Bulletin Edition - Senior School | Thomas Hassall Anglican College

NewsBack to Top

We hold a special graduation assembly with guests in attendance. This year nearly 130 students will graduate and some 44 from Year 12 have attended the College since Kindergarten. You will remember finishing your school years, often having made life-long friends and enjoying positive memories across the years. The final year of school is an important milestone. Young people are put to the academic test of the HSC with its stresses and strains, and the year also asks the question about the future.

Most of our Year 12 graduates will move on to university, TAFE and some straight into the workforce. Our specialist teaching staff, Miss Munro, Mr Moynan and Mr Ward assist students with these questions about suitable pathways and recently we introduced a Careers Website for students in Senior School to also assist this critical decision about the next steps. You might like to visit the site at www.thaccareers.com.au.

This week we hosted a Liverpool Council event regarding a rezoning proposal for the Middleton Grange Town Centre. Approximately 500 neighbours and nearly residents attended to hear from the Council CEO and the developer associated with the application. There is an exhibition period from 29 August to 26 October and the proposal can be seen on the Council’s website – https://listens.liverpool.nsw.gov.au or at the Carnes Hill Library at 600 Kurrajong Road, Carnes Hill. As you might imagine a proposal to rezone is of interest to us all and you might the take time to investigate the application.

At the meeting, there were a number of comments made in relation to traffic flow, buses, parking and speed of vehicles around the local roads. If you already drive to the College daily, you will be aware of these issues, and of the regular supervision by Council Rangers and Highway Patrol vehicles. The comments are a reminder to us all to be very careful, to park legally and not in the driveways of our neighbours or on the grassed area of nature strips in narrow streets, and to be mindful of others as we drive.

It has been wonderful to see the new Rawdon Middleton VC Sports Complex in action with the MISA Volleyball Grand Finals held in our new venue just today. Our Senior Boys and Senior Girls were playing William Carey and a crowd was in attendance. The good news is that WE WON both games – our first competition matches in the new venue. Well done team.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith… Hebrews 12:1,2a

Mr Ross Whelan

Principal

From the Deputy Head of Senior School

41484410_2065677666805201_3698717073858363392_o.jpg

In recent weeks Year 11 students were invited to apply for Student Leadership positions for the 2018/2019 year. We were overwhelmed by the number of applicants and are grateful for the response. So began the difficult task of appointing a team that will be charged with serving and leading the student body in positive and proactive way. Much thought and planning is currently being devoted to the student leadership space within the Senior School. We are evaluating our current approaches and indeed are hoping to make a notable shift in focus, equipping and presence of our Student Leadership Team. Further to this, we are also planning to realise a much stronger incidence of student leadership in the younger year groups of Senior School. Staff acknowledge the constructive and formative influence that student agency can provide and we are optimistic about some new ways ahead. More to come soon!

The 2019 Student Leadership Team were charged with important responsibilities at the recent Commissioning Service. In the presence of the student body and their families, they have committed to set a fine example for the College and to embody the Vision and Mission. We were reminded by Reverend Tye that the heart of leadership is service and to look earnestly at the needs of others, a self-sacrificial mindset. Please join with me in praying for them – we wish them all the best for their new roles. May we all support and encourage this group.

One might say that our College is a microcosm of broader Australia. Thomas Hassall is a culturally diverse community of staff and families, where many different national backgrounds, faiths and ethnicities are represented. In more recent times there has been a deliberate focus on celebrating this diversity and examining more deeply the distinctive presence this brings to our College. We indeed are a multicultural school and proud to be so. There is much to be learned from our rich array of cultural heritages and enabling and equipping students to be open in their sharing of language, family & food traditions, distinctive dress and so on is a valuable pursuit. Unite Week is an initiative of the Student Leadership Team and seeks to promote and raise awareness of this diversity, but has honed a message of unity, tolerance and the importance of a receptive disposition.

The Student Leadership Team took charge of the Senior School Assembly in week 8 and did an outstanding job of encapsulating the aims of Unite Week. A short video was prepared that interviewed staff and students about their respective backgrounds and some of the team conducted a ‘Q & A’ style panel on their own cultural heritages. This open dialogue was a fine example to all students about the value and merit of engaging in conversation with an open-mind and willingness to learn about others and to embrace others.

