The Way Weekly Recap I Friday 8 October 2021

While the transition back into face-to-face is going to take some working through, it will be good to see students back at school and life take a semblance of normality albeit COVID Safe.

Whilst we expect that all students will return to College by Week 4, we will continue to offer learning experiences for those students who are unable to return, so please hear that we are planning to be flexible as we transition back on site.

Transitioning back into school will be a process for everyone. It is going to be a very good time for students to reconnect with their peers and their teachers. This is an important process and in some way, it will be like starting off the year again. There will be a sense of excitement and a buzz which we will need to manage in a sensible and respectful way.

For some students, there will be a degree of heightened anxiety experienced by individuals. If you notice that your child will need additional support or consideration, please inform the relevant Year Advisors. It is normal for individuals to be experiencing a sense of loss and grief. Parents may be experiencing this too. Have you spoken to your child about this? It might be a good way to start the healing process.

The College will give students an opportunity to talk about these realities as this will help to alleviate some of the negative emotions. Conversely, it is equally important to focus on some of the very positive things that might have come out of this lockdown. This could include the following: a greater appreciation of family, friends and relationships; an opportunity to get into a regular fitness routine; greater flexibility and resilience in the face of change. It might be good to sit down with your child/ren and work through some of these things together. We will certainly do some of this as we reconnect again.

As we return please be especially prayerful and mindful of our Year 12 students. This group are in the last throws in preparing for their HSC. A good number of these students have received an early offer into University Courses, which is great, but there is still a desire to have every student at their peak for the coming examinations.

We need your understanding and support as we still have a way to go in our journey that is part of our daily reality. I am really proud of our Thomas Hassall community and I sincerely hope that we can find different ways to communicate the ‘love and appreciation that we have for one another’.

Let me encourage you to be intentional in reaching out and communicating your love in the days ahead. It will make a huge difference to our world at this time. God Bless!

Enjoy watching some of the antics of our staff during their time at home.

'By this everyone will know you are my disciples if you love one another ' - John 13:35 

We have all experienced this event together and we are all at various levels of transition and adjustment. 

As lockdown restrictions are slowly being lifted to varying degrees, we are entering 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, whilst others may be feeling 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, 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 about how to help ease this time of transition. 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 Returning to School

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling

Abide – Senior School Christian Lunchtime Group

Each Friday lunchtime of Term 4, join us for games, a short Bible talk and discussion groups.

This term we will hear from students and teachers on their favourite Bible verses and what they mean to them.

For the time being, we are meeting on zoom, 12.20-12.40pm each Friday. All high school students are welcome – access is via the “Abide” page on Canvas.

If you have any questions or for more information, please contact Mr Mills [email protected] or Rev Oliver [email protected]

"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek...." And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. 

We are excited to be begin preparations for the commencement of our new musical, Shrek The Musical.  This is an exciting opportunity for students in Years 5-11 in 2022 to be involved in this production.  

Whether you are a singer, dancer, actor or just keen to perform, we would love to have you involved.

It's not too late to request an information booklet by emailing [email protected] and register for auditions which will be held in Weeks 2 and 3.

An information webinar will be held on Monday 11 at 6.30pm and will be a great opportunity to provide further information, answer questions and introduce our director, Meg Day.  A link for the webinar will be broadcast on the College app and emailed on Monday.

We look forward to sharing more information with you then.

Mr Luke Robinson
Productions & Creative and Performing Arts Coordinator

Our MRK staff are back for another week of Cook with MRK! 

This week's recipe is a tasty snack that is quick and easy to make.

Read the full recipe on our website