Term 1 : Monday 11 February 2019

From the Principal
Principal Ross Whelan

We were extremely pleased with the 2018 HSC Results as reported last year and this Friday we will be celebrating the achievements of our Top Achievers in a special assembly.  The students will share some of their journey with the current Year 12 cohort who are already well into their final year.

We were thrilled for Michael Ruhs in Year 11 who led Australia as Captain of the Under 16’s Schoolboys Football Team to Europe over the break.  Congratulations to Michael – you can read more about his achievements in this edition. 

It’s been exciting to see the new Rawdon Middleton Centre being used for outside sporting events over the holidays and weekends, including the State Futsal Finals recently.  This facility is proving to be a great place for community engagement.  Mr. Sonny Makko has been looking after these events and we look forward to seeing more over the course of the year.  Our Dance Program and Basketball Academy both begin today and the response has been very encouraging.  

We trust you have been engaging with our Facebook site and enjoying the videos and news items uploaded to the site.  This is a great way to showcase the College.  Please feel free to share the posts with your friends.  We have our Open Day coming up on Friday 1 March and it would be great to welcome people to see how the College works every day.

‘Movies Under the Stars’ will be held once again on Friday 22 March.  This is a great event with lots of families in attendance.  The movie title will be announced very soon.  Why not mark the date in your diary and come with the whole family?

Last week was Camp Week in the Senior School from Monday to Wednesday.  Camps were held in 5 different locations, and Year 12 students visited the University of Wollongong.  It’s always a good time for students to get to know others in their year, along with their teachers.  Thank you to all the teachers who accompanied the students.  The fish were biting too at the Year 7 Camp!

Tomorrow night, Tuesday 12 February, is the first of our Junior School Information Evenings with next Wednesday 20 February also scheduled.  This is an important time to meet teachers to discuss the year ahead for your children.  We will be holding the first of our Class Parents Meeting in the next few weeks so let me encourage you to also think about joining this active network.  It’s a great way to meet others in the College community and provides opportunities to contribute to the programs here at the College.

We are all looking forward to a great year ahead.  Thanks for your support in anticipation.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!"  2 Corinthians 5:17

 

 

 

Mr Ross Whelan
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
Deputy Junior

A special welcome to all our new families across the College, it is wonderful to see the students settle so well into their new setting. Our Kindergarten classes are busy learning what school is all about, I have watched them doing counting activities, reading stories and even learning how to take photos on the ipad! Our Preps are also settling well, still a few tears as they adjust to saying goodbye but it is not long until all are busy with lots of energy and imagination. The rest of the College has had a very smooth start and the children are excited and enthusiastic for learning.

I would also like to welcome our new teaching staff to Thomas Hassall, Miss Luckman on Year 3 and Miss Wotton on Year 5. Mrs Wheeler has started maternity leave this week, we wish her well as she patiently waits for the arrival of her bundle of joy. Mrs Squire has taken over the role of Deputy Head of Junior School - People & Practice and she is the best contact for any questions about learning and what is happening in the Junior school classrooms. Our teachers are focusing on developing number sense in our students to assist them as they tackle more complex maths activities.

I would like to encourage you all to come to our parent information sessions, you will not only meet your child’s teacher and hear about what is happening in each grade but you will also be taken through the two new initiatives for the College. The first is the Edumate App that will streamline communication and contact with the College. The second one is the launch of Seesaw, parents will be able to gain an insight into what is happening in the classroom through photos, work samples and notifications. This program will be replacing the red folders that come home with each child’s report and allow you to see your child’s progress across the term rather than at the end of a semester. All classes have been busy uploading things they want to share with you.

Success at school is a team effort, the teachers cannot do it without your support. We all want the best outcomes for our children so become involved, get to know your teacher and let’s solve issues together. Looking forward to a great year of learning together.

Mrs Christine Bessant
Deputy Principal
From the College Chaplain
bible

Maybe it was a dream, maybe it was real? Well, I am glad to be able to return to Thomas Hassall as the Chaplain in an acting capacity for 2019. I have known the outgoing Chaplain, Rev Stuart Tye, for a number of years. Ironically, we worked together previously. I then came here and served for 7 years from 2007 – 2013.   Reverand Tye then replaced me and after 4 years I return as he moves back to our original school. Déjà vu!

