Term 2 I The Way Newsletter I Friday 07 June 2024

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From the Principal
Principal

We are past the halfway point of the term and looking forward to the long weekend. I hope that you and your families can enjoy some quality moments over the next few days. I have been reflecting on the pace of school life during term time and it is certainly fast and filled with fantastic opportunities for the students. It is wonderful that we are blessed with the resources and staff to pursue so many different activities. Can I encourage you to thank a teacher or staff member for the many ways that they go above and beyond for the students?

This week alone we have hosted the Anglican Schools Corporation Annual Choral Festival which saw over 500 students from different schools come together to celebrate the universal language of music. Our staff facilitated and managed this event and delighted in the performances of our students. We have sent off 120 year 9 students on their first Duke of Edinburgh hike with college staff in attendance to guide and encourage their development as young men and women with character. We have had students represent in soccer, cross country and athletics – again, ably supported and encouraged by staff and parents. Year 10 have been out on work placement learning about the responsibilities and joys of being in the workforce. The teachers are also marking tasks, exams and writing reports at this time.

We are a busy community.

We are a vibrant community.

I continue to enjoy meeting you at the Parent Café on a Friday morning.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

 

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

You are invited to come along to the Parent Café next week for our first ‘Café Chat’ topic: Understanding your Child’s Academic Report

 The Café Chat series offers a unique chance to engage in relaxed, informal discussions with our staff on a variety of topics across the year. We sent a broadcast out recently inviting you to attend our first Café Chat which will be with Ms Lisa Hansford – the Director of Teaching and Learning in Junior School about the Reporting process.

Understanding your child's report is not just about analysing grades. It is more than that. It is understanding your child’s engagement in learning, their effort and attitude. At the heart of it, it’s about considering your child’s progress, celebrating their positive learning behaviours and reflecting on how to support them on their educational journey. We want you to be equipped and empowered with the knowledge and understanding to read school reports effectively so we can create strong partnerships together. As we partner together we can focus on the path forward - it is about their future!

 Date: Friday 14 June

Time: 8.30 – 9.30am

 I encourage Prep and Kindergarten parents to come along, especially if this is your very first time reading through an academic school report. Café Chat offers you a chance to understand the process more fully and ask any questions you may have.  

We will meet at the Parent Café in MRK so come and enjoy a hot drink or food beforehand. Please register your interest in attending using this link

I look forward to seeing you there!

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

It is report writing time in Senior School and soon you will see the results. But how will you respond? What will you do with the information? What might Jesus say?

1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7)

chaplain

I love this teaching from Jesus because he uses humour to highlight the absurdity of being blind to our own faults while focusing on the flaws of others.

When we cannot see clearly, we need help from others who can. We need guidance from those who have experience in dealing with their own faults. This doesn't imply that we need to be perfect before we can make judgments, but it does suggest that we should address our own shortcomings first as we help others with theirs.

Our children have their own areas for growth. To help them become lifelong learners, we need to not only be aware of our own faults but actively work on improving them. Here’s an exercise to try:

  1. Read your child's report and check out the learning behaviors listed.
  2. Rate yourself on these behaviors.
  3. Choose a common trait that both you and your child can work on.
  4. Share with them one thing you are doing to improve in this area.

By doing this, your child will see that you, too, are on a journey of lifelong learning alongside them. This is especially true for Christians!

Reverend Denis Oliver
College Chaplain
From the Junior School Director of Teaching and Learning
lisa

"I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. 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 throughout the term. Teachers, students and families return to Term 2 in the anticipation of a big term. As well as turning darker and colder, there is much learning to do, assessments to complete, units of work with which to grapple, and reports to write and read. Success is our goal. Mistakes will be made.

What does it mean for our students to succeed? Does it mean to get As in their report? Obtaining an award at the K-6 Assembly? Or does it mean that each student challenged themselves to achieve new goals and made plenty of mistakes as they did?

