Term 3 I The Way Newsletter I Friday 9 August 2024

Latest UpdatesBack to Top

From the Principal
Principal

We are now well into the term and all the activities that are associated with this time of year. The college is busy as we prepare for the final term with our Year 12s, reflect on the adventures of the Year 4 camp and finetune musical skills after the Music camp in week one. The athletics season continues into the representative phase of competition this term as well.

I am continuing to enjoy the Olympics and being inspired by the dedication and commitment of the Australian athletes as they too push on towards their personal best. This week I spoke to the Senior School students about Saya Sakakibara – the Australian BMX gold medallist. I was struck by her story. She had a serious injury in the Tokyo games and then her brother crashed during the 2020 World Championships and suffered a life changing brain injury. She has had to overcome fear and anxiety to continue with her dream.

I want to encourage our students to persevere and see the possibilities that are open to them like the stories of our Olympic athletes. Resilience, courage and effort are traits that we want to build in them, so they are well prepared for the future. This can be hard. Sometimes life will present challenges that are very difficult to meet. Sometimes there will be standards that feel difficult to meet. Together, we can help every student not only meet these challenges but thrive on the way to fulfilling their dreams.

One way we can partner is through meeting together.  Our Parent Café on a Friday morning opens at 7am for a breakfast service. Many parents come regularly and enjoy breakfast with their children before they head to class. This is also a fantastic opportunity to meet with some staff and other parents as we journey together. This morning, the café was full of laughter and joy as some of our youngest students gathered while their parents had a coffee. If you are available on a Friday morning, I would love to meet you at the café.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Mrs Karen Easton
Principal
From the Deputy Principal & Head of Junior School
Sandy Wheeler

As the warmer weather begins to roll in, so too have the events in Junior School this fortnight.

On Wednesday afternoon we held a parent information session on the new Mathematics Curriculum presented by Fiona Walker who is an expert in this field from AIS (The Association of Independent Schools).

Fiona has been providing an excellent professional learning program for the teachers on best teaching practice in light of the new syllabus being introduced across NSW in 2024. Fiona commented on our wonderful parent community and was encouraged by your interest, engagement and positive response to the seminar. For those who attended it was great to have you along! I trust you’ve learnt more about how Mathematics is taught and understand what your children are experiencing. I am always pleased to see families taking up opportunities to connect with the College and we look to continue with more Parent Café Series and similar events in the future.

math

Last Thursday and Friday, Year 4 went on their first overnight camp. It was a great success and they were fortunate to experience calm weather for all their outdoor activities. I was part of the rock-climbing activity group and I was excited to see every student have a go and work as a team to control the ropes! A few students flew up quickly and others stretched themselves by going part-way up the rock wall. I was equally proud of them all for their persistence in the face of this challenge and pushing themselves to reach their personal best. I congratulate Year 4 for their excellent engagement in their camp. They were able to build their character through new experiences and discover more about themselves and their world at the serene Wedderburn Christian Campsite.

The Prep classes visited the Calmsley Hill City Farm this week and enjoyed their first ride on the Thomas Hassall Bus! I asked the Junior School students at Morning Muster who recalled going on this excursion in Prep and a sea of hands went up with fond smiles on their faces. It is a joy to see the students grow from Prep through to Year 6.

Book Week is coming up soon on the 19 August. The Book Parade is scheduled for August 19 and details have been sent to families last week (see below). I hope you can make it and I wish you all the very best with your costume preparation! See more on these events in this edition. 

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

1 Corinthians 1:16-17

Mrs Sandy Wheeler
Deputy Principal & Head of Junior School
From the Assistant Chaplain
Georgia

A gold medal and world record at an Olympic Games is the absolute pinnacle. It’s the prize of all prizes, the highest honour in the sporting arena, the ultimate reward.

However, what if I told you there was a reward that infinitely exceeds this great honour?

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Paul says this:

24  You know that many runners enter a race, and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! 25  Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever. 

