Term 2 : Thursday 7 June 2018

Life is busy. Time is precious. Protecting time for reading is not an easy task, but it is a worthwhile one. Did you know that reading 10 minutes a day at home can expose your child to over 700,000 words per year? The top 10% performing Year 5 students in the United States read 20 minutes or more a day outside of school.

One of the best boosts you can give your child is a hunger for reading and to engage with regular reading at home as a family. At College, students are learning the key skills for reading through our phonics program Get Reading Right. They are building their reading ‘tool box’ to understand the code of English through this excellent research-based program. As they master these skills, the students are also immersed in analysing quality texts to deepen their understanding across all subjects. Reading is bread and butter in the life of a classroom.

Your partnership with daily home reading dramatically improves your child’s reading development trajectory. I encourage you to put your time into what will have the most impact – reading at home! This is where your partnership can have a significant impact. How?

Passionately model the way

• The best way to encourage your child to read is modelling the way.
• When you show how much you love to read you are more likely to win your child’s heart to the joy of books.
• If you are not a reader yet, for the benefit of your child why not give it a go. You might re-discover a love for books yourself.
• Read a book of personal interest to you in a place where your child will see you reading.

Be interested in your child’s books

• Ask your child about the books they are reading and be interested in the story or topic.
• Ask them follow up questions and be enthusiastic, "I can’t wait for you to tell me what happens next!"
• Talk to other parents or staff about book recommendations.
• Find a book you enjoyed as a child and read it together.

Reading traditions

• Value reading time as a fun time – be creative in making it fun using personal interests within your family.
• Make a routine by finding a daily time such as bedtime.
• Enlist a friend or extended family member to help create special reading traditions.
• Buy books together online, in a bookshop or borrow at the library.

Take one small step. Right now, decide on one new commitment you will make to have an impact. It will be worth its weight in ‘learning’ gold.

Sandy Wheeler
Deputy Head of Junior School - People & Practice 

On Tuesday 29 May 2018 our first Gold Dukes Awardees to complete their Award whilst still attending the College were presented with their Gold certificates from The Duke of Edinburgh by the Governor of NSW at St Stephens Uniting Church in the City.  The auspicious occasion was followed by an afternoon reception with 90 other Gold Awardees, their parents and others at Government House.  Congratulations to Cameron Eggins, Chris Collins, Dom Stambe & Ali Dursun.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award equips young people for life and work.  It empowers young people to achieve their personal best, take responsibility for goals and choices, connects them to their community by making positive contributions and encourages them to be involved; along with teaching other life skills such as perseverance and endurance.  

Mr Jim Ward was presented with a Long Service Medal for his contributions and involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award for the past 40 years.  What a wonderful achievement!

Miss Niamh Friel was recognised as an incoming Award Leader.

Well done and congratulations to all for their fabulous achievements.  

Term 2 

Term 3

Last Friday, over 160 Year 6 students from our College as well as other primary schools experienced a taste of the Senior Years at Thomas Hassall Anglican College in our annual Taster Day.  Students participated in subjects such as; History, Geography, Music, Japanese, Art, Science and Food Technology.

Students and parents also had the opportunity to listen to a panel of teaching staff and students in leadership discuss the transition into the Senior Years and also tour the College facilities.  It was a fantastic day had by all and we look forward to welcoming these students and families into our Senior School in 2019.

Last week was a nice sunny afternoon, so the students had a fun rehearsal outside near the oval.

Many students gathered to watch and even dance along as the students jammed their African beats on their drums – well done everyone!

Byron Mark
Ensembles Manager

2018 Football Development Programs - Kindergarten - Year 8 (afternoon programs)

The College offers Football Development Programs for students in Kinder to Year 8.

The year-long program caters for both boys and girls and will be conducted by our Football Director Sonny Makko.

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

Students will be involved in fun activities that develop skills and promote understanding of the game.

Students can enrol in more than one day if preferred. The program runs for 35 weeks.

Information flyers and application forms for the 2018 football development programs are available at the College Reception.

Program details:

Kinder - Year 2 Program                  Monday  3 - 4pm            - FULL - names placed on waiting list

Year 3 - Year 8 Program                  Tuesday 3 - 4pm            -  POSITIONS available

Kinder - Year 2 Program                  Wednesday  3 - 4pm     -  FULL - names placed on waiting list

Year 2 - Year 6 Program                  Thursday 3 - 4pm          -  POSITIONS available

K - 6 Girls Only Program                 Friday 3 - 4pm              -  FULL - names placed on waiting list

For further information, please contact Mrs Evans, P-6 Sports Coordinator and TAP Coordinator - sevans@thac.nsw.edu.au

THAC TAP Football Jnr 2018 v1.pdf

THAC TAP Football Jnr 2018 v1.pdf

THAC TAP Football Jnr Application Form 2018 v1.pdf

THAC TAP Football Jnr Application Form 2018 v1.pdf

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 extended the program to include an extra day for students to train. 

Days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the College term (except public holidays)
Time:  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 sevans@thac.nsw.edu.au

Brochures are available at the College Office.

THAC TAP Swimming 2018 v1.pdf

THAC TAP Swimming 2018 v1.pdf

On Friday 18 May Estella Beltran represented NASSA Junior schools at the CIS Primary Girls Netball Gala Day.

Playing as a defence, Estella worked hard down the court, turning over the ball and combined well with other players in team.  

The NASSA Junior team finished 2nd and took home the silver medal at the end of the day.

Although Estella was unsuccessful in gaining a place in the NSW team, she showed excellent teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the day.

Congratulations Estella!
 

Sharon Evans
P-6 Sports Coordinator