Bulletin Edition - Senior School | Thomas Hassall Anglican College

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A number of high level carnivals take place. Gifted athletes in our sporting programs compete at IPSSO, MISA and NASSA; some at AICES and CIS; a smaller number at the All Schools events at PSSA and then to the Nationals. Talented athletes from the College are able to represent the nation, and this year we have already acknowledged the exceptional talent of our Year 11 student Michael Ruhs who captained the Australian All Schools Football Team.

The sporting programs taking place after hours in the Rawdon Middleton Sports are operating at maximum numbers and students do well to put their names down for the next season. Programs in Basketball, Futsal, Football, Sprint Training and Dance are all on offer. Our Music program has been growing too and the College is very busy in the after school hours most days.

This week Dr Gawthorne will host the Debating Event for HICES Schools (the Independent Co-educational Schools). Some 200 students with teachers and many parents in attendance will compete in a debating event and our own teams look well prepared.

Are you booked in for the annual Movie Night Under the Stars event? It’s for the whole family and will take place on Friday week, 22 March from 6pm. Food is available for purchase or you can bring your own picnic (no alcohol please) to enjoy on the Oval under the stars. We are looking forward to watching the movie ‘Sherlock Gnomes’. It will be a great night – why not come along?

Lots of parents and staff are enjoying our Café in the MRK each Thursday and Friday from 7.30am. It’s proving to be a great morning with excellent coffee too! There’s an opportunity for an informal conversation and catch up at the end of the week. Drop your children off and take a few minutes to the join the crowd.

At the end of this first term we will have a team of experienced educators spend 3 days at the College as part of the Review by our parent body, the Anglican Schools Corporation. Staff, students and parents took part in a broad survey about the College late last year. The visit in a few weeks’ time will allow the team to experience the College first hand. A detailed report with observations and recommendations will then be prepared for the College Council and Senior Team. We will bring a report back to the Community in Term 2. This is a process that takes place every 5 years.

The new Kindy Centre is close to completion. Great joy for teachers and students in Kindy and Year 3.

Thanks for your continued support. Let me bring news of our next project in the coming weeks.

‘Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.’ 1 Corinthians 13:7-8

Mr Ross Whelan

Principal

From the Deputy Principal

If you walk around at this time the College is a hive of activity. Last night the ASSA Speed Program was underway with a full contingent of participants. Expert training to increase the speed and agility of each athlete. This process also aims at maximizing each athlete’s explosive speed and changing direction in a way that is safe and minimizes risk of injury. Some of our best athletes were present and this input will further hone their skills. Basketball and soccer sessions were underway at the same time. On other nights the dance program is in full swing with students happily engaged in various styles of dance from hip hop to jazz and modern. I see many smiling faces after students exit the dance studio. On any given afternoon the various music ensembles meet or groups engaged in extension classes, construction or co-curricular activities that include debating. Thank you to the parents who are able to support the College and their children in these activities.

The academic year is well underway and very soon there will be a flow of assessments due to be handed in, topic tests to be studied for, and a number of competing interests in the lives of our students. Despite the rise in stress levels and more focused activity, it is fair to say that this assessment is part of school life that is here to stay. Assessments indicate to teachers, students and parents just how the student is going in that particular subject or unit of work. It is an indication of the mastery of skills and knowledge or an understanding of the complex concepts that students have accumulated over a period of time. However, for some student’s assessment are very challenging; the degree of difficulty might even affect the way in which they engage, or disengage, with school. If students are struggling then it is very important to find strategies and opportunities to support them. For a student learning to swim we don’t ask them to jump in the deep end and expect them save themselves. If that were the case it would be very difficult to get that student back into the pool. Dealing with challenges at school can be very similar. We have a number of structures in place to support students, but we are best served when there is a team approach. This includes, College staff, parents at home and the student themselves, committing to a program of improvement that will overcome the barriers and enable success over time. This is not easy fix; it takes patience and perseverance. Assessments and test results give each stakeholder important feedback that can be used to make adjustments. It is very sensible at this point for parents to sit down with their child to ensure that they are on top of all of their assessments and homework. One of the very important resources provided from the College are the Assessment Booklets provided for each Year Group. These booklets outline: each major assessment task for each subject area; the week that the assessment is due and the weighting of the task. Keeping on top of the work may mean that students keep to a study schedule or alternatively make a commitment to attend our Study Centre. Using the feedback effectively does take a commitment to work. Working consistently helps to lay down a solid foundation for the future.

