It is fantastic to be back in classes and learning together….
Our new Year 7s have settled in remarkably well, which is a credit to them and the family support behind them. We would also like to think that the transition program for our Junior School students and the orientation and testing experiences undertaken last year gave all Year 7s the best chance to feel like they belonged when they set foot into Senior School for their first days in 2025. I am confident that the students in Year 11 also helped them acclimatise to the College and get to know the systems and structures in place, so they can navigate their learning confidently. Year 7 are the fortunate cohort to move into the brand-new lockers which are sprinkled amongst the sound proofed corridors of our new STEM Building, which has come on line within the expected timeframe! It is truly a remarkable space for learning and we look forward to our students grasping the opportunities made available by these spaces over the coming years.
We welcome some new staff into Senior School this year as some teachers have moved on and the College has continued to grow. These staff are a great blend of youth and experience and will continue to build the strong Christian culture within our community. We welcome Mr Finocchiaro into English, Mr Miller, Miss Hermawan and Miss Berqodian into HSIE, Miss Fracarossi and Mr Zhou into Maths, Mr Kennedy into Music, Mr Bursey into PDHPE, Mr Kaddissi into Science, Mr Nelson and Mr Stivaktas into TAS and Mrs Kenworth into Visual Arts. Some of these teachers will be with us in a few weeks’ time as they finish strongly at their current schools before hitting our shores. All of our staff are excited to be getting to know their new classes for 2025 and establishing effective routines and environments to ensure quality learning can be undertaken.
Camp week happens next week and I have the privilege of attending Year 9 camp, which is a nice taster experience for the Duke of Edinburgh program which has been wildly popular at Thomas Hassall for students in Years 9 to 12. Other year groups also have amazing experiences lined up for them, specifically curated by their Year Advisors to develop stronger relationships within the cohort and give each individual the opportunity to learn new skills and achieve goals which will enhance their sense of accomplishment and confidence. Stage 6 students will have a focus on academic endeavours also as key staff unpack with them the most effective strategies for maximising their learning and achievement over their final years at the College. We look forward to hearing from some of our returning alumni who performed at the highest levels in their HSC subjects in our High Achievers Assembly on Friday as we celebrate excellence across the College and also hear from some of our Gold Dukes students and elite sportspeople who have been very busy during the break!
There is always such a lot of information to wade through at the beginning of the year for staff, students and families. Thank you for the way in which you have engaged and prepared your children to be ready and prepared for Senior School. Our staff are keen to continue partnering with you in the academic and character development of your children for another year. Thanks for the privilege of doing so!