Term 2 I Friday 28 May 2021

This week Eurovision has been going. 

I find it interesting that Eurovision celebrates cultural diversity but it won’t let some countries enter- how did Australia get in?

The bible teaches us that God does not really care about what country a person comes from and neither should we.

¹¹ It doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, or if you are circumcised or not. You may even be a barbarian or a Scythian, and you may be a slave or a free person. Yet Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. (Colossians 3)

Christians are reminded that, regardless of nationality, we are united and equal under Jesus.  While the world fights over flags, we fly all our flags together under Him.

During Unite Week we celebrate diversity knowing it is God who makes us different. We celebrate diversity because Jesus died for all peoples and not some people.  Christians celebrate diversity for we know that heaven will be full of different languages, cultures, colours with none of them spoiled by sin or racism or hatred. 

Take time out this week to pray that our students may understand these truths, live them, and celebrate with us. 

National Sorry Day is held on 26^th May every year to remember and recognise all those who were affected by the Stolen Generations.

It also reminds us of the negative impact of Australian government policies, practices and attitudes towards the First Nations Peoples* throughout history. 

On Wednesday in 5G, we looked at what National Sorry Day means and how it affects us today. We coloured in a hand using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag colours, we read some of ‘Young Dark Emu’ by Bruce Pascoe which opened up thoughtful discussion and reflection, and we watched ‘The Apology’ video from then Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd. 

We learnt that the purple Hibiscus flower is a sign of spiritual healing and compassion. The flower represents the people of the Stolen Generation and the people who survived. We drew and coloured in our own purple hibiscus that is now displayed in our classroom with the hand art as a reminder. 

“I never really knew about this, I think it is a good he (Kevin Rudd) apologised but it won’t bring the children back…” – Matisse.P 

“This day helps us to grow together as a community” – Sophie.I

Miss Courtney Garard 
Junior School Teacher - 5G

*First Nations Peoples is used to refer to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

MultiLit Extension is THAC’s withdrawal literacy program in the Senior School.

It is a reading support program aimed at developing mature reading skills.

Below is a reflection from a Year 9 student on her experiences with the program.  

My name is Krystal F. I am a Year 9 student and started working with Learning Support when I enrolled with Thomas Hassall in year 7. I am grateful for everything I have learnt during my MultiLit sessions. I do MultiLit twice a week, sessions usually last 20minutes. The purpose of these MultiLit sessions was to improve my Literacy and Comprehension.

I never used to care about my grades, it was thanks to MultiLIt and the care placed on my learning that inspired me to care about my grades. At first, all I cared about was to hand something in, ignoring the quality of the work. Now my focus is on the result which is getting good marks and improving my literacy and comprehension. I want to make sure I do a good job.

I noticed an improvement in the second year of MultiLit. I started in the C class in Years 7 and 8 and I am now in BB class in Year 9. I had marks that were below average and I am now getting above average marks.

My parents are just so impressed with how far I have come. Their happiness and pride is very encouraging. I want to do even better and am now setting my goals high.

Mrs Elizabeth Skene 
Learning Support Coordinator - Senior School

The College had the pleasure on Wednesday 26th May to have Olivia O’Rourke present to the Secondary Students.

Olivia is an Australian Representative Diver who as part of the Olympics Unleashed program, presented by Optus came and spoke to students.

Olympics Unleashed connects athletes with schools across the country to inspire students to find and follow their passion and provide lessons in goal setting, overcoming challenges and developing resilience.

Olivia participates main competition events are in the 10m Platform Individual & 10m Platform Synchronised Dive. Olivia has already had some outstanding achievements in her young. She received a 2nd Place in 10m Platform Synchronised at the FINA International Diving Grand Prix in Singapore in 2019 as well as a Bronze Medal in the in 10m Platform Synchronised at the FINA International Diving Grand Prix in Germany in 2018.

Olivia O’Rourke was an absolute inspiration during her presentation reflected on her Olympic journey and how she has overcome challenges to compete in her sport at the highest level.

With the Olympics less than 60 days away Olivia is setting her goals on qualifying for these games. These games will be far different to any games previously and has already had to face changes with large cuts to the reductions of events and competitors that will take place at these upcoming games.

We thank Olivia for the way she has inspired and challenged out students and we wish her all the best in her upcoming Olympic Trials.

For more information on Olympics Unleashed visit www.olympicsunleashed.com.au 

Reflections from Students:

“What I found most interesting about Olivia’s speech was how dangerous diving actually is. The stories and footage of her injuries really expressed the risks, but also how she handles her injuries and lifestyle really inspired me.” – Chris Logozzo, Sports Captain

“I was inspired by her dedication and her ability to juggle being a full time athlete as well as doing a University degree in Construction. I also really enjoyed showing her around our College and experience life as a student at Thomas Hassall.” – Noah Velnic, Sports Captain

Mr Kent Weir
PDHPE Coordinator 

The Intermediate Stage Band are a very talented group of young musicians from years 6-8 that rehearse together once a week.  
They are learning funk and jazz arrangements of classic pop and jazz tunes. This week, they performed Queen’s classic hit ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ at our Monday UNITE WEEK assembly, and all students performed very well. Congratulations also to our featured singers for the item, Stella Ford and Lucia Garrido from Year 8. The students look forward to the next time they can perform soon.

Byron Mark
Director of Ensembles