The Way Weekly Recap I Friday 16 October 2020

 "I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. "I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." Michael Jordan, US basketball player

I have been thinking of these words over the break. Teachers, students and families return to Term 4 in the anticipation of a big term. Assessments, completing units of work, reports and taking home work from the year.

What does it mean for our students to succeed? Does it mean to get A grades in their report? Obtaining a prize at Celebration? Or does it mean that each student made plenty of mistakes as they challenged themselves to achieve new goals?

At Thomas Hassall, teachers want students to show determination in their learning. We hope that students set goals and then work hard to achieve them. A goal may involve academic learning, or social behaviours in the playground, or working with others in the classroom.

As we approach the busyness of the final term of 2020, please encourage your children to push themselves academically and socially. The way to true success is through displaying determination and by recognising the importance and value of making mistakes.

Ms Lisa Hansford
Director of Teaching and Learning

Operation Christmas Child

Over the holidays many students from the Junior School have been busy shopping to fill their Operation Christmas Child (OCC) box to give to children in need all over the world.

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It has been so exciting to see so many students bringing in boxes. I would like to say a huge thank you for supporting your child as they give to those in need.

Just a reminder that next Friday, the 23^rd of October, is the final day to hand in the OCC boxes. From there they will be collected and distributed around the world to Children in need. As you fill these boxes it is also important to carefully follow the instructions on the pamphlet provided as there are many items that cannot be sent overseas.

Thank you again for your partnership. Continue to pray as these boxes are sent out to people in need, that they will not only receive the box for Christmas but they will also hear the good news of Jesus, that is the greatest gift anyone could receive.

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg reminds us that boys learn their behaviour by watching their fathers and other role models. He also highlights that often their physical maturity is at odds with their mental and brain development.

He says that 16 year old boys may look mature,  but he reminds us that they don't necessarily think like mature young men.  He says that they may look like mature young men at 16, but it it is important to know that they don't think like mature young men. 

Many parents will attest to the fact that most boys are active, loud, rambunctious and prone to rough play, but this should not affect how a parent acts towards their son. Be careful not to pigeon-hole your son into sex specific behaviours or gender roles. The male brain is distinctly differently in its development. A boy’s physical maturity is often at odds with his mental and brain development.

Societal beliefs about how to raise boys can sometimes influence their adult carers. Although we are not determined by our biology, it is a factor. It is important to support boys in their natural tendencies and nurture their strengths and abilities. Teach them the skills they need for their future and to develop a healthy identity. It is important for boys to have a role model they can connect with and acknowledge who they are. One of the most important determinants for a boy’s development is how secure they feel growing up.

In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers will gain a better understanding into some of the more complex issues relating to raising boys. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback. Maggie Dent’s book , on "From Boys to Men" is a useful resource and an easy read.  We encourage you to consider  a free audiobook on this topic.  https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/from-boys-to-men-13

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

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

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling

Source: SchoolTV

This week marked the start of the Year 5 Transition program.

Students had the opportunity to participate in Visual Arts, Science, Drama and History.

Our Visual Arts teacher, Mr Brattoni, taught students about physical dimensions when sketching characters and how to plan this using ovals. Our History teacher, Mr Mills, gave students a taste of Ancient Egypt, where students had to demonstrate Mummy-wrapping skills. Our Drama teacher, Miss Chavura, taught students about dramatic focus and tension through a variety of drama activities. Our Science teacher, Mr Strong, taught students about visual illusions and demonstrated safe practice within a science lab space.

We’re off to a great start and the students loved their first week.  

Mrs Millie Pettett
Coordinator of Learning Innovation – Middle Years and G & T

In the last edition of the Way, we profiled the work of our first male nurse trainee at Thomas Hassall -  Monson A -  as he met with many challenges on the road to successful graduation. 

We have just received the reports for our other three Year 12 nurse trainees at Liverpool Hospital, who will all graduate comfortably with solid credentials that give them access to paid work in nursing.  Rose, Tayla and Maddi have achieved well and are now in an excellent position to build their careers in Nursing or allied health areas whilst at the same time being paid to do nurse work.

The Human Service course they have completed requires basic medical knowledge and then competency in a wide range of ward functions such as providing first aid, infection prevention, movement and transport of patients, recognition of how bodily systems are travelling, and even assisting in acute care and supporting dementia patients.  It is most impressive to see how capable, flexible and cooperative these girls have become over the last two years of their course.  Well done girls on your excellent achievement.

This is all the more praiseworthy when one considers the difficulties of COVID restrictions on hospital environments and our nurses bravely persevering in the face of these to complete their pracs.  They have all done this whilst remaining healthy themselves.  We wish them all the best for their careers in medical and allied areas for the future.

Mr Jim Ward
Careers Advisor

Our Alumni, Adnan Meher, was this year named in the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Winner 2020 IP.  

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Congratulations on your achievement Adnan.

We are always interested to hear from our Alumni and find out what they have achieved. Are you past alumni or know somebody who is? Stay connected with us by emailing [email protected] and joining as an alumni on our website