TERM 4 : FRIDAY 14TERM 4 : FRIDAY 14DECEMBER 2018DECEMBER 2018

SENIOR SCHOOL

NEWSNEWS

FROM THE PRINCIPALIn the final edition of The Way for 2018, we are very pleased to pass on congratulations to the Year 12 of 2018for our best results in recent history.

Rebecca Lin has achieved the most outstanding result of 1 st in the State for English Extension 2 and with her familyand was presented a special award by the NSW Minister for Education.

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Rebecca and her teacher Mrs Julie Smythe have shared a photo for the local press. Gemma Navarette has placed6th in the State for Music, continuing the strong successes that we have had in Music in recent years.

We will send out a more detailed report as further information comes to hand. However, we know with suchsubstantial improvement in the HSC results that the individual Year 12 graduates will more than likely all achieve theirdesired courses and pathways.

On your behalf let me thank and acknowledge the teachers of Year 12 and the staff who have worked hard to buildthis result.

At our Celebration events last week we took on the theme of Generation to Generation. There were special videosprepared to highlight the theme which will be available on the website soon.

We looked at the future plans for the College, including making mention of the Strategic Plan document sent to allfamilies and the survey in relation to the College Review in Term 1.

2019 is an important year to continue to improve and innovate; continue to build for the future. We celebrate 20 yearsof the College in 2020 and plans are afoot for the construction of a Learn to Swim Centre. We will bring these plans tothe College community early in 2019.

What a wonderful, yet pressured time we have at Christmas. Please take the time to reflect on the year and the joy ofthe Saviour Jesus born for us.

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Thank you for your support of the College this year and best wishes for the vacation period.

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name willbe called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Mr Ross WhelanMr Ross WhelanPrincipal

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FROM THE COLLEGE CHAPLAINBoring church music and a father's challenge inspired one of the greatest carols of all time that's not aboutChristmas!

Isaac Watts (1674-1748) is best known for writing the song, Joy to the World. He wrote it, despite dislikingchurch music because he thought it was dull. It was his father who gave him a challenge to do something about it.

This set Watts on a lifelong pursuit to write songs that praised Jesus and reminded Christians of their hope in hissaving work on the cross. This is how he came to write the popular song that we sing at this time of year.

One day he was reading Psalm 98, and verse 4 gripped him:

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music. burst into jubilant song with music.

And this is exactly what Watts set out to do with Joy to the World.

But even though its sung at Christmas it is not about the story of Jesus birth. It's actually the story about Christ’s returnCopyright Thomas Hassall Anglican College. All Rights Reserved. 125 Kingsford Smith Ave, Middleton Grange NSW 2171 Page 4 of 22

—his second coming.

You can see it in the lyrics. Verse 1 says;

Joy to the world! The Lord is come;

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare him room,

And heaven and nature sing

The earth did not receive Jesus, but like sheep, we went astray. But, there will be a day when this will not be so.

Verse 3 talks about sins and sorrows being no more:

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make his blessings flow

Far as the curse is found

If you have lived on this earth for more than two minutes, you know that this is not our current experience. But therewill be a fulfillment of all Christ’s work that is not fully expressed this side of eternity. So we have hope. And that bringsjoy despite our circumstances.

The final verse says:

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of his righteousness,

And wonders of his love

These final lines speak of how the nations will take an active role in revealing the glory of God. That certainly isn'ttoday, but that day will be wonderful!

It's a wonderful song that can be sung at any time of year, even Christmas!

I pray that you and your family experience something of the joy expressed in this song that is found in Jesus.

Have a very blessed Christmas.

Rev Stuart TyeRev Stuart TyeCollege Chaplain

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LOCAL CHRISTMAS SERVICESHere is a list of local Christmas services :-

Hoxton Park Anglican ChurchHoxton Park Anglican Church

6pm - Community Carols - Sunday 16 December 2018

Christmas Eve - 6pm

Christmas Day - 9:30am

St Luke's LiverpoolSt Luke's Liverpool

Christmas Eve Family Service - 5pm

Christmas Eve Late Service - 11pm

Christmas Morning Service - 9:30am

St Mark's SadlierSt Mark's Sadlier

Christmas Eve Communion Service - 11pm (communion)

Christmas Day Service – 9am

Hope Anglican Church, Leppington Hope Anglican Church, Leppington

Christmas Eve - 5pm

Christmas Day - 9:30am

Cabramatta Anglican ChurchCabramatta Anglican Church

Carols service: 16th 7pm with free BBQ starting at 6pm

Sunday Service 23rd - 11am

Christmas Day Service - 11am

St Alban's MBM Anglican ChurchSt Alban's MBM Anglican Church - - SOUTH WEST SYDNEY Smithfield, NSWCopyright Thomas Hassall Anglican College. All Rights Reserved. 125 Kingsford Smith Ave, Middleton Grange NSW 2171 Page 6 of 22

Smithfield Public School

Christmas Service - Sunday 23 December 2018

Liverpool South Anglican ChurchLiverpool South Anglican Church

Carols in the Car-Park - Sunday 16th Dec from 5.30pm (BBQ & Carols)

Christmas Eve Service @ 11 pm

Christmas Day Service @ 9.30am

New Years Eve Service (NYE) @ 11pm(All Services are Communion & family oriented)

Harrington Park Anglican ChurchHarrington Park Anglican Church

9:00am Christmas Day - at Harrington Park Public School(2 Sir Warwick Fairfax Drive, Harrington Park)

Gregory Hills Anglican ChurchGregory Hills Anglican Church

9:30am Christmas Day1/10 Bluett Drive, Smeaton Grange

Night Church at the HubNight Church at the Hub - - 1/10 Bluett Drive, Smeaton Grange

7:00pm Christmas Eve

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2020 SCHOLARSHIPS YEARS 7 AND 11Scholarship Applications for 2020

We are very pleased to offer a limited number of Academic Scholarships for students entering Years 7 and 11 in2020. To be considered for a Scholarship students must register and sit the ACER examination. Outlined below arethe details regarding how to apply.Applications close: Applications close: midnight AEDT Monday 4 February 2019

Test Date:Test Date: Saturday 23 February 2019

Application Fee: Application Fee: $100

Location: Location: Thomas Hassall Anglican College

StepsSteps in the Scholarship Process: in the Scholarship Process:

1. Register online to sit the ACER Scholarship examination at http://www.thac.nsw.edu.au/scholarships 2. An invitation to sit the examination will be sent prior to the examination date, including location at the College

and requirements for the exam. In the meantime, please advise the College if there are any changes to yourcontact details.

3. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their scholarship applications in early April 2019.4. Online individual reports will be available to parents in April 2019.

If you have any questions please contact Mrs Amanda Low, Enrolments Co-ordinator Mrs Amanda Low, Enrolments Co-ordinator on 9608 0033.

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2019 TERM DATESPlease find following the Term Dates for 2019

Term 1 Term 1

Monday 28 January Australia Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 29 JanuaryTerm 1 Commences Years 1-7, 11 & 12 commence K Testing

Wednesday 30 January Years 8-10 Commence Thursday 31 January Kindergarten Commence Monday 4 February Prep - Red/White Commence Tuesday 5 February Prep - Blue/Purple Commence Friday Friday 12 April 12 April End of Term 1End of Term 1

Term 2Term 2

TuesdayTuesday 30 April 30 April Term 2 Commences Term 2 Commences

Friday Friday 28 June28 June End of Term 2 End of Term 2

Term 3Term 3

TuesdayTuesday 22 July22 July Term 3 CommencesTerm 3 Commences

Saturday 24 August South West Festival

Monday 26 August Mid Term Break - Staff & Students Friday Friday 27 September27 September End of Term 3End of Term 3

Term 4Term 4

TuesdayTuesday 14 October14 October Term 4 CommencesTerm 4 CommencesCopyright Thomas Hassall Anglican College. All Rights Reserved. 125 Kingsford Smith Ave, Middleton Grange NSW 2171 Page 9 of 22

Monday 11 November Mid Term Break - Students Only

Friday Friday 6 December 6 December End of Term 4End of Term 4

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WEDDING BELLS FOR 2 STAFF MEMBERSWe rejoice with the happy couples.

Congratulations to Micheal Smith from the Senior IRC who was married on Saturday 1st December. The happycouple are enjoying a lovely honeymoon in the United States.

Congratulations also to Rachel Raj (Junior School Teacher) who will marry Joey Stockinger tomorrow.

We wish both these couples well as they begin their lives together!

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A NEW BABY GIRLWelcome to Catalina!

Congratulations to Maria & Nicholas Mertzanakis as they welcomed their new baby girl Catalina on 3 December 2018.

We rejoice with the family and wish them well as they enjoy their first Christmas together. Little Jonathan is veryexcited to have a new baby sister.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow."

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CELEBRATION EVENTS 2018What a special time last week with our 3 Celebration Events.

It was great to see the number of students who were honoured at these events along with with all the performancesshowcasing the array of talent we have here at the College. The theme of Generation to Generation was very specialhighlighting and celebrating the diversity and richness of our College community.

Thank you to all the staff and students for their efforts to bring these events together. It was also lovely to see all thefamily and friends who came along to support and enjoy these occasions.

A wonderful way to end the College year.

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GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOPLots of icing, lollies and gingerbread fun was had over 2 sessions on Wednesday 12 December atGingerbread Making Workshops.

It’s certainly beginning to look a lot like Christmas….

We were thoroughly impressed with the standard of gingerbread houses that were created. It was so lovely to see allthe smiling faces with their houses nicely wrapped and ready for their families to enjoy sometime over the Christmasperiod.

Thank you to all the families who came along to join in all the fun and embracing the Christmas spirit.

We wish all our College families a blessed Christmas.

Mrs Carmen PasaperaMrs Carmen PasaperaMarketing & Community Relations Manager

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LEARNINGLEARNING

SERVANT HEARTED STUDENTSThroughout the term in Community and Family Studies (CAFS), students in Year 12 learn about a range of groupswithin society - People with Disabilities, The Aged and Homeless People.

In conjunction with the College's involvement with Sadlier Hampers, the 12 students were given the challenge toprovide a range of items to fill a hamper to give to someone less fortunate than ourselves. These students wereextremely generous and were able to fill 3 hampers with no hesitation. The class included a list of items and handwritten cards to bring joy and happiness to the recipient of the hamper.

As their teacher, I am honoured to teach these students and proud of their generosity and willingness to give to others.

Miss Anna MugridgeMiss Anna MugridgeSecondary Teacher & Year 7 Advisor

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CABINET CONSTRUCTIONYear 10 students embarked on a first for Thomas Hassall Anglican College, and cabinet complete withworking door, drawer with custom drawer runners, top and bottom mouldings and a cabinet top to give thecabinet a professional finish.

2018 saw the dawn of a new project at Thomas Hassall Anglican College. Year 10 students tackled the challengingproject of a cabinet with many working components. The components listed demonstrate the hard work andperseverance students needed to complete such a difficult project, and a first for the college.

pine carcass with rebate on sides for secure assemblydovetail drawer carcass with student design choice for timber and decorative false frontraised panel door for advanced students fitted with soft closing hinges (thanks Justin Macri from Metric Joineryfor supply of soft closing door hinges)top mouldings with student design of edge patternbottom mouldings with student design of edge patterncabinet top with edge pattern matching top and bottom mouldcustom designed door and drawer handles for ease of accessInlay design using X-carve CNC machinecomplete assembly of all components using adhesive, screws and timber joiner

Each student documented a portfolio outlining research, selection of materials, industrial processes and safety usedin the construction of the project. All student can be proud of their efforts, students who will continue with IndustrialTechnology timber next year, have gained experience and skill for future projects at the college. Thank you to MrStoker (cabinet design), Mr Reed and Mr Phelps for their input into the project.

Mr Justin StokerMr Justin StokerTAS Coordinator

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WELLBEINGWELLBEING

Mindfulness

MINDFULNESSMindfulness can be described as attention training for your brain, enabling you to focus on something withoutjudgement and to stimulate curiosity.

Over the last decade, mindfulness has been slowly rising in popularity with many individuals practising it on a regularbasis. Evidence based research has found that there are many benefits to mindfulness which has prompted schoolsacross the nation to implement this practice into their daily routines.

Mindfulness can be described as attention training for your brain, enabling you to focus on something withoutjudgement and to stimulate curiosity. Mindfulness can be practised in a number of ways and is something that can bedone by everyone - no matter what your age! It has been practised by many cultures around the world, but it is notexclusively affiliated to any particular philosophy or religion.

Mindfulness helps improve memory, engagement and performance. Its positive effect on the brain can improveimmunity, mental wellbeing, learning ability, emotional health and even, time management. It is especially important inthis era of information overload as our attention is constantly being pulled in many directions making us moredistracted.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents can learn the best way to introduce mindfulness to their children, implementing itinto their daily lives to have an overall positive impact on family relationships. We hope you take time to reflect on theinformation offered in this month’s edition and we always welcome your feedback.

If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information.

