Term 2 I The Way Newsletter I Friday 24 June 2022

Latest UpdatesBack to Top

From the Acting Principal
Karen Easton

Term 3 and the break ahead

It has been a busy and exciting term, punctuated by the wonderful community building events, sporting fixtures, creative arts opportunities and quality learning that has occurred. We are really blessed here as teachers to partner with your families in shaping the character and development of your children as they attend the College. This was highlighted for me particularly this week with both the fantastically entertaining Soup and Songs evening hosted by the Year 12 Music Class and the Junior School discos that were held! What a vibrant and musical journey our young people are on!

I trust that the academic reports you will have received recently provided an informative overview of your child’s attitude towards and achievement in their learning. Please have a discussion with them about their progress. It is so helpful for all students to be able to reflect upon their experiences in learning with you as they learn to develop greater ownership over their academic and behavioural outcomes.

For Year 10 families, I hope you enjoy having discussions about subject selection with your children now that they have received the Subject Selection Guide for 2023. After the recent Careers expo and work experience opportunities, they will have lots to consider in terms of their pathway for the next important stage of their learning.

It is a particularly significant break for our Year 12 students as they prepare for their Trial HSC Examinations early in Term 3. Please support, encourage and pray for them as they prepare in earnest. Their teachers and the College are supporting them in a number of ways: providing targeted study skills and techniques in each class, allocating meaningful activities to aid their revision, offering some holiday workshops in some classes and also by opening up the College library each Thursday of the holidays for Year 12 students who need a quiet place to study.

It was simply delightful to draw the term to a close with the K – 2 assembly with staff, students and parents in attendance. Singing ‘Be Strong and Courageous’, celebrating student achievement and finishing with the story of Zacchaeus, reminding us that Jesus came in to the world to save sinners like us!

I trust the break is an enjoyable time for your family where you can spend some quality time with each other and with God. See you for another exciting term in a few weeks!

Mrs Karen Easton
Acting Principal
From the Deputy Principal & Head of Junior School
Sandy Wheeler

It’s been a great joy to see so many families attending a range of events at the College this term.

These events have been uplifting times when we’ve needed that extra boost- to have fun or celebrate a special occasion. We want a brighter future for our students and on that journey we do well to gather together, enjoying life at the College on our beautiful campus. We also encourage you to connect with other families too.

Today our Parent Community Network invited Kindergarten parents to attend Café MRK to get to know one another. This was an opportunity to informally meet others over a cup of coffee on campus. Thank you to everyone who attended and to the committee for initiating the gathering. We look forward to hosting more in Term 3.

Last night our Junior School students met together in cohorts to have fun together at our disco! It was such a joy to see students celebrating and dancing with their peers.

This week our Year 5 students showcased their findings on a science project with parents. Students were given an independent research task to write an inquiry question about space. They were able to present their findings in a creative way of their choosing. There were so many great submissions including dioramas, videos, power point presentations and posters. You can see some of these later in this Edition. Well done Year 5.

Our Junior School Assemblies have been taking place on Fridays. This has been a chance to recognise student achievement and also for classes to share their learning with our parents. We hope you have enjoyed coming along to these. They will continue in Term 3.

Term 2 has focused on celebrating family, student learning and building community with our Mothers’ Day breakfast, Musical, Grandparents Day and Movie Night. We will be continuing to bring the community together in Term 3 with events such as Fathers’ Day.  

Thank you for your commitment and involvement in your childs journey this Term.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday break.

Mrs Sandy Wheeler
Deputy Principal & Head of Junior School
From the Chaplain
Denis Oliver

REST, REFLECT, RECALIBRATE!

Next week the teaching staff and the students will be on holidays. 

I think holidays are great as they give us time to rest and catch up with our humanity. We catch up with lost sleep and forgotten friends.  I also use holidays to catch up with myself. Yes, you heard it, I catch up with myself on holidays. 

