I want to commend the Year 12 group to you as they have begun navigating their Trial HSC this week and will continue sitting for next week. As I speak with many of them making their way into or out of their examination, I hear about all of the preparation that they have been undertaking to make them a valuable experience. This preparation is always a team effort from the families supporting them by keeping expectations high around the time commitment needed for their study. In this final term of schooling, preparation needs to be well over 10 hours per week and helping to achieve this is always a significant burden to families. Thanks for all you are doing to help them!

There continues to be lots of wonderful experiences for students happening all around the College. Year 11 recently visited the BStreetSmart Road Safety event in Homebush as a cohort. It is a confronting experience as the first hand accounts from the presenters explaining the outcomes of poor decision making on the roads is often quite tragic. No doubt many of the parents in our community are teaching their kids to drive at the moment and having very important conversations of this nature also.

Some of our debating teams are going out to represent our College this week and it was wonderful to attend the Ensembles evening recently, to experience the wonderful talents of our College musicians. Special mention to our Year 12s who absolutely stole the show with their incredible improvisation on their chosen instruments throughout the group performances. Our wonderful Creative and Performing Arts staff continue to be able to inspire and work with the students under their care to bring about sensational outcomes. It was lovely to introduce our new Director of Ensembles to the wider community, Mr Lachlan Johnson, and see the impact that he is having on the musicianship of the students.

I big thank you to all of the families that hosted our visiting Japanese students this last week. Despite Sydney putting on perhaps the worst week of weather for the year, the students still had a wonderful time experiencing life with an Australian family, getting a taste of Thomas Hassall schooling and seeing some of the sights of the region such as the Sydney Zoo. The staff of Takayamamura High School were deeply appreciative of all the support and hospitality they got to experience.

In March, we started an exciting initiative in the Junior School – Junior School Voice (JSV). One student from each class in years 2-6 was nominated by their peers to represent them in a student-focused group meeting weekly to contemplate goals for our College.

Questions were asked, surveys conducted, plans made and goals met in each of the three JSVs formed. Issues regarding wet weather areas, playground equipment and bathrooms were raised and new policies implemented.

Students elected to JSV experienced the privilege and challenges of leadership. Many spoke of the pride they felt in being asked to represent their class in the group. Class teachers were able to report of some students stepping up to a new level of responsibility.

Some of the Semester 1 representatives reflections:

“I liked how my class chose me which tells me that I am trustworthy”

“I enjoyed helping the school and adding new extensions to the play areas”

“I liked that I had the option to say how us students feel, and what we would like to happen to make our College a better place”

“I’ve learnt that being a leader is a big responsibility and people can reach out to me when they have an idea”

“I enjoyed when everyone noticed the new things we had changed”

“Having an open ear really made me listen to people’s ideas”

“I was able to gather people’s ideas and tell Mrs Stroud”

“I felt good because I was contributing to help our College”

Thank you to these students for their contribution to our College in Semester 1.

A new group of students has been elected for Semester 2. The Junior School College community looks forward to the next phase of goal setting and execution.

Get Creative for the South West Festival Competitions!

Entries close Wednesday 27 August 2025

The countdown to the South West Festival is on, and it’s time for students across the College to get involved in our exciting range of competitions. From colouring in and drawing to writing, photography, and even creating a radio ad. There’s something for every age group to showcase their creativity and win great prizes. 

Prep & Kindergarten - Colouring In Competition

Young artists in Prep and Kindergarten can colour in a special South West Festival design given in class to enter. Submit entries to classroom teachers with the Students name clearly written.

Two winners from each year group will receive their choice of showbag from Absolute Showbags on Festival day.

Years 1 & 2 - Drawing Competition 

Students in Years 1 and 2 are invited to draw their favourite part of the South West Festival. Submit entries to classroom teachers with the Students name clearly written.

Two winners from each year group will receive their choice of showbag from Absolute Showbags on Festival day.

Years 3 & 4 - A3 Poster Design

Get your A3 paper and bring the Festival to life! Students will design a creative poster promoting the South West Festival. Submit entries to classroom teachers with the Students name clearly written.

Two winners per year group will each receive a $50 JB Hi-Fi Voucher.

