Term 1 | Friday 5 February 2021

From the Principal
Principal Ross Whelan

The start of every school year is hectic as we try to settle into the changed environment. We do well to stay calm and take more time to understand and work with all the changes. This message will be especially true if you are one of our new students or new families. Thomas Hassall is a large school community; our processes take time to understand; there are many new people to know and rooms and places to find; the traffic in the mornings and afternoon is tedious, and the pace of College life is fast. So please take time; ask many questions. Let us assist your transition into the 2021 year. Welcome again to Thomas Hassall Anglican College.

There will be an opportunity to meet your child’s teachers in the next week or so and we will use The Way to introduce you to new members of the leadership team as well. With COVID restrictions still in place, our parent and teacher meetings will be online via Zoom. Unfortunately, we are still restricted in terms of the number of visitors on-site and we will make the most of our online introductions and service to you.

Senior School students have been on camp or in targeted study programs to begin the year, so Junior School has had the College grounds to themselves for the most part. 

Our Swimming Carnivals for both Junior School and Senior School students will take place next week at Prairiewood Aquatic Centre, and again it will be a student only attendance in 2021. Travel arrangements for arrival and pick-up of students are being communicated to you by the Sports Organisers. We are looking forward to 2 great days of action and team spirit.

Please be on the look-out for key events in the College program like the Parent/Teacher events, Swimming Carnivals or upcoming Open Day. This year, the Open Day will be a Saturday event. More details will come out soon.

Try to navigate through the Website and College App and seek assistance from the College reception team if you have any difficulties at all understanding our systems and processes.

Welcome again and thanks for your support of the College and our community.

Mr Ross Whelan
Principal
From the Deputy Principal - Head of Junior School
Luke Sale

We are excited, as I am sure you are as well, to bring in a new year. We are sending you this communication to update you on the significant events in Junior School for 2021. It is a privilege to be involved with the education of your children.  

With Mrs Sandy Wheeler on maternity leave, it will be my pleasure to be the Head of Junior School for 2021. Mrs Donna Schatzman is therefore stepping into the role of Director of Operations and Wellbeing. Ms Lisa Hansford is continuing in her role as the Director of Teaching and Learning in the Junior School. 

My goals for 2021 are that all students would find success at Thomas Hassall Anglican College by:

  • Ensuring they are supported to find a sense of belonging in the Junior School community;
  • Working with staff to ensure that they progress in their learning journey; and,
  • Setting a priority for all to care for one another.
     

These goals will be pursued by staff and students at the College and we look forward to working in partnership with you to grow and mature our students this year. 

The College seeks to have high standards when we are communicating to you. However, we understand that things don't always go as planned, and if so, we would ask that you contact your child's class teacher initially for all matters. This has proven to give parents the quickest resolution to any queries or concerns that might arise.

Thank you for your continued support of the College. We look forward to supporting you in your child's journey in 2021.

Mr Luke Sale
Deputy Principal & Head of Junior School
From the Chaplain
Denis Oliver

The year has been off to a very encouraging start and I look forward to getting to know many of you throughout my time here.

COVID made 2020 a very hard year, plans were spoiled and relationships were strained because of restrictions. COVID has left many feeling that a good future is uncertain. The bible says otherwise – we have a future in Jesus.

We have this hope as an anchor for our lives.  It is safe and sure, and goes through the curtain of the heavenly temple into the inner sanctuary. On our behalf Jesus has gone in there before us  (Hebrews 6:19)

To have faith in Jesus is to have an anchor for the soul. Jesus is lodged in Heaven, with God, and all who trust in him go to where he is.  We are not in control of the future, but he is - all we have is the present.  Can I encourage you, as I do your children, to put your faith in Jesus one day at a time.

Reverend Denis Oliver
College Chaplain
Sibling Applications

Interviews will take place in Term 1, so please submit your applications as soon as possible.

Please note, all sibling applications must be received at least 2 years in advance to qualify for sibling priority. 

Please complete the following Application Form below if you wish to apply:

https://www.thac.nsw.edu.au/content/applying-now

New Staff 2021

We are thrilled to introduce to our College Community our newest staff members who joined the College in 2021.

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3W Learning

The start of the new school year is always filled with so many emotions; excitement, nerves, sadness(holidays are over), happiness (seeing friends again)…the list goes on!

3W have found their feet and settled in so well! It’s been a big change coming up to primary, with new playgrounds, routines and teachers! Lots of time has been spent getting to know each other’s strengths, weaknesses and goals so we can support our friends when it’s needed. We have focused on the five Positive Learning Values – Engage, Value, Respect, Manage and Persist and how we can apply these into our lives both at College and home. 


3W are ready to learn, grow and achieve their goals! 

Mrs Annabelle Wood
Junior School Teacher - Year 3W

Year 1 Learning and Activity

 We start each day learning about the love of God and how he ‘chooses us every day’.

This week we have been reviewing our sounds, working on our letter formation and playing fun literacy games.  A firm favourite has been doing our sight word drills with actions.  I ‘WANT’ the cookie, using a Cookie Monster voice helps keep things fun and enjoyable.

In Mathematics, we have been learning about number patterns.  The children use their understanding to explain how and why the numbers are increasing or decreasing – their answers have been quite impressive!

Well done 1W for an amazing start to the year.  You will do great things

Mrs Irwin
Year 1

Welcome to Kindy

Our students are settling in well and had a great first week getting to know their teachers, engaging in activities in the classroom and making new friends

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Student Banking

Please bring your banking books to the College Cashier, Ms Donovan every Friday.

By putting away even small amounts of pocket money, your savings will soon build up and grow into an amount that will get you what you’re after!