THAC Weekly Recap I Monday 25 May 2020

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From the Principal
Principal Ross Whelan

As we begin the full return of students to the College, let me thank everyone and bring a welcome back message to the College community. 

While still in the middle of this COVID-19 event, there are positive signs across Sydney and the South West to encourage us and build confidence. 

It seems right to say that, since young people do not appear to be transferring the virus to any significant extent, it is good to have schools in operation.  Given the direction of authorities to have safe practices, we will not be conducting excursions or playing competitive sport against other schools. For the remainder of the term; that is with the next 5 weeks in mind, we will be conducting every class according to the timetabled program, and with the best hygiene practices in place.

We must all however, take care and be cautious about social distancing. Parents in drop-off and pick-up to not come past the pathways at each entry. 

On a pleasing note, our Year 12 students are settled and like most others, enjoyed the return of being back in the physical space of the College.

This week we will hold a Parent Information Webinar focusing on the transition to high school which will allow us to prepare for the next intake of students in 2021 and beyond.  As we all appreciate it is important that new families quickly gain an understanding and link to the College community – our culture and programs. 

Please enjoy the news in this edition of The Way and once again….Welcome Back!

“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”  Psalm 100:5

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

Back and Smiling

It has been an absolute joy to see the students return onsite over the past two weeks. I wanted to share with you some beautiful quotes from students who were happily reunited with their friends and teachers.

“I am happy to play cars with my friends. I love doing activities” - Royce, Prep

“To see my friends, play football and read books” – Petar, Kindergarten

“I’m excited I can see my friends and my teacher. I’m happy to be able to do my work in class again” -
Holly, Year 1

“I’m excited to get back to my teachers and learn new stuff rather than being at home” – Annabelle, Year 2

‘’I’m excited to come back to College because I learn in my normal classroom with my normal teacher’’ – Sarah, Year 3

‘’I’m excited to come back to College because I get to see my mates and play soccer’’ – Callum, Year 4

‘’I’m excited to be back at College because it’s less stressful, I can ask my teacher questions straight away” - Beth, Year 5

‘’I’m excited to come back to College so that I can learn more productively’’ – Annabel, Year 6

There has been a buzz of excitement and some initial nerves, however, as I’ve walked through the playground I have seen more students than ever skipping from place to place and laughing with their friends. In the classrooms, teachers are passionately teaching and students are actively engaged in their learning. We have had a settled start back together.

Welcome back students and thank you families for your efforts.

 

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

Students were greeted by a passionately produced WELCOME BACK banner today as a ‘staff shout out’ as they returned to campus.

Having the whole school back on campus and relative normality, albeit under new protocols, has been a real blessing to our community. The banner was a gesture of genuine celebration. Staff from right across our College contributed to the production of the Welcome Back Banner, including teachers (Junior and Senior), office staff, support teachers and our maintenance crew.

We have all loved having the students return to Full Time school. Our community has suffered a little from the isolation and the challenges involved in maintaining safe and secure protocols. Nevertheless, we are looking towards a great finish to the Term and a fantastic remainder of the year.

The making of the banner was recorded for the benefit of our broader community. Please click on the Link below and enjoy the teachers welcoming students in anticipation of their return.

Special thanks to Genelle Griffin, Jules Brattoni and the Creative Arts Team for their assistance in bringing this WELCOME together!

Mr Roger Young
Deputy Principal - Senior School Student Development
The Bible as one big story

One of our aims at Thomas Hassall is to explore how the whole Bible (both Old Testament and New Testament) all fit in to make one great narrative from God to His people.

It is common to view the Old Testament as old and irrelevant as it was all written before the birth of Jesus Christ but we believe that the Old Testament is just as relevant as the New Testament. We aim to teach all students that all of the Bible is a beautiful story of Gods loving plan to save all people.

One way we are beginning to do this in the Primary years is to teach the Old Testament timeline. We will then begin to see how each story points to a need of a Saviour who will come to forgive all people from their sin.