Years 5 & 6 - Writing or Radio Ad 

Choose your format: 

Write a 200-word article about what you’re most excited for at the Festival, why it’s important, and include a memory or quote from a past attendee.

OR

Record a 30-second radio ad summarising the Festival, including a memory or quote, and your own catchphrase or slogan.

Submissions are to be submitted through www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book. 

Two winners per year group will each receive a $50 JB Hi-Fi Voucher.

Senior School - Photography Competition

Calling all photographers in Years 7–12! Submit your best photo in one of the following themes:

- Buildings
- Nature
- People
- How We Learn
- Celebration

Upload entries via www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book

Prizes:

1st: $100 JB Hi-Fi Voucher
2nd: $50 JB Hi-Fi Voucher
3rd: $25 JB Hi-Fi Voucher

These competitions are a fantastic way to get involved in the Festival fun and celebrate creativity across the College. We can't wait to see what you come up with. 

To celebrate our love of reading, students will take part in a Book Week event on Thursday 21 August 2024. Students from P-6 can either come to College dressed as their favourite book character for the day or come in College uniform with an accessory that depicts an aspect of a character or part of their favourite story. 

Families are warmly invited to attend the Book Parade. Guests are to be seated on the Junior School amphitheatre steps by 1.15pm or viewing from surrounding balcony areas outside S, R or D Blocks.

The Prep 2-day program will celebrate their Book Week Parade on Wednesday 20 August at 1.45pm in the Prep Classroom.

We look forward to seeing you there!

During week 2, Year 4 students headed off on their much-anticipated camp, and what an incredible experience it was! Held at Wedderburn Christian Campsite, the two-day adventure was filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of outdoor activities that pushed students to try new things and grow together as a team.

From the moment they arrived, the students were immersed in nature and ready for action. They tested their strength and courage on the rock-climbing wall, got creative during bush craft by using natural materials to build and design, and worked together during exciting initiative games that challenged their problem-solving and communication.

One of the highlights of the camp was the night walk, where students explored the bush under the stars, listening to the sounds of nature and learning more about the world after dark. Later that evening, everyone gathered around the bonfire, sharing stories, and roasting marshmallows, a perfect way to end the day.

Being outdoors in such a beautiful natural setting gave students a wonderful opportunity to unplug from technology, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with each other. The camp not only built resilience and confidence but also created special memories that students will carry with them for years to come.

Year 4 returned tired but happy, with big smiles and lots of stories to share. A huge thank you to the Year 4 Teachers, Mrs Schaztman and Mrs Singles who made the experience safe, fun, and unforgettable!

Mr Kieran Aggett
Junior School Teacher - Year 4 Year Leader

This week, our Prep students enjoyed a fun and educational excursion to Calmsley Hill City Farm. The visit was part of their current learning unit on “Living Things,” giving students the chance to experience farm life firsthand.

A highlight for many was the opportunity to milk a cow. Students also spent time meeting a variety of animals and learning about how they are cared for, including their basic needs and the roles they play on a farm.

It was a wonderful day of discovery and hands-on learning, helping to bring classroom concepts to life in an engaging and interactive way.

Mrs Erin Johnson
Prep Team Leader

The College was delighted to welcome a cohort from one of our Japanese sister schools, Takayama Junior High School. This year saw 18 students involved in the program and their enthusiasm and joy in visiting Australia was vast.

Takayama students had an opportunity to interact with Year 9 and 10 elective Japanese students, beginning with an orientation tour of the College, using online dictionaries to guide their Japanese explanations of our facilities. The group attended the Senior School Assembly next, with Samarth Prasad from Year 10 welcoming the group with a speech in Japanese. Mrs Easton also welcomed Takayama and gifts were exchanged between the two schools.

The elective class students had many opportunities to engage in Japanese. A photo scavenger hunt and a find someone who activity, kept both Japanese and Australian students busily communicating in both languages. Recess and lunch were spent eating, playing table tennis and interacting with students from the Senior School. Much fun and laughter ensued with a match the Takayama to their profile and finally an Australia and Japan trivia competition.

