Term 1 | The Way Newsletter | Friday 27 February 2026

Latest UpdatesBack to Top

From the Principal
Principal

It is hard to believe that we are already in Week 4. The term is moving ahead and there is a real sense of activity across the College. The swimming carnivals have been held and we are now preparing for parent teacher meetings.

This term we have opened a refreshed library space in the Senior School. The purpose is to make a more flexible and inviting area for our students to use for their learning. I am keen to build on last year’s excellent HSC results through creating supportive learning spaces where students can complete homework and assessments with access to knowledgeable staff. The library will be used by our Year 12 students during their study periods. It is also open during lunch times for all senior school students to complete learning tasks. I also want to encourage families to consider using the after College Study Centre Mondays to Thursdays where we have tutors readily available to assist learning. Whilst the digital world is fast introducing AI programs there is no substitute for grappling with concepts and persevering through challenges. These spaces are designed to support the learning.

This is the very topic that Dr Justin Coulson addressed when he spoke to so many of you last Thursday evening. He talked about anxiety and young people. He explained that anxiety was a very normal part of life and that our young people need to experience it to grow. As parents we want to protect our children but too much protection and not enough struggle can be detrimental to their emotional health. If we want our children to develop character they need to persevere and go through some nervous moments, like studying or doing exams.

Instead of focusing solely on fixing anxiety, Dr Coulson encouraged us to support children in embracing challenges, persisting when things feel difficult and recognising that growth often comes through discomfort - not despite it.

I have enjoyed watching the highlights from the recent Winter Olympics and this concept has been a central focus. The athletes experience disappointment. Some of them ended up with horrific injuries as part of the competition. What struck me most were those who managed their disappointment on an international stage. Australian athletes like Jakara Anthony and Scotty James showed remarkable humility and sportsmanship in the way they acknowledged and congratulated the athletes who were stronger than them on the day.

These athletes modelled what I hope our students will learn:

  • - To try
  • - To persevere
  • - To risk disappointment

Character is revealed not when everything goes well, but when it doesn’t. And often when we are the most anxious.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 
- 1 Peter 5:7 

Mrs Karen Easton
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
Chris Wyatt

Earlier in the term I had the opportunity to share a devotion with Year 7, 11 and 12. As I reflected on what I would speak to them about, it occurred to me that they were all embarking on significant years of challenge and opportunity. This brought to mind the work of Jonathan Haidt, author of ‘The Anxious Generation’. Haidt is quoted as saying the following…

“Some things are fragile, like glass – when you drop a glass, it breaks. Some things are robust, like a plastic cup – when you drop it, it stays as it is. But some things are anti‑fragile – when you drop them, when they are exposed to shocks, they end up becoming stronger.”

I love this concept and the way he describes it. He provides the example of our immune system…it gets stronger when it is exposed to germs…it is anti-fragile. And so too are people, particularly children. As young people are exposed to challenge, as they experience failure, as they encounter inevitable social issues and work through hardship, they have the opportunity to become stronger. This growth process is critical to prepare them for what lies ahead in their later teenage years and the reality that we as adults navigate on a daily basis.

What makes this idea even more powerful is the fact that it has been around for centuries. In fact, it is a concept owned and created by God. Romans 5:3-5 says,

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

This section of Romans reminds us that God is at work in our lives, in the good and hard times and through it all he is growing us.

This concept was brought to the fore once again last week when Dr Justin Coulson presented to parents. He spoke about the importance of resilience in young people and the important role that parents play in providing this perspective. It is natural for young people to become caught up in the moment or experience. This can lead to anxiety or seeing the glass as ‘half full’. As adults, we need to be able to lift their gaze, provide encouragement and guidance and point to the growth that has or will come through the experience. Ultimately, we want to work together to support the growth of young people who are anti-fragile, equipped with the skills, attitude and resilience to deal with adversity and the ability to bounce back.

Already this year, I have observed the anti-fragility process in action and it has been a joy to see the growth.

  • - Four-year-olds struggling with separation from mum and dad on Day 1 now thriving in the Prep space.
  • - Year 8 students daunted by the challenge of the Giant Swing on camp, walking proudly away from the experience.
  • - Year 12 students overcoming their perceived limitation by engaging in extended independent study sessions.

What a privilege it is for us to be able to play a small part in this growth process!

Mr Chris Wyatt
Deputy Principal
From the Head of Junior School
Kylie

In many ways, it is a natural instinct as parents to want our children to be happy and protected from difficulty. Of course we do. However, I would like to gently challenge this thinking with a question for reflection.

What would you do if your child forgot their lunch or PE uniform?
Would you immediately step in to smooth the path, or would you allow your child the opportunity to navigate the situation themselves?

Drawing on the work of Justin Coulson on anxiety, our Junior School approach of encouraging students into the “learning pit,” and the concept of “lighthouse parenting” coined by Kenneth Ginsburg, there is a consistent message: children need opportunities to struggle safely in order to grow.

Lighthouse parents are steady, reliable and always visible. A lighthouse does not jump into the water after every ship, nor does it remove every rock from the shore. Instead, it stands firm - offering guidance, boundaries and reassurance. In the same way, lighthouse parents are present, loving and trustworthy, yet they avoid hovering or rescuing too quickly. They allow space for children to take appropriate risks, make mistakes and develop resilience.

This approach is widely regarded as the gold standard for fostering confidence, problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence and resilience. When we allow children to experience manageable setbacks, we are not being unkind; we are equipping them for life.