In Year 10 Christian Studies, our first lesson last week was on Who am I?, an introduction to our learning from John’s Gospel about the life of Jesus. I also shared a little about myself by way of introduction. Since 2013, I have had the opportunity to serve as Chaplain at Nowra Anglican College and also to be the Pastor of an Anglican Church. These were both enriching roles but circumstances led to me needing to return to some casual teaching last year and circumstances have enabled me to be available to return to Thomas Hassall in 2019.  I am grateful to God for his goodness and faithfulness. I have also been greatly encouraged by the growth in the College, the professionalism and care of the staff and the friendly, positive nature of the students.

As we approach the coming year, I encourage you to consider for yourself the question ‘Who is Jesus’? As a College with a Christian foundation, there are many opportunities to investigate this question. I appreciate many of you have considered this for many years, some of you know the reality of Jesus at a very personal level, and for others it is all quite new.

I hope to have the opportunity to meet you in the near future. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the Christian faith or anything else that is on your mind.

 

 

Mr Matthew Richards
Assistant Chaplain
Parent Cafe at MRK

Grand Opening Special

Every coffee purchased will come with a free THAC reusable cup.

In Term 1 we will be trialing a parent Cafe called Cafe MRK.  It will be on every Thursday & Friday from 8 - 9.30am beginning on Thursday 21 February.

Come and join us for our Grand Opening where you can purchase a barista made coffee, a selection of sweet and savoury bites to eat.

Whether you would like to sit in and catch up with fellow parents or get a coffee on the go, we have something for everyone.

Limited offer only available on the Grand Opening - a free reusable cup with any coffee purchased.  Bring your THAC cup back on your next visit for a discount.
Term 1 Important Dates
Tuesday 12 February Junior School Meet the Teacher
Thursday 14 February Junior School Swimming Carnival
Friday 15 February Class of 2018 Distinguished Achievers' Assembly & QEGS Visit
Wednesday 20 February Term 1 Class Parent Information & Induction (Morning Session) - 8:45am
Junior School Meet the Teacher 
Friday 22 February Senior School Swimming Carnival
Saturday 23 February 2020 Scholarship Testing
Monday 25 February Term 1 Class Parent Information & Induction (Afternoon Session) - 5pm
Friday 1 March College Open Day
Wed - Fri 6-8 March Year 5 Camp
Wed - Fri 13 - 15 March Year 6 Camp
Friday 22 March Movies Under the Stars
Wednesday 27 March Year 7 & 12 Parent Teacher Interviews 
Monday  1 April Year 9 & 11 Parent Teacher Interviews 
Thursday 4 April Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews
Friday  5 April Senior School Cross Country Carnival
Monday  8 April Year 8 & 10 Parent Teacher Interviews
Tuesday 9 April Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews 
Thursday  11 April Junior School Easter Hat Parade
Friday  12 April Dad's Day in the Canteen
Last day of Term 1

 

 
A New Baby Boy

Congratulations to Sarah - our Senior School College Counsellor and her husband Nathan Sewell who welcomed their little one Edward Leo - born on Sunday at 12:38am.  Eddy is doing really well - he weighed 3.57kg and measures 50cm in length. Sarah reports she is doing very well, a bit tired but otherwise all is going well.

We are thrilled with this news and praise God for the safe arrival of Eddy.  We wish their family blessings now and always.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow."
Parking & Safety Rules
Welcome to our New School Staff for 2019!

 
Open Day - 1 March 2019

This day is a great opportunity for anyone considering enrolment to see the College in action.

There will an opportunity to visit classrooms, hear from the Principal and ask questions about the College.

Please let your family and friends know and encourage them to register for this event on the College website (https://www.thac.nsw.edu.au/content/open-day)
School Opal Card

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Opal Card
Opal Card

Visit https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/schooltravelpasses#/howToApply

The address on the application needs to be your residential address where the student is living.

WellbeingBack to Top

School Transitions

School TV

School Transitions
School Transitions

However, transitioning is an ongoing process. It can continue long after students have entered their new environment and may encounter difficulties at a number of different stages. These stressors may appear as anxiety and frustration and result in negative or disruptive behaviours. Such behaviours can become problematic making the transitioning process even more difficult for children and parents.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month's edition and we always welcome your feedback.

If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information.

Here is the link to this month's edition https://thac.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions

LearningBack to Top

Year 1 has Spanish Fever!

