We are living through an uncertain time and caring for one another needs to be at the centre of our thinking. 

The last 6 months have tested the Australian community and our hearts go out to victims of bushfire, floods and now the virus. Across the world the numbers are still increasing, and the racial crisis in the US this week shows us the need to care for one another even more during this time. The pursuit of wisdom is such an important goal for us now, and particularly for our young people at Thomas Hassall.

I had the pleasure of guiding 5 of our youngest students around the new Admin centre this week.  You might have seen our photo on Facebook.  We talked about their hopes and dreams for the future, and what they thought about the new clinic and even the virtual tour that was on display in the foyer. They all had an opinion and there was a confidence and optimism in their tone. It wasn’t just about them.

Another small group of Year 3 students wrote to me last week and in a hopeful piece, they asked whether we might be able to plant a tree in the College.  Their letter went like this …   ’We would like to plant a tree on the oval in the left corner.  It would be a banana tree or an apple tree …’ and then signed their names, feeling free to offer their hopes for all who play near the Oval and for the College spaces. 

These are important times to think about others, about the world, and about the future. As the week progressed, it was significant to hear from other students and about the larger issues of reconciliation and social harmony.  Listen to these 2 strong words of wisdom from older students here at the College.

‘In 1995, both the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flags were recognised as official flags of Australia under Commonwealth legislation. ‘Flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags demonstrates Australia's recognition of First Nations Peoples, promoting a sense of community partnership and a commitment toward reconciliation. The Thomas Hassall community would only grow stronger if we flew the Aboriginal flag promoting a sense of community partnership and a commitment towards reconciliation that is important in our world and encouraging our motto ...A More Excellent Way. It would be respectful for us to show the same love, acceptance and equality if we were to have one fly…(Kate, Year 10)

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Just yesterday after such a disappointing week in the United States and such a terrible incident in Minneapolis, a Senior School student and teacher wrote to ask that we all stand together to express our sadness and solidarity and to reach out to others with these words:

‘The past week has marked a profound world event with the death of George Floyd, an African-American man in the United States of America. He was a man who was unjustly killed in broad daylight in police custody. This event has sparked conversations from various racial communities, of all ages. This event has awakened a significant response and marked the need for justice and equality in our world. This week on Tuesday, there was a viral hashtag, #blackouttuesday which trended as a global response for solidarity. At Thomas Hassall Anglican College, we have a number of African, Indigenous and students from other heritages who we deeply appreciate and value for all they bring to our College community…’ (Jessica, Year 11 and Mrs Howard, Year Advisor).  

I am pleased to support the hopes and dreams of our young people, especially in the cause of others.  We also know, at Thomas Hassall, that in times of anxiety and uncertainty, that God is present and real.

Psalm 37 has also been talked about this week and is a lovely help for all of us:  ‘…do not fret because of those who are evil … commit your way to the Lord; trust in him …’

Let’s continue to grow in wisdom and understanding and in caring for each other, especially right now.

One of our best innovations during COVID has been the productions on THAC-TV. 

The green screen allows our videos to transform the atmosphere; the Q & A set for interview; our singers and bands have their own stage and lighting – the action is live and the pressure has caused everyone to be ready.

In today’s update, both Mr Butler and Mrs Wheeler write about programs on THAC-TV.  Students have seen more than our parents and the realistic production encourages everyone to engage with the programs and content.  Let me on the College community’s behalf thank the production team who have worked so hard to bring about such success.

Last evening we held the Year 11 & 12 Parent-Teacher evening on Zoom and launched a live 40 min webinar for parents on supporting Year 12 students in such an uncertain time.  It was well received. 

We are restarting many programs, and tomorrow 20 June we hold a morning of College tours.  Please talk to your friends and colleagues about the College and direct them to the website to further engage with our programs and people.

I will send out a letter early next week to tell you about plans for the new Uniform Shop onsite from Term 4.  It will be an exciting development.

Next week is the final week of term and I know that the students and staff are really looking forward to the break. 

Thanks again for your patience and support of all that we do together at Thomas Hassall. 

Psalm 145:17-18 'The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.  The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.'

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

The last 6 months has certainly been an adventure and the 20^th year Anniversary for the College is memorable for our community – for other events and reasons isn’t it?

In the last week and as a result of the South West virus clusters at the Crossroads and the Thai Rock Café, four of the local schools needed to close – two for 14 days and two for 2 days.  They are all back to regular programs by next Monday.

Our COVID Action Team went into action and we have developed a detailed plan should we need to move into emergency mode.  These days, NSW Health take control of the key communication with schools and affected families and then close contacts.  Again, let me commend the work of NSW Health and other authorities who have enabled a level of confidence and calm in NSW.  Essentially our plan is to immediately lock down; and then to move to a student pick up plan using the afternoon plan except for a need to not use buses.  Rather, children would need to be picked up by car.

As you might imagine, there is every wish to remain in our regular programs.  The South West clusters appear to have slowed down which is good news.  My recommendation to every family is that all students should be back at College now.  If there are any particular concerns for your child, you will need to be in discussion with the relevant teacher on staff.

In the meantime, temperature testing now occurs for every student every day; every staff member every day; and our health guidelines are being constantly maintained. 

Just a reminder that if a family member needs to take a COVID test, please do not send children to College until a negative result is confirmed.

Communication of the correct information is always important and the College App is another very effective way to receive the latest information. 

Year 12 students are in the middle of their trial HSC Examinations and as you might imagine, 2020 continues to be a ‘testing’ time for them.  Please remember them in your prayers.  We have an outstanding group of young adults in Year 12 this year.

Thanks again for your patience and support.  Please feel free to ask questions of our programs and practices.

‘Because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.' Hebrew 7:24-25

On this weekend last year we held the South West Festival.  We’ve reposted our memories on Facebook. The mid-term break this year will still occur next Monday. What a different year it is! 

As we monitor the situation in regards to COVID-19, we are taking note of what the Premier and Chief Medical Officer are reporting.  The South West continues to be an area of concern for NSW Health and the encouragement for all ages is to limit travel across regions in Sydney. We remain diligent in our practices at the College, continuing to take a conservative approach in our decisions and we are optimistic about the plans.  It is good to be reminded that we have had no positive cases at the College.  Please ensure that if any of your family members are having a COVID test that you do not send your children back to College until a NEGATIVE result is confirmed.  Please note also that there is to be no food sharing in classrooms and we request that no food for birthday parties be sent in regardless of whether it is individually packaged or not.

We have made the difficult decision to hold the Year 12 Graduation Assembly as a students-only event, with an online TV stream for family and friends.  We realise the impact this has particularly for parents and we are planning several events in conjunction to honour the students and celebrate achievements.  The Assembly will take place on Friday 25 September.  The students will be presented with their final reports and awards as part of a presentation ceremony.  We will hold a special Week 11 for Year 12 as a study week on site, and the HSC examinations begin on Tuesday 20 October. Please continue to pray for these outstanding young men and women over the coming weeks and months.

At this time of the year, we are planning for 2021 staffing and elective classes for students.  It is an important time. In recent weeks advertisements and interviews have been in process for a variety of positions across the College.  I will bring an update in staffing next week in our weekly review.

We are looking forward to a short break in our Calendar this weekend as we have our Mid Term Break on Monday giving us all an extended weekend.   I hope this is a time to pause and rest before we move into the final weeks of Term 3. 

We will continue to keep you informed of any new developments that affect our community.  As always please feel free to contact us should you have any concerns.  Thank you for continued support of the College and in all the programs.

‘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’.   Hebrews 4:16

With 2 weeks of Term 3 remaining, our attention is drawn to the students of Year 12 as they continue to prepare for their final written HSC examinations.

Exams have already been held for practical and project-based subjects. We already know of three awards for excellence in Drama, with these students nominated for ‘On Stage’ for their individual works.  The works of students in Visual Arts are being submitted today; our music students performed on Friday and Design and Technology and Industrial Technology (Timber) works have been submitted. We eagerly await their outcome. 

We can offer congratulations to an increasing number of students who have received an early offer for University, and others in Year 12, who have their next pathway selected.

While 2020 has been a very difficult year for Year 12 students, their families and teachers, we are confident for them going forward.

Have you been able to catch the ‘20 years in 20 days’ Facebook and Instagram posts?  Memories have been shown to us each day for this last week or so and today, we are up to the year 2013.  A lot of interest has been shown by our current students and families, and those students and families of our early years - our alumni registrations are increasing.  Please catch a glimpse of these memories over the next week.  Perhaps we need a rerun of some more of those years in the future. 

The 2021 Captains and Prefects are beginning their work and will soon be very active in a number of key portfolio areas. 

It is my pleasure to announce that our Head of Junior School, Mrs Sandy Wheeler, is expecting her second child. We wish Sandy and her husband, Scott, our very best wishes.  Sandy will take maternity leave during 2021 and I have asked Mr Luke Sale, our Director of Operations and Student Welfare, to be the Acting Head of Junior School in 2021.

Please know of our support and please be in contact with the College regarding the issues for the family - Year Advisors or key classroom teachers are your best point of contact.

‘and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.’ 2 Timothy 3:15

Welcome back to Term 4!

Please enjoy a Welcome to Term 4 Video Message from Mr Whelan.

Click below if you would like to read the transcript.

 

TRANSCRIPT OF VIDEO

Translation Available - Select Language above 

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Hello everyone and welcome back to College for Term 4. It’s been a great week for students and staff at Thomas Hassall – perhaps not so for the Premier or the COVID numbers, and we continue to watch carefully for any impacts on our College community.  We have a project team that continues to meet twice each week to examine ways we can be the very best in terms of healthy and safe practice in every College classroom, staffroom and program.  Regulations are being reviewed for music events, excursions and interschool sport.  In one important playground project, we are changing 50% of the bubblers into taps for drink containers to be filled, and every room continues to have hand sanitizers and additional cleaning of surfaces.  I was talking just yesterday to the owner of our cleaning firm, who said that new technologies are improving the level of cleaning that is now available, as a result of COVID.  That’s good news.  Where are the opportunities for us all from this difficult event?

We held a special webinar last night for Orientation for the new 2021 Year 7 students.  It went for 90 minutes and students and parents were able to have their questions answered by a live panel of our teaching experts, and from all accounts it was well received.  We’ve found that parent teacher evenings might be just as effective on Zoom, where parents can be seated in comfort at home with their child, and the meetings with teachers can stay on time and be relevant. Let’s continue to test this one and in a survey later this term, we can gauge your opinions about continuing such a change in 2021.  Where are the opportunities for the College out of this event?

And we are all thinking about Year 12 students as they make their final preparations for the Higher School Certificate exams that start next Tuesday.  We all remember the final days of preparing for special events don’t we – there’s a mixture of butterflies and hope, and a nervous optimism that we will get through it well and as quickly as possible.  It’s been an interesting and difficult year for these young adults and we have stood with them; worked with them; prayed regularly for them and we have every confidence in their next journey into university or TAFE or work.  Year 12 had a great last week and they’ve allowed us to start 2 new traditions for the College.  The ‘Hassall Gift’ – a Prep to Year 12 House Relay with the whole College in attendance was a special race with over 100 runners. Many of our students have had their school years here at Thomas Hassall from Prep to Year 12.  The Hassall Gift will be a special event every year from now.  And we started the ‘Year 12 Walk of Honour’ this year which allowed every Year 12 student to be celebrated by every other student in the College.  It took quite a while to walk right around the College and allowed them to relive some of their happy memories of their time at the College.  They’ve also had a special study week here at the College over the vacation.  The Year 12 Graduation Ceremony will occur in a special outdoor evening event on the Oval on the day after the HSC finishes – parents and family members will be here and it will be a great time.  They will also be able to have a Formal night as well – it will be held in the city in the following week, and it will be a night to celebrate such a big year. Year 12 2020 have been a special group – they’ve been our 2020 heroes really, and we wish them well.  Please pray for them next Tuesday and for their future.

How are you and your family coping with the year so far.  It’s been an uncertain time hasn’t it.  Thanks for your support too of all that has been occurring here at the College.  What about next year – 2021. Without a magic vaccine for COVID, and the way the international scene is looking, it’s likely that we will be in much the same steady program of managing the virus and its impact, I imagine.  At the College we are taking a measured approach, to continue to support students and staff and families.  We think that we can hold fees where they are – perhaps $25-35 more per term only for the whole year. 

We want to hear from you as you need.  We want to continue to connect more with each family and each student.  Are there other opportunities to develop our links – a digital business directory perhaps; or a network for past students who can benefit from their links with the College and each other.  There was great interest and joy from the ‘20 years in 20 days’ project – the old photos posted on Facebook and Instagram, and we want to continue to connect the community at this time – let’s benefit from the 20 years of the College story.

Take care; talk to us if there are issues for your family.  We are a Christian community.  We have a God who cares, and His son the Lord Jesus Christ has won the big battle of life for us if we believe in Him and follow Him.  Thanks for your continued support. 

Ross Whelan

‘…but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe’.   Hebrews 1:2

Today, Friday 30 October, is nominated as ‘World Teachers’ Day’ with the theme ‘Bright Future.’ 

Let me commend our teaching staff for their outstanding efforts generally and in particular, during 2020.  It’s been an interesting journey through COVID and beyond.  The manner in which the teaching staff at the College adopted the important changes in their practice and preparation has been exemplary and so important for the confidence of students and you, our families at Thomas Hassall. Teachers have established a strong platform for a very bright future for all students in 2021, when we trust our programs and routines will be much more normal.  At this stage in our planning for 2021, the broad range of programs and excursions are booked and in the planning/preparation phase.  Sporting Carnivals and representative fixtures are being scheduled and we trust the year 2021 will be a ‘bright future’! 

The HSC is in its last stages, with many students already finished ahead of the Graduation event on Thursday 12 November.  There have been some disruptions around the State, however, these have not had an impact at the College and our students are generally positive about the examination time. 

Across the College, staff are engaged in final year testing, as well as reporting, and the end of year is in view.  With a small increase in student numbers, we are also engaged in new staff employment, so there are many areas of College life and activity for your prayers.

One of the more interesting projects to come out of COVID this year has been ‘Illuminate 2020’ – the showcase of Year 12 Major Works.  Normally we have held an evening showcase event with an exhibition of works.  This year Illuminate is an ONLINE event – a virtual animated website allowing you to navigate through the range of works of our students.  It will be released in the next week or so. 

Thanks for your kindness to teachers today and also for your support of the Operation Christmas Child project with over 600 boxes collected in support of the Samaritans Purse work for children in poverty around the world.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith – Hebrews 12: 1-2

COVID-19 remains a concern following the lockdown in South Australia. 

We continue to take the necessary precautions here at the College in line with NSW regulations. It will be interesting to see how COVID restrictions are managed in 2021. 

It was pleasing therefore to be able to hold a very successful Graduation Event last week for students and families.  Over 700 people were in attendance in an outdoor event on the top oval.  We were blessed with an evening of no rain despite a storm being predicted earlier in the day. The event was televised live on THACTV with a large audience watching. Thank you to all those who have given us positive feedback and many thanks to the organising team.  On Tuesday the Year 12’s attended their Formal in the city which was a great evening of celebrations and reflection. We wish these students well as they await their HSC results and look forward to their new opportunities ahead. 

One of the 20^th Anniversary projects is to lay down a Time Capsule, filled with memories of the College from the first 20 years and with contributions from the current students and staff.  We intend to open the capsule in 20 years’ time. Today we broke ground with four Year 1 students in preparation to bury the capsule in the next few weeks.  We will compile some footage of the event and activities leading up to and including the day the Time Capsule is laid down. 

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Orientation events have been held across the College recently.  It has been great to see new students coming to visit the College in anticipation for next year.  Webinars for the Parent Information Sessions have been held, and we have appreciated everyone adapting so well to the new processes. 

Academic Reports are nearing completion and will be ready for issue in the next week or so.  The end of year Celebration evenings will this year be held online and more details will be sent to you. 

Thanks again for your support of the College in such a different year. 

‘For He, Jesus is our peace’ – Ephesians 2:14

It’s been an interesting first week for every family, student and staff member, hasn’t it?

Thank you to you all for such a calmness in the reintroduction of the Blended Learning Online.  For the most part, it seems that engagement levels are high and the communication is positive.  At the same time, if there are any issues we need to hear about them.  Contact can be made at the class level with teachers, or at College level by emailing or calling the College, we have staff available throughout the day to help you.

The College Captains have sent a message of encouragement through to Senior School students this week through their PC classes.  I wanted to share this video message with our College Community as it is an uplifting one, you can view the message in this edition. Sreya and Tino are leading well. Year 12 students are once again having to manage the uncertainty of their last term programs, and we are working with them through the issues.  For those heading to university in 2022, there is a general optimism that universities are very keen to have their enrolment numbers at a maximum, which provides an advantage for young people considering university next year.

The College social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are also bringing key messages to our families and friends.  You are able to keep up to date with general news and highlights through our social media sites.  This week Rev. David Ould from St John's Anglican Cathedral Parramatta and also a College parent asked me for an interview for the Facebook page.  You can view this online.

We are pleased that the staff at the College are now able to receive their vaccinations as part of the priority program for education staff in the south-west.  As the links came through this week staff have been quick to access the booking sites. 

Let's stand together as a community at this time, should you or your family need a helping hand at this time please call on us and we will find ways to assist you.  It is a critical time in the community, and we all need to take extra care of those around us.

Thank you again at this time for your consideration, understanding and goodwill. 

‘…be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace’. Ephesians 4:2

The Olympics are a lovely distraction from the COVID event aren’t they, as we celebrate the achievements of very talented athletes from around the world. 

It’s a tribute to the organisers that this extravaganza has been able to be held at all, given the spread of the virus.  There is a dedication from the leaders and supporters that is admirable.

In our local region, every effort is being made to both contain the spread of the virus and work to manage daily routines as best as possible, and we all are committed to the best outcomes I’m sure.

At the College, the Blended Learning Online will continue across the next 4 weeks in line with the plans of the NSW Government and Health Department, and our thanks are due to both students and teachers for continuing to make every effort towards the success of these programs.  Where there are issues or difficulties or opportunities for change or explanation, please continue to contact the class teacher in the first instance or the Year or Stage Coordinator to assist.

Both Mr Butler in Senior School and Mr Sale in Junior School will bring a video update to families on Monday regarding phase 2 of remote learning now that we are in lockdown for the additional 4 weeks, until August 29 at this stage.

Year 12 students are having to contend with a moving schedule for their HSC commitments, and a special webinar session will be held with students and parents on Tuesday evening to talk about the next few weeks ahead of the HSC exams scheduled for October. No doubt there will be lots of questions raised and we are looking forward to that time.  They are a great group of students in their final year of school, and we all want the best outcomes for them ahead of a bright future beyond their College years.

Thanks for your involvement in the Green and Gold activities on Friday.  We have lots of colourful photos to share in this edition and on our Facebook page.  Let’s continue to find new ways to engage as a College community over the next month.

Thank you also for your ongoing support.  Please bring your concerns to us regarding any issue related to COVID or your family’s wellbeing at this time.  The College Council meets again early next week and I will bring you an update following that meeting.

‘Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we have – yet he did not sin.  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’.  Hebrews 4:14-16

Best regards

The COVID situation continues to impact the State and with high numbers still a concern, the management of the process at government level is clearly very difficult. 

Vaccination rates, while increasing, are still at lower levels than the authorities want for return to normal living.  We are thankful for the work they are doing. Thanks for your own efforts and at the College, for your commitment to the Blended Learning Online program. 

Given the continued lockdown as well as the need to continue routines at home for our students we have cancelled the scheduled Mid Term Break on 30 August 2021.  Therefore this will not be a pupil free day and lessons will continue as normal.

Year 12 students are having to adjust, to learn to be flexible and resilient, and to prioritise their time in preparation for the HSC. Their schedules have been modified, and their normal program changed several times.  Let me commend them to you as they continue to show patience.  Thanks also to their teacher leaders who have also had to make significant changes to their work and structures for the HSC.  Please keep them in your prayers.

Our College Counselling Team are working closely with families during this challenging time offering insights and support as needed. You will find some helpful resources from the team in this edition of The Way.

We have a Wellbeing Webinar coming up next week, Raising Confident and Capable Children, presented by Dr Judith Locke. There are two evening sessions, one for Junior School and one for Senior School, with the information tailored for the specific age group.  Judith is a registered clinical psychologist with experience in adult, child and family therapy with over 20 years of national and international experience in teaching, workplace training and psychology.

There will be 2 events for families as follows so please mark them in your diaries:

Senior School – Tuesday 24 August – 7pm
Junior School – Wednesday 25 August – 7pm

There is more detailed information in this week’s edition of The Way along with how to register.  It would be great to see as many as possible of you there.

Thank you for your continued support of the College.

‘Be joyful in hope; patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.  Practice hospitality’.  Romans 12:12-13

We trust that you and the family continue to find the best opportunities during this time of continued lockdown.  It is certainly a test for everyone.  

The Premier announced last Friday the return to school for all students from October 25.  We all know that there has been a significant amount of concern and uncertainty about how to return safely.  Rest assured that at the College we have everyone’s interest at the centre of our planning. A number of families have expressed concern about vaccinations and we are very aware of such concerns.  The Premier has said that vaccinations for students are NOT mandatory at this point, and we are happy to discuss the issues with you.  Please contact the College with your concerns.