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 final month of this busy term, 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 - Junior School

Upcoming dates

Date Event

Monday 10 June

King's Birthday Public Holiday

Tuesday 11 June

CASA Secondary State Gymnastics 

Stand Tall Presentation - Year 8 & 9

Sydney Eisteddfod Junior Strings Ensemble

Wednesday 12 June

Senior Strings Ensemble & Intermediate Concert Band Performance 
Carnes Hill Shopping Centre 3pm - 4pm

Thursday 13 June

Junior School Athletics Carnival

CASA Athletics Training

Year 11 & 12 Parent Teacher Evening 

Friday 14 June

K-2 Assembly

Cafe Chat in Cafe MRK

Parent Community Network Meeting

Year 9 Drama Workshop

Years 10 & 11 Volleyball Gala Day

Yr 12 Modern History Excursion

Monday 17 June

Photo Week - Prep (White/Red), Kindergarten, Years 1, 2 and 12 individual and class photos

AICES Netball Cup

CASA Athletics Training

Tuesday 18 June

Photo Week - Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 individual and class photos

CASA Gymnastics Tournament

CIS U16s Basketball

Wednesday 19 June

Photo Week - Years 7 - 11 individual and grade photos

CIS Football Cup Semi Finals

Thursday 20 June

Photo Week - Prep (Blue/Purple) individual and class photos, Sibling Photos and Catch-up

 

Friday 21 June

Photo Week - Sibling Photos and Catch-up

Mother's Celebration Breakfast

Junior School Assembly  - Auditorium
Host Families Needed

We are excitedly anticipating a visit from Takayama Junior High School, our sister school, who will be visiting the College. Hosting students will provide your family with an amazing intercultural experience. We have always had such positive feedback from families who have hosted and it is a vital part of our Japanese language program within the College community. The Japanese students are here to experience Australian Culture and our style of family life to improve their spoken English. 

Japanese

 

If you are interested in hosting students, please click on this link and fill out the online form.

Thank you for considering this wonderful opportunity.

Mrs Fiona Byrne
Languages Coordinator

 
Mother's Celebration Breakfast

Mothers and Guardians, you’re invited to come along to our rescheduled Mother's Day Breakfast. Come and enjoy breakfast with your child at the John Lambert Auditorium.

FRIDAY 21 JUNE

7.00 - 8.30am

You can join us anytime from 7.00am - 8.30am although students from Years 7 - 12 are required to leave at 7.55am

This is a free event for the College Community, but due to limited seating and catering, bookings are essential. If you already made a booking for the original event, your registrations will automatically transfer to the new one. If you are unable to attend on 21 June, please either send an email to community@thac.nsw.edu.au or follow the instructions on the email from the ticketing system

Please book online www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book
College Photo Week

College photos are taking place in 2 weeks.

College Photos have been scheduled to take place from Monday 17 until Friday 21 June 2024. Don Wood Photography will be taking individual, cohort and sibling group photos at various times throughout the week. All students will have their photograph taken, however, the purchase of photographs is optional.

 

Monday 17 June - Prep White & Red, Kindergarten, Years 1, 2 and 12 individual and class photos will occur.

Tuesday 18 June – Years 3 - 6 individual and class photos will occur.

Wednesday 19 June - Years 7 - 11 individual and grade photos will occur.

Thursday 20 June - Prep Blue and Prep Purple individual and class photos will occur.

Sibling photos will occur on Thursday 20 June and Friday 21 June for most families, however, for families with children in Prep White & Red, sibling photos will be taken on Monday morning – 17 June.

If you wish to purchase a photograph package, this can be done via credit card by visiting www.donwoodphotography.com.au and entering the password emailed to you. 

If your child is absent on the day of their class photo, yet returns to school while Don Wood Photography are still at the College, then they may be able to have an individual photo taken if it can be arranged. Please ask them to report to the Student Reception to make arrangements.
College Awards

To receive an award is a recognition to your hard work, excellence and service in the College. 

Congratulations to the following Junior School assembly merit award recipients:

Junior School Awards

 
Become a VET Work Placement Provider

At Thomas Hassall Anglican College, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom.

We are committed to providing our students with opportunities that prepare them for the real world, and vocational education and training (VET) is a crucial part of this mission. As we strive to offer our students hands-on experience in their chosen fields, we are reaching out to our parent community to ask for your invaluable support as work placement providers.

Why Your Involvement Matters

- Real-World Experience - By becoming a work placement provider for our VET students in Construction, Entertainment, and Business Services, you offer them a unique chance to apply their classroom knowledge in practical settings. This real-world experience is instrumental in bridging the gap between theory and practice, providing our students with insights that textbooks alone cannot offer.