As I walk across to the Study Centre I am pleased to see the number of students accessing assistance from the various tutors. The commitment to the Study Centre is one of the important resources that the College provides on behalf of our community. If you have concerns or questions around any of these topics then please bring these to the scheduled parent teacher nights and we will try to assist you as best we can. Look forward to having you join us on these nights.

Mr Roger Young

Deputy Principal - Senior School Student Development

From the College Chaplain

Jono and Josh - Ordained 16 Feb 2019

I remember being asked many times as a youngster: “What do you want to do when you grow up?’’ My first answer to that question was to be a bus driver. I thought that was the best job there could be, until I thought I might be a train driver! Playing drivers was one of my favourite childhood activities. Being a teacher, ordained minister and school chaplain did not formulate until much later.

I was thrilled to learn that two of our past graduates, Jonathan Ward (2006) and Joshua Ord (2009), have recently been ordained as Deacons within the Anglican Church of Australia, Sydney Diocese. This follows their decision to pursue full time Christian ministry as their vocation, with both working as Assistant Ministers in Anglican churches in the Blue Mountains. Our own Mr Ward, father of Jono, commented that “It was a very happy occasion as we saw Jonathan off on this important and chosen path in life which will not be easy but will give him the opportunity to use his gifts to help others know the light and life of the gospel and find hope and help in a troubled world.”

Would you to join in praying for God’s blessings as they seek to serve God faithfully now and in the future? Not all are called to serve in full time ordained Christian ministry, as most Christians seek to serve God in the everyday nature of work, church and family life. I am encouraged, however, by the stand these two Thomas Hassall men have made to publicly commit their lives to serving God and others. It causes me to recommit myself as well.

Have you ever wondered what is the focus and legacy of your own work? Our students are encouraged to pursue excellence in the areas of learning, wisdom and service. While our own personal and professional development is important, have you ever wondered what it’s all for? We all have the opportunity to live lives in God’s service and that of our neighbour.

I am reminded in Matthew’s Gospel that Jesus shared about himself: “…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”(Matt 20:28). As we journey towards Easter, might we be even more conscious of how we live in response to Jesus’ sacrificial service on the cross of Calvary.

Rev Jim Dayhew
College Chaplain

A New Baby Girl

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Congratulations to Mr Luke Coulton and his wife Alex who welcomed their little girl Lara Adelaide Leah born at 12.21am last Tuesday morning weighing in at 3.924kg.

We are thrilled with this news and praise God for the safe arrival of Lara. We wish their family blessings now and always.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow."

Movie Night Under the Stars - Everyone is Welcome

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Bring a blanket, some chairs and the family for a fun whole College Event. We will have a range of Food Trucks selling food and drinks on the night.

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Term 1 Important Dates

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Wed - Fri	13 - 15 March	Year 6 Camp
Friday	22 March	Movie Night Under the Stars from 6pm
Wednesday	27 March	Year 7 & 12 Parent Teacher Interviews
Monday	1 April	Year 9 & 11 Parent Teacher Interviews
Thursday	4 April	Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews
Friday	5 April	Senior School Cross Country Carnival
Monday	8 April	Year 8 & 10 Parent Teacher Interviews
Tuesday	9 April	Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews
Thursday	11 April	Junior School Easter Hat Parade
Friday	12 April	Last day of Term 1

* Please note we have postponed the Dad's Day in the Canteen due to the fact that we would like to run it in line with the footy season for a bit more atmosphere and fun. We will be running our Easter events in the last week of Term so this already makes for a busy time for students and staff.

LearningBack to Top

Year 12 PARTY Program Excursion

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The P.A.R.T.Y Program stands for Prevent Alcohol and Risk related Trauma in Youth. The program is an interactive injury prevention and health promotion program specifically designed for young people aged 15 to 19 years of age. The goal of the program is to provide young people with information about trauma injury that will enable them to recognise potential injury producing situations, particularly related to alcohol and risk taking, help make prevention orientated choices and to adopt behaviours that minimise unnecessary risk.

The students spent the day with various trauma services at Liverpool Hospital. They had the opportunity to meet with ED doctors and nurses, ICU nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, allied health professionals, trauma nurses and patients. Students were confronted with real life examples, simulated clinical scenarios and were exposed to the journey of a trauma patient. In addition, they learnt about the various types of trauma injuries, rehabilitation and equipment used while in trauma care. The highlight of the excursion was hearing from a young man called Josh who was involved in a car crash in 2016 that was preventable. He was able to powerfully convey the horrendous impact the trauma has had and continues to have on his life. He lives in Gosford and travelled 3 hours on the train each way to speak to the students for 30 minutes. It was a privilege to hear from him with the key message of the day resonating with students, “live once, think twice”.

