THAC Weekly Recap I Friday 24 July 2020

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From the Principal
Principal Ross Whelan

In the middle of this COVID event which is impacting the South-West, I have great confidence in the work and information of NSW Health and the Premier. They appear to have the tracking of the virus in hand.

What is also evident is that the virus is generally not transferring in school-age children. At the College, we are taking every care and precaution. Thank you for your partnership and understanding of all the measures. 

College photos take place next week.  The Captains came to discuss the option of a special ‘drone shot’ to enable that sense of ‘group’ that we all remember of Year 12.  We will see what is possible. 2020 is especially interesting for our Year 12 HSC students as you might imagine. While some changes have been made to HSC guidelines, the students are still working towards HSC assessment and examination calendars. 

It is an uncertain time, yet we also know that universities still need to fill their enrolments in 2021 and we should be optimistic about the future for our young people in Year 12.

In our development plans, the oval lights have been installed; the new College Uniform Shop is on schedule for a late Term 3 opening; the new Senior School Student Reception area is taking shape and our remodelled College Administration Centre is working well.

We intend to broadcast again on the Thomas Hassall TV platform and will continue to bring COVID updates to you across the coming days and weeks.

Thanks again for your support at this time.

"But Christ is faithful as the Son over God's house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory." And we are God's house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ." Hebrews 3:6

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

As we start a new term, we also begin some new and exciting learning topics such as Space in Year 5 and Lifecycles in Year 1.

It’s been a joy to hear from students and staff as they share highlights from the term break. Although there have been challenges in the community that have impacted on the usual holiday options, I wonder, what opportunities did you take during the holiday period?  I’ve heard a mixture of creative and relaxing holiday highlights over the week including trips along the coast, spending time rediscovering a love of gardening and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. My 1 year old had fun sweeping and playing amongst the autumn leaves in our backyard most days.

We continue to pray for the community to be as safe and healthy a possible. Please partner with us and be in contact if you have any concerns as we are here to help.

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

The Bible is a wonderful source of encouragement and provides an important guide to living for each of us trying to navigate through a complex world. 

At this particular time a verse from Galatians is very relevant.

'Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up' (6:9)  

The Apostle Paul is addressing the Galatians response to sharing the Gospel in the face of opposition, but his response helps us in understanding our own current situations. Staying positive, keeping the basic things moving forward, doing the work at hand to the best of our ability, not giving up on things etc., are the types of attitudes that we need to take on board. Indeed, this reflects our focus this term on ‘resilience’. The ability to bounce back from challenges and hardship is something we are all learning at the moment; as we continue to maintain a positive, forward thinking attitude we will benefit in the long term.

Term 3 is the business end of the year: HSC Trials, Year 11 Finals, many ongoing assessments and practical tasks across all year groups. We could make excuses about the current challenges that we face, but this approach will not be of great benefit. We need to build resilience, and part of this is keeping the bigger picture in mind, understanding that we will come through the challenges if we don’t give up. To this end, every student needs to be keeping up their positive study patterns, spend time to refine their understanding of each subject area and use their time wisely to avoid the numerous distractions with a single-minded discipline. We will all experience the benefits that will come if we stick to the task at hand.

There is much to do this term and granted that we need to be flexible and able to adjust to the changes that are inevitably part of the current landscape, let us encourage each other to this end.

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

Hebrews 4:16  'Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.'

What a year 2020 has been!

One thing I have learnt this year is that I am certainly not in control of everything. It doesn’t take much to realise that there are many things out of our control. The more I have been reflecting on this, the more I have come to rely on the one who is fully in control.

The Bible teaches us that God is in control of all things. That he is the God who created and sustains all things. Over the past few weeks, I have been encouraged to pray. The Bible states that we can approach God with full confidence and that he hears our prayers. The Bible tells us of the love God has for each of us and how he helps us in our time of need. So, I want to encourage you all to pray to the one who is fully in control. Pray that he will help you in your time of need. Pray, giving thanks to our amazing God who loves you more then you could ever imagine and pray knowing that he listens and cares for.

So let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

God bless

Mr Matthew Richards
Assistant Chaplain
Photo Week Next Week

Next week will be College Photo Week

College Photos will be taking place from Monday 27 July until Thursday 30 July. Don Wood Photography will be taking individual photos and sibling group photos at various times throughout the week. All students will have their photograph taken; however, the purchase of photographs is optional. 

For Infants and Primary Students: 

  • Monday 27 July - Prep White, Prep Red, Kindy, Year 4 and Year 6 individual photos will occur. 
  • Tuesday 28 July - Prep Purple, Prep Blue, Years 1, 2, 3 and 5 individual photos will occur. 

Sibling photos will occur on Thursday 30 July for most families, however, for families with children in Prep White & Red, sibling photos will be taken on the Monday 27 July. 

If you wish to purchase a photograph package, this can be done via credit card by visiting https://photo.donwoodphotography.com.au/ and using the code 372T17 

  • Registrations and online payments for sibling photographs are to occur before Sunday 26 July, using the same code listed above. 
  • Individual online photo orders will close 5 August 2020
  • If you have any questions or concerns about ordering then please contact the College. 

 

Further information

  • Parents are not permitted to attend any of the photography sessions 
  • Photographs with friends / cousins are not permitted due to time constraints 
  • Full College Winter uniform is to be worn by students rather than the Sports uniform 
  • If your child is absent on the day of their individual photo, yet returns to school while Don Wood Photography are still at the College, then they may be able to have an individual photo taken if it can be arranged. Please ask them to report to Mr Sale to make arrangements. 

 

For Secondary Students: 

  • Monday 27 July - Year 12 individual photos will occur. 
  • Wednesday 29 July - Years 7 to 11 individual photos will occur. 

Sibling photos will occur on Thursday 30 July for most families, however, for families with children in Prep White & Red, sibling photos will be taken on the Monday 27 July. 

If you wish to purchase a photograph package, this can be done via credit card by visiting https://photo.donwoodphotography.com.au/ and using the code 378F17 

  • Registrations and online payments for sibling photographs are to occur before Sunday 26 July, using the same code listed above. 
  • Individual online photo orders will close 5 August 2020
  • If you have any questions or concerns about ordering then please contact the College. 

 

Further information 

  • Parents are not permitted to attend any of the photography sessions 
  • Photographs with friends / cousins are not permitted due to time constraints 
  • Full College Winter uniform is to be worn by students rather than the Sports uniform 
  • If your child is absent on the day of their individual photo, yet returns to school while Don Wood Photography are still at the College, then they may be able to have an individual photo taken if it can be arranged. Please ask them to report to L Block to make arrangements.

 

The photo packages available is also attached for your convenience.

Please note that even if you do not order a school photo package, every child is to have their photo taken for College identification purposes.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the College on 9608 0033.

 

Term 3 Important Dates

Monday – Friday

27 – 31 July 2020

College Photo Week

Thursday

30 July 2020

Year 7 & 9 Parent Teacher Zoom Sessions

Monday - Friday

3-10 August 2020

Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations

Monday

31 August 2020

Mid Term Break – Staff & Students

Friday

25 September 2020

Final Day of Term 3

 

Medieval Day

On Thursday 23 July, students had the opportunity to learn about life and society in the Middle Ages during our Medieval Day at the College.

Students of Year 7 designed their own family coat of arms and participated in a performance showcasing medieval weaponry and armour, while students of Year 9 Extreme History also learned about Viking raiding and warfare.

Throughout their History course the students of Year 7 have the opportunity to learn about a variety of ancient and medieval cultures, ranging from Egypt to Japan. They also have the opportunity to learn about society and culture in Medieval Europe, and as part of their studies, the Year 7 had the opportunity to engage in the annual tradition of ‘Medieval Day’. As part of this day, students learned about heraldry and the various meanings behind different colours, symbols and animals, before designing their own to reflect their own families. They also had the opportunity to view a show presented by James Adams Historic Enterprises, and as part of this performance, had the opportunity to view and handle medieval weaponry, be placed in the pillory, and learn about some of the more ‘interesting’ parts of life in the Middle Ages.

On the same day, the students of Year 9 Extreme History were treated to a show on the Vikings, to fit into their studies of the Norse ‘Warrior Culture’. These students learned about the different types of Viking warrior, ranging from shieldmaiden to berserker, as well as being able to practice a Viking shield wall. This will progress to their further studies into the Norse as a warrior society, and hopefully teach them the importance of working together and standing side by side!

Mr Robert Smith
Coordinator of History

From the Careers Advisor

Online Resources Assist Students to Make Vital Course and Career Choices

One of the many positives that are coming out of the current restrictions on meetings face to face, is the wide variety of high quality, online experiences that have been developed to assist students get the information, encouragement and inspiration that they need to make wise choices for the future.

Last term, we covered the outstanding new online Career Expo tools that are now available.  Although the expo is over and the institutions are not present in real-time at their virtual stalls, the rich resources that have been collected are still available and there is adequate direction for students to get questions to those who can assist.

The big area of choice for many Year 12 students at present is the correct tertiary campus and course to apply for.  Providers have mounted a wide range of Virtual campus tours and online Open Days where questions can be answered and guidance given.  These are all advertised clearly in the weekly Careers Bulletin that is emailed to all Year 12 students and is available on the Careers section of the College Website.  Many big online events are also emailed directly to Year 12 students. 

Parents and friends can assist students by encouraging them to take the initiative to register and access these high-quality introductions.  Many aspects that students may not have thought of will be covered there.  Students need to be exploring intelligently and can utilise Job Jump to help them get key answers.

We have four Year 12 students doing nurse training at present and each one of them is trying hard, despite the very difficult circumstances of the present restrictions that severely hamper their clinical experience requirements and face to face demonstration.  Rose G is one of these, and we are delighted to be able to congratulate her on attaining 90% and second in her inter-school class for her recent mid-year exam.  She is one of many current Year 12 stalwarts who are heroically getting on with their studies and preparation for the future and not allowing the difficult circumstances of this year get the better of them.  As a Careers Advisor, I am very impressed and congratulate them on their superb efforts. 

Let us all keep encouraging this Year 12 cohort who have had to face tests to their patience and equanimity like no other year group ever has.  Well done students!

Mr Jim Ward   
Careers Advisor

Senior Library Book Snap

Bookflix!
Looking to read the most talked about books from Australia and around the world? They are all on Bookflix!
We have got award winning novels, famous classics, as well as new releases from all genres. You are guaranteed to find the perfect read on Bookflix.
This month’s special theme is 'Super Series Starters!' Got more time on your hands? Want to begin some epic binge reading? Make sure you check out all the great first novels found in our ‘Binge Worthy Series.’ 
New books are added every week. Reading has never been easier and more accessible. There is something for everyone on Bookflix. Create an account today!

Overdue notices
Overdue notices will be sent out next Monday.  If any students require a printed list of their loans please speak to Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith.
Students who do not return their books after receiving their third notice as well as an email will be invoiced for a replacement copy.
All invoices will still stand if books are returned after this final date.
If you have any problems or questions regarding overdue books please speak to Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith who will be happy to help.

Book Bites – see if a book is to your taste?
The Beast of Buckingham Palace – David Walliams
“It is 2120 and London is in ruins. The young Prince Alfred has never known a life outside Buckingham Palace – but when strange goings-on breach its walls and stalk the corridors in the dead of night, he is thrust into a world of mystery, adventure and monsters. And when his mother, the Queen, is dragged away to the Tower of London, Alfred must screw up his courage and battle to save her, himself… and the entire city. In a future of myths and legends, join the bestselling David Walliams and venture forth into his most enthralling tale yet!”
‘The Beast of Buckingham Palace’
written by famous British comedian David Walliams is an exciting futuristic story filled with mystery, suspense and adventure. It tells the story of Prince Alfred, a young prince who must battle evil creatures and stop a sinister plot to overthrow the royal family. A heart-warming story of friendship, loyalty and bravery that readers will enjoy and remember. Suitable for Years 7 and 8. 


Mrs Annette Comiskey & Mr Michael Smith
Senior Library Team

Poet, Harry Laing's visit to College

On Thursday 23rd July, we had a special visitor to our College. 

Australian poet, children’s author, creative writing teacher and comic performer, Harry Laing came to do writing workshops with Years 1 and 2.

Harry writes the following on his website:  I have a passion for poetry, comic performance and for teaching. As a poet I’ve had two books published Thirst (1993) and Backbone (2010). My two books as a children’s author is Shoctopuspoems to grip you (2015) and Moonfish - books of illustrated poems for 6-12 yr olds. I’ve written and performed 8 solo shows and toured one of them, Away with the birds for STARTS (Southern Tablelands Arts). I was awarded CASP grants to write and perform a two-hander Playing for Time in 2012 and a staged radio show Under Braidwood in 2014 I’ve also written for radio. My two series of quirky country tales Stories from the edge of the forest and Tales of a Tree Changer were broadcast on ABC Radio National’s Bush Telegraph in 2005/2006.

I like to think I have the ability to get people writing whatever their age and stage. Perhaps this is because humour is a big part of what I do. I’ve been Poet On Wheels (2006) worked in many schools, judged schools poetry competitions, been a writer in residence and taken workshops in jail. And I’m constantly surprised and delighted by the quality of writing of participants in my workshops.

Harry is a regular yearly visitor to our College and as always both students and teachers thoroughly enjoyed his visit.


 

Mrs Emma Harris
P-2 Coordinator