Term 2 | The Way Newsletter | Friday 6 June 2025

I want to draw your attention to our student leaders.

We have many young people who are excellent role models in the College. I regularly witness the emerging leaders in our Junior School assemblies as the students introduce items, encourage award recipients and generally set a tone of excellence.

In the Senior School the Year 12 Captains and Prefects have welcomed visitors to the College, contributed to our Open Day and continued to present at whole College events. I receive multiple compliments and specific comments about the calibre of our leaders and the manner in which they conduct themselves. I am enormously proud of the students and want to share this with you all as you are raising remarkable young people.

This year, we have intentionally worked to shift our culture with the purpose of valuing student voice, and empowering our young leaders to make a difference. The College Captains and Vice-Captains have risen to this challenge with grace and determination. Each has spoken thoughtfully at Senior School assemblies, inspiring students from Years 7 through 12 to think deeply about perseverance, motivation, influence, and character. Their words have encouraged all of us to reflect on the choices before us and to consider how we "show up" each day matters.

What has been most inspiring, however, is the way these leaders have walked the talk. They have not shied away from opportunities to serve. Instead, they have modelled a genuine commitment to the College—seeking out ways to lift others up and create a sense of belonging for every student. They are leaving behind a significant legacy, one built on honesty, humility, and courage.

I also want to commend to you other student leaders. Those who lead sporting teams, represent in dance, debating, chapel, house events and in the classroom. We don’t need a title or a badge to be a true leader. Leadership is about upholding values and walking the talk with integrity. There are many capable students at Thomas Hassall.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." 
Philippians 2:3

The Parent Community Network is running a Krispy Kreme Fundraiser to support College community events, including the South West Festival.

Order some tasty treats for you and your family and pick them up directly from the College. Orders must be received by 10am on Monday 16 June. Late orders will not be accepted after this date to ensure delivery.

Orders will be ready to take home on Friday 27 June, the final day of term – a sweet way to celebrate the end of Term 2!

-12 Original Glazed Dozen: $26.00
- Assorted Dozen: $34.00 (4x Original Glazed, 2x Strawberry Sprinkles, 2x Choc Iced, 2x Strawberry Jam, 2x Choc Iced Custard)

Order online www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book

You are invited to attend MADE for Stage.

You're invited to come along to MADE For Stage on Wednesday 18 June at Thomas Hassall Anglican College. Experience a nostalgic live show featuring a dynamic repertoire of iconic film songs, recreating the magic of a classic drive-in, performed by Senior School music, dance, drama, art and entertainment students.

The visual arts display will start at 6pm and the performances will be from 7-9pm in the John Lambert Auditorium.

Tickets are $5 for a child and $10 for an adult. Children under 3 years of age are free. You can buy your tickets on our website www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book.

Are Children inherently Good inside? Are you inherently Good Inside?

In her book Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be, Dr. Becky Kennedy offers a transformative approach to parenting, emphasising connection, compassion, and self-awareness. As a school psychologist, I find her insights invaluable for fostering emotional resilience and positive behaviour in children.

Core Philosophy: Inherent Goodness
Dr. Kennedy's central premise is that both parents and children are inherently good. This perspective encourages parents to view challenging behaviours not as signs of a child's inherent badness but as indicators of unmet needs, lack of skills or struggles. By adopting this mindset, parents can respond with empathy and understanding, rather than frustration or punishment.

Empathy Over Discipline
Traditional parenting often emphasizes discipline and correction. In contrast, Dr. Kennedy advocates for prioritizing connection over consequence and skills building over consequences.  She suggests that when parents focus on understanding the emotions behind their children's behaviours, they can guide them more effectively. This approach fosters a supportive environment where children feel heard and valued. As parents, we can acknowledge, validate and permit our children’s emotions.

Practical Strategies for Parents
Good Inside provides actionable strategies for everyday parenting challenges:

- Emotion Coaching: Helping children identify and articulate their feelings promotes emotional intelligence and self-regulation.
- Repairing Ruptures: Acknowledging and addressing moments when the parent-child connection is strained strengthens trust and understanding.
- Setting Empathetic Boundaries: Establishing clear limits with compassion teaches children respect and responsibility.
- Encouraging Independence: Supporting children in making choices fosters confidence and autonomy.

The Role of Self-Compassion
Dr. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of self-compassion for parents. Recognizing one's own imperfections and practicing self-care are essential for maintaining emotional well-being. By modelling these behaviours, parents teach their children the value of self-respect and resilience.

Application in the School Setting
Implementing the principles from Good Inside can enhance the school experience for children. When parents and educators collaborate with a shared understanding of a child's emotional needs, they create a consistent and supportive environment. This partnership can lead to improved behavior, academic performance, and overall well-being.

Conclusion
Dr. Becky Kennedy's Good Inside offers a refreshing perspective on parenting, focusing on connection, empathy, and self-awareness. By embracing these principles, parents can navigate the challenges of raising emotionally healthy and resilient children. Incorporating these strategies into daily life can lead to more harmonious family dynamics and a positive school experience. For those interested in exploring these concepts further, Good Inside provides a comprehensive guide to becoming the parent you aspire to be.

It is available in hardcopy or audiobook.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions [email protected]

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling

What’s been happening in Year 8 lately?

This Term, Year 8 has been thinking about their future studies, particularly as they begin the process of selecting their two elective subjects for Years 9 and 10.

We really enjoyed meeting with parents and students at the Subject Selection Evening on 15 May. It was a pleasure to have informal conversations with many families over the sausage sizzle, and to see them explore each faculty’s display rooms, asking thoughtful and insightful questions about the elective subjects on offer. We are fortunate to have such a wide range of electives available here at the College, allowing students to find subjects that align with their interests and strengths.

Last Friday, we organised an interactive study skills workshop for Year 8 with Mr Corbett-Jones, the Director of Teaching and Learning. It is important that students develop practical approaches to study and revision at this stage of their schooling, so they can establish good habits before commencing the senior years of high school. Students explored effective strategies for learning and retaining information, including ‘distributed practice’ (revising regularly throughout the year rather than cramming), using flashcards, and completing practice questions. They were also encouraged to put their phones and devices away while studying to minimise distractions and use their time effectively. As part of the workshop, students began planning their weekly schedule and creating a study timetable. Please take the time to speak with your child about what they learned and how they can put these strategies into practice. The College’s free after-school Study Centre is also a valuable resource that we strongly recommend.

Our wellbeing focus this term has been on building and maintaining positive relationships. Students explored the qualities of healthy relationships and practised assertive communication, before turning their attention to how power imbalances can lead to bullying. They discussed real-life examples, reflected on their own experiences, and considered practical ways to use power positively and help reduce bullying in their communities.

It's been encouraging to see Year 8 engaging thoughtfully with both their academic planning and their personal development. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow in confidence, take on new challenges, and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Mr Samuel Mills and Mrs Roslyn Rodriguez
Year 8 Advisors

Our Year 10 Drama class recently took to the stage at Parramatta Riverside Theatre for the Sharp and Short Scriptwriting Competition, performing two original plays by Stella S and Nick L.

The rest of the class joined as cast, gaining valuable experience performing on a professional stage.

We’re excited to share that Stella’s play The Break Up Match was selected for the final, which takes place tonight. We wish her and the cast all the best as they return to Riverside for this special event.

Nick’s play The Waiting Room will continue its journey at MADE for Stage in Week 8. Tickets are now available here: MADE for Stage Tickets

Well done to all students involved!