Term 3 | The Way Newsletter | Friday 21 July 2023

How was your holiday break? I trust you were able to enjoy time together and have some special outings along the way.

On Monday morning I started off the Term by speaking to the Junior School students about lifelong learning. All of life is learning, isn’t it? Although we are coming back from a holiday break – we would have learnt different things in different ways.

When we are not at College we are still learning – granted differently to the classroom – but still learning! Maybe your child tried a new activity and built resilience or reconnected with a friend. Maybe your child read a compelling book or took up a new hobby. Possibly your child saw something they’d never seen before out in nature and had a question to ask. This was the case for my son. He was intrigued on our kayak ride to see so many different types of coloured seaweed and collected samples of as many as he could find. Some were bright green, yellow, white, a red-like colour and even brown.

Day one of term is not ‘starting’ again but a transition from one type of learning environment into another. It is a gradual journey to be curious, creative thinkers and to grow, grow, grow in all ways. I’m excited for the term ahead! Glance this list of special opportunities upcoming this term:

• P-6 - All classes are engaging with rich literacy texts - deeply considering themes and concepts for life and learning
• In Year 3 and 4 - Creative Arts Night Stage 2
• In Year 5 and 6 - ‘Amazing Me’
• Prep are going on their farm excursion experience
• Author visits continue for Prep and Year 2
• NASSA Athletics

If you are free on a Friday morning, come along to the Parent Café at College in the MRK. It would be great to greet you there.

Some say that football is THE beautiful game. Well, Brazilian footballer Pele was the first, to be exact. But feeling the buzz and thrill of anticipation around our city, I think has everyone is quite excited and looking forward to what is yet to come, the 2023 Womens FIFA World Cup here on home soil, especially having the amazing opportunity to host South Korea World Cup squad here at Thomas Hassall and where games will be played all around our country and many nations will be brought together as one. 

But what are we really to look forward to? Is there something bigger and better than a World Cup where we welcome the whole world to our shores? 
Well, as Paul writes to the church in Corinth in his second letter, he reminds them of the reconciliation we can only find in Christ. In verse 18, he says ‘so we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.’

“For God so loved the world that he gave is one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.’ John 3:16-17. 
It is only by God’s grace and through Jesus’ death and resurrection, that we have eternity to look forward to with Him. As we look forward to what is to come this term, with the Women’s World Cup and cheering on the Matildas with the green and gold, be encouraged to look and set your eyes upon Jesus in what he offers at the cross!

This week students in Year 8 and Year 10 have listened to a number of Subject Presentations from our teaching staff about the subjects on offer for 2024. 

It can be a little bit overwhelming with so many options to choose from, however, it also an exciting time for them as they prepare to embark on the next step of their learning journey.

Our Parent Information Evening on Thursday was also well received. Parents and students were able to speak with our Subject Coordinators and ask their questions. We also all enjoyed the sausage sizzle provided by the MRK Team.

The next step of the process for Year 8 and 10 is to submit their subject selection choices by 5pm Friday July 28.

Ms Kelie Munro
Academic Dean of Students  

This term, Kindergarten students will be studying the artworks of renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Van Gogh and Piet Mondrian. They will learn that an artist takes inspiration from a range of sources, and that we all value different perspectives when we view a piece of art. So far, the students are recreating the famous artwork 'Starry Night' from Vincent Van Gogh. This will be a process and take some time to complete. Some of our students are proud to show the different stages of their own version of 'Starry Night'.

Mrs Wendy Irwin
Kindergarten Team Leader

On the last day of Term 2, Junior School students enjoyed an exciting performance by a Mariachi band, led by renowned Mexican artist, Victor Valdes. They took our students through a musical journey to Mexico with traditional costumes and a range of instruments, including the Mexican harp. Students learned some traditional dances and sang along to some famous tunes from Latin America.

The band and dancer connected very well with our students and tailored each workshop to suit their age group. Students loved when they played their requests and loved dancing especially in a conga line. The spirit of unity and cultural diversity was really notable as children danced proudly showing their cultural outfits and embraced while listening to the performance. It was beautiful to witness this at Thomas Hassall.

