Term 4 : Friday 26 October 2018

From the Principal
Principal Ross Whelan

You will remember that time if you are a parent.  Many students have already received notification of early entry to University; some also to apprenticeships and TAFE.

The Chairman of the College Council, Dr Geoff Huard and I will be sending you a letter next week to inform you regarding the direction for the College over the next few years.  We know the economic pressures for all of us and Dr Huard will write about fees for next year.  In addition we have a Strategic Plan document for your information and notice about a parent survey to assist the College leadership in terms of your opinions about our processes and practices.  I trust the documents will be helpful and you will be able to find time to read and respond to them. 

Today we have Part One of the Early Learning Athletics Carnival on the brand new oval.  What an occasion as you can imagine.  Small children on a very large oval makes for a great spectacle and we look forward to a lovely day.  Part Two for Prep, Years 1 & 2 will take place next week. 

Reporting season has commenced and teachers have begun the process to bring you a summary report of your child’s academic performance and contribution to the College for 2018.  You will receive reports in the last week or so of term.

Our Celebration program has expanded across the last few years and a letter was sent out to families of students in Prep to Year 2 earlier this week to indicate a special separate celebration for our youngest students, to be held during the day from this year.  We want to be able to accommodate all students and families in our programs and we trust this meets your needs also.

This weekend we hold a Junior School JAM Camp at the Anglican Campsites at Port Hacking.  JAM stands for Jesus and Me and the camp is a mix of lots of outdoor activities and some Christian talks in groups.  Many teachers attend and it’s a great weekend at this spring time of the year.

Thanks once again for your support of the College programs.

‘For him who is able to keep you from stumbling …to the only God our Saviour, be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ Jude 1: 24-25

Mr Ross Whelan
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
Roger Young

I understand that not everyone has enjoyed the same amount of rain, but we have certainly benefited and we are now enjoying the new growth and all the colour that typically arrives in spring. I hope you are enjoying this change of season.

Talking about the season. The 2018 HSC is underway, a new group of students have embarked upon their own HSC journey (2019), and all other students are preparing for their end of year examinations. Needless to say, this is a testing time for the students (sorry about the pun), and quite often there is an underlying tension in the air that might translate with your child being moody and anxious. We certainly find that some students find this time of the year difficult. This week I had an opportunity to share with students a verse from Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God”. This is an encouragement to “STOP”
and ‘look up’ and to take your eyes off all the worries and concerns that you might have and take some time to meditate on God in all his glory and power. When we do this, even for a few minutes, we can be refreshed and transformed in our view of the world. Let me encourage each of you to take some time to ‘be still’, before God and allow Him to take the load that so easily burdens each one of us.

This week the Year 12, 2019 students gathered, with their parents, to share in a Dedication Service. This has been a terrific opportunity to ‘be still’ and commit the year ahead to God and pray for both the journey ahead: for families and parents, for teachers and the students of Year 12. It was a terrific evening and helped to appreciate one another and refocus for the journey ahead. Thanks for all who were in attendance.

I have the pleasure of taking students for sport and this term we are rostered into the new Rawdon Middleton VC Sports Complex. It is such a privilege to teach in this space and spend some time enjoying the excellent facilities. The students responded really well and appreciate the blessing that this new facility brings. As I was on the courts umpiring and encouraging the teams I could look directly out and onto the beautiful, freshly mowed, green oval. This large open space provides a wonderful vista for a variety of activities to be undertaken. The new facility and the adjoining oval is now open for business. Exciting Days! My appreciation and thanks go out to the School Council and our Principal, Mr Whelan, who have led the charge in developing this new facility. In the months and years that are ahead there will be many individuals and communities across the College that will benefit from their legacy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we rush towards the end of the year there is still much to do. Planning for 2019 is well underway and there is a strong sense of purpose across the College as we look to the future. Thank you to each of you for your support and encouragement in the coming months.

