Thomas Hassall Anglican College's new principal wants to bring “optimism, hope and fun” to students in south-west Sydney.
New head of school Ross Whelan, who will be commissioned at a service this Thursday, says a children's education in a Christian context must contain these three elements.
"As our school encourages students to pursue excellence, wisdom and service, a Christian education gives them optimism for the future, hope in the gospel and an enjoyment in learning," Mr Whelan says.
Former Georges River region Bishop Ray Smith will commission Mr Whelan at a 9:30am service at Thomas Hassall Anglican College, located at Second Avenue, Middleton Grange. The service is open for the community to attend.
Mr Whelan previously spent 10 years as head of Inaburra School, a Christian school formed from Menai Baptist church and the local community.
Thomas Hassall Anglican College was founded in 2000 with 150 students and has since grown to 1200 students from Prep to Year 12.
"When I arrived I found the college to have been well established from its foundation years," Mr Whelan says.
"The Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation is the leading educational provider in these areas in NSW and so I'm excited to join such an inspiring group of school communities."
Mr Whelan replaces founding Principal Dr Bryan Cowling, who commenced a new role as Chief Executive Officer of the Anglican Education Commission earlier this year.
A vision for south-west Sydney
Mr Whelan's vision is that the young people coming through Thomas Hassall will be able to make an impact in their community, across Sydney and across the world.
"We will do this through strong academic programs, strong community service programs and strong extra-curricular programs in sports, creative arts, outdoor education and technology," he says.
"We are also looking for relevant ways to reach people in the emerging growth areas around this city by integrating the gospel with whole-of-life activities," he says.
Mr Whelan attends St Philip's, York Street with his wife, Lynn. They have two teenage children, Lucy and Sam.
Mr Whelan wants the college to continue making an important contribution to life in south-west Sydney.
"My passion is to see the college become one of the leading Anglican colleges in the whole of Sydney by contributing to community life and public agendas."
"South-west Sydney has been a receiver of government policy for a long time, now it's time for us to be a contributor to positive change."