Allowing a child to forget a lunch once, or manage the consequence of a forgotten uniform, can be far more powerful than rescuing them every time. Safe failure builds capable young people.

I warmly invite further conversation on this topic at our upcoming Parent Café. In the next edition, I will explore practical principles of lighthouse parenting and how we can apply them in everyday family life.

.
Mrs Kylie Singles
Head of Junior School
From the Head of Senior School
Jason CB

Last year, the NSW Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation (CESE) released a pivotal report titled ‘What Works Best.’ This research identifies eight of the most effective classroom practices for improving student outcomes, results and classroom engagement.

Leading that list is ‘High Expectations.’ The report highlights that students who consistently encounter high expectations are significantly more likely to see improved learning outcomes, increased motivation and better attendance.

In the Senior School, we are currently on a journey to elevate our expectations for student engagement. NESA shares this philosophy, setting rigorous standards that students must meet to remain eligible for progression to the following year.

What High Expectations Look Like

To support our students in reaching their potential, our focus includes:

  • - Punctuality: Arriving at school and every class on time. (This will be a specific area of focus starting next week).
  • - Consistency: Attending school every day, unless genuinely unwell.
  • - Pride: Wearing the school uniform correctly and with respect.
  • - Readiness: Arriving prepared for every lesson with the necessary books and stationery.
  • - Dedication: Setting aside focused time after school for homework, assessment tasks, and revision.

We know that "High Expectations" work best when they aren't just a school policy, but a shared value. The transition from "doing enough" to "doing one's best" is much smoother when school and home are moving in the same direction.

Thank you for partnering with us to help our students set, and reach, the highest possible standards for themselves.

Mr Jason Corbett-Jones
Head of Senior School
From the Chaplain
Denis Oliver

I attended the Parent Seminar on anxiety by Dr Justin Coulson. I really appreciated both the seminar and the science Justin brought to the topic. He shared so many helpful insights that my wrist was sore from taking notes! Here are some key ideas that stood out to me:

  • - Anxiety is normal. It is usually short-lived and part of the natural process of handling stress and building resilience.
  • - Avoidance feeds anxiety, while action erodes it.
  • - Growth does not happen in the comfort zone.
  • - Control the controllables.

Since the seminar, I have been reflecting on what the Bible says about anxiety. One passage that came to mind was:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:6–7

This passage commands us not to be anxious. It also presents prayer as an alternative to anxiety. But what does that mean in practice? Should anxious people simply pray and expect everything to be alright? Is this at odds with modern psychology?

We know that all truth is God’s truth. Therefore, sound scientific findings will ultimately align with God’s Word.

Justin taught that anxiety aims to keep our future selves safe, which is not a bad goal. The problem is that anxiety speaks as though we control the future, and we do not.

In this light, prayer truly is central to addressing anxiety. Prayer is the act of handing the future to God, trusting that he is Lord over both good and hardship and that he uses all things to shape us (Romans 8:28). At the same time, prayers of faith are lived out through acts of faith.

Christians, therefore, do not avoid life; we step into it under the lordship of Jesus. We take responsibility for what we can control (self-control) and entrust what we cannot control to the Lord. The science of this seminar really unpacked some of the action we can take as Christians

Anxiety is tough. If it were not, Scripture would not address it so directly. Anxiety wants to rule your future. It promises safety but often delivers a prison. Take the crown off anxiety and return it to Jesus, the one who gives life in all its fullness.

Reverend Denis Oliver
College Chaplain
From the Junior School Director of Teaching and Learning
lisa

“Challenge leads to learning. Applied appropriately, it takes students to their next stage of development. Too much challenge creates cognitive overload. Too little lowers expectations.” (Nottingham 2023)

lisa H

If you attended the recent Parent Information sessions, you would have seen this visual and heard how we are applying this in our Junior School classrooms. The Learning Pit is the work of James Nottingham and it presents a blueprint of the necessary steps for learning growth.

As educators, we like to see students challenged at the right level so that progress occurs. Our task is to help students learn strategies they can apply to help them climb out of the pit for learning success. Success for each child is different and can be seen across a myriad of environments – social, emotional as well as academic.

When you attend the Parent-Teacher interviews in week 5, come with stories of how this relates to your child at home. How do you encourage your child to enter the pit to support learning growth? Adults building a bridge across the top of the pit does not allow students to struggle, and the struggle is what builds the learning muscles.

We look forward to continuing positive and supporting communication as your children progress through the College.

Ms Lisa Hansford
Director of Teaching and Learning - Junior School

Upcoming dates

Date Event
Tuesday 3 March Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews 
Wednesday 4 March PCN Induction Training - 8.30am 

Thursday 5 March

 Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews
Friday 6 March Prep Family MRK Meet Up
Wednesday 11 March Year 6 Canberra 3 Day Camp
Thursday 12 March Year 7 Meet the Teacher
Friday 13 March Kindy Family MRK Meet Up
Saturday 14 March OPEN DAY - BOOK NOW

Please see Sports Update articles for all important sporting dates.  
‘ThinkUKnow’ Police Session

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police visit

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police visit

This week, our students and parents had the privilege of hearing from Constable Daniel Beardshaw who delivered an engaging and informative ThinkUKnow presentation.

ThinkUKnow is an evidence‑based education program that helps young people safely navigate the online world.

