From the Principal
Principal Ross Whelan

This will be a most significant occasion for them.  Parents and Grandparents will join with them for this special time celebrating and reflecting on many of the moments of their time at Thomas Hassall Anglican College.  We look forward to a lovely morning as we celebrate together.  Year 12 students have had some other significant events this week to mark the end of their schooling life.  The annual Staff vs Students sporting competitions; time together at the special Year 12 Prayer Breakfast,  and spending time visiting and reading with the Kindergarten students has made the last week a significant time. 

We wish the students well as they prepare for their HSC Examinations over the next month, starting with revision at the Study Camp during the first week of the school holidays.  Many of the Year 12 teachers will attend this camp during the vacation period to bring confidence, support and guidance to the students ahead of their exams.

As we say farewell to our 2017 Year 12 cohort we will also say farewell to Mr Richard Loane the Year 12 Advisor.  Richard who has been an outstanding teacher of Mathematics and Year Advisor will take up the position of Director of Studies at Meriden Anglican School for Girls at Strathfield and tomorrow will also be his last day with us.  We wish Mr Loane all the very best as he progresses to another stage in his career.  We have appreciated all that he has done here at the College particularly with our 2017 Year 12 students over the years. We will miss him greatly.

Holidays are here for the next 2 weeks.  At the College our building works continue during the break, and the office will be open for any enquiries. Let me take this opportunity to wish you a restful time over the period. 

Thank you to all the staff and students for your hard work in Term 3 and we look forward to everyone returning safely for Term 4. 

Please enjoy the break.

Mr Ross Whelan

‘The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; ….he will rejoice over you with singing.Zephaniah 3:17

Mr Ross Whelan
Principal
Building Collaboration
Roger Young

Their week has been highlighted by various events including some gamesmanship and fun and will be finished-off with a beautiful and meaningful Graduation Assembly in which awards, gifts and words of encouragement are exchanged. I am sure that for many of our graduates there is a sense of relief and satisfaction that 13 years of schooling has come to a close; they no longer have to respond to bells and timetabled lessons, they no longer have to keep their uniforms in order, their future is clearly calling. However, with their new found freedom comes a new set of responsibilities.

They will have to discipline themselves to ensure that they stay tuned up for the coming examinations, decisions about universities, work and what to do next will be demanding their attention and so life goes on.

In focusing on our graduates I want to return to Thomas Hassall’s, ‘Graduate Aims'. These are the characteristics that we hope to encourage and equip each graduate with as they progress through the College. Collaboration is one of those important skills which includes an ability for individuals to work together and to consider the needs of the group; essentially it means to ‘get on’ regardless of our differences and commit to the ‘team’.

As we approach the various grand finals you might expect that the best performing team will prevail on the day. In the work place it will be the best performing teams that can adapt to a quickly changing environment that will stand out and find success. The success of the Year 12s of 2017 has been built around their ability to support and build one another up. This is not always easy when personalities and different characters collide, as they inevitably do in a dynamic environment, however, a commitment to work together and find common ground is essential if a sense of team is ever going to develop. I am pleased to say that despite some differences and struggles, our 2017 Year 12 do have a strong sense of identity and cohesion, which they will take into the examinations.

In the classroom collaboration requires students to clearly and logically communicate their opinion verbally, in written texts or visual representations. To do this the students will need to reason with evidence in order to put their case and persuade others to their point of view. As effective communicators students are also encouraged to actively listen and respectfully engage with others. Thomas Hassall Anglican College provides many different and exciting opportunities for all students to develop these skills as they prepare for life beyond school. Let’s encourage each other to this end.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing

Mr Roger Young
Deputy Principal - Senior School Student Development
2018 Term Dates
Term 1
Friday 26 January Australia Day Public Holiday
Monday 29 January Term 1 commences - Years 1-7, 11 & 12, K Testing
Tuesday 30 January Years 8-10 commence, K Testing
Wednesday 31 January Kindergarten commence
Thursday 1 February Prep Blue and Purple commence
Friday 2 February Prep Red and White commence
Friday 30 March Good Friday Public Holiday
Monday 2 April Easter Monday Public Holiday
Friday 13 April Term 1 concludes
Term 2
Tuesday 1 May Term 2 commences
Monday 11 June Queen's Birthday Public Holiday
Friday 29 June Term 2 concludes
Term 3
Monday 23 July Term 3 commences
Friday 28 September Term 3 concludes
Class of 2018 Graduation Assembly
Term 4
Tuesday 16 October Term 4 commences
Monday 12 November Mid Term Break for all students
Wednesday 5 December Celebration - Junior School
Thursday 6 December Celebration - Senior School
Friday 7 December Term 4 concludes

Please Note:  South West Festival and Mid Term Break (August/September) to be confirmed

Code Camp returns in October

During Code Camp at Thomas Hassall Anglican College your child can learn to code and build their very own iPhone or Android app.

Code Camp has taught more than 22,000 students in Australia and is a great way to spend time over the holidays with friends while learning important new skills like logic, creativity, problem solving, app development and game building in a fun and engaging way. Every child attending a holiday camp will build games on software platform Code Camp World and walk away with their very own app. They can take it home to share with family and friends.

Thomas Hassall Anglican College - Spring Code Camps
Camp Dates: Tuesday 3 October – Thursday 5 October

Spark (Years 2-6) - Beginners + Intermediate
Fun, engaging and challenging – Code Camp Spark is where every student in Years 2-6 should start their coding journey. Code Camp teachers will challenge them to develop their coding to reach more advanced levels.

Ignite (Years 2-6) - Intermediate + Advanced
Students build on their skills and create new apps with increasingly complex logic, more code, behaviours and problem solving. Start with 'Drag and Drop' and then move to Line Coding with JavaScript.

Enrol today and help your child become a coding superstar.

For more information, visit codecamp.com.au/thac or contact us at [email protected].

From the Chaplain

Class of 2017 farewelled us this week. Their final reminder was that they are stronger together.

1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

2 Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up.

3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.’

4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.

6 So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:1-6)

This passage isn't talking about strength in terms of physical strength, it’s talking about having strong faith in God. And that Christians should have been given a strong faith should 'bear with’ those who are ‘weak’ in their faith. That is, they are to 'carry' and 'support’ those who are in need.

But there’s a principle here.  

Those who are stronger or more capable are to look to support those who are in need. This is the opposite of how we are tempted to behave, but the strong shouldn’t please themselves. To be self-centred and self-seeking is natural, but to build a strong team we aren’t to use our strength to serve our own advantage. Those with a strong conscience must not trample on the consciences of the weak. All of us should please our neighbour for their good, to build them up.

Pleasing others isn’t ‘flattering’ someone. Flattering people is usually the opposite to pleasing God. When we flatter someone, we're trying to get something from them, approval, or our own way. But even Christ did not please himself.

Instead of pleasing himself, Jesus gave himself in the service of his Father and of human beings. Jesus refused to please himself. He was willing to be insulted on another’s behalf. Jesus was persecuted and crucified for those weakened by sin. So that they could be restored to a right relationship with God.

If we are weak…struggling in our faith, struggling with a sin, struggling in a relationship, remember that he knows our weakness and has provided a way out. If we're feeling weak,  it is not a weakness to admit that or to ask for help. To seek the support of others. To put up our hand and say – I’m struggling and I need help.

If you need help in your exams, in your relationships, in your mental health, if you’re feeling weak seek the support of others.

All of us need each of us. We are stronger together!

Save The Date

Special evening for all students and parents of the Class of 2018

When:   Thursday 12 October 2017

Time:     6pm light supper in Mrs Riitano’s Kitchen

              7pm service in John Lambert Auditorium

RSVP:    No later than 5 October 2017 to Mrs Mandie van Schalkwyk email:[email protected]

We look forward to meeting you on Thursday 12 October 2017

Important Upcoming Dates 2017

Term 3

Friday 22 September Class of 2017 Graduation 
End of Term 3 

Term 4

Tuesday 10 October Term 4 Commences 
Thursday 12 October  Year 12 2018 Dedication Service & Dinner 
Monday 16 October 2017 HSC Commences 
Wednesday 25 October SMBC Hot Topics - Same Sex Marriage? Marriage Equality?
Wednesday 1 November SMBC Hot Topics - Do we need the right to die?
Thursday 2 November Year 11 Parent Teacher Night 
Monday 13 November Mid Term Break - Students Only 
Thursday 16 November  Ensembles Evening 
Friday 24 November Volunteers' Thank You Breakfast & Term 4 Class Parent Meeting
Tuesday 5 December Junior School Celebration
Wednesday 6 December Senior School Celebration
Thursday 7 December End of Term 4
Principal's Awards

Well done to all of the recipients.  

2019 Scholarships Years 7 and 11

Therefore, we are very pleased to offer a limited number of Academic Scholarships for students entering Years 7 and 11 in 2019.
Test Date: Saturday 24 February 2018

Applications open: Tuesday 5 September 2017 

Applications close: midnight AEDT Monday 5 February 2018

Application Fee: $95

Location: Thomas Hassall Anglican College

Steps in the Scholarship Process for current Thomas Hassall Anglican College Students:

  1. Register online to sit the ACER Scholarship examination at http://www.thac.nsw.edu.au/scholarships 
  2.  An invitation to sit the examination will be sent prior to the examination date, including location at the College and requirements for the exam. In the meantime, please advise the College if there are any changes to your contact details.
  3. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their scholarship applications in early April 2018.
  4. Online individual reports will be available to parents from Thursday 5 April 2018.

* Please note that applications should occur when the students are in Years 5 and 9.

If you have any questions please contact Miss Claudia Muñoz, Enrolments Co-ordinator (Years 7-12) on 9608 0033.

WellbeingBack to Top

Online Pornography

Online Pornography

What are your views on Pornography? Would you like for your child’s views,  about sex, to be informed by their peers or pornography? What is the best age to start this conversation? How do you start this conversation? If you want answers to all these questions and more continue reading.

Access to online devices is making it easier for your children to engage with pornography, both by choice and inadvertently. Some parents are having to tackle these difficult topics with kids as young as 11 and most parents feel ill-equipped to do so. SchoolTV can assist parents in having these awkward conversations and help protect the innocence of your children.

From a young age, parents should be continuously educating their children on sex and sexuality with age-appropriate information and monitoring their responses. What kids are seeing online distorts their idea of sexuality and intimacy. Unfortunately, the internet is the number one sex educator for children. Porn can be addictive, like a drug. As the desire for more increases, the brain becomes warped about what is real.

Together, parents and schools have a crucial role to play in minimising the negative effects of online pornography on adolescents.

To find out more, go to http://thac.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter/online-pornography

Source: SchoolTV 

Exam Preparation - Starting the Conversation

Particularly with Years 7-10 exams commencing in Term 4. This can be a stressful time for students and, as school community, we aim to support them as they begin their exams. Earlier in the year our students were given the opportunity to enhance or develop their study skills through the Elevate study skills program.

As parents, there are many different ways that you can support your child to be prepared for the exam period. It is very normal for students to feel overwhelmed by the amount of study they need to do, and as a result students often put off studying until closer to the exam time. This can often increase students stress levels as the amount of study material can increase and begin to feel insurmountable. Approaching studying in ‘bite sized pieces’ is a more effective approach.

A good place to start is by knowing what you don’t know, having a plan, and then gathering the necessary resources or support. We would like to encourage you to start this conversation with your child over the holiday break. This way they can begin thinking about the exam period and get prepared early. This will help to decrease their stress levels as exam week approaches. Here are some recommendations of questions you can ask your child to get the conversation started:

Looking back on your mid-year exams, what are some things you think worked for you, and what are some things you wish you had done differently?

What is your plan for you to be prepared for your exams next term?
What support would you like from me in this exam period?
What subjects are you feeling confident in, and which ones are you worried about?
What do you think you need to do to feel confident for all of your subjects?
What are the topics that are going to be examined?

It is normal for your child to not have the answers to your questions, and that is something that you can work on together. Once they know what they don’t know, they are better positioned to ask the right questions in class and seek the support they need. 

Sarah Sewell
Psychologist - Senior School

Wellbeing Matters

Last Thursday over 60 parents gathered to learn from Rev James Grady of The Frank Chat www.frankchat.com.au on the topic of 'Porn-wise Parenting'.

James' presentation was very well received as he is extremely well researched and approaches this topic with a Christian framework, which reflects the values of the College, on this topic.  We outline his key takeaway messages below:

  • Establish Internal Boundaries (what are you willing to accept / tolerate in the home?)
  • Establish External Boundaries (what physical parameters / technology settings can you promote with your child and the home?)
  • Having meaningful conversations – be in regular conversations with your child about this and other issues (as age appropriate of course)
  • Create a safe space for your child to be honest and open about this issue
  • Look for signs of increased exposure – increased access to technology, high levels of distress when devices are unavailable etc.

Online pornography presents a number of challenges and risks to young people on several fronts. Research informs us that it is linked with depression and anxiety, and additionally, can have devastating impacts on relationships.

James dealt with the topic in a respectful and constructive way and parents who attended were able to receive a number of important strategies to help them deal with this issue positively with their children.

If you do have concerns around this issue and are in need of additional help, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of the Wellbeing Team here at the College.

We thank all the parents for attending this important Wellbeing Matters event – please look out for the next one!

LearningBack to Top

News from the Senior IRC

Books in the jar competition

Six students have correctly named each book in the five jars. The winners are Kate Ingleton and Carys Johnson (Year 7) Sofia Blagojevic and Camille Leslie (Year 10) Jessica Hillier and Brittany Hantzis (Year 12) Congratulations! Each student has won a book of their choice. Thank you to all the students who participated in this competition.

September to Readember

The race is over! September to Readember has come to an end.

The results will be tallied ... the minutes calculated ... the best readers in THAC will be revealed.

Students with any outstanding reading forms to submit them to the IRC as soon as possible to ensure their times are recorded.

Thank you to all students in Years 7 to 10 who competed in this challenge. Winners and prizes will be announced in Term 4.

What's new on the shelf?

The Force is strong with this new addition to the IRC.

Star Wars Allegiance - Timothy Zahn

"The destruction of the Death Star by the Rebel Alliance was a decisive blow against the Empire, but Palpatine and his monstrous enforcer, Darth Zader, are no less of a threat. Among those standing against them are Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia Organa. The three have been sent to mediate a dispute between Rebel Alliance factions in the Shelsha Sector.

At the same time, Mara Jade - all of eighteen and years away from her fateful meeting with Luke - is serving her evil master Palpatine, tracking suspected treachery in the Empire, while a once loyal Imperial Stormtrooper Daric LaRone, his faith in the Empire shaken by the wanton destruction of Alderaan, commits a sudden and violent act of defiance. Each of these fateful actions, whether sanctioned, secret, or scandalous, will expose brutality and corruption, spur upheavals destined to shake the Empire to its core, and shape momentous events yet to come."

Star Wars Allegiance is an epic tale of battle, treachery and intrigue that is guaranteed to be a hit with all Star Wars fans and with anyone who loves the science fiction genre. Written by veteran Star Wars novelist Timothy Zahn, Allegiance takes you back to a time when the Rebellion was struggling to survive and the Empire reigned supreme throughout the galaxy. Filled with interesting plot twists, exciting light sabre battles and blaster flights, featuring the famous and well-loved characters from the films as well as exciting new additions to the franchise, this is a novel that you won't want to put down.

With the new film hitting theatres later this year, Star Wars Allegiance is the perfect way to jump back into this wonderful and exciting universe!

Are you ready to travel to a galaxy far far away? Jump into hyperspace to the IRC and borrow Star Wars Allegiance today! Suitable for all years.

                                   Check out the slideshow to see other great new books in the Senior IRC!

Library Stocktake 2017

The Senior IRC will be starting its annual stocktake on Tuesday 14 November. (Week 6) The last day for borrowing will be Friday 10 November. Students will need to ensure that all borrowed books are returned to the IRC before stocktake begins.

Mrs A Comiskey & Mr M Smith

Senior IRC Library Team

Year 8 Science Excursion

Wednesday 6 September was a great day for all Year  students who participated in an ecology field trip. We arrived at Bonna Point Reserve, Kurnell very excited and could not wait to walk through the mangroves and along the beach.

Our amazing guides taught us about the local environment and we were trained in the use of scientific instruments to help us analyse the salinity and turbidity of sea water.  Walking in the sea to capture specimens was a highlight, so was catching crabs amongst the mangroves.

Our time at the Bay came to an end too quickly as we had to return to school by 2.35pm, however, we had great memories, awesome fun and amazing learning.  Additionally, all staff were exceptionally proud of our students who were great ambassadors for Thomas Hassall Anglican College. 

Here are some comments and snapshots of a fantastic day! The only negative was that our experience there was too short!

We liked working outside.  The water was freezing but we still had fun.  We caught a baby crab, then returned it to its habitat.  The teachers were very friendly.  Aliesha

The science excursion was very informative and helped us to understand what we had learnt in class.  The activities were fun and we got to work with different measuring instruments.  Sara and Angela

The science trip to Kurnell was a really enjoyable experience.  We learnt many new things and even had the chance to participate in activities such as catching crabs, getting in the water and using scientific equipment.  Marie and Aya

The activities were very interesting and hands-on allowing us to experience it fully.  It gave us a whole new perception of how the estuary ecosystem is.  Jakob, Cooper and Brenden

Performing ArtsBack to Top

Bronze Year 9 Dukes Glenbrook expedition

We had 31 Year 9 Dukes participants enjoy a challenging Dukes expedition off the beaten track into thick bush near Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains recently.

This walk really tested accurate navigation and bush skills and it was encouraging seeing the confidence grow amongst the groups. By the end of the camp students could navigate quite well by themselves. Students showed that they have improved in their group support and care skills and have begun to notice more important details of the vegetation, birds and animals that are a part of the beautiful Blue Mountains environment.  

Thanks to all the staff who made the sacrifice of time and effort to assist on this camp. With their help the camp was well served with advice, example and care.

It is encouraging to see so many students learning to get themselves properly organised for expedition. It is important now that they apply themselves to their skill, sport and service activities in other parts of the award as they move towards completing their Bronze Level. Information about how to do this will be shared next term but the website is a good place to start. 

For now, students are encouraged to continue to safely explore the great outdoors. Have a wonderful vacation in this glorious spring weather. 

Jim Ward
Senior School Teacher - HSIE, Careers Advisor, Dukes Coordinator

College Musical 2018

LeaderOfThePack

Leader of the Pack, Musical, Ellie Greenwich, Thomas Hassall, 2018 Musical
Leader of the Pack

We are very excited about our 2018 College Musical - Leader of the Pack - The Ellie Greenwich Musical.  
We encourage all students who may be interested in a role in this production to contact Mrs Hazell in the Creative Arts faculty on [email protected] to obtain a copy of the Information Booklet or to answer any questions you may have.

James Morrison Workshop

Last week, our Senior Stage Band visited Kirrawee High School to participate in a workshop with famous Australian jazz musician James Morrison. Thomas Hassall were one of only three senior jazz bands lucky enough to workshop with this master of music.

Over the 40 minute session, our students performed two pieces, and listened carefully to all the great advice and concepts he had to pass on to them. At the end, James was nice enough to have a jam with the students too, and played a song along with them, including performing an amazing trumpet solo.

This was a great opportunity for our Senior Stage Band, especially the Year 12 students, as their last band excursion as a student. We will strongly miss our Year 12 students, they are a great group of musicians this year. Katrina Fusca also sang a song with our students, and James complimented her on her great voice and appropriate tone for the style she was singing. It was also nice for our students to watch James Morrison workshop two other high-school Jazz bands, and learn from listening to them and what James had to say about them too.

Well done everyone!

Manly Jazz Festival

During the upcoming school holidays, our Senior Stage Band are going to be performing the International Manly Jazz Festival. It is an honour to be selected to perform at this festival as our band needs to audition to be selected as an ensemble for the festival.

This is our third consecutive year appearing at the Festival and our students have a great set ready to perform for the public audience in Manly. Our students are performing from 5pm – 6pm on Saturday 30 September, on the ‘Stars of the Future Stage’.

The festival is free and hosts many other great Australian and International jazz musicians and bands. Please feel welcome to come along and support our students performing and make a fun family day of it and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and music Manly has to offer.

Final Year 12 band rehearsals

Last week the Senior Concert and Stage Bands had a small party after rehearsals to celebrate the amazing contribution the current Year 12 musicians have had on our senior bands. Over the years, they have been committed to rehearsals and performances, and have been an inspiration to our younger musicians.

There are many Year 12 musicians that will be leaving our bands after this term, and they will be greatly missed. We wish them all the best for the upcoming exams and their future studies, and hope that they continue to keep music alive in their lives.

Thanks for everything again Year 12!

Strong season from our league team

We raced by the strong defensive coaching of Mr Coulton, the team put in a number of resilient performances over the course of the season. The team showed particular heart in its round 2 victory against eventual finalist Wollindilly Anglican College, winning by several tries.

Led by inspirational Captain, Ryad El-Ali, whose speed and size surprised many opponents, the team developed a reputation for aggressive running and bone-jarring physicality around the ruck.

Great skills and experience from Joshua Guyer, Daniel Mangesi and Calan Nichols helped form a solid corps to the team; younger speed and enthusiasm from Braden Moxey, Luke Sullivan and Brock Page gave the team an exciting and dynamic edge. Unfortunately, the team’s third-place playoff was abandoned after an injury to the opposition.

Well done to all of our Rugby League boys!

Mr John Williams

Talented Athletes Program - Swimming

The TAP Swimming program is designed to identify talented students from Years 3 – 12 and offers an extensive training program to students who have represented Thomas Hassall Anglican College at the NASSA carnival level or above.

Days: Monday and Friday during the College term (except public holidays)
Time: 6am – 7.30am
Venue: Whitlam Leisure Centre - 90A Memorial Avenue, Liverpool
Cost: Fees will be charged per term
Transport: Parents are to make their own arrangements to get children to the pool for a 6am start. Students will be transported by mini bus to College at the conclusion of the session.

The squad-based sessions will be structured to adopt best practices and will focus on stroke development and correction, developing strength and endurance. Sessions will include race preparation, dives and turns.

Eligibility
The TAP Swimming program is offered to all students who competed at the NASSA Junior or NASSA Senior Swimming Carnival. However, if there is a talented swimmer who did not attend the College Swimming Carnival they may be assessed to be part of the program.  If you would like more information about the TAP Swimming program, please contact Mrs Evans [email protected]

Brochures are available at the College Office.

CommunityBack to Top

Principal's Tours

Word of mouth is how most families find out about Thomas Hassall Anglican College.  

Mr Whelan has been conducting personal tours of the College and there are just two dates left for the year - 11 & 18 October.

If you have friends who are looking for a school for their children, please encourage them to book online http://www.thac.nsw.edu.au/college-tour-booking 

What better way to see the school than a personal tour with the Principal, during a normal school day.

Thank you for your support.

Thank You

Many thanks to Shardae Abdishou who recently dressed up as the White Rabbit and represented the College at the NSW/ACT Chapter Conference of Educate Plus 'Mad as a Hatter' Gala Dinner at The Tea Rooms, Queen Victoria Building.

Shardae entertained over 150 guests on arrival as she darted amongst the crowd telling them she was "late, late, for a very important date".

Educate Plus is the professional association for advancement professionals (marketing, community relations, admissions, alumni, fundraising) in Education for the secondary and tertiary sectors.

Thanks also to our staff members Peter Ford and Michael Clisdell who assisted with the bump-in and out of equipment for this event - sincerely appreciated.

Shardae is pictured here with our Director of Marketing, Enrolments and Community Relations, Mrs Jo Hutchens.