The published information and dates of return in stages are as follows:

The Premier’s statement also recognises that conditions in the LGA’s of concern need to be taken into account in regards to a safe return to school for all students and staff.  Further information in line with the Premier's announcement can be viewed via this link. 

HSC Students have been given a new date for the commencement of written examinations and the timetables will be published in the coming days. This has been an interesting year for our young adults, and a test of resilience and optimism and we continue to seek their best interests.

Last week was another positive time for students and staff as we continued to improve our Blended Learning Programs.  We celebrated Book Week and our new House Sporting Competitions and I’m sure you have been enjoying the MRK recipe of the week.  HSC Students have also successfully started their Online Trials.  Thanks everyone for your commitment and enthusiasm.

'Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.' Proverbs 3:5-6

We may well look back at the lockdown term with a sense of achievement in a few years’ time. 

With every best effort, we have been able to not just survive a different 10 weeks of learning; for nearly every person, staff, student and parent, we’ve learnt new skills and knowledge. Well done Thomas Hassall members.

Were you able to join in on THACTV last night for the Family Fun Night? It was a great occasion with lots of laughs. Thanks to all those who competed; and others who sent through their photos; a special thanks to our production team; director for the night, Carmen Pasapera, and our wonderful hosts, Annabelle Wood and Stuart McCormack who were brilliant in their adaption and wit during throughout the evening. 

The final assemblies for the Term occur tomorrow Thursday at 11.00am for Junior School and 1.00pm for Senior School. Again the assemblies will be shown on THACTV and parents are most welcome to login and enjoy a reflection and celebration of the term.

Year 12 students begin their final phase of learning towards the HSC which will test out their resilience and motivation. Teachers are reaching out to them as well and we wish them well.

With the Premier moving the State towards return to school from October 25 the College has a committee in place to plan for students to be back on site. While we are still 6 weeks away, and a lot of change is still to occur, there will be questions for you and your family about the plan.

We will come to you at the start of Term 4 with clear set of points for your information including notices about bus travel arrangements and entry and exit from College each day for every person. Please also take note of the announcements about education from the authorities.

For the next 2 weeks it is time to take a break; to reflect on the last few weeks and to take care of one another in your family setting. 

The term will resume remotely on Wednesday 6 October 2021 with our Blended Learning Online Program. 

Thanks again for your support during this very different term – Term 3 2021; a term to remember.

‘We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.’ 1 Thessalonians 1:3

The return of the College is just around the corner and we begin a staggered return of students next week. 

You have received a number of communications this week including guidelines and wellbeing tips for your children to be prepared.  Certainly with the opening up of the wider community, there is an optimism about return. 

Let me assure everyone that we are taking a cautious and caring approach to return to full face-to-face learning.  The South West community is working hard at every level to be fully engaged and operational and we are eager to have all our students return as soon as possible.  Thanks for your communication to us about your own questions and context.

Please enjoy this edition of The Way.  It is filled with great articles and news from the College.  There’s even a cameo appearance on the MRK Cooking segment this week.

Take care everyone.  Thanks for your continued support.  A special thanks to our staff for their preparation for return.

‘Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you. Stay alert and of sober mind…’ 1 Peter 5:7-8

It’s reasonable to comment that the pace of change in 2021 has increased at every level, whether at school or home and in the economy. 

The changes in the COVID conditions continue to occur as the community opens up. We are seeing regular changes to the key areas of school life, such as the ways in which we can gather students for assemblies, and sport and performances. Importantly, in reference to our end-of-year Celebration events, as well as the scheduled graduations and formals, we are trusting that all events will be able to proceed as planned. Such events allow young people, and you, their parents to create special and lasting memories. I’m sure you can remember your end of school events with fondness, and after such a year as 2021, it will be lovely to celebrate the conclusion of the year across the College in happy events. We will communicate any necessary changes in the normal manner.

HSC students will begin their final exams next week from Tuesday 9 November. This year, we have relocated our students to the Hoxton Park Anglican Church complex for the exam period, in order to provide a separation from the other years in the College. They have visited the new location and are ready to have this final assessment of their learning. We wish them well, both for the exams and for the future.

The new Year 12 students commenced their final year online at the start of the term, and are now in full stride back at College. We will hold a special online Assembly on Monday to dedicate the cohort.  The commissioning of our new Student Leadership Team will also take place with parents able to engage via THACTV. See later in this edition for full details.  The task for the new team will include the establishing of a Student Voice project through 2022. Our aim is to create a structure to allow all students to contribute to the direction of culture and engagement for our young people in College life.  Our new Year 12 leaders are announced in this edition of The Way, and we will hear more from them as the year progresses. 

This edition of The Way also highlights the Online Showcase by Junior School students which includes an Art Exhibition and Performances. This was produced in Term 3, as part of the Wellbeing Wednesday program. Let me commend the showcase to you, and thank teachers and of course the parents involved in its compilation. The students have done a tremendous job, haven't they?

Thanks again at this time for your support and encouragement. Take care.

‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up’.  Galatians 6:9

Hi everyone,

The first week is over, and the classrooms are quite calm. Students are engaged and generally excited to be back at school and learning together.  For our new families, try to be patient about understanding the detail at Thomas Hassall.  It will take a few weeks.

The COVID journey with Rapid Antigen tests twice a week is a confidence builder.   We have had a handful of positive cases only, and the isolation process works.  Thanks for your support of the program.  Phase 2 will be rolled out next week in time for weeks 3 & 4. 

Our hearts go out to the Khalil family for the loss of their precious little boy Hunter.  His funeral will be on Saturday 12th February.  We will communicate the details for your information and prayers.  There’s a meal roster if you wish to add practical support, and details are available in the article about Hunter in the next pages.

The Iese family lost both Grandparents suddenly last week as well.  It’s been a very sad start to the year for several College families.  We want to reach out in support don’t we when we hear of such grief and loss.  Let’s continue to stand with them.

The HSC results for 2021 were interesting, with several outstanding individual results and as well as some concerns about others.  Sreya Diddee our College Captain ranked as Dux of the College, with her results for every subject achieving a Band 6 level.  She has been awarded a State All-Rounders award and has gained entry to a special scholars course at Sydney University.  Most of the Year 12 students received early entry offers to university in their chosen option, and we are proud of the 2021 graduates.  We are reviewing the results through this first term, and I will bring you an update about that review.

During the first 4 weeks or so, we will be conservative about gathering in large groups such as for Swimming Carnivals and the Senior School camps.  Our wisdom is that the COVID numbers will continue to drop, and we will be able to relax the limitations.  I’m looking forward to opening the MRK coffee shop as soon as we can, and the first coffee will be free, so watch this space.

The traffic plan needs some adjustment again as we start the year.  We will add some additional helpers, so please be patient.  On Flynn Avenue in Senior School at the entry gate, which is Gate 3, it’s important to take directions from the staff on the gates.  Please do that so that the drop off occurs safely, and as quickly as is possible.  In 3 weeks time, there will be another change as we move half the traffic to enter at gate 1.  This means there will be 2 entry gates for both morning and afternoon.  It coincides with the start of a building addition to the Ann Marsden N Block building.  We are adding another 8 rooms, and the project will take 9 months or so.

There are lots of new things to learn and remember at the start of every year.  Are the children now ready and organised with their uniform and haircuts, and lunch routines.   Mr Young has written to Senior School families about uniform.  Talk to us if there are any issues at all.  Stay positive and patient; optimistic and hopeful.  Ask plenty of questions and be the support person where you can. 

Welcome again to the 2022 year. 

How are you surviving the wet weather and flooded roads? 

It’s been another big week of interruption and uncertainty, hasn’t it, and we trust that our families are managing. Stay safe. Thanks for your consideration of the changes that we have made during the week regarding transport and dealing with flooded roads. Our hearts go out to all those families who have been displaced around the State. It will be a difficult few months ahead for many.

The South West and West of Sydney have been impacted by floods many times across the years, as College families who have lived in the region for many years will confirm. However, we can see that, albeit slowly, local main roads have been improved, and roads and land in new developments are being raised above the critical levels.

In spending some time with Year 2 students this week talking about Thomas Hassall the person, we heard stories about his early life as a school student at Parramatta, and also when he lived on a farm on the Hawkesbury River at a time when a large flood occurred.  Let me quote one story, written by his son James, about that time:

‘… I heard my father (Thomas Hassall) tell of a great flood in the river, which occurred at the time when, with twenty others, he escaped to a house where they remained until the flood subsided. The rain continued for six weeks, without intermission, and the people in the house had only a single bag of flour to live upon for some time, and were without  any other of the necessities of life…’ p174 In Old Australia – Rev James Hassall.

Later, when he was married, Thomas Hassall, his wife Ann (Marsden) and their 8 children lived on their farm Denbigh at Cobbity. The property is still there, and Year 2 students will take an excursion to Cobbity and the region, to find out more about Thomas and his background. It’s a great study of our namesake.

The Swimming Carnivals were reduced to competitor only carnivals this year because of the weather, and our best swimmers will move on to the NASSA and CIS representative carnivals. Congratulations to all the students who placed in events at the College Carnival and to those students who have progressed further. 

COVID continues to impact family and community life. As we continue to progress towards normal programs, there remains a need for families to communicate any positive cases to the College, and to maintain those COVID safe practices that are encouraged by NSW Health. College families have all received additional supplies of the RAHT tests for your own use and timing.

Our traffic plans for improvement continue to take shape, and we will communicate any further changes in the coming weeks. Thanks for your support for all we do at the College. 

‘Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you’.  1 Peter 5:6-7

As we move into the final week of the term, the Easter week, let’s celebrate the effort and resilience of staff and students throughout a very interesting period of 10 weeks. 

Extreme weather, as well as the interruptions of COVID-19, has created a challenging time at College as well as at home, and we do well to take the time over the vacation to rest and rebuild our energy ahead of the new school term. The College breaks next Friday 8 April and returns after the ANZAC weekend on Wednesday 27 April.

Tickets for ‘Shrek’ the Musical are selling fast and with 6 performances there will be room for most families, so please consider coming to this great event. Students involved in the musical will gather lifetime memories from the experience, and it will be a great show.

The College Open Week took place last week with hundreds of people in attendance to visit and tour the campus and have conversations with staff about the future. It was an enjoyable day, and the weather remained fine throughout the event. Thanks to the organising team including our Senior School Captains and Prefects who, along with staff, were excellent tour guides.

Traffic routines continue to be of interest each day, and we encourage all drivers to take extra care to observe the road rules and display courtesy to other drivers and neighbours in particular. It’s a busy environment at drop-off and pick-up times, and our suggestion throughout this first term is to delay your time for pick-up. Students are well supervised, and the traffic eases after buses leave at 2.45pm each day.

COVID-19 communication continues to be very important. The College needs to know if there is a positive case for a student or family member, we can then update their attendance record and also notify families of classes or year groups affected. The notification form can be found in the College App, click More >COVID Notification form.  Students should not be sent to school if they are unwell or show any symptoms.  

No doubt the holiday break will benefit everyone at this time, and I’m sure that we are all looking forward to a calmer and healthier second term.

Easter is the time we remember and reflect on the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The world around us has been so disrupted during the last 12 months. Families across Europe right now are so impacted by the disruption in Ukraine as well. At Easter this year, take time to gather around the saving message of the gospel of the Lord Jesus. We can all find a peaceful future in him.

‘In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us’.  Ephesians 1:7

It is interesting how busy a College can be. Week 3 has been filled with many events and occasions that have showcased many gifts and also brought us together as a community.

The College Biannual Musical ‘Shrek the Musical’ has now wrapped up.  I hope you had an opportunity to watch one of the six performances over the last few weeks. It takes a big team to put on such a spectacular show and it was a joy to watch.  So many students and teachers have worked hard on this show for months. Well done to the cast, crew, musicians and staff for all the hard work. 

It has been wonderful to see our parent community back in the College with events such as the musical as well as our Mother’s Day Breakfast and stalls.  It is so special to have that opportunity to gather with your child and enjoy breakfast together, isn’t it?  We are thankful that we were able to experience that again after a two-year interruption.  Thank you to all the Mother’s and significant women in our student’s lives who were able to attend the breakfast. Thanks also to the organising team and in particular to our MRK staff for the lovely breakfast boxes. 

This week was NAPLAN for students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Whilst some nervousness is normal it is important to see these tests as point-in-time or a snapshot of literacy and numeracy skills. It allows us to reflect on how programs are working and to identify areas for improvement. 

Our Junior School Cross Country was held last week as well as the Senior School Athletics Carnival, this week. I would like to acknowledge the Sports and PDHPE team for their hard work and commitment to our students.  

I look forward to welcoming grandparents to join us for a lovely morning tea and a classroom visit on Friday 27 May.  It is always special for grandparents to be able to engage in the lives of their grandchildren at the College.  On this day we will also celebrate Thomas Hassall who was born on 29 May 1794.

Thanks for all the support that you give to the College.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1

The Term has begun with a suite of events to accompany the return to learning.

In Junior School, it was wonderful to partner with Football Australia and Football NSW to celebrate the FIFA Women’s Football World Cup being held in Australia one year from now. Our Junior School students were put through their paces, taught some football skills and then took part in a mini World Cup of their own, where they represented an adopted country and competed against other nations. A great deal of fun was had and it was a wonderful way for Thomas Hassall students to get active, which is so important. Football Australia generously gifted the College a signed Matildas jersey which we will find a suitable place to display to ensure our students can see it and look forward to the finest women’s footballers across the world descending upon our shores to compete next year.

In the Senior School, we are in the season of subject selection for Year 8 and Year 10 students and it was fantastic to hold our Year 10 into 11 information evening together on Tuesday night. We heard from some of the key staff involved in the process and also received their wisdom about Stage 6 learning habits. This was followed by an information webinar for families of Year 8 students on Thursday evening which was well attended in its virtual format. I must commend our amazing production team for their ability to allow the College to host, record and send out such events with all the professionalism of a television studio.

I am confident that the Year 8 and 10 Parent Teacher night facilitated some good conversations between families and teachers and that the Year 7 and 9 Parent Teacher night on Thursday next week will do the same. Often the most valuable discussion will be the one you have with your children about their learning after hearing from their teachers. The College wants every student to be giving their best effort in classes and displaying a positive attitude towards their learning as evidenced through the Learning Behaviours on their reports.

Next week will be College Photo Week so no doubt your children will be up nice and early and preparing themselves to look their best. Can I also highlight the extended Study Centre hours for our Year 12 students on the eve of their Trial HSC examinations and ask families of Year 12 students to consider if this will be a valuable resource for them. Many thanks to the staff who have volunteered for the tutoring hours in the afternoon and the supervision in the evenings to assist Year 12 with their preparations.

It is disappointing that we will not be able to hold the South West Festival this year due to the difficulties with weather and its impact upon our fields and building program schedules.

Finally, it was great to be able to reconnect with each other and with God in our chapel services and assemblies this week. It is so valuable to have both our chaplains speaking to students across the College about the gospel message of Jesus.

Year 12 students have successfully navigated their Trial HSC which finished on Monday and will soon begin receiving the crucial feedback from these tasks to assist in their final preparations for the HSC.

It will be the culmination of a 13 year journey for them and they continue to be in our prayers. At the same time as they are studying, many of them are completing their major works for submission and marking. I really enjoyed viewing the Industrial Technology Timber major works that the class completed this week. I commend them on their dedication and the expertise these Timber projects showcased. Special thanks also to Mr Phelps for assisting and guiding the class in the process. Other Year 12 classes have submitted major works and will continue to do so over the next few weeks. Ms Munro will provide some more detail in this regard, but can I encourage families of Year 11 and 12 to come to our College event Illuminate, Thursday 25 August, where the Graduating class of 2022 major works will be displayed and performed.

Years 7 – 11 enjoyed some camp activities last week and I trust you enjoy reading about their experiences in the articles to come. College camps are a great way to learn new skills in differing contexts, get to know peers and teachers outside of the classroom and also consider the gospel truths anew as they are unpacked in a new environment.

I hope the families of Junior School students enjoyed connecting with class teachers at the recent Parent Teacher Interviews and that these provided a wealth of information to discuss with your children about their learning journey. Did you get a chance to attend the Junior School ensembles evening and hear some wonderful performances from our young musicians? We are so blessed to have such talented and enthusiastic young people contribute to our band and ensemble groups. The music staff that leads these groups are also highly skilled at nurturing the talent of this next generation of musicians. Did you happen to see our very own Mr Byron Mark on Sunrise this week? Mr Mark is releasing his own music this year and is a specialist in the World Music genre. Congratulations to him on his achievements this year!

I hope you have been enjoying the photos and reports coming through about the fantastic incursions and excursions that are once again up and running after years of disruption. The international cooking our language students got to take part in was a particular favourite!

I enjoyed the student-led Senior School Chapel on Wednesday this week where the parable of the Prodigal son was featured. It is so important for our students to hear the message of the undeserved grace shown to the returning son which in the same way our Lord welcomes the lost into his kingdom. Thanks to the Chapel team and Rev Oliver for unpacking the important messages in this parable.

Lots of exciting opportunities are coming up soon with Year 6 students headed out on camp, with the Year 10 and 11 music classes performing at a Suite and Songs evening and Year 11 students preparing for their final examinations before they become Year 12 students in Term 4.

I hope to see you at the College soon at one of our fabulous events or maybe at the Parent Café on a Friday morning for a coffee and a chat. My thanks to the Parent Community Network for their hosting of the different year group gatherings at the Parent Café. It is such a great way to connect with other families and I encourage you to become a part of this network.

We’ve had such an enjoyable day at the College to conclude this the second last week of term.

There were 3 special events – the Prep to Year 2 Tabloid Athletics carnival with a large parent audience, and assisted by our Year 9 PASS and Year 10 PD/H PE classes; the Year 5 Design Projects with a display and conversation with parents, teachers and junior students, and over 100 Year 9 students are taking part in the overnight Bronze Duke of Edinburgh hike in the Mt Ku-ring-gai National Park.

Year 5 students invited their parents into the classroom to view their passion project. They have been working on this for several months and presented their research and hard work in a visual presentation. Some of these projects included cooking books, Innovations in portable soccer goals and table tennis and go-karts, animation and stop-motion videos and songs, an online retail outlet for jewellery, just to name a few.

Last week we held the ‘Hassall Gift’, the special annual all-age relay event. Four students in every grade from Prep to Year 12 ran to represent their grade and house in a 100m relay event.  All students from Prep to Year 12 gathered on the oval to cheer on their house groups. This is perhaps the only special occasion where we come together as a whole College to support teammates. There was such talent across the grades and Carmichael was the winner of both races!

Our Year 12 students graduate next week and we look forward to celebrating their achievements in a Graduation Assembly on Friday, many of whom have been students at the College since Prep. We will be praying for them during this time as they prepare for their HSC exams.

Thank you once again for your support across the term. Please enjoy the break.

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin”. 1 John 1:7

It’s hard to believe it’s already November, isn’t it? What a great year it has been with many things to be thankful for.

Plans are already well underway for next year with building upgrades taking place and our newest members of the Community coming along for orientations to meet one another. 2023 is set to be a great year and we look forward to introducing more ways to involve parents into the College life.

One way this is achieved is through our Parent Community Network. They have been hard at work this year helping with reading groups in classrooms and planning events to enjoy together. Why not go along to ‘Lizard Log’ as a family on the upcoming mid-term break, Monday 14 November? You can find out more information on this event in this edition of The Way. Thank you to all these parents who give up their time and are helping build our community.

The Chairman, Mr Craig Moore, will send all families a letter regarding the College function and service fees for 2023. Rising costs means that fees will increase as you will expect and we are conscious that rising inflation is adding to costs in every budget.

The 2022 HSC finishes today. Congratulations to every student. They will celebrate at their formal soon.

On Monday we will enjoy a special evening together to dedicate our new Year 12 Class 2023 cohort. This is an opportunity for the students, parents, and teachers to come together to pray for the cohort and encourage them in the year ahead. We look forward to taking this time to acknowledge the important year ahead.

There are some great performances coming up in the next fortnight to showcase the many talents of our students. On Tuesday 8 November we will have our Year 4 band performance. This is always a special concert as this is the first year many students have played an instrument. To see how far they’ve come through the year is remarkable. Also next week, on Thursday evening, is our Senior Ensembles Evening, followed by the Academy of Dance Concert on Wednesday 16 November; both are set to be great evenings.

Our Year 9 Duke of Ed students will head off on their Bronze hike next Friday, followed by the Year 12 Silver hike the following Thursday. The Dukes program is a fantastic opportunity for students to push themselves to learn new skills, go beyond their comfort zones and also serve the community in varying ways. Can I encourage you to talk to your children about these opportunities for 2023?

It’s a busy time of year and we do well to take care and enjoy the many things we have to be thankful for. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events.

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Phillippians 1:6

Our final edition of the Way for 2022 brings the highlights from student learning and performances over the last fortnight, for your enjoyment and information. 

Our special Graduation events for Prep, Year 6 and Year 12 have been spectacular. Thank you, especially to organising staff and parent helpers. Academic reports are complete and are in the process of being sent to parents, and should there be questions to raise from the reports, there is still time to reach out to teaching staff.