In addition to this numerous national flags were hung along the boulevard and tasty treats from around the globe were available at the MRK. It should give us reason to pause and recognise the importance of unity and harmony within a community such as ours. The presence of unity, acceptance and belonging are critical to our College. Mr Whelan also brought a message to the Senior School Assembly, a message that reminded us of our College foundations and Mission. He spoken of unity and a faith in Christ that encourages us to look to others’ needs before our own. This served as a powerful reminder to the College that there is far more that unites us than should divide us. We are indeed a diverse composition of numerous cultural origins, but let us be of one vison and purpose; to seek a more excellent way – together.

Mr Stuart McCormack
Deputy Head of Senior School - Student Wellbeing

From the College Chaplain

Sion.jpg

Syon Rosh encouraged our students at Chapel, our lunchtime ministry groups and around the playground about the encouragement he's found through Christ. Here's some of the questions he was asked.

Question: How did you do in your HSC?

Syon: I got the course I wanted at the Uni I wanted so all in all it worked itself out. I'm doing Psychology at the University of Wollongong (UOW)

Question: What have you done since leaving Thomas Hassall?

Syon: Since leaving, I attend University 4 days a week studying psychology at UOW, I have 2 jobs that I do on different days during the week, on Friday nights a few other young adults and I help run a youth group at my church and Sunday nights I go to church and every 2 weeks I play in the church band.

Question: What's the biggest difference between school and Uni?

Syon: There is a lot more freedom at Uni. you can pick and choose what you want to study and what subjects you do. You can join clubs and the diversity is amazing but be sure you know how to time manage and prioritize because it's not good if you don’t know how.

Question: Christianity is obviously important to you, can you explain why?

Syon: I was raised as a Christian but I made the conscious choice when I was around 14-15. The reason being that as humans we are horrible and just unworthy of anything but God loved us so much that he sent His son to save us even though we don’t deserve it. I mean, look at us now and everything we have. They are all gifts of God that we take for granted when they could easily be stripped away from us yet we are still here through the love and mercy of God and Jesus.

Question: Why do you keep learning about the Bible AFTER Thomas Hassall? Don’t you already know everything in the Bible?

No, I don’t know everything, but I wish I did. The reason I chose to keep learning about the Bible is because:

I want to grow spiritually as well. There is no real accomplishment in wanting to follow God when we don’t even read what he is trying to tell us
To help others as well. Being a youth leader, kids will ask questions and I need to make sure I am able to answer those questions
Because you’re able to meet other people who want to grow spiritually as well and it's such an encouragement being able to help each other out

Question: You're studying Psychology which teaches you how to learn to help people change their unhealthy thinking habits. Also. this week is RUOK Day. Can you share how you handle difficult times in your life?

Syon: When things get me down I tend to ask God and my family and friends for help. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that God will never put you in a situation that you can't handle but in doing so he will provide you with a way to overcome it. We need to have patience as well because help isn’t always instant, everything has a time frame. I do know some people that have suffered from depression. You can help by checking up on them to make sure they are OK so they know they are not alone. Be sure to offer help but don’t make it seem as though they NEED your help but let them know it's there. Space is always helpful as well because you never know how the person is feeling but in giving them space don’t create distance between them. However, make it known that you are there if needed. Always keep praying as well because God works in many amazing and mysterious ways.

Thanks Syon

Rev Stuart Tye
Chaplain

Term 3 & 4 Important Dates

GenericTermDates.jpg

Term 3

Wednesday	19 September 2018	SMBC Hot Topics - Rest and Sleep
Friday	28 September 2018	Class of 2018 Graduation Last Day of Term 3

Term 4

Tuesday	16 October 2018	Term 4 Commences
Thursday	18 October 2018	HSC Examinations Commence
Monday	22 October 2018	Year 7 2019 Assessment Afternoon
Friday	26 October 2018	Prep & Kinder Tabloid Carnival
Thursday	1 November 2018	Prep, Year 1 & 2 Tabloid Carnival
Friday	9 November 2018	Kindergarten Orientation - Existing Prep Students
Monday	12 November 2018	Mid Term Break - Students Only
Thursday	15 November 2018	Kindergarten Orientation - New Students 2019
Thursday	15 November 2018	Year 11 Parent Teacher Night
Friday	16 November 2018	Years 1-6 Orientation
Friday	23 November 2018	Kindergarten Orientation - All Students
Wednesday	28 November 2018	Year 6 Dinner
Wednesday	28 November 2018	Prep Orientation - 3 day program
Thursday	29 November 2018	Prep Orientation - 2 day program
Wednesday	5 December 2018	Junior School Celebration
Thursday	6 December 2018	Senior School Celebration
Friday	7 December 2018	Last Day of Term 4

