Term 1 I The Way Newsletter I Friday 23 February 2024

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From the Principal
Principal

It was a pleasure to welcome back our High Achieving students from the HSC Class of 2023. We had a fantastic assembly acknowledging their effort and dedication to learning before the returning students graciously shared their insights and tips with our year 11 and 12 cohorts. Their valuable advice will, undoubtedly, inspire and motivate the next generation of scholars.
A special congratulations to Ethan Ould for achieving the top ATAR of 97.3, earning him the title of College Dux and Holly Fisher who came 5th in the state for Entertainment Industry.Additionally, we also received 5 NESA ENCORE nominations in music, a testament to the talent and creativity of our students and teachers.

Thank you to all the families that joined us at our Year 7 Meet the Teacher event.  It was a lovely evening providing an opportunity to connect with our staff, ask questions and gain insights into Senior School.  I really enjoyed meeting more of you.

In Junior School, families may have noticed some new installations in many classrooms.  Unfortunately, the recent storms caused significant damage to our air conditioning system in a few buildings including the MRK.  Portable air conditioning units have been brought in and installed in all affected classrooms. These units will remain in place until the primary air conditioning systems are repaired.

The recent swimming carnivals for both Senior and Junior Schools were a highlight for me.  The atmosphere at both, was filled with excitement and sportsmanship as students competed in their respective races, striving for personal bests and contributing to their house teams' overall scores. Well done all!

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14

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

It has been a month since students and teachers have returned to College and a regular school routine. A big part of school routine is recess and lunch breaks.  Everyone has a break to replenish their bodies with food and drink, as well as interact in the playground with their friends. This year we have a wonderful new addition in our Kindy Playground area to support and assist our youngest students during their break time. It is the ‘Buddy Bench’.

What is a Buddy Bench?

Last year Cinzia, who was a Year 6 prefect at the time wrote to me with the idea to provide a ‘Buddy Bench’ after visiting the annual Junior Leaders Social Action Expo. Cinzia was inspired to serve our community and was optimistic that this would have a positive impact amongst the students in the Junior School. As I read her letter, it brought me great joy to see young leaders who are passionate, who have a heart to serve and who take action to make their vision a reality. 

I am delighted to share that a Buddy Bench has been placed in the Kindy Playground area and is being used by our younger students. The students have been shown the Buddy Bench and can use it as a way to make a new friend or perhaps as a gathering place if you’ve lost your friends in the playground. Cinzia was keen to see it used as “a safe space seat that students can go to when they have feelings that are bigger than they can handle and others are aware of the seat’s importance, knowing that the person sitting there is feeling something,and they need some kindness.” 

We thank Cinzia’s family for generously donating the first Buddy Bench at Thomas Hassall (see photo below). This is just the beginning of the Buddy Bench initiative and I expect that with the success of this one, there will be more to come across the Junior School in the future. 

buddy bench

Mrs Sandy Wheeler
Deputy Principal & Head of Junior School
From the Deputy Principal - Senior School Development
David Butler

It was wonderful to host the families of Year 7 students at the College last night for our Meet the Teacher evening. The Year 7s did a great job showing their families their locker, their lunch hang out and all their classrooms which was wonderful. They were also able to introduce their teachers from each of the different faculties and staff really enjoyed getting to know the parents and guardians of the students in their classes. It was lovely to share a simple meal in fellowship together and hopefully the information presented at our brief session after dinner was useful. I am so proud of the way that Year 7 students have adjusted to learning in Senior School.

year 7

The Term is well under way now and what a great event the Swimming Carnival was. Team spirit and participation was high throughout the day and the vast majority of students were in attendance to swim or support. We were able to select a great team to represent the College at the next level and I commend these representative swimmers for the extra training they have been attending in preparation.

It has been my joy to once again be involved in the Basketball program at the College. It is exciting to see students striving to do their best and work within a team environment. We hope for both some good results and good character to be on display once again this year and I want to thank Mrs Focas for all of the organising of the programs. 

