The Way Year 12 students graduated from the College last Friday in a lovely assembly surrounded by family and fellow students. Kindergarten students formed a guard of honour in our traditional celebration of their efforts. This year 25 of the 90 Year 12 students are members of that very special group who began in the College in Kindergarten in 2000. In a special tribute, Mrs Julie Bramman, along with daughter Emily and son Max, were in attendance. Julie’s son, Keegan, who passed away in Year 5, would have been part of this year’s graduating class. It was lovely to have the family as part of the celebrations and we presented a graduation pen to Julie on Keegan’s behalf. On the previous Friday evening the College toasted the foundation students of Year 12 with their families in a special function in the Huard Junior Library. Our own hospitality students and music students played hosts for the night in what is set to become an annual event for students who have had the privilege of being at the College for all of their K-12 years of education. The event will grow in stature over time. We enjoyed stories of beginnings and both Chairman, Dr Geoff Huard and founding Principal, Dr Bryan Cowling talked of the excitement and hard work in establishing our College. Year 12 Sports Captain & Prefect, Jay Ellis, spoke on behalf of the students and Captain, Jessica Refalo spoke and prayed on behalf of the gathering.

NAPLAN testing results are with families now for students in Year 3, 5, 7 and 9. Inquiries regarding the information can be directed to Mrs Bessant for junior students and Mrs White for senior students. Plans are in final preparation for our next building to be located on the new block of land and to be constructed during 2013. There will be little disruption to the site and as a temporary measure we will install 4 portable classrooms on the new land behind the Auditorium. We will relocate the existing portable buildings and the music practice rooms to form a small precinct. This will allow the first stage development of a new performing arts building. If this all sounds complex, it is, and we will prepare a colourful diagram to show the future of the site for release later this year. In a special piece in this edition of The Way, we introduce a young student in Year 6 for your thoughts and prayers. Jack Vogt Mastronardi is a very positive young man with a particular condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. As he prepares to transition to Year 7 like every other student, Jack also has particular needs which we would like staff, students and parents of the College to understand. His mother & father joined with key staff at the College to talk through his issues and opportunities. You will enjoy getting to know more of Jack in the future.

Please take time to relax as a family across the next couple of weeks. Term 4 is a term of exams, testing, portfolios, reports and a We certainly wish all Year 12 students every time of celebration on December 6. Thank you for your continued support of our blessing for the future. Most are travelling programs and people. to Jamberoo this week for a study camp prior to final study ahead of the HSC “And we know that in exams which begin in the first week of all things God works for Term 4. the good of those who love him who have The final weeks of term at the College have incorporated many special activities been called according and exams, and students and staff have a to His purpose.’ Romans 8:28 well earned vacation for 2 weeks. College reusmes on Tuesday, 9th October.

Principal

September 26, 2012

DIARY DATES

Term 4 Begins Tuesday, 9th October

October 12th to 14th Middle Years J Camp

New Student Orientation Thursday, 25th October

From the Head of Senior School With the close of Term 3 we are all looking forward to a well-earned rest. These holidays will provide time for people to travel, read, relax and try things that they might not have had time to try in the course of a school term. However, for most of our Year 12’s and many of our senior teachers this is a time for fine-tuning student preparation for the HSC. The Year 12 HSC Study Camp is an important strategy and we are thankful to the staff and parents who have committed to supporting us in this. We know that this investment of time and money will be rewarded; we have seen the positive impact that this time has had for past Year 12 groups. There was a strong sense of joy and pride experienced by family, friends and staff with the graduation of our Year 12 students last week. It was a real privilege to be part of the graduation ceremony, which was highlighted by some stunning performances and some encouraging words. Some of our students having been with us since the foundation of the College, we wish them all the best. Our Year 11’s have finished their Preliminary Exams and will embark on their journey through the Higher School Certificate when they return in Term 4. This time often arrives as a bit of shock for the Year 11’s. Suddenly they go from being in the shadow of the Year 12’s to becoming the key leaders in the College with all the attention and responsibility switching to them. It can be overwhelming but it is important that students quickly get into a thorough pattern of note taking, organization and good work habits, ensuring that the lessons from Year 11 are well learnt. Term 4 is a very important time for all students as they approach their Yearly Examinations. I would encourage all students to return to College having taken some time to organize their class notes and reviewing the work covered over the year. If there is work that has not been clearly understood or mastered then you are able to return to College prepared to ask questions. This does not demand a lot of time or work but it is something that will greatly assist in preparing for the exams. With the conclusion of the School Certificate Year 10 will not go through a formal graduation. This may be a little disappointing for some who might have enjoyed this type of occasion. We will, however, enjoy the annual Year 10 Camp and Year 10 Formal. The latter is an important time for our maturing students who have a chance to dress up and enjoy some special attention and a sense of ‘coming of age’. So although there is no point to a formal graduation there is opportunity to mark a changing of seasons. Over the break there is still time for everyone to have a good rest! Please take the opportunity to do this.

Roger Young Head of Senior School

After College Study Centre now open to Years 7 & 8. The Study Centre is now available to all senior students at the College form 7-12 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 3-5 pm Experienced tutors are available free of charge in English, Maths, Science, History and other related subjects. Students are encouraged to bring assessment tasks, study & revision, homework with them to the study centre and seek assistance where it is needed.

From the Head of Junior School

The term has ended with a beautiful final assembly for our Year 12 students. They are a very special group as 25 of them were in our first Kindergarten and it has been an absolute pleasure watching them grow from little children through to the amazing adults they are today. Our current Kindergarten children formed a guard of honour as the Year 12 students left the assembly for the last time. Our prayers and support are with them as they prepare for their HSC. Parents of students in years 3,5,7 and 9 have received this years Naplan results. Congratulations to our students, the results have been very positive and we will we be analysing the data and giving more detail next term. Thank you for your support this term, it has been a very busy term with many exciting activities and great learning taking place. Enjoy the holidays and we look forward to a great term ahead.

Christine Bessant Head of Junior School

From the Director of Christian Education

On a recent Saturday in the centre of Sydney hundreds of Muslim people gathered to express their anger about a low-grade film made in America. The people were so angered due to the offensive depiction of the Prophet Mohammed. As we watched this most people were outraged at the outrage of those who protested. In fairness, not everyone who turned up was there to protest violently – but it seems that many had planned on this response. At the same time, many from the Islamic community have said that such a protest was definitely wrong.

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” Matt 5:21-22

Jesus is saying that if you are angry or say something insulting to another person then you are as guilty before God as a murderer and you deserve God’s judgement. Obviously, the impact of murder or extreme violence has an obvious bad affect on people and the community. But that isn’t the point Jesus is trying to make. He is All of this raises the question of how we should looking at it from another angle. He is looking respond when we are greatly offended. What at the heart of all of us and what he sees that happens when someone says nasty things we wouldn’t want anyone else to. about your family’s culture or origin? What about when someone teases you in the playEvents like last Saturday give us reasons to ground? Or how about the way that Jesus is stop and think about important issues and constantly insulted by the latest movie, comehow we react when we feel insulted & angry. dians or his name just used as a swear word? Being angry when something is simply wrong is one thing, but how we act in our anger is One of the reasons that people thought the more important. violent protests in the city were wrong is because it just isn’t Australian. It is true that As a College, we have a great example to this is usually not the way we protest in Australmodel a Jesus centred approach. As a multiia. But if you are sitting there thinking that cultural school we have the opportunity to others don’t act that way you are wrong. The demonstrate how people of many nations Australia Day riots in Cronulla a few years and religious backgrounds can learn to back when a whole bunch of white Australico-exist, being an example to a Sydney that ans singled out and bash up people from the seems to becoming more violent each week. very same ethnic background as those who protested in Sydney last weekend. So maybe we shouldn’t point the finger too readily! Students in Year 8 have just been looking at Jesus’ revolutionary teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. Here are some of Jesus’ challenging words to his disciples and to all who seek to follow him today:

Mr Jim Dayhew Director of Christian Education

Duke of Edinburgh News

Bronze students have been very busy. A preliminary coastal expedition as well as our main Glenbrook Qualification expedition were completed successfully recently in glorious Spring weather with fantastic views and close up experiences of dense bush and gorge country. Navigation, camp craft and teamwork skills are improving dramatically. All students have done very well. A few pictures are always valuable to give a taste of the magic that is Dukes. Thanks to participating staff. Students now need to complete their online data entry to update their award progress. Enjoy a safe and interesting vacation and try exploring our wonderful outdoors! Mr J Ward Coordinator.

Creative Arts Update In the Secondary College, there are several musical groups that rehearse each week: Monday 3 - 4 pm Vocal Group Tuesday 8 - 9 am Primary Concert Band Tuesday 3 - 4.30 pm Secondary Concert Band Tuesday lunch - Drum Circle Wednesday 3 - 4.30pm Stage Band We are always looking for committed new members for our ensembles. If your child is in the Secondary College and would like to join one of these groups or just try it out for one rehearsal, please encourage them to speak to the staff in the Creative Arts staff room. If your child would like to learn a musical instrument, we have tutors available for piano, vocals, brass, woodwind, strings and guitar. Individual or shared lessons are available. Application forms are available from the Creative Arts staffroom. Students from all grades (K-12) are welcome to apply for lessons.

Mr Byron Mark and the Thomas Hassall Anglican College Stage Band

Mrs Elizabeth Ford Creative Arts Coordinator

Introducing ...

Jack is a student in Year 6 and has been a student at the College since 2006 when he joined us in Kindergarten. He is a great young man preparing for his time in Year 7 and the Senior school next year. At the same time Jack suffers from a debilitating condition called EhlersDanlos Syndrome. It is a condition which affects the way body tissues connect. There are a number of variants of this condition and Jack is experiencing a change in the way the condition is affecting his growing body. At its common impact, Jack’s joints dislocate more readily than normal; any slight cut opens up into a large wound; and in a daily life his internal organs take more time to operate. Tiredness becomes a common feature of life and this can become quite frustrating for an active, growing boy. His mother Suzi, and father, Paul, came to a special meeting we convened recently to speak in more detail so that staff could relate to Jack’s situation in a more meaningful way. Our suggestion at that meeting was to introduce Jack to the wider College Community. Jack’s mother is part of a unique support association called Connected Foundation which will be holding a fund raising ball on the 20th October 2012. Naturally there will be people in our College community who will want to be supportive of Jack and his family. You are able to do this in a couple of ways: 1. 2. 3.

Visit the Connected Foundation Website for more information at www.connectedfoundation.org.au Attending the biannual ConnecTeD Foundation Ball – “Bond with ConnecTeD”. Ongoing prayer for Jack.

Please direct any enquiries regarding Jack to Mrs Newman, my secretary, or simply go to the website for further information regarding the Ball. We expect to be able to accommodate Jack’s needs in every way going forward.

Ross Whelan, Principal

Our 2012 fundraising focus has been developed around the stunning biannual ConnecTeD Foundation Ball – “Bond with ConnecTeD”. We have high hopes for this event, as our 2010 ball was very successful, with an attendance of over 200 and the pledged support of a number of great sponsors and independent donors. The generous proceeds and gifts coming from this activity were so encouraging that we trust that with more than 300 guests planning to attend this year’s Ball, the Clinic’s patient care, equipment and research will excel like never before.

For more information: Please email: [email protected]

Our Prep classes recently went on an excursion to Calmsley Hill City Farm. The children were very excited to go there by bus and then have a taste of farm life. They were able to see (and pat) animals such as lambs, goats, rabbits, chickens, alpacas, ducks, calves, pigs, koalas and camels. They even got to milk the cow! A farmer showed them around and they learnt many interesting facts. Did you know that a baby rabbit is called a kitten? The children were able to see the working dogs round up the sheep and they also experienced the noise of whip cracking. They all had a great day, but were very tired when they returned to College.