He encourages those who trust in Christ to “run in such a way as to get the prize” because unlike the gold that Olympians are striving for, this reward is something far greater: eternal life.

However, this eternal prize full of complete hope and joy is not reserved or exclusive to athletes who are the cream of the crop. This eternal prize is a gift freely given and available to everyone only by the grace through Jesus’ incredible sacrifice on the cross.
So, the question is, will you accept this gift of grace and run the race for a crown of eternity?

Miss Georgia Beikoff
Assistant Chaplain
From the Director of Operations & Wellbeing - Junior School
Kylie

When students feel like they belong, bullying struggles to find a place. It's about embracing who we are, respecting everyone's differences and standing up together against unkindness.

Belonging means we all have a role in preventing bullying. We're encouraged to speak up and create a safe place where everyone feels supported and respected, and our voices are heard and valued.

There are many ways to build a sense of belonging.

During Bullying No Way Week, we will focus evidence-informed strategies to support a positive sense of belonging in the Junior School. Steeped in biblical principles, the students will engage in learning  to promote the following;

Challenge stereotypes - Help students recognise and challenge biased beliefs they may hold and promote a culture of acceptance and inclusion. 

Promote empathy - Understanding and compassion for others makes it less likely students will engage in hurtful behaviour.

Embrace diversity - Appreciate and celebrate the diversity of backgrounds, interests and identities at school. 

Foster positive relationships - When students feel connected to their peers and valued for who they are, they are less likely to engage in bullying behaviour.

Provide support - Ensure students know where to turn for help and that their concerns will be taken seriously and addressed quickly.

Mrs Kylie Singles
Director of Operations & Wellbeing – Junior School

Upcoming dates

Date Event

Monday 12 August

SCIENCE WEEK
Junior School CASA Soccer Gala
Year 4 Excursion - Elizabeth Farm
Year 8 Geography Water Testing

Wednesday 14 August

ICAS English
Year 7 & 8 Science Incursion

Thursday 15 August

Year 4 Excursion - Elizabeth Farm
Year 7 - 9 Mixed OzTag Gala Day

Friday 16 August

Year 9 Duke of Ed Bronze Hike
Years 3 - 6 Assembly

Monday 19 August

Junior School Book Week Parade & Open Classrooms
CIS Netball Challenge
Year 10 Commerce Market Day

Tuesday 20 August

Year 11 English Incursion

Wednesday 21 August

ICAS Science
CASA Senior School Athletics Carnival
Thursday 22 August

Year 3 Excursion
Year 12 Teen Range
Year 9 Japanese Excursion
Friday 23 August

Junior School Debating (home)
K-2 Assembly
Monday 26 August Mid-Term Break - Pupil Free Day
College Awards

To receive an award is a recognition to your hard work, excellence and service in the College. 

Congratulations to the following Junior School assembly merit award recipients:

merits

Congratulations to the following Senior School Bronze & Silver SRS award recipients:

senior

 

EventsBack to Top

Book Week in Junior School

To celebrate our love of reading, students will take part in a Book Week event on Monday 19 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 Friday 23 August at 1.30pm in the Prep Classroom.

We look forward to seeing you there!
Father's Day Breakfast

Fathers, Grandfathers and Guardians, you’re invited to come along for a free breakfast in the Rawdon Middleton VC Sporting Complex Courtyard.

Please come anytime between 7am and 8.15am to enjoy your breakfast. Students may only attend if accompanied by a parent/guardian. The event will conclude at 8.30am. Senior School students must go to class for Period 1 at 7.55am.

This is a free event for the College Community, however bookings are essential. This event is for Dads, Grandads, father figures, and students. We kindly request that Mums and Grandmas refrain from attending to ensure it remains their special moment. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Please book by Wednesday 28 August. 

Booking are essential thac.nsw.edu.au/book
Father's Day Stall

The Father’s Day Stall gives children the opportunity to shop for a special gift for their fathers, grandfathers and special men in their life.

They really enjoy choosing something themselves and trying to keep it secret until Father’s Day.