Hopefully your children have had a great start to the year and have settled well. The College has had a relaxed and purposeful vibe permeating the playgrounds and classrooms. Please reach out if we can assist with any questions or issues.

Mr David Butler
Deputy Principal - Senior School Learning
From the Junior School Director of Teaching and Learning
lisa

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” 
(Oh, the Places You’ll Go! By Dr Seuss)

One of my great passions is reading. Since starting at THAC, one of my overarching goals is to help foster a deeper reading culture through the College. To help with this, we have put professional learning time and resources into building up support for all students that will develop their skills and understanding in early literacy in P-2.

Early Term 2, we are inviting parents from K-2 to come along to the JS Library to hear about InitiaLit, a program we started in the College in 2022. The session will run from 4-5pm. Please look out for communication coming to you for registration purposes. We would love to see you there.

Of course, until then, keep reading with your children at home. To finish with another Dr Seuss quote,

“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.”

Ms Lisa Hansford
Director of Teaching and Learning - Junior School
From the Senior School Director of Teaching and Learning
Jason CB

Learning is hard. Sometimes understanding something can feel like driving through a fog. It can create uncertainty, worry, and stress, not knowing if you will emerge on the other side unscathed.

For some students, this is an occasional experience; a temporary state in which they manage to navigate their way through until they reach the clarity of daylight on the other side. Each time they do, they are left with a feeling of accomplishment and exhilaration. The memory of this is the driving motivation to persist; to recover from failures and setbacks and continue.  

blur

For other students, their whole school experience can feel like driving through fog, never fully emerging from it. They may have given up or just hope they can reach the end of the journey unscathed.

Still, other students will sit somewhere in between these experiences and their learning journey can feel like a rollercoaster, with all the ups and downs of tests, assignments, homework, and class time. Learning will bring joy and pain.

As parents it can be difficult to sit on the sidelines and watch all of this. At times we may be able to help, but as our children move through high school the curriculum can move outside our own expertise. Sometimes we may engage a tutor to get them through or other strategies to rescue them. Sometimes these can be helpful, but in the long term these can steal away an opportunity for them to work through their struggle. 

stress

As an alternative, and one that I will be encouraging the students to embrace, is to highlight the need for more struggle. By struggle, I mean to push through the difficulty, make a greater effort and work through the content. Too often we want the quick answer or solution, but true learning is a wrestle with our minds until things become clear. The temptation to give up, find other distractions or find easier pathways will not lead to deep understanding.

A useful quote I recently came across says:

“When you steal a student’s struggle, you steal the learning. When you support the struggle, you take that student further than ever. “

Our role as parents and teachers is to support the students through the foggy patches of their learning journey. We are cheerleaders on the sidelines, but it is their race. We can hand them drinks, ensure they have the right equipment and occasional first aid, but it is their marathon. This will set them up for life and teach them perhaps the greatest lesson of all: to not give up.

Mr Jason Corbett-Jones
Director of Teaching & Learning - Senior School
From the Assistant Chaplain
Georgia

Last weekend just over fifty students from Year 5 & 6 travelled to the beautiful Port Hacking for JAM Camp. It was a weekend full of fun, waterslides, billy karts, archery, games, but most of all, learning more about God in the book of Jonah.
The bible talks were mainly targeted for our students and I also spent some time reflecting on how I am very much like Jonah - wanting to ignore, not listen and run away from God.

For Jonah, he did this exact thing in fear of going on mission to the town of Nineveh that was very wicked – I think I’d be very hesitant and scared too!
But God makes it quite obvious that His plan is much greater than Jonah and the Ninevites. Now, I don’t want to give any spoiler alerts – Jonah is only four chapters, and you might want to read it for yourself. However, as you read, you may come to find that God’s response and what He offers through Jesus’ death and resurrection is worth exploring!


The bible verse below may seem out of context – but it might encourage you to open up the Bible and give Jonah a read!

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

1 Peter 3:9 NIV

JAM CAMP

Miss Georgia Beikoff
Assistant Chaplain

Upcoming dates

Date Event

Tuesday 27 February

Junior CASA Swimming Carnival 

Thursday 29 February

Senior CASA Swimming Carnival 

Friday 1 March

Principal's Commissioning Service 
Monday 4 March

Open Week Commences
Senior Touch Football Gala Day 
HSC Encore Music Excursion

Thursday 7 March

JS CASA Soccer Trials

Saturday 9 March

Open Day

 

 
Open Week

The College is excited holding Open Week from March 4 - 9. 

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

There will 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 on the College website
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, after the morning muster until 9.30am.

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.

YEARS 1, 2 & 3

Friday 8 March

YEARS 4, 5 & 6

Friday 15 March

 
Parking and Traffic

The beginning and end of the school day are busy times for pedestrians and vehicles outside the College.

  • Park safely and legally, even if it means walking further to the entry gate. 
  • Slow down to 40km/h in the school zone and stay aware of crossings.
  • Always park and turn legally around the College.
  • Never double park as it puts children at risk.
  • Manoeuvres such as U-turns and three-point turns are dangerous.
  • Never park in a bus zone.
  • Make sure your children use the Safety Door (rear footpath side door) to get in and out of the car.
  • At a supervised crossing, observe the directions of the school crossing supervisor.
  • Model safe and considerate behaviour for your child – they will learn from you.
  • Remember to always give way to pedestrians particularly when entering and leaving driveways.
  • Don’t park across the driveways/entrances to the car park.
  • Try to use Kiss & Ride Zones and Drop-off/Pick-Up areas. This will help keep all children as safe as possible during the busiest times of the day.
  • Do not park on or block driveways or roundabouts
  • Pedestrians should avoid crossing in the Kiss & Ride Areas and around roundabouts.

EventsBack to Top

Principal Commissioning Ceremony

Dear College Community

You are invited to the the Principal Commissioning Ceremony for Mrs Karen Easton.

Students from Kindy to Year 12 will attend the Ceremony to be held in the Rawdon Middleton VC Sports Complex on Friday 1 March at 8.45am.  We will be joined by distinguished guests including The Archbishop of Sydney, The Most Reverend Kanishka Raffel.

We have a limited number of places available, registration is required
Click to RSVP  

 

LearningBack to Top

College Awards

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

Congratulations to the following MERIT award recipients:

Awards
Year 1 Showcase

Year 1 students have been thinking about Primary Colours and drawing natural and made objects that are red, yellow and blue. They have been experimenting with different drawing materials in Art and learning about 'negative space' - the space in an artwork that is vacant. In these pictures of red, yellow and blue things, they have drawn onto coloured paper and used chalk or oil pastels to make the background white. Things are about to get messy as we experiment with white tempera watercolour next! Colour mixing next term...

 

Year 1

Year 1

Year 1

 

 

 

 

Mrs Ann McDermott 
Junior School Specialist Teacher (Visual Arts)


 
Event Management Skills

Last week, the Junior School was privileged to witness a wonderful display of leadership and event management skills as Year 10 PASS (Physical Activity and Sports Studies) students took charge of assisting with the Junior School Swimming Carnival. In performing these duties, it highlighted the significant learning opportunities that transpire across our College community.

The event saw Year 10 PASS students actively engaging in a multitude of responsibilities, ranging from event coordination to hands-on assistance in the pool. It was wonderful to see these budding leaders immerse themselves in all aspects of the day to ensure smooth running of the carnival and also maximise the enjoyment for Junior students, staff, and spectators.

One of the notable aspects of their involvement was the way they jumped into the water, offering guidance and encouragement to primary school students who were competing in their first-ever race. The PASS students were amazing in supporting them to get to the finish line regardless of their swimming ability.

By actively participating in the learning and execution of the swimming carnival, Year 10 PASS students gained invaluable insights into event management, teamwork, and leadership. Moreover, they embodied the College's commitment to fostering a culture of service and community engagement.

Thank you on behalf of the College to all the Year 10 PASS students involved.

Mr Kent Weir
Acting Director Staff Services, PDHPE Coord & Coaching Leader
Year 7 Investigation

Year 7 students embarked on a thrilling Crime Scene Investigation this week, delving into the historical cold case surrounding the mysterious Tollund Man. Harnessing their investigative skills, students meticulously examined photographs of his preserved body and analysed historical accounts of the initial investigation. They then delved into the scientific reports, piecing together clues to unravel the mystery of his untimely demise.

As the investigation progresses, students will channel their newfound knowledge and insights into crafting a CSI Report. This report not only serves as the culmination of their investigative efforts but also provides a platform for the development of crucial analytical and literacy skills.

Their journey into the historical cold case of Tollund Man demonstrates the power of hands-on learning. By immersing themselves in the role of history detectives, the students not only cultivate a deeper understanding of historical events but also sharpen essential skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Mrs Michelle Pearson
History and Legal Studies Co-ordinator
Leaders of the Junior School

Year 6 have been working hard to understand how to be excellent leaders in the Junior School. We’ve spent time looking at the servant leadership of Jesus and then studied biographies of inspiring leaders who exemplify how to serve the needs of others. As part of our leadership focus, we learnt about our own strengths. A team from My Strengths came and taught us that strengths are like our superpowers. We took an online quiz to help us determine our top 5 character strengths. After the incursion, we’ve spent time trying to understand these strengths and considered how we might use our superpowers at Thomas Hassall. Stay tuned to watch us test out our leadership skills and continue to grow throughout the year.

Mrs Cristy Abecina
Junior School Teacher - Year 6 Team Leader
Year 4 Band Program

Our Compulsory Year 4 College Music Program was rolled out this week, and there were many happy smiles and jumps for joy this week as students received their instruments.

Year 4 students will be receiving tuition from professional musicians on their instruments, and it is always exciting to see students grow on their musical journey.

We wish the students all the best for this year as they embark on this new journey, and hope they have lots of fun practicing their new instruments.

Year 4 Music

Mr Byron Mark
Ensembles Manager
Junior School House Captains

Congratulations to the following Junior School students who have been chosen as House Captains for this year. 

Liddell 

Makayla C and Julian C

Lewis

Cierra G and Joshua T

Wilberforce

Yanoula M and Daniel M

Carmichael

Lara N and Tomas T

 

Performing ArtsBack to Top

Student Spotlight

 Eddison C in Year 7, is participating in the Camden Musical Society production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Camden Civic Centre in April 2024. Eddison is playing a lead role, Charlie Bucket!

You can see more information and ticketing information by clicking here

Congratulations Eddison, what a great achievement! 

Upcoming Senior School Sporting Events

 

Upcoming Sporting Events Term 1

Week 5

 Monday 26 February

Trials for THAC Touch Football Team - Bottom Oval
Thursday 28 February 

CASA Senior School Swimming Championship
Week 6

Monday 4 March 

CASA 15 & Open G Touch Football Gala Day 
Week 7

Monday 11 March 

CASA 15 & Open G and 16 & Open B Football Trial
Week 9 Monday 25 March

CASA 15 & Open G Netball Gala Day and Trials
Wednesday 27 March

Senior School Cross Country Carnival

Mrs Irene Focas
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator
CASA Junior Basketball

On Thursday 8 February our Year 5 and 6 Boys and Girls Basketball teams travelled to Hills Basketball stadium for the CASA Junior Basketball Gala Day. 

Our teams looked fantastic in their new College Basketball singlets and played 6 games in total at the 1st event under the new Association name CASA.