EventsBack to Top

Hot Topics Event 2018

HotTopics18THAC_734x275_Sleep.jpg

Rest & Sleep - 7pm, Wednesday 19 September 2018

Click the link for more details and to register for the event https://www.smbc.edu.au/events/hot-topics-at-thomas-hassall-anglican-college-rest-and-sleep

WellbeingBack to Top

Sleep

Sleep_promo_3x2.jpg

When your child sleeps well, they are more settled, happy and ready for school the next day. Good-quality sleep helps your child concentrate, remember things and behave well. This helps them to be a successful learner

Students today have extremely busy schedules, with ever increasing responsibilities at school and at home. Many kids, especially adolescents, are going to bed later and later and are at risk of sleep deprivation. This affects three areas of a child’s development: psychological, physiological and psychosocial. All three are essential to a child's growth, learning ability and overall wellbeing. Sleep is vital to a child’s overall health and is as important as diet and exercise.

Sleep also strengthens a child’s immune system and supports their ability to function properly on a daily basis. Children who do not get enough sleep show increased levels of aggressive behaviour, are less attentive and are much less active. Trying to catch up on sleep on weekends is not the answer and can still lead to severe sleep deprivation.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn about the importance of sleep and how sleep deprivation can have adverse effects on a child’s health and wellbeing. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition and we always welcome your feedback.

If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the College Counsellor for further information.

Here is the link to this month’s edition http://thac.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter/sleep

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Student Wellbeing Coordinator

Source: SchoolTV

LearningBack to Top

News from the Senior IRC

Japanzone.jpeg

Newbooks10/9/18-1.jpeg

Newbooks10/9/18-2.jpeg

Newbooks10/9/18-3.jpeg

The IRC’s book week celebrations are almost over for 2018. Only a short time remains to submit your answers to the long lost riddles of the Ancient Library of Alexandria. The last day to submit your answers will be lunchtime Wednesday 19th September.
For more information please speak to Library staff.

Book in a Jar Competition back!
The Book in Jar competition is finishing soon. All entries need to be in by Friday 14th September. Students who can guess all five books will win a great prize!
For more information please see Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith.

Year 12 Library Loans
Year 12 students will need to return all of their Library loans before they sign out of the College after the HSC exams. Students who have lost books will be invoiced for a replacement copy.

What’s new on the Shelf?
The first installment of an exciting crime fighting Manga series has arrived in the IRC!
Miles Edgeworth: Ace Attorney Investigations Vol 1 - Kenji Kuroda
"Let the games begin! Stop the performance – murder is afoot! It will take all of genius prosecutor Miles Edgeworth’s cunning powers of deduction to uncover the truth behind a murder at a masquerade and a rocker’s riotous on-stage demise in this volume of original stories based on the hit Capcom video game!”

Miles Edgeworth: Ace Attorney Investigations Vol 1 written by Kenji Kuroda and illustrated by Kazuo Maekawa is an exciting and thrilling mystery story that will keep all readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Miles Edgeworth, a suave and successful prosecutor who is a genius at solving the most baffling cases. He is joined by his assistant, the clumsy and silly, but also loveable Dick Gumshoe. Featuring beautiful art that faithfully recreates the style and atmosphere of the original video games, as well as a large number of unique and fascinating characters, this is a novel that will please both fans of the series as well as all newcomers.
Well written and engaging this is a perfect novel to start with if you are new to reading Japanese Manga.

The IRC currently has the first three volumes of this great series. Make sure you come in to the IRC to grab this and other great new Manga novels!

Student ID Cards
Could all students please remember to bring their Student card to the Library when they are borrowing novels or textbooks. This will make the process easier and more efficient.

