Term 1 I The Way Newsletter I Friday 05 April 2024

Latest UpdatesBack to Top

From the Principal
Karen Easton - Principal

This is the last edition of The Way for Term 1 and I want to start by thanking everyone for a fabulous start to the year. We have enjoyed so many opportunities to showcase different talents in classrooms, sporting activities and creative thinking.

Term 2 will begin with the musical The Little Mermaid and we are very much looking forward to being transported ‘under the sea’ and being enchanted by the hard work of all involved. A large number of tickets have already been sold – and some shows are nearly booked out. It promises to be an excellent production so please make sure you purchase your tickets now.

The school holidays are on the horizon and traditionally we see these weeks as an opportunity to relax and refresh. I think these are also great times to think ahead and to try something new. My challenge is often to look for the miracles in every day and rejoice in the many wonders that we are so blessed to have in Australia. Time with friends, watching a movie, reading a book can all offer new insights and different perspectives that encourage us to step outside our own experiences. This is equally true for our children. Can I encourage you to limit screen time and go outside? Learning a new skill, playing sport or attempting a new recipe with your family can be a pleasant change in pace.

I wish you all a safe and restful break and look forward to hearing from the students the many experiences they have had and what they have learned through these times.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.

Psalm 23:1-3

Mrs Karen Easton
Principal
From the Deputy Principal - Senior School Development
David Butler

If you are a fan of as many sports as I am, you are always hearing about the 1% er’s: the intangibles that don’t show up on the box scores. I think within a school context, we have an overwhelming number of 1% er’s. These are the little things that happen within the course of any given day for teachers, parents and students that can make the difference between a thriving learning community and a school that I/ my children go to or work at!

I have been engaging with the students and staff of the College about greeting one another in the hallways and playgrounds. Encouraging us all to acknowledge those we pass in our community with a greeting or some eye contact and a head nod. This helps us feel connected and part of a community. I have been greatly encouraged by students that in response to teachers greeting them and asking them how they are, actually enquire as to how the teacher has been going! This is the start of forming good connections across the College! 

Other 1% er’s might include: the way we interact at the canteen, lining up for a bus, the way we conduct ourselves in the formal setting of an assembly, our conduct on an excursion or camp, the language that we use in person or via email or online, the way we keep our campus beautiful, the way we get alongside a student who is sitting by themselves or a student or teacher who is having a difficult day, it’s our attention to detail in the use of the College diary or lockers, our ability to accept responsibility when we are called to account for something we need to improve in. What have I missed? What would you put on the list of 1% er’s that can characterise a community and with small shifts can improve the level of excellence?

I think there is a challenge before all of us. I think we should engage about these items as teachers, parents and students. I am encouraged by the student voice group who raise items with the College leadership. I am pleased to receive emails from parents who have suggestions and feedback. I am also mindful that in our Junior School, we have fabulous programs like Manners Matters that help guide us as a community to ensure we are being respectful of one another. In Senior School, we address character through our assemblies, or chapels, our wellbeing programs, our camps, our classes and our reports – but I am starting to wonder if we need to be even more intentional about maintaining manners through the Senior School years.

What are you finding at home in regards to the 1% er’s and the ability of your children to interact with adults or people outside of your family pleasantly and appropriately? Are they getting better at it or are they removing themselves from these type of interactions? I am mindful that by Year 10, we need our students out engaging with adults in a professional context and I want them to be equipped to do so. Hopefully as parents you are regularly setting them tasks to get them ready: can they order the dinner on behalf of the family? Can they engage with adults at a club or church morning tea? Can they speak with aunts and uncles in a welcoming and engaging manner? Thanks for continuing to find these opportunities for your young people and for engaging with the College in partnership if we approach you about this area. It is definitely going to be a team effort to equip them to thrive and out staff are greatly appreciative of your help and support!

Mr David Butler
Deputy Principal - Senior School Learning
From The Chaplain
Denis Oliver

REMBRANDT AND JESUS

I'm excited to share that I'll be joining a group of students on a journey to Italy and France. My anticipation for visiting the Louvre, especially as a fan of Rembrandt, is palpable. Interestingly, did you know that many of Rembrandt's masterpieces were initially crafted by apprentices in his workshop? It's fascinating how, at times, these apprentices would deliver work so akin to Rembrandt's style that minimal adjustments were required from the master himself. Conversely, there were occasions where Rembrandt had to extensively rework pieces due to the incompetence of the apprentices. Still, amidst these varied outcomes, there was always the hope among the apprentices for their work to be deemed satisfactory, even to the point where Rembrandt might say, "It's right just as it is."

Reflecting on this, I'm reminded of our relationship with Christ as described in Ephesians 2:10.

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephes 2:10)

Just as Rembrandt worked on his apprentices' creations, we are God's handiwork, crafted in Christ Jesus for good works. As Christian parents, we serve as apprentices of Christ in nurturing and guiding our children towards spiritual maturity. We must embrace our role with confidence in Christ's ability to rectify our shortcomings.

Expanding on this analogy, we can view ourselves as masterpieces in progress, with Christ as the divine artist continually shaping us (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Like Rembrandt with his apprentices, Jesus mentors us in the art of discipleship, expecting us to imitate and propagate His teachings.

In essence, our journey with Christ mirrors that of an apprentice under a master artist. With each day, we undergo transformation, sometimes profound and sometimes subtle, as Christ meticulously works on His masterpiece—us.

Reverend Denis Oliver
College Chaplain
From the Director of Student Wellbeing - Senior School
Director of Student Wellbeing

In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. While it offers numerous benefits, it also poses certain risks, especially for our children. As educators, we believe it is crucial to equip parents with the knowledge and strategies to help their children navigate the online world safely. Over the next few terms, we will be exploring positive relationships online as well as offline. In the Senior School, we have several presenters coming into our different year groups including Brainstorm Productions, Police liaison officers, YourChoicez who, along with our regular wellbeing program, all try and equip students to build resilience and positive connections. Some of the topics they will cover are anti-bullying, cyber safety, anxiety, and mental health.

You may find the following strategies helpful when helping your child navigate the difficulties of online social media during the holidays and into next term:

  1. Open Communication: Establish an open and honest line of communication with your child. Encourage them to share their online experiences and concerns with you.
  2. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish rules and guidelines for your child's social media use. Discuss appropriate online behavior, time limits, and the importance of privacy.
  3. Monitor Online Activity: Regularly monitor your child's online activity. Familiarise yourself with the platforms they use and understand their privacy settings.
  4. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest social media trends, apps, and games. This will enable you to have meaningful conversations with your child and address any potential risks.
  5. Encourage Critical Thinking: Teach your child to think critically about the content they encounter online. Help them differentiate between reliable sources and misinformation.
  6. Report and Block: Teach your child how to report and block any inappropriate or abusive content or individuals they come across online. Most social media platforms have built-in reporting features. You can also report abuse or illegal and restricted online content via the eSafety website  https://www.esafety.gov.au/report  

Remember, your involvement and guidance play a crucial role in ensuring your child's online safety. By working together, we can create a safer digital environment for young people.

Here are some additional strategies that you can discuss with your child on how to remain safe online:

  1. Protect Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal information, such as your full name, address, phone number, or school, with strangers online. Be cautious when filling out online forms or surveys.
  2. Use Strong Passwords: Create strong and unique passwords for your online accounts. Avoid using easily guessable information like your name or birthdate. Remember to change your passwords regularly.
  3. Think Before You Share: Before posting or sharing anything online, think about the potential consequences. Be mindful of the content you share and consider how it may affect your reputation or the feelings of others.
  4. Be Wary of Strangers: Be cautious when interacting with strangers online. Remember that not everyone may have good intentions. Avoid meeting someone you only know from the internet without parental permission.
  5. Report and Block: If you come across any inappropriate or abusive content or individuals online, report it to a trusted adult or use the platform's reporting feature. Block anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable.
  6. Balance Screen Time: While the internet offers endless possibilities, it's important to find a balance between online and offline activities. Make time for hobbies, physical exercise, and spending time with family and friends.

As always, if you are concerned about the wellbeing of your child, we’d very much appreciate hearing from you. Please reach out and make contact via your child’s Year Advisor, or if more urgent there is contact information on the College website for connecting with the College Counselling Team.

Dr Anna Nalla
Director of Student Wellbeing - Senior School

The Little Mermaid

Dive into the enchanting world beneath the sea with The Little Mermaid, a magical Disney musical that's making waves on Broadway is now on stage at Thomas Hassall Anglican College!

Based on the beloved Disney film and the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, this sparkling production tells the story of Ariel, a beautiful young mermaid who dreams of life above the waves. But to make her dreams a reality, Ariel must defy her father, the sea king, escape the clutches of an evil sea witch, and capture the heart of a prince.

Featuring unforgettable songs like "Part of Your World," "Kiss the Girl," and the Academy Award-winning "Under the Sea," composed by the legendary Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, The Little Mermaid promises an unforgettable journey filled with adventure for audiences of all ages.