 

Mr Roger Young
Deputy Principal - Senior School Student Development
Term 4 Important Dates

Term 4

Friday 26 October 2018 Prep & Kinder Tabloid Carnival
Thursday 1 November 2018 Prep, Year 1 & 2 Tabloid Carnival
Thursday 8 November 2018 Year 11 Parent Teacher Night
Friday  9 November 2018 Kindergarten Orientation - Existing Prep Students 
Monday 12 November 2018 Mid Term Break - Students Only
Wednesday 14 November 2018 Young Performers' Evening 
Thursday 15 November 2018 Kindergarten Orientation - New Students 2019
Friday 16 November 2018 Years 1-6 Orientation
Monday 19 November 2018 Senior Ensembles Evening 
Friday 23 November 2018 Kindergarten Orientation - All Students 
Tuesday 27 November 2018 Volunteers' Thank You Breakfast
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
Prep to Year 2 - 1-2:30pm
Years 3 - 6 - 6 - 7:30pm

Thursday 6 December 2018 Senior School Celebration - 7 - 9:00pm
Friday 7 December 2018 Last Day of Term 4
Transport - Student Cards

opal3.jpg

Opal Card
Opal Card

Applying for school travel passes has never been easier. The online process is thanks to a partnership the College has with Transport for NSW.

The application process has been simplified so new or updated applications for school travel passes are only needed when a student is:

  • Applying for school travel pass for the first time
  • Requesting an additional pass as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation
  • Changing school or campus
  • Changing home address
  • Receiving an expiry notification
  • Repeating a school year
  • Changing their name
  • Requesting a new transport operator

This means students who are progressing to Year 3 and 7 only need to reapply if they are changing circumstances.

Students who are not residents and are temporarily in Australia can provide their Visa subclass number when applying online, making the approval process much faster.

Apply today HERE. If you don't have internet access, call 131 500.

*Please note, do not throw out Opal cards - they are reusable.

2020 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 2020. 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 4 February 2019

Test Date: Saturday 23 February 2019

Application Fee: $100

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 2019.
  4. Online individual reports will be available to parents in April 2019.

 

If you have any questions please contact Mrs Amanda Low, Enrolments Co-ordinator on 9608 0033.

EventsBack to Top

Volunteers' Breakfast 2018

Please join us at our Volunteers' Breakfast on Tuesday 27 November commencing at 7:30am.

Please RSVP to Christine Klomp - [email protected] no later than Monday 19 November for catering purposes.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Click the link for more detail.


 

WellbeingBack to Top

Exam Stress

Exams create stress.. Students may experience it because:

  • They often need to learn and recall a large amount of information for an exam
  • Exams always have an element of uncertainty about them
  • They may need a particular exam result to gain entry into another course or career path.

It is useful to remind our children that this is only a small part of their life (even though it might not feel like it at the time). It won't last forever.

How can parents support their children to manage their stress?

One of the challenges as a parent is that exams are something your child has to do on their own. There are a number of ways parents can support their children as they work through their final exams at school.

You can support them by trying the following:

  • Have realistic expectations and don't push them too hard
  • Be constructive and positive
  • Encourage good sleep patterns and eating habits
  • Provide a quiet space for them to study and prepare 
  • Teach them the importance of study breaks
  • Encourage them to ask the teacher questions if they’re unsure
  • Help them know what to expect on the day of the exam
  • Help them be on time for the exam or arrive early
  • After the exam, listen to their concerns and avoid criticising them

Keeping things in perspective for students and parents alike, can help prevent everyone getting overwhelmed. Although this final year is important, it is not necessarily the most important year of your child's life.

Parents can provide support, not only emotionally, but also practically by keeping their child well-nourished and encouraging physical activity.

Students in their final year of school are considered a high-risk group for depression and anxiety. Sleep deprivation, diet and social media are some of the biggest issues faced by this group of teens. Therefore it is vitally important that a student's mental health is looked after as well as their physical health.

In this special report, parents will find useful tips to support their child during this often stressful time. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered here and we always welcome your feedback.If you do have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information.

Here is the link to your special report http://thac.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/year-12-exam-stress-special-report

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling

 

Source: SchoolTV

LearningBack to Top

News from the Senior IRC

The Senior IRC has recently launched its canvas page. As well as providing information on the latest Library news and competitions, students will also have access to HSC and career resources, Year 11 and 12 subject guides, a library catalogue guide as well as help with the Dewey Decimal System. Research hints and tips and bibliography help guides are also available. Lots of great resources are to be found on the IRC Canvas page!
For more information please speak to Mr Smith or Mrs Comiskey.

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. Any students who require a list of their loans need to speak to Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith.

Stocktake 2018
This year’s Library stocktake will be starting on Monday 12th November.  During this time the Library will be closed. The last day students can borrow will be Friday 2nd November. All students will need to have returned all of their Library loans no later than Friday 9th November. Any students who require a list of their loans need to speak to Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith.

