Term 4 : Friday 14 December 2018

Isaac Watts (1674-1748) is best known for writing the song, Joy to the World. He wrote it, despite disliking church music because he thought it was dull. It was his father who gave him a challenge to do something about it.

This set Watts on a lifelong pursuit to write songs that praised Jesus and reminded Christians of their hope in his saving work on the cross. This is how he came to write the popular song that we sing at this time of year.

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One day he was reading Psalm 98, and verse 4 gripped him:

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
    burst into jubilant song with music.

And this is exactly what Watts set out to do with Joy to the World.

But even though its sung at Christmas it is not about the story of Jesus birth. It's actually the story about Christ’s return—his second coming.

You can see it in the lyrics. Verse 1 says;

Joy to the world! The Lord is come;

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare him room,

And heaven and nature sing

The earth did not receive Jesus, but like sheep, we went astray. But, there will be a day when this will not be so.

Verse 3 talks about sins and sorrows being no more:

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make his blessings flow

Far as the curse is found

If you have lived on this earth for more than two minutes, you know that this is not our current experience. But there will be a fulfillment of all Christ’s work that is not fully expressed this side of eternity. So we have hope. And that brings joy despite our circumstances.

The final verse says:

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of his righteousness,

And wonders of his love

These final lines speak of how the nations will take an active role in revealing the glory of God. That certainly isn't today, but that day will be wonderful! 

It's a wonderful song that can be sung at any time of year, even Christmas!

I pray that you and your family experience something of the joy expressed in this song that is found in Jesus.

Have a very blessed Christmas.

Rev Stuart Tye
College Chaplain

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.

Congratulations to Micheal Smith from the Senior IRC who was married on Saturday 1st December.  The happy couple are enjoying a lovely honeymoon in the United States.

Congratulations also to Rachel Raj (Junior School Teacher) who will marry Joey Stockinger tomorrow.

We wish both these couples well as they begin their lives together!

It was great to see the number of students who were honoured at these events along with with all the performances showcasing the array of talent we have here at the College.  The theme of Generation to Generation was very special highlighting and celebrating the diversity and richness of our College community.  

Thank you to all the staff and students for their efforts to bring these events together.  It was also lovely to see all the family and friends who came along to support and enjoy these occasions.

A wonderful way to end the College year.

2018 saw the dawn of a new project at Thomas Hassall Anglican College. Year 10 students tackled the challenging project of a cabinet with many working components. The components listed demonstrate the hard work and perseverance students needed to complete such a difficult project, and a first for the college.

• pine carcass with rebate on sides for secure assembly
• dovetail drawer carcass with student design choice for timber and decorative false front
• raised panel door for advanced students fitted with soft closing hinges (thanks Justin Macri from Metric Joinery for supply of soft closing door hinges)
• top mouldings with student design of edge pattern
• bottom mouldings with student design of edge pattern
• cabinet top with edge pattern matching top and bottom mould
• custom designed door and drawer handles for ease of access
• Inlay design using X-carve CNC machine
• complete assembly of all components using adhesive, screws and timber joiner

Each student documented a portfolio outlining research, selection of materials, industrial processes and safety used in the construction of the project. All student can be proud of their efforts, students who will continue with Industrial Technology timber next year, have gained experience and skill for future projects at the college. Thank you to Mr Stoker (cabinet design), Mr Reed and Mr Phelps for their input into the project.

Mr Justin Stoker
TAS Coordinator 

Congratulations to the following students for their hard work and efforts throughout the year.

Olivia S, Singing for Leisure, 1st Grade B+, Arjun Nair, Flute, A+, Lucas Lotorto, Piano Grade 2,  B+, 

Alex L, Piano Grade 1, B+, Michael M, Piano Grade 5, B,  Scarlet A, P played Piano, Level 2 and 3 completed.

The day started out quite chaotically for the THAC team with terrible traffic playing havoc with our arrival and preparation. This had an impact on the team, who subsequently dropped their first and earliest game against Cecil Hills High School 2-1.

However, the loss stunned the THAC boys into action, with the team notching up 3 wins in the rest of the group matches. Special mention must go to our strikers: Denim N and Justin V (who bagged a classy brace in our last pool match against William Clarke College).

Nevertheless, the early loss saw us go through as second in our group, which drew us against the highly-fancied Bossley Park High School in the quarter finals. Despite some early sniffs at goal and the heroic goal-keeping of Dusan S, the THAC team went down 3-0 to the eventual champions of the Tournament. Inspirational Coach Sonny Makko, always quick to spot the silver lining, keenly drew the boys’ attention to what they had achieved on the day and learnt as a result.

A special thanks to Sonny Makko and John Williams who coached these students throughout the year. Well done to all of them!

Miss Lisa Close
Senior School Sports Coordinator