These presentations incorporate real case studies from the Australian Federal Police‑led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE). They are delivered in partnership with local state and territory police, helping ensure children receive accurate, relevant, and practical information.

The program was presented in grade / stages including a parent’s session. Constable Daniel Beardshaw addressed real issues children and young people may encounter online. During the session, Constable Daniel Beardshaw explored several key themes, including:

What Is the Internet?

Students learned about how the internet works, the digital footprint they create, and the importance of understanding the online spaces they engage with.

Adult Supervision

The session reinforced how vital parent and caregiver involvement is in keeping children safe online, including checking in regularly, setting boundaries, and guiding online behaviour.

Privacy and Information Sharing

Students explored what personal information is, why it should be protected, and how easily it can be shared- sometimes without realising it.

Online Grooming

In an age‑appropriate way, Constable Daniel Beardshaw explained what grooming can look like online and why it’s important for children to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

Support and Report

The presentation highlighted where young people can go for help, including trusted adults and official reporting pathways.

We thank Constable Daniel Beardshaw for providing such valuable insight and helping our school community continue to build positive, safe digital environments for all students.

Mrs Donna Schatzman
Director of Operations and Welfare
Parent Meet Ups

The Parent Community Network has organised some upcoming meet ups for parents in Junior School. 

A great opportunity to reconnect or meet fellow parents. The Meet Up takes place at the Parent Cafe.

If you would like to know more please ask in the Parent's Whatsapp Group for the revelant grade. If you are not yet part of a WhatsApp group and would like to be use this form.

Prep

Friday 6 March 
8.20am - 9.30am 

Kindy

Friday 13 March 
8.20am - 9.30am 

 

Mrs Carmen Pasapera
Director of Marketing & Community Engagement
Study Centre

The College provides an after-hours Study Centre designed to support students' academic progression. The Centre is staffed by highly qualified Thomas Hassall alumni who have achieved an ATAR exceeding 90 or a Band 6 in one or more subjects. These tutors are equipped to provide structured homework guidance, reinforce course content, and assist students with organization and assessment planning.

Operational Details

  • Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 3.00PM to 5.00PM.
  • Location: Rooms J6, J7, and J8 within the STEM building (J Block).
  • Student Collection: Students must be collected promptly at 5:00 PM from the J Block Carpark. This area is accessible via Gate 3, located directly outside the STEM building.

Changes to Study Centre Processes:

We are asking you to nominate the days your child will attend. For your convenience, you can sign them up for the whole year, for a casual booking, or even before or after extra-curricular activities. If their days change throughout the year, you can use the same form to amend their attendance.

If your child is absent, you will receive an email to notify you that they are not at Study Centre. This change is to ensure we have an accurate record of who is on site after 3pm.

You can access the registration form here or via the college website.

 

EventsBack to Top

Open Week

The College is excited to be holding Open Week from March 9 - 14. 

This day is a great opportunity for anyone considering enrolment to see the College in action.

There will be an opportunity to visit classrooms, hear from the Principal and ask questions about the College.

Please let your family and friends know and encourage them to register for this event through the button below. 
Movie Night under the Stars

Join us for a movie night as we watch SING 2

Friday 27 March | 5.30pm

This is a free event and everyone is welcome. Gates open at 5.30pm with food trucks and entertainment. The movie will begin at 6.30pm.

Bring your picnic rug and blanket and join us on the oval. In the event of wet weather, the event will move indoors.

Gift Donation
If you have a business that would like to donate to our pre-movie activities, please contact us [email protected]

Your company name and logo will be displayed on the big screen before the movie commences.

WellbeingBack to Top

Anxious With Dr Justin Coulson

Last week, we had the privilege of hosting Dr Justin Coulson in the John Lambert Auditorium for an insightful parent session titled Anxious: Helping Your Child Navigate a World of Worry.

It was a fantastic evening where Dr Coulson shared a wealth of practical, clinically backed strategies to support children experiencing anxiety. His expertise provided our community with valuable, actionable tools to help our students build resilience and confidently navigate the challenges of growing up.

 

Justin C

We want to extend a big thank you to Dr Coulson for visiting the College and sharing his knowledge with us. Thank you also to all the parents who took the time out of their busy schedules to join us.

LearningBack to Top

Junior School Writing Competition

The Thomas Hassall Anglican College Prep – Year 6 House Writing Competition – 2026

Theme: “Discover”

What is it? A writing competition open to all students, Prep to 6. Students enter under their name, grade and house.

PREP-YEAR 2 – due Thursday May 8

Students will be given one or two lessons to work on their entry in class time. They may finish these at home. Prep – 2 students are allowed to write their task at home as well and submit this instead of their school task. Please view the guidelines below to see how much assistance can be given.

Submit these to your child’s class teacher.

YEAR 3-YEAR 6 – due Tuesday March 31

Students will complete the writing task at home. Parents – please see the guidelines below to see how much assistance can be given. These must be typed and saved.

Submit these to your child’s class teacher.

THEME: DISCOVER

This theme must be included. Students can write about a real event, an imagined event, or use it as a metaphor in their writing. It could be a physical discovery, an adventure, or a discovery about their family history or themselves.  

SUBMISSIONS:

Students may submit a creative writing piece (narrative or poem). It needs to be handed in on A4 paper. There is a limit of three for each entry.  

MUST HAVES:

Entries must be labelled with the student’s first and last names, class and house.

Years 3-6 entries must be typed and spellchecked. P-2 may be handwritten or typed. Please save a copy of any typed works.

