Term 2 I Wednesday 26 June 2019

Made for Stage

The Made for Stage event on Wednesday night was fantastic showcasing our Music, Visual Arts, Drama, Dance and Entertainment students in action. Parents and students were able to peruse the Visual Art display prior to the show and then enjoy the live performances. Chris Sebastian hosted the evening well and sang some songs by himself and with the students. One of the many highlights of the evening was when Jasmine Kilic called her father and some staff members onto the stage to dance to the Tina Turner song, “Nutbush City Limits”.  The audience was treated to the magical 1980’s dance moves of Mr Young which will go down in Thomas Hassall history. I was reminded again last night how talented our creative arts students are and how dedicated our staff are in encouraging and supporting the gifts in our students. A big thank you to all the Creative Arts staff for organising the event and the staff who assisted on the night. If you have never been to this event, in the years to come, I strongly encourage you to bring your family and enjoy a cheap night of entertainment.

Uniform Reminder

A number of students have been wearing hoodies to school as it has become colder, particularly on Tuesday being our sports day. Hoodies are not part of our winter uniform or sport uniform policy. If students are cold, they can wear their College jumper under their tracksuit top and/or wear a t-shirt/singlet under their polo shirt for extra warmth. In addition, the jumper is not to be worn as outerwear on a Tuesday as part of the Sports uniform, the tracksuit top is the approved outerwear. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter. Please refer to pg 54 of the Parent and Student Handbook for more information on the Uniform Code.

Year 12 HSC Trial Examinations

Year 12 HSC Trial Examinations will be held in Term 3, Weeks 3-4. The examinations will begin on Monday 5 August and conclude on Friday 16 August. Year 12 Students will receive their HSC Trial Examination Timetable and Study Guide in Week 9 of Term 2. Year 12 students can stay home to study on days when they don’t have an examination and can sign out of College each day after their examination. Parental permission will need to be provided for this to occur.

Year 10 into 11 Subject Selections 2020

Please be reminded that the Year 10 into 11 online subject selections must be entered online by Friday 27 June.  Please print off a copy of your child’s selections and sign it once they have been entered. Year 10 students must return the signed copy of their selection to Miss Munro by Wednesday 24 July (Term 3, Week 1).

Year 11 Parent Teacher Night – Thursday 27 June

Year 11 Parent Teacher Night will be held on Thursday 27 June from 3.30 – 6.00 pm and 6.50 – 8.30 pm. Year 11 parents/guardians should have received an email in regards to the Parent Teacher Night which includes information about the night as well as a booking code to be able to make bookings for each night. There will be no meal available on the night.

Year 7-10 Parent Teacher Nights – Term 3 – Weeks 1-2

Year 9 and 10 Parent Teacher Night will be held on Thursday 25 July (Term 3, Week 1). Years 7 and 8 Parent Teacher Night will be held on Thursday 1 August (Term 3, Week 2). The timing of the nights will be from 3.30 – 6.00 pm and 6.50 – 8.30 pm.  Years 7-10 parents will receive emails in Week 9 of Term 2 in regards to these Parent Teacher Nights which includes information about the nights as well as a booking code to be able to make bookings for each night. There will be a light meal consisting of soup and rolls available between 5.15 – 6.00 pm in the outdoor section of the MRK Café for all parents and students.

We hope you will stay for the presentation on the night. Please take note of the presentation structure below.

Within the Parent Portal, there is a number of new functions available for parents to improve the flow of communication between the College and Parents. Some of the new functions include:Parent Portal changes

• Viewing College notices each week about upcoming events
• Parents being able to grant permission for events (eg excursions) online. Please familiarise yourself with this function as we transition to parent online permission this term.

In addition, there are a number of instructions including screenshots of how to use the various Parent Portal functions. Please click on the link below that will take you to the instructions on how to access and use the Parent Portal.

https://www.thac.nsw.edu.au/content/how-use-parent-portal

Forms available on College website

There are a number of forms that you can access on the College website. Please click on the link below to access the following forms:

• Extended leave form
• Exemption application form
• Assessment Extension Application – Years 7-10
• Assessment Extension Application – Years 11-12
• Assessment Task – Misadventure/Illness Form – Years 11-12

https://www.thac.nsw.edu.au/content/forms

Carpark - drop off and pick up reminders

There is a lot of congestion in the Flynn Avenue Carpark of a morning from 7.40 am onwards as well as during the afternoons during pick up time. Please read below the drop off and pick up arrangements to assist in the improvement of the flow of traffic. More detailed information about transport related information can be found on our website by clicking on the link below.

https://www.thac.nsw.edu.au/content/current-student-transport

Morning Drop off

• All cars using Flynn Avenue will access the College via Gate 3 only
• Cars may then turn left or right to either of the two 'set down and pick up zones'. You may be directed by a staff member to go left or right to help with the flow of traffic. Please fill up all the spaces in the drop off/pick up zones to maximise the number of students being dropped off.
• Cars will then exit through Gates 2 or 4

Afternoon Pick up Arrangements – Years 10-12 – Turn left only

• All cars using Flynn Avenue will access the College via Gate 3 only
• For students in Years 10-12, cars must turn left to the 'set down and pick up zone' in front of N Block.
• Cars will then exit through Gate 2 only
• Please note the carpark open from 2:30 only

Afternoon Pick Up Arrangements – Years 7-9 – Turn right only

• All cars using Flynn Avenue will access the College via Gate 3 only
• For students in Years 7-9, cars must turn right to the 'set down and pick up zone' in front of J Block.
• Cars will then exit through Gate 4 only
• Please note the carpark open from 2:30 only

Where your family spans multiple year groups, you should use the 'pick up zone' of the eldest child.

Staff will be available to assist with traffic flow and we ask that you follow their directions.

No Senior School students are to be picked up in front of the Administration Building.

Pick Up Car park Map.png

Lines of Communication

If you need to contact the College, we would encourage you to use the following lines of communication that will assist you in speaking with the right person to resolve any enquiry/concern you may have as quickly as possible.

Lines of Communication Chart.JPG

I encourage parents to keep the College informed of anything that you feel may impact your child’s performance or behaviour at the College so that we can support and assist them.

“A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings”. Proverbs 25:11

Mr Hugh Renshaw
Acting Head of Senior School

* Due to the recent passing of Mrs Khoury and as a sign of respect we have decided to cancel this year's Dad's Day in the Canteen. We will bring it back bigger and better next year. 

Term 3

It is most encouraging to see them take to the working world so rapidly and confidently.  Early visits have determined that they are learning quickly and most are being trained for quite responsible tasks that introduce them to the intricacies of a wide variety of business activities such as: customer service, stock acquisition and display, practical business place set up, teaching, training and safety techniques, positive worker relationships and general personal presentation and deportment that contributes to the success of their work place.

Trainers and supervisors have given considerable thought and taken care with what can be planned and achieved in just one week and as the students progress they are given more challenging tasks. 

At the end of the week each student will be given an evaluation sheet that is usually very encouraging and a great document to have for future job applications. Students are encouraged to set up a credentials folder as part of their Resume and keep their work experience evaluations safe for future use.  These are extremely valuable because they usually are a very powerful reference to the positive worth and experience of a prospective employee.  It has assisted many of our students in successful job applications.  In fact once a student has worked well in a particular work place they are sometimes offered part time employment and this can transition into a fruitful career path.

The second work experience for the year is a 4 day period from Tuesday 12 to Friday 15 of November following the mid-term break in term four.  Students can elect to extend this to a full five day week’s work experience by working on their Monday mid-term holiday on 11 Nov if they wish, but this is optional.

Thanks goes to hard working PC teachers and Admininistration Assistant, Sally Wonham who has assisted Careers staff in helping our Year 10 students to obtain a job in what is a very wide and diverse selection of employment possibilities as indicated by the attached pictures.

Mr Jim Ward
Careers Advisor

“I tattooed a number on her arm. She tattooed her name on my heart.

In 1942, Lale Sokolov arrived in Auschwitz-Birkenau. He was given the job of tattooing the prisoners marked for survival - scratching numbers into his fellow victims' arms in indelible ink to create what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust. Waiting in line to be tattooed, terrified and shaking, was a young girl. For Lale - a dandy, a jack-the-lad, a bit of a chancer - it was love at first sight. And he was determined not only to survive himself, but to ensure this woman, Gita, did, too. So begins one of the most life-affirming, courageous, unforgettable and human stories of the Holocaust: the love story of the tattooist of Auschwitz.”

A moving and touching true story of courage, love and selflessness during one of the darkest moments in human history. A book everyone should read and reflect on.

Sensitive – Allayne L. Webster

“I've decided to stop being me. Finito. Game over. Access denied.

When thirteen-year-old Samantha moves to a new town, she decides to reinvent herself. She wants to be called SJ now. She's going to be cool and mysterious. But above all, she's going to be healthy. SJ suffers from chronic eczema and allergies - she's sick of doctors' appointments and tests, sick of itchiness and pain, sick of looking different, feeling different. All SJ wants is to be 'normal.' She'll do whatever it takes to keep her illness a secret. After all, would new friend Livvy or cute boy Sam still want to hang out with her if they knew the truth?”

A heart-warming story of a young girl trying to find acceptance in a new town. A story of self-acceptance, the power of friendship and not judging people based on their disabilities. A fantastic book that all young people should read.

Mindcull – K. H. Canobi

“In a time when nothing is as real as virtual reality, sixteen-year-old Eila is short-listed in a competition by a global technology giant. But then law enforcement officers force her to spy for them, underground activists reveal a murderous plot and someone uses virtual reality to fill her head with a stranger’s thoughts. Amid secrets, lies and distortions, Eila must decide how far she will go to protect innocent lives.”

A thrilling futuristic SCI-FI adventure in which virtual reality becomes corrupted and controlled for sinister purposes and where the distinction between reality and fantasy becomes harder to see. Exciting and suspenseful, a book guaranteed to have you hooked from the very first page. A great debut novel.

IRC Crossword – Term 2 Competition finishing soon

The IRC Crossword competition will be finishing at the end of the term. A number of students have already solved the crossword and have won great prizes, will you be the next winner? Test your library and literary knowledge by attempting to complete the IRC Crossword! How many squares can you fill in? How many answers will you uncover?

Entry forms can be found on the Library front desk. A book prize will be awarded to all students who successfully complete the crossword!

Overdue notices

Overdue notices have been sent out.  If any students require a printed list of their loans please speak to Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith.

Students who do not return their books after receiving their third notice as well as an email will be invoiced for a replacement copy.

All invoices will still stand if books are returned after this final date.

If you have any problems or questions regarding overdue books please speak to Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith who will be happy to help.

Mrs Annette Comiskey & Mr Michael Smith
Senior IRC Library Team

This was the opportunity recently when former Australian Olympian Alexandra Croak visited Year 8 and 9 students last week.

Alexandra Croak is 1 of 13 Australians to have competed in more than one sport at the Olympic Games. In the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Alexandra, as a 15 year old, represented in the individual all-around and team competitions. She then went on to win gold in the team event and silver on the beam at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

What makes Alexandra’s achievements even more remarkable is that at the 2006 Commonwealth Games she represented Australia in the sport of Diving. This made her the first Australian woman to compete at consecutive Commonwealth Games in different sports. Alexandra went on to compete in the 10m platform diving at the Beijing Olympic Games and reached the semi-final. In 2010, she won the 10m synchronised platform with Melissa Wu, making Alexandra the first Australian woman to win gold in two separate Commonwealth Games sports.

Last week, Alexandra inspired our Year 8 and 9 students with her inspiring story of her career and the sacrifices she had to make in order to be successful. Her presentation was interactive and engaging as she shared how she set her goals, overcome challenges and demonstrated resilience throughout her Olympic journey and career post the Olympics as a mother.

The College wishes to thank Alexandra for inspiring our students for excellence both academically and on the sporting field.

Mr Kent Weir
PDHPE Coordinator 

It is called “Young Performers Evening”. This will be an opportunity to celebrate the work of the students and their musical development throughout the year. There will be a variety of instrumentalists performing a balanced, entertaining program. This event will also provide a perfect opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the tutors.

This year there will be a Junior and Senior Young Performers Evening.  Our tutors will be encouraging students to present one or two pieces each to showcase their learning and growth throughout this year.

The date of the Junior evening is Wednesday 31 July and the Senior evening is Wednesday 7 August.

We will bring more information early next term.

Mrs Elizabeth Ford
Creative Arts Coordinator 

Thomas Hassall Anglican College is excited to host the Academy of Sport Speed Australia (ASSA) Clinic during the July School holidays.

Learn the Skill of Multidirectional Speed

• Create First Step Explosiveness

• Build Postural Strength for Speed

• Be Energy Efficient in your Game

• Reduce Injury Risk

Running over two days, students can attend one or both days of the clinic.

Days:           Thursday 4 July 2019 and Monday 8 July 2019

Time:           10.00am - 12.00pm

Venue:         Thomas Hassall Anglican College  (indoor PECS used in wet weather)

Cost:            $55 per day

Ages:           12 years and over (Athletes under 12 can apply, subject to approval by ASSA)

More details are on the flyer below 

Assa promotional flyer.pdf

Assa promotional flyer.pdf

The College Academy of Dance Program has one position available in the Year 3 - 6 Dance class on  MONDAY and TUESDAY.

Utilising our own highly qualified and experienced dance teachers the Dance sessions cover a range of styles.

- Monday - Year 3 - 6 Program - Contemporary, Jazz and Hip Hop  

- Tuesday- Year 3 - 6 Program - Contemporary, Jazz and Hip Hop

- Wednesday - Kinder - Year 2 Contemporary and Jazz 

We have had a tremendous response to the introduction of the Dance program and have a waitlist in operation for the Wednesday session.

If you are interested in enrolling your child please contact the College Office.

THAC Academy of Dance 2019.pdf

THAC Academy of Dance 2019.pdf

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

Thomas Hassall Anglican College teams in the Macarthur Independent Schools Association (MISA) Competition have finished the term on a high.

MISA North Zone Term 2 Final Results:

• 1^st Junior Boys Basketball
• 1^st Junior Girls Basketball
• 2^nd Junior Mixed Frisbee 
• 3^rd Senior Girls Indoor Cricket
• 4^th Senior Boys Softball
• 5^th Senior Boys Soccer
• 5^th Senior Girls Soccer
• 6^th Senior Girls Netball

Thomas Hassall Anglican College's overall standing in the North Zone:

1^st Junior Girls 

1^st Junior Boys 

6^th Senior Girls

5^th Senior Boys

Overall School Championship – 2^nd by 1 point

Mr Michael Fox
Senior School Sports Coordinator