From the Principal
Principal Ross Whelan

The Council’s work began in 1998 to select a site for the College; to announce the start of the College and to appoint the first Principal, Dr Cowling.  The work of the Council, and Geoff as its leader, over 20 years has been outstanding and we have had great benefit from his expertise and wisdom throughout that time.  Geoff and his wife Cathy have been integral to the character and life of the College over all of this time. 

The Council has made the decision to separate the Oran Park Anglican College Campus from our work now that after 6 years the Campus has 700 students at the beginning of 2019.  Geoff and 4 of our Council members will form a separate Council for Oran Park. 

We are indebted to Geoff and Cathy for their guidance across the years.  We will have opportunity to farewell Geoff at the Celebration in 2 weeks’ time.  Please join me in thanking them, and sending them out with our prayers and best wishes.  In the Chaplain’s report in this edition, Rev Stuart Tye has included a lovely character piece of Geoff. Please enjoy his article.   

The College year is drawing to a close with our 3 Celebration events to take place in just two weeks.  Class reports and special awards are being finalised and we are looking forward to the occasions to be held in the John Lambert Auditorium.

Our 2018 Year 12 students enjoyed their Graduation Formal during the week at a gala occasion held in the city.  You can imagine the relief and joy of the occasion and we wish them all well for the future.  Many have already been accepted into university courses or work placements for next year. 

With Christmas in mind, we wish to make donations of tinned food or toys or gifts for children through the ‘Toys ‘N Tucker’ program.  Our pine trees outside the auditorium have been decorated and there are spaces available for students to leave gifts under the trees.  Let’s enjoy the season of giving to others. 

Why not take the opportunity this year to visit your local church at Christmas time? We will include the times of services for our local Anglican Churches in the next edition.

You will hear about the gift to all mankind of the Lord Jesus Christ whose birth we celebrate on Christmas Day.

"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, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Mr Ross Whelan
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
Deputy Junior

It has been a joy to see them grow and mature across the years. We will be holding our annual Year 6 dinner next Wednesday and I look forward to sharing a meal and celebrating with the students and families. Thank you so much to the band of parents and staff involved in organising the night, setting up the decorations and gifts. It really is a special time for the children and the College.

It is also time to take the opportunity to farewell Mrs Hubbard. Mrs Hubbard has been at the College for 14 years and has been a wonderful teacher to many of our students across the College. Mrs Hubbard will be taking up a teaching role at Inaburra School at Menai which is much closer to home. We wish her well and thank her for her service to our community across the years.

We also will be farewelling Mrs Wheeler and Mrs Hona as they go on maternity leave. We wish God’s blessing on them both as they move into this exciting time of their lives. We will be welcoming Mrs Brown back from maternity leave. She will be teaching Kindergarten next year.

There are many events planned to celebrate the end of the year and I warmly invite you to attend and be part of the celebrations of all the achievements of our students. I am looking forward to thanking our parent helpers at the annual Volunteer breakfast next Tuesday morning. The time parents and grandparents give to support the learning and experiences for the students is invaluable. Thank you for giving up your time to assist our students.

Mrs Christine Bessant
Deputy Principal
From the College Chaplain

In the pioneering footsteps of Thomas Hassall himself, Dr Huard recounted some early tales of starting the College. 

“Our goal was to establish an affordable, Anglican and quality educational institution. And so we wanted to call it ... Thomas Hassall Anglican College”

When Dr Huard read stories of Thomas Hassall, the galloping parson, he and the original Council were inspired by his exploits. You can read some here. Originally, the Council were told that the name had to have a geographic reference, like 'West Hoxton College'. Eventually, however, the name Thomas Hassall was approved. Dr Huard reflected, 

“If you believe what you’re doing is right...you will persevere”

In the early days, the Council realised that there was a great desire for the College. At the first information evening, they didn't have enough chairs for people who were interested. 

“We thought if we get maybe about 100 parents of children from Kindy to Year 7 we’d be very happy ... but over 200 people showed up.”

Dr Huard reminded the staff of the fantastic opportunity we have in our community at Thomas Hassall, and shared a very personal story about the impact that a teacher had on him. He recalls that as a champion boxer he wasn't really interested in learning, but that changed:

“I wasn’t a great student. But two things changed that; having a Saviour and having a great teacher!"

He told of a teacher who cared about students, who worked hard with students who struggled and helped him to see the importance of learning. Dr Huard also shared Psalm 23 with staff and reminded them about the great provision that the Lord provides in the ordinary, in the extra-ordinary and, as host, provides for our eternity through Jesus death. 