We learnt how to say what our name is. In Spanish you say 'me Ilamo" and then your name.

We are really looking forward to learning more in our Spanish lessons.

“I liked playing the game about our names” Eli, 1A

“I hope I learn to speak more Spanish words” Lily 1A

“I want to learn all the Spanish words” Jacob, 1S

“I like Spanish because I can learn a different language”  Dhiya, 1S

“I think Spanish is fun!” Elliana, 1B

“I wish I could go somewhere to speak in Spanish” Tobias, 1B

“Lots of countries talk in Spanish” Dylan, 1G

“I want to learn about numbers in Spanish” Sandra, 1G

Miss Ashleigh Hackfath 
Year 1 Team Leader
Upcoming Author Visits for the Junior School in 2019

Exciting news - Upcoming author visits to Thomas Hassall Anglican College

The following authors will be coming to our College:

Max Remy, Super Spy series, Grimsdon and Teresa A New Australian. Year 5

 

Con-Nerd, Thai-Riffic, The Other Christy and Thai-No-Mite! Year 4

 

Shoctopus, Poems to Grip You and a new picture book MoonFish. Years 2 and 3

 

Bobson Farm book series. Prep and Kindy

 

 

  • August 6th – Matt Cosgrove: https://www.mattcosgrovebooks.com/ Alpacas with Maracas, (the National Simultaneous Storytime book, 2018), Bears Don’t Bounce, Pigs Don’t Fly and Macca the Alpaca etc. Year 1

Mrs Emma Harris
Coordinator for Years 1, 2 and 3

 

Performing ArtsBack to Top

Music Ensembles

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saxophone

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violins

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band

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senior stage band

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flutes

it is time to get back into our music ensemble rehearsals for 2019! The College has a range of Ensembles that your child can be a part of; from Concert and Stage Bands, to vocal group, contemporary band, drum circle, string orchestra, and many more. If your child is involved in one of these ensembles, rehearsals are back on track now for the term. If your child sings or plays an instrument and would like to join one of these ensembles, please see our music administration assistant Mrs Hobbins for an information note or email musicadmin@thac.nsw.edu.au, or speak with Mr Mark or Mr Lane to talk about the right ensemble for your child.

Rehearsal times for these ensembles are as follows:

 

Byron Mark
Manager of Ensembles - Creative Arts
Tutor Spotlight

Performing with Mr Ehab Ibrahim

Performing with Mr Ehab Ibrahim

Junior & Senior Strings

Junior & Senior Strings

Ehab Ibrahim has been tutoring at Thomas Hassall Anglican College for 9 years.

Since 1995, Ehab has been engaged as a Principal Cellist and as a Soloist with many orchestras. He has also given many solo and chamber music concerts in the US, Europe and Australia with many internationally acclaimed musicians and conductors. 
Ehab turned his focus to teaching in 2000. He was a tutor at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music for six years, teaching both individuals and ensembles, and has taught at a number of educational bodies, including Newington College.  In 2003, he was appointed as the first Head of Strings at Macarthur Anglican School where he established its strings department, including its chamber and symphony orchestras (which have won multiple Eisteddfod competitions and have later toured internationally).In 2005, Ehab founded Sydney Strings Academy – a music school based in Burwood that provides private and group tuitions as well as conducting chamber ensembles in private schools (including Picton Strings chamber orchestra) in addition to tuitions provided in its own studios.

Since commencing at Thomas Hassall Anglican College, Ehab has over 40 students at the College. He has started the Junior String Orchestra, Senior String Ensemble, Year 1 and 2 String Program and will also be assisting with the new Year 7 violin program this year. 

Ehab has extensive experience in preparing students for AMEB exams and teaches students at the college from Kindergarten to Year 12.   Please see our music administration assistant Mrs Hobbins or email musicadmin@thac.nsw.edu.au for an information note on tution or to join a strings group.