What’s new on the shelf?
Master storyteller Scott Westerfeld returns to his Uglies world with a brilliant new series.
Impostors – Scott Westerfeld
“Frey and Rafi are inseparable . . . two edges of the same knife. But Frey's very existence is a secret.
Frey is Rafi’s twin sister—and her body double. Their powerful father has many enemies, and the world has grown dangerous as the old order falls apart. So while Rafi was raised to be the perfect daughter, Frey has been taught to kill. Her only purpose is to protect her sister, to sacrifice herself for Rafi if she must. When her father sends Frey in Rafi’s place as collateral in a precarious deal, she becomes the perfect impostor—as poised and charming as her sister. But Col, the son of a rival leader, is getting close enough to spot the killer inside her. As the deal starts to crumble, Frey must decide if she can trust him with the truth . . . and if she can risk becoming her own person.”

Imposters is the first installment in an exciting new series by bestselling author Scott Westerfeld best known for his ‘Uglies’ and Leviathan’ series. Set in the same universe as the ‘Uglies’ books, Imposters is a thrilling action packed story of political intrigue, rebellion and finding one’s identity. Featuring a unique and fascinating story, filled with twists and turns and compelling characters, this is a novel that will have all readers hooked from the very first page. With great fight sequences, futuristic sci-fi technologies and lots of hidden ‘Uglies’ Easter Eggs, Imposters is guaranteed to be loved by all fans of Scott Westerfeld and dystopian fiction. 
Come into the IRC today to borrow Imposters and other great novels by Scott Westerfeld!

Mrs Annette Comiskey & Mr Michael Smith
Senior IRC Library Team

Disability Provisions for Year 12

In order to create a level playing field in the Higher School Certificate Examination and Assessment, 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, rest breaks and occasionally, extra time.

Although NESA requires detailed evidence before provisions are granted for specific conditions, if you believe that your student maybe eligible, please contact the College and ask for Julie Smythe for details of NESA requirements.

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

Mrs Julie Smythe
Learning Support Co-ordinator - Senior School

 

 

 

Performing ArtsBack to Top

UOW Learning Labs

Are you passionate about Science, Philosophy, Cinematic Soundtracks, Documentary Making or other niche areas?

UOW are offering Extension Learning Activities in a variety of academic fields for students who are excelling within the particular subject area. These workshops are offered during the January School holidays and will be both challenging and fun. They are open to students in Years 7 - 10. 

There are some scholarships available through the university to cover the cost of the program.  

For more information follow the link :-

https://www.uow.edu.au/in2uni-myway/learninglabs/index.html

To successfully apply, you need to have achieved a Distinction or High Distinction in an academic competition, a top band in NAPLAN, or have a teacher complete a nomination letter.

Mrs Millie Pettett
Director of Learning Innovation 

Skills put to the test in Bronze Duke of Ed Blue Mountains hike

Things that build character, not just skills. On the Bronze Duke of Ed hike this last week, I saw the characters of the participants develop. Students were willingly sacrificing their own comfort to assist their fellow hikers. They would carry extra gear, check on each other, speak words of encouragement and struggle through difficult terrain to ensure that their group made it to their destination safely. Each of the students displayed perseverance and grit and it was a joy for me to watch and experience.

We left the starting point to head down towards Jellybean Pools in Glenbrook, Blue Mountains. Once at the pools we had to find a way up the mountain to hit the road. Much of the hike was like this – finding a route where there was no specific track or easy way. The students met this task head on with only a map and compass in hand and a heavy pack on their backs. The campfire debrief that night voiced many of the thoughts and feelings they had toward such an assignment. Students were thankful for their peers who helped them up and down steep terrain, for beautiful bush scenery and for the opportunity to challenge themselves in ways they had never before. Mr Gawthorne, fellow hiker and English teacher, said this of his experience of the hike:

“Descending with confident strides towards the Jellybean Pool, ascending suddenly into the sobering embrace of a hard climb, stomping through whipping bushland in blind reliance on compass bearings, stopping for an all-too-brief lunch beneath Kookaburras poised to dive, beginning our own dive down one side of a steep valley, watching the other side rise above us before hauling each other up it, and marching into our camp site at a brisk pace fuelled by weary satisfaction, all featured in our first day of the Bronze Qualification Hike. The views, challenges and open air all made for a thrilling experience, but the blessing of it was to share it with a bunch of Year 9 students who ate up every obstacle with good-humoured determination and genuine concern for each other. Even the somewhat extended course of our gorge crossing, the following day, seemed not so much an unplanned detour as another opportunity to prove mettle and forge friendships. All in all, this was a great hike and the students are commended for putting in to get that out. This will be a formidable cohort as they embark upon their bid for Silver next year.”