Our final week culminates in the three Celebration events to be held on Tuesday 6 December for Junior School and Wednesday 7 December for Senior School. Congratulations to all award winners, and a special thanks to our organisers and back stage crew for their preparation and production.

Throughout the final term we have been continuing to encourage students to strengthen their engagement in learning, and it is pleasing to note progress in every area.  We have record numbers of students wanting to be part of the Co-curricular programs also, and applications for Talented Athletes Programs (TAP) for 2023 will soon be open for your consideration.

Thank you so much for your support throughout the 2022 College year. We look forward to another exciting and eventful year in 2023. Take care across the vacation period, and please know of our best wishes for you and the family for Christmas and the New Year.  Let’s all take time to reflect on the wonder and majesty of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, some 2000 years ago, so that we might believe in him and worship him.

‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’.  - Isaiah 9:6

Term One is well underway, with lots of events already taking place.

The 2022 HSC High Achievers assembly was held on Monday this week for our Senior School. We welcomed back 20 of our highest-achieving students from the graduating Class of 2022. A special thank you to these students who gave up their time and spoke to students about making the most of their time and not missing opportunities. The College Council Chair Mr Craig Moore also attended and was able to pray for the students and the year ahead. 

Last week we held the first of our Meet the Teacher event for the Junior School. Thank you to all the families who came along to talk with classroom teachers. We have our Year 7 Meet the Teacher night next week, too. We hope to see all of our Year 7 families and students at this event to get to know the College and navigate their way around Senior School.

Our Junior School swimming carnival took place yesterday at Prairiewood Leisure Centre. The house spirit and competition was fierce as students gave their best both in and out of the pool, competing and cheering on their house team mates. Congratulations to those students who progress on to the next round at NASSA. We look forward to our Senior School Swimming Carnival taking place next Wednesday.

Another key event coming up on the College Calendar is the Open Week event taking place from 19-25 March. This provides prospective families with a chance to catch a glimpse of College life; see the facilities and meet our leaders. Do you know a family who might be interested in joining the Thomas Hassall Community? Please share the details with them.

Our Annual Movie Night Under the Stars will also take place towards the end of the Term on Friday 31 March. This year we are watching the newly released ‘Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile’. This is a free event for everyone to attend, with food trucks and entertainment available before the movie commences. Find out more in this Edition.

Many of us will know of the terrible accident at Macarthur Anglican School this week, causing the unfortunate death of a high school student.  We are very sad for their community, and have been able to send our counsellors out to assist. Please pray for the family and the school community at Macarthur at this time.

Can I take this opportunity to thank you and your family for your support in making this a great start to 2023. We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events.

‘Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you …’ - 1 Peter 5:7

The end of Term is fast approaching and there are many events taking place at the College.

Our College Open Week will take place next week. This is a wonderful opportunity for our prospective families to take a tour of the College, meet with our leadership team and have their questions answered. Please invite your own family and friends along who may be interested in enrolling in the College.

NAPLAN commenced this week for our students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Many students across the state were impacted by a technical issue on Wednesday. Our students handled themselves very well during the change in circumstances and we are pleased they were able to commence again today. Please continue to pray for these students as they undertake these NAPLAN activities.

Our Movie Night Under the Stars will be held on Friday 31 March. We will be watching the newly released ‘Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile’. There will be food trucks onsite to purchase dinner and snacks from 6pm, as well as entertainment for the children with some great prizes to be won. The movie will commence at sunset (around 7pm). We hope to see many of you there.

Our Easter events are also set to take place in the last few weeks of Term, including chapel services for all our students to reflect on the meaning of Easter. The much-loved Easter Hat Parade for students in Prep to Year 4 will take place in the last week of Term, as well as the Eggshibition, featuring works of students in Years 5 and 6. Find out more about these events in this edition.

There have been some wonderful achievements across the College in the area of sport. Kryshtof In Year 9 recently represented Australia at International level and returned with Silver medal from Asian Open in Jakarta, Bronze medal from Italy and placed 5th in Germany. Well done Kryshtof.

Enjoy reading this edition.

I would like to extend a warm welcome back to College to all our students and families. I hope that you were able to have a restful and enjoyable break over the Easter period and that you are all ready for another Term of learning. 

We had two groups of students travel to Japan during the holidays. Our language students were able to learn more about Japanese culture, religion, and practise their speaking skills in an authentic environment. Our music students had the opportunity to polish their performance skills and meet with other like-minded students. Both groups visited our sister schools and had a great trip. You can read more about their experience in this Edition. Thank you to the teachers who facilitated the trip and took such great care of our students. 

We started last week with a commemoration service for ANZAC Day. This provided an opportunity for us to gather as a whole College on the oval to remember the sacrifice of those who have served our country. Special thanks to Mr Andrew Wilkinson, our guest speaker who shared with us his reflections about the significance of this time. It was also wonderful to have both Junior School and Senior School students participate in the service to continue the legacy of remembrance.

This weekend our College will host the Hassall Family reunion. Thomas Hassall, our namesake was one of the first chaplains in NSW and he was affectionately known as ‘the galloping parson’ as he visited and supported those who settled here. He travelled along Cowpasture Road on horseback when it was a simple track. He encouraged the teaching of reading and writing through Sunday School and I have recently learnt that he also served the first nations families (the Darug and Dharawal people) who lived in this area during this time. Yet another legacy that is important for us to be aware of and appreciate. 

We are also looking forward to several College events that are on the calendar for the next few weeks. Next week we will be recognising the contributions that our mother’s make in our lives. The celebrations will include an opportunity for our Junior School students to purchase gifts on Thursday and Senior School students at lunchtime – thank you to the volunteers from our Parent Community Network for supporting all our mums and families through the stall. The annual Mother’s Day breakfast promises to be a fantastic occasion on Friday. I am looking forward to meeting many of you over the two sessions.

Finally, let me remind you that we will be transitioning to winter uniforms - Monday 15 May. We have certainly enjoyed a late surge of sunshine for the start of the Term but the chill is in the air. Please check that your childrens’ uniforms are ready for the shift.

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. Hebrews 1: 1-2

Most families will know that the FIFA Women’s World Cup takes place in July and August. In a special program for the College the South Korean Women’s team will use our facilities for training ahead of the Cup. This will be a highlight for our students, and we will bring you an update closer to the program.

It was great to have a visit from representatives of Australia’s Women’s Para Football squad during the week, with our own staff member Miss Georgia Beikoff as host. Georgia has represented Australia in the last Para Football World Cup and the Paralympics in Japan in recent times.

No doubt families of Kindy, Year 1 and 2 are looking forward to the Creative Arts performances next week which will be full of colour and excitement. Thanks to the staff as they finalise the preparations.

The College has established Sister School relationships both National and International and in the last month or so we have engaged with these schools. The recent Japanese tour allowed our students to visit the 2 Japanese Sister Schools in Takayama and Hammamatsu. The Takayama High School students will return to the College later in the year.

Recently, during the last fortnight, staff members from our interstate Sister Schools, Nambour Christian College in QLD and Tyndale Christian School in SA spent 2 days at Thomas Hassall for professional discussion and collaboration. We are working towards a program to involve students in this valuable exchange.

The Junior School Athletics Carnival was held yesterday at Campbelltown and in fine weather conditions. Importantly the attendance was very high and performances at a high standard. We are looking at the best ways to engage all students in Athletics skills programs. Thanks to Mrs Evans and every staff member of the Junior School for such an important event.

My thanks also on your behalf to Mrs Easton for acting as principal of the College in my absence at the start of term. Thanks again for your continued support of our programs.

Truly my soul finds rest in God; My salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

Dear College Community,

As we commence Term 3 you will no doubt be aware of the announcement made this week regarding our new Principal. I am delighted that Mrs Karen Easton has been appointed as the next College Principal to begin in 2024. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Karen as she prepares to take on this pivotal role in our community.

We know Mrs Easton. She brings a wealth of experience, having served in various leadership positions in the education sector over the years. Her passion for nurturing students' potential and her commitment to excellence in education align perfectly with our College values and vision. I have every confidence that, under her guidance, the College will continue to thrive and reach new heights of success. For the remainder of the year, Mrs Easton and I will be working closely to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. I have no doubt that she will bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that will further enhance the academic and holistic development of our students.

Let me turn your attention to an exciting event—the return of the South West Festival! After a 3 year hiatus, we are thrilled to announce that the festival is back on Saturday 26 August. This eagerly awaited community day promises to be a fun day for all filled with food and entertainment. With an expected attendance of over 10 000 people, it will undoubtedly be a great celebration of our College and the vibrant South West community we are a part of.

Last week, we had the privilege of hosting the Mr Ned Mannoun, Mayor of Liverpool and Mr Nathan Hagarty, the local State MP at our College as they joined us to welcome the Korean Republic Women Football Team in their preparation for the World Cup.  It has been a joy to have world class athletes on our exceptional sports fields.  Our students and local community have had a truly wonderful opportunity observing the dedication and skill required to excel at the highest level of sport.

Wishing you all a remarkable and fulfilling Term 3.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

It’s ‘all systems go’ at the College this week in preparation for the South West Festival this Saturday from 10am to 3pm and we know that our students are really looking forward to the day.

Thanks so much already for the effort that so many families are making in preparation.  A very energetic group of mothers have been tireless in their work for the hampers and Carmen Pasapera our Marketing & Community Relations Manager; Rebecca Clarke our Business Manager and their teams, and many staff are making every effort as the day approaches.

It’s a big week for year 12 students of Major Works as they prepare for Thursday night’s ‘Illuminate’ event, their major work show case.

Our Young Performers evening takes place also on Thursday this week and more than 100 students will be performing for parents and friends.  Thanks to the organising team of both events on Thursday.

Could I send a special thanks on behalf of the College, to the families who hosted students from our Japanese Sister School, the Takayama Junior High School. Reports back from students and families indicated an outstanding time for everyone.

Student photos are being taken this week and we know they will create positive memories for students and families.

The NASSA Athletics Carnival for Senior students occurs this week and we will be delighted to celebrate the best performances of students in our team.  NASSA is the group of Anglican schools we connect with to allow the best sports students to progress to the highest levels.

A reminder about the mid-term break next Monday when the College will close for the day following the Festival on Saturday.  Thanks for your consideration of this day.

Finally, we are looking forward to celebrating Father's Day with our annual breakfast next Friday week, 1 September, from 7am.  Already hundreds are booked in to come, and you will need to register online so that we might cater effectively.

Thanks so much for your continued support as the term progresses.

‘I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.

I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.’

Psalm 119: 15-16

We have reached the final week of Term 3 and with another Year 12 Graduation event set down for Friday, we have reached an important milestone for the year. One hundred and fifty Year 12 Graduates will be celebrated this week, in front of parents and family members.  They will have a short study break before the Higher School Certificate exams begin on Wednesday 11 October and conclude in the first week of November. We wish them all every success as they undertake the final step of their school journey.  The last week for Year 12 is always a very special one which includes a Prayer breakfast and the "Hassall Gift’, our House relay race for students from Prep to Year 12.  

Junior School students have had a very special fortnight also, with a Book Week parade; a Kindergarten Teddy Bears Picnic; a special Year 5 Passion Project event and several assemblies where individual student achievements have been recognised. Our Athletics program continues at the CIS Carnival next week, and a special congratulations to Samuel Isaac in year 3 who received the Minister for Education Excellence Award recently, for his language skills and ability.

The College community devoted time to reflect on mental health issues in the R U OK program last week, and Senior School students raised funds for this important project.

Our building program on Flynn Avenue continues next term. Once the N Block Anne Marsden Pavilion is completed over the break, we will commence the new STEM – Maths, Science and TAS Building where ‘J Block’ now stands. Traffic flows will be modified as previously noted, and we will bring further communication to you shortly.

Thanks so much for your continued support, especially as we approach the holiday period.

‘But these are written (in the bible) that you may believe[a] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.’ John 20:31

The 2023 HSC has come to a close, and as our College graduates are make their way into the next phase, we congratulate them once again and wish them every blessing.

Orientations for students coming into the College in 2024 are in progress and it has been a joy to welcome new and existing families at each session. As you remember the experience can be somewhat new and we thank our current staff, families and parent network helpers for their part in the day.

The calendar of end of year events is quite full and we thank families for their consideration and support. End of year concerts and dance are so enjoyable, and we will soon be hosting graduations, formals and end of stage evenings for Year 6, 10 and 12.

Could I thank the College community at this time. It was a joy for me personally and for my wife Lynn and family to have the Gala Dinner farewell in such a special and honouring occasion, on the 28 October. What a great event and my thanks especially to the organising team.

With every intention to enjoy retirement from the beginning of next year, an invitation has been made to me, to be the Principal of our neighbouring Anglican School, Mamre Anglican, for 2024 and 2025. Mamre finds itself having to relocate the site of the school due to a rezoning and the current Principal Ms Cathie Graydon has taken the decision to finish her very successful leadership of Mamre at this time.  I will therefore be the Principal of our neighbour for a short time.

Meanwhile, the busyness of College life continues. As we move closer to the end of the year, please know of our thanks for your continued support of the College and our programs.

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4: 13-14

It’s been my pleasure as Principal to introduce each edition of The Way. As a final piece for 2023 I am pleased to bring the Celebration 2023 introduction.

Thanks for every support.

Welcome to the Celebration and Awards presentation for 2023. It’s a joy to be able to meet together and to celebrate the achievements of our students across the grades from Prep to Year 12. This learning community to which we belong, is unique. We are full of different cultural backgrounds, experiences and lifestyles. Belonging is that feeling of being connected; a sense that we are each part of this bigger place and environment, and we are drawn towards unity and a shared future with the best outcomes. 

It has been so pleasing to see over 400 students performing in our music and creative arts programs each week, beginning in our Kinder and Year 1 Strings program. Every Year 4 student takes part in a compulsory band instrument program and its graduates across the last 11 years have continued to grow our bands and ensembles

An additional 500 students are members of the Talented Athletes Program in Football, Basketball and Dance programs and teams, and students from each of these programs are part of our winning teams at representative level. The Duke of Edinburgh program has been operating at the College for over 15 years, and currently 300 students from Years 9-12 are working through the Bronze and Silver and Gold levels. The College program ranks highly in terms of numbers in Dukes across the country, and teenagers are engaged in programs which will grow their stamina and character. 

Two of our biggest events of 2023 were the Mother’s and Father’s Day Breakfasts, with over 1000 parents and grandparents joining at each event. Our Parent Network continues to grow and impact.

Important awards of excellence will be presented to the Year 12 HSC Class of 2023. Several students have achieved State level recognition, and most students progressing to University and tertiary studies have already gained places for 2024. We congratulate Year 12 for their tenacity and progress through the COVID interruptions during their final years at the College and we wish them well.

As the College community engages in the daily events and programs, we understand the importance of connection and belonging. Our Celebration events will consider these important themes, in video, in creative arts and in the spoken words. Prep students enjoyed their Celebration events over this last week, and allowed parents to understand the important progress of their young people in the very first year of structured learning. Learning excellence and student achievement are highlighted and given priority in all the Celebration events. Let me on your behalf thank the teams of talented and creative staff who continue to grow all our programs for the best student outcomes.

We say welcome to Mrs Karen Easton, our new Principal from 2024, and we wish her well.  As I leave Thomas Hassall after 17 years, let me express thanks to the College Community.  It’s been my joy and privilege to be the Principal of such an outstanding school on the emerging South West.

It’s time to step into the new year of 2024 with energy and focus, towards higher goals and the best outcomes. The Christmas break will provide a time to re-energise and reset. At Thomas Hassall we have a Christian hope, and Christmas allows us to reflect on the impact on the birth of our living Saviour the Lord Jesus, and to renew our commitment to him for the year ahead. Thank you sincerely for such effort and support of our College and our learning community throughout the year.

‘Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you a more excellent way…’ 1 Corinthians 12:31

It was a pleasure to welcome back our High Achieving students from the HSC Class of 2023. We had a fantastic assembly acknowledging their effort and dedication to learning before the returning students graciously shared their insights and tips with our year 11 and 12 cohorts. Their valuable advice will, undoubtedly, inspire and motivate the next generation of scholars.
A special congratulations to Ethan Ould for achieving the top ATAR of 97.3, earning him the title of College Dux and Holly Fisher who came 5th in the state for Entertainment Industry.Additionally, we also received 5 NESA ENCORE nominations in music, a testament to the talent and creativity of our students and teachers.

Thank you to all the families that joined us at our Year 7 Meet the Teacher event.  It was a lovely evening providing an opportunity to connect with our staff, ask questions and gain insights into Senior School.  I really enjoyed meeting more of you.

In Junior School, families may have noticed some new installations in many classrooms.  Unfortunately, the recent storms caused significant damage to our air conditioning system in a few buildings including the MRK.  Portable air conditioning units have been brought in and installed in all affected classrooms. These units will remain in place until the primary air conditioning systems are repaired.

The recent swimming carnivals for both Senior and Junior Schools were a highlight for me.  The atmosphere at both, was filled with excitement and sportsmanship as students competed in their respective races, striving for personal bests and contributing to their house teams' overall scores. Well done all!

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14

Cross country events are upon us and I have really enjoyed watching our youngest students participate and put their best efforts into running the course this week. It is a joy to see them try their best regardless of their gifts in this area. Congratulations to everyone in Junior School and I am looking forward to the Senior School carnival next week.

Our Friday morning café continues to be a lovely occasion to meet other parents, enjoy breakfast and connect with the community. I have seen many parents taking the opportunity to also have a special morning with their children before the school day begins.

As we approach the Easter season I have been reflecting on the significance of this time for so many of us. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central tenet of the Christian faith.Jesus' death and resurrection are understood as acts of unconditional love because they were motivated solely by love for humanity. Jesus' sacrifice was not based on any merit or worthiness on the part of humanity but was freely given out of love. By offering himself as a sacrifice, Jesus provided a way for humanity to be reconciled with God and experience forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life.

At Thomas Hassall, regardless of our backgrounds, beliefs or circumstances the love of God embraces our community. It reminds us to be kind, to actively forgive and to celebrate the triumphs of each individual journey. In classrooms we are seeking to respect the learning of every student and to guide young people academically and also socially.

I wish you and your families a very special Easter long weekend. May this be a time for family and celebration.

Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends.

 John 15:13

We have had a busy start to the term with events and occasions from the first day. Last week we commemorated ANZAC Day as a whole college and reminded students about the sacrifice that was made all over the world for the freedoms that we enjoy today. Students from both Junior and Senior school contributed to the service. Some of our senior students had just returned from the history Europe trip and they were able to speak about what they learned whilst visiting some of the war sites.  We were also pleased to welcome Warrant Officer Class 1 David Harvey who shared his reflections on the significance of the ANZAC spirit in shaping the identity of our country. Mr Harvey is a parent, and he has served in three different conflicts around the world. We give our thanks to those who have committed their lives to serving others.

We made the decision to post pone our Mother’s Day breakfast and I thank you for being so understanding. The wet weather impacted our capacity to manage the site safely. I do wish everyone a very happy Mother’s Day for Sunday and look forward to a belated breakfast celebration later in the term.

Finally, we are keen to offer more opportunities for families to engage with current thinking around raising children. There is a saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ and I think this is still true today. Our young people are growing up with many pressures and access to information that was not available when most of us were young. As a result, they are impacted by an array of social media and messaging that is difficult to monitor. I would like to encourage you to talk to your children about both the positives and harm they may encounter online. We are offering a link to a guest speaker for next Tuesday evening on the topic of Resilience – and the ways we can support our children. Please see the information to hear from Dr Justin Coulson in this edition of The Way.

Next week, students will be in their winter uniform. It is certainly becoming chilly in the mornings so I am sure they will welcome the additional layers.

The musical has been a fabulous success. I trust that you have enjoyed the performances and the outstanding talent that has been on offer.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23-24

We are past the halfway point of the term and looking forward to the long weekend. I hope that you and your families can enjoy some quality moments over the next few days. I have been reflecting on the pace of school life during term time and it is certainly fast and filled with fantastic opportunities for the students. It is wonderful that we are blessed with the resources and staff to pursue so many different activities. Can I encourage you to thank a teacher or staff member for the many ways that they go above and beyond for the students?

This week alone we have hosted the Anglican Schools Corporation Annual Choral Festival which saw over 500 students from different schools come together to celebrate the universal language of music. Our staff facilitated and managed this event and delighted in the performances of our students. We have sent off 120 year 9 students on their first Duke of Edinburgh hike with college staff in attendance to guide and encourage their development as young men and women with character. We have had students represent in soccer, cross country and athletics – again, ably supported and encouraged by staff and parents. Year 10 have been out on work placement learning about the responsibilities and joys of being in the workforce. The teachers are also marking tasks, exams and writing reports at this time.

We are a busy community.

We are a vibrant community.

I continue to enjoy meeting you at the Parent Café on a Friday morning.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

I want to firstly thank you for your partnership, patience and positivity.

Staff were moved by the many parents who expressed gratitude for their hard work in providing our great Blended Learning Online Program. I whole-heartedly agree with you! The teachers have been giving their best to keep your children engaged and connected. It is wonderful to have such passionate staff.

The Junior School Team met over Zoom this week and were reflecting on highlights from the Blended Learning Online Program. Some of those stories are shared with you below and are taken from Seesaw. Seesaw and Canvas are dynamic online learning environments for our students and they have certainly been busy using them! Would you believe that we have had over 150,000 posts on Seesaw and many more on Canvas too?!

As we transition back to operating on College grounds, preparations are being made for all students. We look forward to seeing many of you soon in the coming weeks.

Year 2 have enjoyed continuing to learn Spanish at home. In a time when they are experiencing lots of different emotions, they were able to label different emotions using Spanish – Miss Latty  - Year 2 Teacher

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Prep didn’t miss out on their first Easter Hat experience this year! They showed wonderful creativity making a hat at home, as well as other Easter craft.

Some children even had their very own parade in their lounge room to show off their creation.

We can’t wait to see Prep back at College, but in the meantime, keep up the amazing work at home! 

Mrs Lucas - Prep Teacher 

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Year 3 have been completing some personal interest projects whilst at home.

This week they were making volcanoes out of everyday household items, and seeing how different chemicals can create a mini explosion 

Mr Sheahan - Year 3 Teacher 

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The close of the term has arrived and I know the teachers will now take a well-deserved break.

The past few months has demanded a huge adjustment to everyone’s thinking and work practices and that has been for all of us. However, there has been a really creative response to delivering both the curriculum and the services across the College that has included: virtual assemblies and chapels, on line parent/ teacher interviews, interactive webinars, on campus and off campus adjustments in all areas of our College program. For the most part I have seen a very positive and flexible community response as they have adapted to a brave new world.

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This has been a time when our patience and our commitment to one another as a community has been tested. I am proud, in the most part, of how the community has come through.  I would especially like to thank our student leaders whom have worked really hard to gather students and encourage them along the way. Yesterday I saw groups of students lead the College in worship as part of our Chapel presentation. On the same day another group of student leaders’ were involved in sorting through the recyclable bottles in readiness to reclaim the refund. This money will go towards supporting Miracle Schools, our adopted sister school in Pakistan. In the same week I had our captains come and share ideas for the broader student community to improve relationships.

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So, at the close of the first half of this year, despite the challenges, I have been very grateful to the Thomas Hassall community in all that has been accomplished. Also I want to thank our great God who is so powerfully blessing us though the challenges; providing new opportunities for us to advance and grow as a community. I feel so grateful!

I wish all of our staff and students a great time of rest and peace as we take a breath and enjoy the next few weeks.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him." Psalm 28:7

Student Leadership for 2021

The College is excited to be in the midst of selecting the Year 12 Student Leadership group for the graduating class of 2021.

We have been blessed to be inundated with a host of enthusiastic candidates of exceptional quality and have enjoyed receiving excellent letters of application and conducting interviews with these candidates.

It has been wonderful to hear students cast their vision for the year ahead outlining a variety of innovative strategies they would like to employ to enhance different aspects of our own community culture and to seek to reach out to the communities around us.

We look forward to being able to announce the team for 2021 within the next few weeks.

At Thomas Hassall we value authentic learning and connecting students with key people in the local community.

Today we had the privilege of Senior Constable Rachel Kenned,y who is the Youth Officer-Liverpool City Police Area Command, Crime Prevention Unit Green Valley Police Station, visit with Years 3 and 4 to talk about a range of topics including the effects of social media. If your child is in Year 3 or 4, why not ask your child this afternoon what they learnt today.

The students learnt;

• Not everyone is who they say they are online
• You should only accept friend requests from people you know and trust
• Keep personal information private
• Not everything you see online is true, helpful or safe
• Never post inappropriate or illegal content as it is a crime

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Years 5 and 6 will have the same opportunity to visit with SC Rachel Kennedy next Friday.

I also commend to you the link below from our website ‘SchoolTV’. As parents, you will find a wealth of helpful video resources to assist in raising children in an age of social media.

https://www.thac.nsw.edu.au/content/schooltv-editions

Let us partner together in teaching about responsible use on social media and online safety. 

It has been such a joy to have had a full term of learning occurring here on College grounds.

The staff and students have whole-heartedly enjoyed their learning journeys together this term. I’m sure you agree that it has been wonderful for the children to engage in the familiar routines of school life face-to-face with their friends and teachers.

Please read over the other articles in The Way as there have been many exciting and special events occur this week. The staff are keen for next term as we continue to plan fun and exciting learning activities, as well as special events such as the Year 6 dinner – we will be communicating about this with Year 6 families shortly.

Have a blessed and safe holiday break. We look forward to seeing you all again in Term 4.

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

I am pleased to share with you that later this term we are looking to trial having a College Companion Dog called Barbara.

It has been an important year to seek and explore creative opportunities to enhance student wellbeing. We anticipate that adding a Companion Dog to our community will bring joy, as well as assisting students in new ways to engage with learning.

Barbara is an experienced Companion Dog and her breed is a “Groodle” (Golden Retriever/Poodle). Their hair is non-allergenic and part wool, so they do not moult. The Groodle is a breed of choice for Companion and Guide Dogs, as their hair is suitable for people with allergies.

While at College, Barbara will serve as a Companion Dog and also be a non-judgmental presence to students with anxiety. Companion Dogs are found in schools around the world to assist children with social and emotional learning needs, which in turn can assist with literacy development, self-esteem and enhanced classroom interactions. Research into the effects of Companion Dogs in schools highlight a range of positive outcomes including an increase in school attendance, gains in self-confidence, reading ability and language skills.

Other schools in NSW with Companion Dogs have been consulted to ensure we have considered all possible factors if we go ahead. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with great benefits to students, but also unexpected benefits to staff as well.

Please follow the link if you would like to read about the benefits of having a School Companion Dog.

Education will take place in classrooms educating all students on the right way to interact with Barbara, including how to approach a Companion Dog and proper hygiene-practice after coming into contact with her.

The trial will commence on Monday 16 November, with Barbara attending College one day a week under the care of College staff.

Barbara is a well-behaved dog with a calming temperament. She loves children and is keen to meet everyone.

Please let Mr Sale know if you have any questions or concerns at [email protected].

This week I caught a look at Jenny Brockie’s SBS Show ‘Insight’, her last offering as she moves into retirement.

I have a deep respect for Ms Brockie and the way in which she has presents and explores complex community issues. This episode focused on the ‘food crisis’ that families are currently facing as they struggle to supply the basic needs on limited budgets. My heart went out as I heard people’s stories. The stories were real and the people genuine. This caused me to reflect on the importance of our current focus on Compassion, one of our Graduate Aims, a virtue, identified as being of high importance, in our community.  

I regularly speak of compassion in terms of ‘a response to a need’, or expressed in another way as, ‘love in action’. When someone falls down you help them up. When someone is hurting you reach out and provide a comforting word. This is compassion expressed in a practical and authentic way; more recently, this is what has been reflected through the generous contribution of families to things like Operation Christmas Child, the NSW Rural Fire Service fundraiser, and the current project putting together Christmas food hampers for churches. Thank you for your support as we work towards supporting charities and work for those in need.

The biggest difference, however, is when each one of us respond to the day to day needs of those people we are in regular relationship with: our spouse, our family, our friends, our colleagues and peers. There is no doubt that ‘love in action’ will improve the quality of our relationships in all cases.

Please pray for us as we move towards Christmas and a busy end of a difficult year. Take the time to ‘love well’ and be mindful of one another.

God is Love - 1 John 4:7-9 - 'Dear Friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.'

As the date for a return to normal appears to be more and more distant, it is easy to focus on ‘what was’ or simply start focusing on the negative impacts that these changes have had upon life.

At this point, we are very conscious of the fact that this extended lockdown is impacting student wellbeing. Part of our support of students is the launch of an initiative called ‘The House Sports Challenge’. Here is a video explaining the challenge.

The Challenge itself has something for most students, from ball-based skill development to simple exercise sessions. The House Sports Challenge does require Mum and Dad to authenticate the exercises as having been completed; this then allows students to contribute to their House Points Tally. The site can be accessed via the following link:

https://sites.google.com/thac.nsw.edu.au/housesportchallenge/home

Although this is being launched on Tuesday afternoon when there would regularly be sport, it is something students can undertake every day. Indeed, the various exercises/challenges are something that you might choose to do as a family together. Why not have a go? One thing is for sure… in order to break the cycle of negativity that can weigh us down, it is important to remain ACTIVE! Doing this together is just an added encouragement.

There will be a further initiative, similar to the Junior School ’Wellbeing Wednesday’, which we will talk about next week. Thanks for your support and for your prayer at this time.

Hebrews 12:1 - 1 'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us..'

On Monday, the students were welcomed with colourful balloon arches at College entrances for their first day of 2022.

It was a cheerful way to start the year and the smiles of students reconnecting with friends was a treasured sight to see.

The first week has been settled and students have been excited to start in their new classes, eager for the learning journeys to begin as students now in the next grade up from last year. As I’ve visited classrooms, I’ve heard students sharing their aspirations for the year ahead – ‘what is exciting about being in Year 6?’ and setting new goals as the students are nurtured to grow in excellence in Learning, Wisdom and Service.

On behalf of all the Junior School Staff, I extend a very warm welcome to new families starting at the College. The staff are looking forward to connecting with you and building strong partnerships in the year ahead. For all our families, if you have any questions or queries please email your child’s teacher and they would be happy to assist.

Our Parent Teacher Information Sessions (via Zoom) will be held on Thursday 17 February in the afternoon where you can meet your child’s teacher and have an opportunity to ask your questions. More details to come shortly.

I would like to introduce our new Director of Operations and Welfare (Junior School) Mrs Kylie Singles. She is a passionate, experienced leader and is excited to be part of the team. You may have already met her out and about in the mornings and afternoons. Join me in welcoming her into our community at Thomas Hassall.

Thank you for a strong start to the term and we look forward to teaching your children in 2022.

Firstly, thank you for the warm welcome I have received from the College Community.

I look forward to meeting and interacting with more families over the coming months.

Early on a parent said to me that above all she just wanted her child to be happy. I suspect this comment resonates with many families at College. As parents our job is to love, care and nurture our children. Of course, we want the best for them. We naturally try to protect our children from difficulties and do all we can to make our children feel good or happy.

However, is happiness really the goal we should be aspiring to for our children?

As we know life is full of adversity and disappointment. We know firsthand how much our lives have been disrupted over the past two years. Life for some over this time has been far from happy.

Teaching our children to bounce back when life doesn’t go to plan is key to coping with difficulties. Rather than simply creating happiness, it is more beneficial to allow our children to experience challenge in order for them to develop resilience.

My challenge to you is to find opportunities to let your child fail safely. Let them experience disappointments in order to assist them to develop healthy coping strategies and to build resilience.

When schools and home partner to intentionally nurture and model resilience, we shape and develop young minds with the necessary skills needed to navigate life well in the future.

And that’s the goal.

On Wednesday, we held ANZAC day commemoration services for P-2 and 3-6.

It was a special time of remembrance for the students and a dedicated day of reflection. They were hosted by our Junior School Prefects – we thank them for their leadership and service.

We heard from our guest speaker Ms Bree Till who shared with the students about what Anzac Day means to her as a war widow and mother of four children. She spoke to us about finding creative ways to connect with one another in the areas of respect and remembrance. The students sang the National Anthem, participated in a minutes silence and saying “Lest we forget”, appreciated the poem “In Flanders fields’ (1915) by John McCrae, spent time in prayer and listened to Thomas Hassall College students, Stratos D and Tamara A play the Last Post live in the service.

Also, throughout the day classes placed poppies in dedicated Gardens of Remembrance at College and some photos are below. I was with Year 4 and joined their reflection time, slowing down and solemnly recognising the service of many men and women to our country both now and in years gone past.

Some further resources are available using this link from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs if you would like to explore Anzac Day further as a family.

We are looking forward to engaging with our families at our upcoming events such as the Musical and Mother's Day Breakfast. There will also be an InitiaLit Training Parent Information Evening 4-5pm on Tuesday 17 May. More details will be communicated with you closer to the date. Students in Year 1 have been undertaking InitiaLit since the beginning of the year. You can read about this later in The Way.

We look forward to the Term ahead!

Welcome to Term 3!

We have had an exciting start so far and we are looking forward to some special events coming up this term that celebrate family, student learning and the community- please come along and benefit from these special occasions.

We love having parents as part of our day to day College life and giving them an opportunity to connect with other families, some opportunities this term include;

Junior School Assemblies on Fridays at 1.45pm

From 1.30pm, sign in at the front office and make your way to the S block Hall.

K - 2 Assemblies will take place in the odd weeks (Weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9)

3 - 6 Assemblies will take place in the even weeks (Week 2, 4, 6, 8, 10)

Different Junior School classes will feature each week to share their learning. Your child will surely love to have you there. Students also receive Principal and College awards and parents will be contacted if this is happening for your child at the week’s assembly.

MRK Café on Fridays from 7.30am

From 7.30 until 9.30am you can enjoy Coffee made by our very own barista Josh who is also part of our College Community as a Year 4 parent.  This is a fun time of connection and delicious foods!  

Our Parent Community Network have also been organising some meet-ups for different Year Groups.  What a lovely way to get together, thank you to our Parent Volunteers for this great initiative!

We are looking forward to the term ahead and welcoming you to our upcoming events.

We are thrilled to welcome Dr Kristy Goodwin to a Junior School Parent Information Evening at College on Thursday 1 September.

It is an evening not to miss. Register using the link.

Dr Kristy Goodwin will assist concerned parents feel confident about how they can best support their children’s physical health, mental wellbeing as well as learning online, without proposing ‘digital amputation’, banning the gaming console or iPad.

Session Overview:
- why children and teens are susceptible to potential pitfalls online given their brain development;
- why the online world is appealing to children and adolescents (there’s science to explain their digital infatuation and ‘techno-tantrums’);
- simple & realistic formula to determine healthy screentime limits for children and teens;
- the 5 vital digital boundaries parents must establish to ensure their children and teens develop healthy digital behaviours;
- the current risks facing kids and teens in the online world and simple solutions to mitigate these; and why digital disconnection is critical for your child’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

We look forward to seeing you at this event.

Boosting wellbeing

When I’m outside enjoying the natural world, it simply feels good for the soul. Dr Kristy Goodwin spoke at our latest Junior School Wellbeing Matters Session and she shared that 90 minutes of outdoor time is necessary for child (and adult!) wellbeing. The great outdoors is a natural fascination for children. It is an endless playground of critters, creativity and curiosity, with the added bonus of being an easy way to build up their wellbeing!

At College, there have been some wonderful experiences where outdoor learning has been happening. The P-2 Tabloid Carnivals were a great highlight this week and with stunning weather too! Every parent I spoke with enjoyed the outdoor Tabloid as they watched the children participate in the engaging and fun activity stations. It was a great chance to catch up with other families and make new connections within the community, while enjoying the fresh air and joyous sports carnival spirit.

So why not leave those four walls in the house or office and give yourself and the whole family a wellbeing boost?! All it takes is 90 minutes of outdoor time over the day. I’ve been setting this goal with my own family and I surprised myself with the effect it had on me as well as the children. I encourage you to share your favourite local outdoor places with one another and thank you to all the families who attended the P-2 Tabloid on the College Oval this week. 

Every minute counts ….

At Thomas Hassall we value learning and love witnessing growth in students’ understanding. This growth can be stunted due to absence. We know children become sick and need time off College to rest and recover.

However, repeated lateness and unexplained days off school have an evidence-based impact on children’s education.

Many parents may not realise that when a child is late to College, he or she often feels behind right from the start of the day in terms of organisation and worried about catching up the missed learning. This may lead to children feeling anxious about the day ahead. Even though the teacher will most certainly repeat the instructions for the first lesson, children who are late miss the opportunity for class discussions where ideas and different strategies are tried and tested and where peer to peer learning takes place.

The curriculum is full and there is no time to waste. Learning begins at 8:20am. As a College, we urge parents to partner with us to maximise children’s learning opportunities and be committed to having students on time at the start of the day.

Simply put, if a child is ‘only’ 10 minutes late each day, this equates to 500 minutes per term which is approximately 6 days of lost learning over the year. Every minute certainly counts.

Welcome to Term 1 for 2023 to our existing and new families. We are excited to commence the year with lots of new beginnings, new classes and many adventures ahead.

The first weeks of Term have been off to a positive start. This year we want to continue nurturing and growing our students in Learning, Wisdom and Service. This is only possible with the willingness of our students and the continued partnerships with our parents and staff.

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new staff members who are joining the Junior School in 2023! Miss Danica Potgieter joins our Kindergarten team, Miss Pamela Broadstock joins the Year 4 team, Mr Austin Buckley joins the Year 6 team and Miss Georgia Beikoff joins the team as our Junior School Chaplain. We are sure you will enjoy getting to know these staff members.

Our Parent Information Evening will be taking place in Week 3. This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and find out some key information about learning expectations and routines. We hope to see many of you there.

There have been some upgrades to our facilities over the holiday period. Our Year 4 building has been newly renovated and our students have been excited to utilise the space. Our Kindergarten to Year 2 playground has also had a refresh with some lovely new play equipment and surfacing updated.

We are excited to introduce an onsite speech pathologist to our College services. Jane Wills is an experienced speech pathologist who will be available onsite on Mondays and Tuesdays. Please note that this service will incur a fee, which will be discussed with you prior to commencement. Find out more later in this edition.

Welcome again to the Term. We look forward to partnering with you in your child’s education this year.

We are all lifelong learners.

This term the Junior School staff has been engaged in Professional Learning about making adjustments for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and those exhibiting challenging behaviours. This learning will continue into next term with staff participating in online modules through the Association of Independent Schools. It is vital that all members of staff have a working knowledge and understanding about adjusting the learning and the environment to cater to the needs of all students at College.

At Thomas Hassall we are an inclusive learning environment; all students are children of God and we value difference, tolerance and acceptance.

We hope to see you at the Easter Hat Parade on Thursday 6 April.

A warm welcome back to all our Junior School families to Term 2 of this academic year.

The College is a buzz in anticipation for the upcoming events happening at the College which you can read about below.

Mother’s Day Stall and Breakfast
Our annual Mother’s Day stall is happening next Thursday as mentioned in our recent broadcast. Can I take this moment to extend a special thanks to our Parent Community Network for their continued act of service in the Junior School. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to plan and then facilitate this community event on a yearly basis. We are very appreciative of all they do.

Likewise, our Mother’s Day Breakfast will be held next Friday. Last year’s breakfast event had a beautiful tone of community spirit with so many of you taking the time from your busy schedules to be there. We anticipate that this year will be to the same tune. Read more about how to make a booking in this edition.

Athletics Carnival
Our Years 3 to 6 Athletics Carnival is fast approaching on 1 June. As a student myself, Athletics Carnival was my favourite sporting day and I recall looking forward to the variety of activities to be involved in on the day. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to excel in the many track and field events on offer. College parents and spectators are most welcome to attend the event. More details to come soon. We are praying for favourable weather!

Creative Arts Performances
Every second year Junior School students get up on stage as part of our Creative Arts performances in the College Auditorium. This term, we will see our Kindergarten and Stage 1 (Year 1 & 2) students take to the stage in song and dance. Year 3 – 6 will have their Creative Performances later in the year. We are privileged to have specialist staff, Mrs Elita Brown and Mrs Lianne Brown lead the Creative Arts Performances. These experiences early on in their learning journey can foster a spark into a flame for future years in the Creative and Performing Arts. The teachers have been so impressed by the enthusiasm and effort from the students and we are thrilled to see their confidence develop each week.

Parent Café
We continue to have our Parent Café open every Friday morning so please come along for a cup of coffee, great food and a chat.

I look forward to seeing you at the next Junior School event!

Term 2 has been a magnificent term of learning in the Junior School. It has also been a great joy to see so many families attending a range of events. We will continue to bring the community together in Term 3 with events such as Fathers’ Day and the Southwest Festival.

These events have been uplifting times when we’ve felt the benefit from that extra boost - to see the children perform on stage or celebrate a special occasion. We want a brighter future for our students and on that journey we do well to come together, enjoying life at the College on our beautiful campus. We also encourage you to connect with other families too. Coming along to the Parent Café on Friday mornings is a great opportunity for this and I hope to see you there.

This week our Year 5 students showcased their findings on a science project with parents. Students were given an independent research task to write an inquiry question about space. They were able to present their findings in a creative way of their choosing. There were so many great submissions including dioramas, videos, power point presentations and posters. Well done Year 5.

Next Week we will be celebrating UNITE Week. This is a great opportunity for our College Community to celebrate cultural diversity. We look forward to seeing students in their cultural attire next Friday. Detailed information has been posted via a Broadcast.

Our Junior School Assemblies have been taking place on Fridays. This has been a chance to recognise student achievement and for classes to share their learning with parents. We hope you have enjoyed coming along to these. They will continue in Term 3.

Thank you for your commitment and involvement in your child’s journey this term.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday break.

In the Junior School we have passionate specialist Music and Drama teachers who provide engaging and enjoyable lessons for all the students in Kindy to Year 6. Even from Kindergarten, talent is nurtured and experiences offered with a range of exciting performance opportunities. Creative Arts lessons are not only fun and stretching opportunities. They also offer a pathway for personal expression, unlocking the imagination and creating shared meaning with others.

A well-known educationalist, Dylan Wiliam, presented some very interesting research on what subject is most valued by future employers. Employers were surveyed on what attributes they are looking for in candidates during the hiring process. The number one school subject that cultivated these skills is Drama! Students learn to co-operate with others, problem solve, think on their feet, perform in a role and work as a team. There is great value in a specialised, robust Creative Arts program.

Here are but a few of the enriching opportunites available in Junior School within our Creative and Performing Arts program.   

Creative Arts Nights

Every second year all students will perform on-stage in Creative Arts Performances. Kindergarten, Year 1 and 2 performed back in Term 2. They were wonderful performances which showcased the students on stage. Year 3 and 4 performances are coming up shortly in Week 5 across 2 days. The performances will feature the Year 4 Band who will showcase their newly learned skills with their new concert band instrument. You can book your tickets here https://www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book

College Musical

Students in Junior School also have the opportunity to perform in the College Musical. Our last musical ‘Shrek’ many Junior students were involved, including the characters Pinnochio and Young Fiona who came from our Year 6 cohort of 2023. We are looking forward to ‘The Little Mermaid’ in 2024!

Annual Writers and Illustrators Competition

We encourage artistic flair and literary creativity through our Annual Writers and Illustrators Competition. This engaging competition allows students to bring stories to life through illustrations, with selected works earning publication in the Young Illustrators & Writers Magazine. Not only does this foster artistic talent, but it also supports a noble cause – proceeds from the magazine sales contribute to our Compassion children in Peru. Last year's magazine was a testament to our students' imagination and skill, and we eagerly anticipate another captivating edition this year.

Our Creative and Performing Arts program equips our students for a future full of opportunities. I am looking forward to seeing many of you at 'Come Fly with Me' - the Stage 2 Creative Arts Performance.

Congratulations to everyone in our Junior School community on reaching the last week of Term 3, 2023.

Amongst the highlights of this term, our very own Assistant Chaplain Miss Georgia Beikoff travelled to Japan to compete with her team, the CommBank ParraMatildas. The CommBank ParraMatildas are Australia’s first national football team for women and girls with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury and symptoms of stroke. Miss Beikoff and her team were undefeated in their three-match series against Japan. We applaud you Miss Beikoff for your remarkable achievement and for being an inspiration to our students.

Another achievement worth highlighting is that of Samuel in Class 3R who received the 2023 Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Student Achievement Community Languages Schools from the NSW Department of Education. Samuel has been attending the Diglat Assyrian Language school since Kindergarten held every Saturday for 2 hours during the school term. Like many of our students who undertake extra activities on the weekends during school term, it takes determination and commitment to finish the task. We applaud you Samuel for your extraordinary efforts and for receiving high recognition for your learning.

Our Prep and Kindergarten students have also achieved 100 days of schooling. In concurrence with this milestone, the students participated in the annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic. Mr Whelan, Mrs Easton and I had the wonderful opportunity to read a book and bring our own teddy bears with us to the festivities. The children were filled with such delight to hear from us, and we enjoyed sharing our life moments with each of them. A special thank you to our Prep and Kindergarten staff as well as the students for hosting a fun and special occasion.

Our vision at Thomas Hassall is Growing and Nurturing Excellence in Learning, Wisdom, and Service. Term 3 has exemplified each of these components. And the wonderful fact is that this vision is not just limited to our College setting, it can be exuberated in every aspect of our individual lives.

Let me again congratulate each and everyone of our Junior School community members – teachers, support staff, parents, and College families and of course our students. As we finish this term, I wish you all a restful and safe holiday break.  

'Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.' Thessalonians 5:16-18

The Manners Matter focus this week was ‘Being on time’

Our focus topic last week in Junior school was ‘being on time’, whether that be to College, class lessons or to one of our before College programs such as Junior Concert Band or sports training. Being on time is respectful and means we do not miss even one minute of learning- every minute matters!

We can encourage students to be prepared, packed and ready for the day ahead by using weekly planners, timers or even visual reminders on what to pack the night before College. Please partner with us to ensure all students are arriving on time as this gives them a calm start to the day. Not to mention, good role modelling!

Grandparents Day

Our Grandparents Day a few weeks ago was a huge success, with close to 700 Grandparents in attendance. Highlights included special student performances and the College Cheer Group, classroom visits and exploring our bookfair. We are so thankful to the many families who attended and shared this day with their grandchildren.

2024 Orientations

We held our Kindergarten orientation sessions last week for new students joining us in 2024 and they were alongside our current prep students moving into Kindergarten. There were many happy and excited faces who were eager to explore our classrooms, meet our Kindy teachers and make some new friends. This week we also will welcome our new Prep families for their Orientation. This is a new chapter for families and an exciting opportunity for our incoming youngest learners to have a taste of what is to come and be filled with wonder and develop a sense of belonging – the start of their ‘big school’ journey. I’m excited for you to connect with us and see all that Thomas Hassall has to offer.

Year 4 Band Performance

Our Year 4 Band program has been a great success and was great to see all of the Year 4 students showcase their skills and demonstrate their growth and effort during our end year performance today. It was wonderful having so many parents attend as well. 

As we near the end of term for 2023 I wish all families a safe and joyous Christmas break.

I consider the journey we’ve shared together in the Junior School and it really has been an incredible year! It has been a pleasure to lead the Junior School in 2023 and to have your partnership and support along the way. I leave you with these messages:

To the families

A blessing upon you all – I pray that you form cherished memories over the break and cease each day as most of us have more space and capacity for one another than during the year. It is a pleasure to be in community with you. We are united in seeing the lives of our younger students nurtured as they grow in their understanding of their gifts and the impact they can and will have upon the world.

To the students

Remember these three R’s over the beak - Recreation (fun!), Read (every day) and Retry something you learnt. You could retry something you’ve loved or found challenging and want to give another go- see what happens! Parents please share this message with you children.

To the staff

Thank you for what you have done throughout 2023 to serve our Junior School College community. You are truly excellent Christian educators and I acknowledge each of you for your contributions. Thank you for giving so much of yourselves every day- going above and beyond to support every child.

Farewells

It is also time to say farewell to some Junior School staff who are moving on to something new in 2024.

We farewell Mrs Wendy Irwin who has accepted a position at Oran Park Anglican College as a Stage Coordinator. Oran Park was once a part of Thomas Hassall as a sister school during its first years and we wish Mrs Irwin all the best in her new leadership role. We also farewell Mrs Emily Watters, Mrs Annabelle Wood, Mrs Stockinger, Mrs Michelle McOrist and Miss Jane Flack and we wish them the very best in their next endeavours. Mrs Elise Hona and Mrs Georgia Street are now on maternity leave and we pray for them and their families as they prepare to welcome their little ones into the world.

For our outgoing Principal Mr Whelan

Mr Ross Whelan has been an exceptional, personable and visionary Christian leader. He has touched the lives of everyone that has been through the doors of Thomas Hassall for over 17 years. What stands out for me about him, is the way he wants to know everyone’s story. If you’ve ever had a conversation with him, he will have a meaningful conversation with you but it also simply feels easy and light-hearted too. He wants to know your story and he certainly admires the life and legacy of Reverend Thomas Hassall, knowing his story in great detail. Ross Whelan leaves us with the legacy of seeing every individual as having a story with gifts to give and a place in God’s world. Thank you for being our Principal Mr Whelan.

Remember Jesus’s love for you this Christmas

A merry Christmas to you all, as we reflect on the birth of the Lord Jesus and the act of love His life brought into the world. I look forward to seeing you all again in 2024.

Mary gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough – because there was no room for them at the lodging place. In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields… But the angel said to them “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Saviour, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.”

Luke 2:7-12

It has been a month since students and teachers have returned to College and a regular school routine. A big part of school routine is recess and lunch breaks.  Everyone has a break to replenish their bodies with food and drink, as well as interact in the playground with their friends. This year we have a wonderful new addition in our Kindy Playground area to support and assist our youngest students during their break time. It is the ‘Buddy Bench’.

What is a Buddy Bench?

Last year Cinzia, who was a Year 6 prefect at the time wrote to me with the idea to provide a ‘Buddy Bench’ after visiting the annual Junior Leaders Social Action Expo. Cinzia was inspired to serve our community and was optimistic that this would have a positive impact amongst the students in the Junior School. As I read her letter, it brought me great joy to see young leaders who are passionate, who have a heart to serve and who take action to make their vision a reality. 

I am delighted to share that a Buddy Bench has been placed in the Kindy Playground area and is being used by our younger students. The students have been shown the Buddy Bench and can use it as a way to make a new friend or perhaps as a gathering place if you’ve lost your friends in the playground. Cinzia was keen to see it used as “a safe space seat that students can go to when they have feelings that are bigger than they can handle and others are aware of the seat’s importance, knowing that the person sitting there is feeling something,and they need some kindness.” 

We thank Cinzia’s family for generously donating the first Buddy Bench at Thomas Hassall (see photo below). This is just the beginning of the Buddy Bench initiative and I expect that with the success of this one, there will be more to come across the Junior School in the future. 

Has your child been sunburnt before? It is not pleasant. The good news is that it is preventable! As parents and educators, we must play our part in educating, modelling and ensuring children are being sun safe in their daily lives. Today I am asking all families to ensure your child/ren are wearing the correct hat each day. 

Why wear a wide brim hat? 

The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) radiation which you cannot see or feel. No matter the type of weather each day or your skin type, it is very important for everyone to be sun safe and reduce UV exposure as much as possible. Sun-safe hats are broad-brimmed style hats with an angled brim that protects the face, neck and ears whenever a person is outside. 

When do students wear the Wide Brim Foam College Hat?

Students are expected to wear the wide brim foam hat every day, at all break times.  It is also recommended to be worn when arriving and leaving the College.

When do students wear the Sports Cap?

Pack your child’s Sports Cap in their bag on PE (Physical Education) days, College Sports days and Carnivals for use during these specialist lessons. Students continue to wear the wide brim foam hat at break times even on PE or College Sports days for sun safety. 

Below you can read the expectations for students wearing hats in the Junior School. On the whole, our students love active play and being outdoors. It is especially important they are protected from UV radiation and always wear their wide brim foam College hat all year round. Packing sunscreen in your child’s bag and teaching them to apply it also provides additional protection to sun exposure. Sunscreen is made available to students in classrooms and while on excursions. 

College Expectations:

• For Junior School students, the Wide Brim Foam Hat is compulsory all year round. The Wide Brim Foam Hat is to be worn when outdoors at the College for their own sun protection. 

• The Sport Cap can be worn during PE lessons, Carnivals and College Sport lessons. The Sports Cap should not be worn at other times as a substitute for the Wide Brim Foam College hat.

Here is an extract from the Cancer Council Website explaining the importance of sun safety. 

“Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage accumulated during childhood and adolescence is strongly associated with an increased risk of skin cancer later in life. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world… Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

Students are in school when daily ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels are at their peak, meaning schools are uniquely placed to educate about sun protection behaviour, minimise UVR exposure and ultimately reduce a student's lifetime risk of skin cancer.”

https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/be-sunsmart/sunsmart-in-schools

Thank you for being a part of our sun safe culture at the College and to instill positive practices in our students for life-long sun safety habits.

I was delighted recently to hear from Anna in Year 6 who shared with me her proposal to start a Prep Reading Club in Term 2. I’m pleased to share that it is now up and running!

An enthusiastic group of Year 6 volunteers are visiting Prep a few lunchtimes a week to instil a passion for reading in our youngest students. They are thrilled to be immersing the Preps in a range of picture books and simply enjoy their time reading together. I’m greatly encouraged by their heart to serve and their desire to promote a love of reading with Prep students in the Junior School. 

Here is part of Anna’s proposal:

“This Pilot program will be in the preschool building with both kind and compassionate Year 6 students. This will foster a love for reading for Prep students involved.”

Anna demonstrated excellent leadership in the preparation phase to advocate for her project– she organised the resources through the library, spoke passionately to Prep staff and inspired other Year 6 students to volunteer. I am confident both the Prep and Year 6 students involved will benefit from the Prep Reading Club. I’m excited to keep visiting throughout the term and see the joy of reading flourish. 

Isn’t it amazing how the voice of one student with a passion can make a difference in the lives of others?! I wish the Reading Club Volunteers all the best. 

You are invited to come along to the Parent Café next week for our first ‘Café Chat’ topic: Understanding your Child’s Academic Report

 The Café Chat series offers a unique chance to engage in relaxed, informal discussions with our staff on a variety of topics across the year. We sent a broadcast out recently inviting you to attend our first Café Chat which will be with Ms Lisa Hansford – the Director of Teaching and Learning in Junior School about the Reporting process.

Understanding your child's report is not just about analysing grades. It is more than that. It is understanding your child’s engagement in learning, their effort and attitude. At the heart of it, it’s about considering your child’s progress, celebrating their positive learning behaviours and reflecting on how to support them on their educational journey. We want you to be equipped and empowered with the knowledge and understanding to read school reports effectively so we can create strong partnerships together. As we partner together we can focus on the path forward - it is about their future!

 Date: Friday 14 June

Time: 8.30 – 9.30am

 I encourage Prep and Kindergarten parents to come along, especially if this is your very first time reading through an academic school report. Café Chat offers you a chance to understand the process more fully and ask any questions you may have.  

We will meet at the Parent Café in MRK so come and enjoy a hot drink or food beforehand. Please register your interest in attending using this link

I look forward to seeing you there!

Learning in an Upside World

A few short weeks ago, you would ask your children ‘How was school’ and they would grunt and answer ‘fine’

A few short weeks ago, teachers were at College with their classes asking them to be quiet, get on with their work, follow instructions...

Now with children at home, doing their lessons online while parents are trying to work, it is parents asking children to be quiet, get on with their work, to follow instructions and it is PC teachers at the Check-ins asking ‘How was School’ and getting monosyllabic typed responses. The world is upside down at the moment, isn’t it?

Thankfully, despite the differences in some of the roles supporting the education of our young people, quality learning is still occurring! We are thankful to have spent the last 18 months with staff learning about the features and the power of our Learning Management system, CANVAS, so that when the time unexpectedly came to move to online learning, we were ready. Have you ever heard the word Canvas more in your life than in the last month?

We have seen some new skills learned and implemented by our adaptive staff: preparing videos to explain new concepts, running tutorials to answer questions using Zoom conferences, working collaboratively with their students live on Google sheets, creating quizzes and assignments on Canvas, Mathspace and Education Perfect to measure student knowledge of given topics. Emails have been flying between teachers and their students to keep them on track and parents have been kept in the loop if their children have been underperforming.

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.

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

It is now a few weeks into being back on campus full time and it has been great to have the students engaging positively with life once more.

Despite the tensions in the community, there is a collective determination to come together and move forward. Whilst we cannot engage in full contact sport, students are still engaging in a range of competitive activities which include developing skills, gamesmanship and teamwork. The recent House Sport Competition was a great testament to how students have adapted to the changes that have taken place. We are looking forward to providing more opportunities for students to give account of themselves across the Senior School.

Our Virtual Assemblies and Chapels still provide opportunities for the College to come together around a common theme. This semester we have been focusing on ‘Loving in Relationships’. Although we have put a spotlight on this topic, it doesn't mean that putting the ‘theory into practice’ is easy. Doing relationships well is hard work and there are times when we get this wrong. When this happens, tempers fray and communication can break down. At a time when there is already a sense of anxiousness across our community it is even more important that we be more determined to bring people together to resolve and talk about our differences/ issues. I think this can happen at every level: in the classroom, in the playground, across friendship groups and via our electronic communication.

Remember, we are loved so passionately by a great God and when we connect with this reality, it is so much easier to share this with our broader community.

'Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸ Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.' 1 John 4:7-8 

Today the Junior School participated in a Mufti Day raising money for the Food Bank.

We raised over $1000 dollars towards this very worthy cause to show service and compassion to the wider community. Students have enjoyed the day with their friends and are keen to start their holiday break.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Junior School families for all your support over the term.

We are all looking forward to returning in Term 3. Have a well-deserved break with your loved ones.

I wanted to bring an update on the wellbeing of all Junior students at Thomas Hassall Anglican College.

While we are continuing to adjust to what a new normal is and I must give credit to the students and their amazing ability to adapt to a new set of circumstances.  We have split K-2 playgrounds and 3-6 playgrounds and that has a significant change but a helpful one.

One aspect of the changes that we have made is that unfortunately we have had to cancel many excursions and events. The College is now looking at how we can plan activities that are safe while maintaining social distancing. Some of these events include a chess tournament and author visits where children could explore poetry and write their own examples.

We want to give students a sense of fun and provide activities that are outside what the normal day to day experience of the College will be.  

Mr Luke Sale
Junior School Director of Operations and Welfare

Year 12 are currently at the business end of the year; the HSC Trial results are being returned and the major works are currently being submitted or presented in one form or another.

There is possibly a challenge for many students to turn around results that may not have met their expectations. The Trial Examination is a difficult one because it amplifies the areas of weakness that needs to be mastered. The good news is that there is time to make changes and improve outcomes. The important message is not to give up. The process here is NOT easy, but the learning that is happening will develop skills that they can take out into the world that will help them for life.

In a normal year, we would have invited students and parents to a presentation of student major works. This includes: Music and Drama performances, HSC major works for IT Timber, Design and Technology, Extension 2 English and History, and of course Visual Arts. Now because of COVID-19 restrictions we have recorded these elements and we will provide access via a virtual website and so the community can still enjoy the creative efforts of all our Year 12 students. Despite the challenges this year, there is some excellent work that will be at the very best quality that we have seen here at the College. We are currently building a website that would have been Illuminate.  It should be online towards the end of this term.

Today we held a special get together for the Peter Pan Musical team.  Unfortunately, due to COVID, we will no longer be able to conduct the Musical, and as hard as it is to communicate, and as disappointing it is for everyone involved in the production, we must confirm that the musical will be cancelled, in this our 20^th Anniversary year. Due to current COVID restrictions, it is not feasible to move forward with this production. The students involved have committed many hours of hard work to the production so far and as such, we appreciate and acknowledge their contributions.  

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'May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had...'Romans 15:5

Developing Deep Understanding Through Dialogue and Collaboration

Can you remember how you learnt about fractions? Who explained graphs and data to you? How you worked with your peers to dig deeper into discovering new information?

In the Junior School, we are working hard to provide our students with the opportunities to move from a surface level of understanding in maths to a deeper, richer knowledge. We are using different materials in class to help students develop their knowledge and skills; we are asking questions for them to grapple with in small groups; we are encouraging them to ask their own questions and find there can be many ways to find solutions to a problem.

Ask your child what they did today in their maths lesson. Talk to them about how you learnt maths.

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Ms Lisa Hansford
JS Director of Teaching and Learning 

I wanted to write to you this week regarding our plans for holding events for the remainder of the year.

As you are all aware, due to the current COVID-19 landscape, this year we have had to scale things back throughout the College event calendar.

However, in taking the first steps to move forward, we are investigating innovative ways in which we can organise events that balance the social and emotional needs of students whilst being simultaneously safe from a health perspective. One of the first initiatives to be introduced in this area is a house based sporting competition to be run during lunchtimes in Term 4 where students in the same grade will complete against one another in a variety of team sports. We feel that this is an event that can be run within COVID-safe principles and will offer a wider variety of opportunities to deepen collegiality and comradery between our students. 

One event in particular that is of interest to our Junior School community is the Year 6 dinner. I am pleased to inform you that this event will be going ahead at the end of the year. The dinner has always been an important way for our Year 6 students to celebrate the achievement of reaching the end of their primary school lives. Whilst there will be some necessary modifications to this event, it is our goal for the essence of the event to be retained. 

Thank you for your continued partnership with the College community as we work together to navigate this changed events space. 

Mr Luke Sale
Junior School Director of Operations & Welfare

Finally, the day of reckoning for the Year 12, 2020 has arrived.

Students are arriving each day keen and ready to give the HSC Examinations their best shot. Thanks to all the teachers, College staff, parents and supporters who have travelled this journey with them. As a staff we continue to pray for the individuals to find peace and clarity as they come to each of their examinations. In addition, other year groups 7-10 are embarking on their own journey of examinations. For some students the tension is high as their worth as a student is measured by that final report. Of course, we understand that this is not the case so in reality parents and teachers can assist with gentleness and encouragement in the way we respond to the reporting outcomes.

What will assist all students to approach this time with confidence is the following:

• Good structures at home to facilitate study
• This includes a suitable quiet place to study that is free of distractions (including social media and entertainment.
• Timed breaks between blocks of study time
• A clear plan for each night (based on the Study Guide provided by each subject coordinator).
• A person (teacher/ family member) to clarify any concepts or ask questions (the College Study Centre is designed for this).
• It is late in getting organised for study, but it is not too late to clarify, check, ensure understanding and work up some clear notes.

This term we are focussing on the Graduate Aim of Compassion. We have already hit the ground running with a large collection of boxes of toys and money to send in response to Operation Christmas Child, there has also a group of students putting hampers together for families in need that will be handed out via Samaritan's Purse. Our recent fundraiser at the end of the last term has been sent off to the Rural Fire Service to support the work of the fire department. More importantly, students are being challenged to respond to suffering and the needs of others with a genuine compassion. Compassion is not self- serving, it is not theoretical, it is not an emotion but it is the people of God responding to a world in need. Let’s encourage one another to this end. 