Students must submit their own work.

It must be original, and not previously awarded any prizes in other writing competitions.

PARENT GUIDELINES:

You may:

  • - Look at images or videos and discuss what your child can hear, see and what they might feel.
  • - Discuss story or poem ideas.
  • - Help with editing so spelling, punctuation and grammar are correct.
  • - Provide some feedback on how the story could be improved, e.g. “I think you have rushed into the action here. Slow it down by adding more description,” or, “You have used the same sentence beginning for every sentence. How could you change this to make it more interesting?”

Please do not:

  • - Write the story for your child.
  • - Edit it heavily so it no longer resembles the original attempt.
  • - Tell them what to write.

We want this to be fun celebration of each student’s ideas.

A winning entry from each grade will receive a mystery book-related prize. They will be published in an online format later this year.

If you have any questions, please direct them to Mrs Alex Saville:  [email protected]  
Year 5 Modelled Reading

This term in Year 5, students have been engaging in Modelled Reading. This is a structured and highly interactive approach that strengthens comprehension while also nurturing a genuine love of reading.

Year5

Modelled Reading is far more than silent reading time. During these sessions, the teacher reads a shared text aloud while deliberately modelling the thinking processes strong readers use. Students hear questions such as:

Why might the character have made that choice? What clues has the author given us? How does this connect to real life? Whose point of view are we seeing - and whose is missing?

By making these thinking strategies visible, students learn how to analyse character motivations, identify themes, interpret symbolism and infer meaning that is not directly stated.

A key focus this term has been developing empathy through literature. Students explore how understanding a character’s perspective helps them better understand people in real life. Stories allow them to “step into someone else’s shoes,” building both emotional intelligence and deeper comprehension.

Importantly, Modelled Reading teaches students that reading is active, not passive. Strong readers don’t just receive information they question, predict, connect and reflect. Through guided discussion, students are becoming increasingly confident in articulating their thinking and supporting their ideas with evidence from the text.

Alongside these skills, we are seeing something just as important: students are growing in their enjoyment of reading. As they begin to understand texts at a deeper level, they experience the satisfaction of uncovering meaning for themselves. Conversations become richer, insights become sharper and reading becomes something to look forward to rather than simply complete.

It has been wonderful to see Year 5 students engaging thoughtfully, challenging ideas respectfully and developing both the skills and the enthusiasm that will sustain them as lifelong readers.

Mr David Stroud
Junior School Teacher - Year 5 Year Leader
JUNIOR CAPA

In Year 1 Music, students are listening to and performing music from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as well as musical traditions from around the world. They are beginning to recognise how different cultures use music to share stories, feelings, and ideas.

Last week, students listened to “Sakura”, a traditional Japanese folk song about spring and cherry blossoms. After discussing the images the music created, they worked together using percussion instruments to build a class soundscape inspired by the song. We look forward to continuing our learning and exploring more songs from cultures across the globe.
A Strong Start for Year 11

As we begin the 2026 College year, we hope the Christmas break was a refreshing time of rest, connection and celebration for all our families. It has been wonderful to welcome students back on campus and to see Year 11 step confidently into senior school.

The year is now well underway, with students settling into their subjects and beginning to prepare for their first assessments. A helpful resource for families navigating the early assessment period is the SchoolTV page on managing exam stress, available through the Thomas Hassall website:

Thank you to our Year 11 College families for your support in helping the term start so smoothly. It has been a positive and settled return to College life, and we look forward to partnering with you throughout the year ahead.

Mr Benjamin Fracarossi & Mrs Michelle Palmer
Year 11 Advisors
Year 12 Camp

Over three days, Year 12 students took part in a Study Camp experience designed to set them up for a confident and purposeful HSC year.

Students engaged in a variety of study formats, including silent study blocks, collaborative group sessions and dedicated pen‑and‑paper periods that encouraged deep thinking without digital distractions. These moments of sustained focus were genuine highlights, with many students expressing pride in what they were able to accomplish.

The days started off with devotions followed by a series of valuable talks from key members of our senior team. The Head of Senior School, Mr Corbett-Jones, provided practical strategies for effective study and exam preparation, while the Academic Dean Ms Munro, guided students through the realities of navigating the HSC year with clarity and resilience. In the wellbeing space, our school psychologist, Mr Cleur delivered sessions on managing stress and maintaining balance. We were also fortunate to welcome Roanna Chan, a clinical psychologist from The Kidman Centre, UTS Mental Health Treatment and Research for Youth, who offered powerful insights into self‑understanding, motivation and overcoming procrastination.

A major milestone of the camp was the presentation of the Year 12 jackets, this was led by Deputy Principal Mr Wyatt, a moment filled with excitement and a strong sense of unity as the cohort stepped fully into their final year.

Alongside the academic and wellbeing focus, students also enjoyed well‑earned downtime, bouncing around on inflatables, kicking a ball with Mr Williams or relaxing with a movie. Students also enjoyed slushies and a barbecue with friends, these moments added joy and connection to the experience.

Study Camp 2026 has set a strong foundation for the year ahead, and we are incredibly proud of the maturity, engagement and enthusiasm shown by our Year 12 students.

Mrs Maha Ghabrial & Mr John Williams
Year 12 Advisors
Mathematics in Senior School

The Mathematics faculty regularly assigns homework to help students consolidate what they have learned in class. To manage their workload effectively, we encourage students to complete their homework throughout the week rather than leaving it until the last minute. This allows them to spend more time revising for in‑class assessments instead of rushing to catch up on unfinished work.

If your child tells you they have completed all their homework, it can be helpful to encourage them to attempt a few additional questions from the relevant exercise. Extra practice is one of the most effective ways to strengthen mathematical understanding.

All teachers in the Mathematics department keep a record of the homework that has been set. Students already have access to this information, but if you would like a link to the assigned questions, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher.

Upcoming Mathematics assessments

  • Week 7: Year 9, 10 and 11
  • Week 8: Year 8 and 12 (Advanced and Standard only)
  • Week 9: 12 (Extension 2 only)

Mrs Marian Low
Mathematics Coordinator
Study Resource for Years 11 & 12

One of the ICT resources that the College subscribes to is Atomi. It’s a video-based learning website that delivers content and quizzes directly tailored to the Year 11 and 12 syllabuses.

Atomi is designed to support classroom learning by helping students revise, deepen their understanding, and build confidence in key course concepts.

In addition to Year 12, our Year 11 students now have access to this resource, with content available across a wide range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, HSIE, PDHPE, and more. Each lesson breaks down syllabus points into clear, easy‑to‑understand videos followed by interactive quizzes that help students check their understanding immediately.

Atomi can be used for:

  • - Revision before assessments
  • - Homework tasks assigned by teachers to their students
  • - Catching up on missed concepts
  • - Strengthening understanding of difficult topics
  • - Independent study and exam preparation

Students can log in using their College credentials. We encourage our Senior students to incorporate Atomi into their weekly study routines to reinforce the learning taking place in the classroom.

Mr Samuel Mills
Senior School ICT Leader

Performing ArtsBack to Top

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Sponsorship

Get ready to be enchanted as Thomas Hassall Anglican College proudly presents its 2026 musical extravaganza, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Set to captivate audiences of all ages, this beloved tale will come to life on stage from 1 to 9 May in the John Lambert Auditorium.

The College's theatrical talents are set to shine as students bring to life the iconic characters from Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. However, staging a production of this magnitude requires more than just talent and dedication. It takes the generous support of sponsors to ensure that our students have the resources they need to deliver their best performance. While ticket sales contribute to some of the staging costs, sponsorship plays a crucial role in elevating the production value, providing our students and the audience with the best theatrical experience possible.

We invite businesses from our College Community as well as the local community to join us in supporting the arts and education by becoming sponsors of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. As a sponsor, you'll not only have the opportunity to promote your business to our dedicated audience but also to demonstrate your commitment to fostering creativity and talent in our community.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and the benefits of partnering with us for this musical production, please email [email protected] and request a sponsorship booklet. 

Mrs Carmen Pasapera
Director of Marketing and Community Engagement

Junior School Sports Update

 

UPCOMING SPORTING DATES

WEEK 6 

Tuesday 10 March

Year 3-6 Cross Country 

WEEK 7

 Monday 16 March  Years 5 & 6 CIS Boys & Girls AFL Trials **

WEEK 8

 Wednesday 25 March NSW CIS Primary Swimming Carnival

WEEK 9 

 Monday 30 March CASA Year 5 & 6 Girls Netball Gala Day
Years 5 & 6 CIS Boys & Girls Hockey Trials **

** Please contact Mrs Evans if you are interested in your child trialling at the NSW CIS Hockey or AFL.   

NB – students need to be playing at a high level to be considered for nomination.  Students will only be considered from Year 5 and 6.

 

Outstanding Efforts at the NSW CIS Primary Tennis Championships

Congratulations to Coby O. and Jackson L., who recently represented our school at the NSW CIS Primary Tennis Championships. Both boys displayed impressive skill, sportsmanship, and determination throughout the competition.

Coby delivered an exceptional performance, progressing through to the final round where he ultimately went down to a highly ranked opponent.

We are incredibly proud of both boys for their hard work, dedication, and the way they represented our school on the court.

Well done, Coby and Jackson!
Tennis Champ

2025 CIS Primary Girls Softball Team – awarded NSW CIS Primary team of the Year 

At the recent NSW Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Sports Awards Ceremony, our Year 6 teacher Miss Breanna Evans was honoured with the 2025 NSW CIS Primary Team of the Year Award. This prestigious recognition was awarded to the NSW CIS Primary Girls Softball Team, whom Miss Evans coached to an impressive victory at the 2025 NSW PSSA Girls Softball Championships.

The team was made up of talented girls from across the state, and under Miss Evans’ leadership, they quickly formed a cohesive and determined squad. Over the three‑day tournament, the girls demonstrated outstanding skill, teamwork, and resilience.  Their incredible performance led them to secure the championship title for the first time in NSW CIS history.

Congratulations to Miss Evans on this remarkable and well‑deserved achievement.

Breanna
Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sport Coordinator
Senior School Sports Update

UPCOMING SPORTS DATES TERM 1

WEEK 5 

 Monday 2 March CASA 15+ & Open Touch Football Trials
Tuesday 3 March AICES Boys 16y Basketball Trials

WEEK 6

 Monday 9 March AICES Girls 16y Basketball Trials 
Tuesday 10 March AICES Girls 19y Basketball Trials 

WEEK 8 

 Monday 23 March Senior School Cross Country 

WEEK 9

 Monday 30 March AICES Senior School Swimming Carnival 
CASA Tennis Gala Day
NSW CIS Hockey Boys & Girls
Thursday 2 April AICES Netball Gala Day

 

CASA Football and Netball trials:

On Monday 23 February, our college hosted students from all CASA Schools to trial for both Netball and Football. A number of our students were nominated for and attended these trials. Congratulations to the following students who were selected to represent CASA at upcoming AICES Gala days.

U/18 Girls Netball: Ella Webster
U/18 Girls Football: Charlotte Punter and Jovana Gulic
U/18 Boys Football: Adrian Trovato, Christian Jolevski, Daniel Ralevski, Zane Saleh, Daniel Bueno, Ryder Webster, Lorenzo Violi

 

CASA Basketball Selections:

Recently, students who were shortlisted in 2025 were invited to trial for a place on a CASA Basketball team. I’m proud to announce that the following students have been selected to represent CASA at the AICES selection trials in March. They are:

U/16 Boys: Eli H (Year 10) 
U/19 Girls: Liana M (Year 11)

From there, AICES will nominate students to progress to CIS Trials. We wish both Eli and Liana the best of luck. 


CIS Softball

Rylan M (Year 11)
Congratulations to Rylan M (Year 11) who has again made the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Softball team. Rylan is a talented Softballer who plays at a representative level outside of the college as well. We wish Rylan all the best as he competes against other systems (Government and Catholic) at the NSW All Schools Championships in May.


CIS Cup Football

Boys
Our Senior Boys had a big 6-0 win last Friday as we hosted William Carey Christian College in this Round 1 clash. The visitors started fast but our boys weathered the storm and in the end, the quality of players across the park meant that the boys were able to slowly turn the tide, then pull away for a decisive victory. We look forward to bringing you news of their Round 2 clash in the near future. 

Girls
Our Senior Girls showed great determination and team spirit in Round 1 of the CIS Cup Girls Knockout Competition. Facing a strong Emanuel College side, the team battled hard and created promising opportunities while maintaining effort and composure throughout the match. Despite a 5–1 result ending their knockout campaign, the girls displayed resilience and pride in representing the school, gaining valuable experience to take into future fixtures.

CISfootball

 

Celebrating our Athletes outside of the College

Elijah W: Gymnastics
Elijah
Elijah continues to excel in Gymnastics as a National Representative who competes on the world stage. On March 13th, he will compete at the DTB Pokal Cup in Stuttgart, Germany. The DTB Pokal Cup has countries sending their top gymnasts from all over the world, where the level of skill and competition will mirror other major events, such as the World Championships. To be eligible to compete, Elijah had to qualify for the Australian Gymnastics Junior National Team, who he will be travelling with for the entire tour. He achieved this through consistent success at multiple national/state competitions prior. 

After training and competing over the span of 9 days in Germany, he will be travelling to Belgium, for an 8 day training camp. After this, Elijah will compete at the Luxembourg Open.

In these competitions, Elijah will be competing ‘All-Around’, meaning he will be competing in ALL apparatuses (floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar.

Doing well at these competitions will increase Elijah’s chances of competing at the Youth Olympic Games, later this year. 

 

Oliver C: Athletics

Oliver

Oliver is an outstanding young athlete who continues to excel in Athletics. Over the summer break, Oliver delivered an exceptional performance on the national stage, finishing 5th in the Hammer Throw at the Australian All Schools Championships.

His momentum continued at the ACT State championships the following weekend. His results included: 

Gold in the shot put
Gold in the Hammer Throw
Gold in the Discus
Bronze in the Javelin

He will now compete in these events at the NSW State Championships in March. Additionally he has already earned a place at the 2026 Australian National Junior Championships in April for the Hammer Throw.

We look forward to continuing to follow Oliver’s progress where he is sure to have another big year representing both himself and the college.


Mr David Tomich
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator
2026 Junior School Swimming Carnival

 

 

The Junior School Swimming Carnival, held on Friday 13 February at Whitlam Leisure Centre was a wonderful celebration of participation, community spirit, and friendly house competition. Even with the cooler weather, students arrived eager to swim, cheer, and give their very best.

The poolside atmosphere was buzzing as students took part in either 50 metre races, 15 metre races or novelty events that brought plenty of fun and excitement. Every race was met with cheers from the stands, as families and staff encouraged swimmers from all Houses.

Our young athletes displayed outstanding enthusiasm, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout the day. Whether racing for points or supporting their teammates, students demonstrated excellent House spirit and cheered loudly from the grandstand.

House Results

1st – Carmichael: 1251 points
2nd – Liddell: 923 points
3rd – Wilberforce: 703 points
4th – Lewis: 674 points

Age Champions

AGE CHAMPIONS
  Boys Girls
8 Year  Hunter K Violet K

9 Year

 Liam T Tiffany N
10 Year George O Scralett B
11 Year Tomas C Magdalena P
12 Year Coby O Ella K

Well done to all swimmers for their effort and energy. A big thank you to the Year 10 PASS class, under the guidance of Mr Bursey and Mrs Clarke who assisted with running events during the day. Thanks also to our staff, especially Miss Tikeri and Mr Graham for helping make the carnival such a smooth and memorable event.

Ribbons were awarded last week, at our Friday morning muster and age champions will receive their award at the Term Four Sports Award Assembly. 

 

CASA Representative Carnival

On Tuesday 24 March, 29 enthusiastic Junior School swimmers proudly represented the College at the CASA Junior Swimming Carnival, held at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.  

Our students demonstrated wonderful determination, sportsmanship and team spirit, giving their very best in every event.

A special congratulations goes to Ella K and Coby O, who achieved excellent results and have qualified to represent CASA at the NSW CIS Primary Swimming Championships at the end of March. This is an exceptional accomplishment, and we wish them every success as they compete at the State level.

Well done to all our swimmers for their hard work and commitment. Your efforts continue to make our College proud!

CASA swimming

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sport Coordinator
2026 Senior School Swimming Carnival

The recent Senior School Swimming Carnival was a fantastic celebration of spirit and community and I couldn’t be prouder of the way our students represented the College. We were blessed with great weather throughout the day, which set the perfect tone for a vibrant and energetic event by the pool.

From the first race to the final relay, the level of participation and enthusiasm was outstanding. Our house areas were a sea of colour, chants and encouragement, with house spirit on full display. It was wonderful to see students not only striving for personal bests in the water, but also cheering for their peers.

There were some truly excellent performances across all age groups. Several swimmers demonstrated impressive skill and determination. In the coming weeks, we look forward to recognising our Age Champions and celebrating the Champion House for 2026. These achievements reflect not only athletic excellence but also commitment and consistent effort throughout the day.

Thank you to our staff and student leaders who helped make the day such a success. It was a memorable carnival and we look forward to building on this momentum for the rest of the sporting year.

Carnival Results

Age Champions
Congratulations to the following students were crowned Age Champions:

AGE

GIRL 

BOY

U/12

Vi An D

Ruven S

U/13

Yanna S

Lucas A

U/14

Maddison V

Blake V

U/15

Dakota J

Jonah I

U/16

Faith A

Thomas T

U/17

Davina I

Alexander A

U/18

Billie H

Kryshtof P

Record breakers!

The following extraordinary swimmers broke records at the carnival. Firstly, I’d like to acknowledge Vi An D of Year 7, who broke records in every individual race that she competed in, a phenomenal achievement!. She is the current record holder now in the following events:

Girls 12 100m Free: 1:15.58        Vi An D 
Girls 12 50m Free: 31.78             Vi An D 
Girls 12 50m Fly: 38.78               Vi An D
Girls 12 50m Breast: 44.34          Vi An D

 

There were also a number of other outstanding swims on the day, where students broke existing records. These were:

Girls 15 100m Free: 1:05.22     Dakota J
Boys 15 100m Free: 1:01.99    Jonah I
Girls 16 100m Free: 1:11.42     Faith A
Girls 13 50m Free: 34.21         Asha R
Boys 15 50m Free: 27.40        Johan I

 

King and Queen of the Pool

Each year, we hold a race where the fastest 8 students across the college in the 50m Freestyle for both Males and Females compete to be crowned the King and Queen of the pool. This year, both races were hotly contested, with the Male race in particular being decided by the narrowest of margins. Congratulations to Alexander A, who defended his crown to win King of the Pool for the second Year in a row. Congratulations also goes to Dakota J who was crowned ‘Queen of the Pool’.

Champion House

The House Competition was once again hotly contested in 2026. Congratulations to Wilberforce! Senior School House Champions for 2026

The final house points tallies were as follows:

1st: Wilberforce 1710 points
2nd: Liddell 1522 points
3rd: Carmichael 1102 points
4th: Lewis 1050 points
 

CASA Representative Carnival

I would also like to extend our congratulations to the students who qualified to represent the College at the CASA Carnival which took place last night at Homebush. We are incredibly proud of your efforts and know you have represent the College with distinction.

CASA swimming

Mr David Tomich
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator
AFC Women's Asian Cup Trophy

We are excited to share a truly special milestone for our sporting community. On Wednesday 18 February, Thomas Hassall Anglican College had the exclusive honor of hosting the official AFC Women’s Asian Cup Trophy Tour. Remarkably, we were the only school in New South Wales selected for this prestigious visit!

This visit provided an unforgettable experience for our IPSSO representative girls' teams. The students were treated to an up-close viewing of the iconic trophy.

Beyond seeing the cup, the girls had the fantastic opportunity to step onto the indoor court for an exclusive training session run by visiting coaches and representatives from Football NSW. It was a brilliant way for our students to develop their skills and gain inspiration. 

Having a piece of international football history on campus came with some very strict protocols. The most important rule of the tour dictates that only official tournament winners are permitted to touch the trophy with their bare hands. To enforce this, even the official handler who transported the cup to the College was required to wear white gloves at all times.

However, there was one person exempt from this rule, one of our very own College coaches, Leena Khamis.

As a former Matilda and an integral part of the victorious Australian squad that won the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2010, Coach Leena is an official champion. Because of her incredible history with the tournament, the gloves came off and she was granted the privilege of holding the trophy once again.

Being selected to participate in this tour was a deeply inspiring milestone for the team. The combination of witnessing a piece of internation football, celebrating the achievements of our own coaching staff and receiving hands-on training from Football NSW made for a truly remarkable day. Our IPSSO girls walked away with sharpened skills and a renewed passion for the game. We are incredibly proud of how they represented the College during this exclusive event.

The Football NSW article can be found here.

Co-curricularBack to Top

From the Director of Co-curricular

Our co‑curricular programs officially began last week, and it has been fantastic to see the College buzzing with activity once again. The excitement of being back was unmistakable - high engagement, great energy, and plenty of smiling faces as students stepped into their favourite programs and explored new opportunities for the year ahead.

We were delighted to launch our four new programs for 2026:

  • - Mini Maestros
  • - STEM: Robotics
  • - Mini Sports
  • - The Fitness Centre (College Gym)

These new additions have begun with strong interest and enthusiastic participation. We warmly welcome back our returning coaches - thank you for your ongoing commitment - and extend a special welcome to the new coaches joining the College this year. It’s wonderful to have you with us.

Duke of Edinburgh Returns in 2026

Our Duke of Edinburgh Award program has also returned for 2026. Many students have been busily logging their skills, fitness, and service hours over the summer break, showing great dedication to their personal development. Our Gold students completed their qualifying hikes, with some trekking through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, while others explored the rugged beauty of the Blue Mountains.

We have some exciting trips planned for this year. If your child is in Year 9, we strongly encourage them to consider signing up. The Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to play an important role in helping students grow in confidence, maturity, and resilience, and it offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the world with friends.

Lunchtime Groups Are Back

Lunchtime groups have also started up again, giving students a wide range of activities to enjoy throughout the week. Students can get involved in:

  • - Chess
  • - Puzzles & Board Games
  • - Debating
  • - Anime & Manga
  • - Book Club
  • - STEM
  • - Art Modelling
  • - Knitting & Crochet

We also have our lunchtime music ensembles, along with our Christian lunchtime groups: JAM (Junior School) and ABIDE (Senior School). With so many options available, there is something for every interest and personality.

It’s Not Too Late to Sign Up

Students are still welcome to join programs:

  • - Academy Programs: Families can sign up using the enquiry form on our College website under the Co‑Curricular section.
  • - Duke of Edinburgh: Students should register using the information provided to families by Mr Dave Catto via email.
  • - Lunchtime Groups:
    • Senior students can check the poster emailed to them or displayed in the Senior Hub.
    • Junior students should speak with their classroom teacher.

It’s going to be a great year. Whether your child joins an academy program, a lunchtime club, or the Duke of Edinburgh Award, we are committed to helping every student explore their passions and try new adventures at the College.

 

Mr Luke Robinson
Director of Co-curricular

CommunityBack to Top

WhatsApp Groups for Grades

Many parents would like to connect with each other during this time, a great way to do that is through parent led WhatsApp groups.

Parents of the younger year groups have created WhatsApp groups that they are apart of, many have stated how useful they have been.

Parent administrators have asked to extend the opportunity to parents who may not be aware of these groups. Please note that these groups are not run or administered by the College, rather are parent run. If you would like to be added to your child's grade WhatsApp group, please fill in the form and your details will be passed on to the admins.

If you are an administrator of any other groups and are interested in reaching your year groups parents, please email [email protected]

Mrs Carmen Pasapera
Director of Marketing & Community Engagement
New Families Morning Tea

Last Friday morning we had the pleasure of welcoming families who have recently joined our College community, with students starting in Years 1-6 and 8-12. The event provided a great opportunity for parents to meet key staff members, learn more about College life and connect with our Parent Community Network.

new fam

Families enjoyed a relaxed morning over coffee and breakfast while getting to know other parents who are also new to the school. We appreciate everyone who attended and look forward to seeing these families become an active part of our school community.
The Way we connect

The Way We Connect – Keeping Our Community Informed

If you have a question or suggestion, you can submit it using the form below. This will be a regular feature in our newsletter, helping to keep our community informed.

Please note that while not every submission will receive a direct reply, we will ensure recurring topics are addressed in a way that benefits everyone.

Got a question? Submit it via the button below—your input helps shape what we share!
NSW Youth Week 2026 – Design a Sticker Competition

The NSW Office for Youth is holding a Design a Sticker Competition, open to young people aged 12–24 years. This competition encourages creativity and artistic expression, while giving students the opportunity to win valuable prizes.

 Prizes include:

  • - An iPad A16
  • - NRMA driving lessons
  • - Officeworks vouchers valued at up to $400

This year’s theme, “DREAM. DARE. DO.”, aims to inspire young people to think boldly, act courageously, and bring their ideas to life.

Competition details:

Entries close: Sunday 29 March at 11.59pm
Age categories: 12–15 years, 16–19 years, and 20–24 years
Theme requirement: Students must incorporate one, two, or all three words of the theme - DREAM. DARE. DO.
Format: Entries may be hand drawn or created using digital drawing tools. The use of ChatGPT or AI-generated artwork is not permitted. All designs must be original.
Sticker size: 6cm x 6cm 

For full competition guidelines and instructions on how to enter, please visit:
Parking around the College

It has come to our attention that some vehicles are being parked on nature strips and blocking driveways in our neighborhood. Unfortunately we have had numerous complaints from our neighbours of parents parking illegally. We kindly request that you refrain from parking in these areas when dropping off or picking up your children from College. Please be mindful of designated parking spaces and respect the property and access needs of those living nearby.


Parking illegally on footpaths or nature strips is a safety concern and can obstruct drivers' and pedestrians' access and lines of sight. Rule 197 of the Road Rules 2014 does not allow parking on a bicycle path, footpath, dividing strip or nature strip. To avoid a fine for illegal parking, please ensure your vehicle is kerbside on the street only. Please refer to the image below from Liverpool City Council of illegally parked and legally parked vehicles as well as other School zone offences. Parking on the opposite side of the road is a parking offence and fines apply. 

PARKING

 

Parking Rules