Under the guidance of our Wildfire coaches, Coach Sheldon and Coach Julian the teams improved from game to game, developing their their skills and teamwork and encouraging other players as they played.

Congratulations to all players on a great effort!!

Basketball


Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sports Coordinator
Junior Swimming Carnival

It was a rainy and wet day for the annual Junior School Swimming Carnival at Prairiewood, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of our students getting in the water and representing their House.  The carnival gave all students an opportunity to have a go, with children entering 50m, 25m or novelty events.

There were some very close races in the 50m events, with many students trying hard to earn a place in the swim team to represent the College at the next carnival.  The relays are always a highlight to finish the day, and the grandstand was alive with cheering and support for the swimmers in the water. 

A big thank you to all the Year 10 PASS students who assisted at the carnival, with timekeeping and assisting in the 25m races and novelty events.  They did an excellent job encouraging the Juniors and helping where needed. 

Congratulations to LIDDELL house who won the overall House Point competition at the Junior School Swimming Carnival.


1st – Liddell - 1,368 points 

2nd – Carmichael - 1,225 points

3rd –Wilberforce - 639 points

4th – Lewis - 633 points

The following students were the Age Champions

8 Years 
Scarlett B

9 Years
Ava D
Liam H

10 years
Maylin E
Coby O

11 years
Claire E
Noah Z

12 years
Ahilya C
Lucas A

swimming

Congratulations to the swimmers selected to represent the College at the CASA Junior carnival next week.

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sports Coordinator

 
Senior School Swimming Carnival

The sun was shining and our students were swimming, with the highest rate of attendance and participation we have seen in many years, many records broken and every lane filled for most events, even our very own staff versus students relay, the day was definitely one to remember! Thank you to all staff and students who contributed to this wonderful event! 

Congratulations to the below Age Champions! 

12 Years
Daniel B, Maddison V

13 Years
Jonah I,  Dakota J

14 Years
Anvesh S, Faith A

15 Years
Alexander A, Davina I

16 Years
Kryshtof P, Billie H                     

17 Years
Hugo L, Mia T

18 Years+
Luca P, Savana V

Sport Achiever

Swimming

Mrs Irene Focas
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator


 
Term 1 MISA Sport

We are excited to announce the following captains for each MISA team this term. Wishing them all the best and looking forward to seeing them put their best foot forward against other MISA Schools: 

Girls Oztag: Alana M, Sofia D

Boys Oztag: Christian A

Girls Basketball: Callie B, Ana S 

Boys Basketball: Samuel D

Girls Cricket: Eleni A

Boys Softball: Rylan M

Girls Volleyball: Seraphina T

Boys Volleyball: Dante G

MISA Dance: Winona B, Sophia O

Mrs Irene Focas
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator
CIS Girls Soccer

The girls hit the ground running as they stepped onto the field for their Round 1 tournament against TIGS. Under the beaming sun, the girls held their composure against some fantastic competition that was the TIGS striker who got them up 1-0.

As we played into half time, Thomas Hassall's defensive line was second to none. Not only did they keep the ball out of TIGS corner, they travelled the ball down the line,  consistently gaining possession to finish the half with a 2-1 lead.

As we came into the second half, TIGS snuck in a goal as we lost a little momentum. After regaining some confidence with ball possession, we finished the second half 3-2 Thomas Hassall's game.

A special mention to our goal scorers Sara and Jovana. Everyone played exceptionally well. Each girl playing worth exceptional team spirit and outstanding sportsmanship.

soccer

Mrs Irene Focas
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator
Student Sport Spotlight

Abbie T (Year 7) recently attended the NSW Gymnastic Awards for 2023 which held at Doltone House.

Abbie and her team partners were finalist in the Acrobatic Junior International Group of the Year category.

Abbie's team are the current NSW State Champion and National Champion.

Congratulations Abbie, what a fantastic achievement. 

Abbie Te

Has your child recently competed in a representative level?
We would love to share these results with our community. Please let us know via email [email protected]

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