 

 

 

2019 Football Programs - Junior School

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Coach Sonny Makko

Soccer

TIGS Trophy Soccer Girls

TIGS Trophy Soccer Girls

Senior Boys Soccer Winter IPSSO Champions

Senior Boys Soccer Winter IPSSO Champions

Junior Boys Soccer Winter IPSSO Champions

Junior Boys Soccer Winter IPSSO Champions

2019 Advanced Pathway Programs - Years 3 - 6 Football representative teams

The following Advanced Pathway Program Junior school football teams have been selected :

  • APP Football Junior Primary Boys (Years 3 & 4)
  • APP Football Junior Primary Girls (Years 3 & 4)
  • APP Football Senior Primary Boys (Years 5 & 6)
  • APP Football Senior Primary Girls (Years 5 & 6)

Students selected in the Advanced Pathway Program will be coached by our Football Director, Sonny Makko. Teams will train weekly and play in the the IPSSO competition.  T

Year 3 - 6 Girls - Summer IPSSO - Terms 1 and 4 - training once a week throughout the entire year (commences Wednesday week 3)

Year 3 - 6 Boys – Winter IPSSO - Terms 2 and 3 - training twice a week throughout the entire year (commences Monday week 3)

Once selected in the program, students remain in the program for the entire year. 

 

2019 Football Development Programs - Kindergarten - Year 8 (afternoon programs)

The College offers Football Development Programs for students in Kinder to Year 9. 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 2019 Football Development Programs have been emailed to all College families.  

Copies are available at the College Office.

Program details:

Kinder - Year 2 Program                  Monday  3 - 4pm

Year 3 - Year 8 Program                  Tuesday 3 - 4pm

Kinder - Year 2 Program                  Wednesday  3 - 4pm

Year 2 - Year 6 Program                  Thursday 3 - 4pm

K - 6 Girls Only Program                 Friday 3 - 4pm

 

All Football Development Programs commence in Week 3, Term One.

 

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

 

Junior School Football Program Flyer - 

Junior School Football Application Form - 

 
Junior School Sport - Term One - dates for your diary

Important Sport Dates for 2019 - Term One 

Week 3 -            Monday 11 February – APP Football, Football Development, Academy of Dance and Basketball Development Programs commence

Week 3 -            Monday 11 February – NASSA Boys and Girls Basketball Gala Day (Year 5 and 6)

Week 3 -            Wednesday 13 February – Year 3 – 6 Sport starts

Week 3 -            Thursday 14 February – Year 3 – 6 Swimming Carnival – Prairiewood Leisure Centre

Week 3 -            Thursday 14 February - Year 1 swimming program starts

Week 3 -            Friday 15 February - Year 2 swimming program starts

Week 4 -            Monday 25 February – CIS Tennis Trials (Year 5 and 6 - players must be ranked to enter)

Week 6 -            Tuesday 26 February – NASSA Junior Swimming Carnival – Homebush – 4.00 – 7.00pm

Week 7 -            Monday 11 March - NASSA Junior Boys and Girls Soccer Gala Day (APP Football Senior Boys and Girls)

Week 8 -            Wednesday 20 March – NSW CIS Swimming Carnival - Homebush

Week 11 -          Thursday 11 April - NASSA  Girls Netball Gala Day (Senior IPSSO team)

 

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sports Coordinator 
Junior School Swimming Carnival

The Junior School Swimming Carnival is for students in Years 3 – 6 will be held at the Prairiewood Leisure Centre on Thursday 14 February 2019. 

Students need to be at the pool by 8.20am and the first race commences at 8.30am.

All students in Years 3 - 6 should have returned a permission note to their class teacher.  Bus rolls are now closed.

Students can participate in 50m events or 25m events or novelty events.

PARENT HELPERS: We are in need of parents to assist in the running of the carnival, so if you can help, please see your classroom teacher. 

Please note that Working With Children Checks need to be completed to be able to assist at the Carnival.

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sports Coordinator
Junior School Sport - Term One 2019

Sport for students in Years 3 - 6 occurs every Wednesday during Periods 5 and 6.  Children have the opportunity to participate in the IPSSO teams or the College Sport program. 

IPSSO teams – Summer Sport teams represent our College in Cricket, Basketball, Girls Soccer, Mixed Tee-ball/Softball and Oz Tag.  The IPSSO competition provides opportunity for children to play Summer and Winter sports against 8 other schools.  (Winter sports are; Boys Soccer, Netball, Mixed Tee-ball/Softball, Newcombe Ball and AFL).

