Term 4 | The Way Newsletter | Monday 1 December 2025

We are coming to the close of another remarkable year at our College. It is a pleasure to reflect on the achievements and growth we have witnessed across our community and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you have done to support the College. This year has showcased what can be accomplished when students, staff and families work together with shared purpose and commitment. I am humbled by the progress we have made.

I am immensely proud of our students not only for their academic accomplishments but for the personal growth they have demonstrated. Many have mastered complex skills, learned to regulate emotions, built lasting relationships that will serve them well beyond the classroom and grown in confidence as learners. These past few weeks, through orientations, celebrations and service-learning activities, we have seen the strength and spirit of our College shine brightly. I am reminded daily of why I am proud to be a part of our community.

Being at school has changed from when we as parents went to school. Education today is far more than the delivery of content and facts. It is about preparing young people to solve problems, interact meaningfully on multiple levels and embrace the lifelong journey of learning. Our students are developing the character and resilience needed to thrive in a complex world. They continue to learn what it means to show respect and take responsibility as they build their knowledge and skills. Thank you for your contributions in this process.

This year, our Year 12 students have excelled in their HSC major works, earning seven state-level nominations, which is a testament to their creativity and dedication. Our athletes have demonstrated sportsmanship alongside skill and our STEM programs are flourishing after just twelve months of focused effort. These achievements reflect a community that values both character and excellence.

To our families: I want to thank you for your continued commitment and support in so many areas. Your partnership is central to our mission and together we are creating an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

I am looking forward to seeing you at one of our end-of-year celebration events as we gather to acknowledge these achievements and share in the joy of community - together.

As we enter the Christmas season, let us remember the heart of this celebration - the gift of hope, peace and love through Jesus Christ. May this message inspire us to continue building a community that is grounded in faith and service.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”
- Isaiah 9:6

Please see Sports Update articles for all important sporting dates.  

Last week, we held the Celebration event for our Prep students, with our 3-day classes gathering on Wednesday and our 2-day classes on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in their prep journey.

Each event featured a thoughtful Bible message, encouraging the students as they prepare for the next chapter in their learning. The students delighted their families with heartfelt performances of songs they had been practicing, showcasing their hard work and enthusiasm.

To close each celebration, students received their special end-of-prep gifts, a token of their achievements and growth. 

Recently the Year 6 English Enrichment class were asked to compose a poem on an element of the natural environment, using comparative poetic devices such as simile, metaphor, personification, zoomorphism etc. As an extra challenge they were asked to try and explore a particular issue through their poem, such as growing up, environmental sustainability or the value of being human. Perhaps you’ll be able to see this as you read. Enjoy!

Tree Life Cycle by Kimia J

A seed,
Buried in the ground,
Waiting for sunlight, water, and fresh dirt,
Like a baby,
Waiting for food and milk,
It needs to grow.

A seedling,
Slowly growing out of the dirt,
Taking its first steps,
Like a toddler,
Taking their first steps into childhood,
Finally starting to grow up.

A sapling,
Almost an adult,
Living its own life,
Like a teenager,
their adulthood just round the corner,
No longer a child.

A mature tree,
The main stage of their life,
They start to produce flowers and fruit,
Like an adult,
Living their own lives,
A fully grown tree

Leaf by Fawzy A

Vibrant green,
Like a viridescent blindfold blocking brightness onto the tree.

Symmetrical patterns fill it,
Mother nature’s child.

Captures water, absorbs fire,
Changes colour, blossoms.

Protects the branch like birds guarding their eggs,
Providing shade for everyone.

Grows fruits,
Assisted by the tree’s roots.

Yet,
Gets nothing back;
All alone,
To survive on its own.

The Earth by Calvin C

The Earth is a patient thing
Waiting and waiting and waiting
It waits all day, it waits all night, 
It looks at humans with wrath and spite
Year after year it lies, waiting, watching without eyes

The Beach by Sara B

Oh how I love the sound of crashing waves,
Hidden amongst the beach there are big and small caves.
The sun beams down on my face;
My cousin and I are ready to run down to the water, it's always a race.
Its where the sea meets land, 
Where the water covers all the tiny grains of sand.
Massive waves come crashing down onto the shore,
Making it perfect to boogie board

Change by Ikshum L

Clovers bloom, flowers shoot;
Blossoms water the hills ,
Warmth filling the room;
Smell of daffodils linger.

- 

Never ending sun,
Sweltering hot,
Having lots of fun,
Heatwaves brought;
It’ll be over when it has just begun.

– 

Wilting trees and a cold breeze, 
A fog looms ahead;
Till the big freeze,
leaves dance and spread,
till the temperatures drop to nil.

-

As slow as time can run,
Foggy mist in the air,
A slumber yet to be done;
The land calm and bare.

-

And it goes on. 

Forest by Orlando C

My hand awaits, for something;
Anything.

Years pass and family came to me,
My home became home to many,
Nothing could ruin this;
Or so I thought.

They came in packs, 
Their bodies shook the earth,
Their claws dug through my flesh into my body;
Pain like a thousand daggers.

I thought it would never end,
I cried in agony but they continued,
They left as they came;
Except my family,
Gone.

What had taken days,
Months,
Years,
Gone in seconds.

What being could be possible of such destruction?
No words could describe my pain,
My loss.

I await again;
Hands empty,
Scars healing,
Heart open.

Reflecting on an Incredible Year of Sport – 2025 Season Wrap-Up

As the 2025 season of sport comes to a close, it’s important to reflect on the remarkable achievements and experiences over the year. From weekly College sport to representing at IPSSO and CASA, our Year 3 - 6 students have embraced every challenge, given their best effort and demonstrated resilience, teamwork and a love for sport.

It was wonderful to see our Year One and Two students participate in the swim program, building confidence and refining their skills in the water. Throughout the year we also celebrated two of our students representing NSW CIS at the NSWPSSA Championships in Softball and Hockey.

None of these achievements would be possible without the support of our staff, who nurture and encourage students at every level. Thank you to our Sport Assistants, who assist at carnivals and weekly sport, providing instruction and offering encouragement to our students.

Special thanks to Miss Dayla Tikeri and Mr Ben Graham for their incredible work behind the scenes to ensure that sport runs smoothly throughout the year. Your dedication and organisation have been invaluable.  Thank you also to Mr Swan for maintaining our College sports grounds, ensuring our teams have safe and well-prepared spaces to train and compete.

Looking ahead, the 2026 Swim Carnival for Years 3–6 will take place in Week 2, so we encourage students to get in the water and train over the holidays. The Year 3 - 6 Summer IPSSO sport trials will also occur in Week 2, so be ready to give your best effort.

To every student who participated, every teacher who guided and everyone who supported, thank you for making 2025 a year to remember. Enjoy the holiday break, and we look forward to an exciting year of sport in 2026!

CASA Junior Futsal Gala Day

Our Year 5 and 6 students had an exciting and rewarding day at the CASA Futsal Gala Day, showcasing teamwork and resilience.

Our girls’ team coached by Coach Leena, showed incredible growth with every match. As the day went on, their confidence lifted, their teamwork strengthened and they truly enjoyed playing alongside one another. They gave their absolute best in every game and represented the College with pride and positivity. The boys’ team, led by Coach Martin, brought a high level of competitiveness and determination to the tournament. Many of their matches were tight and intense. Their only loss of the day was to Wollondilly, who went on to win the gala overall earning our Thomas Hassall boys an impressive second place finish. Their teamwork and effort never wavered and they were a standout team throughout the competition.

Congratulations to all students for their fantastic performances and sportsmanship. 

CASA Junior Tennis Gala Day

Congratulations to the 10 students in Years 5 and 6, who recently represented our College at the CASA Tennis Gala Day held at the Marconi Tennis Centre.

Our students displayed outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day. Their positive attitude and respectful behaviour were exemplary, reflecting the values we uphold as a College community.  The level of talent was impressive and we are proud to announce that our team achieved a 5th place overall finish in a highly competitive field.

Thank you to all students for your effort and enthusiasm and to the staff who supported this event. Well done!

Year 1 and 2 Swimming

Well done to our Year 1 and Year 2 students who recently completed an 8-day intensive swimming program at Mounties Swim Centre.

Throughout the program, students learned important water safety skills and developed confidence in the pool while mastering new techniques. These foundational skills are essential for building a lifelong love of swimming and ensuring safety around water.

A big thank you to the instructors and staff who supported this program and encouraged our students every step of the way!

We are excited to see our Year 2 students participate in the Swim Carnival next year!

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sport Coordinator

These holidays Cricket NSW will be running their Sydney Thunder Holiday Bash at the College.

When: Monday 15 December at 9.00am - 3.00pm
Location: Thomas Hassall Anglican College

It is open to boys and girls aged 5-10 of all skill levels.

$59 for the day. 

Register using the QR code below or contact Daniel at [email protected]