Thank you to Mr Williams, Mr Ward, Mr McCormack and Mr Gawthorne for accompanying us on the hike. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to hike with the Bronze Duke of Ed participants and I greatly look forward to seeing them back for Silver in 2019. I will be starting to advertise for new participants soon so Year 8, get ready!

Miss Niamh Friel.
Duke of Ed Coordinator.

Senior Ensembles Evening

The new date for this event is Monday 19 November.

Preparations are well underway, and all of our ensembles have an exciting program ready to showcase their efforts and achievements throughout this year. I sincerely ask that you please mark down Monday 19 November in your diaries for this event, which will run from 6pm – 8pm without intermission, (doors open from 5.40pm). This a wonderful experience that promotes the hard work of students in the program, and hope that many parents, family and friends can attend this event to celebrate the students’ achievements. 

The ensembles performing at this event are:

  • Senior Concert Band
  • Senior Stage Band
  • Contemporary Band
  • Senior Strings Ensemble
  • Senior Drum Circle
  • Senior Vocal Group
  • Saxophone Quartet
  • MISA Dance Troupe
  • Music Class 7.1

This evening will also be an opportunity to recognise selected students with awards for exemplary commitment to the ensemble program.  It will truly be a special night and I look forward to seeing you and your loved ones there.

Mr Byron Mark
Manager of Ensembles - Creative Arts

Manly Jazz Festival

The Senior Stage Band performed a 50 minute set at lunchtime to a large crowd of onlookers.

Our students performed to a very high standard, and it was great to see the size of the audience grow as our set progressed.

Three of our year 12 vocalists also featured with the Stage Band at the festival; Katrina F, Gemma N and Elissa P, which added a great variety to our repertoire that set us apart from other schools. 

Mr Byron Mark
Manager of Ensembles - Creative Arts

Berry Jazz Festival

On Saturday 6 October, Lachlan S (Piano), Liam P (tenor saxophone), Pierson F (bass), and Matthew S (drums) performed a 40 minute set at the Berry Bowling Club.

Mr Eric Dunan, organiser and manager of the schools stage at the festival was very impressed by the boys performance. Well done to all!

Mr Byron Mark
Manager of Ensembles - Creative Arts

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 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.

 

2019 - 15 years and under Secondary Boys Football program

Trials were held at the end of last term for the 2019 - 15 years and Under Secondary Boys Football Program.

All boys who are enrolled in Secondary School in 2019 and are 15 years and under are eligible to trial for the program.

If your son is interested in a position in the program please complete the attached flyer and return to Mrs Evans via email [email protected] 

Paper copies of the application form are available at Student Reception.

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

 

Term 4 MISA begins

This week began the first round of MISA competition. Due to the the vast amount of rain received over the past week, the local grounds were closed. The only game that occurred was the Year 7-9 basketball. The team saw great success and won theit game 33-19.

If your child is in a MISA team, please ensure they ask their coach when they train each week. If there are any questions regarding senior school sport, please contact [email protected]

Miss Lisa Close
Senior Sports Coordinator 

Term 4 College Sport

Sport commenced on the 16th October. On this day there were try outs for the 10-11 MISA AFL and Softball. Many MISA teams were training and utilised the new facilities at College. An amazing opportunity for students to have outstanding sporting facilities - true blessing

Below states the College sport for each year group for the term:

Team Sport
Year 7 Girls Dance/Bootcamp
Year 7 Boys European Handball
Year 8 Girls Basketball
Year 8 Boys Soccer
Year 9 Girls Ultimate Frisbee
Year 9 Boys Softball
Year 10 Girls Gym
Year 10 Boys Flag Football
Year 11 Girls Walk & Talk
Year 11 Boys Slider Hockey

If there are any questions regarding College sport for the term, please contact [email protected]

Miss Lisa Close
Senior School Sports Coordinator