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” - Luke 6:38

Welcome to Barbara the Companion Dog!

As I’ve mentioned in The Way previously and I’m sure you’ve heard from your children - we are trialling a Companion Dog at College which started on Monday. 

Please welcome ‘Barbara the Companion Dog’ who will be joining us each Monday throughout the rest of the term. 

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The teachers have prepared their classes for Barbara’s visits including safe hygiene and interactions. Companion dogs contribute many positive outcomes for schools.

We trust Barbara’s presence will uplift the College community by adding joy and positivity while also supporting students in the classroom. It has been a big year and I am pleased to be welcoming this brilliant initiative in the Junior School as we look for creative ways to add more connection and happiness in a world where navigating restrictions seem to be a part of daily life.

Your feedback is welcomed and we hope many children share happy memories of Barbara around the dinner table!

It was great to visit the 'All My Own Work' sessions with Year 10 students this week and see them working through a course to assist them in meeting the guidelines for assessment in Stage 6.

I was extremely pleased with the way our students took on board the tips and suggestions from experienced staff and how they contributed their own ideas in such a positive way. It is always exciting to see Year 10 students start to capture the vision for their final 2 years at the College and then the pathway beyond!

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The College has been busy getting the time capsule ready which will be buried next week.

Our Extreme History students discussed ideas about what they thought should be included in the time capsule. Some of the items they decided on included:

• A koala and a fire truck, as a representation of the bush fires that Australia endured earlier this year
• A current collection of coins
• A hand sanitiser bottle and face mask, as symbols of 2020 and the COVID pandemic
• A mobile phone
• An assortment of images that represent the various events that took place in 2020, such as virtual sporting matches and concerts.
   

As history students, they understand how important it is to capture these memories for the students who will open this time capsule in 20 years.

You will be able to see more of what is in our time capsule at our Celebration nights, which will showcase all of our students adding in their memories!

I am writing this to you at the end of Week 2 of Blended Learning Online.

I hope that things are going well with your family and that you are navigating the lockdown. I wanted to bring an encouraging message to you about the progress of staff and students. 

Firstly, I wanted to highlight Pyjama day and the amazing uptake of students of that event. While holding an event like Pyjama day will present some challenges, we are really encouraging students to take the opportunity to think about people in need at this time. You can see what some of our students got up to in the article below.

To continue the fun, next Friday we will celebrate Green and Gold Day. This could be an opportunity for families to show their support for Australian Athletes participating in the Olympic Games. Please share with us what that looks like for your family by emailing [email protected]

There is such excellent and thought-provoking work happening around the Junior School at the moment. Some examples of this include:

• Prep students making a musical instrument out of recycled materials and then singing a song that demonstrates their creative and critical thinking skills
• Students in Kindergarten giving a scientific description of how things move
• Year 6 answering the questions: Why can understanding your identity be so confusing in this world and explaining how knowing you’re a child of God is so comforting! One student even answered question one by saying that 'social media makes us feel so insecure even though we are actually totally fine.'

I wanted to sign off by saying hang in there, we are all in this together!

Wellbeing Wednesday

This week in the Junior School we launched Wellbeing Wednesday. The concept in bringing this idea to our students was for several reasons. The one reason that stands out is that we have had to adjust to focussing on excessive amounts of screen time, which does take its toll both physically and mentally. We want our students to have some time within the busyness of online learning, to take a break from the screen, that they potentially sit in front of 6 to 8 hours a day.

It has been fantastic to hear from families, who have been encouraged to see their children excited to be involved in the Wellbeing Wednesday activities. I’m guessing the parents who sit with their children day in and day out are also a little thankful for this initiative.

Parents, you’re all doing a great job!

I recently listened to a podcast by Maggie Dent, ‘’Parental as Anything’’

Maggie articulates that there are some days, no matter how well planned we are, it just doesn’t go to plan. They are the 20 per cent moments in parenting that are absolutely normal. We need to forgive ourselves for those and not think we are failing as parents. Maggie also shared about how important it is for our kids to feel safe at home in a time when our world is so uncertain.

COVID has taught us that some things are out of our control. We can’t change them.

So, a big shout out to our parent community. You are all amazing! Hang in there! You can do it!

I also want to say thank you to our staff who are committed to doing their best for their students. You are amazing! Hang in there! You can do it!

When I was little, my favourite book was “Robert the Rose Horse”.

My parents read it to me every night, and it was the first book I could read all the way through. Not that I was reading the words, I remembered the words and believed I was a reader. I can still remember the day I took my very tattered copy into class and recited it for them all, and my teacher Mrs Isbell.

Such wonderful memories.

Next week Australian schools celebrate Book Week. At Thomas Hassall, we would usually have a book parade and classes would be working on many varied and exciting activities.

Although we are not at College, we will still be celebrating Book Week on Wednesday August 25th. Further details will be sent to you later today regarding it.

Reading to children is a gift. Teachers love to read books in class, no matter what age the students are. I hope that, like my parents, many of you enjoy the chance to read to your children at home. Research emphasises the importance of reading to children. It helps develop a child’s oral comprehension and reading fluency, and it also encourages children to see reading as a positive experience, something to do as a social activity. How many of us are participating in Zoom Book Clubs during lockdown?

In the next few days we will be sending out details about a great new opportunity for Junior School families at Thomas Hassall. We have organised free access for our families to Story Box Library – an Australian website with Australian stories being read by Australian actors, authors, entertainers and journalists.

During lockdown, we are all experiencing changes to schedules. If you are finding it more difficult to find the opportunity to read to your children, logging onto this site will allow them to enjoy a wonderful storytelling experience.

And please share your favourite stories from childhood with your children. Encourage them to develop a love of reading at every chance you get.

Ms Lisa Hansford
Director of Teaching and Learning

I hope your children are enjoying the many experiences Wellbeing Wednesday has to offer.

Over the next two Wellbeing Wednesdays, Junior School students will have an opportunity to paint, draw, create, compose or perform a dance, sing a song or play an instrument. For some students, these skills can be a little daunting as they may feel like they are not good enough. I for one struggle with drawing, just ask any students who have had me as their teacher, but I never gave up, and no, I’m still not Picasso, but at least I gave it a go. So please encourage your child/ren to just have a go.

As we enter another 3 weeks of lockdown, I wonder how you are going. Are you now in a routine that seems normal or are you still wanting to climb the walls to escape this maddening experience of home learning? It’s tough isn’t it, especially when you have to teach your own children. I love teaching everyone else’s children, just not my own, maybe because I expect too much from them.

I came across this letter from a Principal in Greater Sydney who I believe says it all. I have given you a shortened version. Please take the time to read it and please know that you are doing an amazing job. Hang in there! You’ve got this!

Dear Parents,

You might be inclined to create a minute-by minute schedule for your kids. You have high hopes of hours of learning, including online activities, science experiments, and book reports. You’ll limit technology until everything is done! But here’s the thing…

Our Kids are just as scared as we are right now. Our kids not only can hear everything that is going on around them, but they feel our constant tension and anxiety. They have never experienced anything like this before.

Over the coming weeks, you will see an increase in behaviour issues, whether its anxiety, anger, or protests that they can’t do things normally – it will happen. You’ll see more meltdowns, tantrums, and oppositional behaviour in the coming weeks. This is normal and expected under these circumstances.

What kids need right now is to feel comforted and loved. To feel like its going to be ok and that might mean that you tear up your schedule and love on your kids a bit more. Play outside and go for walks. Bake cookies and paint pictures. Play board games and watch movies. Snuggle under warm blankets and do nothing.

Don’t worry about them regressing in school because every single kid is in the same boat and they will be ok. When we are back in the classroom, we will of course correct and meet them where they are.

If I can leave you with one thing. Its this: at the end of all of this, your kids’ mental health will be more important than their academic skills. How they felt during this time will stay with them long after the memory of what they were doing during those weeks is long gone. So, keep that in mind, every single day

'My children, our love should not be only words and talk. Our love must be true love. And we should show that love by what we do.' (1 John 3:18)

What have we learnt about our students, and what have our parents learnt about their children?

In The Way at the end of Week 3, I asked this question of our teachers and parents. As we near the end of the term, there are many more questions to ask, as we collect more and more information about the students in our College.

During our Wellbeing Check-ins, we are giving the students the opportunity to answer some questions themselves:

⇒ How do you feel about Blended Learning Online?

⇒ What have you enjoyed? Can you think why you enjoyed them?

⇒ What have you found hard? Why do you think you found this hard?

⇒ What would you like to get better at next term?

Rather than focusing on what students may have lost during the Blended Learning Online timeframe, we want to consider the gains that the students have made and celebrate these with their parents.

In the communication we have had during the term, we realise that some students have been learning how to structure their time during the day, ensuring they give themselves chances to stand up and move around, exactly as they would do at College.

Parents have told classroom teachers that their children are beginning to manage their distractions more efficiently by setting themselves goals of completing certain tasks before getting a snack, or running around in the backyard. Many parents are fascinated by how much their children are learning about technology, organisation and routine. They have been learning and practising new skills all through lockdown.

If you want to help your children by developing more of these behaviours, here are some ideas:

⇒ Set a timer for 15 minutes. When the timer goes off, your child can get up and do some star jumps or other activities for the House Challenge. Extend the timer a few minutes every few days to extend their perseverance.

⇒ Think about the noise around your child when they are on Zooms. If possible, help them focus by sitting them in a place where they can’t see or hear their siblings or pets. Then when they finish, allow them time to spend with the family.

⇒ Encourage your child to start their day’s work with a task they will enjoy, then move to one they may find more challenging. Then change to a more enjoyable one again. They do not have to do everything in the same order as set. 

During spring, let us encourage our children to learn to appreciate the small things around them – sitting in the sun with their family, looking for new flowers, listening for birds, caring for their parents and pets.

There are things to celebrate. Thank you for all you are doing to help your children learn during this time.

Ms Lisa Hansford
Director of Teaching and Learning

As we approach October 18 we are eagerly anticipating students returning onsite.

Next week we will see Prep, Kindergarten and Year 1 return onsite to the College. One of the important aspects of returning is preparing your child for the return to campus. Below is a list of helpful ideas or tips for how to prepare your child for the return to school.

Helpful Hints and Tips for your students

There are a number of things parents can be doing to prepare the students for returning to College.

1. Remind students that School is a safe and happy place to be. Keep positive – children will reflect your outlook.

2. Establish routines of going to bed early, packing the school bag, getting the uniform ready

3. Talk positively with your child about seeing their friends and teachers and the lovely activities that they will be able to do again at College

4. Remind them that the teachers and some students will be wearing masks, but they are the same teachers and this is just another way to help keep people safe

Some things will be different at College, but most of the important things will be the same.

We will all be saying a quick goodbye to mums and dads - mums and dads won’t be coming in the gates - maybe you could practice a cool goodbye handshake, wave or high five

It is important to start thinking about what your child might like in their lunchbox next week to add to the shopping list, the canteen won't be open until the week of the 25 October so make sure they have a packed lunch.

Explain that we all have different feelings about coming back to College - we can talk to our parents, and we can talk to teachers about this. Talk about how students may miss seeing Mum and Dad when at College, but it will be great for them to be able to do other things.

I hope you will join me in prayer as students return to College, that we are able to keep everyone safe and happy about the return to school.

It was so lovely to see the teachers and the students back onsite – Finally!

The smiles that appeared when the students saw their friends was priceless, and it was even more special hearing from teachers, that their class had missed them and were glad to be back in the classroom. I can only imagine what you were all thinking when you said your goodbyes for the day… did that coffee taste amazing!

Be assured that we are doing everything to make sure your children are back to learning in a safe environment. They may come home smelling rosy because they’ve washed their hands several times and hand sanitised during the day!

Thank you for your ongoing support towards the staff here at Thomas Hassall. We very much appreciate all that you do.

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

 Blessings

Schools are incredibly busy places in which there are so many opportunities to extend and enrich learning.

As we settle into the 2022 school year, we are always looking for ways to support your children in their learning endeavours.

Many, many students have enrolled in the Premier’s Reading Challenge. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to read high quality literature that will broaden their understanding of the world, all the while developing vocabulary and comprehension. Please encourage your children to go to the College library, or take up membership in your local library.

An opportunity for STEM learning – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – was taken up by one of our Year 2 students, Hannah L. Hannah enrolled in the Robogals Challenge that was promoted in an earlier edition of The Way.

Please read how she completed her first challenge – making a telescope.

“I used a pool noodle, 2 magnifying glasses (one big and one small), and some super glue. The first thing I did was measure how far apart the magnifying glasses needed to be so that an image was clear. They were 39cms apart. The next step was to stick the big magnifying glass on the end of the pool noodle tube. After that, with mum’s help, we cut a hole to put the other magnifying glass in, 30cms away from the first magnifying glass. We had to make sure it was clear, and looked ok, and it was!”

Ms Lisa Hansford
Junior School Director of Teaching and Learning

Life for a student at Thomas Hassall is one that has many opportunities.

I have had the privilege of working with staff from across the Senior School in planning and organising events for students, and each week, there are opportunities for students to develop. The teachers in the Senior School are passionate about developing the character of each child, along with improving educational outcomes and these additional events are an excellent way for students to engage in their interests outside of the classroom. Throughout the week we have had experts in debating come and meet students from Years 7-10, honing their skills and techniques and we thank Mrs Rodriguez and Mr Gawthorne for their passion and organisation of the event. Our Year 11 students had a first-hand driving experience, participating in the Bstreetsmart program, aiming to develop their responsibilities as a driver and members of the community. Finally, our senior Biology students visited Mt Annan Botanic Garden as part of their study.

Our prayers have been with our Year 12 students who began their Trial HSC exams on Monday. Students have been busily preparing across the recent break, developing and honing their knowledge and work habits to align with the best practices taught by their teachers in the classroom. The Trial HSC exams are a milestone event in the year for our students and provide an excellent, if not stressful opportunity for them to show their teachers their understanding of the course. Detailed feedback is provided to each student, and they would be wise to act upon the feedback in the lead up to the HSC exams.

As the end of year exam period will quickly arrive for other grades so please encourage your children to engage with study and revision early on, setting aside time each night not only for the required homework and assignments but also for revision and deep learning. Our classroom teachers are best placed to direct this revision, so please be in contact with them for the study techniques best suited to their subject.

With Year 12 2022 getting through their HSC Examinations there is a new group of Year 12s (2023) assuming the role of College Leaders.

While we have announced and celebrated the new Senior Leadership Group this week, along with College Captains and Vice Captains, in effect every new Year 12 student now steps up into a leadership role.

The main role of the Senior Student (Year 12), apart from focusing on their academic progress through the HSC, is to set the tone for the College moving forward. Let me commend the 2023 Year 12 students to you. They are a very fine group of students who have many good things going for them. Setting a positive tone for younger students takes work. Every aspect of their time in the next twelve months has an impact on the overall tone across the College.

What we are wanting to build is a positive tone where all Year 12 encourage their younger peers to:
- Look out for one another: where everyone is part of the team and everyone has a place
- Punctuality: All students to be ‘on time’, be that to College, in the morning, in getting to class, or turning up for their various commitments (training, rehearsals, events)
- Uniform: Sharpening up the dress code: getting the hair right, the extra piercings and nail polish removed, the facial hair shaved (for boys), the dress length right (for girls)…
- Disciplined Use of Devices & Technology: Inappropriate use of technology undermines student outcomes and creates unnecessary angst and division in staff/ student relationships. The College, with the assistance of the Senior Students, wants to set a new standard that everyone commits to so that anxiety and mental health issues are minimised and positive relationships can flourish.
- Celebrate Victories: We need to create a culture where students can perform and be celebrated for their achievements across all their endeavours.
 

- Actions not Words: We want to see students actively contributing to the life of the College in areas that they love and enjoy e.g. sport, music, chess, gardening, Dukes, and many other areas of College life.
- Questions & Criticism: The College needs to be a place where the students can challenge the processes (in a respectful and appropriate way).
- FUN, FUN, FUN: At the end of the day we are a community and there needs to be an opportunity to have fun and let off a bit of steam, but in a way that builds community and is not at the expense of individuals or the community as a whole.
- God is honoured: Jesus is Lifted Up: This is important to many people at Thomas Hassall; we believe Jesus sustains us and keeps us healthy. We understand that we are diverse in our backgrounds and belief systems, but we want to uphold the respect for our Christian foundation. (I see a real respect from almost all of our students and I really appreciate this and think this is one of the highlights for me)
- Hard work and Dedication are Valued: Our best results have come when our senior students (from Year 12) have committed to put their differences and distractions aside to work together to encourage, to build up, to support and to arrive at the final destination together.

If the Senior School Students lead in the ways outlined above, the tone across the campus will be one where Respectful Relationships can grow, where challenges are taken up in a Calm and Collective Response and where life is shared with a general positivity and gratitude. Class of 2023, as a community we are with YOU, ready to support and encourage you all as you lead our College and set the tone for our younger students to aspire to.

Year 12, 2023 Waterslea Campsite

Let me tell you about what was happening in Senior School on Monday of this week…

Our Senior Girls and Senior boys Football teams matched up against two visiting teams and performed wonderfully! You can read more in this Edition, but I would like to commend them on their conduct and their enterprising play. Our field was in beautiful condition thanks to our wonderful maintenance staff who prepared it to a professional grade pitch for the occasion as they always do!

While the boys match was playing their second half, the Senior School attended different seminars depending on their Year Group:

Year 11 and 12 attended a Christian Studies session run by our new Head of Christian Studies, Richard Newton. Mr Newton unpacked the theme of ‘Religion being the cause of war’, and critiqued the Christian faith throughout history to see if this claim could be levelled at Christianity. A thoroughly robust topic for the most mature students of our College to be considering.

Year 10 held a Work Experience session with Careers Advisor, Michael Roper. Mr Roper encouraged the students to be thoughtful and aspirational when considering their chosen vocation to experience for a week. Such impressions could be crucial in determining the course of their lives or at the very least aide them in decision making for the years ahead. Getting a sense of the workplace has been a really useful tool in subject selection for Stage 6 study. May I also add that his ability to answer the many questions which came his way was very impressive.

Year 9 heard about the College’s Duke of Edinburgh program from Dany Yako and a carefully selected group of Year 12 students who had engaged with the program in different ways over the last few years. These Year 12 students unpacked their different experiences on the hikes and in the service aspects of the program which gave students a real sense of the fun and challenges of the program.

Year 8 students attended a learning skills seminar with Douglas Broadbent, our Director of Teaching and Learning. Mr Broadbent explained some habits  that would assist students with their organisation and unpacked some helpful techniques to aid them in furthering their learning.

Year 7 attended an English workshop run by the Leader of Learning in English, David Gawthorne and the entire faculty, who explained to the students how to approach their first English Assessment task. From the drafting process through to the process for submission via Canvas, Year 7 students are now well equipped with the ‘how’ and ‘what’ to do to ensure that they submit their best work for this upcoming assessment.

I wanted to share this snapshot of a single moment in time on a given day at the College, so that you would have a sense of the wide variety of activities provided for students and also to get a sense of the high level of expertise that we are lucky enough to have on staff. We are truly blessed to have such passionate and professional staff at a time when many schools are finding it hard to fill roles with qualified teachers. The support of the parent community for our staff continue to make Thomas Hassall an attractive proposition for prospective teachers.

For those of you who attended the Meet the Teacher and Faculty Fusion events, I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did. I loved seeing our Year 7 guides proudly showing off their school to their parents and I was blown away by the performances of our talented Music staff and the support they received, to raise some money for the much-needed musical equipment for the upcoming Cherry Blossom Musical Tour to Japan.

Make sure you have booked in for the Year 12 Parent teacher night coming up on Thursday. See you there!

Writing student reports at the end of each semester affords every teacher the opportunity to reflect on their instructional practice. By looking carefully at each student’s progress over the time period being considered, we are able to celebrate along with our students and to set goals for our teaching.

At the end of the term, you will all be receiving your children’s academic report. It will detail their strengths as a learner, and will suggest some ways for each of them to make some improvements. The reports are written to reflect not only on the assessments completed, but on the ways each student has grown as a member of the learning community.

When you receive your child’s report, I encourage you to look closely at the Application (or effort) and Positive Learning Behaviours on the last page of the report. Successful learners have a strong personal commitment towards learning and demonstrate Positive Learning behaviours. This often flows into growth in their assessment of achievement.

Each Key Learning Area is divided into outcomes, and each year group from Kindergarten to Year 6 is in a specific stage of learning:

Kindergarten – Early Stage 1

Years 1 and 2 – Stage 1

Years 3 and 4 – Stage 2

Years 5 and 6 – Stage 3

Students receive an A-E grade for each outcome in the subjects being studied. As the outcomes are written in stages, it becomes a little harder for the students when they enter a new stage. Therefore, you may find that your child does not necessarily receive the same A-E grade they achieved at the end of the previous year, especially if they are in Years 1, 3 or 5.

Early next term, we will be holding Parent Teacher interviews, and this is the best opportunity to talk to your child’s classroom teacher to hear about the learning in the room, and your child’s engagement in that learning.

We look forward to these meetings as we continue the partnership with you this year.

Where has the year gone? How are we already halfway through the year?

Over the past 2 terms we have been looking at the theme ‘Loving relationships’ for Chapel and devotions. We have seen how people were made to be in relationship with each other and with God. We have also seen the great lengths Jesus went through to bring us into perfect relationship with God.

On Wednesday the Senior School had their final chapel for Term 2 where I spoke on the final talk for loving relationships.

If God is for us, who can be against us?

This week the year 1-4 classes have been looking at the book of Daniel in Christian Studies.

Daniel was a prophet of God. He was there when Babylon seized Judah and as God’s people were exiled into Babylon for 70 long years. The book of Daniel, despite having such a horrific context, is an amazing book of a God who is with his people despite being prisoners in a different country. The book of Daniel is filled with many familiar stories of God’s great power as he demonstrates his sovereignty over all nations and kingdoms.

This story has, coincidently, come at a great time for these students as we have seen a big God who is always with His people even if they are going through awful times. In Daniel we see that the kings of Babylon were against God’s people but God clearly showed them just how big he is as he humbled them all.

What an encouragement it is to know that God has never changed. He is still with his people always, in the good times and the bad. Paul, in the book of Romans, expresses this well when he says ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ (Rom 8:31). We have an amazing God who is for His people! Take courage from this great truth.

I encourage you to spend time reading the book of Daniel. The first 7 Chapters are filled with the great stories of God being with his people even when they were prisoners under such a powerful nation.

Year 12 are just two weeks away from finishing their subject lessons and with a little over five weeks until the start of the written HSC exams, there is a lot happening.

Many of our Year 12 cohort have received early entry offers to university.  Macquarie University, Australian Catholic University, Australian National University, University of Notre Dame and Western Sydney University have made offers to a number of our students for courses in Speech Pathology, Social Work, Law, Commerce, Sport and Exercise Science, Business and Psychology. The University of Wollongong early offers will be out at the beginning of next week and there are still the UAC Schools Recommendation Scheme offers to come in November. It is all very exciting for Year 12 and it is wonderful that they have been recognised as being ready for tertiary study.

Major Projects for Society and Culture, English Extension 2, Industrial Technology Timber, and Design and Technology have been submitted for marking. The Music 1 students completed their performance on Friday and the Visual Arts students are submitting their projects today.

We know the challenges that Year 12 students around NSW have faced in 2020.  It is a testament to our Year 12 cohort that they have persevered, stayed positive and continued striving for their personal best. An example of this is the wonderful news we received earlier in the week regarding HSC Drama. Recently, the Drama students presented their individual performances for visiting HSC markers. Three students – Sasha M, Joseph S and Kayla S have all received ‘On Stage’ nominations. This is an amazing result and they should feel very proud of their achievements. Congratulations must also go to their teacher, Miss Chavura for her dedication and guidance.

Ms Kelie Munro
Academic Dean of Students

This week I had my 30th birthday.

A group of my closest friends all chipped in to buy me an Akubra, the iconic Australian hat. I was so happy, I have wanted an Akubra for years now, but couldn’t justify spending the money. I loved this gift. It is often said that Akubra’s last forever…. but will it? I’m sure it will last a long time, but over time, it will deteriorate and eventually it will fall apart.

This week at Thomas Hassall we had the privilege of sending over 620 boxes full of gifts to children in need. But like all gifts over time, these boxes and the gifts inside them will fade. But with each box we give, we are all giving a gift that will never fade. Each child who received a box will also receive to the good news of Jesus. A team of volunteers go out with the boxes to proclaim the gospel.

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It is this good news that we celebrate every Christmas. In Luke 2:8-11 we get the first glimpse of this great news. The good news is this: That the Messiah, God’s promised king, who has been promised for hundreds of years, has been born.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 

Jesus is the greatest gift that anyone can receive. He is the eternal gift, the gift that lasts forever.

I want to thank you for your generosity in providing 620 boxes to send to children in need. Each of these children will be full of joy as they receive their gift but better still, they will be reminded of the greatest gift, the gift of Jesus, that will last forever.

Get your snacks ready and join us for the Celebration Night online event

Our annual Celebration Night is fast approaching.  This annual event features student performances and award presentations.

We are excited to announce that you will be able to watch Celebration this year in the comfort of your own home alongside your child whilst being able to share the link with relatives and friends. You will be sent details about the livestream link in Week 9.

There are two Celebration evenings;

• Junior School | Tuesday 8 December | 6pm
• Senior School | Wednesday 9 December | 6pm

Students receiving awards will be presented with their awards on the day of Celebration and it will be streamed online in the evening.  Our theme this year is "In This Together" and all of our students have been involved in filming for many of the videos and performances that will premiere on those evenings so please make sure you stay tuned for more details about Celebration.  

I don’t feel safe! What is the government doing? How long must we be in lockdown? Do we have a future? 

These were some of the concerns of Israel in 736 BC when Jerusalem was under siege.

God has something to say to His people.

12 “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy,

and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread.

13 But the Lord of hosts, Him you shall honor as holy.

Let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread.

14 And He will become a sanctuary…

- Isaiah 8

This Bible passage reminds us not to get caught up in the latest conspiracies and blame games that float around when people are scared – it is so easy to adopt other people’s fears (v.12).

We are told to make God holy (v.13).  The best way to make God holy is to make him number 1 in our heart – we need to declutter our hearts of unhealthy fears and expectations and replace them with trust in the Lord.  

Faith says ‘I am not in control of my circumstances, but I know the one who is’. Faith says, ‘If God can use the death of His Son to save the World, then he can bring good from COVID’.

God has the future, use the present to trust and serve Him. 

Lockdown has been extended.

This news has left many worried about the future - I can understand why. But is worrying the best response when life seems out of control?

Jesus has some great teaching about worry and says it plainly.

27 'Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?'

He is so right. Worrying achieves nothing and undermines everything. The worries of tomorrow spoil today. What solution does Jesus offer?

He says replace your worry with faith.

31 'Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” 32 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these.'

Why not find a quiet spot, get on your knees and download to the one who loves you?  When out of control, why not give your worries to the one who is in control?

Jesus also says replace your worry with a different focus.  Don’t worry about what you don’t have and cant do for yourself. Rather focus on what you do have and can do for God.

33' But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.'

Finally, Jesus says don’t worry rather do one day at a time.

34 'Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.'

COVID and lockdown will pass. Let us model faith and not worry to our children.

This extended lockdown is doing my head in!

I can’t teach the students I care for face to face. I cannot go to church. The days are blurring together. My life has been feeling bland and flavourless despite all the challenges there are with COVID. Then this weekend came…

The weekend before last, Saturday was a beautiful winters day, blue sky and sunshine, and I was out the front chatting with neighbours about life - it was a special moment that God had given me. Sunday was the opposite, cold and wet, a great day to buy hot chips and do cryptic crosswords with my wife – another moment given to me.

I realised that each day is a gift and that I am to use time well to be a gift to others. God has tailored each moment for us to participate in his plan – live in the moment for him.

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5

If you are interested what that wisdom might look like, check out the video below.

Strength straight from the source.

Where do you find your strength to get through another day in lockdown?

Have a listen from God's word about the greatest source of strength.

New Covid rules? New Premier? Penrith winning a grand final? 

Life is full of change and this is especially true during COVID times. Even now as we ease out of restrictions to go back to school - more change is needed.  While change is good and necessary, too much change too quickly is stressful.

When there is too much change we tend to become insecure, conservative, less generous, if not plain selfish.  Sometimes in changing times we make changes for the worse.

What does God say in times like these?

“I am the Lord and I do not change” (Malachi 3:6)

This small statement from God is an anchor for the Christian as it effects the way we do life and deal with people. 

This little verse reminds us that despite all the change that God allows, his plans are changeless. God’s planned future for us cannot be threatened.

More importantly, God’s character does not change. In today’s cancel culture where friends can become enemies in an instant – God remains faithful. 

Knowing that a faithful God has your back and will provide all your needs effects the way you live.  We can always be generous with our time and money because we know that God will generously top up to continue to be generous. 

Think about it, if God gave us his Son to deal with past sins surely he will give us what we need too, not merely get through life, but flourish and become the type of people he wants us to be.

Why not join me, put your faith in God – live your life for him? 

While I don’t have my life together, I do live everyday in the security that this changing world is in the hands of a changeless God. 

While I don’t always make the right decisions, I know that God uses all things in life, both good and bad, to change me.  God is changing me to be like his Son in mind and even body.   

Finally, can I encourage you to find a quiet 5 minutes this week and pray for students, staff, and families of Thomas Hassall, so that we all can change in the right way. 

In the end, COVID too will pass.

Just over 2 weeks ago my wife and I had a little baby girl, Bella.

One thing that always fascinates me about babies is that, even as such a young age, how much they need people. Already at 2 weeks old Bella needs people.

Needing people is not a learnt need, rather, it is a big part of who God has made us to be.

26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

27 So God created mankind in his own image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

Being made in the image of God is not a small deal. It is huge. God did not create any other creature in His image, just humans. A big part of being made in the image of God is being relational. God is a relational God. He made us to be relational people. To be in relationship with Himself and others.

After a whole term of being out of relationship with people it shouldn’t surprise us that we are all missing people a lot. As we return to college let’s be thankful to God for who he made us to be, relational people. Let’s celebrate the people that God has put in our lives and thank God for the community here at Thomas Hassall.

Welcome back guys! I can’t wait to see you all,

God bless,

This weekend I went scuba diving at La Perouse and saw not one but two pot belly seahorses! Below is a photo I took.

I felt so privileged to be allowed to see such beautiful animals that I rang my wife when I got to the car and told her about how God blessed me that day.  As I drove home I had to verbally thank God to release the pressure in my heart.

As a Christian I do not believe in coincidences, but rather that all of life is orchestrated by God. Sometimes God is so generous that we develop an entitled attitude – you know what I mean if you have teenage children!!

'For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.' Romans 1:21

Like teenagers, we too forget to say thank you. Losing the habit of saying ‘thank you’ we effect our hearts and minds in very bad ways – we dehumanise ourselves.

As we pull out of lockdown and head to a new year, can I encourage everyone to start new habits of being thankful.

Start saying ‘thank you’ to people who give you good things. May the Lord give you eyes to see good, the lips to declare good, and the hands to do good things. In Jesus name.

Thanks for your time.

Has my child had a good start? Will the students treat them well? Will the teachers understand them? Will they do ok? Are they COVID safe? Is school safe?  

These are some of the thoughts that ran through my mind as my son started school this Term as a teacher!! Questions like these come from a fearful heart. The Bible reminds us that a fearful heart is an ensnared heart. 'Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.' (Proverbs 29:25)

Sometimes our fears can ensnare us. Our ability to think and act gets tangled up by fear – postponing life so as to stay ‘safe’. Our fear of what might happen interferes with the present – what is happening.  What is the solution to a fearful heart?

Interestingly, the solution that the bible presents here is not courage but trust. We are called to substitute fear with trust. This makes sense, when you feel out of control, you need to trust the person that is in control.  

Faith says, ‘My God is stronger than my circumstances’ or it says, ‘My God’s goodness will utilise this bad time!’ Faith does not abandon reasonable questions but sanctifies them with trust.

Personally, I trust Jesus because He has proven trustworthy to me again and again. He not only saved me from my sins by dying on the cross, but He saves me daily as I interact with him in prayer.

Whether your fears are real or not, do not let them have the final say - let faith have the final say.  

Faith and Floods…

Floods are bad things but they can certainly test our faith and even make us better people.

Check out what Jesus has to say about storms and faith.

Christians really are bizarre, we celebrate the death of our founder?!

Nazi’s don’t celebrate the death of Hitler, nor do Communists celebrate the death of Lenin. But Christians celebrate the death of Jesus as though it was a good thing!?

Jesus death is a good thing because of its purpose.  Below Jesus gives two truths about his death.

 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

Firstly, Jesus saw the purpose of his death as being a ransom - a price paid to free a life. Jesus gave his life for ours. On that first Easter evil men set Jesus up on trumped up charges to kill him and he died the death of an innocent man.  But Jesus used his innocence to our advantage – He became our substitute.  On that cross, Jesus was judged by God for our sin. Jesus literally took the eternal consequences of our selfish godless actions

Secondly, Jesus saw his death as an act of service. He chose to give his life to serve us. When was the last time someone served you that way? How cool is Jesus.  He knows we are not good enough for heaven and he steps in our place and exchanges the consequence of his goodness for the consequence of our godlessness.

Neither Lenin or Hitler really served their people nor did either give their life for their people – rather the other way around. 

The Lord Jesus loved me and gave his life for me – what’s not to celebrate? The best way to celebrate is to serve others in his name. Amen!

Everything has changed because of Covid!! 

To survive we closed more than our shops, we closed ourselves. We have become more cautious, less generous, more selfish. We have survived, but have we flourished?

It is time to go back to normal, it is time to get on with our lives. But the question is – what will normal look like? What can normal look like? This reminded me of what normal was for the church just after Jesus died.

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
- Acts 2

What a great picture of Christianity! Being Christian then was about having open homes that welcomed others. It was about having open hands sharing with those in need. Being Christian was about having open hearts devoted to Jesus’ teaching, to churching together, and praying together. The open generosity of the early church was fueled by the open generosity of God – God doesn’t simply give us our daily bread, but he gives us his Son too.

We have been closed for long enough because of COVID. It is time, as a community, to open up;  to open our doors, our hands, and our hearts. Let us devote ourselves to each other and indeed Christ. Let's get back to inviting people over, going to church, praying together, sharing of possessions.

We too at Thomas Hassall are excited to have been able to open up for events.

Remember that while closed hearts survive, only open hearts flourish.

Earlier this year in The Way, I outlined the proactive wellbeing programs in the Junior School, namely House and Manners Matter.

Outlined below is the learning for Term 2: 

K-2: Social skills including negotiating, sharing, communicating and taking turns through a paired activity specifically designed to teach the aforementioned skills.

3-6: Students will be learning to positively interact with others so that relationships and human connections are positive, respectful, and healthy. In other words, we are learning to value consent, put simply, as permission for shared experiences, taught through a Christian world lens.

We encourage you to engage in meaningful conversations with your child about what they are learning about in House and Manners Matter.

Please feel free to contact me about Junior School wellbeing programs.

VEXILLOPHILES UNITE!

Next week is UNITE Week at College. During UNITE week we celebrate the Multicultural diversity in our College, one of the ways we do that, is with food and flags.  Our College really is an international school. 

The part of UNITE Week that I love is the colour that comes from national costumes worn and all the flags put up.  I must confess that I am a vexillophile – a lover of flags. Do you know your flags? Do you know these flags?

These are the colourful flags of Antwerp, Nepal and Sicily. We’ll come back to this later…

The colour, excitement, curiosity, and diversity that Unite Week brings reminds me of heaven. Check out this bible passage and I show you what I mean.

9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

Revelation 7

Heaven is huge – there are so many people that they cannot be counted.

Heaven is multicultural – People from all countries, regions, and even dialects - diverse yet united as one.

Heaven is pure – Every person from each country is given a white robe. Multiculturalism without racism, cultures free from sin and the hurts of the past.

Heaven has Jesus at the centre – Jesus is called the lamb. He is one who suffered and died for the sins of all who trust in him. He is the reason for the unity, the purity, the hugeness, the diversity of heaven.

Back to the flags. We may not know all flags, but God knows all the people under all flags. Vexillophiles spend their time getting to know flags, be we must spend our time getting to know people.  God is in the business of building an international kingdom and as Christians we are his ambassadors. Let us represent our kingdom well so that people will want to emigrate into his eternal kingdom.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been groaning. I groan at what is happening in the Middle East – will the hatred ever cease? I have groaned over the murder of a young woman. I have also groaned over my aging body that lets me down.

Groaning is the emotion that says, 'this should not be; we are meant for better things.' The Bible teaches us that groaning is normal for the believer.

"18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 

23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.

Romans 8

Nature groans under the weight of pollution and disaster – it was made to be pure, beautiful, and balanced (v.22).   

People groan under the weight of death and dysfunctional relationships – we are made for eternity and love, not death and evil (23).

But Christians also believe that a time coming when Jesus will return, give justice to all, and renew both people and planet.  This renewal will be super! Glorious!  When He returns, life will be so good that our previous sufferings will be eclipsed (v.18).

But before all this there will be suffering – like in child birth. A lot of pain will have to be endured before something new is born.

What do we do with these ideas? Groan like a believer, but don’t despair. Groan, feel the pain of what should not be. Then add some good to the situation (where you can) knowing the ultimate good is coming. Don’t despair. Despair is for those who think that this is as good as it gets and there is no future.

REMBRANDT AND JESUS

I'm excited to share that I'll be joining a group of students on a journey to Italy and France. My anticipation for visiting the Louvre, especially as a fan of Rembrandt, is palpable. Interestingly, did you know that many of Rembrandt's masterpieces were initially crafted by apprentices in his workshop? It's fascinating how, at times, these apprentices would deliver work so akin to Rembrandt's style that minimal adjustments were required from the master himself. Conversely, there were occasions where Rembrandt had to extensively rework pieces due to the incompetence of the apprentices. Still, amidst these varied outcomes, there was always the hope among the apprentices for their work to be deemed satisfactory, even to the point where Rembrandt might say, "It's right just as it is."

Reflecting on this, I'm reminded of our relationship with Christ as described in Ephesians 2:10.

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephes 2:10)

Just as Rembrandt worked on his apprentices' creations, we are God's handiwork, crafted in Christ Jesus for good works. As Christian parents, we serve as apprentices of Christ in nurturing and guiding our children towards spiritual maturity. We must embrace our role with confidence in Christ's ability to rectify our shortcomings.

Expanding on this analogy, we can view ourselves as masterpieces in progress, with Christ as the divine artist continually shaping us (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Like Rembrandt with his apprentices, Jesus mentors us in the art of discipleship, expecting us to imitate and propagate His teachings.

In essence, our journey with Christ mirrors that of an apprentice under a master artist. With each day, we undergo transformation, sometimes profound and sometimes subtle, as Christ meticulously works on His masterpiece—us.

This week in Junior School, we’ve become quite the green thumbs! Now, you may find this sentence a little confusing – and I agree, as I’m sure if we had our junior school students in the garden, you would know when they would come home with grubby hands and dirt under their fingernails!
But I am talking about a different type of gardening that the students have been learning in Manners Matter. You may like to ask them what they have been planting to remind and encourage them to sow seeds that help them to love, honour and serve one another. 

We as a staff at Thomas Hassall see the great joy it is to follow Jesus and we endeavour to share with our students what means to be loved by Him.

“God sent his Son to die in our place to take away our sins. That is how much God loved us, dear friends! So, we also must love each other.” 1 John 4:10-11

We see being green thumbs for Christ is a response to the loving King and Saviour, the Lord Jesus, who has so freely given us the gift of eternal life. What a way to give thanks to Jesus by imitating Him, serving one another with compassion and love. 

Last year was my first year here at college and I have very fond memories of Unite week, seeing students in bursts of colour in their cultural dress celebrating our diverse backgrounds. It was fantastic!

In my family, the Beikoff name doesn’t really hold much cultural history. All we know is that it is Prussian, and my great-great grandparents came over on a boat right before the turn of 19th century. But sadly, that is as much as I know. Our family history was lost due to the nation ceasing to exist and overthrown by the German Empire. Even the region where the Beikoff’s originated, (now Poland) is now completely desolate.

I wonder if you’ve ever felt how my family has felt, a bit lost because you have no connection with your ancestral roots?

Whether you have or not, there is something that has given me great comfort and assurance when questioning my cultural history and identity and that is knowing full well what God says about who I am, I belong to Him.

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God
1 John 3:1 ESV

By God’s grace and through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can have full hope, assurance, and identity as being a child of the one and true God that yearns for us to know Him as our Father.

What a ride I have experienced in my first semester at Thomas Hassall Anglican College.

As Director of Teaching and Learning in the Junior School, it certainly has been a dynamic journey as we have considered best instruction whether online or in the classroom for the students in our care.

Now we come to the end of Semester One, it is time for the teachers to reflect on the students in their classes, report to families about the progress that has been made and discover the ways forward as we approach Semester Two.

This year, due to the many adjustments that we have all had to make to our lives, including online learning, the Junior School reports will look a little different this semester. We will be reporting on the learning that has taken place so far this year, both at home and at College, by using a 3-point grading system – Approaching Grade Level, Working at Grade Level, and Working above Grade Level. We will also include comments indicating each student’s progress and achievements, as well as suggesting areas for improvement and practice.

As always, the most important issue is how we can all work together to support each child develop to their full potential. Our Semester One report is one part of this process.

I look forward to meeting many of you as we continue the College year.

Ms Lisa Hansford
Director of Teaching and Learning - Junior School

Last week the Junior School hosted its first virtual assembly.

As part of this event, the Junior Strings Ensemble were able to perform two pieces. The first was one of their favourite pieces, called ‘Big Ben Boogie’; a fun jazzy number. Their second performance was an arrangement for the 1980’s Pop Hit ‘The Final Countdown’, which despite the age of this song, all the students love to play. The ensemble is conducted by Mr Ehab Ibrahim, and the students rehearse every Wednesday morning. They look forward to being able to perform for a live audience again real soon!

If your child is interested in learning a string instrument and would like to join the Strings Program, please contact Mrs Hobbins at: [email protected]

Mr Byron Mark
Director of Ensembles

With HSC Trials currently underway and the fact that we have seen some local schools having to close for a time, due to COVID19, I continue to be grateful for the relative security of knowing we can continue to function with students on site.

Because of the recent situation we have had to pause on all representative sport competitions and external excursions, including things like the: Dukes Program, CIS Cup, Gala Days and Debating etc. These changes to our plans have been disappointing for all parties, but they have been part of the overall strategy aimed at minimizing risk and ensuring we are doing all we can to keep the community safe.  Nevertheless, despite the current challenges, we are being proactive in how we are managing life.

We are about to begin a Year 7 to 11 House Competition in selected sport for all students.  We have already seen Years 7 & 8 successfully engage in House Sport across this year.  Every student has been part of the team, and every student has contributed to the final outcome, gathering new skills along the way. We are just about to announce some lunchtime competitions called the ‘Year of Origin’. This competition will allow the best of each Year Group to play off against another Year Group in a given sport. This gives opportunity for students, normally involved in competitive pathways, to extend their skills and provide a positive outlet for our keen sportspersons.

There is an understandable concern around the status and format of the Year 12 Graduation and Year 10 and 12 Formals. We have been developing a plan for each one of these events but the current realities have dictated that we have a Plan A and a Plan B with flexibility to adapt as circumstances change.

For the most part I am very proud of our student community and the way that they have just got on with the job regardless of what has been put in front of them.  Every generation will have their own challenges.  It is good to know that in all of the different ups and downs there is a consistency that we can hold onto and draw strength from and that comes from the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible reminds us that, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) and so despite the circumstances we can rely on Him for our future.

At last Fridays Junior School Assembly we launched a great service initiative.

We have partnered with Operation Christmas Child (OCC), which is a project of Samaritan’s Purse. Last year they sent 11 million boxes to poverty-stricken children, sharing the Love of Christ while providing them with a shoebox Christmas gift. Since 1993, more than 147 million boys and girls in over 150 nations have experienced God’s unconditional love. Each shoebox is a gift of love that tells a child they are not forgotten.

OCC is one of many great organisations that, not only give to the needy, but also share the good news about Jesus Christ to each child who receives at box.

As a family you can join in to teach your child about children of other cultures, write a card and incude a photo of your family, set a shoebox goal of how many you want to contribute to, go shopping as a family to pick out gifts and pray as a family for the children who will receive your shoeboxes.

We will be collecting these boxes until the 2^nd week of next term.

What an exciting way that we can all serve together.

The lockdown period has been extended until at least the 30 July and we are very aware that most of our families are located in the areas where higher case numbers have been reported and stricter restrictions have been imposed. Lockdown fatigue is another term that has developed out of these new experiences. We have had to come to terms with a virus that has affected every aspect of our lives and it can leave you feeling physically and mentally exhausted.

Your children are being supported by their teachers, year advisers, staff from the wellbeing team as well as our College Psychologists.  We have a team of 3 dedicated psychologists who can assist you and your child if you feel that their mental health has been impacted or they are struggling in one way or another. 

We have a dedicated page with a range of resources to support you and your child/ren during this period. This page also provides you with a link to request an appointment for your child to speak to the psychologist.

Visit Wellbeing Page

The College is here at all times to support you during this, please ensure you reach out if you need to.

What is the “New Normal”?

Life in lockdown has created a range of challenges for most of us. Some people have responded with shock at what is happening in our communities and the infection rates not slowing down. Other people have responded with anger and annoyance and other people have reached a stage of acceptance and decided to focus their energy on controlling the “controllable” and focusing on the future and hope.  The different responses to our current situation, reminds me of the stages we can experience when we grieve a loss. Some people mourn the loss of their freedom of movement, others mourn the loss of their routine, and some mourn the loss of employment, work identity and financial security.

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, a Swiss American Psychiatrist developed a 5 stage model of Grief and Loss, which can be placed in 3 phases:

Initial phase  –   denial, shock, bargaining

Middle phase -  sadness, depression and;

Final phase  -    acceptance and then hope for the future.

Please know that mourning is an intimate and unique experience and does not have to follow the stages or phases mentioned, in a linear manner. It is hard for parents to attend to their children’s needs if they do not acknowledge what is happening for them. It can be useful to pause and just reflect where you are on this journey.

It is also useful to reflect on what is happening for your children. They may also be mourning the loss of socialising with their friends, extramural sport activities, formals and attending parties.

Useful Responses

Being aware that you are experiencing loss and grief is the first step in this process. It is useful to understand why you are experiencing the intense emotions you may be feeling. It is useful to understand that the intense emotions you may be experiencing is not a sign of a mental health condition, but a natural and appropriate response to a grief and loss situation.

The Acceptance stage is not about being okay with what happened, but it provides an opportunity to learn to live with it. It does not mean you will never feel sadness or anger again about the loss, it just means an acceptance that reality will be different.

Holding onto Positivity

We can be the designers of the “New Normal”.   This pandemic is also providing families with more time together and opportunities to cultivate appreciation, tolerance and understanding as well as learning to cope and develop patience.  We have an opportunity to ensure that our children feel safe, supported, included and loved. Quality time with children and families can turn even the most mundane tasks, special. Try cooking and eating together, getting creative, doing Zumba together and playing the games that generate laughter. These activities help children feel more connected, safe and happier. It will support your wellbeing too.

You may want to listen to a podcast on work identity and job loss, click here

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling

The final year of Senior School is usually a year of hard work and a huge commitment for students.

The pandemic is continuing to disrupt education and contributing to higher levels of uncertainty. Now the HSC trials will be conducted remotely. With all of this going on, it’s not surprising that some students have an emotional response and it is therefore extremely important for parents to know how to support their children during this time.

Parents can help instill hope during these uncertain times by ensuring young people remain connected with their social networks and encourage them to maintain balance between study and life. Students can benefit from being reminded that their self-worth is not attached to their results and that you will love them even if they don’t achieve the highest ATAR and no matter what.

Acknowledge that this is a difficult time and encourage them to do the best they can under the circumstances. When students try their best, but fear disappointing their parents, fear not being loved and unable to feel good about themselves, we see overwhelm and emotional distress. Remind your child that there are many study options post the HSC to achieve success and that their HSC results will not define who they are.

Parents will discover practical advice for students and parents to help get through the final year of Senior School.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this article. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the College Counsellors for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Click on this link for more information on the Surviving Final Year edition of SchoolTV
 

Mr Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling

Let’s have some fun playing musical bingo with some of our favourite Disney classic hits.

Join us online on Tuesday 14 September at 5.30pm

Why not take a night off cooking, get some take away and get the family together to enjoy a fun hour. There are lots of prizes to win!

Please register for our fun night in

Let the games begin!

Here are some important dates to mark in your diaries for this month

Our brains have not evolved fast enough to adapt to this digital landscape

Due to the pandemic, the world we now live in is a very different place. The hyperconnected nature of our current environment means that we are constantly being reminded of the challenges we face via numerous media and social media channels. Our connectivity to the digital world exposes us to a barrage of messages that can leave us feeling overwhelmed. As a result, many children and their parents are reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety.

Unfortunately, our brains have not evolved fast enough to adapt to this digital landscape. The combination of constant access to information and having little control over the situations presented, can be stressful and overwhelming. It is therefore important for adult carers to check in with their children and be aware of what information they may have been exposed to. It may not necessarily be the information itself that is harmful, but more their inability to process and make sense of it. Providing children with the skills and strategies to cope will enable them to flourish and thrive, socially, emotionally and academically.

The blueprint for parenting, based on our own experiences, is no longer fit for purpose in raising kids as citizens of tomorrow. This can be inherently stressful and overwhelming, not only for parents and carers, but children alike. If left untreated or unmanaged, constant stress and anxiety can lead to a number of behavioural issues or health consequences.

This Special Report suggests a number of strategies to help manage any feelings of overwhelm that you or your child may be experiencing. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report https://thac.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-managing-overwhelm

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling

Souce: SchoolTV

Here are some important dates to mark in your diaries

Here are some important dates to mark in your diaries

Parents and carers are welcome to attend our upcoming Easter Events. 

WEDNESDAY 6 APRIL
Prep Red and White | Prep Area | 1.30pm 

FRIDAY 8 APRIL 
Years 3 & 4 | Auditorium | 10.30am
Kindy - Year 2 | Auditorium |11.45am 
Prep Blue and Purple | Prep Area | 1.30pm 

JUNIOR CONCERT BAND & INTERMEDIATE CONCERT BAND 
10am performance in the John Lambert Auditorium 

We will have an Eggshibition featuring the works of Years 5 and 6 students. This will take place in the Junior School Library from 10.30am - 12.30pm. 

Registrations are essential for the K-2, 3-4 and Years 5-6 events. Book online at www.thac.nsw.edu.au/book 

What is Friggatriskaidekaphobia? No, it is not a new teenage swear word. 

It means having a morbid, irrational fear of Friday the 13th. I think this is a ridiculous fear. Having said that, I do suffer from Sesquipedalophobia.

We all have fears. They can be rational or irrational, healthy or unhealthy. What do we do with our fears? Psychologists say that there are three responses to fear – fight, flight, or freeze.  While you are fighting, fleeing, or frozen in your fears consider God.

12 You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. 13 For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41

Those who trust in the living God must remember that they are never alone in their fears. When you know that God is so close it effects the way you live.

For me, I work really hard at never making decisions based on fear, but rather based on faith – I make choices that show my faith rather than my fears (though they are still there at the time). 

Here are some things for us to consider. When we run from our fears, where or who are we running too? Does God want us to stay and fight? When we choose to fight our fears, are we fighting in a way that befits a follower of Jesus? Finally, when we are scared stiff, we need to remember that God is there regardless of how we feel.

Don’t forget courage is not about being fearless, but about making decisions despite your fears. This is easiest when you have faith in Jesus as he understands fear and knows the way through it.

Last week in Senior School the students attended camps in various places.

Camps are great because they grow students as people as well broadening and deepening their relationships with each other and the even the teachers. Camps are exhausting but worth the effort.

At the camp I attended, students were given challenges to make them work together. I watched as they battled and I noticed that they had to learn how to work as a team. Students had to learn how to communicate; how to contribute; and even how to receive help. Yet by the end of the last challenge, the group I was with had moved closer to being a solid unit.

And, of course, this reminds me of a bible passage!

3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 

4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…

- Romans 12:1-5

From this passage I learned three things.

God designed humans to work together - like a body. To be part of a body is superior to being alone. There is nothing better than being part of something that is greater than ourselves! This is especially true of Christians who are one in Christ.

We belong to each other.  As organs belong to each other so do we. We are designed to be interdependent, giving and receiving from each other.  The body is greater than the sum of the parts

We have a responsibility to determine the gift that God has given us and start using it for the benefit of the body.

Remember Christ did not die to save individuals, he died to form a community. Let’s show the world what is possible in Christ!

There is an election coming and how I wish that the politicians would be open and honest about who they are and what they have to offer so we can choose our leaders well.

I don’t think people want fancy speeches, we just want people who care and will serve us well – people we can put our trust in.

The apostle Paul speaks about this very issue in the bible.

3 We don't want anyone to find fault with our work, and so we try hard not to cause problems. 4 But in everything and in every way we show we truly are God's servants. We have always been patient, though we have had a lot of trouble, suffering, and hard times…

11 O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. 12 We are not holding back on our love for you, but you are holding back on your love for us.  - 2 Corinthians 6

Transparency and honesty are important values in a Christian community. Being open is something Christian leaders should aim for in good times and bad.

We aim to be open-handed – generous and transparent so that people see we are truly serving Jesus through serving them.

We aim to speak openly – we want to speak the truth in love so that people can hear Jesus in our interactions and in our motives.

We aim to keep our hearts open – we want to keep loving people, even when they are not lovely. Jesus did this for us and so we do it for others.

Next week we have our College Open Week. Come and see what we do.  Come and ask questions. We are open for you so that you can be open with us. Our college is not perfect, but we want to be that College that makes Jesus clear to our students, staff, and community.

During our pastoral care times Junior School students have been gaining knowledge of learning behaviours to grow and develop their character. Kindness has been one of the dispositions. The bible implores us to show kindness to one another. I’m particularly drawn to this verse in Ephesians 4:32 which states “be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you”. It is a good verse to memorise; to have close to your heart.

It’s hard to be kind when we feel hurt or rejected. It’s hard to be kind when we feel life is unfair. As a Junior School we have the common goal of explicitly teaching biblical truths in our pastoral care lessons and in daily devotions. It is our collective prayer we can be known as a College where students display kindness in their interactions with one another.

During Manners Matter over last week, Junior School students have been intentionally learning about developing empathy, listening, questioning and friendship skills. R U OK? day was a catalyst for this learning. It is important that our students are outward focused and aware of how others are feeling around them. Students had the opportunity to role play age appropriate scenarios and have rich discussions in small groups to develop their social emotional awareness and learning. Over this week we will reengage the students in these important topics; we want this learning to be authentic and embedded.

The Operation Christmas Child campaign is well under way. Students were fortunate enough to hear from parents in the College who actually received Operation Christmas Child boxes as children. The plight of this Christian organisation has great value and the students hearing such stories from College families about the impact the boxes had in their lives was very special indeed. Students have until Term 4 Week 3 to return the boxes to the library.

Please may I remind parents to remain in their cars in the Kiss and Ride zone on Southern Cross Drive. Blocking the roundabouts is also not permitted; please drive around the block if you cannot join the Kiss and Ride zone the first time around. School traffic is blocking residential traffic and unfortunately this is having a negative impact on our relationship with the community. It is best to arrive towards the end of the Kiss and Ride times; this is when it is easier to get a parking spot.

The end of Term 3 is rapidly approaching. We wish families a wonderful break; a time of relaxation and bonding in preparation for the learning in Term 4.

“There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body…. All of them will take care of one another. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honoured, every part shares in its joy.

You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:12, 26-27

We are already into Week 2 of another busy term at Thomas Hassall. It was helpful to be reminded of this wonderful section of the Bible on our P-12 Staff Day last week. We are all parts of the body, with different gifts and functions.

This term, we honour students across so many areas of learning. Through our debating schedule, the athletics carnival, grade assessments and reports, merit and Principal awards for students showing exemplary learning behaviours and kindness, the College Musical – so many parts of the body helping to make our College the best it can be.

Where does your child contribute to the P-6 Thomas Hassall body? Do they serve in humility, love and wisdom? Every day, the Junior School staff aim to support the learning of all the students in our care. Learning takes place in the classroom, the playground and in every interaction between the students, their friends and the staff.

Please encourage your children to see how they can help to make this busy term a positive one for all members of the Junior School body.

“Every member serves the whole body, either to its health or to its detriment.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." Michael Jordan, US basketball player 

I have been thinking of these words throughout the term. Teachers, students and families return to Term 2 in the anticipation of a big term. As well as turning darker and colder, there is much learning to do, assessments to complete, units of work with which to grapple, and reports to write and read. Success is our goal. Mistakes will be made.

What does it mean for our students to succeed? Does it mean to get As in their report? Obtaining an award at the K-6 Assembly? Or does it mean that each student challenged themselves to achieve new goals and made plenty of mistakes as they did?

At Thomas Hassall, teachers want students to show determination in their learning. We hope that students set goals and then work hard to achieve them. A goal may involve academic learning, or social behaviours in the playground, or working with others in the classroom.

As we approach the final month of this busy term, please encourage your children to push themselves academically and socially. The way to true success is through displaying determination and by recognising the importance and value of making mistakes.

Psalm 150 

¹ Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens.
² Praise him for his acts of power;
    praise him for his surpassing greatness.
³ Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
    praise him with the harp and lyre,
⁴ praise him with timbrel and dancing,
    praise him with the strings and pipe,
⁵ praise him with the clash of cymbals,
    praise him with resounding cymbals.

⁶ Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord.

As I reflect on the months that have just passed, I am reminded of how great God is, who hears and answers our prayers. I have found great comfort knowing that in all times we can always be sure that God loves us and is there for us. Knowing this, I have been encouraged to praise our great God and to be continually thankful for Him. This Psalmist is full of praise to God. This Psalm talks about praising God with anything/everything you have. It has been a great reminder for me to praise our great God for what he has done for us.

I want to encourage you to reflect on the greatness of God and praise give thanks to him.

God bless,

Fantastic 2020 Virtual Reality Careers Expo 17 – 21 June is a great success!

Advertised as “A unique virtual experience to help shape academic success, course & career choices”, this year’s online Careers Expo is state of the art in innovation, accessibility, and all-round usefulness for all Senior students, who should be looking ahead to develop several different Career plans. 

Once registered through the Inspired website inspired.edu.au/thecareerexpo, a whole new world of amazing resources and links to knowledgeable staff, who can assist Career search, open up.  Explorers start at the Entrance Lobby where guide Ivy greets you in a most welcoming voice and says she is here to help.  She points out the three main halls to explore: straight ahead is the Exhibition Hall with many booths of presenters, to the right is the resource hub full of information about training, and to the left is the auditorium, where an impressive list of presenters are all scheduled to speak over the period 17 – 21 June, on a wide range of inspirational and informative subjects that assist students on their career search journey.

The site advertises the offerings as:

Exhibition Hall

Visit with over 50 universities, TAFE and education providers representing NSW, VIC and QLD. Live chat, video chat, schedule a meeting or download course handbooks, videos and other resources at each booth.

Auditorium

Live daily sessions about scholarship opportunities, early entry programs, campus life, UAC & NESA updates, subject-specific exam insights, inspirational speakers, career guidance and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the senior years of high school.

Resource Hub

Resource downloads and videos from UAC and NESA plus live chat with senior teachers and markers.

The great advantage of this superb experience for our students is that it can be accessed many times for free and parents and students can access it together.  As presentations are recorded, nothing needs to be missed and there is no problem being prevented from looking at booths because of huge crowds all squashing in for a brief chance to explore an area. There is now a more leisurely opportunity to sample pathways precisely and more thoroughly. 

This certainly looks like the way ahead for the future as the logistical savings are enormous.  For the time being though, we rejoice that, despite Covid-19 restrictions, our students do not need to miss out on their Careers Expo this year.

Mr Jim Ward
Careers Advisor (7 – 12)

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

After mowing the lawn in the heat of summer all I can think about is how nice a drink would go down.

I long for some water to satisfy my thirst.  Below is an amazing prayer from David, Psalm 63. Here we see that David had a ‘thirst for God’. Before you get into it let me provide some context.

After David had been anointed king by the prophet Samuel he had to wait a long time before he was able to actually be the King of Israel.  At that time Saul was King, Saul was getting increasingly jealous of David’s rise in popularity that he spent many years trying to hunt David down to kill him.

David wrote this Psalm while he was fleeing from King Saul and his men. He spent a lot of his time hiding in the desert hoping he would not be found and killed.

In a time like this, when David was fleeing for his very life, it would be expected that his prayers would be full of cries for help (and many of his prayers were) but David never ceased to remember Gods goodness even in the hardest and darkest times.

Have a read of Psalm 63 and see how beautiful David’s prayer is. See how David ‘thirsts for God’ even when times were tough.

I hope this prayer can be an encouragement to us all.

Psalm 63
A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.

¹ You, God, are my God,
    earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
    my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
    where there is no water.

² I have seen you in the sanctuary
    and beheld your power and your glory.
³ Because your love is better than life,
    my lips will glorify you.
⁴ I will praise you as long as I live,
    and in your name I will lift up my hands.
⁵ I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
    with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

⁶ On my bed I remember you;
    I think of you through the watches of the night.
⁷ Because you are my help,
    I sing in the shadow of your wings.
⁸ I cling to you;
    your right hand upholds me.

God Bless

Father's Day stall will be on Wednesday 2 September - Friday 4 September

However, due to current events we will be substantially altering the stall to make sure that we are minimising contact between grades and adult to adult contact.

Students can only buy a gift with a pre-purchased voucher.  Please ensure you have done this by Tuesday 2 September, 2020.

https://www.thac.nsw.edu.au/fathersday

There is a new addition to our Junior School garden - a very humble, clay pot horse. It is named Blücher, after one of Thomas Hassall's horses, who was described as big and iron-grey.

Thomas Hassall was known as the "galloping parson" and took God's message of hope to the people of the South West region. This statue is a reminder of Thomas Hassall and the overall hope that we have in God.

One of our maintenance staff, Paul, has been working hard to make It come together. Thank you for your work! Our Junior School students are very excited to have Blücher join them.

On Thursday, Year 3 were fortunate enough to have a visit from the much loved children’s author, Louise Park.

Louise talked to all the students about her career, and what goes into writing a successful children’s book. They were able to get a good insight into her planning process, and where some of her ideas for key characters came from.

At the end of the session students were able to ask some questions of their own.  "It was a great experience.”

Mr Robert Sheahan
Stage 2 Assistant Coordinator- Year 3S

Year 5 students have been participating in drama activities over the course of Term 3 and continuing this work into Term 4.

They have been putting into practice all of the different elements of drama. Today they presented their performances to their peers to demonstrate what they have learned and showcase all of their hard work.

Well done Year 5 on your engaging performances!