- Skill Development - Work placements allow students to develop essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. These placements also foster a professional mindset and work ethic, equipping students with the competencies needed to thrive in their future careers.

- Community Building - Your participation strengthens the bond between the school and the wider community. It showcases our collective commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals, contributing to a supportive and thriving local economy. By working together, we create a network of mentorship and support that benefits everyone involved.

Benefits for you

- Mentorship Opportunities - As a work placement provider, you have the chance to mentor and inspire young minds. Sharing your expertise and experience can have a profound impact on a student's career trajectory and personal development.

- Family Engagement - Engaging with the school through work placements allows your family to take an active role in students' educational journey. It fosters a sense of pride and involvement in the growth and success of our future leaders.

- Giving Back - Providing work placements is a meaningful way to give back to the community. Your contribution can help shape the careers and lives of students, leaving a legacy of support and encouragement.

How to Get Involved

Becoming a VET work placement provider is straightforward and rewarding. If you or your business can offer placements in Construction, Entertainment, or Business Services, we would love to hear from you. Your involvement would require a week-long placement depending on your capacity and resources.

To express your interest or to learn more about how you can support our VET programs, please fill out the form below.

Click Here to fill out the Expression of Interest - Workplace Provider

If you have any questions send an email to VET@thac.nsw.edu.au. We are eager to work with you to create enriching opportunities for our students.

Mr David Phelps
VET Coordinator

WellbeingBack to Top

Smokeless Tobacco Products

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Smokeless Tobacco Products
Smokeless Tobacco Products

Snus and nicotine pouches are gaining popularity among youth as smokeless tobacco (SLT) products. These products are marketed as safer alternatives to traditional smoking and vaping, yet they still pose significant health risks. Both are discreetly placed under the upper lip, allowing nicotine absorption through the gums. Like vapes, they come in a variety of flavours and strengths, with unregulated nicotine levels leading to inconsistent and misleading labelling.

Smokeless tobacco products and vapes were initially developed to help people quit smoking, but many young people have adopted them, believing them to be safer. The marketing of snus and nicotine pouches targets young audiences through social media influencers, raising concerns about their increasing popularity among school students.

Educators and health authorities are advocating for proactive measures to curb this rising trend. These products, with high nicotine levels, pose serious health risks, including nicotine addiction, cardiovascular disease, gum disease, tooth decay, and nicotine poisoning. Researchers emphasise the harmful effects of nicotine on developing brains, linking its use to depression, anxiety, ADHD symptoms, and a heightened risk of addiction to other drugs.

The evolving nicotine landscape requires parents and caregivers to stay informed to protect young people from these emerging threats. It is evident that SLT products contain not only nicotine, but elements of other chemicals of which we don't yet know their long-term effects. Not only do we need to steer young people away from harmful substances, but empower them to make informed decisions that prioritise their health and wellbeing.

SchoolTV

LearningBack to Top

Sprinting to Success

Our Year 5 and 6 students over the term have had the privilege of being coached by national sprinter Ruby Demasi. Ruby’s expertise has been a great addition to our PDHPE programs to help teach  our young athletes and  prepare them for next week’s Primary Athletics Carnival.

Ruby's training focused on sprinting techniques, endurance, and maintaining a positive mindset.

Thanks to Ruby's guidance, our students are well-prepared to showcase their talents and achieve new personal bests. With around 50 days to go until the Olympics which one of our students will be there in representing Australia at Brisbane in 2032.  

running

 

Mr Kent Weir
PDHPE Coordinator & Coaching Leader
Exploring food chains and food webs

Our Year 4 students recently delved into the fascinating study of food chains and food webs! They learned how energy is transferred through different levels of an ecosystem, starting from producers, and moving up to various consumers and decomposers. To bring these concepts to life, the students researched and created their own food webs. They used their findings to illustrate the complex interconnections between plants, animals, and insects in different habitats. This hands-on approach not only enhanced their understanding of ecological balance but also sparked their curiosity about the natural world. 

Many discovered surprising connections and developed a newfound appreciation for the delicate balance that sustains life in various ecosystems. We encourage you to discuss their projects with them and explore the amazing discoveries they made about the ecosystems around us. Their enthusiasm and hard work have been truly inspiring!

year 4

Mr Kieran Aggett
Junior School Teacher - Year 4 Year Leader
Opportunities to Write

There are many wonderful writing competitions running in Australia. We have compiled a list of the ones we are aware of that are valid for us in NSW. If your child has a talent or passion for writing, they may want to enter some or all of the competitions below.

Please note, every competition has specific terms and conditions. Please make sure the guidelines are followed closely to make sure work is accepted. These could include age of child, length of submission or even things like size, font and spacing of the text. 

These competitions are run outside of Thomas Hassall Anglican College, but we would love to hear of any success stories. You could let the College know via asaville@thac.nsw.edu.au

Run Quarterly

Little Stories. Big Ideas Competition - Open to: Australian secondary school students

Due June

RD Walsh Memorial Writing for the Environment Prize Open to: up to 18

Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards Open to: K - 12

Due August

Best Australian Yarn - Open to: 12 years or older

Hilarie Lindsay Young Writers Poetry Competition - Open to: K – 12

Due September

Poem Forest: A native tree will be planted in The Australian Botanic Garden for every entry received

Due October

Positive words

Mrs Alex Saville
Gifted and Talented Liaison for the Junior School
Authors Visit Junior School

On Monday, our College hosted six Authors who conducted writing workshops with all students in Year 1-6. The Authors conducted engaging workshops with each class, sharing their expertise and inspiring our young writers. 

Harry Laing a poet and writer captivated and engaged Year 1 with his puppets and animated stories.

Penny Reeve worked side by side with our Year 2 students who were excited to meet a real-life author.

Louise Park helped the Year 3 students work deeper on the important art of character development.

Reece Carter helped our Year 4 students to be specific and write characters and to think about a character’s wants and goals. 

Deborah Ablea, a teacher and student favourite, inspired our Year 5 students to develop their own unique ideas into a story. 

Tim Harris crafted tools to engage your reading audience with our Year 6 students.  

Students were captivated, eager to learn and to continue writing long after the workshops ended. This event reminded us of the power of storytelling and the importance of nurturing creativity. We look forward to more opportunities to inspire our students and cultivate their love for writing.

Many of the authors have left some signed copies of their books if you are still interested in purchasing visit www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book, you can buy books from any of the authors regardless which one visited your child's grade.

author

Mrs Kylie Stroud
Years P-2 Coordinator
Writing Competitions Winners

The Junior School recently held a writing competition, based around the theme of “The River”. We were thrilled with how many students entered a story or poem around this theme. Ms Hansford and I loved reading through the entries from the finalists for each grade. It was challenging to pick winners but those who were successful were chosen for their originality, their descriptive language, the sophistication of their sentences for their age and their story telling ability. This year the winning entries will be published in a new digital format, enabling more to have access to these. Details regarding the new format will be released later in the year.  

Prize winners will be rewarded with a certificate and a book related prize. Our winners and highly commended achievers from Year 1 – 6 will also take part in a writing workshop with published author, Lisa Shanahan, to help hone their writing skills. 

Well done to all who entered and congratulations to the winners listed below. Stay tuned for an upcoming P – 6 illustrators’ competition!

Grade 1st Place 2nd Place Highly Commended
Prep Olivia F Quinn B

Savanna M
Alessia J
Kindergarten Wiliam C Valentina I

Lana K
Harlow G
Romeo M
Year 1 Noah Q Valentina K

Grayson B
Peppino F
Year 2 Evie R

Tiana M

Scarlett B
Petar K
Year 3

Delphy M

Vihaan H

Joshua L
Magdalena P
Rhiannon C
Year 4

Elise M
Georgia G

Leo V

Jayden H
Aiden P
Year 5

Orlando C

Claudia A

Sophia K
Lily R
Year 6  Grace H

Micaela J

Asha R
Lara N

 

Mrs Alex Saville
Gifted and Talented Liaison for the Junior School

Performing ArtsBack to Top

Sydney Music Eisteddfod

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Eisteddfod

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eisteddfod 2

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eisteddfod 3

On Tuesday 4 June, our Junior Concert Band visited Chatswood Concourse Concert Hall to participate in the Sydney Eisteddfod music competition. The students put on a fantastic performance and achieved HIGHLY COMMENDED, meaning they earned fourth place out of sixteen schools who performed that day. This is an excellent achievement from our students, and a great way to celebrate their consistent learning as they rehearse every Tuesday morning under the direction of Mr Robinson. It was their best performance to date, and they now look forward to their next performance at the P-6 assembly in week 8 this term.

 This competition has been running for 91 years, and provides student musicians from all around NSW the opportunity to perform in the beautiful space of the Concert Hall, as well as watch other schools perform. Thank you to all the parents who support the music learning of their children, and we look forward to more exciting performances this year.

 

music

Mr Byron Mark
Director of Ensembles - Creative Arts
Many things happening in CAPA

Following the success of our recent musical ‘The Little Mermaid’, Creative Arts has still been thriving at Thomas Hassall. Our Junior Strings Ensemble performed at our MRK Friday Cafe in preparation for their performances coming up. They provided lovely music as our College community enjoy their delicious meals. The strings students are currently preparing for their performance at the Sydney Eisteddfod next week, and this was a great opportunity for them to perform their set to a live audience. Our Year 9 & 10 Elective Music students have also completed their mid-term performance assessments, representing the topics of Theatre Music and Film Music. Students presented an array of exciting and interesting repertoire showcasing excellent potential as they near their senior years working towards the HSC. 

With UNITE week around the corner, this means our annual X-THACTOR event is fast approaching. We have been receiving some great online auditions as we prepare to announce the finalists who will compete in this exciting event at the end of the term. A new ensemble has also started in the Junior School, the ‘Junior Saxophone Ensemble’. This is a small group of saxophone players from Years 5 & 6 who rehearse on Monday lunch time under the direction of Mr Mark. We are also excited to see our Year 7 & 8 Drama Club students preparing for their first public performance at the end of the term. If anyone is interesting in joining this group, they would love to have you along. 

Lastly, thanks to all our parents that continually support their children in music/drama education with rehearsals before, after and during school. The next few weeks feature many opportunities and events for our students; Sydney Eisteddfod, Choral Festival, Carnes Hill Performances, and more. We look forward to sharing these events with you in our next edition of The Way.

choral

Mr Byron Mark
Director of Ensembles - Creative Arts

Talented Athletes Program Term 2

Our Talented Athlete Program has been busy this term with lots of training sessions. Here are some photos of our afternoon development activities.

If you are interested in enrolling in the program, please complete an inquiry form using this link. 

We will be holding another viewing week for families and parents of students in the program, more information will be sent out next week. 

TAP

Miss Dayla Tikeri 
Sports Administrator & K-12 TAP Coordinator
CASA Junior Cross Country

The CASA Junior Cross Country was held on Thursday 23 May at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre.  Our Junior team were well prepared, after having a training run at the Secondary carnival last term.  Our team ran well throughout the day, doing their best while competing on a challenging course.

The Thomas Hassall Junior team placed 3rd overall at the carnival, which is an excellent result.

We had some fantastic individual performances, with Hanna E and Domenico B placing 1st in their age groups.

Congratulations to the following students who will compete at the NSW CIS Primary Championships in 2 weeks.

A’mia B – 8/9 years – 2km          

Jacob D – 8/9 years – 2km              

Levi M – 10 years – 2km             

Hanna E – 11 years – 3km             

Willow S – 11 years – 3km

Dante C – 11 years – 3km           

Thomas S – 11 years – 3km             

Domenico B – 12 years – 3km    

Blake F – 12 years – 3km

Well done to all students who represented the College at the CASA Cross Country carnival.

cross country

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sports Coordinator
NSW CIS Primary Cross Country Championships

There were 9 students from our Junior school represent CASA at the NSW CIS Primary Cross Country Championships on Thursday 6 June. 

On a cold and wet track, at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, our runners did their best on a very challenging course.

Congratulations A’mia B, Jacob D, Levi M, Hanna E, Willow S, Dante C, Thomas S, Domenico B and Blake F on your excellent performance at the state championships.  A wonderful achievement!

 

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sports Coordinator

CommunityBack to Top

Holiday Programs

Holiday Kids Club - Hope Anglican Church

Hope Church  hope church

Midford Uniform Shop Position

Are you looking for an opportunity to drive sales and work in a friendly & family-focused School community? The Midford team is now looking for a fabulous retail store manager. We are looking for a motivated, organized, results-driven manager who can develop the team and run the store as if it were your own.

The open position is for a Casual Uniform Shop Manager, working 22 hours per week Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. During busy “back to school” times these hours will increase. 

For more information, or to apply please visit Seek