This year the Father's Day Stall is on the Thursday 29 August in Week 6 in S Block Hall. Senior School students can purchase during lunch time.

Children will be able to choose a gift priced at $5, $10, $15 and can buy more than one gift. Please ensure children who would like to purchase a gift bring in their money on the day as there will only be one stall day this year.

3 Day Prep & Kindergarten Students have the opportunity to purchase from the stall on Wednesday 28 August. 

We would like to thank our Parent Community Network who volunteer their time to make the stall possible for our students.

LearningBack to Top

Junior Art Showcase

Year 1 students experienced the pure enjoyment of colour mixing last term.  It is such a joy to witness these young students experimenting and discovering with brush and paint.  The room is alive with exclamations of “I made pink!” and “I made orange!”

With the challenge of not painting any things other than the elements of colour and shape, students have been able to focus on technique and developing fine motor skills.  Classes begin with students painting their own colour wheel in the format developed by Sir Isaac Newton.  Next, harmonious colour schemes using acrylics in their categories of ‘warm’ and ‘cool’ colours extend students’ understanding of how the primary colours of red, yellow and blue can be mixed to create the secondary colours of orange, green and violet in many variations.  Students learn of humans’ use of pigments throughout history; from ochres bound with substances such as blood or egg, to the powder of semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, to gold leaf, the use of colour to make Art is compelling.

In fostering creativity, we nurture in children the divine spark within - being made in the image of God the Creator - so essential to the mental and spiritual wellbeing of each of us.

I have set my rainbow in the clouds.  Genesis 9:13

art

 

Mrs Ann McDermott 
Junior School Specialist Teacher (Visual Arts)
Kindergarten Make Sculptures

This term, our Kindergarten students are diving into the world of sculpture in their art lessons! They kicked off their exploration of 3D art by honing their skills with playdough, discovering the joy of moulding and shaping.

Kindy

Kindy

Through a series of engaging and hands-on activities, they will further explore various materials and techniques, from creating clay pots to crafting imaginative paper sculptures. These lessons not only foster creativity but also help develop fine motor skills and an appreciation for the arts. Stay tuned for updates and photos of our little artists' masterpieces!

Mrs Kathryn Kurilowich 
Junior School Teacher
K-2 Performing Arts

CAPA in Kindergarten to Year Two is well underway for this term. We started with Dance and next week will continue our Music program.

K-2 CAPA

In Kindergarten Dance, students explored individual and partner movements to the stimulus of rain. They developed their understanding of the natural environment as a source for dance ideas. Mirroring a partner’s ‘rain movements’ to the sound track of rain in the bush made for a very peaceful and calm segment of the lesson!

In Year One and Two, the element of time in dance was introduced. Students experienced rhythm, duration and tempo through body movement in dance. The learning activities included creating and performing a series of movements to the constant rhythm of their own heartbeat and exploring moving between different shapes our body can make.

Mrs Winsome Hollis 
Junior School Teacher
Year 4 Camp

What a fantastic time Year 4 had last week at their first overnight camp. The students had an amazing time learning new skills, building friendships, and enjoying the beauty of God's creation.

Our campers enthusiastically tackled activities like archery, bush creations, initiative tasks and rock climbing, showing incredible determination and growth with each new challenge.

year 4 camp

year 4 camp

From sitting around the campfire to team games, the students bonded deeply, creating memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Surrounded by nature, the children appreciated the beauty of God's world. The starry nights and serene walks fostered a sense of wonder and gratitude.

We're so proud of our Year 4 students and grateful for your support. Here's to more adventures ahead!

Mr Kieran Aggett
Junior School Teacher - Year 4 Year Leader
Prep Farm Excursion

Prep had a wonderful time visiting Calmsley Hill City Farm this week. We loved exploring different parts of the farm. The baby goats and rabbits were very cute and we even got to pat them. We enjoyed milking the cows and watching the dog show. 

prep

Mrs Erin Johnson
Junior School Teacher - Prep Team Leader
Author Visit - Lisa Shanahan

Winners from the Year 1 - 6 Writer’s Competition were rewarded with a special writing workshop, run by published author, Lisa Shanahan. Lisa gains inspiration from little moments and events that occur each day, through dreams, and by asking herself questions such as “what if?”

Lisa was engaging and knowledgeable as she shared strategies to start writing. Three tools that Lisa uses to generate story ideas include; collecting words, collecting memories and collecting images. She always keeps a writing journal with her so she can jot down ideas or moments that occur. From these she generates story kernels, that sometimes develop into a full story.

Lisa taught the students how to use quick writing strategies to develop these kernels, and to unlock their creative flow. She expressed that there are “ingredients that make a lasting story” such as a focus on the characters, the setting, the story or the language used. Readers and writers can be drawn to different ingredients, but a good writer engages them all, so that more readers are drawn in.

writers

Whilst watching Lisa present, there were certain lessons I think all writers can learn:

A writer is observant

Lisa looks around her daily life to catch a glimpse of something different and something new. She challenges herself to see images or scenes differently to be able to describe them in new ways.

A writer is messy

A writer needs to put their initial ideas down quickly. This is not the time for the perfect phrase, perfect spelling or perfect handwriting. Drafts should be messy, scribbled things. Perfecting the text comes later. A journal should be on hand at all times for when inspiration strikes.

A writer needs time

A writer shouldn’t edit their piece of writing once, but keep revisiting the text over and over. Lisa shared that it can take a whole year for her to develop a story from its initial start, until she is ready to send the text off to be published.

A writer must listen

A writer must be willing to accept feedback and critiques. Lisa shared the first manuscript of hers that was published. After she sent what she believed was a perfected piece to her editor, she received back copious notes, cross outs, questions and changes, all to tighten and improve the text. Lisa learned to accept the critiques and hone her craft to continue to improve.

A writer must show courage

Lisa has spent copious amounts of time and energy on some manuscripts, creating something very special and important to her. She needed courage to send them to be possibly rejected, and courage to try again. She needed perseverance to work through the rejections or corrections. This can be a heartbreaking and frustrating process, but Lisa has found it worthwhile. She has been writing for over 20 years, and now has over 20 published works.

Lisa was impressed with the motivation and engagement of the students present at the workshop. She encouraged them to use her quick writing strategies, and gradually extended the time they had to write. She was impressed the with detail and description the students achieved in only a 5-minute period. One task was to describe their grandmother’s bedroom in a way that conveyed her character, without ever describing the grandmother herself.

Orlando wrote;  

My grandma’s bedroom has linen that looks as if made of gold. The detail is thin and beautiful. Her room is covered with souvenirs from different places, each with a story of an adventure. Her bedroom has a big photo of her family on her bedside table which she looks at daily. Flowers and scented candles fill her room, giving it a smell as if I am in a meadow filled with different scents. My grandmother’s room has an old clock that’s been around ever since I was born. The clock ticks echo throughout the house, reminding me that time is important. 

The students left the sessions motivated and encouraged. We are grateful that Lisa was able to work with them.

Mrs Alex Saville
Gifted and Talented Liaison for the Junior School

Performing ArtsBack to Top

Tutor Spotlight

Students have the opportunity to engage in instrument tuition throughout the week across a variety of instruments at College. Private tutors extend students music skills for band, HSC, elective music or simply for the students own pleasure, growth and development. Tuition occurs for Piano, Violin, Cello, Trumpet, Low Brass, Percussion, Flute, Clarinet, Guitar & Bass.  Each year our Young Performers Evening showcases the students skills to parents and friends and highlights the commitment and dedication they have made to learning their instrument.  This year’s showcase will occur on Wednesday 4 September.

Recently, the following piano students completed their AMEB (Australian Music Examination Board) exams under the piano tutelage of Mr Zoran Cirevski.

Igor I - Grade 1 -  B

Emilia N - Piano for Leisure Preliminary - B+

Audrey O - Piano for Leisure Grade 1 -  B+

Yuuki T - Piano for Leisure Preliminary - A

Emilia N - Preliminary - B+

We congratulate these students on their efforts and results.

