Term 2 | The Way Newsletter | Friday 23 May 2025

Latest UpdatesBack to Top

From the Principal
Principal

The last two weeks at the College have been a vibrant celebration of learning, activity, and growth across many areas of school life. From future-focused planning to personal challenge and sporting success, our students have embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and excellence.

A highlight of the fortnight was our inaugural Careers Expo, which welcomed over 30 exhibitors from a diverse range of industries, training providers, and universities. Students from Years 10–12 had the chance to engage in meaningful conversations about potential pathways, ask questions, and gain insights into the many options available to them beyond school. The energy and curiosity shown by our students was outstanding and reflects the College’s commitment to preparing young people for a purposeful future. Many thanks to Mrs Maha Ghabriel for her leadership of the expo.

On the track and in the field, our Junior School students showcased their talents and house spirit at the annual Athletics Carnival. It was a day filled with cheering, competition, and camaraderie. Students gave their best in each event, and it was wonderful to see the encouragement and support they offered one another throughout the day. A huge thank you to our staff for their coordination and to our parent supporters who cheered from the sidelines.

Our Bronze Duke of Edinburgh students completed their first hike last weekend. The rain held off and the group successfully navigated walking tracks alongside a flowing stream. The challenges included slippery rocks and leeches, but the students were able to encourage one another and demonstrate perseverance and teamwork. I want to acknowledge the support and patient leadership of Mr David Catto and the staff who accompanied the students.

Photo week is next week. It is important that all students are presented in full winter uniform for their photos. Senior School students must wear their blazers.
Please note the following uniform and grooming expectations:

  • Girls should not be wearing false eyelashes or false nails.
  • Boys must be clean-shaven with appropriate haircuts.

We appreciate your support in maintaining the College’s high standards of presentation and pride in our uniform.

As I reflect on the efforts and achievements of our students, I am reminded of the encouragement found in Colossians 3:23 –
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
Mrs Karen Easton
Principal
From the Deputy Principal & Head of Senior School
David Butler

It was wonderful to speak with so many families at the recent Subject Selection evening. The new format and an opportunity to speak with staff in the John Flynn building was very well received. Students and families spoke very positively about the Morrisby reports which provided some additional guidance and information to help with the process. The Careers Expo the following day was an absolute hit. With informative sessions about several careers paths and with major universities, the police and defence forces represented, along with aviation industry companies and alumni who were able to answer questions about Physiotherapy, Nursing, Nida, Law and other pathways that had experienced, there was a wealth of information of our senior students to utilise. Many thanks must go to Mrs Ghabrial, Mr Corbett Jones and Ms Munro for all the effort and expertise in putting these elements together to aid students and families with the subject selection process.

I have had the pleasure of regularly touring classes with Mrs Long recently and we have seen some wonderfully creative and informative learning experiences going on in classrooms across the College. We stumbled into a cocktail party with Year 11 Music who were listening and providing important feedback to their peers on their most recent composition. We have seen Senior VET students completing competencies as they march towards certification, Senior Chemistry students in the midst of practical lessons involving siphoning off gases to perform tests on Lime water, Junior scientists learning the important classifications of rare species, language classes perfecting pronunciations, Commerce classes learning the art of political campaigning…and the list goes on. So many excellent opportunities in which to further their learning in state of the art classrooms. I hope that they come home and tell you about some of the new facts or techniques they have learned.

Stay dry and safe!

Mr David Butler
Deputy Principal & Head of Senior School
From the Chaplain
Denis Oliver

This weekend, I went on a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh hike with Year 9 through Ku-ring-gai National Park. It was quite a journey—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Honestly, I think a lot of us, myself included, wouldn’t have made it without the strength of being in a group.

I was deeply moved by several moments along the way.

More than once, I heard students say, “Where’s Mr. Oliver? Let’s wait for him.” I had fallen behind at times, and every time, someone noticed. When crossing mossy boulders across a stream, students reached out their hands to steady me or help me across. I was there to lead and supervise them—but they were taking care of me. It was humbling. I quietly thanked God, because in those moments, they truly saw me—not just as a teacher, but as a fellow traveller.

