Latest UpdatesBack to Top

From the Principal
Principal Ross Whelan

Term 4 has been off to a busy start with HSC exams starting, and now the final examinations are beginning next week for our Senior School students in Years 7-10.

We have been praying for these students throughout the weeks that they have clear minds and calm hearts to remember what they have learnt. From our conversations after each exam, our HSC students have been generally positive about the exams.

Senior School students have begun to use the new Anne Marsden N Block Pavilion and our Maths and Languages staff have moved in to the new staff area attached.  It’s a great space.  Just a reminder that the J Block change will occur very soon.  This building will be demolished to make way for a new two-storey STEM building, and construction will take place from this term right through 2024.

We welcomed 2024 Year 7 families today, including new students commencing with us in 2024 along with our current families for Year 7 orientation. This has provided them with an excellent opportunity to meet key staff members and ask any questions they may have. The new students had also a wonderful day meeting their new cohort and key teachers who will work alongside them throughout their College journey. We are looking forward to welcoming Prep, Kindergarten and new students over the coming weeks at their orientation.

There have been some great concerts held in the first weeks of this Term. We held our Junior School Ensembles Evening this week, which featured the skills of our Junior bands and ensembles. It was amazing to see so many students participate and perform in front of an audience, and we congratulate them on developing these skills.

We especially welcome our new college leadership team for 2024. Congratulations to the new Leadership Team in Year 12 and our new College Captains Mia and Sean. We look forward to seeing you lead the College.   The list of names is included in this edition of the Way.

Thanks again for your continued support of all our programs. 

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy;
without holiness no one will see the Lord. 
Hebrews 12:14

 

Mr Ross Whelan
Principal
From the Deputy Principal & Head of Junior School
Sandy Wheeler

What a wonderful start it has been with many events across Junior School and now here we are at the end of Week 2 and aren’t we well and truly back into it! We held our annual Tabloid Carnival for our students in Years P-2 across 2 days last week. It was lovely to see our younger students participate in athletics events on our wonderful grounds. Thank you to all of those involved and to our Parents for coming and supporting your child. It was especially fantastic to see the Parents join their children in activities like tug-o-war.   

A number of Year 5 & 6 students attended Jam Camp last weekend. A big thank you to the staff who attended and ran all of our devotions, I have heard from students that it was a positive experience, we are so lucky to be able to share the word of Jesus to all.

This week we held our Junior Ensemble evening and what a treat that was! Thank you to Mr Byron Mark for his experience in exposing our students to so many varieties of music whether it be a drum circle, choir and so many other repertoires. I along with many other parents can see the growth in our students from the beginning of the year to now.

Next week we have our Year 4 Camp which will be a wonderful experience where our students will gain independence and team building skills along with having a lot of fun. We are looking forward to hearing all of the wonderful stories that will come from camp. 

Grandparents day isn’t far away, don’t forget to register. 

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. 
Lamentations 3:25-26

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

It has been a great start to Term 4!

I want to thank our wonderful Year 12 teachers for the way they have continued to support their now graduated classes in the lead up to their HSC Examinations by running some workshops in the holidays and continuing to field any questions that are sent through as their students revise and prepare. Our Year 11 accelerants have also been involved in serious preparation for the selection of HSC examinations that they are sitting.

College life is in high gear once again and we have had a host of activities and events for students, staff and families to be involved in these first two weeks of term such as the Ensembles Evening and the Year 7 Orientation Day. It is always great to meet the new Year 7 students and families joining our community and the Orientation Day is a great way for the new students to get to know each other and our Year 6 students who will be in classes and sharing the Senior School journey together.

Earlier this week we had a special event: the class of 2024’s Dedication Service. This was a great opportunity to set the stage for the incoming year 12 students by recognising the journey that is ahead and to pray for them in their studies. Parents and students heard about the expectations and the support that is available at Thomas Hassall. We outlined the HSC process and assessment requirements as well as the importance of setting up regular routines. It was an encouraging evening. The students committed themselves to good work practices and a desire to lead the younger students with integrity. It was very special to meet with parents as well and to share in our common goals.

Students in Years 9 and 11 will have been excited to receive their subjects for next year. I want to congratulate all of the students in Year 11 who put themselves forward for Student Leadership. We have such a wonderful group of students in this cohort and the team that was chosen will lead the College admirably over the next 12 months.

It has been exciting to have our new Director of Teaching and Learning Mr Jason Corbett Jones announced and we look forward to welcoming him to our community in the new year. It is also a time where some of our staff team move on to new opportunities. I would like to take the opportunity to wish Mr Stuart McCormack every success in his new role at Shore as the Head of Students. Mr McCormack has been instrumental in many programs over his 8 years at the College and I have been lucky enough to work with him in a previous setting also. His dedication to the students and staff and his expertise in executing his role have been greatly appreciated. His passion for keeping up to date with the latest research in Student Wellbeing and his passion for creating conditions under which students and staff can flourish has been a hallmark of his career and will continue to be in his new setting I am certain.

I am excited for the opportunity to take a few weeks of long service leave over the next little while. I will return later in the term and look forward to catching up with you again as we head towards the end of the year and all the celebrations that it holds. If you have any learning enquiries in my absence, please seek out the teacher and Head of Department, and then reach out to Mr Roger Young for assistance.

Mr David Butler
Deputy Principal - Senior School Learning
From the Assistant Chaplain
Georgia

Last weekend we had over sixty Year 5 and 6 students travel to Port Hacking for JAM Camp. It was an amazing time of waterslides, billy carts, games, archery sunshine and the best part, Jesus! From Friday through to Sunday afternoon, we spent time in the book of Hebrews learning about why Jesus is always better and how we are to now run the race with perseverance until Jesus returns.  
Thank you to Miss Broadstock, Mr Butchatsky, Mr Stroud, Mr Buckley, Mrs Flack, Mrs Waugh, and Miss Wotton for all their hard work in making it such an awesome time!

Jam Camp

 

Miss Georgia Beikoff
Assistant Chaplain

Upcoming dates

Date Event

Monday 23 October

HSC Continues
Year 4 Camp
Year 7 & 9 Exams Commence

Tuesday 24 October

Junior NASSA AFL Carnival
Year 4 Camp
Wednesday 25 October 

Year 12 English Incursion
Friday 27 October

Grandparents Day (Junior School)
Operation Christmas Child Box Due
Year 7 & 9 Exams Finish
Saturday 28 October

College Gala Dinner
Monday 30 October Year 8 & 10 Exams Commence
Tuesday 31 October Kindergarten Orientation Day
Friday 3 November

Kindergarten Orientation Day
Year 8 & 10 Exams Finish

 

 
Catching the bus in 2024

Will your child/ren be catching the bus in 2024?

If you plan on having your child catch a bus to get to College/home in 2024 or are relocating, please complete the application for an Opal Card as per the instructions in the pdf link below.

All government buses are now operated by Transit Systems.

If you are considering using the Thomas Hassall Anglican College Private Bus Service for your child, please ensure you have submitted your application as places are limited.  It is advisable to still submit an application for an Opal card even if there is no current public bus service.  This information is used to identify new bus routes depending on demand.

For information regards all our transport information, please refer to the website.

PDF icon2023 Term 4_parentinformation_newsletter.pdf
Collecting your Children

If you need to collect your child early from college for an appointment, please call the college on 9608 0033 at least 1 hour before the pickup time. Please do not email teachers regarding any early pick up as this can often be missed, the reception staff will organise a note to be sent to the student.

No student will be allowed to leave class without this note.

The College phone policy means that students caught using their phones will be given a lunch detention. For this reason it is important that you do not directly contact your child on their phone to arrange pick up.

If the time of pickup falls within lunch or recess, we may need more than 1 hour notice. Please see bell times below.

bell times

Safety at College

Just a reminder that Junior School lessons start at 8.20am and for safety reasons the gates are locked from 8.25am each morning.

This applies to the K-2 drop-off gate on Southern Cross Drive, the 3- 6 drive through gate and the pedestrian gates on Kingsford Smith Ave.

Please ensure, if you are using the drop off zone, that your child has entered through the gates.  Once the gates are locked, students will need to be signed in through the Front Office to enter the College.

Thank you for your Corporation.

Mrs Sandy Wheeler
Deputy Principal & Head of Junior School

 
Sports Representation 2023

If your child has represented at a state or national level for any sport please let the College know.

We would like to recognise and celebrate students achievements in sports outside of the College.  Please assist the College by filling out the form below if your child has represented at State or National level in any sport and is in Years 3 to 12. In your submission you can include any photos or videos of your child participating in the sport. 

 

 

EventsBack to Top

Grandparents Day

You’re invited to come along to our special Grandparents day in the Junior School at the College on Friday 27 October. 

Join us for refreshments from 10.30am. There will be a concert at 11.00am then followed by classroom visits. 

There will be a book fair open throughout the day at the Junior School Library.

Register for the event online www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book 

WellbeingBack to Top

THAC Cares

At Thomas Hassall we proactively seek to empower our students to speak up about any concerns they may have. Students have concerns about all sorts of things: friends, family, staff, facilities, and learning.

Student safety is our top priority. We strive to provide a safe environment for all our students to learn and thrive. Listening to our students is the key to understanding their thoughts and experiences. When students feel heard and valued on all matters, small or large, it creates an environment of trust. This creates a child-safe culture, so when significant issues arise, students feel safe to talk about what has happened.

We want to partner with our parents and carers to make sure your child knows how to speak up if they have any concerns.

We encourage students in Junior School to speak to: We encourage students in Senior School to speak to:
  • their classroom teacher
  • any trusted teacher
  • the Deputy Principal: Mrs Wheeler
  • the Director of Welfare: Mrs Singles
  • our College Counsellor: Miss Bjelan

 
  • their PC teacher
  • any trusted teacher
  • their Year Advisor
  • their Head of House
  • the Deputy Principals: Mr Butler or Mr Young
  • the Director of Wellbeing: Mr McCormack
  • Coordinators of Student Growth and Welfare: Mrs Nalla or Mr Schrack
  • our College Counsellor Mr Cleur

Sometimes students have concerns but are too afraid to speak up. They might worry they’ll be picked on or there might be repercussions from complaining. Students might have issues that really bother them, but it might seem trivial to other people. An anonymous way to give feedback can help students to raise these issues.

At Thomas Hassall we have 2 anonymous ways for students to raise concerns at the College.

  • A letterbox in the Junior School Library
  • Online “THAC Cares” - accessed from the Student Dashboard – available Term 4 2023 for Year 7-12 and Term 1 2024 for Year 5-6.

Students can choose to be anonymous or to include their details when raising concerns. Where a concern is raised anonymously, it might prevent the College from fully investigating or reporting findings back to the student.

At Thomas Hassall we are committed to best practice, ensuring students are heard and taken seriously. While it may not be easy to deal with anonymous complaints, the College is committed to giving students a way of making anonymous complaints as part of our broader College ecosystem of student complaint options.

Talking to your children about how they can raise concerns at school, empowers your children to speak up, and helps to embed our child-safe culture.

LearningBack to Top

Writers Workshop

Winners of our recent writing competition had the privilege of taking part in a writer’s workshop, run by published author, Lesley Gibbs. The students learnt about connecting with their audience through the 5 senses and setting the scene by describing a natural landscape compared to a cityscape. They were engaged and wrote wonderful descriptions or story starts. We thank Lesley for sharing her time and her gifts with us.

Here are some samples of work from the writer’s workshop:

I could hear the taxis, beeping their horns like they were carrying the king, people talking so loudly that the wind rustling the leaves seemed silent. I saw cars, units and Big Ben. It felt like the giant clock was just staring, lonely and quiet. I could taste the smoky air of cars back firing, pushing at the clear, perfect air. – Hannah Year 3

I scrape my hands against the irregular shaped leaves. The leaves are painted sage green with dark tipped ends. I feel a small, sharp pain as the jagged edges stab me. The leaves rustle in the cold night breeze. The moon illuminates the dark, abandoned forest. This is where I belong.  – Ava Year 6

I see a koala in the green leafy tree. The rocks under my feet crack as I walk. I hear a lizard scurrying in the bush. I feel wet little rain drops and smell the breeze in the air as I walk home.  – Evie Year 1

The sound of leaves rustled and echoed throughout the forest. Smells of nostalgia flowed by…. The smell of nature. The enveloping smell of leaves continue to scent the forest. Wind blowing, soft and hard make the leaves brush my face, tickling me in the process. Bitter dusk rests on my tongue. Ebube – Year 6


writing

Mrs Alex Saville
Gifted and Talented Liaison for the Junior School

 
Year 7 Orientation Day

We hosted Orientation for Year 7 2024 today. With over 170 students in attendance, the day was filled with activities designed to help our students start Senior School with confidence and familiarity. 

Students met with key staff throughout the day, such as the College Principal, their Year Advisors and Subject Coordinators. They toured the Senior School and enjoyed spending time making new connections with existing and new Thomas Hassall students. 

It was a brilliant day and we look forward to welcoming Year 7 2024 to Senior School next year!

year 7

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

Performing ArtsBack to Top

The Aviators

Last Friday, one of our student initiated bands ‘THE AVIATORS’ performed their very first public gig. They performed the opening support set at the Camden Civic Centre for internationally acclaimed flamenco guitarist Paco Lara, accompanied by his flamenco ensemble, including Mr Mark.

This was an invaluable experience for our students, as they organised their own repertoire, rehearsals, equipment, arrived early for bump-in and soundchecks, and got to feel ownership of their set. They were warmly received by the audience, and all students were beaming with joy after their performance. The band were also able to meet and greet with Paco Lara, and this experience alone is one they will never forget. Members of The Aviators are: Josiah C, Stella F, Ellaria R, Rishi S, Benjamin A, Isaac W, Stratos D, Henry L, Tim W, Raphael M, and Alexia K.

The Aviators have also entered a band competition with the chance to win tickets to Paul McCartney’s concert and also meet and greet him after the show! They performed their own version of “Silly Love Songs”. We wish them luck in this competition, and well done to all band members for a fantastic performance.

music

Mr Byron Mark
Director of Ensembles
Junior Ensembles Evening

On Tuesday night, our Junior Ensembles took to the stage to entertain and wow their audience.

150 students from our Intermediate Stage Band, Junior Choir, Junior Drum Circle, Junior Concert Band, Intermediate Concert Band and Junior Strings Orchestra performed a wide range of repertoire including Jazz, funk, folk, pop, movie themes and gospel.

All the students have been working hard throughout the year on their ensemble skills and provided a great night of music and song. We would like to congratulate all the students for a fantastic performance, with many students also featuring in more than one ensemble.

I would also like to thank all of the Creative Arts team for the dedication to teaching our students, as well as the support of the College for providing opportunities for our students to learn and grow their passion for music.

Thank you to all the parents for supporting and encouraging their children to learn music, and we look forward to more events in the future.

Music music

Mr Byron Mark
Director of Ensembles

Upcoming Senior School Sporting Events

Coming up this term, we have the following sports events so if there is something that interests you, please come and see a PDHPE staff member to learn more about how you can get involved.

Upcoming Sporting Events Term 4

Week 5

Friday 10 November 

Year 7 and 15s NASSA Basketball Gala Day 
Week 7

Tuesday 21 November

Thomas Hassall Sports Awards Assembly

Thursday 23 November

AICES 15s Tennis - Girls
Friday 24 November

AICES 15s Tennis - Boys
Friday 24 November Year 7 NASSA Netball Gala Day

Mrs Irene Focas
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator
House Basketball Competition

The new House Cup Year has started with our senior teams playing in the House Basketball competition on Monday. After the semis, Liddell played Lewis, beating them 24 – 6. Carmichael and Wilberforce played for 1st and 2nd place, with Wilberforce taking home the top spot, 25 – 19. Congratulations Wilberforce and we look forward to the junior teams playing in Week 5.

basketball

Mrs Michelle Raft
Languages Teacher - Head of House & Liddell Advisor

 



 
CIS and All Schools Athletics 2023

Another year of Athletics has come and gone and we are so proud of our Athletics athletes who have represented our College so well and showcased their talents both on the track and the field! 

Congratulations to the following athletes who are in the Top 6 of the state across all independent schools in NSW!  

Sara - 5th in Javelin 

Max V - 5th in Shot Put 

Jonathan V - 2nd in 100m 

Luke M - 2nd in 100m, 4th in 200m, 2nd in Long Jump, 2nd in Shot Put 

Matt M - 6th in Shot Put, 4th in Discuss 

Sport

Mrs Irene Focas
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator
MISA Players of Term 3

I am very pleased to announce that the following students have been awarded and recognised at assembly as the Term 3 MISA Player of the Term. Their commitment and dedication to our College teams is much appreciated as they have played an integral role in shaping the culture of each team and leading them to success.

Soccer - Boys 7/8 B -  Andrew S

Soccer - Boys9/10 A - Adrian T

Soccer - Boys9/10 B - Samuel D

AFL Girls 10-12 - Lillian E

AFL Boys 10-12 - Joel C

Rugby League Boys U15s - Daniel H

Netball 7/8  A Christabelle K

Netball 7/8 B -  Ruby-May L

Netball 9/11 - Alexi S

Dance - Acacia R

Indoor Cricket - Alistair N

Mrs Irene Focas
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator

 



 
Prep to Year 2 Tabloid Carnival

There were lots of smiles this week at our Prep to Year 2 tabloid carnivals that were on this week.

They had fun participating in various activities run by our Year 9 and 10 Physical Activity and Sport Studies (PASS) classes. They particularly enjoyed being able to try and beat their parents in tug-o-war!

tabloid

tabloid


Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sports Coordinator

CommunityBack to Top

Abide Christian Lunchtime Group

ABIDE, our Christian lunchtime group for high school students is on again for Term 4! Join us at the top of N-Block each Friday lunchtime as we look at our theme of ‘Relationships’.

We’ll play games, enjoy some delicious snacks, hear from the Bible and discuss it in small groups. This term we will also hear some testimonies from students!

Hope to see you there – all welcome!

For more information, please contact Mr Mills or Mr Roper
Senior Library Book Snap

Newbooks19.10.23#2.jpeg

Great new books in the Library!

Newbooks19.10.23#1.jpeg

Great new books in the Library!

Upcoming events in the library

Tuesday 31st October – Anime and Manga Club (Week 4)

Monday 6th November – Senior IRC Book Club (Week 5)

Year 12 Library Loans

Year 12 students will need to return all their Library loans before they leave the College after the HSC exams. Students who have lost books will be invoiced for a replacement copy. Any students who require a list of their loans need to speak to Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith.

Stocktake 2023

This year’s Library stocktake will be starting on Monday 13th November. During this time the Library will be closed. The last day students can borrow will be Friday 3rd November. All students will need to have returned all of their Library loans no later than Friday 10th November. Any students who require a list of their loans need to speak to Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith.

Book Bites

Take a book bite to see if it is to your taste!

‘A Forgery of Roses’ – Jessica S. Olson

“Myra has a gift many would kidnap, blackmail, and worse to control: she's a portrait artist whose paintings alter people's bodies. Guarding that secret is the only way to keep her younger sister safe now that their parents are gone. But one frigid night, the governor's wife discovers the truth and threatens to expose Myra if she does not complete a special portrait that would resurrect the governor's dead son. Once she arrives at the legendary stone mansion, however, it becomes clear the boy's death was no accident. A killer stalks these halls – one disturbingly obsessed with portrait magic. Desperate to get out of the manor as quickly as possible, Myra turns to the governor's older son for help completing the painting before the secret she spent her life concealing makes her the killer's next victim.”

‘A Forgery of Roses’ is a wonderful gothic fantasy story filled with magic, mystery, murder, and a touch of romance. Featuring an engaging and compelling story full of twists and turns, loveable characters, and a unique magical world, this is a novel that will keep readers captivated to the very last page.  The central idea of art affecting reality is a clever concept and stands this book apart from many others in the genre. A must read for all fantasy fans, a book that is guaranteed to be a favourite. Suitable for all secondary students.

‘White Smoke’ – Tiffany D Jackson

“Marigold is running from ghosts. The phantoms of her old life keep haunting her, but a move with her newly blended family from their small California beach town to the embattled Midwestern city of Cedarville might be the fresh start she needs. Her mom has accepted a new job with the Sterling Foundation that comes with a free house, one that Mari now must share with her bratty ten-year-old stepsister, Piper. The renovated picture-perfect home on Maple Street, sitting between dilapidated houses, surrounded by wary neighbours has its . . . secrets. That’s only half the problem: household items vanish, doors open on their own, lights turn off, shadows walk past rooms, voices can be heard in the walls, and there’s a foul smell seeping through the vents only Mari seems to notice. Worse: Piper keeps talking about a friend who wants Mari gone.”

An award-winning chilling psychological thriller, “White Smoke’ takes the traditional haunted house tale and makes it even more terrifying with a spooky tension filled story that is guaranteed to give you goosebumps. Dark, suspenseful, and gripping, this novel is a real page turner. Reader beware, this book is not for the faint hearted, especially those with a fear of bugs, but for those who brave it they will find a riveting and memorable horror story. Due to the books content this book is more suited for students in Years 10 to 12.

Mrs Annette Comiskey & Mr Michael Smith
Senior IRC Library Team
Hunt for the Golden Ticket Competition Winners

Last term the Junior Library held a 'Hunt for a Golden Ticket' competition. Based on the novel 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' by Roald Dahl, ten golden tickets were hidden in the barcodes of ten different books in the Library, if a student borrowed one of those books they would win a wonderful prize. Students eagerly borrowed each week hoping that they would find a Golden Ticket, and by the end of the competition all ten had been found!

The following students were the lucky finders of a golden ticket:

Shrisha K. - Kindy

Ameilia M.  - Year 2

Jonathan B. - Year 3

Alessio M. - Year 4

Ira S. - Year 4

Sophia K. - Year 4

Zen K. - Year 5

Cinzia S. - Year 6

Lilianna T. - Year 6

Jana S. - Year 6

Each student has won a brand new book of their choice!

Congratulations to all the winners!

Mrs Arabella Issa & Mr Michael Smith
Junior IRC Library Team