Bulletin Edition - Junior School | Thomas Hassall Anglican College

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This week I had the pleasure of reading to our youngest students in Prep. It was a wonderful way to spend an hour and I am not sure who enjoyed it more - me or the students. The stories had rhyme, adventure, ingenuity and a sense of fun. It was an exploration in building connections through stories that can improve language skills, social interactions and also foster a love of books. With Christmas fast approaching I want to encourage everyone to think about giving a book as a gift and committing to reading. The impact can be profound.

I have also enjoyed the recent music Ensemble Evenings and Dance Concert. Watching our students best work on display has been excellent. They have learnt so much this year and dedicated time and energy to pursuing areas of skill. The Sports Assembly recognised our athletes and their achievements over the course of the year. We have many talented students but it is only through hard work and training that they can truly reach their potential.

The end of the academic year is a great time to reflect. Whilst we celebrate successes it is also a good opportunity to recognise that we have also overcome challenged and grown personally and become more resilient. It is great to celebrate the tangible markers of success like assessment results, and winning a competition but there is deeper significance in the milestones of each year.

Seeing the Prep students engage thoroughly with a love of reading and observing so many of them recognise their letters and the building blocks of language was fantastic. When I walk through the playground and watch students interacting and finding joy in each other's company I think about what they are learning.

True achievement lies in the progress they each make, in the breakthroughs in understanding and in the way they can serve others.

For many students the greatest achievement may not be getting an A, but the courage it took to ask for help when they struggled or the way they learnt to congratulate someone else.

As we finish our year please take the time to celebrate with your child what they have achieved. The effort, the growth, and the connections they have made are integral to their overall success.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" Matthew 6:33

Mrs Karen Easton

Principal

From the Deputy Principal & Head of Junior School

We are quickly approaching the end of the year and I am reflecting on the many incredible experiences our students have had in 2024. The students are another year older and wiser!

It has been a special year for me as the current Year 6 group were in Prep when I first started at Thomas Hassall. It has been a joy to see my first cohort of students through every grade in the Junior School. I wish them the very best as they head into Senior School next year – they are ready.

Last night I attended the Junior Ensembles Evening and it was a truly excellent series of performances. Seven different ensembles performed and each one was engaging and entertaining in its own right. I was proud of every single performer as they showcased their talent and joy of music. The Intermediate Band filled the Auditorium with incredible dynamics, the Junior Choir brought a bright energy to their songs and the Junior Concert Band ended the evening with a spectacular set of pieces that blew the audience away. Thank you to Mr Mark and Mr Robinson for your long-standing leadership and stewardship of the program.

As we begin to look towards 2025, I would like to reassure you that the teachers consider very carefully the placement of every child in classes next year. Once classes are published they are set for the following year. The class allocations will be made available to parents near the end of the term. A broadcast will be sent with instructions on how you can access this information. While students may not be with all their friends, there are still opportunities to connect during break times. Thank you for your support of these decisions.

As the Christmas season is nearly upon us, I reflect on the love Jesus has for us. How incredible that He was born as a man yet fully God. How wonderful that came among us to bring us into a right relationship with God through the Cross.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Mrs Sandy Wheeler

Deputy Principal & Head of Junior School

From the Chaplain

Miss Beikoff was scheduled to deliver a Talk at our College Award Assembly for Junior School, but she’s currently in Spain with the ParaMatildas, Australia’s women’s cerebral palsy football team. Exciting news just in: they’ve won the IFCPF Women’s World Cup 2024, triumphing with a 6-2 victory over the USA! Miss Beikoff is doing her best for her country, showing dedication and heart.

Paramatildas

At our College Awards Assembly, we are recognising students who have done their best in different areas. It’s a great time to reflect: do we always give our best?

Sometimes, our best effort depends on how much we like the person or the task in front of us. When we enjoy the subject or respect the teacher, it feels easier to put in our full effort. But what happens when we don’t like the subject or the person we’re working with? Too often, we settle for second best, holding back instead of giving it our all. Christians are encouraged to do their best all the time. The Bible says in Colossians 3:23-24:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve.”