Near the end of the hike came the most powerful moment. The final stretch is a brutal 45-degree incline that climbs for several hundred metres. My joints ached, my muscles were burning, and every step felt heavy.

denis

Partway up, I saw two girls stopped on the side of the track. When I approached to see what was wrong, one of them was crying. She was completely exhausted, carrying a backpack almost as big as she was. My first instinct was to say, “Come on, we’re nearly there,” and encourage her to push through. But she looked so broken. And truthfully, I was exhausted too.

Then the Spirit nudged me.

I took her backpack, gave her my walking stick, and carried the load for her.

As we neared the top, one of the other teachers saw me struggling and took the weight from me. I was completely spent. But I was also deeply grateful.

Later, I reflected on Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” That verse came alive for me on the trail—through students and through colleagues

Life is hard. Wisdom reminds us we’re not meant to do it alone. We are meant to walk together.

Doing life together means truly seeing others - where they are, not just where we think they should be - and responding. Compassion isn’t a theory; it’s love in action. It’s costly. But the ability to give compassion comes from first receiving it.

Reverend Denis Oliver
College Chaplain
From the Senior School Director of Teaching and Learning
Jason CB

Exploring Future Pathways: Year 10 Students and the Morrisby Assessment 

Over the past week, a team of senior leaders has met individually with every Year 10 student to discuss the results of their Morrisby Assessment. For more than 50 years, schools across the globe have used this respected suite of psychometric assessments to help students better understand their strengths, interests, and potential career paths. 

The Morrisby Profile provides each student with a detailed insight into their aptitudes, career interests, preferred work and learning styles, and even suggestions for subject choices at school and university. This comprehensive profile becomes a lifelong tool—students retain unlimited access and can revisit their results or undertake further testing as their interests and goals evolve. 

jason

It has been a truly rewarding experience to see so many students energised by their results. For many, the profiles affirmed what they already knew about themselves; for others, the insights were unexpected and opened up exciting new possibilities. Most importantly, all students are now better equipped to make informed decisions about their future. 

The College is also pleased to offer the Morrisby Testing for Year 11 and 12 students for a small fee. Please be in touch with Mrs Gabriel for further information.  

These Morrisby conversations with Year 10 followed on from our newly revamped Subject Selection Information Evening and were complemented by a highly successful Career Open Day—another first for Thomas Hassall. Congratulations to Mrs Gabriel for her outstanding leadership in organising the day, and thank you to all staff, alumni, and guests who hosted stalls and contributed to the success of this inspiring event. 

Mr Jason Corbett-Jones
Director of Teaching & Learning - Senior School

Upcoming dates

Date Event
Monday 26 - Friday 30 May College Photo Week 
Monday 2 June Year 12 Technical Theatre Tour
Thursday 5 June The Anglican Schools Choral Festival - John Lambert Auditorium
Friday 6 June

Year 6 Parent Tour (Students stay in class)

Junior School Crazy Hair Day - Gold coin donation

Please see Sports Update articles for all important sporting dates.  
College Photo Week

College photos are taking place next week.

College Photos have been scheduled to take place from Monday 26 until Friday 30 May 2025. Don Wood Photography will be taking individual, cohort and sibling group photos at various times throughout the week. All students will have their photograph taken, however, the purchase of photographs is optional.

Junior School Uniform: 

  • Full College Winter uniform is to be worn by students rather than the Sports uniform.
  • Students will be photographed in their College blouse or shirt.
  • Their Bomber jackets and the College jumper will not be worn.
  • Girl’s hair must be completely tied back – no half up/half down styles. Please also note all hair accessories for Junior School must be red in colour, this includes ribbons and clips.

Senior School Uniform: 

  • Full College Winter uniform is to be worn by students rather than the Sports uniform.
  • Students will be photographed with their blazer as the outer layer and the College jumper will not be worn underneath the blazer.
  • Students may not be permitted to have their cohort and individual photos taken if girls have false eyelashes or excessive makeup and boys are not clean shaven.

Monday 26 May - Prep White & Red, Kindergarten, Years 1, 2 and 12 individual and class photos will occur.