Overdue books
Overdue notices will be sent out this week. If any students require a printed list of their loans please speak to Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith.
This year the IRC has introduced a new overdue policy. Students who do not return their books after receiving their third notice as well as an email will be invoiced for a replacement copy.
All invoices will still stand if books are returned after this final date.

Mrs Annette Comiskey & Mr Michael Smith
Senior IRC Library Team

Disability Provisions for the HSC

Schools Guide - Disability Provisions_0.jpg

In order to create a level playing field for all of our students in the Higher School Certificate Examination, Disability Provisions are available to a small number of students in Year 12 with documented medical or learning difficulties. Disability Provisions may include the use of reader writers, withdrawal, rest breaks and occasionally, for extraordinary circumstances, extra time.

NESA requires detailed evidence before provisions are granted for certain conditions. This documentation must be dated no earlier than the beginning of Term 4.

If you believe that your student may be eligible, please contact myself or the College for details of NESA requirements.

Disability Provisions may be available even though your student has not accessed provisions before if you can provide sufficient documentation.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding Disability Provisions.

Mrs Julie Smythe
Learning Support Co-ordinator - Senior School

Year 8 Visual Arts

IMG_3953.JPG

IMG_3955.JPG

IMG_3954.JPG

IMG_3956.JPG

IMG_3957.JPG

IMG_3960.JPG

IMG_3962.JPG

IMG_3958.JPG

IMG_3963.JPG

IMG_3964.JPG

Students were instructed to render tonal areas (dark, medium and light) with no strong outlines, so that the animals look as if they are emerging from the darkness. In these beautiful chalk drawings on black paper, students have excelled themselves, creating tonal modulation and the texture of fur and feathers. Congratulations to the following students whose outstanding work is featured here.

Aedan B, Callum W, Reena A, Bronti C, Emily H, Ellie D, Brendon D, Deborah A, Zane F, Stevan B, David G, Zoe H, Nyah M, Natasha S, Phillip T, Marcus C, Simon E, Kate I, Anthony M, Gabriella D, Denim N.

Mrs Cheryl O’Mara
Secondary Creative Arts Teacher

The Hub

PIC1_0.jpg

pic2.jpg

pic3.jpg

pic4.jpg

pic5.jpg

pic6.jpg

pic7.jpg

pic8.jpg

These students have their major performance exam coming up at the end of this term, so this was a great opportunity for them to practice performing their pieces.

Good luck in your exams next week Year 11!

Mr Byron Mark
Manager of Ensembles

Performing ArtsBack to Top

Essentially Ellington

PIC4.jpg

PIC2.jpg

PIC6.jpg

PIC7.jpg

PIC9.jpg

PIC11.jpg

PIC10.jpg

PIC 8.jpg

This is an excellent touring program from New York City, where two professional musicians visit Australia as part of the ‘Down Under’ tour, representing the Jazz Academy program at the Lincoln Centre. Our students had the opportunity to perform a 20 minute set for these musicians, and then we had a 30 minute workshop with amazing drummer Jerome Jennings. He had some positive feedback and insight for our students, and brought a great energy in his education to the students. Our students also loved his American accent!

PIC3.jpg

The event was held at the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Our students had the privilege of warming up in one of their professional practice rooms, equipped with state of the art equipment, and then performed in one of their recital halls.

Overall, this was a great experience for our students; performing in a great inspiring environment, receiving professional advice from American musicians, and watching other schools perform as well. They even got to watch the Sydney Conservatorium Big Band rehearse at lunchtime in the con café, which was excellent!

Well done everyone!

Mr Byron Mark
Manager of Ensembles

2018 MISA Debating Competition Update

GenericDebating002.jpg

Each of the Year 7 and Year 8 MISA Debating teams succeeded against their counterparts from St Francis Catholic College on Tuesday 11 September 2018, with fine shows of talent and experience.

Either team could therefore advance to a semi-final round, depending on overall results across the MISA Northern Region.

Please consider congratulating the following worthy debaters, should you have the opportunity to do so:

Year 7
Joshua C
Jacqueline F
Brendan F
Beatriz G
Charlotte S

Year 8
Reena A
Deborah A
Evan B
Brielle L
Panagiota M

SportBack to Top

Talented Athletes Program - Swimming

GenericSwimming002

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 extended the program to include an extra day for students to train.

