The Way Weekly Recap I Friday 8 October 2021

The Thomas Hassall staff was reminded on Tuesday about the promise of God’s unchanging nature – “I, the Lord, do not change” (Malachi 3:6). It helped us all as we prepare for a term that indicates many changes ahead.

As the Junior School staff prepare for our students returning to College, please be assured that we hold each of your children in our minds. We are working hard to ensure that effective instruction takes place in classrooms and online, all the while helping our students navigate a changing environment. We are working hard to plan tasks that will engage your children academically and emotionally. We are working hard to support your children as they finish their year of schooling.

One thing we do know is that Term 4 will look different from Term 3. Please be patient as we prepare for these differences, always knowing that your children are at the forefront of our plans. We will be letting you know more specific details on College return regarding operations and instruction closer to Week 3. Until then, we pray for the health of our College community.

Ms Lisa Hansford
Director of Teaching and Learning

We have all experienced this event together and we are all at various levels of transition and adjustment. 

As lockdown restrictions are slowly being lifted to varying degrees, we are entering a time of transition and adjustment. The circumstances of this situation have significantly impacted us all. For some it has been an opportunity to reflect on what is important, whilst others have embraced the opportunity to learn new things.

Many young people may be excited at the prospect of restrictions being lifted, whilst others may be feeling mixed emotions. Reactions will differ depending on how well they cope with stress and change. Keeping a check on your child’s mental health and wellbeing as they adjust to new routines, will be vitally important.

There is still a lot of uncertainty ahead of us, so focusing on the things you can control or enjoy doing, can help establish predictability and familiarity for the whole family. Adult carers need to provide young people with reassurance by acknowledging any concerns and fears they may have at this time. Consider this to be a normal reaction, however it may be best to focus more on their feelings and emotions, rather than the practicalities at this stage.

In this Special Report, we share a few ideas about how to help ease this time of transition. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

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

Here is the link to your special report Returning to School

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling

Due to the current Public Health Order, the uniform shop is not able to open for in store purchases.

Online orders are being processed and can be delivered to your home or can be delivered to your child’s class (once students return). Delivery to your child’s classroom will be weekly (Friday) and if you want to make use of this service, please select the ‘Click and Collect’ option.

The College Website has the full details of how to purchase online and includes a sizing guide to assist. Our uniform shop provider, Midfords, has an exchange policy for items that still have tags attached and not been worn and further details for this are available online.

Students will return to College in Summer Uniform. If you are missing key pieces of the uniform or your child has had a growth spurt during this time, they can come in their sports uniform as an alternative during the two weeks of transition. 

For students moving into Kindergarten and Year 7 next year and need new uniforms, we will be providing further information regarding your process in the Orientation Webinars.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Uniform Shop directly [email protected]. The College Administration team will also be able to assist with any of your questions on 9608 0033.

Congratulations Mr Richards!

Congratulations to Matthew (Assistant Chaplain) and Amy Richards who welcomed their third little girl Bella Anne on Saturday 2 October at 11.48pm. She weighed 3.89kg and was 53cm long. 

All are doing well and her big sisters are completely besotted!  We wish them well and God’s blessings now and always.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow."