STudent News

As a special project Year 9 have been attending, interviewing and writing articles about events in Term 4 at the College.

Here is the Collection of their works

The Wanderers Cup Final

By Manav and Christian

On Wednesday, 5th November, Thomas Hassall headed to the Wanderers Cup Final at the Blacktown City, Sydney Wanderers Five-a-side development stadium.

The team understood the level of competition and remained aware of other schools’ strengths, but their determination never wavered. In interviews, both the coach and players stressed that winning the first game was essential to keeping their hopes of winning the whole competition alive.

During the warm-up, Makism Djokic led the team and ended up being one of the top performers in the three matches, along with Mike Toskoski, thanks to his numerous saves.

In the first match, Mike Toskoski prevented 5 goals from going in. Although the score was 4-1. He helped reduce the advantage that Westfield held over Thomas Hassall.

During the first half of the second match, Maksim had secured a goal for himself, and Mike had saved 3 goals. During the second half, Maksim scored a second goal during a free kick.

In the last match, Mike had prevented 6 goals from the opposition. Despite his efforts, the team, although a close game, was unable to win the final game.

The team now looks forward to upcoming games, working to improve their abilities and become a threat to other schools.

Parents Morning Tea

Thomas Hassall shows their gratitude to their parent volunteers

By Felisha

On Thursday, November 13th, Thomas Hassall Anglican College held a morning tea at the MRK to express its gratitude to parents who volunteered throughout the year.

The MRK was filled with lots of chatter and laughter from the parents, who were enjoying the company of the relationships they had gained throughout their time volunteering.

One parent remarked, “I enjoyed meeting other parents and seeing my children's faces light up when they saw me at school.”

Throughout this school year, there were many opportunities that our volunteers got involved in, like the Mothers' and Fathers' Day stalls, South West festival preparations, Krispy Kreme fundraiser, and assisting with Kindergarten reading programs and during their orientation days.

“I enjoyed watching the children improve throughout the year.”

Many parents showed how not only have they helped the school and students out throughout this year, but they have also gained knowledge and experience through volunteering.

“I enjoyed seeing behind the scenes, how the school works, and how it is done.”

A special thank you to all Thomas Hassall parent volunteers for their commitment and dedication to the College. Your work has been greatly appreciated by staff and students alike.

Commerce Students Explore the Reality of Law-Making

By Aviana

Year 9 Commerce students at Thomas Hassall Anglican College experienced real-life law making procedures during a school excursion to the NSW Parliament last week, where they watched a live debate and learned about Australia’s legal system then proceeded to go to a museum which stretched their overall knowledge of the history of law in NSW.

This visit helped students to see the procedure when making laws and the arguments that come with it. Many Students said the experience helped them understand how Australia’s lawmaking system works and were surprised that there were many arguments between council members in the process.

One student said their favourite moment was “going into the parliament building and watching the politicians argue.”

Another added that the excursion was “more entertaining than expected,”saying that they did not expect the events they were to witness during this experience.

When asked to describe the day in one word, a student responded: “Brilliant.”

Many teachers said the goal of the excursion was to deepen students' understanding of the historical significance of law and how cases were handled in the past while showing them the present way laws are handled and made.

The location was chosen so students could see “real-life parliamentary procedures and the history of law.”

Excursions like this, teachers explained, are important because “students can see what they have been learning in real-life scenarios,” helping connect classroom theory to the real world.

Year 7 Orientation

Pulling off the Training Wheels

by Hannah, Katarina, Teadora

On Friday the 7th of November, over 100 students participated in Thomas Hassall’s Year 7 Orientation Day. Year 6 began the journey of learning and exploring their new routinesfor next year, and they were excited to dive in!

The Head of Senior School, Mr Jason Corbett Jones, opened the morning by encouraging students to make connections, socialise and “pull off the training wheels”. Subsequently, parents received information regarding student expectations, organisation and ways of communication.

Dr Anna Nalla, Director of Wellbeing, spoke on the College’s wellbeing policy and how they promote student safety.

The 2026 Year 7 Year Advisors, Mr Tat and Mrs Crowe, welcomed their new cohort, supported by Ms Munro, Academic Dean of Students, who outlined the fundamentals of classes, subjects and the assessment process.

Additionally, Mr Mills, the ICT leader, explained the BYOD program, online learning platforms, and importance of safe tech use.

The session concluded with introductions to crucial staff, announcing upcoming programs and end-of-day pick-up details.

Students who had made friends throughout the day said they were most looking forward to “meeting new people”, “Playing in the big kids area” and “getting a locker”.

Year Advisors shared their, anticipating the challenges they think will impact their upcoming cohort like organisation and adaptation skills. However, it’s obvious these students are ready and awaiting the adventure ahead.

ABIDE LUNCH CLUB

Abide: Bringing Faith To Lunchtime

By - Jonah I

Abide. A Christian Lunchtime group where all students and teachers are welcome to hear and rejoice about the word of God. It happens every Friday lunch at the top of the

HSIE N Block and on the 21st November we gathered.

Lunchtime groups and Abide was formed because of the opportunity at Thomas Hassall for Christian students to be encouraged and those who aren’t Christians to find out more about the good news of Jesus. Chapel and Christian Studies are important parts of the ministry at school, yet the great thing about Abide is that students choose to come and it’s in a more relaxed setting.

On Friday we gathered and indulged in a snack of chips provided by the teachers. We then began playing a game in which us students had to decide to go to one side of a room based on our response to the prompt on the screen. We then settle down and heard a bible reading and prayed. We then split off into discussion groups and look at the passage and some questions of that week.

A comment made by a consistent Abide teacher Mr Mills, “Abide is often the highlight of my work week; it’s such a joy to see Christian students meeting together who are bold and open about their faith, and see students of all faith backgrounds join us and find out more about Jesus. It’s very encouraging.”

Another comment made by a regular Abide attendee Luke Loggozzo. “Abide presents me with a christian environment where I can socialise with other christians.”

At the end of the week, Abide provides a space for students and teachers to pause and connect over the word of God. Whether you’re enjoying your meal, exploring your faith or socialising with brothers and sisters in Christ; Abide serves as a community where students and teachers come together to socialise, connect, and Abide in Christ alongside one another.

JUNIOR SCHOOL ENSEMBLE EVENING

by Syra, Eva and Christina

This year’s Junior Ensembles Evening showcased the incredible dedication, creativity and musical growth of our students, with each performance capturing a different chapter in their musical journey, leaving the crowd in awe of the young musicians' passion and perseverance.

Mrs Easton, the principal, remarked, “Our students flourish when they’re allowed to take creative risks,” and Mr Robinson claimed that, “Music is a journey.” With family, friends, and teachers filling the audience, the young performers proved exactly that.

The evening opened with the Intermediate Concert Band delivering a bold, polished performance ranging across classical and jazzy styles. The Junior Strings Ensemble followed with a lively, and dramatic musical journey that truly showcased the performer’s hard work.

The Drum Circle then energised the audience with African rhythms and interactive clapping, rapidly becoming a crowd favourite. Warm, nostalgic pieces from the Saxophone Ensemble and vibrant selections from the Clarinet Choir, showcased strong musicianship and individuality from the students.

The Junior Choir captivated with expressive, joyful songs and closing the night, the Junior Concert Band ended with cinematic energy, including an original work of Thomas Hassall's own music tutor and crowd-pleasers like Mission Impossible. Students like Kimia took risks to flourish by playing solos, describing it as “a scary but fun experience.”

Throughout the night, multiple people commented on their experiences. Students like Maggie and Noah described music as empowering their connections, communication, and creative learning. Lily, a performer in multiple bands, said “it was cool to hear all the instruments playing together.”Junior Ensembles Night embodied this celebration, not just of performance, but of passion, perseverance, and the joy of learning through music.

The 2025 Dance Academy Program at THAC

by Alanna

The after-school Dance Academy program at Thomas Hassall Anglican College keeps getting more popular in 2025, giving students an affordable and easy way to stay active, build confidence, and improve their wellbeing.

Ever wanted to try a new sport or activity but worried about money, time, or getting to classes? At $560 for a full year of weekly sessions, the Dance Academy makes dance much more accessible for lots of families. One student said, “It’s way cheaper than outside studios, which makes it easy to dance every week without stressing my parents about costs.”

Students also mentioned how much it’s helped them physically. Many noticed better flexibility, balance, and fitness since joining. Another student explained, “I feel stronger and more active now, and I didn’t realise how much dance works your whole body until I started doing it regularly.” It’s clear that the program supports healthy habits while still being fun.