Tuesday 27 May - Years 3 - 6 individual and class photos will occur.

Wednesday 28 May - Years 7 - 11 individual and grade photos will occur.

Thursday 29 May - Prep Blue and Prep Purple individual and class photos will occur.

Sibling photos will occur on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 May for most families, however, for families with children in Prep White & Red, sibling photos will be taken on Monday morning – 26 May.

If you wish to purchase a photograph package, this can be done via credit card by visiting www.donwoodphotography.com.au and entering the password emailed to you. 

If your child is absent on the day of their class photo, yet returns to school while Don Wood Photography are still at the College, then they may be able to have an individual photo taken if it can be arranged. Please ask them to report to the Student Reception to make arrangements.
Be Featured On Our New Website

Our College website is currently being refreshed, and we'd love to include voices from across our community.

We are inviting staff, students, past students and parents to share short testimonials or reflections about their experience at the College. Whether it’s about our teachers, facilities, musicals, learning programs, community, or anything else that’s left a lasting impression, we’d love to hear it.

These quotes will be featured across the new website to give future families a genuine insight into life at the College. Your first name and relation to the College (e.g. 'Year 6 parent' or 'Alumni 2015') will be included alongside your comment, but no photos will be used.

If you’re happy to share a few words, please fill out the short form below. You’re welcome to write as much or as little as you like, and you can comment on more than one area if you wish.

Thank you for helping us tell our story – through your words.

EventsBack to Top

South West Festival

Thomas Hassall Anglican College is very pleased to stage the South West Festival on Saturday 30 August 2025 from 10am-3pm - make sure you Save the Date. There is a great variety of international food stalls, carnival rides, children’s activities and workshops, pony rides, petting zoo, live music, market stalls, reptile interactive display and the renowned Motor Show - over 100 bikes and cars!

We are currently looking for Sponsorships and Prize Donations towards the festival. If you would be interested in promoting your business by becoming a sponsor and/or donor of the 2025 event, please contact the Community Relations team via email [email protected]. 

LearningBack to Top

Year 10 Update

Year 10 students have hit the ground running this term as they begin to seriously consider the next phase of their learning journey and prepare for their mid-course examinations. It has been particularly encouraging to hear about the diverse and rewarding experiences students had during their work experience placements at the end of Term 1, with many discovering a passion for their chosen industries.

The College continues to provide a wide range of opportunities and support for our Year 10 students as they explore potential future pathways, whether continuing their education at the College or venturing into the broader community. Ms Michelle Raft and I had the pleasure of conducting one-on-one Morrisby interviews with each student, where we discussed the results of the aptitude and interest testing completed at the end of Term 1. These conversations offered valuable insights into each student’s strengths, interests, and aspirations, and we thoroughly enjoyed learning more about this impressive cohort.

We strongly encourage all parents to review the Morrisby report with their child and explore the online resources available to help further refine the results. This collaborative process can greatly support students in making informed decisions about their future. Information on the Morrisby report and a link to webinar have been sent via email to support you in using this resource. 

careers

Complementing the Morrisby program was Thomas Hassall Anglican College’s first on-campus Careers Expo. Students had the opportunity to engage with representatives from universities, TAFEs, and a range of industries, gaining valuable information to assist in subject selection and planning for tertiary education pathways. We would like to acknowledge the outstanding effort and organisation that went into these two events and extend our sincere thanks to our Careers Advisor, Mrs Maha Ghabrial, for providing these valuable experiences for our Year 10 students. 

YEAR 10

Thank you to all families who attended our Subject Selection Evening. It was a pleasure to meet with you and discuss the subjects available in Years 11 and 12. We hope the evening was informative and has helped you feel confident and well-equipped to support your child in the next stage of their academic journey.

Finally, as the colder weather sets in, we’d like to remind families that we have now moved into winter uniform. Information regarding the winter uniform can be found on the College website.

Mr Benjamin Fracarossi
Year 10 Advisor
Term Two in Senior School Maths

It has been a busy first half of Term 2 in Maths. Lots of learning and lots of checking student understanding (aka assessment tasks).