A big thank you to Mrs Nevenka Francis, College parent, Area Trauma Clinical Nurse Consultant and P.A.R.T.Y Program Coordinator at Liverpool Hospital who conducted and organised the program on the day. Mrs Francis was so passionate when she spoke about how good decisions can lead to preventing horrific trauma occurring, particularly in motor vehicle crashes. The program was professionally run, super organised, dynamic, and relevant, and greatly impacted the students.

Some of the reflections from Year 12 students can be read below.

Mr Hugh Renshaw
Head of Senior School

Year 12 Student Reflections

“The excursion was a once in a lifetime experience. Despite being quite overwhelming and confronting at times, it was very eye-opening and left an everlasting impact on me. It allowed me to see the extent to which rash decisions can impact not just our lives, but the lives of people around us. By seeing and hearing the confronting stories throughout the day, it undoubtedly put things in perspective for me. I definitely left the excursion a wiser and more educated individual who was reminded of the importance of making smart decisions and being safe”.

“The P.A.R.T.Y program not only thoroughly informed me about the dangers of risk taking and how this could affect my life and the people around me as a result of a split second decision, but the program also put me in life like scenarios which gave me a deeper understanding of how it would feel to be in a dangerous situation. Giving me a sense of the long recover time this could have on one’s life. The P.A.R.T.Y program deepened my respect towards the men and women that work in the hospitals who are surrounded by the result of a bad decision every day, leaving me in awe”.

“The PARTY program was a great educational experience which taught me about the consequences associated with risk taking behaviour. It really put things into perspective, showing me how one bad choice can change my life. I highly recommend this excursion to anyone as it is a great learning experience that may benefit someone one day”.

News from the Senior IRC

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War and Resistance – Sophie Masson
‘Inspired by the words of her father, the celebrated journalist Louis Jullian, 12 year old Sasha feels she must find a way to stand up to the Nazi terror, in the shadow of a world at war. Hitler’s blitzkrieg results in the surrender of France and Sasha and her family flee Paris – learning firsthand the brutality of war – and how acts of resistance, no matter how small can make a difference. In their occupied country, fraternising with the enemy is frowned upon. It only gets more complicated when Sasha meets Dieter, a member of the Hitler Youth and the son of her father’s friend. How can Sasha know who to trust when the enemy becomes a friend?’

Four Dead Queens – Astrid Scholte
“Four queens. A divided nation. A ruthless pickpocket. A noble messenger. And the murders that unite them.”
‘Seventeen year old Keralie is one of Quadara’s most skilled thieves, but when she steals an unexpectedly valuable package from a messenger she is soon entangled in a conspiracy that leads to all four of Quadara’s queens being murdered. With no other choices and on the run from her former employer, Keralie teams up with Varin, the Eonist messenger she stole from, and together they race to discover who has killed the queens. But when dark secrets threaten their reluctant partnership and put everything at stake, Keralie and Varin must use all their daring to stay alive and untangle the mysteries behind the four dead queens.’

Tomodachi: the forest of the Night – Simon Higgins
‘Shipwrecked at the far end of the world in a land at war. Befriended by runaways fated to harrowing paths. In constant danger from warriors, bandits and superstitious villagers who take his blue eyes and pale skin as proof that he’s a demon… Young Daniel Marlowe and his Japanese ‘Tomodachi,’ his friends, Otsu and Kenji, are about to stumble into a stomach knotting adventure where a ferocious public test of samurai virtue and a murder investigation will collide. Their hazardous journey promises answers. The hope of being reunited, the risk of confirming loss. But the spirit world has its own part to play in their destinies for someone or something waits watchfully in the ancient Forest of the Night.’

These are just three of the many new books that have arrived in the IRC! Check out the new books stand for all the latest titles!

Book Wars – Help decide the fate of a genre!
The Book Wars competition will be starting in the IRC next week! Lots of great prizes to be won! For more information please see Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith.

Overdue notices
Overdue notices have been sent out. 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 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

Dart Board Cabinet en Pointe

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Students had a brief, a set of plans and a cutting list to work from. They were also asked to be creative and add their own touch when using CNC routing to decorate their piece.

Students installed hinges, dart and chalk holders, as well as painting their own black board. They also used contact adhesive to glue cork inside the back panel.

Congratulations to each student for their determination to finish such a difficult project.

Mr Justin Stoker
Coordinator of TAS

Our oldest University voted Number 1 in Australia

Uniquely beautiful old world feel with modern facilities.

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This helps them to achieve a depth of thought and insight that is highly prized by employers.

