Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 5 - Friday, 20 August 2021

Message from the Headmaster

This week we see that COVID cases in NSW continue to rise, in regional areas and in the Greater Sydney region and areas continue to be locked down and schools continue to remain closed. Thank you to those families who have been able to keep their children at home during this time and thank you for providing feedback through our recent survey forms. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, thank you. Students and parents have raised concerns about student wellbeing and this is being actively followed up by our Pastoral Care team.

Our teachers are continuing to work very hard to deliver great lessons to your children and I appreciate the support that you are providing to your children. While we will do everything we can to reduce the risk of COVID on Campus (cleaning multiple times per day, face masks, distancing, no unnecessary visitors etc) we are conscious that the risk is greater with the Delta variant and it spreads more easily and rapidly through children and the risk of taking this home to families is now higher. We are particularly concerned about the rapid rise in cases associated with Schools and Child Care Centres.

Dr Kerry Chant has reminded us that students should not be attending schools unless it is absolutely necessary. We are aware that there are eight active COVID cases in the Wollondilly LGA (www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/find-the-facts-about-covid-19) and would therefore ask if it is possible to please keep your children at home, at least until there are no active cases in our community. I understand that some students must come to the College for very valid reasons and we will continue to provide supervision for those students. We have a very limited number of staff on-site each day so that we can provide essential supervision only.

Please stay safe, stay healthy and we pray that we will all be back together sooner rather than later.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Deputy Headmaster

The Language of Respectful Relationships

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

This reply to playground name-calling has been taught to children by generations of parents. While the sentiments are true, it demonstrates how destructive language can be when it’s used to hurt or humiliate.

Name-calling dehumanises the child or young person on the receiving end, making it easier for a perpetrator to bully, put down or abuse. The language of bullying and sexual abuse is deliberately vague and generalised making it easier to hurl insults about gender or ethnicity. It’s much harder to insult someone when real names are used as it becomes personal.

Bullying uses language that dehumanises. Respectful relationships have their own language, and it’s through this language that respect is shown, and personal safety and integrity are assured.

Parents can help children and young people to develop the language of respectful relationships in the following ways:

Use first or preferred names
The sound of a person’s name respectfully spoken is music to the listener’s ears. Teach kids to refer to other people by their first or preferred name. If a relative prefers to be called aunt or uncle rather than by their first name, then out of respect, encourage children and young people to adjust their language accordingly, even though you may not subscribe to such formalities. Politeness is respect in action.

Differentiate between behaviour and the person
It’s incorrect to define a child’s character through their poor behaviour. A child who tells lies is frequently called a liar, someone who steals is often labelled a thief, or someone who inadvertently shares secrets is deemed untrustworthy. In sporting parlance, focusing on the behaviour rather than on the person teaches kids about to play the ball, not the person. It may sound like splitting hairs but the focus on character traits rather than on a person’s behaviour is hurtful, often degrading, and leads to resentment rather than change.

Call out disrespectful behaviour
The standard of behaviour you ignore is the standard of behaviour you accept. Disrespectful behaviour needs to be called out by adults so kids learn that bullying, racism and other forms of disrespectful language are not acceptable. When discussing the behaviour and character of friends, fictional characters in books and personalities on film differentiate between the behaviour and the person, calling out the use of negative labels when you hear them. It’s easy to ignore disrespectful language when you hear it, but this is one area where a consistent approach by adults is critical.

Frame behaviour as a choice
Framing behaviour as a choice is an essential respectful relationships strategy that needs to be reinforced for children and young people. “That’s a smart/good/helpful choice!” is the type of response kids should repeatedly hear, reinforcing that their behaviour is a result of choice rather than driven by others, circumstances, or emotion. Personal choice negates the idea that somehow other people or circumstances determine behaviour, or become convenient scapegoats for all types of abuse and disrespectful behaviour.  “She/he made me do it” just doesn’t wash in a civilised society.

