Term 1 : Friday 2 February 2018

We have had a very smooth start to the year with our final Prep students joining us today. I love seeing the excitement and enthusiasm for learning in all our students. Our focus for the year is again having a growth mindset, embracing challenges and being positive in all that we do.

I would also like to introduce Mr Luke Sale who has replaced Mr Wheadon as Junior School Deputy. Mr Sale brings a wealth of experience both working as a leader in a school setting and as a trained social worker. He is well suited to working with students and families to solve issues that arise in the playground and to assist in any area of student wellbeing. Please feel free to contact him if you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing.

We also have a number of new staff to the College, Mrs Ferguson and Mr Howard in Year 3, Miss Sheahan and Miss Raj in Year 1 and Mrs Irwin in Kindergarten. We welcome them to the College and pray for them as they settle into life at Thomas Hassall. Mrs Ross is also returning to the College on Year 3.  Miss Cheon will be joining the Learning Support team this year.  

One of the exciting additions to our ICT program in Junior School is iPads in all K – 2 classrooms as well as more access to laptop devices. This will assist our younger students to develop their digital literacy skills. The students in 3 – 6 will continue to have access to a range of devices including one to one laptops in 5 and 6. Years 3 and 4 have both laptops and iPads.  

Another new initiative in the College is the introduction of a Spanish Language Program in Years 1 & 2.  This is the start of an extensive language program that will benefit all students P-6.  Mrs Viviana Morris is an experienced language teacher who brings a depth of knowledge and love of language to he Junior School.  

The best outcomes for students is always achieved when school and the family work closely together. One of the strengths of Thomas Hassall is this partnership.  We value each of you and I encourage you to make sure we keep the communication lines open at all times. Your first point of contact is, of course, the classroom teacher but there are many other members of staff willing to help. Please take every opportunity to be involved in your child’s day to day life at College, share with us your joys as well as your concerns. 2018 is going to be great year.

Welcome to our new Junior School Staff 2018.jpg

You will be pleased to know that the 129 students who sat for the HSC have all received results to establish very positive futures. While 85% intend to pursue University and tertiary study, and others to apprenticeships and work, all students will be well placed going forward.

The highest ATAR was recorded by Cameron Eggins with a result of 99.75.  Cameron along with Jemima Leslie have been listed as HSC All-Round Achievers by NESA for 2017.  Georgia Cosier placed 7^th in the State for Music.  Sophia Kovac received a High Distinction for her Society & Culture PIP placing her in the Top 10 of NSW.  

These 4 students deserve special mention and Year 12 families and staff will be rightly pleased for every student. Some of the highlights include the following:

• Top ATAR: 99.75 to Cameron Eggins who is also Dux of the College for 2017.
• HSC All Rounders – awarded for achieving 90 or more in the best 10 units:  - Cameron Eggins & Jemima Leslie. 
• HSC Top Achiever: Georgia Cosier 7th in the State for Music 1.
• Sophia Kovac – High Distinction Society & Culture PIP –  State Top 10 
• HSC Distinguished Achievers: 24 students made the Distinguished Achievers List for students achieving at least one Band 6 in their results, with a total of 42 Band 6 results.
• 10% of the cohort received an ATAR over 90*
• 30% of students received an ATAR over 80*
• NESA Nominations in Performance for the most outstanding performances in the HSC Examination:
    2 Music Students were nominated for ENCORE
  All 11 Drama Students were nominated for Onstage

The 2017 results are worthy of note and it should provide continued confidence across our College Community moving forward.

We wish all the students well in their futures as they move onto new chapters in their lives.  

The most significant progress is with the laying of the "Gully Gold" couch turf over the new playing field on the western side of the College. The recent extremely hot and dry conditions were not very favourable to laying turf during the holidays, hopefully we might get some rain over the next few weeks to stimulate growth and knit it all together. The sandstone logs for the project's external retaining walls are also currently being installed. This will become a significant feature to the western end of the College's central boulevard. 

The Physical Education Centre building is now at the "lock-up" stage with windows, doors and external cladding in position. The main focus at present is the installation of the internal infrastructure with doors, windows and wall linings going into position.

Warren Murray
College Manager 

Another year commences – new and continuing students begin their private music lessons for 2018!

Tuition is back on at the College from week 3 or per negotiation with their tutor. If you would like to learn a musical instrument this year please contact the Creative Arts Department or email [email protected].  

Music is such an important part of the College and every student is encouraged to learn an instrument.

Nicholas Lane
Acting Coordinator of Creative Arts 

Instrument_Tutorial_Program_Application_Form_2016_v_2.pdf

Instrument_Tutorial_Program_Application_Form_2016_v_2.pdf

All College Junior & Senior co-curricular ensembles commenced rehearsals this week, and it has been great to kick-start our exciting music programme for 2018. In case you’re wondering, rehearsals are ALWAYS on, unless advised by Mr Mark or Mr Lane. We look forward to having everyone back performing in their ensembles this year, and of course growing our program.

If your child plays an instrument and/or sings, are is interested in joining an ensemble, please contact [email protected]

There are many exciting performances coming up this term for both our Junior and Senior ensembles. We look forward to sharing those with you as the weeks go by.

Byron Mark
Ensembles Manager

The TAP Swimming program is designed to identify talented students from Years 3 – 12 and offers an extensive training program to students who have represented Thomas Hassall Anglican College at the NASSA carnival level or above.

In 2018 we are excited to extend the program to include an extra day for students to train. 

Days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the College term (except public holidays)
Time: New time for 2018 is 5.45am - 7.15am
Venue: Whitlam Leisure Centre - 90A Memorial Avenue, Liverpool
Cost: Fees will be charged per term
Transport: Parents are to make their own arrangements to get children to the pool for a 5.45am start. Students will be transported by mini bus to College at the conclusion of the session.

The squad-based sessions will be structured to adopt best practices and will focus on stroke development and correction, developing strength and endurance. 

Sessions will include race preparation, dives and turns.

Eligibility
The TAP Swimming program is offered to all students who competed at the NASSA Junior or NASSA Senior Swimming Carnival. However, if there is a talented swimmer who did not attend the College Swimming Carnival they may be assessed to be part of the program.

If you would like more information about the TAP Swimming program, please contact Mrs Evans [email protected]

Brochures are available at the College Office.

THAC TAP Swimming 2018 v1.pdf

THAC TAP Swimming 2018 v1.pdf

In Term One, students in Years One and Two will attend a Swimming Program at Prairiewood Leisure Centre.  

The Swim program will commence in Week 3.

Year One will start lessons on Thursday 15 February.

Year Two will start lessons on Friday 16 February. 

The program will continue every week as part of the Stage One weekly sports program.

The 45 minute lessons will be ability-based and will cater for non-swimmers through to stroke development and correction.

Parent Helpers:  Any parent wishing to help the class teacher in changing children back into uniforms at the pool needs to complete a Working With Children Check. These checks are done online, verified at the Roads and Maritime Service Centre and then your WWC number is forwarded to the College and clearance verified.

Sharon Evans
P-6 Sports Coordinator