Term 3 | The Way Newsletter | Friday 5 September 2025

Latest UpdatesBack to Top

From the Principal
Principal

What a fabulous day we shared at the South West Festival! It was wonderful to connect with so many families and to enjoy the offerings of our wider community. From the excitement of meeting Bluey and Bingo to the spectacular display of vehicles at the car show, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Even though the weather brought a little wind, it certainly didn’t hinder the spirit of the day.

Mrs Easton

We are so grateful to our many stallholders who contributed to the energy and atmosphere, and I especially want to thank our dedicated staff who worked so well together to make the day such a success. A special mention goes to our amazing Parent Community Network, who once again gave their time and talents to pack and wrap the wonderful hampers and help showcase who we are to our many neighbours and friends.

Alongside the Festival, this week also saw the wonderful performance of our Stage 3 students in their creative arts productions. This year we have witnessed a new standard of excellence in our Junior School offerings, and I want to acknowledge Mrs Lianne Brown and Mrs Winsome Hollis for their commitment to our young students and for helping them truly light up the stage.

As we now look towards Father’s Day, I want to acknowledge the Parent Community Network once again for their work supporting our stalls and gifts. I hope all fathers and grandfathers enjoy some well-deserved spoiling this weekend. The annual Father’s Day breakfast was another extraordinary celebration of community life at the College.

I am regularly amazed by the scale of the events that we host, but more than that, I am inspired by the spirit of cooperation and generosity that makes them possible. My theme for this year has been together, and I believe this past week has truly captured the heart of that message. Together is about community and connection — being part of something bigger than ourselves. It is about regularly attending College, engaging with one another, and enjoying all that is on offer as we grow and learn side by side.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Mrs Karen Easton
Principal
From the Deputy Principal & Head of Junior School
Sandy Wheeler

The Stage 3 Creative Arts Night show ‘A Night on Broadway’ was spectacular! We were swept into different Broadway shows including Les Miserables, Matilda and Wicked. An incredible amount of talent was showcased from powerful acting, co-ordinated choreography and impressive musical skill. I was so proud of every student for performing their hearts out on the auditorium stage! Congratulations to Mrs Brown and her team for a stunning vision come to life and for her passion to see every student given the opportunity to try something new or discover a life-long interest in the Performing Arts arena. Thank you to all families and guests who supported the shows.

Creative Arts

Our Fathers’ Day stall was a huge success this week thanks to our incredible volunteers from the Parent Community Network. There was quite the buzz in S block hall with students selecting that perfect gift amongst an impressive range of choices. I also wish a happy Fathers’ Day to the fathers and father figures in our College community. It is also a good time to reflect on the blessing it is to have a heavenly Father who is the perfect model of love and strengthens us as we raise the next generation of children.

Finally, a friendly reminder that student uniforms will be transitioning into the summer uniform starting Monday 8 September. Between now and the end of term, your child/ren can come to school dressed in either full summer uniform or full winter uniform on those colder days. The changeover marks the shift to warmer weather as Spring comes in, which I am keen to welcome after a season of wet, cold weather!

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
- Lamentations 3:22-23

Mrs Sandy Wheeler
Deputy Principal & Head of Junior School
From the Assistant Chaplain
Peter Butchatsky

“Happy Father’s Day Dad! Thanks for all the times you’ve disciplined me over the years. I especially appreciate my most recent consequence, when you grounded me for a week. You’re the best!”

If I’m fortunate enough to receive a Father’s Day card from one of my daughters on Sunday, I’m fairly certain that it won’t contain these words. After all, what sane person enjoys being punished?

Nonetheless, contemporary parenting advice continues to highlight the importance of discipline. Children are prone to making poor choices and they need our help in correcting them. As Dr Jane Nelsen, creator of the “Positive Discipline” programme says, “true discipline guides, teaches, and invites healthy behaviour.” The Bible puts it this way:

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
- Hebrews 12:11

I love the phrase, “a harvest of righteousness and peace”. Isn’t that just what we want for our children? As parents, we need to remember that we are ‘playing the long game’ in regards to our children’s development. This should encourage us to apply discipline where it is required.

To be honest, as a dad, I sometimes avoid disciplining my children. Why? I don’t enjoy the negativity I’ll probably get in response. Sometimes it’s easier to ignore the problem and hope that my wife will step in. I need to be reminded of the benefits for them when I carry through with discipline.

Perhaps you are not at all reluctant to apply discipline when your child does wrong. That’s great! However, it’s worth reflecting on the reasons you are doing this. Is it because you want to train them in the right way to live? Or simply because it makes your life easier? Consider this verse from Proverbs. 

The Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.
- Proverbs 3:12

God knows a thing or two about good parenting. He is a Father who delights in blessing his children. He disciplines us out of love. And we have God’s Son, Jesus, who willingly endured unjust punishment - not for His own sake, but so that we too might also become sons and daughters of the same loving Heavenly Father.

Mr Peter Butchatsky
Assistant Chaplain
From the Junior School Director of Teaching and Learning
lisa

What is important for students to learn when they come to school each day? How do parents and teachers support these characteristics and qualities to develop?

Earlier this week, Mrs Singles and I attended a conference addressing these very questions. What is the latest research saying about knowledge and skills, and how do we all encourage these at home and at Thomas Hassall?

In today’s classrooms, soft skills are essential for each student to develop. At the primary level, we focus on nurturing qualities like empathy, resilience, teamwork and communication because they lay the groundwork for lifelong success. These skills help children build strong relationships, navigate challenges with confidence and contribute positively to their communities.

What is important for students to learn? One of the speakers talked about 3 essential areas he called, ‘Stuff, Skills and Soul’.

WHAT DOES THIS COVER?
Stuff content
Skills  critical thinking, creativity, connection, collaboration
Soul curiosity, community, citizenship, compassion

By itself, the ‘Stuff’ is not enough. Look at the qualities listed in the Skills and Soul sections and consider how these are essential in your working and home lives. Imagine our home and school without them.

As we continue to instruct our students at school this semester, please encourage your children to continue developing these qualities too. Through them will come the necessary skills of questioning, analysing and reflecting, lifting surface learning to a higher plane.

By embedding soft skills into everyday learning, we are not only supporting academic growth but also helping our students become thoughtful, capable and kind individuals.

Ms Lisa Hansford
Director of Teaching and Learning - Junior School

Upcoming dates

Date Event

Thursday 11 September

 R U OK? DAY 
Silver Dukes Hike
Monday 15 September Year 11 Exams Begin
Tuesday 16 September  Prep - Year 2 Tabloid Carnival 
Thursday 18 September  Year 12 Trivia Night
Friday 19 September  Year 9 Dukes Bronze Hike
Monday 22 September  Hassall Gift 

Tuesday 23 September 

Year 12 Prayer Breakfast 
Wednesday 24 September Year 12 Graduation
Thursday 25 September Prep - Year 2 Tabloid Carnival 
Friday 26 September  Last Day of Term 3

Please see Sports Update articles for all important sporting dates.  
Uniform Change Over

Please note as of Monday 8 September, the uniform changes over to summer.

Senior Students are expected to be in Full Summer Uniform. Junior School Students can either wear Full Summer or Full Winter Uniform for the remainder of this term.

Uniform shop trading hours

If you need to purchase items, next week the uniform hours will be:

Monday 7.30am – 3.30pm 
Wednesday 12.00pm – 6.00pm
Friday 7.30am – 3.30pm

Senior school students will be able to go to the shop before and after school, as well as during lunch and recess to make purchases. For more information and to make an online order you can click on the button below. 

 
South West Festival Competition Winners

Congratulations to all of our South West Festival competition winners

We recently announced the winners of our South West Festival competitions. There was a range of competitions for year groups and these were our winners:

Prep - Kindy Colouring Competition

Prep - Lucy B. and Leon M.

Lucy Bleon

 Kindy - Mia Z. and Alessia J. 

miaalessia

Years 1 and 2 Drawing Competition

 

Year 1 - Christian P. and Ivaan C.

christianivaan

Year 2 - Miguel P. and Valentino N.

miguelValentino

  Years 3 - 4 Poster Competition

Year 3 - Allegra D. and Shyla S.

allegrashyla

Year 4 - Ariana T. and Tegan H.

  arianaTegan

Years 5 - 6 Radio Ad or Article Competition 

Year 5 

Aiden P.

Ian D. 

ian

Year 6 

Orlando C.

 

Violet O.

 

violet

Senior School Photography Competition

1st Place: Sofia V - Year 9

Sofia

2nd Place: Daniel V - Year 11 

DANIEL

3rd Place: Harrison R

harison

Thank you to everyone who entered the competition. There were lots of creative entries and it was a hard decision to make! 

EventsBack to Top

South West Festival

On Saturday 30 August, College families and the local community came to the South West Festival hosted on the College grounds. It was a day packed with lots of entertainment from our talented musicians and dance students. The event transformed the grounds into a vibrant hub of activity, with something for all ages to enjoy.

Children were thrilled to meet their favourite characters, Bluey and Bingo, who brought plenty of smiles and games. The rides and attractions proved a hit, as well as the face painting and the ever-popular petting zoo, where they could get up close with friendly farm animals.

Food lovers were spoiled for choice with a wide selection of food trucks serving up sweet and savoury treats from around the world. The bustling market stalls showcased handmade goods, local community groups, and unique gifts, adding to the festival’s lively atmosphere.

Car enthusiasts were drawn to the motor show, which featured an impressive line-up of classic cars, custom builds, and vintage favourites that turned heads throughout the day.

With perfect weather, a strong turnout, and plenty of smiling faces, the festival was hailed as a huge success. It not only provided a fun day out but also brought the community together. Thank you to everyone who came along and to our amazing sponsors who made it possible.
 

Thank you to our sponsors, their sponsorship helps to put on a festival of this scale.

Particularly we would like to thank our Major Sponsor, Liverpool City Council for partnering with us once again for this wonderful festival. 

 

liverpool

We would also like to thank our Gold and Silver Sponsors. 

GOLD SPONSORS
sponsor MA century 21
Morizzi Civil Martial Arts Spirit Prestons Centry 21 Partners

   SILVER SPONSORS
Good Az Gold Tours Century 21 Combined Liverpool Intelec

Please support these businesses as they support our College.
Fathers' Day Breakfast

This morning, our College community came together in record numbers to celebrate Father’s Day with a warm and welcoming breakfast. More than 1,000 dads, grandads, carers, students, and staff filled the campus, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Guests enjoyed a hot bacon-and-egg rolls, cooked by our very own MRK staff. Laughter and conversation filled the grounds as families sat together, catching up before the College day began.

The morning was about more than just food—it was about recognising the important role fathers and father figures play in our students’ lives. A short address from the College Principal highlighted the value of strong family connections.

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend.
Fathers' Day Stall

This year’s Fathers' Day Stall was a memorable event, giving students the chance to select a special gift for their dads and father figures. From careful browsing to those last-minute changes of mind, it was wonderful to see the thought and effort that went into every choice. We know these gifts will bring plenty of smiles on Father’s Day.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our Parent Community Network, whose hard work made the stall possible. From preparing hampers and arranging displays to assisting students on the day, your support ensures this much-loved tradition continues each year.

 

LearningBack to Top

Year 3 Explore Forces at Lizard Log

Our Year 3 students recently had an exciting day at Lizard Log exploring the world of forces in action. Through hands-on experiments and interactive activities, they discovered how pushes, pulls, and friction affect movement.

Lizard Log Excursion

The natural setting provided plenty of opportunities for students to test their ideas, work collaboratively, and connect classroom learning to real-life experiences. It was a fun and engaging day of science in the outdoors!

Mrs Lisa Sampson
Junior School Teacher - Team Leader Year 3
A Night on Broadway with Years 5 and 6

On Wednesday 3 September, our College community was treated to a dazzling display of talent and imagination as our Year 5 and 6 students brought A Night on Broadway to life. The Stage 3 Creative Arts Night was a celebration of music, drama, and storytelling, centered around two students in music detention who discover a book titled Broadway Favourites. As they open its pages, iconic characters and songs leap into their world, creating a vibrant journey through the heart of musical theatre.

The performance featured a stellar cast of students who embraced their roles with confidence and flair. Jessica A, Orlando C, Mary-Rose B, Evana M, Oscar Q, Victoria M, and Olivia T led the first act with powerful stage presence and expressive delivery. In the second act, Violet O, Leo V, Indiana M, Bentley M, Christian K, Adrian J, and Sophia K continued the show, captivating the audience with their energy and charm.

 

Behind the scenes, Mrs Brown’s direction and choreography brought the production to life. Her vision, creativity, and tireless dedication ensured the show was a success. The costumes, coordinated by Mrs Hollis, added flair and authenticity to each character. Her attention to detail helped transport the audience straight to Broadway. 

Adding to the evening’s atmosphere was a stunning visual display curated by Mrs McDermott. Her art exhibition featured Broadway-themed artworks created by our Year 5 and 6 students, reflecting the vibrancy, drama, and emotion of musical theatre.

Each student brought something unique to the stage, and their collective effort created an unforgettable evening of entertainment. From heartfelt solos to lively ensemble numbers, the production showcased not only their artistic talents but also their teamwork, resilience, and joy in performing.

Congratulations to all involved: performers, backstage crew, artists, and staff. They made A Night on Broadway a true highlight of the school year. We couldn’t be prouder of our students and the creative spirit they shared with us all.
Junior Art Showcase

It has been a busy term in Junior Art, with Stage 2 and Stage 3 exhibitions displayed in conjunction with Creative Arts Nights in Weeks 5 and 7.

Our Year 3 students spent the first half of the year creating pencil and chalk self-portraits, which were then transformed with full body glam rock outfits with plenty of bling and platform soles.  Our sparkly ‘Power Rock’ blocks were fun to make and are fun to arrange in different combinations.  Artists like to play!

In keeping with the rock ‘n’ roll theme, Year 4 students made observational drawings of an arrangement of musical instruments, including drums, a saxophone and an electric guitar.  They have been learning about visual conventions of position and overlapping of shapes, refining their compositions with collage and tempera watercolours.

The entire Year 5 cohort worked collaboratively to create huge lanterns from traditional materials of bamboo and paper.  Together their big letter sculptures spell out the theme of the Stage 3 Creative Arts Night:  A NIGHT ON BROADWAY.  These demonstrate how learning in Visual Arts and Design enriches and supports the hands-on development of STEM skills, group skills, problem solving and creative thinking skills.  Thinking and working in three dimensions is very challenging.

Year 6 students explored the theme of icons - from the traditional religious styles of Byzantine and Eastern European iconography, depicting the holy figures, to Andy Warhol’s Pop Art style of silkscreen images in bold colours featuring famous stars, such as Marilyn Monroe.  For their exhibition, students used technology to posterise a photograph of their favourite actor or musician, adding bright watercolours to their digital print.  These images were elaborated using the embossing technique to create a silver frame for exhibiting their work.

Exhibiting is an important Visual Arts practice that features in the new NESA Creative Arts K-6 Syllabus:

“Exhibiting involves developing students’ understanding that artworks are valued, displayed and interpreted by audiences. Students develop observation through a critical and creative lens in the interpretation of their own and others’ artworks. They explore ways curation and display can contribute meaning to artworks and develop understandings for audiences. Students have opportunities to exhibit or display their own artworks for an audience through virtual, physical, indoor or outdoor displays.”

art

Thomas Hassall Anglican College students’ work is now featuring in the IPSHA Virtual Art Show.  Our Year 5 student, Liliana Garzaniti’s mandala artwork is prominent on the promotional poster for the show.  You can check it out alongside the best of Sydney’s Independent Primary Schools’ junior artworks.

Mrs Ann McDermott 
Junior School Specialist Teacher (Visual Arts)

Junior School Sports Update

Winter IPSSO Sport

The Winter IPSSO season for the Northern Pool has now concluded, and we would like to extend our congratulations to all students for their outstanding efforts and sportsmanship throughout the competition. It has been a season filled with teamwork, determination, and fantastic results!

Final Placings – Northern Pool:

Sport

Year 3 & 4

Year 5 & 6
AFL 4th 2nd
Netball 2nd 3rd
Boys Soccer 2nd 1st
Newcombe Ball / Volleyball 1st 2nd
Teeball / Softball 1st 1st

We are proud to announce that the following teams have qualified for the Winter Finals, taking place on Wednesday 10 September:

Junior Teams:
  • - Teeball
  • - Newcombe Ball
  • - Boys Soccer
  • - Girls Netball
Senior Teams:
  • - Softball
  • - Mod Volleyball
  • - Boys Soccer
  • - AFL

Congratulations to all our finalists! We look forward to seeing you give your best on Finals Day. Encourage your teammates, and enjoy the experience - you’ve already achieved so much!