The program isn’t just good for the body but for the mind too. Because dance happens right after school, it gives students a chance to relax and reset after a long day. Many students said it helps them de-stress, clear their heads, and improve their mood. One student shared, “After a stressful day, dancing helps me reset. Being around friends in a friendly, supportive space just makes it better.”

To celebrate the dedication and hard work of each student this year, the annual dance academy concert was held on November 10. Families and friends filled the audience as dancers took to the stage with energy and pride, performing routines that reflected their progress, teamwork and commitment throughout the year.

Overall, the 2025 Dance Academy program at Thomas Hassall shows how schools can offer affordable, fun, and healthy opportunities that help students feel good physically and emotionally—proving that dance is more than just movement, it’s a boost for wellbeing too.

Year 4 Band Finale Performance

“Best Year 4 Band Students to-date”

By: Isabel, India, and Nadine

On Tuesday the 4th of November, the Year 4 Band at Thomas Hassall performed their repertoire for Year 3 students and parents as their finale performance, marking the end of their Year 4 Band Journey.

The Music Faculty Coordinator, Mr Byron Mark claims they are “the best group in a while”, reflecting on the students’ hard work and dedication to their newfound instruments.

The students performed pieces such as Ode to Joy, Thunderstruck and William Tell. One example of a particularly talented student is Emmanuel Sourial on percussion, providing the back beat to the repertoire. An honorable mention was the saxophone section of the orchestra.

Mr Mark touches on the significance of “working together as a team to produce one end goal”, in reference to the significance of teaching the students practical as well as a theoretical aspect to their musical instruments.

He perpetuates the importance of dedication to the instrument, and how, in order to produce a young band as talented as this year’s, every student has to have a certain degree of commitment, as he explains,

“If you are the only one training and practicing, and the whole team is at Maccas, you're (the team) not going to win”.

The Year 4 Band is an exceptional example of the broader Thomas Hassall music program, it demonstrates the abundance of opportunities Thomas Hassall truly provides for young people. Mr Mark speaks about the excitement 2026 will hold for the Year 3 students, talking about how the program pushes the students to practice teamwork, learn how the instruments work together as a collective.

Kindergarten Orientation

It’s about their future

By Lauren, Emilia and Anabela

More than 150 parents attended the Kindergarten orientation at Thomas Hassall Anglican College this week, where the school introduced its five new classes and helped families prepare for the start of the school year. The session aimed to answer key questions about what children can expect and how parents can support them as they begin their schooling journey.

Parents listened to presentations covering school background, parenting skills, first-day routines and the College’s Christian message, before receiving welcome bags with resources to assist their children’s transition. Staff also outlined the strong support system in place for new students.

As part of the presentation, parents were encouraged to help their children develop reading habits and support them through challenges to build confidence ahead of the term. Head of Junior School, Mrs Sandy Wheeler said this year’s turnout showed growing parent involvement, explaining, “The parents this year are very committed to their children and helping them adjust,” noting that attendance was higher than in previous years.

Many parents shared why they chose Thomas Hassall. Tina, whose daughter Zoe is starting Kindergarten next year said, “I really liked the fact that the school was K-12 and that there is a really good balance of extra-curricular activities and academics,” adding that strong recommendations and HSC results influenced her decision. Although Zoe is shy, she is looking forward to seeing her older sister at school.

Jason, whose child is continuing from Prep, said his family wanted to keep the journey going because of the school’s “lots of activities and opportunities.” Celia, a new parent to the College, enrolled because they live locally and were impressed with the school’s reputation, sharing that her son is excited about visiting the library and learning languages.

Students also expressed confidence, with Georgia saying, “I’m very excited, I’m not nervous.” Another parent, Ellena, praised the College’s approach, after receiving positive reviews from friends.

Compared to previous years, staff reported stronger family engagement and higher attendance, suggesting a smooth transition ahead for the 2026 Kindergarten cohort. With parents eager, children excited and support already in place, the orientation has set a positive tone for students preparing for their first day of school, which begins on February 5.

Chess Competition

THOMAS HASSALL ANGLICAN COLLEGE HOSTS ITS FIRST “FIDE WORLD CUP” TO CROWN BEST CHESS PLAYER

By Madhav

Middleton Grange, NSW — Thomas Hassall Anglican College has hosted its first-ever THAC FIDE World Cup, a large-scale knockout chess tournament designed to identify the school’s strongest player. After many intense rounds replicating the official FIDE World Cup structure, Year 9 student Madhav Manikandan and Maths staff Louis Wong are fighting to claim the title of College Chess Champion.

The event, held over two weeks, involved ten students from Years 7–12. Organised by the school’s Chess Club and Maths faculty, the competition used a blitz format, closely mirroring the system used in international professional chess tournaments. The final round will happen in the final week of school.

One of the tournament’s most dramatic moments occurred in the eliminator, where Alvin Lee faced Year 9 prodigy Ethan Tran. After a competitive eight minutes with both players being down to their last minute, Ethan advanced with an epic queen sacrifice at the end. The second qualifier between Madhav Manikandan and Ethan Tran was similarly close, with both players refusing to give up material. Madhav ultimately converted a small positional edge in the blitz game to win the championship.

Madhav said the high-stakes format made the event feel “like a real international tournament,” adding that every move felt significant. Spectators — including students, staff, and parents — filled the John Flynn Centre during the finals, with the last match livestreamed internally for the school community.

Teachers praised the event for its emphasis on strategic thinking, patience, and resilience. The Mathematics and STEM departments highlighted chess as a tool for enhancing problem-solving skills across academic subjects. Organisers reported strong enthusiasm from students across all year groups, calling the turnout “far beyond expectations.”

Following overwhelming success, the College has already committed to making the “THAC FIDE World Cup” an annual event. Proposed additions include a Primary School division, expanded livestream coverage, and potential awards such as training resources or coaching sessions for top performers.

MISA OZ TAG COMPETITION

MISA Oz Tag Semi Final Winners: Bringing Sports Culture to THAC

By Yanni Lamaris and Anvesh Sehgal

The Thomas Hassall Anglican College Years 7-9 Boys MISA Oz-Tag team arrived in the sweltering 33°C heat, ready for a tough game against St Francis Catholic College team from Edmonson Park. The conditions set the stage for a demanding afternoon, with both teams facing the challenge of high temperatures and a high stakes semi-final game.

The lads opened strong, but an early setback saw St Francis take advantage, putting pressure on the boys throughout the first half. Despite the slow start the team pushed forward, trailing just behind at halftime with the scoreboard showing 4-3.

Refreshed and refocused after the break, with a motivating tactical team talk from Captain Cameron Bainbridge and Coach Mr Ward, Thomas Hassall quickly shifted the momentum into their favour. Midway through the second half, the boys looked stronger than ever, as coach Mr Ward could be heard telling the team that they were “Now playing real oz-tag.”

A series of well executed plays led the boys to an impressive 8-5 win. The comeback highlighted their ability to work as a team and perform under pressure. The win marks a strong showing for Thomas Hassall sport and reflects the growth of the boys as a team.

Year 6 Graduation & Formal

Year 6 Celebrate Major Milestone

By April, Eva and Christina

Year 6 students at Thomas Hassall Anglican College marked a major milestone on 25 November 2025, gathering in the school auditorium for their official Graduation Ceremony before continuing celebrations with a formal dinner at the Liverpool Catholic Club. The event recognised their hard work throughout primary school and celebrated their achievements to take the next step in their educational journey.

Nostalgic music and videos were played, bringing back memories when they were once little kids, now taking the next step of their lives- high school. Mrs Wheeler gives her opening speech to welcome everyone with the theme of generosity.

Following this year's theme of togetherness, Mrs Easton then gave some words of inspiration to the incoming high schoolers such as: “You are not alone in your journey of highschool.” as well as Mr Butasky offering guidance: “Trust in God, He is the support you need for high school and the rest of your life.” Various performances were shown, both through the Choir and a final Year 6 dance break.

The excitement followed to the graduation dinner later that day, held at Liverpool Catholic Club. With some trivia and brain teasers, which enabled the kids to get to know those at their table, a fun conversation starter.

Mrs Wheeler and Mrs Easton expressed they were ‘Full to the brim with excitement.” and “I’m especially excited for this year group as I’ve seen them grow from Prep to now.’

Year 6 are sure to be looking forward to their holidays ahead of their next big adventure in the Senior School in 2026.

Prep 2 Day Celebration

Students Celebrate With Song and Excitement

By Ruby-May and Syra

The end of a chapter, a journey and so much more. On Thursday the 27th of November, teachers, parents and students alike celebrated the graduation of Prep Purple and Blue, 2025.

As the parents filled the S Block Hall, you could hear the excitement radiating off the children, smiles growing as they sat in the choir stands.

“I’ve seen them love to read, I’ve seen those routines blossom and them really embody what it means to be a learner and what it is to be at this school,” - Mrs Wheeler

The Assistant Chaplain, Mr Butchatsky, addressed the theme of being together, through an interactive presentation with a person on the whiteboard, showing how every part of the body had to work together to work. He explained how God made sure we were all important when we all worked together, delivering a great message to the growing students.

Practically bustling with excitement, the Prep students performed two songs, ‘My Lighthouse’, and ‘Mr Clicketty Cane’, complete with actions that showcased the hard work they had put into the performance.

Next, the students got their gifts and awards, to commemorate the end of Prep, before finishing with a Christmas song, ‘Oh What a Special Night,’ complete with headbands of cute animal ears. Penelope, a student in Prep Purple, said she “loved to play with the Christmas tree,” and help decorate for this festive occasion.

An impressive video montage showed all the wonderful memories the cohort had made this year. The students were bursting with laughter and smiles as they saw themselves or their friends up on the screen. Zander, from Prep Purple, said that his favourite thing to do was, “play games with his friends.”

After Mrs Easton closed up the afternoon with a prayer, proud parents took photos of the newly graduated Prep students. Renae, mother of Penelope, said it had been great to see her child, “thrive socially, emotionally and academically,” and “show an interest in numbers and letters.”

Mrs Johnson, teacher of Prep Blue, has said that one of her favourite things about teaching prep this year, had been, “Their excitement over learning new things.” Her highlight of the year being the Calmsley Hill city farm excursion. Mrs Mannix, the Prep Purple teacher said that her students have grown, “in every single way, from fine motor skills to friendships and to understanding letters and numbers.”

One student said that they are most looking forward to “Playing with some new friends” as he and the others take the next step in their learning. Others said they’re looking forward to learning and playing with new things. Overall, it’s certain all of these bright, wonderful students are ready for the next chapter of their lives…

Starting Kindergarten next year!

PREP 3 DAY Celebration

Prep Red and Prep White Shine at Their End-of-Year Celebration

By Amelia and Elyssa

On Tuesday, the 26th of November, Prep Red and Prep White gathered with family, friends and staff for their end-of-year celebration. As the event began, the Year 10 band warmly welcomed our guests by serenading everyone, setting a good-natured tone for the assembly.

The event began with an opening talk, followed by a special chapel message from Assistant Chaplain, Mr Butchasky. He motivated students to tune into their individuality and how every person contributes to creating a loving community. Mr Butchasky shared, “Each one of you has a special gift that you can share with everyone else, and nobody is just like you”. He reminded students to always work together, just as each part of the body works in unison: “Today, let’s celebrate our amazing bodies and let’s celebrate each other.”

Prep Red’s teacher, Mrs Johnson, and Prep White’s teacher, Mrs Patterson, proudly watched their students cross the stage as they received their awards. Before these awards, Prep’s students performed two wonderful songs, “My Lighthouse” and “Wash Your Face with Orange Juice”. Later, they performed their final piece, which was a Christmas special, “Oh What a Special Night”.

Demonstrating the purpose of the celebration, Mrs Patterson explained, “The main goal behind the celebration was to celebrate the Prep students’ successes this year,” whilst also adding that their goal was for students to grow more confident. This is seen when Mrs Patterson shared that they wanted students to experience being “upfront and getting a chance on the stage”. She also highlighted the importance of family involvement: “By including the families, we hope for both the parents and their children to feel welcomed, included and valued in our school community.”

Head of Junior School, Mrs Wheeler, summarised the afternoon beautifully: “It’s been a pleasure to see them blossom this year”.

The celebration ended with a closing prayer from Mrs Easton, marking the end of a heart-warming assembly that truly commemorated the growth, courage and community spirit of this year’s youngest learners.

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