Days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the College term (except public holidays)
Time: 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.

THAC TAP Swimming 2018 v1.pdf

15 years and under Secondary Boys Football program trials for 2019

Wanderers Senior Boys Soccer .jpg

Coach Sonny Makko

It has been a great year for the 15 years and Under Secondary Boys Football (Soccer) Program, with participating in a range of competitions; NASSA Football Gala Day, Bill Turner Cup, MISA Football and also the Wanderers’ Cup. Earlier in the year some of the boys joined the Opens team at the CIS Football Cup.

Trials for the 2019 Advanced Pathway Program - 15 years and Under Secondary Boys Football Program will be held this term:

Date: Tuesday 25 September

Time: 7.00am - 8.30am

Venue: College oval. If we have wet weather, trials will be held in the new Sports Complex (joggers to be worn)

Flyers are currently being printed with information regarding the program and an application form. These will be emailed to all eligible students and paper copies will be made available at Student Reception.

All boys who are 15 years and Under in Secondary School - Years 7 - 10 in 2019 are eligible to trial.

Current Year 6 boys wishing to join the program are also eligible to trial as they will be in Senior School next year.

The 2019 program commences in Term 4, 2018 and continues into Terms 1, 2 and 3, 2019.

For more information about the program, please contact Mrs Evans.

TAP Football Snr 2019 v2.pdf

TAP Football Snr Form 2019 v1.pdf

NASSA Volleyball Gala Day

7-9 Boys Action Shot.jpg

7-9 Boys Set.jpg

7-9 Boys Team.jpg

7-9 Girls Team.JPG

Girls Team

On Thursday 6 September, a number of secondary students travelled to Minto to participate in the annual NASSA Volleyball Gala Day. The year 7-9 girls team gave 100% and represented the College well, however, were unable to retain the trophy for another year. They finished 3^rd in their pool, and fifth overall. In the first rounds the team played Penrith Anglican College (0-3), Macarthur Anglican School (2-1) and Georges River Grammar School (3-2). We came away with 1 convincing win and 2 very close losses. The final game of the day saw the team come against Illawarra Grammar School which we defeated with a convincing 3-0 win. Congratulations to the girls who played every game with enthusiasm, energy and sportsmanship despite being short players on the day. Kassandra Bulaong showed great leadership on the day and was able to demonstrate exceptional skill throughout all the games. The team looks like they will be a formidable threat come next year, with each member demonstrating an increase in skill and strategy as the day progressed. A great day for all involved and we look forward to our next gala day. Thank you to the following girls who made up the team:

Kassandra B
Bianca C
Zoe H
Stephanie J
Ashleigh K
Emilia M
Ashley V

Boys Team

The team began their campaign wonderfully with victory over their 1^st opponent. Ably let by captain and chief motivator Matt D, the team were resolute in their defence with some great blocking from Max R, perfect setting from youngster Jai V, powerful spiking from Luka K, confident accurate serving from Daniel P and great teamwork all round. For the 2^nd match, our team narrowly lost 2 sets to 1 despite some great saves from the fast reflexes of Cooper C and some power hitting from Dusan S. Our 3^rd match was our best, with brilliant play and decimation of our highly touted opposition. Ethan S kept us in every point and Daniel M and Daniel P were clinical in their finishing. This victory secured our path to the semi-final where we got off to a flyer thanks to some great play from Matt D. Closing in on the first set, the team uncharacteristically stumbled, allowing them back into the set and then losing it in a tight affair. Despite some signs of a fight back, the rally never came as the team had difficulty shrugging off the disappointment of surrendering the first set and eventually the match. Finishing equal third, the team vow to reach loftier goals at the next opportunity.

Thank you to Mr. Butler and Ms. Mugridge who coached and refereed the teams.

Miss Lisa Close
Secondary Sports Coordinator

NSW Gymnastics State Championships

First Place

Floor Routine

Ribbon

IMG_7733.PNG

She competed in Level 9 Open for Rhythmic Gymnastics, including four apparatus; hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon. She placed in three out of the four apparatus and came first in the state for hoop. Michaela now has the opportunity to compete at Nationals in the National Clubs Carnival on the Gold Coast in early October.

Congratulations to Michaela on her outstanding effort and result in the competition.