overdue books

Many students still have outstanding books from 2017. Students need to return these resources to the IRC as soon as possible.

Overdue notices have been sent out this week. If any students require a printed list of their loans please speak to Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith.

Students who do not return their books will be invoiced for a replacement copy.

Love the Game ... Love the Book!

The exciting world of Nathan Drake has landed in the IRC!

"In the ancient world there was a myth about a king, a treasure, and a hellish labyrinth. Now the doors to that hell are open once again.

Nathan Drake, treasure hunter and risk taker, has been called to New York City by the man who taught him everything about the "antiquities acquisition business." Victor Sullivan needs Drake's help. Sully's old friend, a world-famous archeologist, has just been found murdered in Manhattan. Dodging assassins, Drake, Sully and the dead man's daughter, Jade Hzujak, race from New York to underground excavations in Egypt and Greece.

Their goal: to unravel an ancient myth of alchemy, look for the three long-lost labyrinths, and find the astonishing discovery that got Jade's father killed. It appears that a fourth labyrinth was built in another land and another culture - and within it lies a key to unmatched wealth and power.

An army of terrifying warriors guards this underground maze. So does a monster. And what lies beyond - if Drake can live long enough to reach it - is both a treasure and a poison, a paradise and a hell.

Welcome to The Fourth Labyrinth."

Uncharted: The Fourth Labyrinth written by New York Times bestselling author Christopher Golden, is an exhilarating Indiana Jones style adventure where the ancient and modern worlds come together with terrible consequences. Based on the award winning Uncharted video game series, The Fourth Labyrinth not only perfectly captures the essence of the games but also takes this fantastic universe in new and exciting directions.

As well as featuring lovable fortune hunter Nathan Drake and his wise mentor Victor Sullivan, author Christopher Golden has introduced a whole range of new characters that are wonderful additions to the Uncharted universe. Filled with history, mystery and heart racing action, The Fourth Labyrinth is a fantastic novel that will not only please fans of the video games but anyone who loves action adventure stories as well.

Are you brave enough to enter the Labyrinth and face the monster? Borrow Uncharted: The Fourth Labyrinth and find out today!

Make sure you check out the new book stand in the IRC to see all the new arrivals!

Book Hunters Wanted!

Do you know of a book that your friends will love?

Do you know of a book that will be a hit at College?

If yes, then the IRC needs you!

Submit your book requests to Library staff today!

Mrs Annette Comiskey & Mr Michael Smith
Senior IRC Library Team

Not all of the 15 members could make it, but our students did well to perform some difficult pieces in a reduced format. The musicians were: Lachlan Shead (piano), Tomas Szoszkiewicz (cajon), Liam Penklis & Ben Widdicombe (tenor saxophones), Ben Shead (trumpet) and Petar Lozusic (alto saxophone).  They performed Cissy Strut, Birdland and had a fun improvised jam too. Well done all!

Mr Byron Mark
Ensembles Manager 

In 2018, we had the following ensembles perform: Intermediate Stage Band, Junior Drum Circle, and Contemporary Band. All students performed extremely well and it was the best excursion we have had to the Camden Show to date! Everyone worked as a team to load musical equipment on and off the bus, and were a positive support when watching other schools perform too. Students even had time to take a quick tour of the show and walk around to look at all the exciting rides and showbags on offer. They even got a free piece of fruit from the Woolworths stand! Well done everyone. 

Mr Byron Mark
Ensembles Manager

On Friday 23rd March, a selection of girls from Years 7-12 represented the College at the NASSA Netball Gala day. Facing some difficult competition within the preliminary round, the Under 15 team finished in second place with an excellent display of sportsmanship and skill. Within the Finals, the team resumed play with great determination against St Luke's Grammar School, then Macarthur Anglican School, achieving an overall ranking of fourth of eight teams. The Under 15 team was comprised of Isabella Coleman, Paige Ellis, Amy Jonson, Tatiana Mendez, Ashley Popvic, Chloe Roberts, Isabella Walker, Mia Walker and Emma Zuel.

The Opens team consisting of Akshita Chauhan, Bel Croucher, Madison Georgey, Rebecca Good, Montana Logozzo, Mia Maricic, Laura Monti, Ritisha Singh and Yulika Stratti had a tough competition playing against St Luke’s Grammar School, Wollondilly Anglican College and George’s River Grammar. The team played well and made it into the semi-final. The girls are congratulated for their excellent representation of the College values both on and off court. We are looking forward to a strong return in 2019!

On Monday 26/3, twenty-two THAC students trialled for the NASSA (New Anglican Schools Sports Association) football teams to compete in AICES (Anglican Independent Co-educational Schools) tournament in May. The following students have been selected for their respective teams:

Charlotte Sewell (Under 15 Girls)

Justin Vidic, Stefan Todorovic, Brock Melnik (Under 16 Boys) Denim Nou, Noah Velnic and Aleksander Gvozdenovic (Shadow Players)

Rhea D’Mello (Open Girls)

Madlenkosi Ndlovu, Zachary Taylor, Goran Gvozdenovic, Dylan Mosiejczuk (Open Boys)

Daniel Pearce, Michael Ruhs and Lukas Kaltsas were all selected for both the Under 16s and Open Boys’ teams.

A hearty congratulations to all these students!