If your child would like to engage in instrument tuition please complete the Instrument Tuition Application form. 

Mr Luke Robinson
Productions & Creative and Performing Arts Coordinator

Junior School Sports Update

NSWCIS Primary Softball trials

Congratulations to Callum M and George F who attended the NSW CIS Primary Boys Softball trials at Blacktown on Wednesday.  There were close to 40 boys from across NSW vying for a position in the state team.  The boys played well throughout the day and although unsuccessful in making the team, they are to be commended on their performance.

sports

Well done Callum and George.

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sport Coordinator

Co-curricularBack to Top

Celebrating Our Olympic Heroes and Looking to the Future

What a great Olympics our Aussie athletes have had in Paris! Our most successful Olympics ever, filled with extraordinary stories of triumph, resilience, and inspiration. From the stunning performances of our women swimmers and skateboarders to the Fox family's triumph, these stories have touched our hearts and fuelled our national pride. Particularly inspiring are the stories of Saya Sakakibara and her brother Kai, who faced a life-changing brain injury following his own BMX crash. Saya is now an Olympic gold medallist, with one very proud brother and an inspiration to us all.

These narratives not only offer us immense pride but also prompt us to reflect on profound questions:

How can these inspirational stories teach us about the best of humanity and motivate us in our own lives?

What does it take to achieve a gold medal?

Can our College produce the next group of successful Australian athletes?

Recently, I delved into Mark Williams' insightful book, The Best: How Elite Athletes Are Made. Williams highlights that elite athletes often emerge from environments that foster diverse experiences and delayed specialisation. Early exposure to various sports can enhance overall athletic development and lead to greater success in specialised fields later in life, not just on the sporting field (Williams, 2020). This philosophy aligns perfectly with our commitment to offering a wide range of sports opportunities, enabling our students to explore their strengths and passions.

2024 marks a significant milestone: ten years since we launched our Talented Athlete Programme. As we reflect on this decade, it is exciting to see over 650 students actively participating in our before- and after-school sporting programmes, including Dance, Basketball, Soccer, Tennis, Netball, and the newly added Athletics group. This group is led by Coach Rob Marks, who also trains one of our own Australian Olympic stars, Joshua Azzopardi, who competed in the Men's 100m athletics event in Paris.

Our College has achieved remarkable things and produced several professional athletes over the past decade. As we review our programmes and prepare for 2025, we eagerly anticipate what the next ten years will bring. Imagine the possibility of one of our own students competing in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

The future holds endless potential, and we are committed to supporting and inspiring our students to reach new heights.

Mr Kent Weir
PDHPE Coord & Coaching Leader
New Strength and Conditioning Coach

We are excited to introduce a new initiative for our Talented Athlete Program to further the growth and development of our student-athletes and elevate the overall skills and performance of each student. 

Please let me introduce Rob Marks, who has taken on the role as our strength and conditioning coach for our elite programs. With over 25 years of experience in track and field as both an athlete (national and international) and a coach, Rob brings a deep wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. He has coached athletes to compete in the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Junior Championships, and has guided them to achieve numerous national gold medals and podium finishes.

As well as coaching for the last 12 years Rob is also a qualified PE teacher, a Personal Trainer and has a master’s in nutrition.  His experience also encompasses programming for track and strength training, athlete load management, and ensuring athletes' safe progression. Rob will be facilitating a strength and conditioning program for our Advanced Pathway Program. 

Mrs Irene Focas
Senior School Sports Coordinator

CommunityBack to Top

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 of up to $320 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.

 

Parking Rules
JOIN OUR TEAM

We're looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join us as Canteen & Café Assistants at Thomas Hassall Anglican College! We need casual staff to help serve our College community with excellent customer service and a friendly attitude.

If you have experience as a Barista, great communication skills, and a background in food safety, we want to hear from you!

For more details and to apply, visit our website: