Term 4 | The Way Newsletter I Friday 17 November 2023

Latest UpdatesBack to Top

From the Principal
Principal Ross Whelan

It’s that time of year when end of year events are regular items on the calendar; when long serving staff are both recognised for their achievements, and also, sadly, when some leave to progress their careers. It’s a time when formal evenings occur for the graduating students at important stages, Year 12, Year 10 and Year 6.

Importantly, this time of the year also allows us to say thank you to many and take the time to celebrate the year and the people involved in the programs of the College.

The Creative and Performing Arts team have been very active. Our ensembles evening; Years 1 & 2 Strings group performance, the Years 5 and 6 Creative Arts production just yesterday have all been wonderful events. Mrs Lianne Brown wrote the musical for Years 5 and 6 and is to be congratulated.

This weekend our Dance Concert will be held with hundreds of students involved. Well done to the CAPA team for such outstanding work. Mr Mark and Mr Robinson have recently been awarded by the NSW Teachers Guild for their efforts as well as 3 other staff members in the World Teachers Day awards by the Guild. Mrs Griffin, Ms Hansford and Mr Yako. Congratulations to these staff members and the teams to which they belong.

The Year 12 Formal was held during the week at Doltone House. It was a spectacular evening and event and allowed our graduates to celebrate their schooling years in a delightful setting. Teachers and parents were able to enjoy the efforts of every young person at their final stage of school.

Our Year 10 and Year 6 students will also enjoy similar events in the coming days.

Celebration events are not far away to bring the year to a close, and in my last year at the College, these end of year events are providing special memories of our Thomas Hassall community.

Thanks so much for your continued support of the College and programs at this time.

‘Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with music and song. For the LORD is a great God, And a great King above all gods.’ Psalm 95:2-3

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

Over the past week there have been some really impressive special events that have entertained audiences of staff, children and College families.

The Years 5 & 6 ‘Step Back in Time’ Creative Arts event was arguably our best yet! Thank you to our dedicated team especially Mrs Lianne Brown who wrote the original script for the performance. We were all very entertained and I can certainly see some of our performers becoming lead roles in future College musicals! Congratulations Year 5 and 6.

Year 6 are in their final weeks of Junior School and have started to enjoy some of their special events. Going to Aquatopia was a highlight which boasted perfect weather and a time Year 6 will treasure with lots of fun memories made. We look forward to the Year 6 Ceremony and Year 6 Dinner to come next week.

It has been wonderful to see our Infants Strings group grow and watch them perform at the end of year concert last week, led by our incredible Mr Ibrahim. Remember every expert starts as a beginner! Mr Ibrahim played a beautiful piece which a student could perform after only a few years of dedicated practise. Please join me in encouraging your child to keep persevering with their instrument.

Reports will be sent to families towards the end of term. As parents, sometimes we only look at the academic grade on the report and glance over the effort it took for the child to reach that point. Effort leads to achievement and the Positive Learning Attributes on the final page of the report is a great place to praise their attitude and effort. One true measure of an excellent learner is the effort and character applied to their learning which supports their growth and maturity. Please take the time to look at all parts of the report, look at the evidence in Seesaw and rejoice in the growth your child has attained.

As we begin to look towards 2024, I would like to reassure you that the teachers consider very carefully the placement of every child in classes. I sometimes get requests from parents about a particular combination of students that a parent feels will work best, or a teacher that they think may be the right one. Sometimes these combinations are not the best for learning and the teachers need to look at the big picture of the year group. Concerns regarding this can be sent to [email protected].  We will always consider the requests that you have but cannot guarantee that they will be met as we have to do the best for all students.

We look forward to our special Sports Assembly next week where we can celebrate student achievement and can be thankful for the talents our students have in so many Sporting areas across the College.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Mrs Sandy Wheeler
Deputy Principal & Head of Junior School
From the Deputy Principal - Senior School Development
Roger Young

It’s wonderful to hear that students can take a break from tests and exams, and that teachers can engage in activities that may be unconventional but enriching for learning. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program, with its hikes and city experiences, provide valuable opportunities for students to develop skills, resilience, and teamwork.

Dukes Hike Images

While such experiences can be highly beneficial, they do come with their own set of challenges. Here are some common difficulties that may arise on a Dukes hike, along with the potential benefit in for the form of a learning experience for the students.

Physical Challenges
Issue: Some students may struggle with the physical demands of the program.
Benefit: We prioritise safety, provide training, and encourage a supportive environment where students challenge themselves at their own pace.

Logistics Challenges:
Issue: Organisation of your pack along with essential equipment etc is just one of the many skills that are developed
Benefit: Students learn to plan, communicate effectively and work together to overcome any areas they have not considered

Dukes Hike Images

Weather Conditions:
Issue: Weather is always a factor and may impact the program on any given day.
Benefit: Students work together to check forecasts, carry appropriate gear and consider alternative plans

Team Dynamics:
Issue: Group dynamics can be challenging in terms of navigating difficulties and teamwork
Benefit: The group of students get to work and resolve problems together in a positive team environment

Safety:
Issue: Every situation has a degree of risk
Benefit: Students learn to consider the risks and are educated in the safety protocols building confidence and resilience along the way

Inclusivity:
Issue: No one need miss out on participating, however, there are adjustments to be considered.
Benefit: Students learn to accommodate different abilities and work with the group to ensure everyone is taken care of.

Communication:
Issue: Effective communication is critical and miscommunication leads to confusion and frustration.
Benefit: Students learn to communicate clearly and agree to develop a culture where questions are welcome and listening is valued.

Our students have had some rich learning experiences in class but some of the best lessons our students have had include these wonderful Dukes treks. Let’s thank the teachers and staff who have had the heart to support these programs so generously.

Mr Roger Young
Deputy Principal - Senior School Student Development
From the Assistant Chaplain
Georgia

Sport can be brutal. Whether you are an athlete or a die-hard fan, things can change in a second. As some of our families, especially in junior school may be aware, I went to compete with the ParaMatildas at the Cerebral Palsy Asia Oceania Championships in Melbourne. Over the course of the tournament, I found myself not just being tested physically but also mentally. The emotional rollercoaster was real. Whether it came to the high-pressure moments in the middle of a game, being down 2-1 at halftime and digging deep to keep on pushing in the second half or the pain from little niggles in my body which would become a concern of thinking it could be the start of something serious. Sport can be brutal. Things can change in a second.
And so, I want to share with you what helped me stand firm despite feeling in the thick of anxiety and doubt.

Psalm 119:89-90 claims ‘Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.’

Now, as I am sure you can agree, in sport as in life, there are countless variables that could make things change whether that be an injury, sickness, even the team line-up. Whatever these variables are, whatever facet of life can make you feel the world is spinning; that’s when we start to search to hold tight onto something that is steadfast, right? As Psalms 199:89-90 shows, God’s word is eternal. God shows His faithfulness through enduring love, through His son, Jesus. If this Psalm 119:89-90 is true then it means that God remains the same, always and He is trustworthy. If this is true, then isn’t it worth checking out what God’s Word, can offer you? If we constantly feel like we are needing to hold on tight, isn’t it worth holding tight to what is faithful and eternal?

Georgia

Miss Georgia Beikoff
Assistant Chaplain

Upcoming dates

Date Event

Monday 20 November

 Sports Awards Assembly

Wednesday 22 November

Summer IPSSO Finals
Year 10 Service Learning
Thursday 23 November 

Year 1 - 6 New Students Orientation
12 Ancient History Excursion
Tennis 15's Girls
Friday 25 November

K - 6 Assembly
AICES 15's Tennis 
NASSA Year 7 Girls Netball Gala Day
Monday 27 November

NASSA Years 7-8 Cricket Gala Day
Year 10 Pathway to Year 11
Tuesday 28 November

Year 6 Ceremony
Year 6 Dinner
Wednesday 29 November

Prep Graduation 3 Day 2023
Year 10 RYDA Excursion
Year 9 Sadlier Hamper Delivery
Thursday 30 November

Year 10 Pathway to Year 11
Prep Grad 2 Day 2023
NASSA Year 7, 8 & 9 Mixed OzTag 
Friday 1 December Family Breakfast Picnic
Mr Whelan Farewell
Monday 4 December Year 10 Formal
Tuesday 5 December Junior School End of Year Awards Celebration
Wednesday 6 December

Senior School End of Year Awards Celebration
Last Day of Term 4

 

 
A new Crossing Supervisor

Road safety around the College is a key concern for us at Thomas Hassall, as we seek to ensure our children are safe as they arrive and leave the College.

We understand there is significant vehicle traffic around the College, which makes it difficult for families to feel safe allowing local students to walk to College. For many years we have wanted a School Crossing Supervisor and we are excited to announce that we now have a School Crossing Supervisor on Kingsford Smith Avenue in front of Junior School every school day 7:30-8:30am and 2:30-3:30pm. The School Crossing Supervisor controls the traffic at the crossing and ensures pedestrians safely cross at the crossing.

Parents can now be confident that children walking to school will be assisted to cross the road safely at the crossing. This may also change your drop off plans, as you can drop your child in surrounding streets knowing they will be assisted to cross Kingsford Smith Ave safely.

Lena lives locally and is very excited to be joining our Thomas Hassall Community as our very own School Crossing Supervisor. Lena has worked with children in different roles for the last 10 years, but this is her first role as a School Crossing Supervisor.

Next time you are crossing the road, make sure you say hello to Lena!

Lena
Messages for Mr Whelan

As we approach the end of this remarkable year, it's time to come together as a College Community to express our gratitude and appreciation to Mr Whelan.

We are creating a special keepsake—a book filled with messages from our incredible students, dedicated staff and supportive parents. Your words will not only serve as a token of appreciation but also as a lasting memory for Mr Whelan.

Whether it's a funny anecdote, a piece of advice, or a simple note of thanks.  Your contribution, will make a difference.

Use the button below to leave your message for Mr Whelan.

If you have any photos that you'd like to include in the book, we welcome those too! 

Please submit your messages and photos by Sunday 26 November using the following link: https://forms.gle/D11WsrgMLohMREGw6

Your words will undoubtedly make this gift a treasure he will cherish for years to come.

 

EventsBack to Top

Family Breakfast Picnic

You are invited to a Family Picnic Breakfast on the Top Oval, on Friday 1 December. It begins at 7.30am and will run until 9.30am. This event is not only a wonderful way to conclude the year with our College Community but also a special occasion for Parents & Students to say farewell to Mr Ross Whelan, our principal for an impressive 17 years.

Bring along your picnic blanket and enjoy a beautiful morning on the oval. We are offering the option to pre-purchase breakfast boxes for just $5 each, otherwise you can bring your own food to share. This is a free event although registration is required https://www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book.  Students can only attend with a Parent/Carer and must be registered. We look forward to sharing this special morning with you! 

PDF iconPicnic Day Flyer.pdf

 
Gingerbread House Workshop

You’re invited to come along to our special Gingerbread Workshop event to celebrate Christmas.

We will be running two sessions on Wednesday 13 December: 10am or 5pm
The sessions will take place in Mrs Riitano's Kitchen. 

The cost is $40 per gingerbread kit which includes everything you need to decorate. There are original, chocolate and gluten free kits available. All are nut free.

Bookings are essential by 22 November. Please visit www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book.

Please note students must be supervised by parents or guardians at these events.

We look forward to seeing you there!

PDF iconGingerbread Flyer 2023.pdf

LearningBack to Top

Year 6 Aquatopia Fun Day

On Friday 10 November, Year 6 enjoyed a special day at Aquatopia. As Year 6 finish their time in the Junior School, it is rewarding to celebrate this achievement with a number of special events, before they transition to the Secondary School next year.

There was a lot of excitement, and wonderful weather, for a day in the sun and water. The students spent informal time with their peers and teachers enjoying activities like water slides, wave riders, racing slides, as well as eating plenty of party foods.

Our Year 6 students were beautifully behaved. They looked after each other and showed respect to teachers and Aquatopia staff. It was fantastic to see students attempting rides that they may have felt apprehensive about initially. Students experienced the positive emotions associated with personal growth when facing new challenges and overcoming them! We were very proud of our Year 6 cohort!

year 6

Year 6 Teachers



 
Prep visits Mr Whelan

During the past term, Prep have been excited to visit Mr Whelan and see where he works. They enjoyed sitting in his office and speaking with him. They asked many questions about what it is like to be a Principal. They even discovered that Mr Whelan has a few toys and games in his room that they could play with! Prep also had the opportunity to meet Mrs Easton, the Principal for 2024.

Ross

Mrs Erin Johnson
Junior School Teacher - Prep Red/Blue - Prep Team Leader




 
Inaugural History Mastermind Competition

On 15 November 2023, Thomas Hassall Anglican College sent 16 enthusiastic history students to Tara Anglican School for the first-ever History Mastermind Competition. Eight students from Year 9 and eight from Year 10, representing our Extreme (Elective) History classes, embraced the challenge and put their historical knowledge to the test.

Though victory eluded us, our students revelled in the opportunity to showcase their passion and engage in friendly competition. The competition covered a broad range of historical topics, including from the 9/10 History Syllabus, allowing our students to apply their classroom knowledge in a dynamic setting.

In addition to the general rounds, bonus activities like "Music Through the Ages," "Who Am I?" (congrats to Brieanna for winning a prize!), "Heads and Tails," and "Name the Country's Flag" added a layer of fun and showcased our students' diverse skills.

Accompanied by our Extreme History teachers, Mr. Mills and Miss Sharma, our students represented our school with pride and enthusiasm. The History Mastermind Competition not only provided an arena for academic competition but also fostered a sense of community among history enthusiasts. It was a day filled with learning, laughter, and the joy of celebrating a shared passion for history.

As a token of appreciation for our school's participation, Thomas Hassall Anglican College received a prize – a newly released history book titled The Rest is History by historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. This addition to our College IRC will undoubtedly benefit our students and enrich their understanding of historical events.

Congratulations to all participants for their dedication and commendable performance. We are immensely proud of our students for representing Thomas Hassall Anglican College with enthusiasm and sportsmanship. We hope this event marks the beginning of a tradition that we can look forward to for years to come.

history
Mr Samuel Mills
Year 12 Advisor, History and English Teacher
History Extension Major Projects

On 14 November, our 13 Year 12 History Extension students engaged in a helpful online seminar hosted by the State Library of NSW and the Museums of History NSW. This event, titled "The Project," played a vital role in preparing students for their Major Projects, where they choose a unique topic and focus on historiography, crafting a high-standard 2500-word essay.

The seminar provided an interactive experience, allowing students to connect with esteemed speakers and panellists through an online Q&A session. Keynote speakers included:

Professor Henry Reynolds: Renowned for his research on the Australian Frontier Wars, he discussed the methodology of history and shared insights into the life of a historian.

Jonathan Dallimore: Teacher and author, offered practical advice on completing major works, placing them in the context of the broader course, and outlining strategies for success.

The State Librarian demonstrated the rich resources available through the State Library's website for student research and finding academic sources.

The event concluded with a panel of former students answering questions about writing the Project, addressing many queries from our class.

This enriching seminar empowered our Year 12 students with practical strategies, expert insights, and valuable resources as they embark on their Major Projects.

Mr Samuel Mills
Year 12 Advisor, History and English Teacher
Cookie Decorating

This term our theme in Year 7 Pastoral Care classes has been Compassion. Students have been showing their compassion through a variety of different avenues like participating in Toys and Tucker hampers. However, Carmichael 1 girls wanted to have a deeper discussion on what other meaningful ways we can show compassion. There is no better way than to have a deep and meaningful conversation over some biscuits! Biscuits were freshly baked, thanks to one of our students! The girls took part in decorating them and feasting on them while coming up with some fantastic ideas around the importance of showing compassion. Year 7 Carmichael 1 girls understood that not everyone is fortunate and that it is really important to give from the heart and it may not be money or goods but showing people kindness and support is also an act of compassion. 

baking

Mrs Maha Ghabrial
Secondary Teacher - HSIE
Fun times at the Farm

At the beginning of November, our Kindergarten students were treated to an excursion to Belgenny Farm in Camden. They learned all about cows, the milking process, and how some products like cheese and cream are made from milk. They even had the opportunity to milk a cow and meet a baby calf. The students enjoyed the day immensely!

kindy

Mrs Danica Potgieter 
Junior School Teacher- Early Stage 1
Year 12 Music Activity

On Tuesday 14 of November, students in Year 12 Music had the opportunity to engage in an exciting activity, which aimed to develop their skills in presenting a ‘viva voce’, in preparation for their upcoming assessment. The students were introduced to this activity as ‘speed dating’. They each had 10 minutes to analyse the composition they had been working on, with reference to two musical concepts. 

Then, the room was rearranged to create three tables for two. Three students were picked to stay at the tables (the ‘stayers’), and the other three (the ‘dates’) were assigned to their starting person. The date began. The highest courtesy was expected from the stayers - they pulled out a chair for their date, greeted them kindly, and asked about their day. With the formalities over, the stayers had three minutes to present about their composition, then the dates had two minutes to ask questions about it, to get to know their date. After a time of discussion, the two would swap roles and repeat the process. 

By the end of the date, the couples had got to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses quite well, and they were tasked to ‘rate their date’, involving giving their date a line of positive feedback, and a rating of one to ten based on how well they presented their composition, and how well they asked questions. Then, the dates moved to a different table, and the dating continued until the stayers had seen all of the dates. At the end, the teacher collated all of the scores and feedback and wrote the rankings on the board, dubbing the highest scorer The Bachelor(ette) of Year 12! Through this activity, students worked on the skill of presenting their ideas succinctly, and the skill of giving and receiving feedback effectively.

music

Mr Jack Hollis
Music Faculty 

Performing ArtsBack to Top

Senior Ensembles Evening

Last week the College showcased our Senior Ensembles Evening. This is always a fantastic night of entertainment with our advanced musicians performing a variety of styles across an array of ensembles.

The Senior Vocal group performed a great set, including a number from the upcoming ‘Little Mermaid’ musical, and also a debut collaboration with our senior strings musicians, which was nice to hear both the voices and strings together. The concert band featured clarinettist Matthew P playing a Mozart concerto, and a debut medley of songs from The Phantom of the Opera. The Senior Strings Ensemble then took us to the movies, performing some classic film favourites alongside live footage from movies like The Incredibles and Shrek! The Saxophone Quartet then performed two superb works, followed by the Guitar Ensemble who turned up the volume with some rock’n’roll, featuring vocalist April M. The final act was the Senior Stage Band, performing jazz standards, pop songs and funk fusion.

Throughout the evening, there was also a highlight of the Japan Cherry Blossom Music Tour, with a montage of photos and interviews with Zach J, Javiera G, and Raphael M. There was also a special tribute to our graduating Yr12 musicians receiving their ‘Commitment to Ensembles’ award, celebrating their effort and participation in all College events since the Yr4 Band Program.

Well done to all performers and thank you to all those that attended.

music

Mr Mark
Director of Ensembles



 
Year 1 & 2 Strings Performance

Sensational Strings playing occurred on Tuesday as the Year 1 & 2 String Program students presented a final performance for their peers and parents. Led by Mr Ehab Ibrahim, the students demonstrated pizzicato (plucking) and bowing on the violin as they played a variety of tunes. The audience joined in by singing with the group as they played their final song ‘Jingle Bells’.

Congratulations to all the students involved on their hard work and practice over the year and we encourage them to continue their musical journey learning the violin.

If you would like more information on the Year 1 & 2 String program please see the flyer below.  Bookings for the program can be made via https://www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book

PDF iconTerm 1 & 2 - 1-2 String Program Brochure.pdf



 
Stage 3 Creative Arts Performance

Our talented Year 5 & 6 students took centre stage with a captivating matinee performance for parents and fellow students. Our Stage 3 performers transported the audience through decades of music, showcasing their talents with their dancing, singing and acting.

The excitement continued for their encore performance, playing to a sold-out crowd. Congratulations to all involved in such a wonderful performance. 

creative arts
Assembly Performances

Throughout the year at selected Junior assemblies our tutored students have the opportunity to play music for classes and parents entering the assembly hall.  The students perform a piece they have learned with their tutor and shows the hard work and effort that they have applied to learning a musical instrument.  This opportunity gives students skills in performing and shares their love of their instrument with other students.

Congratulations to all who have participated this year at junior assemblies.  If your child would like to have private tutoring on piano, brass, strings or percussion at the College applications can be completed via this link.

music

Mr Byron Mark
Director of Ensembles

NASSA Year 7 and 15’s Basketball Gala Day

Our last NASSA Basketball Gala Day for the year in the junior division was held last week at Hills Basketball Stadium where 4 teams Year 7 girls, Year 7 boys, 15 Years girls and 15 Years boys spent the day competing against 7 other schools within our NASSA region. This was a great day of experience and learning for some of our students like Max P and Harsheev who were able to play together in a competition after lots of hours practicing at PECs during lunchtime and for Ayani and Olyvia who have never played basketball before. Coaches Sheldon and Aden were extremely proud of all the students and the way they played together, the Year 7 girls improved a great deal as the day went on and the energy from the Year 7 boys grew immensely as they became more confident. Our 15’s girls team did well to place 3rd overall and 14’s boys placed 4th out of the 8 schools. Congratulations to Max V, Liana M and Ana S who have qualified for the next phase in trials in 2024.

basketball

Mr Tat, Mr Newton