“I lack nothing ... I fear nothing ... and I will enjoy God forever”

We appreciate and value Dr Huard's service and wish him God's richest blessing as he takes on the role of Chairman of Oran Park Anglican College.

"Well done, good and faithful servant!"

Rev Stuart Tye
College Chaplain

Term 4 Important Dates

Term 4

Tuesday 27 November 2018 Volunteers' Thank You Breakfast
Wednesday 28 November 2018 Year 6 Dinner 
Wednesday 28 November 2018 Prep Orientation - 3 day program
Thursday 29 November 2018 Prep Orientation - 2 day program
Wednesday 5 December 2018

Junior School Celebration
Prep to Year 2 : 1pm - 2:30pm
Year 3 - Year 6 : 6pm - 7:30pm

Thursday 6 December 2018 Senior School Celebration - 7pm - 9:00pm
Friday 7 December 2018 Last Day of Term 4
Wednesday 12 December 2018 Gingerbread House Workshop - 10am OR 6pm
2020 Scholarships Years 7 and 11

We are very pleased to offer a limited number of Academic Scholarships for students entering Years 7 and 11 in 2020. To be considered for a Scholarship students must register and sit the ACER examination. Outlined below are the details regarding how to apply.
 

Applications close: midnight AEDT Monday 4 February 2019

Test Date: Saturday 23 February 2019

Application Fee: $100

Location: Thomas Hassall Anglican College

Steps in the Scholarship Process:

  1. Register online to sit the ACER Scholarship examination at http://www.thac.nsw.edu.au/scholarships 
  2.  An invitation to sit the examination will be sent prior to the examination date, including location at the College and requirements for the exam. In the meantime, please advise the College if there are any changes to your contact details.
  3. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their scholarship applications in early April 2019.
  4. Online individual reports will be available to parents in April 2019.

 

If you have any questions please contact Mrs Amanda Low, Enrolments Co-ordinator on 9608 0033.

Gingerbread House Workshop

Included in every kit is everything you need to build a Gingerbread house and decorate including cello and ribbon to wrap up your creation to take home. There will be lollies for decorating although you can also bring your own special lollies for that special touch (must be nut-free)

Choose from Original Gingerbread, Chocolate and Gluten-Free and every kit is VEGAN, NUT FREE and PALM-OIL FREE with absolutely no colours, flavours or preservatives added.

Places are limited, so please be sure to enter all the participants when booking.

If the session you would like is full - please join the waiting list and depending on the demand more sessions will be created.

All children must attend and be supervised by an adult at all times.

Book via trybooking 

www.trybooking.com/ZHSK

Enquiries to Carmen Pasapera - [email protected] or 9608 0033

We look forward to seeing you there. 


 

Volunteers' Breakfast 2018

Please join us at our Volunteers' Breakfast on Tuesday 27 November commencing at 7:30am.

Please RSVP to Christine Klomp - [email protected] for catering purposes.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Click the link for more detail.


 

2019 Term Dates

Term 1 

Monday  28 January Australia Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 29 January

Term 1 Commences 
Years 1-7, 11 & 12 commence 
K Testing 

Wednesday 30 January Years 8-10 Commence 
Thursday 31 January  Kindergarten Commence 
Monday 4 February Prep - Red/White Commence 
Tuesday  5 February  Prep - Blue/Purple Commence 
Friday  12 April  End of Term 1

Term 2

Tuesday 30 April  Term 2 Commences 
Friday  28 June

End of Term 2 

Term 3

Tuesday 22 July Term 3 Commences
Saturday 24 August 

South West Festival

Monday 26 August Mid Term Break - Staff & Students 
Friday  27 September End of Term 3

Term 4

Tuesday 14 October Term 4 Commences
Monday 11 November

Mid Term Break - Students Only 

Friday  6 December  End of Term 4
Celebration Events 2018

We request that if you are attending Celebration to see your child receive an award or perform, that you will remain in the Auditorium until the conclusion of the event.

Wednesday 5 December 2018

Prep to Year 2 - 1:00 - 2:30pm 

Years 3 - 6 - 6:00 - 7:30pm

Thursday 6 December 2018

Year 7 to Year 12 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Location : John Lambert Auditorium

Please note there will be no pram access into the Auditorium – we will have a small holding area for them in Mrs Riitano’s Kitchen Cafeteria area for storage however, we request if possible that you do not bring them at all on the day.

Parking will be made available for both events on the College Oval via Gate 3.  Please also advise any disability requirements for seating or parking to Christine Klomp at [email protected] prior to the event.

Look forward to seeing you there!  

Invictus Games 2018 Ambassadors

Mr Andrew Wilkinson joined the Junior School Assembly today to talk about his recent experiences competing in the Invictus Games held in Sydney. 

