As we come to the end of a very busy term it is good to stop and reflect.
Notwithstanding the challenge of sickness and the normal pressures of school life, we have had a really positive term. All major events and carnivals have proceeded as per the schedule; we managed to get through a wonderful Musical experience without too many dramas, and there is a sense of optimism about ‘tomorrow’. ‘Life’ is ‘kind of back to NORMAL’. Part of the positivity is the great opportunity that we have had to gather and to celebrate together. In the past few weeks, we have experienced the Senior School Assembly with everyone present together. For some of the students this was the first Senior School Assembly that they have had in High School. Most of us have not met in one place for two years. It has taken a little getting used to the novelty, but I sense the real joy in just being able to meet and celebrate together.
On Wednesday night the Year 12’s performed their HSC pieces at our Soup and Song Night and last night the Junior School enjoyed the thrill of the Disco experience. Thank you to all the staff who are working behind the scenes to support these initiatives.
What I see more and more at the College is a growing sense of identity. Thomas Hassall is a relatively young school. We are still working out ‘who we are’! Our identity is still taking shape. We see glimpses of this when we celebrate things like the South-West Festival or the recent Unite Week. We have so many strengths as a community with such a diverse range of parents and teachers coming together for a common purpose i.e. to see young people grow and thrive in their learning. Ultimately, despite all our differences, there is a passion to share life together and do this well.
Finally, I want to thank a God who is able to take all the fragments, the flavours and the colour and bring a cohesion that is beautiful and brings a sense of purpose in a mixed up and challenging world.
Please take time to pray and to thank God for all He is doing in our community. I pray all our students have a safe and peaceful break.