Term 1 | Friday 5 March 2021

From the Principal
Principal Ross Whelan

The year is well underway, and in the Senior School we will have interim academic reports coming to you next week ahead of the first Parent Teacher night for 2021. 

Like most events at this time, we will be using Zoom to have conversations about each of your children. Junior School families have already met with teachers online in the Meet the Teacher evening some weeks ago.

Very successful swimming carnivals have been held in Junior and Senior School and the first of the representative carnivals, the NASSA Carnivals, were held this week. We achieved 3rd place in the Senior Carnival and 4th place in the Junior Carnival at NASSA, which is most commendable, and a large number of students will proceed to the next level. Congratulations to students and staff.

We are managing the process of COVID-19 across the community and the city, aren’t we, and since we have needed to be concerned about social distancing and healthy interactions, we have all found the necessary disciplines and practices. While it has been difficult and has interrupted our lives, we have found ways to manage the event.

I might remark, however, that there has likely been an increase in social tension, whether at home or school or in the wider community. It’s fair to say that the current debates around domestic violence, or indeed the issue of consent for teenage girls, are indicators that we are talking more about social tension and the need to bring resolution to difficult situations. Let’s talk more about ways to ease the tensions around us.

As a College community, we do well to bring the important issues that impact our young people and families to the fore, and we will have opportunities to have events that focus on wellbeing issues. Please watch out for the ‘Wellbeing Matters’ events as they occur. Please also raise the issues that are difficult, with teachers or our 3 expert and qualified psychologists Mrs Petersen, Mr Cleur and Miss Bjelan.

Open Week is scheduled for the week commencing Monday March 15. We already have lots of bookings and if your friends and neighbours would like to know more about Thomas Hassall Anglican College, there are several opportunities for them during the Open Week. Details are on the College website.

Please take care as a family and thanks for your continued support of all of our programs.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way,  just as we are—yet he, Jesus, did not sin. Hebrews 4:15

Mr Ross Whelan
Principal
From the Deputy Principal & Head of Junior School
Luke Sale

It was fantastic to see students in the next level of swimming competing for the College at the NASSA swimming carnival.

While the competition is always fierce amongst the schools, the most important observation that I made whilst attending the carnival was the drive and determination of the young people involved.

There were a few athletes that stood out as having excellent results, but what impressed me the most was how gracious and humble the race winners were when they came to get their ribbons for winning.

We have high expectations of our young people and it is impressive to see that we have young people at Thomas Hassall who meet those goals we set for them. Finishing 4th was a great result for our school and a big well done for everyone involved.

Enjoy reading about what some of our Junior School classes got up to in the last few weeks and other sporting events in the articles below. 

 

Mr Luke Sale
Deputy Principal & Head of Junior School
From the Chaplain
Denis Oliver

It is hard being a parent. We have much to juggle and clashing with our children is the last thing we want to do – but we must if we love them. God understands.

Sometimes adults are not too different from children. We want what we want and in chasing our desires, we can ruin our lives and compromise our future. God sees and because He loves us, he gets angry with our poor decisions. Though he is angry, he never gives up on his people.

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  (Jeremiah 29)

God wants to give us a good future, an eternal future. God will do whatever it takes to get us there. He will do everything from taking away our freedoms to sacrificing His own Son for us.

The staff at Thomas Hassall are also all about giving your children a hopeful future, both academic and spiritual.  We are partners with you in showing them a better way.

The next time you clash over homework, that device, uniform, or whatever - know that you are not alone.  It may be unpleasant, but it is worth it because loving children is not about making them happy but giving them a future.

Reverend Denis Oliver
College Chaplain
Term 1 Important Dates
11 MarchThursdayYear 7 and Year 12 PT Night
15 - 20 MarchMon - SatOpen Week at the College 
25 MarchThursdayYears P-6 PT Night
26 March FridayJunior School Cross Country Carnival
1 AprilThursdayLast Day of Term 1 
Message from the College Nurse

Just a friendly reminder that we have a large number of students and staff who have nut allergies.

Some of these allergies are life-threatening to those individuals. Therefore our College is ‘Allergy Aware’ and we ask that you do not send any products that contain nuts to College. The integrated nature of our College means that any student who brings these items to College could inadvertently contribute to a crisis for these students. 

Thank you for your understanding and support. 

Ms Karen Tindall
College Nurse

EventsBack to Top

Holiday Programs

We have some great holiday programs available for the upcoming school holidays.


Football Program - 12-16 April
The College is excited to host our Football Program in the upcoming holidays for students at Thomas Hassall Anglican College, their friends and family.

Students will be involved in activities that develop skills and promote understanding of the game. The daily training will be designed to improve the skill level of each individual. 

Our Football Director, Mr Sonny Makko will be leading the program and it is offered to boys and girls in Kindergarten to Year 9.

Find out more on the Football Flyer. For bookings, please visit www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book
 


OSHClub
There are some exciting days planned during the April Holidays at OSHClub. From going around the world, to a movie mania day, it is sure to be fun for students.

Find out more on the OSHClub website



CodeCamp - 13-15 April
Get creative with technology at CodeCamp running on the 13-15 April. On top of 5 coding classes to suit all skill levels,  Code Camp have launched a range of new camps, where students can learn to DJ, produce YouTube style videos and create stop-motion animation short films.

CodeCamp is a registered provider for the NSW Government Creative Kids Voucher.
 
Take advantage of the Early Bird sale if you book by midnight Sunday 7th March. Our discount this season is $25, and all parents can access this using the code EARLYBIRD25. 

To find out more, please read the flyer or visit the CodeCamp Website to book.


MOTIV8sports - 6-7 April
Another great holiday opportunity is the MOTIV8sports Super Camp 2021 running on 6-7 April at the College.

Held only once each year, Super Camp is a sports festival designed just for kids. Way more than a sports dreamland, Super Camp is an energetic mix of sport, music, street culture, art and dance mashed up to create the ultimate atmosphere for kids who love having fun. Campers will be treated to an incredible array of our trademark team sports in an environment full of energy, motiv8tion and unbelievable guidance from our professional team of coaches.

MOTIV8sports is a registered provider for the NSW Government Creative Kids Voucher.

To find or more or make a booking, please visit the MOTIV8sports website

WellbeingBack to Top

A message from the College Psychologists

Life is busy and at Thomas Hassall, we are regularly reflecting on how we can improve access to our services and resources.

We live, learn and play on digital platforms and we would also like to provide you with an opportunity to inform us via the Parent Referral Form about a concern you may have.  

You may wish to refer your child or alert us about a change in circumstances. This form enables you to get a message to us quickly and efficiently.  This is accessible via our website or the College App.

Please see below how you can access the form on the App



Resources
SchoolTV is an online resource designed to empower parents with practical ongoing support strategies and more importantly credible and sound information. It can serve as a preventative tool which is accessible to parents at any time.  Parenting is challenging in this modern age and parent can benefit from support to raise well balanced, resilient children. SchoolTV has a great deal of valuable information on a variety of topics, including useful resources to assist parents to support their children.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling

 

LearningBack to Top

Kindergarten Art

Kindergarten had a great time being creative during this week’s art activities. Students engaged in a range of fun craft activities.

They are very proud of the work that they created!

Mrs Sue White
Kindergarten Team Leader

Year 4 Music

In Year 4, students are given new and exciting opportunities that develop resilience in challenging learning experiences.

One of these opportunities allows students to learn a new instrument.

4H began the year with an eagerness to start these lessons and experience something new in their school week. Students have been learning about timing and playing their first notes. There have been challenges that students have had to overcome. But, it is always encouraging to see how quickly students begin to understand and play together as one band. It has been excellent to see students discover a passion for music and possibly a talent that they will continue with for years to come.



Mr Jeremy Howard
4H Teacher

Junior School Sport - Term One - dates for your diary

Important Sport Dates for 2021 - Term One 

Week 7 -            Tuesday 9 March - NASSA Junior Boys and Girls Soccer Gala Day (APP Football Year 5 and 6 Boys and Girls)

Week 8 -            Monday 15 March – CIS Primary Girls Football Trials (selected at NASSA Gala Day)

Week 8 -            Thursday 18 March – NSW CIS Primary Swimming Carnival - Homebush

Week 9 -            Friday 26 March – Year 3 - 6 Cross Country

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sports Coordinator 

Junior School NASSA Swimming Carnival

On Tuesday, a group of students represented the College at the NASSA Swimming Carnival at Sydney International Aquatic Centre in Homebush

There were some great individual performances, with 9 swimmers, including the Junior boys and Junior Girls relay teams, through to represent the College at the NSW CIS Swimming carnival.  

We placed 4th overall and all of those students who represented the College are to be commended on their achievements.  

NSW CIS Primary Tennis Trials

Congratulations to Alexander L who recently represented the College at the NSW CIS Primary Tennis Gala Day.

Alexander had some close matches showing skill and sportsmanship, but was unsuccessful to get through to the next round of selection.

He played exceptionally well and is to be commended on his performance at the State trials.

Mrs Sharon Evans
P- 6 Sports Coordinator

CommunityBack to Top

Join our Community Parent Network!

At Thomas Hassall Anglican College, we love to work together with our families to create community. 

Our Community Parent Network is one of the most important ways we achieve community and we would love you to join in 2021!

The Parent Community Network provides support to the College through:

  • Assistance in the classroom (Multilit, Minilit, Reading Groups)
  • Assisting at events (sports carnivals, stalls, creative arts events, College community events)
  • Representing the Parent Community at community events such as Open Day and South West Festival
  • Organising get togethers for grade groups outside of school hours

 

In order to become a part of the Parent Community Network it is essential to have your Working with Children Check (which is free for volunteers) and participate in the online induction which includes Privacy and Child Protection Training. 

If you would like to volunteer at the College please register your details using the following Application Form

Mrs Carmen Pasapera
Marketing & Community Relations Manager