Andrew and his wife Brianne have 3 children at the College and we were privileged to have him recount his experiences, both in military service as a sailor in the Royal Australian Navy, and now as an elite athlete, having been medically discharged from the Navy following an injury incurred in his military service.

His performances at these games were exemplary.  Mr Wilkinson won 4 gold and 3 silver medals, competing in both Swimming  & Cycling. 

During the assembly Mr Wilkinson presented a limited edition Great War Bear to the College, called AB Miller.  AB Miller stands for Able Seaman, Andy Miller who was a sailor in World War 1 on board HMAS Australia.  AB Miller will be placed in the library and we will learn more of his story.  Every bear supports children’s learning and engagement in Centenary-linked lessons and school commemorative events, as well as supports the work of local charities helping veterans and families. Team Australia are ambassadors of the program and there are 72 athletes and 44 officials who will donate bears to a school of their choice.  We feel very privileged that Mr Wilkinson chose Thomas Hassall Anglican College as his school of choice.  This was a particularly special honour to receive AB Miller as we remember 100 years since the declaration of the end of the Great War.  

You can click this link if you wish to find about more about the program https://anzacbears.com.au/invictus-games-2018-ambassadors/

 

Toys 'n' Tucker

Toys ‘n’ Tucker provides a way for us all to come together to share the joy of Christmas with people in need!

This year we are supporting Toys 'n' Tucker - an Anglicare initiative. 

Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for many people and Toys ‘n’ Tucker provides a way to let them know they’re not forgotten.

How does it make a difference?

In 2017 4,650 Christmas Food Hampers and 2,917 gifts and toys were distributed helping to share the joy of Christmas and making it a much happier time than it might otherwise have been for many people in our community.

Place your items under the decorated trees outside the Auditorium and let's together make Christmas a happier time for those who would otherwise go without.

You can find out more by clicking the link http://www.toysntucker.org.au/

Performing ArtsBack to Top

Year 4 Band

The day commenced with a workshop, together with the Mount Annan Year 4 band. After lunch, both school bands performed a join concert to parents and the Year 3 & 5 students of Mount Annan Christian College.

This is the fourth year running our Year 4 Band Program, and we are starting to see some great musicians coming through as a result of this program. Thanks to all the support of the Year 4 parents this year, and we look forward to seeing many of these students participating in our ensemble program next year.  

Mr Byron Mark
Manager of Ensembles

Young Performers Evening

This is a fun event that allows students to perform for their parents and peers on some of the pieces they have been working on throughout the year with their tutor. It is also a great way for parents to meet their child's music tutor, and discuss the progress of their music learning. Thank you to all of those that came along to support this event, and well done to all of our students who commit their time to practicing and learning music.

Many of these students have sat for music examinations on their chosen instrument this year with more to do exams in the coming weeks. There have been some great results so far with the following students receiving excellent results in their exams.

AMEB Exams Results for Strings and Piano:

Abigail B - Violin Preliminary Grade (A) Honours, Marcus B - Cello First Grade (A) Honours, Anne B - Violin First Grade (A) Honours, Paul D - Violin Preliminary Grade (B+) Credit, Stratos D - Violin First Grade (A) Honours, Joy O- Violin First Grade (B+) Credit, Regan R - Violin First Grade (B+) Credit, Elaine W - Violin Second Grade (A) Honours, Ian W - Cello  Preliminary Grade (B+) Credit, Rico Z - Cello Third Grade (A+) High Distinction, Miriam L- Piano Second Grade (B) Credit, Mia T - Piano Second Grade (B) Credit

Alex L - Piano Grade 1, Lucas L - Piano Grade 2, Michael M - Piano Grade 5, Scarlet A- P Plate Piano Level 2 and 3.

Congratulations to all of these students for their efforts.

Mr Byron Mark
Manager of Ensembles

2019 Football Programs - Junior School

2019 Advanced Pathway Programs - Years 3 - 6 Football representative teams

Students wishing to represent Thomas Hassall in Junior school football teams in 2019 must be in the Advanced Pathway Program for football.

Trials will occur in Week 1 in 2019 and there will be 4 teams selected:

  • APP Football Junior Primary Boys (Years 3 & 4)
  • APP Football Junior Primary Girls (Years 3 & 4)
  • APP Football Senior Primary Boys (Years 5 & 6)
  • APP Football Senior Primary Girls (Years 5 & 6)

Students selected in the Advanced Pathway Program will be coached by our Football Director, Sonny Makko. Teams will train weekly and play in the the IPSSO competition.

Year 3 - 6 Girls - Summer IPSSO - Terms 1 and 4 - training once a week throughout the entire year

Year 3 - 6 Boys – Winter IPSSO - Terms 2 and 3 - training twice a week throughout the entire year

The year-long program runs for 35 weeks, commencing in Week 3 of Term 1 2019. Once selected in the program, students remain in the program for the entire year. 

 

2019 Football Development Programs - Kindergarten - Year 8 (afternoon programs)

The College offers Football Development Programs for students in Kinder to Year 9. The year-long program caters for both boys and girls and will be conducted by our Football Director Sonny Makko.

The one-hour sessions are designed to improve the skill level of each individual and suited for all abilities. Students will be involved in fun activities that develop skills and promote understanding of the game.

Students can enroll in more than one day if preferred. The program runs for 35 weeks.

Information flyers and application forms for the 2019 Football Development Programs have been emailed to all College families.  

Copies are available at the College Office.

Program details:

Kinder - Year 2 Program                  Monday  3 - 4pm

Year 3 - Year 8 Program                  Tuesday 3 - 4pm

Kinder - Year 2 Program                  Wednesday  3 - 4pm

Year 2 - Year 6 Program                  Thursday 3 - 4pm

K - 6 Girls Only Program                 Friday 3 - 4pm

 

For further information, please contact Mrs Evans, P-6 Sports Coordinator and TAP Coordinator - [email protected]

 

Junior School Football Program Flyer - 

Junior School Football Application Form - 

 

2019 Secondary School Football programs

Advanced Pathway Program  - Secondary Boys - 15 years and under in 2019

Trials were held at the end of last term for the 2019 - 15 years and Under Secondary Boys Football Program.

All boys who are enrolled in Secondary School in 2019 and are 15 years and under are eligible to trial for the program.

If your son is interested in a position in the program please complete the attached flyer and return to Mrs Evans via email [email protected] 

 

Football Development Program - for girls and boys

Positions are available for Secondary girls and boys to join the Football Development Program on Tuesday afternoons.

There are no trials for this program, which commences in Week Three of Term One, 2019.

 

Paper copies of the application form are available at Student Reception.

Spectacular Summer season for IPSSO Primary Sport teams

The Summer IPSSO Finals Day was held on Wednesday 21 November, with 7 of our 10 teams placing 1st or 2nd in our Northern pool and advancing to the Finals Day.  The results at the end of the rounds were:

Jnr Girls Soccer – 1st    

Jnr Basketball – 1st

Jnr Cricket   =2nd,     3rd on runs against 

Jnr Oz Tag   =3rd 

Jnr Tee-ball   =2nd,   3rd on runs against 

Snr Girls Soccer – 1st    

Snr Basketball – 2nd  

Snr Cricket – 1st

Snr Oz Tag  =1st , 2nd on countback

Snr Softball -1st

At the end of the Finals day we took out 3 of the 10 competitions - Senior Girls Soccer, Senior Softball and Junior Basketball.

Congratulations to all teams on a fantastic Summer IPSSO Season!

GIRLS SOCCER

What a spectacular season we have had with the Primary IPSSO Girls Soccer. Both the Junior and Senior teams slogged it out, match after match to both end the year on top of the ladder, claiming the Minor Premierships. The victory didn't stop there though! Our Senior girls managed to make it through the entire season undefeated, something never before achieved by any THAC girls team. They then went on to win the IPSSO grand finals. Our Junior team also made it to the IPSSO grand final after easing through a semi-final against Wollondilly. The girls played with more determination than we had ever seen and only narrowly missed a win against the toughest team in the comp. Regardless of the result, they still managed to walk away with their heads held high and commendable sportsmanship. Some amazing achievements for our soccer girls teams this year.   Special thanks to our Football Director, Sonny for all the time and effort he put into coaching the teams.  Well done!

Miss Ashley Tobar - Assistant Coach.  Mr Sonny Makko - Coach

BOYS CRiCKET

The Cricket season this year saw an overall improvement in skill in both of our teams  The Junior and Senior team played well in the rounds, with our Junior team finishing equal 2nd, but 3rd overall on count-back.  Our Senior Primary team placed 1st and progressed to the IPSSO Finals Day.  On the Finals Day we arrived at Onslow Oval in Camden on a cloudy Wednesday morning. The 9 students that attended were confident and excited for the day even though we were a player down. We began our first game bowling and started out strong with a couple of our best players on the field. The students were playing their best against St Gregory’s College, but were not able to secure the victory. Our second game was against Georges River Grammar and we only missed out on the win by a small amount of runs. The competition was tough and our College team tried their best, finishing the day with a positive attitude and a hunger to improve their game.  Congratulations to both teams on a great season!

Mr Jeremy Howard - Coach

BASKETBALL

Both the Junior and Senior Basketball teams had a fantastic day at the IPPSO Finals at Broughton Anglican College. The junior team was successful in the semi-final against St Peters Anglican School and advanced to the Grand Final. They were victorious against St Marks, with a final score of 26-12. Receiving first place in the competition. Well done juniors!  The seniors played an excellent game against Macarthur Anglican College and Broughton Anglican College in the semi-finals. After two hard games, they finished the day in 4th place,  putting up an excellent fight throughout the day.  Both the junior and senior teams played extremely well and showed excellent sportsmanship. Well done to both teams, what a fantastic season!

Mrs Lianne Brown - Coach

TEEBALL and SOFTBALL

Unfortunately the poor weather this season affected the draw and this impacted the results of our tee-ball competition, with our team finishing equal 2nd and coming 3rd on count-back.  For the seniors however, a dominant home and away season led to a Finals game against All Saints Grammar. Our softballers put in their best performance of the season and won the match in an extremely dominant display. The final score was 14 – 0 which is the largest winning margin in a final I’ve ever seen. Well done to all students on representing the College well and playing to the best of their abilities.

Mr Rob Sheahan - Coach

OZ TAG

The Senior Oz Tag team qualified for the finals after recording an undefeated season through the regular competition. Facing Wollondilly; the top seed in the southern pool, in the semi-finals we knew we had to bring our A-game. Sadly this match was marred by a series of missed opportunities and uncharacteristic errors with our team going down 10-8.  In the third versus fourth playoff, the team went out with the attitude of having a bit of fun and not worrying too much about the result. We pulled off the “Sausage”, “Washing machine” and “Mouse trap” but didn’t manage the elusive “Pancake”. Coming back from a couple of scores down, we finished with noses in front to secure third place against St Peters.  This finals series marked the end of an era. Jai N has been stuck with me as his coach for both Summer and Winter IPSSO competitions for the last three years. Other Year 6 students like Ashton N, Luke M, Kayla T, Dahlia L, Alana M and Sophia D have been fixture in the Junior school Oz Tag setup for years. It was nice to finish the final game with all of these players on the field together; a group that has truly been a pleasure to coach.

Mr Dane Bakarich - Coach

Wanderers Cup Finals Day for Primary Boys and Girls Football teams

The APP Primary Boys and Girls Football teams traveled to Blacktown International Sports Park on Tuesday 20 November to play in the Finals Day of the Western Sydney Wanderers Cup.

After finishing first in the Regional Day, our girls team played in the rounds of the Finals Day and had 2 wins and a draw, securing first place in their pool.  They then played the cross-over quarter final and won 2-0.  The Semi Final was played with enthusiasm and skill, although the girls started to tire in the heat of the day, going down 2-0 to place equal 3rd in the tournament.  As a team the girls have improved steadily throughout the past few years and their teamwork is to be commended.  Leading goal scorer Isabella Sultan was tough for the opposition to stop on the day, scoring in all games except the semi finals.  A fantastic effort by all the girls!

The boys team had a dominant run in the rounds, finishing first in their pool.  The quarter finals was a closer match with the boys coming away with a 2-1 victory.  In the heat of the day they played the semi finals on the synthetic pitch, winning 3-2, securing a place in the Grand Finals against King Park Public School.  In a game showcasing excellent skill and teamwork from both teams, our boys were down 2-0 at half time.  With steely determination, the boys fought back to close the gap at 2-1 and had the opposition worried.  Unfortunately the 10 minute half wasn't enough time to allow us to take the win and our boys came away with the SILVER medal.  Congratulations boys on a superb effort, we are very proud of you!

It was a privilege to watch our teams play on the pitch in the Finals Day.  Both teams have trained hard under the guidance of our Football Director Sonny Makko and their efforts were rewarded with excellent results.  Other staff and schools complimented both teams on their skill and sportsmanship, which is a credit to every player.  Well done to all!

 

Mrs Sharon Evans 

TAP Coordinator

CommunityBack to Top

Movember

Our College is supporting the Movember Foundation this year, with proceeds going towards funding cures for prostate cancer and men's mental health.

If you would like to donate to this cause and support our male staff in the moustache efforts, please visit the link below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://moteam.co/thac

Byron Mark
Manager of Ensembles

Community Christmas Carols

Come and enjoy a night of outdoor Christmas Carols for the whole family. Free entry.

Saturday 8 December
St Barnabas Anglican Church
80 Quarry Rd Bossley Park

Gates open 6:30pm for food stalls, face painting, and more.

Carols begin at 7:30pm.