Below is a fun way that the primary school were able to learn the Old Testament timeline during Blended Learning online.

I hope you enjoy.



 

God Bless

Mr Matthew Richards
Assistant Chaplain
Assemblies in an Age of Social Distancing

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Assembly

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Virtual Assembly

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Assembly 2

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virtual assembly

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Virtual Assemblies

In this time when we have had to adapt so much to change we too have been looking at ways of being innovative and creative while still offering ways to be community together and allowing students to engage in the life of the College.  

A very important component of College life is our Assembly times.  A chance to share, showcase talent and hear important messages.  We are now delivering online Assemblies through a YouTube channel with students watching from their classrooms.  The assemblies consist of the normal program which includes performances, a segment with the Principal, a valuable message along with opportunities for other news to be shared.

We are enjoying this way of connecting and staying informed and thank all those who work behind the scenes on these productions.  A special thanks to Mr Young and Mr Clisdell and their teams.
Secondary School Parent Webinar

Secondary School at Thomas Hassall - Your Questions Answered

Join us for a live webinar as we discuss the transition from Junior School into Year 7. You'll also be able to have your questions on Secondary School answered by our Senior Leadership Team in our live Q & A.

FRIDAY 29 MAY   |   10AM



To register, please visit https://event.webinarjam.com/channel/THACSenior

We look forward to having you join us online!
College Buses Fully Operational

Please note that the College Buses will be running to their normal timetables and routes.

Students are to wait at their normal stops and pickups/drops offs according to timetables.

Mr Russell Woodcock
College Bus Driver
Uniform Shop Ordering Changes

At this time The Uniform Shop will not be open for browsing. 

However if you need to purchase items you can call or email though your order and we will contact you to collect the items from the College Reception.

We do have a number of Junior winter jumpers and jackets in stock. Please email Mandy Payne at [email protected]

Thank you for your understanding.

Mrs Mandy Payne
Uniform Shop Coordinator
Family connections

It's always fascinating when we find connections in our history, isn't it? 

Upon going through some family papers recently, our very own Ms Raft found out that her great, great, great, great grandfather was baptised by the Reverend Thomas Hassall himself! What a great piece of history to discover!
Study Centre Open

Study Centre Reopens

Please note that the Study Centre has reopened.

Monday - Thursday 3-5pm.

Please be reminded to adhere to all guidelines for parents to remain offsite and social distancing.
Student Banking

No Student Banking 

Please note that there will be no Student Banking for the remainder of the term.

We will reassess and advise arrangements for Term 3.

Mrs Rebecca Clarke
Business Manager
MRK Open

MRK Open

Mrs Riitano's Kitchen is open for business serving up some delicous winter food.

Prep to Year 6 - Orders through Munch Monitor for Recess and Lunch till the end of the term.

Years 7 to 12 - Full service 

Please be assured that additional safety measures have been implemented with food packaging and handling along with updated procedures/work practices.

Cafe MRK will not be running for the duration of the term.

We look forward to seeing you all.

Mrs Hanan Longbottom
Canteen Manager 

 
The Transition Back

The Transition Back

The Transition Back
The Transition Back

As lockdown restrictions are slowly being lifted to varying degrees, we enter a time of transition and adjustment. The circumstances of this situation have significantly impacted us all.

For some it has been an opportunity to reflect on what is important, whilst others have embraced the opportunity to learn new things.  Many young people may be excited at the prospect of restrictions being lifted; others may feel mixed emotions. Reactions will differ depending on how well they cope with stress and change. Keeping a check on your child’s mental health and wellbeing as they adjust to new routines, will be vitally important.

There is still a lot of uncertainty ahead of us, so focusing on the things you can control or enjoy doing or even value, can help establish predictability and familiarity for the whole family. Adult carers need to provide young people with reassurance by acknowledging any concerns and fears they may have at this time. Consider this to be a normal reaction, however it may be best to focus more on their feelings and emotions, rather than the practicalities at this stage.

In this Special Report, we share a few ideas to help ease this time of transition and adjustment. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the College for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling