Term 4 | The Way Newsletter | Friday 22 November 2024

Latest UpdatesBack to Top

From the Principal
Principal

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.

prep

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
Sandy Wheeler

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.

ensemble

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 Deputy Principal - Senior School Learning
David Butler

It was great to visit the Year 7 Careers session this week with our Careers Advisor, Mrs Maha Ghabrial. It was a fun experience for our youngest Senior School students to be answering questions about themselves with the purpose of then looking at what possible careers might be of interest to them down the road.

I am excited to announce that Thomas Hassall will be introducing Morrisby Profiling in 2025, a cutting-edge tool designed to help students gain valuable insights into their personal strengths, career preferences, and potential future paths. This will be available to our Years 9 to 12 students and any other students who wish to sign up for it earlier.

Morrisby Profiling uses psychometric assessments, including aptitude tests, personality inventories, and surveys to provide a comprehensive analysis of an individual's abilities, interests and personality. By evaluating cognitive strengths, work preferences, and individual traits, the software generates a personalised career report that suggests not only suitable career paths, but subjects to study in the senior years of high school that align ambition with real world expectations. I am looking forward to seeing how this will assist our students by giving them accurate insights about themselves.

Year 10 students had a ball at the Service Learning week and Peer Support training recently. They have an important Driver Safety Awareness excursion coming up next week followed by the Pathway to Prelim experience which allows them to get a sense of what their Stage 6 courses will look like, contain and require of them in their last two years of schooling. This should be a truly valuable week ahead and I want to thank all of our staff who contribute to making it such a worthwhile opportunity for our Year 10s. We have prioritised this over a second week of work experience or an early departure into holidays which some other schools do, because we see it as a real leg up into the Preliminary courses which will begin in 2025.

I want to encourage our new Year 12 students who embark on a mini assessment block and study skills adventure next week. Developing the tools needed for independent study will be vital for the final year before their major exams and so I would ask of them all to seek to gain as much as they can from this opportunity, while using the time responsibly in their preparation for the assessments also!

I look forward to seeing you at Celebration in a few weeks!

Mr David Butler
Deputy Principal - Senior School Learning
From the Chaplain
Denis Oliver

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
lisa

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
From the Senior School Director of Teaching and Learning
Jason CB

The Sydney Morning Herald recently featured an article (16/11/2024) about Waverley College embarking on an innovative technology-free experiment. For one week, every lesson across Years 5–12 was conducted without laptops or digital devices. Instead, students relied on hard copy textbooks, writing paper, pens, and photocopied notes.

By the end of the experiment, teachers reported that students were noticeably more engaged and focused. Inspired by this success, the school is now considering implementing tech-free periods each week.

Jason

This experiment aligns with findings from the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which highlighted the following key insights about digital device usage in schools:

  • Excessive use of digital devices for leisure in classrooms negatively impacts academic performance.
  • 58% of students in France reported being distracted by digital devices during at least some maths lessons.
  • 59% of students across the OECD said their attention was diverted by peers using phones, tablets, or laptops in at least some maths lessons.
  • Students distracted by peers using digital devices during maths lessons scored significantly lower in maths tests.
  • Even in schools with phone bans, 29% of students reported using smartphones several times a day, and 21% used them almost daily.
  • 43% of French students reported feeling nervous or anxious when separated from their phones.
  • While digital technology offers educational opportunities, it also presents risks, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and privacy concerns.
  • Positive literacy outcomes are associated with children using screens with family members, while negative outcomes arise when screens are used alone.
  • Policies like smartphone bans can reduce distractions, but effective enforcement and additional strategies are essential to maintain focus in classrooms.
  • Equitable access to digital tools, coupled with age-appropriate support and supervision, remains crucial for modern education.

(Source: OECD, 2024, “Students, Digital Devices and Success”)

Meanwhile, Pymble Ladies’ College is introducing “Wise Phones” to regulate students’ access to digital technologies. From Years 4 to 5, these devices allow only calls and texts. In Years 5 to 7, students can access a camera and selected apps, such as payment and learning tools. By Years 8 and 9, features like chat groups, Spotify, and Bluetooth are added, with full functionality restored by Year 10 (SMH, 18/11/2024).

At Thomas Hassall Anglican College, where mobile phones are banned during the school day, students are required to store phones in secure pouches. The Senior School operates a BYO laptop program, where teachers determine device use based on lesson plans. Digital textbooks also play an essential role, providing resources students can access as needed.

Some schools are exploring alternatives like school-issued laptop banks, which provide controlled access to devices when necessary.

At our school, we strive for a balanced approach. However, I am concerned about students relying solely on laptops for notetaking. I regularly remind students of the cognitive benefits of handwriting. Research supports this:

“Handwriting requires fine motor control and forces students to focus on their actions. Typing involves mechanical, repetitive movements that prioritize speed over awareness. Our findings reveal that handwriting activates more complex neural connectivity, stimulating the brain in ways that typing does not.” (Source: Frontiers in Psychology, 26 January 2024)

Finding the right balance between leveraging technology and preserving traditional learning methods remains a critical challenge in education today.

Mr Jason Corbett-Jones
Director of Teaching & Learning - Senior School

Celebration Dates

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

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

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

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

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.
Year 8 Camp 2025

In Week 3 next year (10-12 February), Year 8 will head to AGH Camps at Douglas Park for a three-day program focused around team building, resilience and outdoor education. We are looking forward to what will be a great time together as a grade!

Parents have now been emailed information including a link to the permission form. Thanks to everyone who have completed this so far. If you haven’t yet, please do so soon as this will greatly assist with our planning.

If you have any questions about Year 8 Camp 2025, please contact us.

If you would like more information about the campsite you can click the button below. 

Mr Samuel Mills
Year 7 Advisor

EventsBack to Top

Christmas Mufti on the Last Day of Term

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

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

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.

school tv

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

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

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

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

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
History Mastermind Competition

On 14 November 2024, sixteen talented students from Years 9 and 10 at Thomas Hassall Anglican College took part in the History Mastermind Competition held at Tara Anglican School. Selected from our Extreme (Elective) History classes, these students were eager to showcase their knowledge and represent our college in this enriching event.

While we didn’t take home the trophy this year, our students displayed exceptional dedication, demonstrating their skills and passion for history throughout the day. The event provided a wide range of challenging rounds based on the Year 9 and 10 History syllabus, allowing participants to apply what they've learned in class as they competed against teams from private and public schools across Sydney.

History comp

In addition to the main rounds, students enjoyed various bonus activities such as “Music Through the Ages,” “Who Am I?,” “Heads and Tails,” and “Identify the Flag.” These games not only tested their historical knowledge but also encouraged teamwork and added an element of fun to the day.

Accompanied by their teachers, Mr. Mills and Miss Sharma, the students represented Thomas Hassall Anglican College with pride and enthusiasm. The History Mastermind Competition was an excellent opportunity for learning, skill-building, and building camaraderie among history enthusiasts from various schools.

We look forward to more such opportunities that nurture our students’ love for history and enrich their educational journey. Congratulations to all participants for their fantastic effort!

Mr Samuel Mills
Year 7 Advisor, History and Christian Studies Teacher
Creative Arts in Junior School

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

art

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

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
Year 7 and 8 Compassion Project

This term, our Year 7 and 8 students embraced one of our College’s graduate aims, Compassion, through Anglicare's Toys 'n' Tucker project. As part of their Wellbeing lessons, students have been learning about compassion and exploring ways to respond to the needs of others in our community, particularly during the Christmas season.

A highlight of the term was a visit from an Anglicare guest speaker, Ruby, who inspired students to think deeply about the impact of their generosity and encouraged them to take action. This week, groups of students from Year 7 and Year 8 have been busy packing the generous donations from College families into 25 boxes. On Friday, 22nd November, these boxes were collected by the Anglicare truck and will soon be transformed into hampers for families in need, spreading joy and hope during the festive season.

For more than 20 years, Anglicare Sydney’s Toys 'n' Tucker program has provided churches, schools, businesses, and community groups with a way to share the joy of Christmas and demonstrate God’s love by supplying food and gifts for those who would otherwise go without.

toys n

Through this project, students have learned about the challenges faced by many in our community, including the following:

  • On any given day in Australia, more than half a million households struggle to put food on the table.
  • Over 763,000 households in NSW and the ACT experienced hunger in the past 12 months due to a lack of funds.
  • More than half of food-insecure households in NSW and the ACT (54%) had someone in paid work.
  • 27% of households with mortgages in NSW and the ACT experienced food insecurity in the past year.
  • The rising cost of living is the most common reason Australians struggle to afford food.
  • Christmas is especially challenging for families in need, as many face additional pressure to provide gifts and special meals for their loved ones.

Thank you to all the families who donated so generously and to our Pastoral Care teachers for supporting and guiding the students throughout this initiative.

Please pray for those in our community who are in need, and that these gifts will help families doing it tough this Christmas.

Mr Samuel Mills & Mrs Roslyn Rodrigues
Year 7 Advisors

Sports Awards Presentation

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.

sports assembly
sports assemby

Congratulations to all our award recipients!
Student Sports Spotlight

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

nikola

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

antonio

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

katuge

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

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.

dance

d

da

dan

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  

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Uniform Shop Holiday Hours

Thomas Hassall Anglican College Uniform Store will be trading additional hours over the holiday period. 

Summer Holiday Trading 2024

December

  • Thursday, 5 December 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
  • Friday, 6 December 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
  • Monday, 9 December 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
  • Wednesday, 11 December 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
  • Thursday, 12 December 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
  • Friday, 13 December 9:00 am – 3:30 pm

January 

  • Monday, 13 January - Friday, 17 January 9:00am - 4:00pm
  • Monday, 20 January - Friday, 24 January 9:00am - 4:00pm
  • CLOSED MONDAY 27 JANUARY - Australia Day Public Holiday
  • Tuesday, 28 January 9:00am - 4:00pm 
  • Wednesday, 29 January 9:00am - 4:00pm 
  • Thursday, 30 January 7:30am - 4:00pm

Term 1 2025: Normal trading hours resume Friday, 31 January 2025

  • Monday 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
  • Wednesday 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am to 3:30 pm

Fitting Appointment

Uniform fittings are strictly by appointment only

Please use the link below to book an appointment

https://Midford.as.me/ThomasHassallAnglicanCollege

Online Store

Enjoy the convenience of online shopping.

Orders will be filled when the store is next open.

www.midford.com.au Passphrase: Thomas1997

Please contact the uniform shop:

Phone: 02 8776 1193

Email: [email protected]