Jesus asks us to give our best not to impress others or make them happy but because we are ultimately serving him. Why give Jesus our best? Because Jesus gave us his best.

As we prepare for Christmas, we remember how Jesus came into the world and lived a perfect life. He always gave his best, and in the greatest act of love, he died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins. He swapped his best for our worst because he loves us so much.

If Jesus could do that for us, surely, we can strive to give our best for him. It’s not about being the best—it’s about doing your best for Jesus. That’s what matters.

Let’s follow Miss Beikoff’s example of giving her all, whether on the sports field or in life, and live each day giving our best for the one who gave everything for us.

Reverend Denis Oliver

College Chaplain

From the Junior School Director of Teaching and Learning

As we move into the last weeks of the 2024 academic year, we deepen our reflective practices. Teachers consider the instructional goals they set for their own practice in Term 1, and gather evidence to assess their meeting of those goals; teachers also consider the goals set by our students for learning growth, and study evidence for this growth after reviewing learning tasks in the classroom; students and parents have an opportunity to discuss the progress made in learning across so many different areas, when reading College reports.

Help your children become reflective learners. Ask them what progress they have made throughout the year. It may be in art, reading, working with others, writing, playing happily in the playground or in any of the learning opportunities that students experience throughout the day. Help them appreciate how far they have come in their learning, and celebrate with them. Support your children as they mention ways they can progress even more as they approach 2025, in academics as well as learning behaviours.

In 2025, staff will be working hard to implement newly released NSW curriculum. Over the last 2-3 years, we have implemented new English and Mathematics syllabi; in 2025 and 2026, we will be implementing curriculum in Science, HSIE (History and Geography), Creative Arts and PDHPE. These new documents provide an opportunity for the staff in the Junior School to consider how we teach; to focus on what we do well and plan what we can do better. We are excited to support your children as they aspire to be better learners and members of the Thomas Hassall community as we all work towards growth and progress.

Ms Lisa Hansford

Director of Teaching and Learning - Junior School

NewsBack to Top

Celebration Dates

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Our end-of-year awards "Celebration" are happening over the follow dates.

Prep

Wednesday 27 November
Prep 3 Day: 1.30pm

Thursday 28 November
Prep 2 Day: 1.30pm

Please ensure you register your attendance www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book

K - 12

Tuesday 3 December
Years 3 to 6: 9.30am
Kindergarten to Year 2: 12.30pm
Years 7 to 12: 6pm

These events have a limited capacity and will be available to watch via Livestream tv.thac.online. Award recipients families have been sent an email to notify them if a student is receiving an award.

Upcoming dates

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Date	Event
Tuesday 26 November	Year 6 Ceremony - 9.30am Year 6 Dinner
Wednesday 27 November	Prep 3 Day Celebration - 1.30pm
Thursday 28 November	Prep 2 Day Celebration - 1.30pm
Friday 29 November	Year 6 Aquatopia Day Last Day - Year 10
Monday 2 December	Year 10 Formal
Tuesday 3 December	Years 3 - 6 Celebration - 9.30am Years K - 2 Celebration - 12.30pm Senior School Celebration - 6pm
Wednesday 4 December	Mufti Day - Christmas themed Last Day of Term 4
Thursday 5 December	Christmas Holidays
Friday 6 December	OFFICE CLOSED
Wednesday 11 December	Gingerbread Workshop - 10am or 5pm Book: www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book

College Awards

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

Congratulations to the following Junior School Principal's awards and College award recipients:

Principal
COLLEGE

Head Injuries and Concussions

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Parent partnerships with the College are always so important. This is especially the case in managing head injuries and concussions. A concussion is a complex process caused by trauma that transmits force to the brain (directly or indirectly) resulting in a temporary disturbance or brain function impairment. Concussions can be very serious and are not always evident straight away. At College we watch all head injuries for concussion symptoms.

Our College Nurse is our Concussions Officer and is your first point of contact about any concussions or suspected concussions. Your child’s safety is our primary concern.

What parents need to know:

If your child has a concussion or suspected concussion while at College:

You will be contacted by our College nurse.
You will be given forms to be filled out by your doctor to ensure your child is professionally assessed.
You will need to take your child to the doctor and have the forms filled out.
You can email the completed doctor’s forms to [email protected] or bring the forms to College Reception.
A child that has had a concussion or suspected concussion cannot return to College without a doctor's written clearance.
When returning to College your child should bring the completed doctors forms and report to the College nurse before attending classes.
We will work with you, your child and your doctor to ensure a safe return to learning and sport at the College.

If your child has a concussion or suspected concussion that occurs outside of College:

We need to know about concussions that occur outside of school so we can watch for further symptoms and make sure your child doesn’t participate in activities that are unsafe while they are recovering.

You must notify the College nurse of the concussion and provide medical clearance from your doctor to come to College.
Your child should report to the College nurse before attending any classes, the first school day after the injury occurs.
We will work with you, your child and your doctor to ensure a safe return to learning and sport at the College.

You can read our full Head Injuries and Concussions Policy.

To understand more about how to recognise a concussion in your child click on the button below.

Mrs Lenore Symons
Compliance and Accounts Associate

Reminder about Student Cards

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A reminder to all students to keep their student cards safe for 2025. These cards are essential for accessing the canteen and are not reissued annually.

If a student has lost or damaged their card, a replacement can be obtained from Student Reception for $5.

Thank you for ensuring cards are kept secure and ready for the year ahead.

EventsBack to Top

Christmas Mufti on the Last Day of Term

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Students from Prep to Year 12 are invited to participate in a Christmas Mufti to celebrate the season and last day of Term for 2024.

On Wednesday 4 December, students can celebrate the season by coming to College in Christmas colours, festive outfits or with Christmas accessories.

A gold coin donation will be collected by those who participate. All money raised will go to supporting The Smith Family, helping disadvantaged children succeed at school.

Gingerbread House Workshop

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You’re invited to come along to our special Gingerbread Workshop event to celebrate Christmas.

We will be running two sessions on Wednesday 11 December: 10am or 5pm
The sessions will take place in Mrs Riitano's Kitchen.

The cost is $40 per gingerbread kit which includes everything you need to decorate. There are original, chocolate and gluten free kits available. All are nut free.

Bookings are essential by 3pm Wednesday 27 November. Please visit www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book.

Please note students must be supervised by parents or guardians at these events.

We look forward to seeing you there!

WellbeingBack to Top

Confidence & Motivation

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Building confidence and motivation in young people is essential for their overall wellbeing and is a key aspect of their development. These qualities can have a lasting impact on their success and happiness. Confidence helps children believe in their abilities and face challenges with a positive attitude, while motivation drives their desire to learn, explore, and achieve their goals.

Fostering these traits involves creating an environment that encourages children to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and celebrate their achievements. Confidence is built when children feel capable and valued, while motivation is fuelled by the belief that their efforts will lead to growth and success. By actively supporting both, we can help young people thrive in the academic, social, and personal areas of their life.

By offering positive reinforcement, setting realistic expectations, and celebrating their efforts, we can model a positive mindset that can go a long way in helping young people develop both confidence and motivation. Nurturing these qualities, will help them grow into self-assured individuals who believe in their ability to succeed, setting the foundation for a fulfilling future.

In this edition of SchoolTV, discover how to provide opportunities for autonomy and support your child in persevering through challenges.

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling

LearningBack to Top

Kindergarten Orientation

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This Term we hosted our 2025 Kindergarten students for an Orientation Day. Parents dropped their child at a kindergarten room where they were able to play and make new friends.

Kindy Orientation

While the students were getting to know each other the parents met for an information session. New students also had a chance to sing, read, make craft and most of all play. It was a great start to their educational journey and we look forward to seeing them again in 2025.

Mrs Trudi Woods
Junior School Teacher - Kindergarten Team Leader

Prep Orientation

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Our 2025 Prep students visited the College this term for their orientation day. They settled in beautifully, met teachers and have already made new friends. While the Preps explored their classrooms, parents gathered in the Library for an information session.

Prep

We are excited to officially welcome our youngest students next year!

Poetry Writing in Year 2

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This term, Year 2 students have been learning about poetry, focusing on rhythm, rhyme, and expression. Here is a selection of their work from the classroom.

Bushfire

Smoke fills the air

With an angry ROAR!

The fire’s growling,

Humans are screaming,

Birds flap and screech.

Tall flames lick the trees,

Ashes spit and drift.

FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!

- Tiana M

The Lazy Leaf

The leaf rolls his eyes in his head,

He doesn’t want to get out of bed,

“The tree is my bed you see,

And although its Autumn,

I’ll not fall. Not me! No – Sir – ee!

I’m orange and red, and

I’M NOT GETTING OUT OF BED.

I’M NOT EVEN MOVING MY HEAD!!!

ARGH! OW! OOK!

I’ve fallen out of the tree

But wait, I have an idea, now I see

That I should be an evergreen tree!”

- Scarlett B

Bushfire

The hot breath of day roars,

Turning into carpets of flame,

Crackling ashes burn.

The fire grows hungrier

Devouring trees,

Jumping, leaping, chasing and attacking.

The tsunami of fire is spreading.

- Evie R

Bushfire

Hot flames rage through

the small village.

Trees are red with no leaves.

People flee from their houses.

The hot sun is camouflaged

by the blood red sky.

Grey ash clouds darken

the dry path.

- Jerome M

Bushfire

The bushfire’s smoke rips through the sky.

Flames sizzle, people run for their lives.

Crackling, gushing waves of fire burn on.

Smoke swallows the sky.

Flames devour.

- Tyrus Y.

Poetry Writing in Year 4

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This term, Year 4 have been learning about poetry. We hope you enjoy a sample of our original creations.

FOG

Slowly drifting through the air,

Blinding anyone who sees it.

It creeps up on you like a spider,

Sucking all the warmth and happiness,

Spreading fear like the wind,

Making everything cold and sad….

But suddenly, it’s gone!

And you feel warmth and happiness again.

By Scarlett Z

Candle

A flickering light blurs around me,

Shuns the darkness so I can see.

Unknown objects cast a shadow,

Hiding things down below.

Suddenly, I’m plunged into the void,

The is candle is out. I feel destroyed.

By Leo V

Tsunami

The waves are washing down, and people are screaming for help,

A lost dog notices and gives a startled yelp,

An abandoned baby, lies wailing and crying,

Looking for land, the seagulls start flying.

Even the luckiest boats get caught by the water,

Like a devastating hunter, whatever it catches, it slaughters.

By Elise M

Creative Arts in Junior School

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With credit to the great Italian Renaissance artist, Michelangelo, Year 6 students created their reproduction of the Pieta sculpture in 2D. Each student shaded with 2B, 4B and 6B pencils, examining light and dark tones to recreate a detail from a photograph of the 2 tonne marble sculpture.

YEAR 6

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This was a beautiful lesson in what is possible when everyone works together to contribute their part to the whole. The younger students passing through the Breezeway have been in awe of what the students in Year 6 achieved with these enormous collaborative drawings.

Mrs Ann McDermott
Junior School Specialist Teacher (Visual Arts)

Year 3 Reading Spotlight

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In our classes this term, Year 3 students are reading The Little Wave by Australian author Pip Harry. It is a beautiful text, full of rich and engaging language that has captured our attention and imagination as we dive deeply into the characters and themes. This free verse novel follows the emotional journeys of three young Australians: Noah, Lottie, and Jack. Through alternating perspectives, the story explores themes of friendship, resilience, and belonging, set against the contrasting communities of Australian coastal and city life.

We love taking the time to stop and reflect on our reading together. By unpacking new vocabulary, making connections, and asking questions, we can unlock a much deeper understanding of why and how the author has made particular choices—and what we can infer from our reading. We are stretching our thinking to make meaning that goes beyond the words on the page.

Year 3 reading

Analysing the characters and their traits allows us to understand how their actions and attitudes change throughout the story. We make predictions and inferences about the interactions between Noah, Lottie, and Jack—and it’s so exciting to see their stories unfold as we get to know them more with each chapter.

Sharing our love of reading and discussing the text in class doesn’t just help us improve our comprehension. It helps us grow empathy and expands our understanding of ourselves and others. Each new word we learn is like a treasure we can add to our vocabulary toolbelt. We have found so many new ways to describe people, behaviour and even ourselves! Some of our favourite new words are proudly displayed on our classroom wall, and we can’t wait to discover even more.

Mrs Christine Ross
Junior School Teacher - Year 3 Team Leader

SportBack to Top

Sports Awards Presentation

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This week, we celebrated our students at the Sports Awards Assembly, recognising their achievements and dedication in sport. Students from Years 3 to 12 came together to honour those who excelled in their sporting pursuits.

We were privileged to welcome Olympic athlete Joshua Azzopardi, who presented awards and inspired everyone with his journey.

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Congratulations to all our award recipients!

Student Sports Spotlight

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This week, we have been recognizing the spirit of sportsmanship within our school community. We would like to acknowledge the sporting achievements of the students listed below:

Nikola R

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This year Nikola was selected to play for the Australian National Futsal Team as Goalkeeper, the NSW Team played all Australian State Teams throughout the 2024 Season.

Nikola is currently in Malaysia as he was selection to represent Australia in the Futsal International Tournament as lead goalkeeper. This is not the first time Nikola has been selected to travel international, in 2023 he traveled to Holland with the Australian Cityroos Football Club.

Zen K

zen

In May, Zen participated in the Taekwondo State Championship where he walked away with the Silver award. He then moved onto the National Selection in August where he placed third with the Bronze award.

Dakota J

Dakota

In August, Dakota attended the Senior Swimming State Championships. She swam in both short course and long course for the Freestyle and Butterfly events of 50m and 100m in her age group.

Antonio B

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In October, Antonio was the winner in the ISKA State Championship he is now off to the ISKA Australian Championship in December where he will represent NSW.

Antonio is ranked number one within the ISKA in Australia for multiple categories including clash sparring, sumo wrestling and sword fighting.

Mia K

Mia

In 2024 Mia has been involved in two figure skating competitions. In June she attended the Hollins Trophy at the Liverpool Catholic Club Ice Skating Rink followed by the NSW State Championships in October.

Ayenka K

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Ayenka attended the State Championships for Gymnastics where is placed Silver in the Beam event. This Month she will participate in another Championship.

Co-curricularBack to Top

2024 Dance Concert

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The annual Thomas Hassall Anglican College Dance Concert was held on Monday 11 December. It was wonderful to see our 170 dance students showcase their talents on stage after a year’s worth of classes. There was a variety of dance styles including, jazz, lyrical, ballet, hip hop, cheer and musical theatre. Our dance students are comprised from Kindergarten all the way to Year 12, making this a fantastic representation of progression of dance skills. This year, we formed a Junior Troupe along with our MISA Senior Troupe. Both of these competitive ensembles have won several accolades at eisteddfods this and these dances were also performed at the concert.

Thank you to our amazing dance coaches, Emma, Ellie, Kate and Natasha for their high level of choreography and dance education throughout the year. Their expertise is the reason our dance programs are flourishing and our students are improving their dance skills. We also introduced our new Director of Dance Academy for 2025, Mrs Melanie Whitelaw. She is an accomplished Dance / PE teacher and she will oversee the Dance Academy going forward.

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Thank you to all of our dancers, you have worked so well this year and we are really proud of your efforts both on and off the stage. Lastly, thank you to our parents! Thank you for enrolling your children at Dance Academy and supporting the program by attending the concert and encouraging your dancers. We look forward to seeing you again next year with a refreshed and updated timetable and classes.

If you are interested in Dance Academy, please do not hesitate to contact the font office for more information. All students of any age and skill level are welcome in our diverse program.

Ms Michelle Raft
Director of Dance Academy 2024