Here is the link to this month’s edition http://thac.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter/mindfulness

Mrs Jacoline PetersonMrs Jacoline PetersonDirector of Student Counselling

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CO-CURRICULARCO-CURRICULAR

WRITE4FUN POETRY FINALISTRecently a number of our students entered the ‘Write4Fun’ competition. It is our pleasure to share that one of our verytalented Year 8 students, Ashley V, has been named as a finalist for her poem ‘A Visit To My Cousin’. Ashley’s poemwill be featured in the ‘Write Along’ anthology, which will be released in March 2019.

A Visit To My Cousin

Willows tendrils hover over the terse breezesWith, her silent, mourning lull.A dreadful Cacophony of grey surrounds, my ivory friend awaits. Dewdrops glaze the emerald blades, blundering, soundless.Engulfed in an ancient glow, the world ceased to loathe-self. Crisp moonlight stark-wrapped around limestone figures, my friends.Orchids and chrysanthemums plead for decaying release. The figures twirled, crumpling against lustful reflection.Thoughts, conscious memories teeming from their bounds like onyx mandalas.Ghost Memories, Dead memories?Lonesome as I saunter down the lane. Soon.So many stones, endless, but not eternity. Soon.But am I alone?Because that phantom breeze knows me, speaks to me.It flickers, to me, my soul.I flicker back.

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AMEB EXAM RESULTSSeveral students which are receiving private tuition at the College have recently sat AMEB exams with greatresults.

Congratulations to the following students for their hard work and efforts throughout the year.

Olivia S, Singing for Leisure, 1st Grade B+, Arjun Nair, Flute, A+, Lucas Lotorto, Piano Grade 2, B+,

Alex L, Piano Grade 1, B+, Michael M, Piano Grade 5, B, Scarlet A, P played Piano, Level 2 and 3 completed.

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SPORTSPORT

2019 SECONDARY SCHOOL FOOTBALL PROGRAMS2019 Secondary School Football programs

Advanced Pathway Program - Secondary Boys - 15 years and under in 2019Advanced Pathway Program - Secondary Boys - 15 years and under in 2019

Trials were held at the end of last term for the 2019 - 15 years and Under Secondary Boys Football Program.

All boys who are enrolled in Secondary School in 2019 and are 15 years and under are eligible to trial for the program.

If your son is interested in a position in the program please complete the attached flyer and return to Mrs Evans viaemail sevans@thac.nsw.edu.au

Football Development Program - for girls and boysFootball Development Program - for girls and boys

Positions are available for Secondary girls and boys to join the Football Development Program on Tuesday afternoons.

There are no trials for this program, which commences in Week Three of Term One, 2019.

Paper copies of the application form are available at Student Reception.

TAP Football Snr 2019 v2.pdf

TAP Football Snr Form 2019 v1.pdf

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YEAR 7 & 8 WANDERERS CUP FINALSOn Thursday 22 November, a group of Year 7 and 8 boys headed for Blacktown Football Park to take part inthe annual Wanderer’s Cup Knockout Tournament.

The day started out quite chaotically for the THAC team with terrible traffic playing havoc with our arrival andpreparation. This had an impact on the team, who subsequently dropped their first and earliest game against CecilHills High School 2-1.

However, the loss stunned the THAC boys into action, with the team notching up 3 wins in the rest of the groupmatches. Special mention must go to our strikers: Denim N and Justin V (who bagged a classy brace in our last poolmatch against William Clarke College).

Nevertheless, the early loss saw us go through as second in our group, which drew us against the highly-fanciedBossley Park High School in the quarter finals. Despite some early sniffs at goal and the heroic goal-keeping of DusanS, the THAC team went down 3-0 to the eventual champions of the Tournament. Inspirational Coach Sonny Makko,always quick to spot the silver lining, keenly drew the boys’ attention to what they had achieved on the day and learntas a result.

A special thanks to Sonny Makko and John Williams who coached these students throughout the year. Well done to allof them!

Miss Lisa CloseMiss Lisa CloseSenior School Sports Coordinator

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2019 MISA SPORT COMPETITIONMacarthur Independent Sport Association (MISA) begins in Term 1 Week 3. This is the College's Tuesdayrepresentative sport who play other independent schools in the area. This association caters for a range of differentsports and in 2019, there will be a few exciting changes to occur including different sports than previous years andthe opportunity to partake in the inter zone finals (Thomas Hassall is part of the North competition). The above imageindicates the sport available in 2019 and is also located outside the PDHPE staffroom. If there are any questionsregarding 2019 MISA, NASSA, AICES and CIS sport, please contact Miss Close lclose@thac.nsw.edu.au

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