These are the topics that Senior School have worked on so far this term:

  • Year 7 – Fractions and percentages
  • Year 8 – Algebraic techniques and index laws
  • Year 9 (A-Pathway) – Financial Mathematics
  • Year 9 (B-Pathway) – Right-angled triangles
  • Year 10 (A-Pathway) – Indices, exponentials and logarithms
  • Year 10 (B-Pathway) – Measurement
  • Year 11 Standard – Perimeter, area and volume
  • Year 11 Advanced and Extension 1 – Trigonometric functions
  • Year 12 Standard 2 – Annuities and Non-linear relationships
  • Year 12 Advanced – Trigonometric functions and Motion and rates
  • Year 12 Extension 1 – Vectors, Motion and rates and Projectile motion
  • Year 12 Extension 2 – Further integration

Upcoming assessment tasks:

  • Year 7 – Week 8
  • Year 8 – Week 8
  • Year 11 Standard and Advanced – Week 8
  • Year 12 Standard, Advanced and Extension 2 – Week 7
  • Year 12 Extension 1 – Week 5

Later this term, we will also have the opportunity to send a team of four students to participate in the HICES Mathematics Challenge 2025 and compete against students from other schools who have a passion for Mathematics and problem solving. Here is a photo of our team diligently working through some problems during our first training session together.

Math Challenge:

Can you prove that a2+b2=c2?

math

Mr Andrew Lim
Assistant Faculty Coordinator - Mathematics
Liverpool Council Student Representative Forum

Across term 1, students in Year 11 English considered Australian voices in literature to develop their own voice as authors of their own fiction and non-fiction texts. In response, students composed an excellent array of voices and experiences, experimenting with contemporary, historical, and diverse Australian perspectives in some unique and well-crafted short fiction pieces. The following is an outstanding piece from a Year 11 student that appropriates an indigenous voice to explore the historical experiences of cultural and familial isolation experienced by many Australians during the period of state-led displacement of children.

Sole and Soil

Plants are long-lasting beings, but they are not immortal. As long as the dead ends of a plant were cut
off, it would rejuvenate and bloom into a streak of green, with such brilliance that it would be near
impossible to discern whether it had been transformed into something, anything that would preserve its
vitality. The land itself knew this, and sacrificed its form again and again to endure the never-ending
cycle of existence. Nobody knew what the first eucalyptus looked like.

But as much as Marli knew this, she was victim to the torment of curiosity, reaching for a conclusion that
would never be within her grasp as she carefully plucked the brittle branches, salvaging what still
remained. Her ngamayi’s voice was an engulfing warmth that overtook her, guiding her wrists and
steadying her hesitant hands, as if she were actually holding them. She relished in its pretentious
comfort, swallowing every last remnant of the sense of normalcy she gained from its touch.
The voice hollowed out like a dying symphony, and Marli had plucked every last branch from the
eucalyptus. Its stalk stood alone, hinging between life and death.

A dramatic thud pulled her consciousness from the stream of thought, directing her eyes to the source of
the sound. A pair of white sneakers sat atop the lush grass, dropped by the woman she now called
mother. The woman’s eyes squinted as her pupils were drawn to the stalk, before resigning to rest upon
Marli’s figure hunched over it, as if to instinctively protect it from her scrutiny.

Marli understood the silent request immediately, one that was made far too many times beforehand.
She was all too aware of how her mother’s eyes briefly paused over the dirt that clung to the soles of her
feet, and the enervated exhale through her nose that carried a world’s worth of suppressed disciplines.
Her fingers lingered on the sneakers’ rim, assessing the thickness of the synthetic that would disconnect
her body and the ground. The soles would undoubtedly dull her senses.

Yet, she clasped the rim’s circumference as she systematically drew towards the nearby tap. The
movement of her limbs felt rigid as she walked, stubborn to follow her will as she twisted the handle.
The sloshing water poured out in uneven spurts and splattered on her feet. She scrubbed the crevices of
her feet meticulously, snuffing out the contumacious residues of the earth that stained them.
Marli stood there for a moment, saturated with a prolonged feeling of discomfort with the exposition of
her naked feet, scrubbed bare and left raw. Perhaps it was this very feeling that drew people to enshroud
themselves, to conceal that vulnerability. Perhaps that was why eucalyptuses evolved to envelop their
frangibility with a blanket of leaves, as a means of protection from the unforgiving nature of the land.
And so, the girl followed suit.