Develop a wide vocabulary
Build a wide vocabulary of terms essential to respectful relationships. Terms such as safety, choice, respect, acceptance, tolerance, love, likeable and a host of others should be familiar to kids as well as phrases that emphasise the fair and respectful treatment of others in all types of environments.

In closing
Respect is shown not only through the treatment of others but through the language kids use every day. By focusing on the language of respect you are laying the basis for kids to enjoy respectful relationships both now and in the future.

Michael Grose (parentingideas.com.au)

Mr Ian Croger
Deputy Headmaster

College Psychologist

The Healthy Mind Platter

A lot of people have probably heard of the food pyramid, a diagram that is designed to help us eat in a healthier way. This was designed to combat the problem of obesity, and although it has been changed and revised over the years, the message behind it has remained largely the same – what you put into your body has a big impact on your health.

In recent years, there has been a lot of study that has focused on ensuring our minds are just as healthy as our bodies. This is where the Healthy Mind Platter comes in. It proposes that there are seven essential daily mental activities that are necessary for optimum mental health. Each activity focuses on a certain part of your brain, and they all give your brain the ‘nutrients’ it needs to be able to function at its best.

The seven essential daily mental activities are:

• Focus Time – When we closely focus on tasks in a goal-oriented way
• Play Time – When we allow ourselves to be spontaneous or creative, playfully enjoying novel experiences
• Connecting Time – When we connect with other people, ideally in person, or take time to appreciate our connection to the natural world around us
• Physical Time – When we move our bodies
• Time In – When we quietly reflect internally, focusing on sensations, images, feelings, and thoughts
• Down Time – When we are non-focused, without any specific goal, and let our mind wander or simply relax
• Sleep Time – When we give the brain the rest it needs to consolidate learning and recover from the experiences of the day

Unlike the food pyramid, there are no suggested serving amounts or healthy recipes that are everyone should follow. Mental health is very individualised and personal, meaning that the make-up of my Healthy Mind Platter will be different to yours. The main takeaway from this is to understand that our minds need variety. It is important to have a range of activities that your mind is constantly engaging in.

(Rock & Siegel, 2011)

Mr Mitchell Barnes
Educational Psychologist

Teaching & Learning 7-12

Zoom Cameras On!

Communication in many ways is the most important aspect of quality teaching. Teachers use a range of means to effectively communicate with students and in a traditional classroom giving and reading non-verbal cues are a significant component of effective communication. Even with cameras on in Zoom, teachers have a reduced capacity to pick up on these no verbal cues, however, when cameras are off it is impossible! For this and a number of reasons, we have asked that students have their camera turned on when requested by teachers (blurring the background is always a good thing). 

The recent feedback we have received from students highlights the value students place on being able to see one another and their teacher, this assists in connectedness and maintaining a sense of relationship. This only works however if students have their cameras turned on. We appreciate there are some circumstances that make this difficult such as connectivity and student wellbeing. In these circumstances, it is important that parents have communicated with the relevant Year Patron so teachers are aware of this. 

Year 11 Yearly Substitute Tasks

Year 11 were notified yesterday that in Week 8, as a replacement to the Yearly Examinations, students will have in-class tasks that will be completed under time constraints. These will be a similar structure to exams, however, students won’t be supervised, the questions will be open book and students will be typing their responses. At the end of the time period, responses will be uploaded to Canvas. Early next week I will communicate a student guide that will provide direction on how these tasks will be run. In most cases, these tasks will be the final Formal assessment for Year 11 and will contribute to their ROSA Grade.

Off-Campus Learning Feedback

A huge thank you to all the parents who completed the Off-Campus Feedback Form. This number of responses has provided us with some very valuable feedback. In reading the data and comments we recognise that students are all different and each home context provides unique challenges. While we try to cater for all circumstances we are looking at the broader trends and themes as we consider what is best. With that in mind, I have tried to provide a snapshot of the data in the attached infographic….

Mr Paul Burns
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

From The College Nurse

For students that are currently participating in Off-Campus Learning that have Anaphylaxis or Diabetes, please feel free to contact Student Reception to organise the collection of your parent supplied Anaphylaxis or Diabetes Kit from Student Reception.

Senior Uniform

Unfortunately, due to the current COVID restrictions, we are not able to open our Senior Uniform Shop this year. An email has been sent out to the relevant parents/carers with a link to our online order form and sizing guides.

Please be advised that all current Year 10 students are required to place an order regardless of plans or intentions for 2022, to help assist in our ordering. Uniform charges will be added to your 2022 Term 2 invoice, so no deposit is required.

Please note, parents/carers are reminded that if their child is not continuing on to Year 11 in 2022, the College requires written notice one term before leaving, which would be at the end of Term 3.

The order form is open until Thursday, 2 September at 12.00 pm. All orders after this date will be subject to stock availability for which we cannot guarantee sizing requests.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me on 4684 2722  or at g.tamme@wac.nsw.edu.au.

Miss Grace Tamme
Receptionist/Administration Assistant

Performing Arts News

Performing Arts Challenges

As promised, our Performing Arts Challenges are now available for students. 
There is one Music option, one Drama option and one Dance option available for students in each age group (Junior Years, Middle Years and Senior Years). You may enter one or all of the options for your age group (individual entries only).

Entrant Responsibilities

Appropriate attire, background, lyrics, words and behaviours are expected in all submissions. Submit your entry to Mrs Talbot by 3.00 pm Monday, 13 September.

Submission options: email your work or a link to your work to Mrs Talbot s.talbot@wac.nsw.edu.au or via Canvas if you are a secondary student (Student Resources 7-12 >Performing Arts>Performing Arts Challenges).

Please understand that we may use the footage and images uploaded on both the Performing Arts website and on College Social Media accounts, and may elect to use them for future promotional purposes. 

Stay safe. Ensure you are properly warmed up and using equipment safely at all times. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times. 
Have fun!

Talent Quest

Auditions for Secondary students will be submitted virtually this year. Stay tuned to future Waratah Weekly articles for more details (start planning your entry now).

Stay In Touch With Your Ensemble

All of our Ensemble Leaders are missing our fabulous performers and want to support our students to stay engaged with their rehearsals and each other during lockdown. Below you will find a summary of what is on offer for the various Ensembles, and the contact email address for the Ensemble Leaders should your child need support in this area. Please don't hesitate to contact Mrs Talbot if you need further support for your young performer, s.talbot@wac.nsw.edu.au

College Band - Mr Grant has been working to supply students with sheet music (via Canvas '7-12 Student Resources: Performing Arts: College Band' or physical supply). He will also be hosting a Zoom session for Ensemble members, l.grant@wac.nsw.edu.au

Primary Band - Students already have their sheet music to rehearse with at home. Mr Denley will be setting up a class for this group using 'Essential Elements' which will provide them with further support. s.denley@wac.nsw.edu.au

College Strings - Ms Bridge will be hosting a Zoom rehearsal for students. The link has been emailed to Ensemble members by Mrs Talbot on their College student email accounts. Ms Bridge will also be supplying students with sheet music via Canvas (7-12 Student Resources: Performing Arts: College Strings), jillbridge7@gmail.com

Primary Strings - Ms Bridge will be hosting a Zoom rehearsal for students. This link has been emailed to ensemble members by Mrs Talbot on their College student email accounts. Ms Bridge will also be supplying students with sheet music via Seesaw, with the help of Mrs Barker, jillbridge7@gmail.com

College Choir - Mrs Robertson had been working with students to learn 'You Will Be Found' from the Musical 'Dear Evan Hansen'. Mrs Talbot has placed both the backing track and sheet music for this song onto the Canvas course for this Ensemble to allow students to continue with their rehearsals (Years 7-12 Student Resources: Performing Arts: College Choir), alisonclairerobertson@gmail.com

Primary Choir - Mrs Apps is working with Mrs Turner to set up a Seesaw course for Primary Choir. There will be a small selection of songs there for your child to practice with (one that they know and a fun one to learn), k.apps@wac.nsw.edu.au and c.rigg@wac.nsw.edu.au