Feedback from some students:

I really enjoyed the dancing and when we got up and danced as well. I really liked the music, the instruments and the singing. I also really liked the outfits as they were colourful, bright and really nice! Thank you so much for coming and making unit week so much fun!  Allegra S - 5S

This was great. I love all the singing and dancing. It was so much fun. Great singing, amazing music and love the dancing. It was my birthday and you guys made it even better. Thank you very much for coming and celebrating unite week with us to day! I hope all the other kids love it as much as I did. Dimity - 5S 

I really enjoyed the harp and how the melody sounded. It really made me feel ​happy. I also liked how he looked like a pro and he tuned the harp super fast. Joshua T -5S

Mrs Viviana Morris 
Junior School Teacher (Languages)

Each year, our Year 4 students have the unique privilege of learning a concert band instrument under the direction of professional musicians. This is a fantastic way for students to learn new skills with their peers, as well as participating in a large Year 4 Concert Band where they can enjoy listening to all the instruments being played at the same time. Coming up later this term are two very special performance opportunities for students to showcase a selection of the songs the Year 4 Band has learned this year. The first of these is the Year 3 & 4 Creative Arts night in Week 5, followed by a set at the South West Festival on Saturday 26 August. This will also be the first time Year 4 is performing this year, and they are very excited to show you their skills!

Mr Byron Mark
Director of Ensembles - Creative Arts

After a 4 year break, Xthactor 2023 was held on the last day of term 2 (Friday 23 June) as a part of Unite Week. The day was full of excitement and talent, showcasing performers in all categories, including vocal, dance, instrumental and bands. We had two guest judges, Clara Helms and Angela Rosero both very talented singers, who performed songs in the Chinese and Spanish language. The students responded well to the inclusion of cultural songs and really embraced the performances, with cheers, claps and dancing. These judges gave some feedback to our performing students and chose the winners.

We look forward to the next XThactor showcase and can’t wait to see the talent next year.

Winners:

• Instrumental- Isaac W (Year 10)
• Dance- Jasmine K (Year 12)
• Vocals- Keona H (Year 12)
• Band and overall trophy- Year 12 band

Miss Simone Rapisarda

Senior School Teacher -Creative Arts

The highly anticipated Women's Football World Cup has just kicked off, and the Korean Republic Women's National Team has wrapped up their intense training at Thomas Hassall as they seek Cup Glory.

The work of Jason Swan (Grounds Supervisor) and Sonny Makko (Director of Football / Sports Facilities Manager) has meant that we have been able to host a world-class football team who have been able to benefit from the College’s world class facilities. In every major sporting competition, preparation is the key to the team's confidence. The Korean team has had the privilege of training at top-tier facilities, providing them with the best environment to fine-tune their skills and ensure peak physical fitness.

On Wednesday of this week, many of our College students were able to witness the team's final training session, and some had the chance to rub shoulders and speak with the players and coaching staff. The Korean Republic is currently ranked 15th in the world. They will be part of Group H throughout the World Cup tournament and play matches against Colombia, Germany, and Morocco. While we do hope the Matildas go all the way to World Cup glory, it will be great to have another team to support throughout the tournament.

A big thank you to Ross Whelan (Principal), Jason Swan, Sonny Makko, and many others for organising such an amazing event for our college and strengthening our relations with the global community.

Some staff and students reflected on the week and here is what they said:

"This team is amazing, and it's great to see such a professional team come to the College." – Dusan C (Year 10, Football Representative)

"This is my dream. I have loved seeing them come and train the past weeks. I have loved getting to meet some of the players and coaching staff. I can’t wait for the tournament to begin. It has been some of the best days at the College in my time and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." - Cynthia N (Year 12, College Sport Captain, Football Representative)

“What an opportunity for our students to witness some of the best athletes in the world on the same oval our students use daily. This is certainly a great encouragement and inspiration for our many talented athletes. I cannot wait to see some of our student be part of many national teams like this in the future.” Mrs Irene Focas (Senior School Sports Co-ordinator)

Mr Kent Weir 
PDHPE Coordinator

Last term, we sent out our U14s, U16s and Open Futsal Teams to the NSW Futsal Championships. We are very excited and proud to announce that for every age group, our teams were either runners up or winners from each region which means they have now  qualified for the penultimate State Championships in September!

Mrs Irene Focas
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator

Congratulations to Willow S, Year 5, who represented the College and NSWCIS at the NSWPSSA Cross Country Championships on Friday 21 July.

Willow raced against the top 70 athletes in the State, competing in the 10 years and under 2km race.

Congratulations Willow on this wonderful achievement.  We are very proud of you.

Mrs Sharon Evans 
Junior School Sports Coordinator

In a closely contested match, our team unfortunately went down at a 2-0 defeat. Despite the loss, our players displayed tremendous heart and passion, making us proud of their efforts on the field. Congratulations to all involved!

Mrs Irene Focas
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator