The last two nights have celebrated completion, with the Year 6 Dinner on Wednesday evening to celebrate the completion of a Primary School education for our 110 students, and the Year 12 Formal evening in the city to celebrate the completion of the HSC and the entire school education years. What a joy it has been to see young people at their most optimistic moments – reflective about their experiences with classmates, and hopeful for the next stage. As parents you can remember these same times can’t you? School experiences are a mixture of positive and not so positive times in friendships and learning; in relationships with teachers and in the challenges of organisation and study routines; the challenges of assessments and examinations. The 2 events this week were shared by parents, and so many lovely comments were made about the positive experience that students have had at the College across the years. That was so affirming for teachers in attendance. You might also imagine that lots of parents said they were a little bit sad too that the years have gone by so quickly. Our best wishes, thoughts and prayers go particularly to the Year 12 graduates as they embark on their next big journey – most to university and many to jobs and apprenticeships.
Our end of year Celebration events occur next – on Tuesday for the Junior School, and on Wednesday for the Senior School. Both are evenings of Awards and Entertainment, and we invite all families to attend; not just award winners or performers. We celebrate the whole College year and you will enjoy the occasion should you attend. Please come and stay for the entire event. You will hear a glimpse of the future directions as well.
Final academic reports are ready and will be distributed across the next few days. They contain a significant amount of information regarding progress in learning for each student. In some instances there may be a need to raise a question regarding a report. Please contact the College during the week or drop an email to the teacher if that is the case after you have read through the report.
Our last newsletter of the year is full of news and in the case of the Junior School, some staff changes. Of special mention is the retirement of Clive and Deb Wheadon. Clive’s time at Thomas Hassall began on the very first day of the College in 2000, and Deb started at the College in 2001, our second year. They have both been instrumental in the stability of our educational programs and we will miss them both. Clive and Deb have been excellent teachers and they deserve our thanks and congratulations.
Please enjoy the vacation period. Take time to reflect on the great message of Christmas – the birth of our Saviour and Lord – Jesus Christ. He is the One we honour in all the work that is achieved at the College, and He is the focus of this special day each year. Thank you for your support of the College across 2017. Let’s see everyone return safely for the beginning of 2018.
‘… for unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given
And the government will be upon his shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace …’ Isaiah 9:6
