The Way Weekly Update I Monday 16 August 2021

As we look ahead to the second half of Term 3 we are entering a new phase of online learning.

In Junior School we have instituted Wellbeing Wednesday’s. This is primarily a chance for students to have a screen light day where the tasks are designed to be more creative and hands-on. We have received some excellent feedback relating to this day and I want to extend my thanks for your participation in this day as well. 

You would have received a new grid for Wellbeing Wednesday that is based on science week. It included the materials needed and how to access instructions for this day. There are some resources involved in making this happen, but most families should have easy access to the resources required.

Grade Based Assemblies

Last week has also seen the introduction of Grade based assemblies. This is a time for students to be able to jump online and interact with students from other classes of their grade. I have been able to attend several of these assemblies and there was a great spirit and energy in each assembly. One of the important things to watch out for is that a few students from each class will be receiving an award each week for their online participation and commitment to learning. Be on the lookout because as students receive their award, we are sending them home.

Junior Chapel Services

Last week has also seen the introduction of a Junior School Chapel service that we have dubbed - Chapel@home these are occurring live each Wednesday from 10.45.  We had over 270 students attend the first chapel service and we are hoping to continue to develop this concept more as the weeks progress.

Hope in difficult times

Our Director of Counselling, Mrs Jacoline Peterson, has written an article that I am encouraging parents and members of the Thomas Hassall Anglican College community to read. It centers around building Hope in Uncertain Times and how you can help students navigate this very difficult time; the trial that we are currently undergoing will produce endurance and will build character. 

Our hope and prayer during this difficult time is that you stay safe and remember we are there to help in all circumstances so please call and make contact with us if you have any questions.

Have a lovely weekend and God bless you and your family.

We are here to support

We now have more than 5500 active Covid cases in NSW, after being in lockdown for more than 5 weeks.

Consequently, we do not anticipate that we will be out of lockdown quickly. We know that many parents have faced increased levels of stress during the lockdown, because some are caring for their children and juggling paid work from home.

We anticipated some challenging situations could develop during lockdown at various times. We wanted to support families and compiled some resources that can support families when presented with tricky situations.  If you need information on:

⇒ Responding to children pushing your boundaries

⇒ Raising awareness of our triggers

⇒ Manage Family conflict

⇒ Sibling rivalry or

⇒ Mental Health

You can access any of these resources and more by clicking on this link

SchoolTV, also provides relevant fact based information for our parent community that can be used if and when challenging situations arise. This immense uncertainty created by the pandemic is certainly taking a toll on all of us and as parents it can be hard to know how to assist our children at a time like this. Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, one of Australia’s leading psychologists, provides us with some recommendations on how we can support our children and instill hope.

For more information on how to “Instill Hope in Uncertain times”, click here

Remember that you can touch base with any of the psychologists at college during this Blended Learning period. You can reach any of us:

Mrs Petersen (jpetersen@thac.nsw.edu.au)

Mr Cleur (ncleur@thac.nsw.edu.au )

Ms Bjelan(mbjelan@thac.nsw.edu.au )

via email  to organise a Zoom session or a chat on the phone.

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling

In the first half of this year, the College Debating Teams participated in the HICES Debating Competition.

Although the students faced the difficulty of debating over Zoom, they persisted with resilience and diligence in all their debates. Recently, I received exciting news about some fantastic achievements of two members of our Senior School Debating Teams.

Dylan L of Year 8 and Matthew P of Year 9 both achieved top debater in their competitions for the South West Region. Matthew achieved equal top debater with another student in the Senior Competition and Dylan was the sole top debater in the Middle Competition. The boys also ranked on the list of top debaters in all regions.

This is an amazing achievement. I am so proud of the boys and their teams and am excited to see what these teams can achieve in next year’s HICES Debating Competition.

Miss Elise Fowler
Senior School Teacher - English/Debating Coordinator

Year 4 have loved learning about and watching the Olympics this year.

It was amazing to see so many records and achievments over the two weeks in Tokyo. This week, Year 4 looked to recreate some of these amazing Olympic moments. We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it. 

Miss Ashleigh Hackfath
Junior School - Year 4 Team Leader 

Year 4 Band Program in full Swing

One of the great opportunities offered in our Junior School is the YEAR 4 BAND PROGRAM. All students in Year 4 receive an instrument to learn throughout the year, under the tuition and direction of professional musicians. Although running this program from home is challenging, many students are doing well and giving it a great go, following their weekly tasks and uploading their performances. Their tutors then watch these videos and provide written feedback for students to implement in their future practices.

The students are also completing music theory tasks once a week with their high-school music teachers Miss Rapisarda and Mr Wong. Thanks very much to the Year 4 classroom teachers and all Year 4 parents for supporting this program during blended learning.

It is our hope to return to College again soon so that all students can reunite and form their Year 4 Concert Band to make music together again. Attached are some screenshots of students practicing at home.

Mr Byron Mark
Director of Ensembles

Junior Concert Band is Alive!

Last week was the very first Zoom rehearsal for one of our youngest ensembles; the JUNIOR CONCERT BAND! With over 40 students attending the session, it was a great way for students to connect with each other to share their love of music. These rehearsals will now take place each Monday afternoon, as we work towards teaching the students new pieces as well as improving their technique and musicality.

Watch this space for some exciting online performances soon too! Well done to all those students involved, and thanks to those parents who continue to support their child’s music education.

Mr Byron Mark
Director of Ensembles