UPCOMING SPORTING DATES

UPCOMING EVENTS

WEEK 8

 Wednesday 10 September IPPSO Winter Finals
Friday 12 September CASA Junior Football Gala Day
WEEK 9 Tuesday 16 September Prep and Year One Tabloid Carnival
Wednesday 17 September IPPSO Winter Finals Back-up Date
WEEK 10 Thursday 25 September Prep, Kinder and Year 2 Tabloid Carnival

Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sport Coordinator
Student Sports Spotlight

Success for Ivy at NSW Junior Aerobic Gymnastics Championships

Congratulations to Ivy N (Year 1) on her success at the All State NSW Junior Aerobic Gymnastics Championships.

Ivy demonstrated great skill and commitment throughout the competition, achieving Silver in the Individual category and two Bronze medals in group events.

ivy

This is an outstanding accomplishment at a state level and reflects both Ivy’s dedication to her training and her enthusiasm for the sport. The College community is very proud of her achievements and looks forward to seeing her continued success in the future.

Co-curricularBack to Top

Co-curricular Update

The Sports Academy continues to be one of the most vibrant and inspiring parts of our College community, with 396 students currently enrolled across 19 different programs. Whether it’s the fast-paced energy of football, the finesse of tennis, or the team spirit of netball and volleyball, our students are thriving in a diverse range of sports that cater to all interests and skill levels.

2025 has brought exciting new developments. Our partnership with Sparrows Volleyball has launched with incredible momentum, and students are loving the high-level training and camaraderie it brings. Athletics has also seen a major boost thanks to Rob Marks, whose expertise has elevated the quality and professionalism of the program. More and more students are eager to get involved, and it’s always a joy to walk around the College before or after hours and see so many smiling faces as they pursue their sporting passions.

Across all sports, our coaching team is second to none. From Leena Khamis, a former Matilda, to international athletes who play professionally in Australia and have chosen to work with us during their time here, our students are learning from some of the best in the business. Their dedication, passion, and mentorship are what make these programs truly exceptional.

Beyond the regular offerings, our holiday camps in football, dance, and volleyball continue to be a hit—giving students the chance to stay active, build friendships, and sharpen their skills during the break. Coming up in Week 9, we’re inviting families to join us for Open Week: a wonderful opportunity to watch your children in action, celebrate their progress, and connect with the wider school community.

A huge thank you to all our coaches for the energy and care they bring to their programs. And a special shoutout to Miss Tikeri, whose leadership of the Sports Academy is marked by grace, warmth, and a deep commitment to student growth. Her ability to bring people together and keep everything running smoothly is nothing short of remarkable. I also want to acknowledge Sonny Makko who has worked with us for many years and continues to be a great encouragement to our young athletes, as well as a great partner in running a quality program. 

As we head into the final term of the year, we’re excited for what’s ahead, more milestones, more memories, and more moments of sporting brilliance.

Mr Luke Robinson
Director of Co-curricular
BandJam

Get Ready to Jam! A Special Collaboration with Oran Park Anglican College

This past week, our Junior Concert Band and Intermediate Concert Band had an incredible opportunity to participate in a joint rehearsal called Band Jam, a collaboration with students from Oran Park Anglican College. The atmosphere was electric as our students came together with their peers to share a day filled with music, learning, and fun. It wasn't just about playing what they knew; students were challenged to sight-read two new pieces and even compose their own piece as a band. This gave our musicians a taste of what it's like to play in a much larger, more dynamic ensemble, improving their ability to blend their sound, listen to others, and create on the spot.

bandjam

 

The highlight of the day was seeing the different skill levels work together seamlessly. Our younger students were inspired by the sound and technique of the more experienced players, while the intermediate students had the chance to step up as leaders. The creative process of composing a new piece together was a fantastic experience that fostered teamwork and a deeper understanding of music.