During term time I give 100% to my job and sometimes I lose myself in my tasks – I don’t take time to reflect on who I am.  Holidays are a great time to recalibrate my humanity.  Here are 3 bible readings that I use to recalibrate.

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. (Proverbs 27:19)

I use holidays to reflect on my behaviour from the term gone by - I ask myself ‘What type of person do my actions show me to be?’  I look at myself honestly and I then make decisions about the changes I want to make.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.. (Proverbs 3:3)

I use holidays I choose to recalibrate – I choose to that loving and faithful Christian that builds people and pleases God. But here is my dilemma, it is hard to change and I cannot undo some aspects of myself – I need someone to help me. 

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

Prayer is my final step.  I ask God to create in me the purity I cannot. I ask God to give me new heart and rub out the rubbish I have put there.  While I am far from perfect, God has never let me down.

I would like to encourage you to use these holidays to rest, reflect, and recalibrate. May the Lord bless you these holidays

Reverend Denis Oliver
College Chaplain

Junior School Disco

There was lots of fun and dancing at the Junior School Disco last night!

The students all behaved very well. It was great to see them having a good time with their friends and dancing as a cohort to some of the hits! 

Junior School DIsco

Disco JS

 
Hunt for the Golden Ticket Competition - Junior Library

During the first three weeks of Term 3 the Junior Library will be having a 'Hunt for the Golden Ticket' competition. Based on the novel ‘Charlie and the Chocolate factory,’ 10 golden tickets will be ‘hidden’ in the barcodes of ten various books in the library. The only way to find a golden ticket is to borrow one of those books!

Every student who finds a golden ticket will receive a brand-new book of their choice up to $15 from the Scholastic Book Club. This competition is open for all students from Prep to Year 6.

The more times you borrow, the more chances you have to win! 


For more information please speak to Library staff.

 

Mrs Arabella Issa & Mr Michael Smith

Junior Library Team
Writing Competition

Picture 4_0.png

writing

Picture 1_0.jpg

writing

Picture 2_0.jpg

writing

Picture 3.jpg

writing

What is it? A writing competition open to ALL students, Prep to 6. Students enter under their name, grade and HOUSE.

Points will be awarded to the students’ houses for every person who enters.

When is it? The writing competition will open from Monday the 20th of June and close on Friday the 29th of July.

Students will be given one or two lessons to work on their entry in class time, but any final editing or corrections will need to be done at home.

Theme: Belonging. Please include the idea of belonging or wanting to belong somewhere in the story. Prep, Kinder and Year 1 will be provided with images to give them prompts if they wish to use them.

Submissions: Students may submit a creative writing piece (narrative or poem). It needs to be submitted on A4 paper.

Entries must be labelled with the student’s first and last names, class and HOUSE. The entry must be legible (at an age-appropriate level). Students must submit their own work. It must be original, and not previously awarded any prizes in other writing competitions. Parents and teachers may help with basic editing before the story is submitted, but not write the text for the student.

Entries will be chosen from every grade to be published in a Thomas Hassall Magazine! A winning entry from each grade will also receive a mystery (book-related) prize!

Questions to [email protected]

Alex Saville
Gifted and Talented Liaison for the Junior School
Enrolments 2024

Calling all Sibling Applications

We will soon be commencing our interview process for students commencing in 2024. If you have a child you would like to enrol for 2024,  please visit our website www.thac.nsw.edu.au/content/applying-now and complete the application form to ensure you have sibling priority. Positions cannot be guaranteed unless an application has been submitted.

Our Year 7 2024 Interviews will commence in early Term 3 so please get your application in as soon as possible.

If you have any questions regarding the enrolments process please contact our office on 9608 0033 and speak to Marissa Poll (Junior School) or Amanda Low (Senior School).
Uniform Shop

Regular Trading Hours
Monday 7.30am – 3.30pm
Wednesday 12.00pm – 6.00pm
Friday 7.30am – 3.30pm

Senior school students will be able to go to the shop before and after school, as well as during lunch and recess to make purchases.

