Term 1 | The Way Newsletter | Friday 7 February 2025

Latest UpdatesBack to Top

From the Principal
Principal

Welcome to the start of a new College year. We look forward to a year of learning, growth, and connection as we begin 2025 together. A special welcome to our new students and families joining our community—we’re excited to have you with us.

This year is our 25th Anniversary. We have grown rapidly during this time and whilst we can celebrate the past, we want to focus on how we can mature as a College, into the future. We are excited to open our new STEM building, a state-of-the-art space designed to support innovation and hands-on learning in science, design and technology-based areas.

karen

The first two weeks have been a valuable time of preparation, with staff engaged in professional development and planning to strengthen routines and enhance learning experiences for all students. This week has been the students’ turn to reignite their learning habits and routines. We’re looking forward to a positive and productive year ahead.

I am especially pleased with the refreshed uniform options and seeing students embrace the new styles. Our uniform is an important part of our identity, and I expect all students to wear it with pride. It reflects who we are as a community and helps to build a strong sense of connection among our students. Your support with the expectations is valued.

The Senior School quad is nearing completion. The new space will provide additional active play and easier movement for everyone. It looks fantastic.

We have also welcomed many new staff across the College. In Junior School we have held our information sessions this week to provide parents with the opportunity to engage closely with us and next week our Senior School students will participate in our camping programs.

The year is off to a very encouraging start. Education opens possibilities for our students, but they cannot do it alone. This year, we have adopted the theme of ‘Together’ – meaning that we want to develop stronger partnerships with you and offer information sessions and support regarding academic outcomes and how students learn. We will be promoting these in the next edition of The Way and also starting a frequently asked questions section with the opportunity to enter your questions. I am looking forward to working alongside you so that we can help every student progress in their schooling journey.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

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

Welcome to the exciting start of our 2025 learning journey!

Everyone has had their first day or days in their new classes and we are ready for an excellent year of learning ahead. The energy in the Junior School is truly uplifting. It’s been wonderful to see the students reconnecting with their friends, welcoming new faces and sharing plenty of laughter and smiles. Our new Prep and Kindy students are settling in beautifully, getting accustomed to their routines and embracing all the new experiences that come with the start of the school year. They look so grown up in their College uniforms!

At the beginning of each year, we often reflect on what we’d like the months ahead to look like for our children. Let me ask you a question to consider. What would make the biggest difference in your child’s life right now? Perhaps they are navigating the excitement or nerves of making new friends, managing some anxiety, or adjusting to new routines. Maybe you’re looking for tips on how to balance screen time at home or seeking ways to support your child’s wellbeing.

To help with all of this and more, I’d like to remind you about an excellent, free resource available to all families through our College website: School TV. You’ll find it under the ‘Current Students’ tab, or you can simply click the button below.

School TV is a comprehensive wellbeing platform that offers evidence-based information and practical advice for parents and carers. It’s a rich collection of videos, articles, interviews and other resources on a wide range of topics relevant to raising healthy, resilient children. Here are some of the many topics covered:

  • Managing Screen Time
  • Online Gaming
  • Friendships & Belonging
  • Trauma
  • Neurodiversity
  • Rasing Boys and Raising Girls
  • Sleep

I encourage you to explore School TV, whether you’re looking to address a specific challenge or simply want to learn more to better support your child. To get started, Dr. Michael Carr-Greg has a short, 2-minute video that introduces the School TV platform—it's a great place to begin

As we move forward into this year, we are here to partner with you every step of the way. We are passionate about nurturing and growing your children in learning, wisdom and service. It’s great to be a part of our vibrant learning community and I look forward to working alongside you for a bright future ahead!

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

At our College, the question of who decides the culture is both important and complex. With a diverse community of students and staff from different generations, nationalities, and backgrounds, creating a unified culture can be challenging. However, the answer is clear: Jesus Christ. This College belongs to Him, and it is His values and teachings that should shape our culture. As a community, we are called to establish a culture in His name.

In Philippians 4:2-9, the Apostle Paul provides a blueprint for building a Christ-centered culture. He emphasizes two key actions: Think and Do.

"Brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Philippians 4:8-9

Did you notice how many times the word “whatever” is repeated in verse 8? This repetition reminds us that God’s goodness can be seen everywhere—even in a broken world, it is stamped with His goodness. The repetition also underscores the believer’s responsibility for what we allow into our minds. We must actively seek truth, honor, purity, and excellence.

Additionally, the word “think” here does not merely mean to reason but to keep a record. We must decide what stays in our minds. What we choose to dwell on either complements or undermines our faith in God.

However, thinking and reflecting alone are not enough to change a culture. Action is essential. The good things we see and learn must be lived out, practiced, and implemented, for we are the body of Christ, and His Spirit dwells within us.

We are our culture—parents, students, and teachers alike. Because our personal culture affects our college culture, we must take responsibility for our thoughts and actions. We know that culture is contagious. Let us transform our culture one thought and one decision at a time, and let us do it together.

Reverend Denis Oliver
College Chaplain
From the Director of Operations & Wellbeing
Kylie

Welcome to a Wonderful Start to the New School Year

As we embark on another exciting year at the College, we are filled with anticipation for the opportunities and achievements that lie ahead. It's always a wonderful time of year as we reconnect with familiar faces and welcome new members to our school community.

At this time, we would like to highlight the importance of partnership between home and school. By working together, we can create the best environment for your child's growth and success. With that in mind, we kindly ask for your support in the following areas:

1. Follow Kiss and Ride Procedures: To ensure the safety of all students, please be mindful of our Kiss and Ride procedures. These are in place to create a smooth and secure arrival and departure experience for all families.

2. Timely Permission for College Events: We appreciate your prompt attention in giving permission for your child to participate in College events. This helps us ensure all students can take part in these exciting learning opportunities.

3. Raising Concerns Early: Should you have any concerns or questions, we encourage you to reach out to the College through the appropriate channels. Addressing issues early allows us to work together to find the best solution.

4. Proper Uniform: Ensuring that your child is wearing their uniform correctly helps maintain a sense of pride and unity within our school community. We thank you for your support in reinforcing this expectation.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making this year a successful one. Together, we can help your child thrive in all that they do.

Mrs Kylie Singles
Director of Operations & Wellbeing – Junior School
Co-Curricular Updates

As we step into a new year, our students continue to embrace the challenges and rewards of co-curricular activities. From outdoor adventures to skill-building experiences, there’s plenty to celebrate and look forward to!

Over the holidays, our senior students participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award embarked on one of two incredible hiking expeditions, testing their resilience, teamwork, and outdoor survival skills. The first group of students traveled to New Zealand in December, undertaking an adventurous hike through some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. This was followed by a Tasmania trip in January, where students got to explore some of the best natural landscapes the region has to offer. The completion of these hikes marks the penultimate stage of the Duke of Edinburgh journey and I commend each of these students for their efforts. 

As we return to school, the co-curricular calendar is quickly filling up. The Sport and Dance Academy programs will be resuming next week, giving students the chance to refine their athletic and artistic skills in a structured and supportive environment. Private music lessons will also be starting back next week for junior students, while senior students will begin their lessons in Week 4. Music Academy ensembles will also resume in Week 4, bringing students together to collaborate and grow their musical talents in a dynamic group setting.

Stay tuned for more co-curricular updates in the coming weeks. As always, we encourage all students to explore the many opportunities available to them beyond the classroom! Looking ahead to 2025, what activities will your child be signing up for? We’d love to hear about their interests and plans for the upcoming year!

Mr Luke Robinson
Director of Co-curricular

NCCD Data Collection

Information for Parents on the NCCD

As a mandatary requirement, the College will participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data this year. The NCCD is an annual collection of data that all schools in Australia participate in. Through this collection, data is collected about the number of school students with a disability and the level of reasonable adjustments with which they are provided. Under the Education Act schools are required to report this information required for NCCD to the Australian Government.

Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our students is important to us. We do not disclose any student names or any specific information about your student to any authority. If you have any questions, please access the public information notice at www.education.gov.au/notices or contact Mrs Lawler (Junior School) or Mrs Skene (Senior School).

A Message for All Parents and Carers in the College.

The Learning Support Team advises staff of any specific requirements that your student may need. Any information that you have forwarded to the College about your student is shared routinely with the relevant staff at the beginning of the year so that we can suggest appropriate teaching strategies to best help any students with specific needs. We also routinely complete some simple assessments on many of our students in each year group in order to provide up to date strategy information for teachers, government censuses, and in the Senior School, to gauge eligibility for Disability Provisions provided during examination periods.

We recognize the sensitivity of this information and assure you that it will be shared discretely with teachers. Any shared information will be kept securely and appropriately by teachers and stored according to legislative requirements.

Please recognize that sharing this information is essential if we are to address the learning needs of our students. We appreciate it when parents and caregivers regularly forward updated information regarding their son or daughter as it assists us to cater for each student’s requirements.

We thank you for your co-operation and please feel free to contact Learning Support at any time.

Mrs Lawler (Junior School Learning Support) and Mrs Skene (Senior School Learning Support).
College App

Do you have the College App?

The College App allows you to easily see your child’s timetable, calendar of events, provide permission for excursions and give a reason for any absences.

It is also the key way for the College to communicate with you important information.
New Staff for 2025

Welcome to all of our new staff at the College

Amy Fracarossi

Mathematics Teacher
Ben Finocchiaro

English Teacher
Ben Graham

Outdoor Education Specialist and Sports Assistant

Cathy Su

College Intern

David Catto

Duke of Edinburgh Leader

Debra Kenworthy

Visual Arts Teacher

Dimitrios Stivaktas

TAS Teacher
Isabella Montuoro

Sports Assistant
Jessica LaalDin

Parent Reception
Lachlan Kennedy

Head of Music Ensembles

Matthew Bursey

PDHPE Teacher

Matthew Miller

HSIE Teacher

Mia Tran

 Sports Assistant

Michelle Haslehurst

 Learning Support Teacher's Aide

Monika Beater

Junior School Teacher

Sarah Mattiuzzo

Junior School Teacher

Sarah Newton

Junior School Learning Support Teacher
Savana Vidic

Sports Assistant 
Simon Kaddissi

HSIE & Science Teacher

Sofia Doria

Sports Assistant

Sophia Berqodian

HSIE Teacher
Timothy Nelson

TAS Teacher
Yongbin Zhao

Mathematics Teacher

Zoe Georgallis

Sports Assistant
Aaryan Diddee

Sports Assistant

Jessica Michalak

 Sports Assistant 

 

 

2025 New Staff
Parent & Student Handbook

We're excited to announce that our Parent & Student Handbook is now available online! Accessible at your convenience, this digital version provides easy navigation and quick reference to important school policies, procedures, and resources.
Parent Community Network

Are you interested in joining our Parent Community Network in 2025?

Thomas Hassall Anglican College welcomes and encourages the involvement of our College Community in activities and programs. 
The Parent Community Network is supported by the College Community Relations staff. A termly meeting will be held at the College in order to get to know each other, discuss upcoming activities and plan ahead.

Parents, carers or grandparents of current students join our Parent Community Network with the key objective to work in teams to help foster friendships and provide support amongst our families. The Parent Community Network aim to: 

  • Welcome new parents to the College 
  • Encourage participation to parents of your Year Group 
  • Support the College with running events such as the Mother’s Day stall 
  • Give feedback and make suggestions on matters relating to the College 
  • Facilitate social gatherings

Induction and Training is mandatory for all Volunteers at the College which will take place in the next few weeks.  The date will be announced shortly.

If you are interested in joining the Parent Community Network and attending the training, please visit our website to fill in an application form

The safety of our students is a priority, so please note that it is a requirement that all volunteers complete the online Working With Children Check forms (WWCC) and submit their approval number to the College for verification, this is free for Volunteers.  If you do not have your WWCC number yet, you can still register and attend the training although you will not be able to volunteer until WWCC clearance is received.

We look forward to you joining us.

Mrs Carmen Pasapera
Director of Marketing & Community Engagement
Calling all Sibling Applications

We will soon be commencing our Enrolment Interview process for students commencing in 2026.

If you have a child you would like to enrol for 2026,  please visit our website www.thac.nsw.edu.au/content/applying-now and complete the application form. Applications must be received by Monday 24 February 2025.  Any applications received after this date will not guarantee sibling priority. 

Kindergarten 2026 sibling enrolment interviews will commence from Week 4 and families will be contacted next week.

Please be reminded that to qualify for Prep 2026, your child must turn 4 by 30 April 2026. Any child who turns 4 after this date will apply for Prep 2027.

You do not need to apply for Kindergarten 2026 if your child has already been accepted into the Prep program for 2025. This also applies to current Year 6 students going into Year 7 2026. Your child’s enrolment will automatically continue.

If you have any questions, please contact Enrolments on 9608 0033 and speak to Marissa Poll (Junior School) or Amanda Low (Senior School).
Parent Cafe

Cafe MRK is open to parents every Friday morning for breakfast with your children before College!

It's also a great way for you to get meet other parents, particularly after the bell.

It opens at 7.30am until 9.30am Friday at MRK (Canteen).

We look forward to seeing you there.
Upcoming dates

Date Event
Monday 10 February Years 7-11 leave for Camp
Tuesday 11 February Year 12 Excursion
Wednesday 12 February

Year 7-11 Return from Camp

Year 12 Onsite Camp
Thursday 13 February Archbishop Prefect Service
Friday 14 February Drama Onstage Excursion  
Monday 17 February  Senior School Swimming Carnival 
Thursday 20 February  Junior School Swimming Carnival

Please see Sports Update articles for all important sporting dates.  

WellbeingBack to Top

Anxiety in Children

It is common for children and even adults to experience a level of anxiety at the start of the school year. For our children, the new academic year, can be exciting and scary simultaneously. It is therefore no surprise that some of them struggle with worrying, fears or anxiety. Anxiety, worry and fear are natural emotions. Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear that something bad is going to happen. Anxiety often involves physical symptoms such as butterflies in their stomach, nausea and difficulty concentrating. It is common for them to avoid what’s causing the anxiety or wanting lots of reassurance.

How to Support Children with Anxiety

Before we can support our children through this difficult situation, we will have to support ourselves. It is useful for us to remember that as parents and care givers, our danger signals will be set off when we observe our children struggling. Consequently, we will be tempted to rescue them from whatever contributes to the anxiety and discomfort. Our job is to:

  • Validate their feelings by acknowledging their fear or worry, and reassure them that it's common for children to feel anxious at times.
  • Have open conversations about their concerns and listen attentively.
  • Gently encourage and support them in confronting situations that cause anxiety.
  • Allow them to face challenges independently before stepping in to assist.
  • Be specific when praising their efforts and recognize their perseverance.
  • Commend them for attempting tasks that trigger their anxiety.
  • Avoid criticizing them for feeling afraid or worried.
  • Refrain from labeling them as "shy" or "anxious."
  • Ensure they maintain a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep, as physical health supports mental well-being.

Seek professional help if you think anxiety is affecting your child’s health and happiness

For more information visit:

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling

LearningBack to Top

First Week in Prep

The Prep students have had a wonderful start to the year! They have been busy making new friends, exploring the classroom and outdoor environment and building relationships with their teachers.

prep

We are excited for the students as they begin their journey at the College.

Mrs Erin Johnson
Junior School Teacher - Prep Red/Blue - Prep Team Leader
Kindy First Day

This week our Kindy students officially started their journey. For some it was their very first day, while others returned after a great year in Prep. 

kindy
kindy

They all stepped into the classroom ready for a big year of learning and discovery. 

Junior School Sports Update

A reminder for students to register their interest for Term 1 Sporting Events.

An email was sent to all Year 3 – 6 students to register for their interest for Term One Sport.

Summer IPSSO is played in Terms 1 and 4 and the sports played are:                        

  • Junior and Senior Girls Soccer (Girls)                       
  • Junior and Senior Cricket (Boys)
  • Junior and Senior Basketball (Mixed)                     
  • Junior and Senior Oz Tag (Mixed
  • Junior Tee-ball and Senior Softball (Mixed)         

Trials will occur in Week 3 and this will be their sports day for the week:

- Years 3 and 4 – Monday 10 February
- Year 5 and 6 – Wednesday 12 February

WINTER IPSSO – Terms 2 and 3

Trials for Winter Sports will occur in Term 2 – Boys Football (soccer), Girls Netball, AFL, Newcombe Ball / Modified Volleyball and Tee-ball and Softball.  More information will be sent later in the term for these trials.

Change to the College Football Program for both boys and girls

The introduction of the Sports Academy this year has resulted in changes to the College's representative football program structure.  While participation in the morning Football Elevation program is no longer a requirement to represent the College in IPSSO or Year 5 and 6 CASA teams, we encourage students to take part. Engaging in the morning Football Elevation program can enhance student’s skills and improve their football knowledge. 

Trials for the Sports Academy Football Elevation Program will occur on Monday 10 February -  7.10am – 8.10am and students need to register through the Sports Academy Program to trial.  Participation in the Sports Academy Program is independent of IPSSO and CASA teams. 

Students who choose to participate in the morning or afternoon Sports Academy programs will still need to trial for IPSSO or CASA teams if they wish to represent the College.

UPCOMING SPORTING DATES
WK 3 Monday 10 February

Year 3 & 4 Summer IPSSO trials and College Sport (sport day for week 3 only)  
Tuesday 11 February

Year 5 & 6 CASA Basketball Gala Day 
Wednesday 12 February Year 5 & 6 Summer IPSSO trials and College Sport
WK 4 Wednesday 19 February Summer IPSSO competition commences
Thursday 20 February  Junior School Swimming Carnival 
WK 5 Monday 24 February

Years 5 & 6 CIS Tennis Trials (players must be ranked to enter) **

CASA Junior Swimming Carnival – 4.00 – 8.00pm
WK 6 Friday 7 March  CIS Primary Boys and Girls Basketball Trials (Selected at CASA Gala)
WK 7 Tuesday 11 March  Years 3 - 6 Cross Country
WK 9 Wednesday 26 March NSW CIS Primary Swimming Carnival
WK 10  Monday 31 March  Years 5 & 6 CIS Boys and Girls Hockey Trials **
Thursday 3 April  Years 5 & 6 CASA Boys and Girls Touch Football Gala Day
Monday 8 April  Years 5 & 6 CIS BOYS AFL Trials **
** Please contact Mrs Evans if you are interested in trialling at the NSW CIS Tennis, Hockey and Boys AFL trials

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sport Coordinator

CommunityBack to Top

WhatsApp Groups for Grades

Many parents would like to connect with each other during this time, a great way to do that is through parent led WhatsApp groups.

Parents of the younger year groups have created WhatsApp groups that they are apart of, many have stated how useful they have been.

Parent administrators have asked to extend the opportunity to parents who may not be aware of these groups. Please note that these groups are not run or administered by the College, rather are parent run. If you would like to be added to your child's grade WhatsApp group, please fill in the form and your details will be passed on to the admins.

If you are an administrator of any other groups and are interested in reaching your year groups parents, please email [email protected]

Mrs Carmen Pasapera
Director of Marketing & Community Engagement