The Takayama students enjoyed homestays with some of our College families visiting the Blue Mountains, Sydney Harbour, Luna Park and The Rocks. Many of the students commented on enjoying a BBQ meal during their stay and how much they enjoyed it. The Takayama teachers, meanwhile, visited Katoomba to see The Three Sisters and ride the Scenic Railway, but due to the inclement weather, could not see very much. They also spent a day touring around Sydney City, walking over the Harbour Bridge, visiting Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and the Opera House.

The final activity with the College was a trip to Sydney Zoo. Students saw an array of Australian animals, as well as some from around the world. The Bungarribee Workshop allowed students to hear from two Indigenous Australians and learn a bit about Indigenous culture and language. The students enjoyed hearing about the hunting weapons of the men, the gathering implements used by the women and  didgeridoo sounds of Australian animal sounds. They then learned some Indigenous weaving techniques, creating a small piece to take home with them.

Finally, we farewelled the group as they then embarked on a tour of the city of Sydney before flying back to Japan.

Mrs Fiona Byrne
Languages Coordinator 

Recently some students from Years 7-10 attended the World Scholar’s Cup (WSC) which was held at Regents Park Christian School. The WSC is an annual international academic program. More than 50,000 students from over 60 countries participate every year. Students from Thomas Hassall competed in the Sydney round of the WSC.

The WSC consists of academic events like multiple choice exams, collaborative writing, team debate and an interactive quiz bowl. Students from Thomas Hassall had fun larger working in teams with students from other schools around Sydney.

Some notable achievements at WSC included David A. participating in the Debating Showcase (for the top 6 debaters), Mia N. winning the senior writing section and Alison B. coming towards the top of the junior debating section.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the WSC and hopefully more students from Thomas Hassall can experience the fun and challenges of WSC in 2026.

Mr Matthew Miller
Senior School Gifted & Talented Coordinator

Year 7-8 Boys Wanderers Cup

It was a great experience taking our Year 7-8 teams to compete in the Wanderer's Cup 5-a-side tournament during both last term, and this term. Representing the college initially were two boys teams, and a girls side.  The Boy's A team went undefeated during their first rounds, showing Thomas Hassall tenacity and earning a place in last Wednesday’s finals. Despite their continued determination, rain and all, they were unlucky on the day, falling short in all three games and unfortunately missing a spot in the grand final.

Mr David Tomich
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator

From 19 to 21 June, our Silver Duke of Edinburgh students embarked on their Practice Adventurous Journey with two days hiking in the beautiful Glenbrook area, followed by an exhilarating day of whitewater rafting at Penrith.

Adventurous Journeys are designed to stretch students beyond their comfort zones, placing them in unfamiliar and challenging environments where they must work together, problem-solve, persevere and grow. This journey did just that and more.

Thursday's hike led students along Glenbrook creek and the scenic Red Hands Cave track. The terrain was at times demanding, and our students rose to the challenge with grit and teamwork. Though the day didn’t unfold exactly as planned, it offered an authentic opportunity to demonstrate resilience and unity. Staff and students alike responded with calm, care and commitment, and the group continued on with incredible maturity and adaptability. That night, after some reshuffling, all students enjoyed a well-earned rest around the campfire with warm food, marshmallows and hot chocolate.

The next morning we paused to reflect on what we’d faced and learned. We talked about resilience and the power of bouncing back. Like the tall gum tree that seems strong but can snap in a storm, it’s often the grass, flexible and low to the ground, that survives and thrives. Resilience isn’t about being unbreakable. It’s about learning to bend, adapt and return stronger.

 Friday’s hike brought spectacular views from Tunnel View and Portal lookouts, relaxed downtime and the satisfaction of completing each leg of the journey as a team. The cold nights were no small feat, but they taught us all that we are more capable than we think, even when comfort is scarce.

On Saturday, the group put down packs and picked up wet suits at Penrith Whitewater Stadium. The final leg of the journey was packed with laughter and excitement as students navigated the rapids together, finishing their trip on a high.

This journey exemplified what the Duke of Ed is all about, not just outdoor adventure, but the deeper experience of growth through challenge, joy in community and strength in resilience. We are proud of every student who took part and we look forward to the next stage of their adventure.

Mr Dave Catto
Duke of Edinburgh Leader