As she slipped her feet into the unfamiliar rubber insoles, she noticed a twinge of elevation that
distanced her from the ground by the smallest amount. But it was a distance she could no longer close.
Her gaze lingered on the eucalyptus, its stripped stalk standing motionless, before turning away. With
each step, the earth grew quieter beneath her, muffled by the soles, until the plant was a mere shadow
behind her.

- D.P (Year 11 student)

Mr John Williams
Assistant Faculty Coordinator - English

Senior School Sports Update

Bill Turner Cup Girls

On Wednesday, our Under 15s Bill Turner Girls football team took on Georges River Grammar in wet and challenging conditions. Despite the rain, the team played with fierce determination and outstanding teamwork to secure a 2–1 victory. Their hard work and focus earned them a well-deserved place in the next round, where they’ll face their next opponent with finals in sight. Good luck to the team as they push forward in the competition! 

AICES Football Championships - A record number of students selected to attend CIS Football Championships. 

On Tuesday the 13th May we had the Boys and Girls AICES Football Trials where our students were a part of the CASA Team. The girls did exceptionally well and a big congratulations to Sara E who has now been selected in the AICES Team. 

The boys also had a fantastic day, winning the entire tournament! We had a record number of boys make the AICES team which is a testament to the talent and determination they have for Football. Congratulations Jy K, Christian J, Matias S,  Ryder W, Jonathan F, Stefan B and Adrian T! We wish you all the best at the CIS Football Tournament next week. 

Football

CASA Cross Country Carnival

The CASA Cross Country carnival saw our long distance runners come up against some fierce competitors in the Co-Educational Anglican Schools Association (CASA). We had a record number of students place in the top 10 who will now progress to compete at the AICES Cross Country Carnival. Congratulations to:

  • Sofia M
  • Leah H
  • Laura M
  • Dante C
  • James S
  • Domenico B
  • Thomas T
  • Alessandro C
  • Paul D
  • Onrey R
  • Samuel D

cross country

We also had 3 “teams” progress. This is a FIRST for Thomas Hassall. To have “teams” progress means that we had the fastest 4 students in the age group when compared to the rest of the CASA schools. 

Congratulations to the following teams! 
12 Year old Female Team Sofia M
Asha R
Yanna S
Bianca K
13 Year Old Male Team James S
Domenico B
Matias L
Blake F
17 Year Old Male Team Onrey R
Samuel D
Daniel H
Henry L


CIS Netball - Congratulations Ella Webster!

Ella W had an incredible day at the CIS U15s Netball Gala Day. Her exceptional talent and athleticism shined throughout the day and as a result, she was selected into the CIS Team! This makes her one of the best mid court players amongst all U15s girls in every Independent/private school across all of NSW. I am incredibly proud of this well deserved achievement and wish her all the best at the All Schools Netball Gala day in the coming weeks. 

CIS Netball

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Sports Academy Leader, Dayla Tikeri who was the coach of the AICES Team and an instrumental part of their success on the day with the team finishing as runners up. We thank her for all her hard work running our Sports Academy and also leading our netball program at Thomas Hassall. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

WEEK 5

 Thursday 29 May AICES Cross Country
Friday 30 May CASA 7-9 Volleyball Gala Day

WEEK 6

 

 Push Up Challenge Begins!!!!! 
Wednesday 4 June Training for CASA Athletics with Coach Rob Begins

WEEK 7

 Friday 13 June Year 8-9, 10-12 CASA Netball Gala Day

WEEK 8

 Wednesday 18 June 10-12 CASA Volleyball Gala Day

Mrs Irene Focas
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator
Thomas Hassall Joins the Push-Up Challenge

At Thomas Hassall Anglican College, we're preparing to take on a powerful national initiative — the Push-Up Challenge. Set to kick off in Week 6, this challenge goes far beyond physical strength; it’s a movement aimed at raising vital awareness for mental health and wellbeing across Australia.

Over 23 days, participants are encouraged to complete 3,249 push-ups. Why that specific number? Because it represents the number of lives tragically lost to suicide in Australia in 2022 — a sobering statistic that underscores just how important mental health conversations are.

To mark our involvement, we’ll be hosting a special lunchtime event on the Tuesday of Week 6 where students will face off against staff in a friendly push-up competition. But make no mistake — this isn’t about proving who’s strongest. It’s about coming together as a community, standing in solidarity, and showing that support for mental health matters.

Whether you’re knocking out a single push-up or pushing through a hundred, what counts is your willingness to get involved. Every push-up becomes a symbol — a message that says, “We care. We see you. We’re here.”

Let’s use this opportunity to support each other, spark real conversations, and push for change. We’ll see you in Week 6 — ready to make a difference, one push-up at a time.

Mr Luke Robinson
Director of Co-curricular

Co-curricularBack to Top

Co-Curricular Update

Our co-curricular program continues to offer students a rich variety of opportunities to grow, lead, and thrive beyond the classroom. Here's a look at what’s been happening across the College over the past fortnight:

Duke of Edinburgh – Bronze Hike

Last weekend marked a significant milestone for our Year 9 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh students, as they completed their first overnight hike through the beautiful but challenging Ku-ring-gai National Park. The group navigated rugged terrain, demonstrated strong teamwork, and showed excellent perseverance as they tackled the track.

dukes

When I visited the campsite on Friday evening, I was greeted by tired but smiling faces – students who were clearly proud of what they’d accomplished. This first expedition has set a strong foundation for what will be a formative journey ahead as they continue their Duke of Ed adventure. A heartfelt thank you to Mr Catto, Mr Graham, and all the staff volunteers whose time, encouragement, and support made this experience possible.

dukes 2

Debating

Debating continues to go from strength to strength, with our students competing across both HICES and MISA competitions. While our HICES teams are deep into their rounds, we are especially excited about the performance of our Year 9 and 10 MISA teams, who have just progressed to the quarterfinals. The Year 10 team in particular has earned the top seed in their half of the bracket, giving them a strong strategic advantage. Their success is a testament to their careful preparation, quick thinking, and confident delivery.

Performing Arts – MADE for Stage & 2026 Musical Tease

Excitement is building across the College as we prepare for MADE for Stage, our celebrated biennial performing arts showcase. Students in music, dance, and drama have been rehearsing with great passion and energy, and the show promises to be a powerful celebration of student creativity and talent.
Adding to the buzz, we’re thrilled to announce that the 2026 College Musical will be officially revealed on the night! In the lead-up to the announcement, the auditorium foyer is being transformed into a “guessing gallery,” featuring a wall of posters from iconic musicals – one of which will be the show we’re staging. Each day, one poster will be removed, narrowing the field until the big reveal. 

After-School Programs

Our after-school co-curricular offerings are thriving, giving students opportunities to explore interests and build friendships in a relaxed and fun environment. This week I visited the Junior Boys Football program where the students were immersed in a self-run Mini World Cup tournament. National pride was on the line as teams battled through group stages and finals. The grand final ended in a draw and was decided in a tense penalty shootout – complete with cheers, near misses, and a dramatic finish. It was a wonderful reminder of the joy and camaraderie that co-curricular sport brings.

We look forward to the weeks ahead as more opportunities unfold and our students continue to flourish through these rich co-curricular experiences.

Mr Luke Robinson
Director of Co-curricular

CommunityBack to Top

Youth Vaping Prevention Study

The University of Newcastle are looking for families who are interested in taking part in a study to prevent youth from vaping. For more information you can visit this link www.vapingpreventionstudy.com or scan the QR code on the flyer below. 

study

 
The Way we connect

The Way We Connect – Keeping Our Community Informed

If you have a question or suggestion, you can submit it using the form below. This will be a regular feature in our newsletter, helping to keep our community informed.

Please note that while not every submission will receive a direct reply, we will ensure recurring topics are addressed in a way that benefits everyone.

Got a question? Submit it via the button below—your input helps shape what we share!