The College uniform shop will close for school holidays on Friday 24 June at 3.30pm.

Holiday Trading Hours
Friday 15 July 9am - 4pm

The uniform shop will return to normal hours on Monday 18 July at 7.00am

EventsBack to Top

Football Holiday Program
The College is excited to host our Football Program in the upcoming holidays for students at Thomas Hassall Anglican College, their friends and family.

Running at the College from 11-15 July.

Students will be involved in activities that develop skills and promote understanding of the game. The daily training will be designed to improve the skill level of each individual. 

Our Football Director, Mr Sonny Makko will be leading the program.

Bookings online via the book page. For any questions please contact [email protected]
Code Camp

Join in the fun in the upcoming holidays with CodeCamp

The program will be running at the College from 4-6 July from 9am - 3.30pm. 

It is open to students aged 7-12

This program is also eligible for the Creative Kids $100 rebate.

To register, visit their website

WellbeingBack to Top

Positive Parenting

Despite the best efforts of parents around the world, the reality is, there is no such thing as the ‘perfect parent

The National Academy of Sciences defines four major responsibilities necessary for good parenting. These include:
- Maintaining a child’s health and Safety
- Promoting a child’s emotional wellbeing
- Instilling a child’s social skills and
- Preparing a child  intellectually

Despite the best efforts of parents around the world, the reality is, there is no such thing as the ‘perfect parent’. However, arming yourself with the right information is a good start!

Research shows, that one of the most important protective factors in the lives of young people, is a close relationship with a supportive adult. With the mental health of today’s young people being at an all-time low, it is simply not enough to parent effectively. Parents need to familiarise themselves with practical skills, knowledge and strategies when it comes to raising children.

Many parents today are over-protective, resulting in children being less independent, unable to problem-solve or self-regulate. Parents are failing to set clear boundaries, which is, unfortunately, making kids feel less secure. There is too much pressure on kids today. Parents fill their days with too many activities in an effort to avoid their child’s boredom.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn what is the best approach for primary and secondary school-aged children.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Positive Parenting edition of SchoolTV
https://thac.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter/positive-parenting

LearningBack to Top

Year 6 writing

This term 6M have been learning about poetic devices in poems written by famous poets, including Australian and Indigenous poets.

One technique we explored are extended metaphors. Extended metaphors are metaphors that unfold over multiple lines to create meaning, imagery and mood.

After interpreting a poem from Emily Dickinson called “Hope” is the thing with feathers, students were asked to create their own extended metaphor poems. Here are some of their poems.

He is a bright star-
He shines with glory
With a contagious smile
That is tossed - in the waves

Turning into a dull star
That is lost - in space-
Confidence washed away
Glowing brightness - drowned out
But a window of light-
Clearing his vision-
He is a bright star-
He shines with glory.

Written by Nadine W and Merona A

My room is a dreamland-
with a soft fluffy throne-
with stories on every wall- and
a magical sky painted above-
and it’s all mine

Written by Xander G

Life is like a maze-
endless twists and turns-
that all lead to a different outcome-
there are so many options that can change your life-
forever-

Written by Alex A

Life is like a box of chocolates
You never know which flavour you'll get
You can get lucky or unlucky
You'll never know until you try

Written by Chloe L and Alana M
Teddy Bears Picnic

On 15 June,  Kindergarten had their annual Teddy Bears Picnic.

They enjoyed lots of activities together with their cuddly bears!

