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