In this first article of a series covering outstanding examples of tertiary learning campuses in Australia, we begin with Sydney University that is proudly celebrating a recent Quilt Ranking vote of being the best University in Australia across a wide range of criteria and the fifth best in the world for graduate employability. It is within the 50 top Universities in the world. Why?

One of the first things to note is that it has done its homework very well on what employers are looking for. This is most instructive to educators in secondary school who are laying down strategic plans to address curriculum priorities. All students should note very carefully the hierarchical list of need that Sydney University has devised:

Effective verbal and written communication skills. This timeless priority leads the list and reminds us of the crucial importance of English prose and Scientific report precision.
Interpersonal Skills - the ability to network and harmonize for effective product. We all need to practise relating to different types of personalities in positive ways.
Analytical and Problem Solving Skills. Are we really curious, creative and persistent in seeking solutions or do we get by on the bare minimum?
Teamwork - do we know our place, functions and gifts and willingly share to find solutions?..There is not much room for loners in the brave new world of technological progress.
Initiative - do we wait for others to get started or are we a self starter?
Information and Digital Literacy - where and how do we look for what we need when one google hit might give us a million possibilities in a second? How do we harness Hi Tech tools for a modern workplace?
Planning and Organisation - where and how do we go next and how does this relate to the big picture of ultimate aims?

The next aspect driving the new success of this University is its commitment to gaining experience in the work place and especially overseas where students will become more aware of where they fit in terms of globalisation and how to harness its advantages and appreciate cultural difference. The aim is for at least 50% of all students to study overseas as part of their degree program and there is massive resourcing available to achieve this now. There are over 300 international educational places in 42 different countries partnering with the University to achieve this and more than 320,000 alumni available to guide and encourage!

Another aspect of this wonderful University, for which it is renown, is the development of maturity and resilience of its students with vibrant campus life. There are over 200 clubs and societies to enrich students and assist in building the leadership and employability qualities that are needed in the modern workplace.

A very new initiative at Sydney University that is proving popular with students is assessing part of the degree on real life projects where valuable problem solving experience can be gained and positive assistance to areas of need rendered.

One of the most important features of Sydney University though is curriculum and degree pattern flexibility. There are over 400 areas of study to choose from and a degree schedule can be built up on these that not only meets societal need but allows for individual interests and specialities. A much more highly motivated and well rounded graduate is the result.

All of this adds up to excellent prospects of employment for Sydney University graduates. Although quite a high ATAR is required for admission there are various pathways for entry and a place at Sydney University is not beyond the student of average ability who works very hard. Discussion with a Careers Advisor and looking at the website can assist in admission strategy.

Mr Jim Ward
Careers Advisor

Performing ArtsBack to Top

Kokoda Trek 2020

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It is a journey that would challenge even the most fit bushwalkers as we follow the path of the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea on which Australia and Japan engaged in bitter warfare during World War II. It is an unforgiving and rugged wilderness that previous students of the college describe as an unforgettable and a challenging experience. During the June/July holidays in 2020, Thomas Hassall Anglican College will once again embark on this journey and we are now putting out the call for all current Year 9/10 students and parents who are interested in embarking on this journey with us.

We will spend 11 days in Papua New Guinea, emersing ourselves within the culture of local village life and hear about the history of the battles that were fought to gain a deeper understanding of the warfare that took place so close to our country. There will be an initial student meeting during lunch on Thursday 14th March for students and this will be followed up with a parent meeting of all interested students towards the end of term 1.

All enquiries can be directed to Mr Kaye in L2 or via email: [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there.

Mr Phillip Kaye
Kokoda Coordinator & Director of Welfare (Senior Years)

College Open Day

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As well as many solo, duo, trio and quintet performances, the Junior Choir, Junior Strings Ensemble, Senior Vocal Group also performed, and all performers did an excellent job. Many thanks to all of our student performers, and please make sure you look at all of the photos to see all of our other students in action!

Mr Byron Mark
Director of Ensembles

Senior Assembly Performance

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A trio from Year 8 performed ‘Not About Angels’ by Birdy, featuring Annika G on vocals, Josh Cook on guitar and Tahlia K on piano. Our senior funk/fusion band ‘Integration’ also performed a funky instrumental piece from the 1970’s by The Meters called ‘Cissy Strut’, featuring Liam P (tenor saxophone), Lachlan S (piano and melodica), Cat D (electric guitar), Pierson F (bass) and Matthew S (drums).

Well done to all of these students for a great performance.