Term One IPSSO Draw

Term 1

Wk

IPSSO

Game Time

Depart

Girls Soccer

Cricket

Oz Tag & Softball

Basketball

13-Feb

3

Training

 

 

THAC

THAC

THAC

THAC

20-Feb

4

ASG

12.30 - 2.20

12.10

THAC

Powell Park

THAC

THAC

27-Feb

5

St Mary's

12.20 - 2.10

12.00

THAC

Powell Park

THAC

THAC

6-Mar

6

Training - Yr 6 camp

 

 

THAC

THAC

THAC

THAC

13-Mar

7

Training - Yr 5 camp

 

 

THAC

THAC

THAC

THAC

20-Mar

8

St Mark's

12.10 - 2.00

11.35

Hammondville Pk 

Hammondville Pk

Hammondville Pk

St Mark's School

27-Mar

9

William Carey

12.30 - 2.20

12.10

THAC

Powell Park

THAC

THAC

3-Apr

10

GRG

12.00 - 1.50

11.20

Gordon Parker Res

Marco Res

Marco Res

GRG school

10-Apr

11

ASG

11.55 - 1.45

11.00

Parry Pk

Parry Pk

Parry Pk

ASG school

Students who are not involved in IPSSO teams will participate in the Year 3 -6 College Sports program. 

All sports are taught by qualified coaches and the sport runs for the entire term.  There is no cost associated with the program as is covered by College fees.

GROUP SPORT GROUP SPORT
Year 3 Boys  Soccer Year 5 Boys Basketball
Year 3 Girls Swimming Year 5 Girls AFL
Year 4 Boys Dance Year 6 Boys Tennis
Year 4 Girls Cricket Year 6 Girls Joey League

All Sport starts in Week 3, 13 February 2019

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sports Coordinator
Year 1 and 2 - Splash into swimming

swim lessons

swim lessons swimmer

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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 14 February.

Year Two will start lessons on Friday 15 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.

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sports Coordinator
Academy of Dance Program - Kinder - Year 6

The College is excited to launch Dance as an additional sport in the 2019 Talented Athlete Program.

Utilising our own highly qualified and experienced dance teachers we will commence afternoon dance development sessions covering a range of styles.

Monday - Year 3 - 6 Program - Contemporary, Jazz and Hip Hop

Tuesday- Year 3 - 6 Program - Contemporary, Jazz and Hip Hop

Wednesday - Kinder - Year 2 Contemporary and Jazz 

We have had a tremendous response to the introduction of the programs and Term One is at capacity for all days.

A wait list is in operation, so if you are interested in enrolling your child please contact the College Office.

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

 

 

 
Basketball Development Program - Kinder - Year 9

Summer IPSSO new basketball

Summer IPSSO new basketball

NASSA Basketball Gala Day

NASSA Basketball Gala Day

The College is excited to launch Basketball as an additional sport in the 2019 Talented Athlete Program. Utilising our new gymnasium and the experienced coaches from Camden Valley “Wildfire” Basketball Association, afternoon basketball development sessions will be offered to students.

The Basketball Development Program is offered to both boys and girls from Kinder to Year 9.

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

Students will be involved in fun activities that develop skills and promote understanding of the game. There are no trials for this program.

All sessions will occur from 3.00 – 4.00pm and will be conducted in the new sports facility.

*  Tuesday - Year 1 - Year 4 Program   (FULL)

*  Wednesday - Year 3 - Year 6 Program

*  Thursday - Kinder - Year Two Program

*  Friday - Year 6 - Year 9 Secondary Program

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

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sports Coordinator

 

 

 
Michael Ruhs represents Australia!

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Micheal Ruhs

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Micheal Ruhs

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Micheal Ruhs

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Micheal Ruhs

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Micheal Ruhs

Michael was chosen as Captain of his team by his coaches and fellow players. The Australian team has recently returned from a tour of the UK.

Michael played amazingly well against some tough opposition scoring a hat trick in 5 mins against Cheltenham and scoring 3 other goals against Scotland, Fleetwood Town and QPR. .

The boys played 9 games in total, 4 of those being against international teams of the calibre of Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England. They won 3 and lost 6 and scored 20 goals in total.

On the last day of tour, Michael was bestowed the honour of receiving the signed team jersey by none other than famous Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Scwharzer for Players Player of the tournament.

Well done Michael - we are very proud of you!


 

 

 

CommunityBack to Top

2019 Student Residential Address and Other Information

 

This will take place between Tuesday 19 February 2019 and Monday 18 March 2019. The collection is now being undertaken annually.

Please click the links below for more information.