Teddy bears picnic
Year 5 Space Projects

I thought that the SCIL presentations were a fun way to show what we have learned about space. As we got to present it to others in a gallery walk, it helped us to practise presenting in front of others. I made a video with voice overs and transitions. Overall, it was a fun experience compared to other assessments on SCIL. Krishna R (5W)

I liked the freedom and creativity of this activity to answer the inquiry question, ‘Why are there so many dwarf planets and what is their purpose?’ I made a movie which took a lot of time and effort and help, but it was worth it in the end because I got the presentation award for my class. I liked seeing other people’s creativity and way of thinking and I would like to do it again. Christian C (5W)

I really enjoyed having our presentations. We got to showcase the hard work we’ve accomplished to our parents and our teachers. I personally loved learning about space. Showing everybody what we’ve done has really helped me grow confidence in myself, but not just in myself. I saw my friends and others also enjoying what they’ve done. I would definitely want to do something like this again in the future. Leah T (5B)

I grew confidence in myself by doing the project. When I first started researching my big question about space and astronauts, I didn’t know that much. After all my researching, I’ve learned such a lot. Alandra A (5B)

I loved coming up with my own inquiry question, then researching independently to answer it. I’ve always wondered so much about space and this topic helped me answer all my questions. It also helped me with my research skills. I learned so much about planets and what their environments are like. Isabella T (5K)

During this project, I really enjoyed coming up with my inquiry question. I loved working all about how astronauts survive in space. It also improved my research and information skills. I hope we do something like this again. Lilianna T (5K)

Year 5 solar

Performing ArtsBack to Top

Years 1 and 2 Strings Performance

The Year 1 & 2 String Program has been running at the College led by Mr Ehab Ibrahim for approximately 7 years.  We have a large group of 32 students participating in the program this year who had their first opportunity to perform for parents, peers and Mr Whelan.  The students were very excited to present three pieces in each group and display their progress so far.  The students also had a special performance from Mr Ibrahim to show what they can aim for if they keep up their regular practice and lessons together.

Congratulations to all the students involved and we look forward to hearing more of their efforts and skill on their instruments later in the year.

Mr Byron Mark
Director of Ensembles

Years 1 and 2 strings

Junior School Athletics Carnival

The Year 3 - 6 Athletics Carnival was held at Campbelltown Athletics Stadium on Thursday 16 June 2022. 

Our Year 3 – 6 students had a lovely day at the Junior school Athletics carnival last week, competing in a variety of track and field events. 

It was fantastic to see students proudly representing their House and giving all events their best effort.

Students cheered loudly for their House, when the final relay events were run at the end of the day.

A BIG THANK YOU  to Miss Tikeri, Mr Weir, Mr Ward, Mr Zaccaria and our Secondary helpers: the YEAR 12  Fitness class and Year 9 PASS class who ran the field events.  They did an awesome job to ensuring the carnival ran smoothly and efficiently. 

Congratulations to CARMICHAEL on winning the House Point score this year.

The Primary Carnival results were:

1st Place: Carmichael     2,605 points  

2nd Place: Liddell            2,250 points

3rd Place: Lewis              1,680 points

4th Place: Wilberforce     1, 581 points

The following students were the Age Champions for the carnival:

AGE GIRLS BOYS
8 years McKenna B. Jaxon M.
9 years Willow S. Rocky B.
10 years Rubi E. Stefan C.
11 years Alana M. Isaiah W.
12 years Sara E. Ryder W.

Students who have qualified to represent the College at the NASSA carnival will be notified soon.  

The NASSA Junior Athletics Carnival will be held next term, on Friday 12 August 2022 (Week 4).

Junior Athletics Carnival

Mrs Sharon Evans

P-6 Sport Coordinator

CommunityBack to Top

Special Offer - Matildas v Canada

College Families have access to a special discount to be in the stands as the Matildas continue their journey to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM on home soil!
ICMYI, on Tuesday 06 September, the CommBank Matildas will be the very first football team to play on the brand-new Allianz Stadium in Sydney and the team are taking on reigning Olympic Gold Medallists, Canada. The leading goal scorer in international football history, Christine Sinclair, and some current and former club teammates, Shelina Zardosky, Jessie Flemming. Playing with us is very different to playing against us though!

CommBank Matildas v Canada
Date: Tuesday 06 September
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Time: Kick-off TBC

Ticket link: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=FSTILDAS22&eg=SPORTING&ep=SCHOOLS

#WeAreMatildas