Term 2 I Friday 24 May 2019

Mr Morrison claimed the LNP victory in religious terms as a miracle, not surprising for a man of clear and strong Christian convictions. And it appears that many people of various religious sentiment, Christian and other, voted out of a concern for the loss of religious freedoms.

In the nearby multi-cultural and multi-religious federal seat of McMahon, there was a 6.5% two party primary vote swing against the ALP. Chris Bowen, the local member, wrote that “people of faith no longer feel that progressive politics cares about them". They are people with a social conscience who want to be included in the progressive movement.” (SMH, 22/05/19)

It was concerning to many, especially in the independent schooling sector, that the ALP’s Mark Dreyfuss wrote to Christian Schools across Australia prior to the election saying they were likely to lose the right to employ Christian staff if they won the election. The response of this was for Christian Schools Australia to take the unprecedented move of writing to families to alert them to this news. 

The impact of the recent Israel Folau saga was also identified as telling for people of religious faith, who are understandably concerned with the capacity to live and share one’s beliefs. It is clear that the importance of religious faith to people has been underestimated by those who wish to keep this as a private matter only, without realising the legitimate public dimension of faith.

Australia is a secular country, but it is certainly built on Christian values and a deep appreciation of the Christian faith. Mark Spencer, National Executive Officer of Christian Schools Australia, said “parents in marginal seats had expressed their concerns to his organisation over the protection of religious freedom. There are mums and dads across Australia who want to choose a school that reflects their values,” he said. SMH, 20/05/19. This is one reason why many of you choose to send your children to Thomas Hassall.

Christian values are not the property of any particular political party, but when one seeks to take the protections that allow freedom of speech and association that we have been entitled to, then it is understandable that some quiet Australians may speak out at the polling booth.

It is also important to consider that political action is not THE answer to our deepest problems, concerns and hopes. Tom Habib wrote at The Gospel Coalition Australia (22/05/19) that in a world that in recent times has removed God from public life, it is no surprise that we have turned to the state to provide answers. He explains “politics is becoming more religious. The stakes are higher and the tone nastier…a matter of life-or-death. Our leaders are cast as messiahs or devils who will either save the world or destroy it”.

As a Christian, Anglican school we hold to beliefs that say God is the answer for our deepest longings. He draws us to himself in an eternal relationship, through his son Jesus. He offers us a radical life in God’s kingdom, loving God and loving our neighbour as ourselves. We make a difference where we move in our everyday life. And when this life is over, we hope for life with God in the new heaven and new earth, when Jesus returns to rule as the ultimate King.

Rev. Jim Dayhew
College Chaplain

Term 2

Important Junior School Sport Dates

Term Two

Week 5 -           Friday 30 May – NASSA Cross Country - Horsely Park Equestrian Centre

Week 7 -           Thursday 13 June – Year 3 - 6 Athletics Carnival - Campbelltown Athletics Stadium

Week 7 -           Thursday 13 June – NSW CIS Cross Country - Eastern Creek

Week 7 -           Friday 14 June – CIS Boys Primary Softball trials - Blacktown International Sports Park  (see Mrs Evans if interested in trialing and have Rep experience - Yrs 5 and 6 only).

Throughout the year, there are also NSW CIS trials for some sports which do not have a Gala Day as an entry path.  If your child plays representative sport in Softball, AFL, Golf, Hockey or Rugby Union please see Mrs Evans to indicate your expression of interest to be nominated for these sports.  Students need to be in Years 5 or 6 and have represented their Association in their sport.  Information regarding CIS trials and sports available is found at; https://cis.nsw.edu.au/home/

PE & Sport

It is advisable that your child has a refillable drink bottle on Sport and PE days to ensure that they are able to re-hydrate after exercise.  A frozen drink is also a great idea.  All children are required to wear the PE cap or College hat for sporting activities.  

2019 Football Development Programs - Kindergarten - Year 8 (afternoon programs)

The College offers Football Development Programs for students in Kinder to Year 8. The year-long program caters for both boys and girls and will be conducted by our Football Director Sonny Makko.

The one-hour sessions are designed to improve the skill level of each individual and suited for all abilities. Students will be involved in fun activities that develop skills and promote understanding of the game.

Students can enrol in more than one day if preferred. The program runs for 35 weeks.

Information flyers and application forms for the 2019 Football Development Programs have been emailed to all College families.  

Copies are available at the College Office.

Program details:

Kinder - Year 2 Program                  Monday  3 - 4pm

Year 3 - Year 8 Program                  Tuesday 3 - 4pm

Kinder - Year 2 Program                  Wednesday  3 - 4pm - FULL

Year 2 - Year 6 Program                  Thursday 3 - 4pm

K - 6 Girls Only Program                 Friday 3 - 4pm

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

Junior School Football Program Flyer - 

THAC TAP Football Jnr 2019.pdf

THAC TAP Football Jnr 2019.pdf

Junior School Football Application Form - 

THAC TAP Football Jnr Form 2019.pdf

THAC TAP Football Jnr Form 2019.pdf