For 2 weeks only - 6 shows:

Friday 3 May 2024 | 7pm

Saturday 4 May 2024 | 1.30pm & 7pm

Friday 10 May 2024 | 7pm

Saturday 11 May 2024 | 1.30pm & 7pm

Click here to purchase tickets

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

 

PLATINUM

Sponsors  

 

 

 

Sponsors

 

 
GOLD

 

sponsors

 sponsors
sponsors

 

sponsors
SILVER

 

Storm International

 

 

Devine Building

 
BRONZE

 

La Rumbla Ristorante

 
College Awards

To receive an award is a recognition to your hard work, excellence and service in the College. 

Congratulations to the following Junior School assembly merit award recipients:

Junior School Awards

 

Congratulations to the following Senior School Bronze & Gold SRS award recipients:

Senior School

 

WellbeingBack to Top

Friendship and Belonging

We are almost at the end of the first term and it is common for parents to touch base with their children and just check if they have friends. 

“The ability to obtain, maintain and retain friendships is, according to all the childhood psychologists in the whole wide world, the greatest predictor of wellbeing. Having a rich repertoire of friends is a true indicator of whether your child is travelling ok.” Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

How do you support your child if they are struggling to make friends? To answer this question, click on this link.

friendship


Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling

LearningBack to Top

Year 7 Trivia Challenge

Our Year 7 Pastoral Care groups have been assisted by our Year 11 Peer Support leaders this term. These Peer Support sessions aim to support each students' well-being by helping them orientate life in Senior School. Year 7 have greatly appreciated the wisdom and guidance of the student leaders. Additionally, seeing some familiar faces around the College further encourages a sense of belonging in Senior School.

The student leaders hosted a special Pastoral Care Trivia Challenge event where each of our Pastoral Care groups competed against each other in a battle of wits and knowledge. A huge thank you to our Year 11 student leaders for their leadership and service. The winner of the Challenge was Liddell 2 boys - congratulations! The students are looking forward to a rematch next term.  

Peer Support

Mr Samuel Mills
Year 7 Advisor, History and Christian Studies Teacher


 

 
Year 10 Food Technology

In the following photographs, students have demonstrated their knowledge of food presentation and styling, as they apply the techniques of garnishing and photography that they have learnt in the past term. Each student has been able to individually showcase their understanding of the topic, as they present various dishes and use different garnishes to enhance the presentation of the dish, where these photos they have taken will be handed in as part of their assignment. Being able to present a dish that is pleasing to the eye is a fundamental skill that can be used in everyday life. Food Technology as an elective is a great opportunity for students to gain insight into nutritional health and well-being.

Learning about food photography and styling in class was an enjoyable and enlightening experience. It not only provided practical skills but also deepened my appreciation for the creativity and artistry involved in capturing food at its best. One of the highlights of the class was the hands-on approach when it came to applying practical skills. While preparing for our assessment, we were able to apply the principles of lighting, composition, and styling, while utilising food and props to enhance the look of the dish. - Nora M

One thing I learnt from making this vegan and plant based dish was how simple healthy eating can be. It has motivated me to make more healthier dishes in the future and has helped me get creative when eating healthy. - Hannah T

This term we did the food styling and food presentation assessment. My partner and I decided to make Warm Zucchini and Haloumi Salad with Yogurt Drizzle. I enjoyed experimenting with the presentation for this assessment as I have never tried to present a salad before so it was like a new challenge. We also had to make a video of our process so experimenting with different styles was very enjoyable - Malaika L

food tech

Mrs Tania van der Schyff
Senior School TAS Teacher

 
Creating fabric Monster

This term Stage 4 Textiles Technology have been busy working towards creating a soft fabric Monster.  The process for creating this project starts with creating Mood boards in Canva. Year 7 collected a wide range of ideas from sources such as, image stills from the Monsters INC Movie and colour ways and patterns from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. The Mood boards have utilised colour, shape, pattern and texture to clearly define the direction their unique Monster design will take. Below are some lovely examples of mood boards created.

textiles

Mrs Justine Mutch
TAS Teacher



 
Food and Agriculture

This term in Food and Agriculture, our class have been learning about the six major nutrients, how to maintain gardening, the importance in safety hygiene, indigenous fire management and Australian produce. By learning this, we are enhancing our skill set and contributing more efficiently for a wider span of educational practices. During our practical lessons, 8.3 have been exploring many recipes and using new skills to create dishes like chocolate truffles, san choy bow, vegetable muffins and soon a fruit salad for our upcoming practical assessment. We have enjoyed being out in the garden and learning to care for our plants.

Food eTch

Sara E
Student in Year 8
The value of the writing process!

'If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There's no way around these two things that I'm aware of, no shortcut.'  - Stephen King, author

Year 7 and 8 have been involved in a long-term writing process activity throughout this term. Year 7 has focused on both imaginative and persuasive writing, drawing inspiration from the novel, Trash by Andy Mulligan. Year 8 has had a narrative writing focus, exploring both fiction and non-fiction, and have read a number of short autobiographical texts, as well as using Classical mythology to spark ideas for an appropriation of a well-known story. 

These texts have formed a portfolio of writing that demonstrates their skills in these forms at the Stage 4 level. Our students have been encouraged to consider writing as a process, that takes time and deliberate choices to craft their language and ideas. 

These deliberate decisions are also reflected on, as we introduce the students to an important step in any design process. Justifying their decisions in word choice, language features and structures used in each piece allows them to demonstrate that they know what makes effective writing, and develops their critical thinking skills. 

Their writing portfolios are coming together nicely, and parents should be able to see evidence of their drafts and proofreading efforts at this stage of the term. Portions of their portfolios will be formally submitted for assessment in the first half of Term 2, as a culmination of their hard work. 

One of my favourite parts of writing portfolios, as an English teacher, is to see the enjoyment and satisfaction of my students as they look back over their writing early in the year, or previous year, and discover just how much they have improved. I encourage parents to join us in celebrating the achievements in writing each student has had, as a way to motivate them towards further writing success in the future!

English

Mrs Roslyn Rodriguez
Secondary Teacher - English & Year 7 Advisor
Year 12 half way through

It is hard to believe that Year 12 students are already half way through the HSC course.  This term has been filled with vital information, encouraging the students to be organised with their work and assessments, and to finish their final year at the College well.

This week, HSC Mid-Course Examinations began and we are praying for all the students taking part.  We hope that they prepare thoroughly, write with clarity and do their best in every examination.

Next term, Year 12 students will be given the opportunity to take part in an HSC stress management course.  We encourage all students to opt-in to this program as it will be much needed and important information for students as their HSC journey continues. It was exciting to announce the dates for the Year 12 Payer Breakfast, Graduation and Formal this past week.  Please notes these dates for your reference.

Year 12


Miss Priya Sharma
Year 12 Advisor & HSIE Teacher

 
HSC Stress Management Workshop

HSC

To RSVP and book click here

Upcoming Senior School Sporting Events

 

Upcoming Sporting Events Term 1
Week 11 Tuesday 9 April

MISA Sport Trials
TERM 2
Week 3 Monday 13 May Senior School Athletics Carnival
Wednesday 15 May

AICES Football - Open Girls, 16s Boys
Thursday 16 May

AICECS Football U15 Girls, Open Boys
Week 4 Thursday 23 May CASA Cross Country Carnival 

Mrs Irene Focas
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator
Senior Cross Country

The Senior School Cross Country last week was a great day! Special mention to the following students who are the 2024 Age Champions and came first in their age groups.

12 Years
Emma Z, Caden K

13 Years
Ava R, Zac F

14 Years
Ella W, Ryder W

15 Years
Ayla S, Paul D

16 Years 
Elena B, Adrian T

17 Years
Laura M, Anthony G

18 Years
Zoe G, Cooper L

A HUGE Congratulations to Sara E and Adrian T for being crowned King and Queen of the Track! They were the fastest runners in our all age group race. We cannot wait to see what they achieve at the CASA Cross Country carnival in May. 

For all students who have qualified for CASA Cross Country, training will begin on Monday 8 April from 2:30pm - 3:30pm on the bottom oval. We are very pleased to announce that we have Coach Ruby Demasi joining us for these training sessions - she is a national champion with a vast amount of experience in Cross Country and Athletics. 

Cross Country

 

Cross Country

Cross Country

Mrs Irene Focas
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator
CIS Volleyball

Congratulations to Dante G for making it into the CIS Volleyball team - this means that he is one of the 12 best volleyball players in all independent schools across NSW.

We are very proud of him and wish him all the best as he competes at the All Schools Championships. 

Mrs Irene Focas
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator


 
MISA Term One

We had a great start to the year with our Term One MISA teams representing us extremely well! A tremendous season was had by all in true Thomas Hassall spirit. Our Girls Basketball team and Boys Softball team just missed out on first place. Whilst our Volleyball Teams took the win becoming the MISA Champions in what were some intense-nail-biting matches. Well done to all our students for their persistence, participation and team work!

Term 1 - MISA Players of the Term 

Basketball Girls

 Jessica M

Basketball Boys

 Jenson R
Volleyball Div 1 Girls

Seraphina T

Volleyball div 1 boys

Cris D

Softball boys

Rylan M

Cricket girls

Evangelina P

OzTag girls

Lillian E

OzTag boys

Anthony G

 

MISA Sport Trials - Student Sign Up now available: https://forms.gle/wnkSCsWyia872zys9

Term Two Sport Options are as follows: 

MISA

7-9 Girls Basketball

MISA

7-9 Boys Basketball

MISA

7-9 Mixed Frisbee

MISA

10-12 Girls Soccer

MISA

11-12 Boys Soccer

MISA

10-12 Boys Softball

MISA

11-12 Girls Netball

MISA

U15s Girls Rugby League

MISA

Debating

MISA

 Dance

Mrs Irene Focas
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator



 
CASA Netball

The CASA netball gala day was a great day for our under 15s and opens girls to compete against other schools within our region. Both teams displayed great sportsmanship and good development understanding of netball skills, it was a tough day but by the end the girls gelled well together in the semi finals. After all the round robin games, Milly G and Ella W were selected for possibles and probables to play in a series of games to make represent CASA at the AICES gala day. Congratulations to Ella W who was successful in making the under 15s team and will represent the college and CASA, we wish her all the best.

netball

Miss Dayla Tikeri 
Sports Administrator & TAP Coordinator
AICES Senior Swimming

A big congratulations to all students who represented the College today at the AICES swimming carnival!

It was a fantastic day of swimming, and the everyone showed fantastic application overall. 

 

swimming

Student Sport Spotlight

Oscar Q (Year 5) recently attended the MIRA Ice Skating (NSW) competition on Saturday 23 March. 

He came 3rd place in Solo Competition (trophy) and 3rd place of pairs (medal). 

Oscar will be going to Canberra to participating ACT Ice Skating competition this year.

Congratulations Oscar, what a fantastic achievement. 

Oscar Q

 

Has your child recently competed in a representative level?
We would love to share these results with our community. Please let us know via email community@thac.nsw.edu.au

CommunityBack to Top

Uniform Shop Holiday Hours

The Thomas Hassall Uniform Shop will close for the school holidays on Friday, 12 April 2024 at 3:30 pm, and will re-open on Monday, 22 April 2024.

The winter uniform changeover is the week after Mother’s Day (Monday 13 May), however, for Junior School, winter uniform is optional for the first two weeks of Term if it is cold.

Uniforms can be purchased in person or online. We recommend booking a fitting appointment online if you are a Year 7 student requiring a blazer.

Extended Holiday Trading Hours:

  • Monday, 22 April - 9:00am - 4:00pm
  • Wednesday, 24 April - 9:00am - 4:00pm
  • Friday, 26 April - 9:00am - 4:00pm
  • Monday, 29 April - 9:00am - 4:00pm

The uniform shop will return to normal hours on Wednesday 1 May 2024. 

Throughout the school term our opening hours are:

  • Monday - 7.00 am - 3.30 pm
  • Wednesday - 12.00 am - 6.00 pm
  • Friday - 7.00 am - 3.30 pm

 

Fitting Appointment

Uniform fittings are strictly by appointment only

Please use the link below to book an appointment

https://Midford.as.me/ThomasHassallAnglicanCollege

 

Online Store

Enjoy the convenience of online shopping.

Orders will be filled when the store is next open.

www.midford.com.au Passphrase: Thomas1997

Please contact the uniform shop:

Phone: 02 8776 1193

Email: THAC@midford.com.au
Holiday Programs
Football Holiday Program

Running from 22 - 24 and 26 of April from 8.30 - 2.30pm, this is an all-weather program that will take place at the College.

*Program will not run on ANZAC Day - Thursday 25 April

It is open to boys and girls aged 5-13 of all skill levels.

Students will participate in fun activities, game development and learn soccer skills from accredited coaches.

$65 per day or $240 for the week.

Book online now


CodeCamp

Join CodeCamp these School holidays where kids design, code, problem solve and become storytellers and creators of technology, by creating games, websites, music and videos or flying drones - in just 2-3 days! 

Tuesday 16 - Thursday 18 April. 

Book now

 

Motiv8 Sports

Held only once each year Super Camp is a sports festival designed just for kids. Way more than a sports dreamland, Super Camp is an energetic mix of sport, music, street culture, art and dance mashed up to create the ultimate atmosphere for kids who love having fun. Campers will be treated to an incredible array of our trademark team sports in an environment full of energy, motiv8tion and unbelievable guidance from our professional team of coaches.

8:30am-3:30pm daily - 15 & 16 April

For ages Kindy to Year 6
Book online

 

Cricket NSW 

Register Here

Cricket NSW

 

NRL League Stars

Register Here

NRL