Mr Byron Mark
Director of Ensembles

Craft Club

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Over the last two weeks, we have had between 18 to 22 students in attendance. We have snacks and music playing to get that creative energy flowing.

Our next craft project will be Text Mex picture frames, again using recycled materials.

Mrs Julie Smythe
Faculty Co-ordinator - Learning Support (Senior School)

SportBack to Top

Tennis Gala Day

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The teams played a round robin competition against seven schools in the NASSA gala day.

The boys started strongly defeating Georges River Grammar. In the second round, against Macarthur Anglican College, they drew, but won on count back. In the third round they went down to St Luke's Grammar. Hence, the boys finished second in their pool and played Wollondilly Anglican College in the decider for overall third place. The boys played valiantly, however, after a whole day of tennis, unfortunately went down, finishing in fourth position.

The girls hard a tough first round playing The Illawarra Grammar School but bounced back in the second round to beat Wollondilly Anglican College. In the third round they went down in a tight match to Georges River Grammar so just missed out in playing the finals.

Both the girls and boys teams played with great enthusiasm and sportsmanship and represented the college well.

Well done to all the players involved: Ana, Emilia, Saniya, Zoe, Adrian, Robbie, Stevan and Sebastian.

Special mention to Daniel and Cooper who did a great job of umpiring all day in the heat.

A special mention also to Michael Fox and Daniel Mahoney for organising a great competition.

Mr Brad Warton
Tennis Coach

Basketball Development Program - Kinder - Year 9

Summer IPSSO new basketball

NASSA Basketball Gala Day

The College is excited to launch Basketball as an additional sport in the 2019 Talented Athlete Program. Utilising our new gymnasium and the experienced coaches from Camden Valley “Wildfire” Basketball Association, afternoon basketball development sessions will be offered to students.

The Basketball Development Program is offered to both boys and girls from Kinder to Year 9.

The one hour sessions are designed to improve the skill level of each individual and cater for all abilities.

Students will be involved in fun activities that develop skills and promote understanding of the game. There are no trials for this program.

All sessions will occur from 3.00 – 4.00pm and will be conducted in the new sports facility.

* Tuesday - Year 1 - Year 4 Program

* Wednesday - Year 2 - Year 6 Program

* Thursday - Kinder - Year 2 Program

* Friday - Year 6 - Year 9 Secondary Program

THAC TAP Basketball brochure 2019.pdf

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

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sports Coordinator

2019 Secondary School Football programs

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Coach Sonny Makko

Advanced Pathway Program - Secondary Boys - 15 years and under in 2019

The 15 years and Under Secondary Boys Football Program commenced training in Term 4 last year and will continue the program until the end of Term Three.

Training for 2019 has begun and the team are preparing for the upcoming Bill Turner Cup.

Football Development Program - for girls and boys

Positions are available for Secondary girls and boys to join the Football Development Program on Tuesday afternoons - 3.00 - 4.00pm.

There are no trials for this program, which commenced in Week Three of Term One, 2019.

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

TAP Football Snr 2019 v2.pdf

TAP Football Snr Form 2019 v1.pdf

NASSA Senior Swimming Championships

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It was exciting to see each athlete competing with pride and sportsmanship.

Our swim team set three new NASSA records on the evening. These impressive performances came from the Junior Relays. The team of Cooper S, Travis S, Jai V and Matthew V beat the previous record for the 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay by two seconds and the 4 x 50m Medley Relay by an incredible six seconds. Mathew also went on to set a new record for the 14 Years 50m Breaststroke. Well done on some outstanding performances!

One of the highlights of the carnival was the Boys 6 x 50m 12 – 18 years Freestyle Relay. Our all age team had a tie for third place early in the evening and had to have a swim off to qualify for AICES. The students showed a great sense of tenacity to come back from behind in the swim off to qualify by point one of a second.

We wish the following students good luck as they represent Thomas Hassall Anglican College and NASSA at the AICES Championships on Tuesday 26 March 2019:

Mia T	Mathew V
Cooper S	Evan B
Jai V	Brianna A
Travis S	Luka K
Calan N	Jayden S

Mr Michael Fox
Senior School Sports Coordinator

CommunityBack to Top

Why not join the Wildfires?

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The winter season will be played at Thomas Hassall Anglican College. The season (including trial weeks) will be 16 weeks in length. Season runs until August.

DAY AND DATES OF COMPETITION:
The competition will be played on Friday evenings & all day Saturday’s. Generally there will be no games during School holidays. The first 1 to 2 weeks will act as trial games to finalise teams with the competition proper commencing after the trial games.

Click the link for more details

Term 1: Tuesday 12 March 2019