Term 4: Thursday 2 November 2017

Our College hosted the 2018 Kindergarten children and their parents yesterday in the annual orientation ahead of the new year.  What a great day we all enjoyed … and perhaps the most anxious were the mums and dads as they contemplated the future of their growing young people.  Mrs Bessant spoke to a full house in the Junior Library about the joys and challenges ahead; the need to have more conversations with our young people, whether in the car while waiting in the traffic or around the dinner table at night time as a family.  She brought a warm confidence for parents as they continue to understand this new stage of learning for their little ones.

At another part of the College, Year 12 students attempted the Legal Studies, and Society & Culture examinations, and as the 2017 HSC comes to a conclusion early next week, we are looking forward to the aspirations and dreams of our 17 and 18 year olds being fulfilled in the coming years.  HSC parents have survived another major challenge of the learning years.

We love the journey through the school age years here at Thomas Hassall.  It’s a most rewarding experience to work with young people and their families from Prep through to Year 12.  Teachers and staff see the joys and the challenges; the testing and the achievements across every stage, and for the most part, children grow into young adults who are able to take on the changing and exciting world around them.  Certainly there is more that can be improved, and the innovations will continue to test us out, whether in technology or new curriculum or social reforms.  In this a learning community that has the Christian gospel at its centre, we have an expectation and a focus on care and compassion; on the development of God-given gifts being recognised and developed – and tested.  We love to engage with families and the wider community and we want young people to serve others in the broader global society.  We sense that optimism about life and the future across the College – our students and staff, our families and our supporters.  Thanks for being part of us.

The new Physical Education Centre and Oval is quickly turning into reality, with May 2018 our target for lessons and play.  Our director of the project Mr Warren Murray brings the latest news and photos for your information later in the newsletter. Take a drive around the boundary to see the progress for yourself.  Our existing top sports field will also undergo some renovation, and we intend to convert the existing Maintenance facility into a new sports and fitness centre with the latest machines and equipment.  We hope to add additional athletics spaces including a sprint track and long jump run-ups beside the top oval.  It’s an exciting project.

Enjoy the stories and news of the College in the pages ahead.  Talk to us about your questions and concerns.  Thanks for your continued support.

Ross Whelan
Principal

‘Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’  Joshua 1:9

Others have achieved this in the years following graduation but to do this before leaving shows excellent dedication and perseverance in the brief time available for the one year activity windows that can only be commenced after the sixteenth birthday. Our congratulations goes to Christopher Collins, Cameron Eggins, Domenico Stambe and Ali Dursun.

The College has received from The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia (NSW Division) an official expression of congratulations to convey to the boys on this achievement.  We are indeed proud and pleased for them. 

This is excellent news for our whole College as the work of these boys in facing courageously the great challenges of Dukes at this level sets a magnificent example of careful organisation, resilience and driving persistence towards the worthwhile achievement of an Award that is recognized and revered around the world.  It is seen as the very top of young achievement in the activity areas of: outdoor expeditioning, sport, service towards others and the acquisition of skills.

The fact that our boys went well beyond the minimum requirements for this award and helped each other as part of an effective team is most impressive. Their self-sacrificial focus and thorough attention to detail sets a new bench mark at our College for others to follow.

We thank the Lord for this result.  Around many a campfire these boys have discussed Christian devotions and reflected on how Jesus leads us safely through life if we trust Him. It has been humbling to see these boys put their faith firmly into action as they have found the undergirding Spirit of God's guiding hand help them to keep going when things were hard, confusing and frustrating. This is the greatest life lesson of all to learn.

Thanks must also go to all the teachers, parents, friends and outside trainers and assessors who have willingly given hours of helping these boys achieve their Gold Awards. The commitment of the College towards supporting and resourcing the work of Dukes must also be acknowledged.  It is in fact one of the best investments in education for life that a school can make.

Well you others out there trying for a Dukes Award - it is your turn to make your mark and experience the intense fulfilment that these young men have discovered. Dukes has deepened their friendships, provided encouraging mutual support, and been the happy context for fantastic teamwork that has been transformative and incredibly productive.

An old explorer, balanced on some knife edge of danger, once summed up the subtle but crucial secret to ultimate success in the tricky endeavour of a productive life:

 "it is not the butterflies in the stomach that is the problem; no, the main challenge is to teach them all to fly in a formation that will inspire balance and victory."

You have flown well gentlemen - we salute you and the God whom you serve.  May He richly bless you in the tracks of life that lie ahead in the wider world.

Mr J Ward
Dukes Coordinator

JAM camp this year was a lot of fun as students encouraged one another, enjoyed activities like the water slide and dragon boating and, (of course) learnt from the bible.

Some of the highlights from the camp were our guest speaker Jeremy Toulmin, his music sampling and friend Ryan the Lion teaching from Ephesians 2, playing night games like Dettol and getting to know one another during free time.

This is the most amount of students we've ever had on JAM camp and the campsite is at maximum capacity. 

As this is a volunteer ministry camp, staff give up their time to be a part of this and develop relationships with students. The College is very much appreciative of the staff who willingly do this. In particular Mr Dane Bakarich who lead the camp.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10.

Stuart Tye
Chaplain

Our Student Leadership Team for 2018 were commissioned in a special assembly on Friday 20 October 2017.  This was a lovely occasion celebrated with family, fellow students and staff.

We wish our Leadership Team well and we encourage you to pray for these young people as they assume their positions.

Reader of the Month

The Reader of the Month for October is Miriam Khiyo. (Year 7) Congratulations! Miriam has won a book of her choice.

Each month a prize is given to the student who borrows and reads the most books. Open to all grades. Will you be the last winner for 2017? Borrow a book from the IRC, and start reading today!

What's new on the shelf?

The world's greatest female champion has appeared in the IRC!

Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Lies - Greg Rucka, Liam Sharp (illustrator)

"Heroic. Iconic. Unstoppable. Armed with her Lasso of Truth and imbued with the power of the gods themselves, Princess Diana of Themyscira - known to the world as Wonder Woman - is one of the greatest superheroes in history.

But who is she...really? Not even Wonder Woman herself knows for sure. Diana's links both the Amazons and the Gods of Olympus have been severed. Her memories are a tangle of contradictions that even her lie detecting lasso cannot untangle.

To solve the riddle of her origin, she must embark on her greatest quest of all: finding a way back to her vanished home. To get there, she must team up with her greatest enemy, the feral beast-woman, Cheetah. Will this unlikely alliance shine the light of truth on Diana's darkest secrets, or bury them- and her -forever?"

Wonder Woman: The Lies is a new exciting graphic novel in the DC Universe Rebirths series. Written by bestselling writer Greg Rucka, and featuring amazing illustrations by veteran comic artist Liam Sharp, this is a novel that breathes new life and energy into the worlds most recognizable heroine. Featuring a great new story arc, incredibly detailed characters, terrifying monsters, terrible curses and lots of explosive action, the fantastic graphic novel will have you eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Author Greg Rucka has wonderfully recreated this famous universe, writing a story that will please both newcomers and fans alike. With the recent DVD release of the new Wonder Woman film, now is the perfect time to jump back into this universe and experience brand new adventures with one of the world's greatest heroes.

Lots more exciting Marvel and DC graphic novels are on their way to the IRC! Make sure you check the new book stand for the latest titles! 

Library Stocktake 2017

The Senior IRC will be starting its annual stocktake on Tuesday 14 November. (Week 6) The last day for borrowing will be Friday 10 November. The latest overdue notices will be sent out this week. Students will need to ensure that all borrowed books are returned to the IRC before stocktake begins.

Mrs A Comiskey and Mr M Smith
Senior IRC Library Team

On Monday 23 October, the College hosted its first HUB for the term – in conjunction with the opening of the MRK Juice Bar!

This was a great event, as many students lined up to try either a banana smoothie or a berry crush. The eager juice customers were able to listen to some great music whilst waiting in line.

The performers this time were: Ben and Lachlan Shead (trumpet solo, accompanied by piano), Makayla Hobbins (solo piano), Marco Kalik (solo guitar), Evelyn Kilic (solo piano). Well done and thank you to all these performers.

As part of their world music studies, Mr Robinson invited Mr Mark in as a special guest to teach the students about African music and culture. Mr Mark studied African drumming in Guinea in 2013, and has a strong passion for the complex rhythms used in African music.

He engaged the class with a song and rhythm called ‘Kenne-Foli’ – which is a festive rhythm performed after an initiation ceremony. Students performed on a variety of percussion instruments, as well as a traditional balafon (African xylophone).

During the last week of Term 3 several of our students once again headed into Sydney Olympic Park to compete in the CIS Athletics Championships. Throughout the day we had students competing as part of the AICES team in both field and track events.

The day was a great day for all involved and showed some great individual efforts and PBs.

Congratulations to the following athletes who competed on the day:

Thomas Busfield- 200m

Christian Georgalis- Shot put, 200m and 100m

Praise Lauano- Discus and Shot put

Michael Ruhs- 800m

Wiremu Taylor- Discus and Javelin

Both Praise and Christian placed first or second on their day in all their respective events and progressed to the 2017 2XU NSW All Schools Track and Field Championships which was held in early October. The competition was the State Championships for secondary school athletes and the standard was extremely high for all events. 

Christian went on to place third in the 100m. Congratulations on such a great achievement! We look forward to hearing about your endeavors and achievements in the next couple of years.

Thank you to Miss Friel who accompanied the students and cheered on from the sideline. Her enthusiasm and energy was a great encouragement to the Thomas Hassall athletes. Many thanks also to the parents, who continue to turn up and support their children throughout the season competitions.

The change of venue from Wollondilly Anglican College to Minto Indoor Sports Centre was a big improvement from the last couple of years. The new venue enabled students to participate on quality, full sized indoor courts. This negated any environmental issues and provided for more quality volleyball to take place.

Throughout the day, both our junior Year 7-9 boys team and girls team looked strong. Coming off back to back wins from MISA earlier in the year, our team was ready to take down the other NASSA schools.

To complete enough matches games were limited to 30 minutes. In all except 2 matches this was sufficient time to enable winners to be determined. Due to court numbers and timing restraints the 4 matches then seeding for finals approach.

Our boys lost in the semi final, securing fourth place after a well played match. Our girls were victorious on the day, coming off will a well deserved win against Wollondilly Anglican College in the grandfinal.

Thank you to our coaches- Mr Schrack and Miss Taylor who selected the team and coached on the day.

Well done to the following players:

Collins Aneke

Kassandra Bulaong

Dane Infanti

Lukas Kaltsas

Praise Lauano

Montana Logozzo 

Djordje Milic

Sarah Moynan

Katarina Raskovic

Jordyn Sinclair

Ritisha Singh

Isabella Tembeleski

Stefan Todorovic

Jayden Tran

Noah Velnic

This year our efforts in establishing a quality basketball program and having greater depth on our bench in each division paid off in the Basketball Gala day last Monday. It was a great day of basketball played in a really good spirit.

A quick last minute change to the Year 7 girls draw had everyone playing each other once with a straight 1 v 2 grand final. Thankfully they were able to get the 8/9 teams there so the draw remained consistent. The Year 7 boys and 8/9 boys and girls played in two pools.

Our teams were all the underdogs leading into the competition with St Luke's having won the previous years. Unfortunately we were not able to come away with any gold medals but managed to secure three seconds in the Year 7 girls, Year 7 boys and the Year 8/9 boys. 

All our teams played hard throughout the day and despite some new formations and tactics took it all in their stride. Well done to all our teams.

Thank you to our coaches Mr Geering, Mr Driscoll, Mr Goodrick and Mr Schrack for being so flexible and enthusiastic on the day.

On Friday 27 students from Years 7 to 12 headed to Clancy Catholic College to compete in the MISA Chess Championships. The tournament was held in two divisions - Junior (Year 7-9) and Senior (Year 10-12). Each team consisted of four teams. Within each team, players were ranked in order of playing strength with the strongest player on Board 1. 

The day saw many of our students win their matches. All our students had a great day, playing multiple games against several school teams. The day is only the second time it has run and has proven a day to look foward to.

Thank you to Mr Driscoll who helped out coaching and encouraging the students on the day. Thank you also to Miss Close who helped out transporting the students from the venue.

Congratulations to the following students who competed on the day:

Christopher Galatoulas

Liam Penklis

Brandon Pugsley

Martin Rouchdi

Lachlan Shead

Matthew Squire