Term 1 | Friday 5 March 2021

From the Principal
Principal Ross Whelan

The year is well underway, and in the Senior School we will have interim academic reports coming to you next week ahead of the first Parent Teacher night for 2021. 

Like most events at this time, we will be using Zoom to have conversations about each of your children. Junior School families have already met with teachers online in the Meet the Teacher evening some weeks ago.

Very successful swimming carnivals have been held in Junior and Senior School and the first of the representative carnivals, the NASSA Carnivals, were held this week. We achieved 3rd place in the Senior Carnival and 4th place in the Junior Carnival at NASSA, which is most commendable, and a large number of students will proceed to the next level. Congratulations to students and staff.

We are managing the process of COVID-19 across the community and the city, aren’t we, and since we have needed to be concerned about social distancing and healthy interactions, we have all found the necessary disciplines and practices. While it has been difficult and has interrupted our lives, we have found ways to manage the event.

I might remark, however, that there has likely been an increase in social tension, whether at home or school or in the wider community. It’s fair to say that the current debates around domestic violence, or indeed the issue of consent for teenage girls, are indicators that we are talking more about social tension and the need to bring resolution to difficult situations. Let’s talk more about ways to ease the tensions around us.

As a College community, we do well to bring the important issues that impact our young people and families to the fore, and we will have opportunities to have events that focus on wellbeing issues. Please watch out for the ‘Wellbeing Matters’ events as they occur. Please also raise the issues that are difficult, with teachers or our 3 expert and qualified psychologists Mrs Petersen, Mr Cleur and Miss Bjelan.

Open Week is scheduled for the week commencing Monday March 15. We already have lots of bookings and if your friends and neighbours would like to know more about Thomas Hassall Anglican College, there are several opportunities for them during the Open Week. Details are on the College website.

Please take care as a family and thanks for your continued support of all of our programs.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way,  just as we are—yet he, Jesus, did not sin. Hebrews 4:15

Mr Ross Whelan
Principal
From the Deputy Principal - Senior School Learning
David Butler

When nurturing excellence in the young people of the Senior School, it is important from time to time that we call them to a higher standard in areas in which we believe as a community we need to improve.

Over the course of the next few weeks, members of the Senior Leadership Team will be reminding students of the need to conduct themselves with excellence in the areas of personal presentation, maintaining a clean College environment and speaking with staff in a respectful manner. With personal presentation, we will be reminding students of the uniform requirements of the College as outlined in the student diary. These guidelines refer to many areas, but some important reminders at the moment will be in regards to wearing the College hats as part of the summer uniform, being clean shaven, not wearing fake nails and maintaining the jewellery, skirt length and hair cut guidelines. Student lockers have been made available again this year and all students have been supplied with a personally coded lock to use, which means that bags are no longer to be carried around the campus.

Our beautiful grounds provide a host of wonderful spaces for students and staff to enjoy their break times and it is a community responsibility to ensure that we keep the College in pristine condition. College staff have been asked to engage with students about uniform standards and keeping our campus clean and we expect students of Thomas Hassall Anglican College to be polite in their interactions with staff, just as they would in the classroom environment. The Graduate Aims which we hope to cultivate in every learner at the College include becoming an effective collaborator, an effective communicator, exercising self-regulation and being receptive.

These attributes are grown in young people just as they are with adults through experiencing life together responsibly in a loving community. Your continued support in preparing your children to be amenable to requests from staff in reference to following College guidelines is greatly appreciated and contribute to this College being the wonderful place that it is.

Mr David Butler
Deputy Principal - Senior School Learning
From the Chaplain
Denis Oliver

It is hard being a parent. We have much to juggle and clashing with our children is the last thing we want to do – but we must if we love them. God understands.

Sometimes adults are not too different from children. We want what we want and in chasing our desires, we can ruin our lives and compromise our future. God sees and because He loves us, he gets angry with our poor decisions. Though he is angry, he never gives up on his people.

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  (Jeremiah 29)

God wants to give us a good future, an eternal future. God will do whatever it takes to get us there. He will do everything from taking away our freedoms to sacrificing His own Son for us.

The staff at Thomas Hassall are also all about giving your children a hopeful future, both academic and spiritual.  We are partners with you in showing them a better way.