The day concluded with a short performance for teachers and parents, showcasing the amazing progress made in just a few hours. A big thank you to the music staff at Oran Park Anglican College for hosting this wonderful event. We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate and create beautiful music together!

Mr Lachlan Kennedy
Head of Music Ensembles
South West Festival Performances

A Resounding Success at the South West Festival!

What a day for our College music program! This past weekend, all of our ensembles took to the stage to perform and entertain the public at the annual South West Festival. It was a fantastic opportunity for our talented musicians to showcase their hard work and share their love of music with the wider community.

From the vibrant sounds of our Junior Concert Band to the sophisticated harmonies of our Senior Strings, every single one of our ensembles delivered a stellar performance. The audience was captivated by the diverse range of music, and it was a joy to see so many people stop to listen and applaud our students.

swf

Of course, no outdoor festival is complete without its challenges, and our students were faced with a particularly windy day! Instruments nearly toppled, music sheets threatened to fly away, and microphones caught more of a breeze than a beat. However, our performers handled it all with incredible professionalism and grace. They held their ground, kept their focus, and truly demonstrated the resilience and adaptability that comes with live performance.

We are so proud of all our students for their outstanding efforts. Their dedication to their craft and their ability to perform so brilliantly under pressure is truly commendable. A huge thank you to all the parents and teachers who supported the event and helped make it such a resounding success!

Mr Lachlan Kennedy
Head of Music Ensembles
Bunnings Father's Day Performance

On Thursday 4 September, Hoxton Park Bunnings hosted a special Father’s Day event, where our Intermediate Concert Band and Intermediate Stage Band turned the store into a vibrant concert space. Their indoor performance created a lively atmosphere and brought the community together in celebration.

Students from Years 5 to 10 showcased their musical talents with a genre-spanning setlist, from the elegance and energy of Mozart to the infectious groove of Earth, Wind & Fire. The evening featured everything from classical compositions to jazz, funk, and soulful piano-vocal ballads, creating a rich and varied musical experience for all who attended.

music

The event wasn’t just about music, but also connection. Students worked together across year levels, sharing their passion and strengthening ties with the local community. And of course, no Bunnings celebration would be complete without the iconic sausage sizzle. After the final note rang out, performers were treated to a traditional Bunnings BBQ, well-earned and delicious.

A huge congratulations to all the performers and music staff!

Mr Lachlan Kennedy
Head of Music Ensembles

CommunityBack to Top

Holiday Programs

Football Holiday Program

foot

Running from Tuesday 7 - Friday 10 October at 8.30am - 2.30pm, this is an all-weather program that will take place at the College.

It is open to boys and girls aged 5-13 of all skill levels.

Students will participate in fun activities, game development and learn soccer skills from accredited coaches.

$65 per day or $240 for the week.

Bookings will go live next week from the button below. 

Dance Holiday Program

dance

Running from Tuesday 7 - Friday 10 October at 8.30am - 2.30pm, this program will take place at the College.

It is open to boys and girls from Kindy - Year 9 of all skill levels.

The Program is open to the community with accredited dance teachers with lessons across Hip Hop, Jazz, Cheer, Musical Theatre and Contemporary. 

$65 per day or $240 for the week.

Bookings will go live next week from the button below. 

CodeCamp

code

Join CodeCamp these School holidays where kids design, code, problem solve and become storytellers and creators of technology, by creating games, websites, music and videos or flying drones - in just 2-3 days! 

Wednesday 1 - Friday 3 October from 9.00am - 3.45pm.

Motiv8 Sports

motiv8

THE MOTIV8 GAMES are held only once every year and provide campers the chance to win Gold. The Motiv8 Games is a futuristic version of the Olympics with a rock concert style atmosphere. This  multi-sports event will give campers the opportunity to participate in a long list of team sports, individual events, showdowns and team building challenges. 

Monday 29 - Tuesday 30 September.

For ages Kindy to Year 6
The Way we connect

The Way We Connect – Keeping Our Community Informed

If you have a question or suggestion, you can submit it using the form below. This will be a regular feature in our newsletter, helping to keep our community informed.

Please note that while not every submission will receive a direct reply, we will ensure recurring topics are addressed in a way that benefits everyone.

Got a question? Submit it via the button below—your input helps shape what we share!