Wednesday, 19th September was a very special day for 4R. It marked Olivia Kusilek’s 10th birthday and we

OLIVIA KUSILEK Remembering our special friend, Olivia

wanted to remember her in a special way. It is well known that Liv loved cooking, so we thought baking cupcakes was a fitting tribute to our much loved friend. A big thank you to Miss Munro and her year 9 class who helped out and made it all possible. Happy Birthday Liv, we’re so glad you were in our class, we miss you.

Class 4R

Ipads in Kindergarten Kindergarten have been using classroom Ipads to design and create their own transport. We have been studying why transport is important in our science lessons. Mrs Devitt and Miss Bray have assisted students in using the application Drawing Free. Here are some of their designs…

They have had so much fun!

While tending the gardens at our College, Kindy pulled out this enormous carrot weighing in at 2.1kg !! A special ’Thank you’ goes to Mick, our Groundsman, who has been helping to look after the garden.

Staying Strong Middle Years J Camp 2012 October 12-14 Years 4-8 Brochures are available from the Office, Mr Raft or Miss Weston. Notes and Full Payment to the Cashier by the last day of term.

Do you know who your child is talking to on-line? Do you know what on-line sites your child is visiting? The internet and social networking are now are part of everyday life and most of our children have never known a world without the internet. Knowing about the risks is important -- but so is knowing what to do to help your child stay safe. The parenting skills for online safety are the same as they are in the physical world. While children may seem to have a good technical knowledge they are very naïve and are very unaware of the dangers so their online behaviour requires parental monitoring and guidance. The College has embraced technology and aims to provide tools and resources for the 21 st Century Learner. We are implementing an iPad program in 2013 across the Senior Years and our Junior Students also have access to technology as part of their learning. We all know how quickly technology advances and who knows what will be available for our 4 year olds in just a few years’ time? Parents of students in Years 3 - 12 are invited to a Cyber-Safety and Internet Safety Awareness Presentation on Tuesday 20th November at 7pm. This presentation is facilitated by the Australian Government organisation ACMA and is aimed at parents of young children, and teens from Year 3 to Year 12. The topics covered in the presentation will include:      

Excessive Internet Use Cyber Bullying Cyber Stalking Safer Social Networking Dealing with Offensive or Illegal Content Sexting

This presentation will be held in our Junior ‘S’ Block Library commencing at 7pm. There is no cost for this evening.

Congratulations to both junior and senior primary choir for their excellent effort at the Macarther Eisteddfod. The junior choir were awarded a Highly Commended. Whereas our senior primary choir won their section - 1st We are all very proud of you all Mrs Kennedy, Mrs Schatzman and Miss Muller

College Awards Carmichael

Brielle Bithio, Emma Jonson

Wilberforce

Angelo Costantino

Principal’s Awards Carmichael

Jess Bartone, Imigen Holland, Peter Ramsey, Anthea Agoratsios, Dahlia Logozzo, Jaiden Cordina, Damian Buttafucco, Mikayla Cordina, Brielle Bithio, Domenic Trovato, Luke Agar, Shelby Fulton, Tanisha Singh, Dylan Abawi

Lewis

Madeline Hopkins, Justin Veljovic, Angelina Hagipantelis, Ryan Micallef, Gabriel Lo Basso, Massimo Sofi, Tiana Gvozdenovic, Cristopher Quinn

Liddell

Katrina Le, Nikola Sankovic, Jay Galloway, Jessica Dimian, Braeden Webster, Lukas Kaltsas, Tiara Russo, Lucinda Koulaouzos, Rajvi Gounder

Wilberforce

Ryan Huynh, Caelen Alexander, Maja Stjepanovic, Zac Zamprogno

News from the Parents & Friends Assoc The P&F team has so much to be thankful about. Because of the significant involvement and contributions from the College’s parents, friends, students and teachers the 2012 Southwest Festival was a huge success!!! So here goes… the P&F Team would like to say “THANK YOU” to all our mums, dads, family and friends who worked hard on the Festival day and to all who donated delicious cakes and silent auction donations. We are excited about what next year’s Festival will bring. Another “THANK YOU” to all of our helpers who assisted in making the Father’s Day Stall a fun day for the students. It was great to be able to share the joy in picking a gift for student’s for Fathers Day. The P&F team will continue placing great effort into fundraising for the College. “But wait there’s more!” – The P&F are excited about finding new ways in connecting the parents and friends with the College. The P&F team invites all parents and friends of the College to join us on Tuesday, 23 October, 7-8pm, for a night were we can meet over a coffee and cake, and share ideas on what you would like to see the VISION of the P&F Team to be and for new ways in strengthening the ‘home and College partnership’. Save the date and keep an eye out for information about the night. As one research paper says “Parent involvement in children’s education goes beyond contributing cookies to class parties or attending P&F meetings”. It is proven that when parents and teachers work together, everyone benefits. Students tend to achieve higher grades, perform better on tests, attend school more regularly, have better behaviour, and show more positive attitudes toward each other and toward school. Last but not least the P&F Team would like to wish Year 12 students all the best in their HSC exams. May God watch over you through this challenging time. The P&F Team will be thinking and praying for you – we’re behind you all the way. Good luck. Till next time. Jasmina Munari Vice President of P&F Association President: Duane French – 0433 143 744 Vice President: Jasmina Munari – 0403 528 930 Secretary: Cathy Lovan – 0403 165 212 Treasurer: George Khoury – 0419 299 299.

ACT Mountain Bike Championships 30th-31st August- Mt Stromlo The Thomas Hassall Mountain Bike team travelled down to Canberra to compete in the ACT MTB Championships. This is the biggest School MTB event in the country with many teams coming from interstate. With the MTB club continuing to grow we took down 15 of our keen and enthusiastic athletes to compete at this event for the very first time! All the teams competed extremely well, with temperatures reaching below zero and seeing snow on the way home. Most of our teams placed in the top 20. Congratulations to the Mixed Junior Team who came 11 th overall (Georgia Cosier, Phillip Paceskoski, Domenic Stambe and Katerina Panayi), and the Senior Team coming in 16 th place (Nathan Bye, Jay Garard, Scott Reynolds and Nathan Bye). In each category there were over 60 teams and our teams should be very proud of their achievements. Thank you to the following people who made this trip a huge success. We could not have done it without them. The parents - Who cooked lots of food and supported our awesome group of students. A special thanks to the Mammone family who came down to support us on the day. Rob our awesome bus driver- Who is always willing to give up his time to take us to training places and competitions. Tony Bye from IAQ services- Who sponsored us with jerseys so we can look like a team. Many thanks!!

NASSA Volleyball and AFL Gala Day 31st August- Macarthur Anglican NASSA Volleyball Champions, 2012

NASSA Girls AFL – Runners Up NASSA AFL REPORT We travelled to Macarthur Anglican on the 31st August for another attempt to win the Opens NASSA AFL honours for our College. The wind on the day was by far the dominant force, and it made playing footy pretty hard at times. It was also a rough day for injuries, with some pretty severe arm, eye and ankle injuries shared around our squads. The girls performed brilliantly, and lost the final against Georges River in controversial circumstances. The girls can be encouraged for their efforts and the way they handled the loss after golden point extra time. The boys battled hard all day, and although only winning one game from 3 in the preliminary rounds, really rose to the challenge in the semi-final. After a four goal deficit at half time, the boys came roaring back into it, and lost by a solitary point. Another minute and I reckon we would have had them. All in all a great day of footy all round. It’s encouraging to see the way the College is taking to AFL football. What a great game we have. Matt Palmer

HAVE YOU LABELLED YOUR CHILD’S UNIFORM?? We are continually receiving lost property with no names or labels that are hard to read or have fallen off. While every effort is made to ensure named items of clothing, hats etc. are returned, it is impossible to return them to their rightful owner without a name. With the changeover to Summer uniform, now is a good time to check all articles of clothing, hats, shoes, etc. to make sure they are labelled with your child’s name and also to check that items already labelled are still effective.