Term 1 : Monday 25 March 2019

I had the pleasure of visiting our Year 2 class to share some information about Thomas Hassall.  This is always a great time to share the history of Thomas Hassall and his family; his important legacy for us today, and his sharing of the news of Jesus as he rode through the cow pastures around this area.  Thomas has many relatives today, many of whom live all over Australia but also abroad in New Zealand and other countries.  Next year the College will be hosting an event for the Hassall family as they commemorate 200 years of their family’s history in Australia. 

Year 6 held their Annual Camp to Canberra which was full of different adventures and lots of new learning experiences each day. You can read more about it in this edition of The Way.

The College hosted a home round of the MISA Debating Competition for 10 schools with over 200 students in attendance.  It was great to see so many participants.  Thanks to Dr Gawthorne for organising the event.

It was lovely to see so many of you at our Movie Night under the Stars, and for the second year turning into an indoor event in the Rawdon Middleton VC Sports Complex.  Numbers exceeded last year which made for a great night for families.  Thanks to the Class Parents’ Team; the organising staff team and all the helpers.   

Senior School Parent Teacher nights occur this week and next and a Coffee Club for Year 12 parents will occur on Wednesday morning and evening.  Year 12 and the HSC can be a time of anxiety and pressure for many young people and we recognise that parents can feel the stress of the year too.  In response, we are providing two opportunities to talk to teachers and counsellors in a relaxed setting to provide an insight into some of the challenges students may be facing.  We will identify strategies to support parents and caregivers as you journey with them towards the Higher School Certificate and their final school year. We hope you can make the time to come along – join in for a cuppa on Wednesday from 7:30am for Session 1 or from 6:50pm for Session 2 in Mrs Riitano’s Kitchen. There will be another opportunity in Term 2 for another event.    

Our Chaplain Jim Dayhew has a reflection on the Christchurch attack in this edition of the newsletter which may be helpful, and our Unite Week events around Harmony Day was very special this year.  Vice Captain, Michael Algeri has written a short piece for your information also.   

Thanks for your continued support of all programs at the College. 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" - Philippians 4:6-7

The three day excursion was full of different adventures and lots of new learning experiences each day.

Year 6 completed an education tour of the National capital and were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. We visited where our Prime Minister and local members of parliament meet to discuss and debate laws in the House of Representatives. We also were able to sit in the Senate where our NSW members debate state affairs at Parliament House.

We had an insightful look back at Australia’s history at The Australian War Memorial, where we completed a “We will remember them” tour. Students discovered real life stories and the impact our involvement in wars had on Australia. We were involved a variety of remembrance activities including a special ceremony in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In the Discovery Zone, students were able to learn about the different Defence Forces in a unique way.

The National Capital Exhibition Centre saw students learn about how Canberra came to be the meeting place and our Nation’s capital. They learnt about the architects who purposefully designed Canberra, its many important buildings and its ties with the natural landscape. We also took a trip up to the top of Mount Ainslie to see a bird’s eye view of Canberra.

Other sites that were visited included The Australian Institute of Sport, The Electoral Education Centre, Telstra Tower and Questacon. Students also engaged fun, physical activities including rock climbing and laser tag.

Year 6 students created some wonderful memories during our time away in Canberra.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital, as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. The Australian Government is contributing funding under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

Year 6 Teachers

Over the last few weeks, we have used our Chromebooks and the program, Scratch, to learn some coding.

Our first challenge was to create a ‘chase game’, which was lots of fun! We needed to problem solve using different variables and coordinates to get our sequences ‘just right’, but we ended up with some great ideas and games, which were filled with colour, sound, and some interesting-looking ‘sprites’ (the technical name for an object which can be moved onscreen with code).

If you are interested in coming along to STEM Club, we would love to see you on Mondays. Please see Miss Donaldson if you have any questions.

Miss Claire Donaldson
Junior School Stem Coordinator 

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

The following Advanced Pathway Program Junior school football teams have been selected and students will remain in the program for the entire year :

• 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)

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  - FULL

Year 3 - Year 8 Program                  Tuesday 3 - 4pm

Kinder - Year 2 Program                  Wednesday  3 - 4pm - FULL

Year 2 - Year 6 Program                  Thursday 3 - 4pm

K - 6 Girls Only Program                 Friday 3 - 4pm

For further information, please contact Mrs Evans, P-6 Sports Coordinator and TAP Coordinator - [email protected]

Junior School Football Program Flyer - 

THAC TAP Football Jnr 2019.pdf

THAC TAP Football Jnr 2019.pdf

Junior School Football Application Form - 

THAC TAP Football Jnr Form 2019.pdf

THAC TAP Football Jnr Form 2019.pdf