The next time you clash over homework, that device, uniform, or whatever - know that you are not alone.  It may be unpleasant, but it is worth it because loving children is not about making them happy but giving them a future.

Reverend Denis Oliver
College Chaplain
Term 1 Important Dates
11 MarchThursdayYear 7 and Year 12 PT Night
15 - 20 MarchMon - SatOpen Week at the College 
25 MarchThursdayYears P-6 PT Night
26 March FridayJunior School Cross Country Carnival
1 AprilThursdayLast Day of Term 1 
Message from the College Nurse

Just a friendly reminder that we have a large number of students and staff who have nut allergies.

Some of these allergies are life-threatening to those individuals. Therefore our College is ‘Allergy Aware’ and we ask that you do not send any products that contain nuts to College. The integrated nature of our College means that any student who brings these items to College could inadvertently contribute to a crisis for these students. 

Thank you for your understanding and support. 

Ms Karen Tindall
College Nurse

Year 7 Blazers

We encourage all Year 7 students to make an appointment at the Uniform Shop before the end of Term so that students can be fitted for winter Blazers. 

Please remember that bookings are essential Please call 8776 1193 to book an appointment or visit the website.

EventsBack to Top

Holiday Programs

We have some great holiday programs available for the upcoming school holidays.


Football Program - 12-16 April
The College is excited to host our Football Program in the upcoming holidays for students at Thomas Hassall Anglican College, their friends and family.

Students will be involved in activities that develop skills and promote understanding of the game. The daily training will be designed to improve the skill level of each individual. 

Our Football Director, Mr Sonny Makko will be leading the program and it is offered to boys and girls in Kindergarten to Year 9.

Find out more on the Football Flyer. For bookings, please visit www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book
 


OSHClub
There are some exciting days planned during the April Holidays at OSHClub. From going around the world, to a movie mania day, it is sure to be fun for students.

Find out more on the OSHClub website



CodeCamp - 13-15 April
Get creative with technology at CodeCamp running on the 13-15 April. On top of 5 coding classes to suit all skill levels,  Code Camp have launched a range of new camps, where students can learn to DJ, produce YouTube style videos and create stop-motion animation short films.

CodeCamp is a registered provider for the NSW Government Creative Kids Voucher.
 
Take advantage of the Early Bird sale if you book by midnight Sunday 7th March. Our discount this season is $25, and all parents can access this using the code EARLYBIRD25. 

To find out more, please read the flyer or visit the CodeCamp Website to book.


MOTIV8sports - 6-7 April
Another great holiday opportunity is the MOTIV8sports Super Camp 2021 running on 6-7 April at the College.

Held only once each year, Super Camp is a sports festival designed just for kids. Way more than a sports dreamland, Super Camp is an energetic mix of sport, music, street culture, art and dance mashed up to create the ultimate atmosphere for kids who love having fun. Campers will be treated to an incredible array of our trademark team sports in an environment full of energy, motiv8tion and unbelievable guidance from our professional team of coaches.

MOTIV8sports is a registered provider for the NSW Government Creative Kids Voucher.

To find or more or make a booking, please visit the MOTIV8sports website

WellbeingBack to Top

A message from the College Psychologists

Life is busy and at Thomas Hassall, we are regularly reflecting on how we can improve access to our services and resources.

We live, learn and play on digital platforms and we would also like to provide you with an opportunity to inform us via the Parent Referral Form about a concern you may have.  

You may wish to refer your child or alert us about a change in circumstances. This form enables you to get a message to us quickly and efficiently.  This is accessible via our website or the College App.

Please see below how you can access the form on the App



Resources
SchoolTV is an online resource designed to empower parents with practical ongoing support strategies and more importantly credible and sound information. It can serve as a preventative tool which is accessible to parents at any time.  Parenting is challenging in this modern age and parent can benefit from support to raise well balanced, resilient children. SchoolTV has a great deal of valuable information on a variety of topics, including useful resources to assist parents to support their children.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling

 

LearningBack to Top

Goal Setting

With every new year there is an opportunity to set new goals, both in learning and in life.

It is important to reflect on last year, and consider what was achieved and what is yet to be achieved. Year 7 have started the year well and are starting to get their first assessments. Year 8 are finding the rhythm of Senior School and learning. Year 9 have started a more personalised learning journey by their selection of elective subjects.

In these middle years of schooling, it is important to remember that it is never to early (or late) to set goals for improvement. A goal might be to become more organised, or be a more active listener in conversations with friends, or to improve subject knowledge, or be more confident when speaking in front of others, or maybe something else. Whatever the goal, remember to be SMART about it. Make sure the goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-based.

As teachers, we love to help students grow and realise their goals. Students can speak with a Pastoral Care teacher or a subject teacher to help them develop smart goals and identify the strategies to help them achieve them.

Mrs Millie Pettett
Coordinator of Learning Innovation – Middle Years and G & T

Excursions and Events

What a busy start to the year it has been!

In 2020 we saw many of our classes engage in online Zoom incursions in HSIE, TAS and Science, with select lectures and classes delivered remotely by experts in their field. Whilst we will look to continue events such as these, we are aiming to bring back a sense of normality to our excursions and events. As the community transmission of COVID-19 is low in NSW, we are able to once again go on regular excursions and sporting events.

For each event that is run, we need your permission to be given through the Parent Portal/College app, indicating that you are aware of the event and are happy for your child to attend. The easiest way to do this is through the College app.

If you are having any difficulties with the app please contact the College and we can assist.

Mr Justin Stoker
Director of Operations

Senior Library Book Snap

eBooks now available in the Senior IRC

Students at Thomas Hassall now have access to digital books through the Overdrive student app Sora. The Sora app is available on Window and Mac computers, iPhone and iPad, a wide range of mobile and android devices as well as Google Chromebooks. Setting up an account is quick and easy, and there is a wide range of great books available for borrowing. ‘How to create an account handouts are available in the Library, and a detailed help guide that covers every aspect of the Sora app is available on the Library’s canvas page. For more information please speak to Library staff who will be happy to help.

Chaos in the Library’s space time continuum! – Term 1 Competition

Only four weeks remain in our Doctor Who competition. Five unknown prize-winning books are still out there waiting to be discovered. The next one you borrow could be one of them!

Help the Doctor! Help save the Senior Library! Mrs Comiskey and Mr Smith are relying on you!

Great prizes to be won for each student who borrows one of the five hidden books. For more information please speak to Mr Smith.

Help shape the future of a Library collection

Love Japanese Manga? Know of a great manga series that your friends would love? Would you like to help the Library increase its manga collection?

If you answered yes to all three questions then you are just the person the IRC is looking for.

Manga comics are the biggest hit in the Library in 2021, and now the Library needs your help to increase the collection!

Students will have to opportunity to browse and select manga titles for the Library collection.

Selection time will be at lunchtime on Wednesday 31st March. For more information please speak to Library Staff.

What’s new on the shelf?

‘The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess’ – Akira Himekawa

‘Travel to the world of Hyrule in this exciting action-packed manga series.’

“Link must defeat evil at every turn in his perilous quest to help Princess Zelda! Once upon a time, wizards tried to conquer the Sacred Realm of Hyrule. The Spirits of Light sealed the wizards’ power within the Shadow Crystal and banished them to the Twilight Realm beyond the Mirror of Twilight. Now, an evil menace is trying to find Midna, Princess of the Twilight Realm, and the fragments of the Shadow Crystal to gain the power to rule over both the Twilight Realm and the World of Light. Link once trained in swordsmanship, hoping to protect the world of Hyrule. After a fateful meeting, he sought out the anonymity and peace of life in a small village. But danger and adventure always find heroes to set things right, and when the dark minions of the King of Shadows threaten his new home, Link answers the call!”

‘The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess’ is an exciting and thrilling Japanese graphic novel series written and illustrated by manga veterans A. Honda and S. Nagano under the pseudonym Akira Himekawa. Based on the famous video game, this series does a lot more than simply retell the original story, it greatly expands and adds to the source material, bringing to life this fascinating story and its wonderful characters in a way that the video game could not. Link the main protagonist is more than just a voiceless hero, he has real personality and a desire to do good that makes him a character all readers will cheer for. Each page is filled with beautifully drawn black and white illustrations, featuring incredible detail, each image seemingly jumps off the page. This series is perfect not only for fans of the video game but also for any manga and fantasy fiction fans. A wonderful series that will be loved by many. The Senior IRC currently has volumes one to four, with each new volume being purchased as it comes available.    

Mrs Annette Comiskey & Mr Michael Smith
Senior IRC Library Team

Year 7 History

Year 7 have begun their studies in History by learning all about archaeology and the methods that archaeologists use to uncover the past.

Mr Mills and 7AR have been putting these skills to practice by excavating cookies to uncover and catalogue the delicious “chocolatey artefacts” within!

Mr Samuel Mills
Senior School Teacher - History & English

 

Year 11 Ancient History

Our Year 11 Ancient History class have been making cuneiform tablets.

As they begin their studies in Ancient History, Mr Street’s Year 11 class have been learning about the earliest human societies, and the artefacts and evidence these civilisations have left behind. Students have been

investigating the writing and pictographic imagery used by the peoples of Mesopotamia and the Near East, and what information about the past these sources can reveal.  In doing so, they have been learning about cuneiform, and have created their own tablets to carry messages and information for students of the future Thomas Hassall.

Mr Robert Smith
HSIE Coordinator - History and Legal Studies

Senior School NASSA Swimming Carnival

On Wednesday night, the College Swim Team represented the College at the NASSA Swimming Carnival at Sydney International Aquatic Centre in Homebush

There were some great individual performances, with 12 swimmers, including the Boys All Age Relay, Boys Indemediate Relay and Boys Senior Relays teams, through to represent the College at the AICES Swimming carnival on 24th March.  

Cooper S was awarded Age Champion for his performances, including a NASSA record in the 50m Freestyle. The Intermediate Boys Medley Relay set a new NASSA record by almost 5 seconds.

We placed 3rd overall and while our top swimmer did an excellent job, the commitment of our senior students to make up relays and be in every event was a large contribution to our overall success.

All of those students who represented the College are to be commended on their achievements.  Congratulations!
 

Mr Michael Fox
Senior School Sports Coordinator

CIS Knockout

Last Friday afternoon Thomas Hassall versed Newington High School in the CIS Knockout Soccer Match.

The CIS Thomas Hassall boys were unlucky conceding the first goal by a penalty. At half time the coach Sonny Macko had some inspiring words to pump up the boys for the second half, believing that they had a chance to get back into the game. It was frustrating not taking our opportunities in the second half with a couple of goals that were ruled offside. Finally getting one back with a great header beating the goalkeeper inspired the boys, to keep pushing. Unfortunately within the dying ends of the game, the boy’s conceded a second penalty which was frustrating for the whole team. Other than that, the Thomas Hassall boys worked extremely hard but were unlucky in the end. 

End score 2 - 1 Newington way.  

Mr John Williams
Secondary Teacher - Soccer Coach

CIS Girls Football Cup

Thomas Hassall played Blue Mountains Grammar in the CIS Football Cup this week.

The girls played very bravely and dug deep against some strong competition. The match was a tight competition on the field and the Blue Mountains goalkeeper managed to prevent us from taking advantage of the opportunities that we had.

Blue Mountains Grammar won the match 6-2.

We look forward to watching this young team grow in this Open Girls Competition in the coming years and seeing them play in the U15’s Turner Trophy Competition beginning later this Term.

Mr Michael Fox
Senior School Sports Coordinator

CommunityBack to Top

Join our Community Parent Network!

At Thomas Hassall Anglican College, we love to work together with our families to create community. 

Our Community Parent Network is one of the most important ways we achieve community and we would love you to join in 2021!

The Parent Community Network provides support to the College through:

  • Assistance in the classroom (Multilit, Minilit, Reading Groups)
  • Assisting at events (sports carnivals, stalls, creative arts events, College community events)
  • Representing the Parent Community at community events such as Open Day and South West Festival
  • Organising get togethers for grade groups outside of school hours

 

In order to become a part of the Parent Community Network it is essential to have your Working with Children Check (which is free for volunteers) and participate in the online induction which includes Privacy and Child Protection Training. 

If you would like to volunteer at the College please register your details using the following Application Form

Mrs Carmen Pasapera
Marketing & Community Relations Manager