NewsBack to Top

We were extremely pleased with the 2018 HSC Results as reported last year and this Friday we will be celebrating the achievements of our Top Achievers in a special assembly. The students will share some of their journey with the current Year 12 cohort who are already well into their final year.

We were thrilled for Michael Ruhs in Year 11 who led Australia as Captain of the Under 16’s Schoolboys Football Team to Europe over the break. Congratulations to Michael – you can read more about his achievements in this edition.

It’s been exciting to see the new Rawdon Middleton Centre being used for outside sporting events over the holidays and weekends, including the State Futsal Finals recently. This facility is proving to be a great place for community engagement. Mr. Sonny Makko has been looking after these events and we look forward to seeing more over the course of the year. Our Dance Program and Basketball Academy both begin today and the response has been very encouraging.

We trust you have been engaging with our Facebook site and enjoying the videos and news items uploaded to the site. This is a great way to showcase the College. Please feel free to share the posts with your friends. We have our Open Day coming up on Friday 1 March and it would be great to welcome people to see how the College works every day.

‘Movies Under the Stars’ will be held once again on Friday 22 March. This is a great event with lots of families in attendance. The movie title will be announced very soon. Why not mark the date in your diary and come with the whole family?

Last week was Camp Week in the Senior School from Monday to Wednesday. Camps were held in 5 different locations, and Year 12 students visited the University of Wollongong. It’s always a good time for students to get to know others in their year, along with their teachers. Thank you to all the teachers who accompanied the students. The fish were biting too at the Year 7 Camp!

Tomorrow night, Tuesday 12 February, is the first of our Junior School Information Evenings with next Wednesday 20 February also scheduled. This is an important time to meet teachers to discuss the year ahead for your children. We will be holding the first of our Class Parents Meeting in the next few weeks so let me encourage you to also think about joining this active network. It’s a great way to meet others in the College community and provides opportunities to contribute to the programs here at the College.

We are all looking forward to a great year ahead. Thanks for your support in anticipation.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

Mr Ross Whelan

Principal

From the Deputy Principal

The good thing about a start to a new year is that it is a fresh start. An opportunity to set new goals, to establish good habits and make an adjustment in the way we approach challenges. Last week students were away at various camps around Sydney and a great time was had by all. These camps are designed to meet the needs of each cohort of students. For instance, the Year 7 camp is focused on building a new team. This helps students to establish new friendships and overcome some of their fears. It is an excellent camp for all our new students to integrate with our existing students. Each camp is designed to promote skills and abilities related to our Graduate Aims (the Graduate Aims can be found on page 5 of our new Strategic Plan). Things like resilience, collaboration, self-regulation, receptiveness and good communication are really needed when you are taken out of your comfort zone and into new and challenging situations. Thank you to all parents who support the College in this important endeavor.

I am excited by where we are right now as a College. Once again our students have performed with some very strong HSC results, but more importantly, this has now been sustained over a number of years. In the past few years we have had some notable performances:

2018: 178^th on the Merit List: Thomas Hassall Anglican College
2018: Excellent NAPLAN results across: 3, 5, 7 & 9 demonstrate a consistency across the Junior and Senior School
2018: 1^st in the State for English Extension 2: Rebecca Lin
High Distinction Society & Culture PIP – State Top 10 - Sophia Kovac
2018: 6^th in the State for Music 1: Gemma Navarette
2018 Encore nominations: Krestian Khanou, Elissa Pearce, Gemma Navarette
2018: Top ATARs: 98.90 Benjamin Shead; 98.60 Moriah Viglione; 98.05 Rebecca Lin; 97.15 Amelia Lin; 96.20 Rachel Squire; 95.55 Jessica Napoletano…
2017: All Drama students (11 students) nominated for On Stage
2017: Encore nominations: Lani Jenson, Georgia Cosier
2017: 7^th in the State for Music 1: Georgia Cosier
2016: 5^th in the State for Chemistry: Geovanny Gandy
2016: 8^th in the State for Senior Science: Monika Mitrevska
2016: 137^th on the Merit List: Thomas Hassall Anglican College

The consistency in our academic results is one measure of success, but to see great outcomes for individual performances in sport, the creative and performing arts, and in general leadership beyond school, is an indication of a strength building across the College culture. The Graduate Aims are an aspirational target that we hold for every Thomas Hassall student.

Daniel Mahoney (Year 12 Graduate from 2017) joins the College staff this year as our Sport Assistant. Daniel is choosing to break the normal pursuit of University to serve the College over 2019. At our first assembly of senior students Daniel spoke about his struggle with Year 11; a year in which he almost gave up school because the pressure had got too much. With encouragement from his teachers, Daniel came back to complete Year 12 with a renewed determination. Not only did he finish well but he achieved an excellent ATAR which gave him a wide number of career options. What Daniel experienced, however, was success in conquering his fears and getting to the HSC summit with real integrity. Daniel represents a Thomas Hassall graduate who has clearly demonstrated our Graduate Aims. Well done Daniel it is a pleasure to have you with us for 2019.

You don’t have to be a star on the sports field or the best in the classroom to become successful, but you do need courage and persistence to grow and develop to the best that you can be. This year we have set ourselves a target as a school to go from “good” to “excellent”. This requires each of us, students, parents and staff, to do our best to encourage and spur one another on. 2019 can be a stand-out year for each of us, but it requires each one to play their part. Please continue to support us as we venture through the year.

Hebrews 10:24 New International Version (NIV) - 'And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.'

Mr Roger Young

Deputy Principal - Senior School Student Development

From the College Chaplain

Maybe it was a dream, maybe it was real? Well, I am glad to be able to return to Thomas Hassall as the Chaplain in an acting capacity for 2019. I have known the outgoing Chaplain, Rev Stuart Tye, for a number of years. Ironically, we worked together previously. I then came here and served for 7 years from 2007 – 2013. Reverand Tye then replaced me and after 4 years I return as he moves back to our original school. Déjà vu!

In Year 10 Christian Studies, our first lesson last week was on Who am I?, an introduction to our learning from John’s Gospel about the life of Jesus. I also shared a little about myself by way of introduction. Since 2013, I have had the opportunity to serve as Chaplain at Nowra Anglican College and also to be the Pastor of an Anglican Church. These were both enriching roles but circumstances led to me needing to return to some casual teaching last year and circumstances have enabled me to be available to return to Thomas Hassall in 2019. I am grateful to God for his goodness and faithfulness. I have also been greatly encouraged by the growth in the College, the professionalism and care of the staff and the friendly, positive nature of the students.

As we approach the coming year, I encourage you to consider for yourself the question ‘Who is Jesus’? As a College with a Christian foundation, there are many opportunities to investigate this question. I appreciate many of you have considered this for many years, some of you know the reality of Jesus at a very personal level, and for others it is all quite new.

I hope to have the opportunity to meet you in the near future. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the Christian faith or anything else that is on your mind.

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Mr Matthew Richards

Assistant Chaplain

Parent Cafe at MRK

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Grand Opening Special

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Every coffee purchased will come with a free THAC reusable cup.

In Term 1 we will be trialing a parent Cafe called Cafe MRK. It will be on every Thursday & Friday from 8 - 9.30am beginning on Thursday 21 February.

Come and join us for our Grand Opening where you can purchase a barista made coffee, a selection of sweet and savoury bites to eat.

Whether you would like to sit in and catch up with fellow parents or get a coffee on the go, we have something for everyone.

Limited offer only available on the Grand Opening - a free reusable cup with any coffee purchased. Bring your THAC cup back on your next visit for a discount.

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Term 1 Important Dates

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Tuesday	12 February	Junior School Meet the Teacher
Thursday	14 February	Junior School Swimming Carnival
Friday	15 February	Class of 2018 Distinguished Achievers' Assembly & QEGS Visit
Wednesday	20 February	Term 1 Class Parent Information & Induction (Morning Session) - 8:45am Junior School Meet the Teacher
Friday	22 February	Senior School Swimming Carnival
Saturday	23 February	2020 Scholarship Testing
Monday	25 February	Term 1 Class Parent Information & Induction (Afternoon Session) - 5pm
Friday	1 March	College Open Day
Wed - Fri	6-8 March	Year 5 Camp
Wed - Fri	13 - 15 March	Year 6 Camp
Friday	22 March	Movies Under the Stars
Wednesday	27 March	Year 7 & 12 Parent Teacher Interviews
Monday	1 April	Year 9 & 11 Parent Teacher Interviews
Thursday	4 April	Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews
Friday	5 April	Senior School Cross Country Carnival
Monday	8 April	Year 8 & 10 Parent Teacher Interviews
Tuesday	9 April	Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews
Thursday	11 April	Junior School Easter Hat Parade
Friday	12 April	Dad's Day in the Canteen Last day of Term 1

A New Baby Boy

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Congratulations to Sarah - our Senior School College Counsellor and her husband Nathan Sewell who welcomed their little one Edward Leo - born on Sunday at 12:38am. Eddy is doing really well - he weighed 3.57kg and measures 50cm in length. Sarah reports she is doing very well, a bit tired but otherwise all is going well.

We are thrilled with this news and praise God for the safe arrival of Eddy. We wish their family blessings now and always.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow."

Parking & Safety Rules

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Welcome to our New School Staff for 2019!

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Open Day - 1 March 2019

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This day is a great opportunity for anyone considering enrolment to see the College in action.

There will an opportunity to visit classrooms, hear from the Principal and ask questions about the College.

Please let your family and friends know and encourage them to register for this event on the College website (https://www.thac.nsw.edu.au/content/open-day)

School Opal Card

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Opal Card

Visit https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/schooltravelpasses#/howToApply

The address on the application needs to be your residential address where the student is living.

Secondary Student Concession Card

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They are required to carry this card if they are travelling on public transport outside of school hours and holidays along with their Green Child/Youth Opal Card.

WellbeingBack to Top

School Transitions

School TV

School Transitions

However, transitioning is an ongoing process. It can continue long after students have entered their new environment and may encounter difficulties at a number of different stages. These stressors may appear as anxiety and frustration and result in negative or disruptive behaviours. Such behaviours can become problematic making the transitioning process even more difficult for children and parents.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month's edition and we always welcome your feedback.

If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information.

Here is the link to this month's edition https://thac.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions

LearningBack to Top

News from the Senior IRC

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Students in Years 8 to 11 who still have library books from 2018 need to return them to the IRC as soon as possible. Students who do not return their books will receive an invoice for a replacement copy. Please speak to Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith if you require a printed list of your loans.

Tuesday lunchtime in the IRC
The IRC will now be open on Tuesdays during lunchtime.

The IRC needs you!
Are you in Year 7? Want to help out in the IRC? Want to see how a school library works? If you answered yes to all three questions, then the IRC needs you! Library monitors are needed! Please speak to Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith if you are interested in applying.

Term 1 competition coming soon!
Early vs later. Older vs newer. Classic vs modern. In the world of Science Fiction which is better…. Classic sci-Fi or modern sci-fi? Are the books of Issac Asimov better than those of Orson Scott Card? Or are the stories by Marie Lu more engaging than those of H. G. Wells? Is Science Fiction getting better or is the past where it is best?
Have your say during Term 1 2019. Great prizes to be won!

IRC on Canvas
The senior IRC has recently launched its canvas page. As well as providing information on the latest Library news and competitions, students will also have access to HSC and career resources, Year 11 and 12 subject guides, a library catalogue guide as well as help with the Dewey Decimal System. Research hints and tips and bibliography help guides are also available. Lots of great resources are to be found on the IRC Canvas page!
For more information please speak to Mr Smith or Mrs Comiskey.

What’s new on the shelf?
Go on an epic journey across a dangerous land only in the IRC!
'The Dog Runner' – Bren MacDibble

“'We're gonna starve if we stay here,' Emery said. 'If we're gonna go, best go now.' And he said it like going was something easy. Like all we have to do is walk away.”
“Ella and her brother Emery are alone in a city that's starving to death. If they are going to survive, they must get away, upcountry, to find Emery's mum. But how can two kids travel such big distances across a dry, barren, and dangerous landscape? Well, when you've got five big doggos and a dry-land dogsled, the answer is you go mushing. But when Emery is injured, Ella must find a way to navigate them through rough terrain, and even rougher encounters with desperate people...”

‘The Dog Runner’ written by Bren MacDibble is fast paced and suspenseful novel that is guaranteed to be a hit with readers from the very first page. Set in a terrifying future Australia in which all grass crops are dead and extreme hunger grips the country, ‘The Dog Runner’ tells the dramatic journey of two siblings and five loyal dogs as they travel across a ravaged and dangerous landscape in an effort to try and find a better life for themselves. The novel is told through the eyes of one of the siblings Ella. She is young, brave and resourceful, understanding how deadly the world she lives in is. A wonderful trait of this character is her unwavering hope which carries her through and past each obstacle she faces, this giving her the strength not only to survive but to grow.
‘The Dog Runner’ is a wonderful novel that is bound to be enjoyed by a wide range of readers. It is a very appropriate book for young people to read, especially in regards to the world’s uncertain future regarding climate change and global warming. Not only does it provide an example of why mankind needs to protect the planet, but also highlights the importance of family, trust and hope in times of struggle and uncertainty.
Many more great new novels have just arrived in the IRC! Check out the new book stand for all the latest releases.

Mrs Annette Comiskey & Mr Michael Smith
Senior IRC Library Team

Performing ArtsBack to Top

Music Ensembles

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it is time to get back into our music ensemble rehearsals for 2019! The College has a range of Ensembles that your child can be a part of; from Concert and Stage Bands, to vocal group, contemporary band, drum circle, string orchestra, and many more. If your child is involved in one of these ensembles, rehearsals are back on track now for the term. If your child sings or plays an instrument and would like to join one of these ensembles, please see our music administration assistant Mrs Hobbins for an information note or email [email protected], or speak with Mr Mark or Mr Lane to talk about the right ensemble for your child.

Rehearsal times for these ensembles are as follows:

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Byron Mark
Manager of Ensembles - Creative Arts

Year 7 Violin Program

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On Wednesday afternoon's, we will be starting a Year 7 Violin Group. This group will run from 2:45 to 3:45pm. Students will learn the basics of the violin from a professional musician, perform as a small group, and will continue into the Senior String Ensemble in the following year.

Students will need to bring in or hire an instrument. Please see our music administration assistant Mrs Hobbins for an information note, or email [email protected].

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Mr Nick Lane
Faculty Co-ordinator - Creative Arts

Tutor Spotlight

Performing with Mr Ehab Ibrahim

Junior & Senior Strings

Ehab Ibrahim has been tutoring at Thomas Hassall Anglican College for 9 years.

Since 1995, Ehab has been engaged as a Principal Cellist and as a Soloist with many orchestras. He has also given many solo and chamber music concerts in the US, Europe and Australia with many internationally acclaimed musicians and conductors.
Ehab turned his focus to teaching in 2000. He was a tutor at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music for six years, teaching both individuals and ensembles, and has taught at a number of educational bodies, including Newington College. In 2003, he was appointed as the first Head of Strings at Macarthur Anglican School where he established its strings department, including its chamber and symphony orchestras (which have won multiple Eisteddfod competitions and have later toured internationally).In 2005, Ehab founded Sydney Strings Academy – a music school based in Burwood that provides private and group tuitions as well as conducting chamber ensembles in private schools (including Picton Strings chamber orchestra) in addition to tuitions provided in its own studios.

Since commencing at Thomas Hassall Anglican College, Ehab has over 40 students at the College. He has started the Junior String Orchestra, Senior String Ensemble, Year 1 and 2 String Program and will also be assisting with the new Year 7 violin program this year.

Ehab has extensive experience in preparing students for AMEB exams and teaches students at the college from Kindergarten to Year 12. Please see our music administration assistant Mrs Hobbins or email [email protected] for an information note on tution or to join a strings group.

YEAR 12 EXPLORER DAY - UOW

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Year 12 visited the beautiful UOW campus in Wollongong on the first day of Camps week and enjoyed being treated as university students. They were given a timetable of lectures and a map and had to find their own way for a day!

The reception and advice of UOW staff was warm and friendly and the lectures attended proved interesting and motivated all to think more deeply about important issues and ways of thinking.

Interesting campus tours opened up the many superb facilities available to all students who choose this university. Sport, accommodation, student shopping, drama, the technically advanced library and well equipped lecture theatres were all most impressive.

The behaviour and presentation of our students were excellent and it was exciting to listen to some of the many different avenues of study that were being contemplated.

A new element was introduced to the Careers Advisors present on this day. Much of the university training is now being linked to the UN Developmental Goals for growth. Poorly resourced areas are now highlighted as an inspiration to students to choose study and research paths that will help address world problems. So the big question these days is not what do you want to do when you grow up but what developmental areas do you wish to work on to make a difference to impoverished areas? This links in very neatly with our College goals of service that spring from our Christian foundations.

This was a very good start to the Careers inputs to the College in 2019.

Mr Jim Ward
Careers Advisor.

SportBack to Top

2019 Secondary School Football programs

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Coach Sonny Makko

Advanced Pathway Program - Secondary Boys - 15 years and under in 2019

The 15 years and Under Secondary Boys Football Program commenced training in Term 4 last year and will continue the program until the end of Term Three.

Training for 2019 commences on Tuesday 12 February.

Football Development Program - for girls and boys

Positions are available for Secondary girls and boys to join the Football Development Program on Tuesday afternoons.

There are no trials for this program, which commences in Week Three of Term One, 2019.

Paper copies of the application form are available at Student Reception.

TAP Football Snr 2019 v2.pdf

TAP Football Snr Form 2019 v1.pdf

Academy of Dance Program - Kinder - Year 6

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The College is excited to launch Dance as an additional sport in the 2019 Talented Athlete Program.

Utilising our own highly qualified and experienced dance teachers we will commence afternoon dance development sessions covering a range of styles.

Monday - Year 3 - 6 Program - Contemporary, Jazz and Hip Hop

Tuesday- Year 3 - 6 Program - Contemporary, Jazz and Hip Hop

Wednesday - Kinder - Year 2 Contemporary and Jazz

We have had a tremendous response to the introduction of the programs and Term One is at capacity for all days.

A wait list is in operation, so if you are interested in enrolling your child please contact the College Office.

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

Basketball Development Program - Kinder - Year 9

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The College is excited to launch Basketball as an additional sport in the 2019 Talented Athlete Program. Utilising our new gymnasium and the experienced coaches from Camden Valley “Wildfire” Basketball Association, afternoon basketball development sessions will be offered to students.

The Basketball Development Program is offered to both boys and girls from Kinder to Year 9.

The one hour sessions are designed to improve the skill level of each individual and cater for all abilities.

Students will be involved in fun activities that develop skills and promote understanding of the game. There are no trials for this program.

All sessions will occur from 3.00 – 4.00pm and will be conducted in the new sports facility.

* Tuesday - Year 1 - Year 4 Program (FULL)

* Wednesday - Year 3 - Year 6 Program

* Thursday - Kinder - Year Two Program

* Friday - Year 6 - Year 9 Secondary Program

THAC TAP Basketball brochure 2019.pdf

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

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sports Coordinator

Michael Ruhs represents Australia!

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Michael was chosen as Captain of his team by his coaches and fellow players. The Australian team has recently returned from a tour of the UK.

Michael played amazingly well against some tough opposition scoring a hat trick in 5 mins against Cheltenham and scoring 3 other goals against Scotland, Fleetwood Town and QPR. .

The boys played 9 games in total, 4 of those being against international teams of the calibre of Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England. They won 3 and lost 6 and scored 20 goals in total.

On the last day of tour, Michael was bestowed the honour of receiving the signed team jersey by none other than famous Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Scwharzer for Players Player of the tournament.

Well done Michael - we are very proud of you!

CommunityBack to Top

2019 Student Residential Address and Other Information

Term 1 : Monday 11 February 2019