Bucketz - Mr Hopkins will be working to provide student access to bucketdrumming.net which has lessons and exercises for our bucket drummers to practice with (watch out for your wooden spoons and pots and pans), d.hopkins@wac.nsw.edu.au

Dance Company - Miss Valente will be sending weekly Zoom links via email for Dance Company students. The rehearsal will remain on Tuesday afternoons from 3.00 pm - 4.00 pm, k.valente@wac.nsw.edu.au

College Cheer - Miss Valente will be sending weekly Zoom links via email to Secondary and Primary College Cheer students. The rehearsal will remain on Wednesday afternoons from 3.00 pm - 4.00 pm, however, Primary students can finish at 3.30 pm, k.valente@wac.nsw.edu.au and e.kluit@wac.nsw.edu.au

Stunt Group - Miss Valente will be sending fortnightly Zoom links via email to Stunt Group students. A day and time will be arranged, k.valente@wac.nsw.edu.au

Primary Dance - Will be invited to join the Primary members of College Cheer with their rehearsals (see above), k.valente@wac.nsw.edu.au and c.dewey@wac.nsw.edu.au

Photography Club - Please continue to work through the challenges being set via your Canvas course, b.taylor@wac.nsw.edu.au

College Musical - The College Musical is on hold for now, but don't worry, we will let you know when it is time to audition!

Primary Drama - Last Term, our Primary Drama classes were exploring puppetry performances. To keep them engaged in the fun of puppetry performance, we would like to encourage students to work through this 'Art Bites' lesson on making paper puppets, make their own paper puppets and tell stories with them, https://digital.artsunit.nsw.edu.au/art-bites/making-mini-paper-puppets
If you would like your child to film their paper puppet story, please do so and send it to Mrs Atkins and Mrs Talbot. We would love to add their remote learning project to the Performing Arts website for Primary Drama, n.atkins@wac.nsw.edu.au and s.talbot@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Sarah Talbot
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

Secondary Sport

Lockdown KM Challenge

We are now into the second week of our latest House Challenge. The Lockdown KM Challenge is simple… complete as many kilometres of exercise as you can across the entire week. That could be walking, running or riding. Every entry earns individuals a point that contributes to the Overall House Shield that is awarded at the end of the year. In Week 5 it is a staff v students battle to see who can accumulate the most km’s. I would encourage everyone to get involved (parents can join in too), whether you are doing 1km or 50km’s every entry counts for your House. All Secondary students and staff have received the link to the Google Form to submit their entries. If you have not received the invitation or have any questions please send me an email m.goldsbrough@wac.nsw.edu.au 

Fun Friday Family Challenges

Various PDHPE classes have trialled some fun physical challenges throughout their lessons during Off-Campus Learning. With the interest and engagement shown we have decided to launch our Fun Friday Family Challenges. Each Friday Secondary students will receive an email with a link to the Challenge. These challenges are a great screen break or a fun competition for family members to try. We would love to see your attempts at each of the Challenges so feel free to send through a video of your best (or worst) attempts to m.goldsbrough@wac.nsw.edu.au    

Mr Mark Goldsbrough
Secondary Sports Coordinator

Library News

Book Week 2021.

Primary Students had an exciting day on Tuesday for our annual Book Week celebrations. T-2 students dressed up as their favourite book characters and Years 3-6 zoomed with author Tristan Bancks. All students took part in lessons based around the shortlisted CBCA books for this year.

Tristan Bancks Zoom

Tristan Bancks has been writing for children for over 13 years with books such as the Tom Weekly series, Two Wolves, The Fall and Detention and his new book: Ginger Meggs. Tristan spoke to us about how he became a writer after being a young actor and TV presenter; about his books and where his ideas come from. His latest book is Ginger Meggs, a comic strip originated by his Great, Great Uncle Jimmy Bancks.  He also spoke about how he comes up with ideas and inspiration and how he stays motivated to write on a daily basis. Students were able to ask him questions and take part in quizzes and games throughout.

To purchase your own copy of Tristan Bancks’ books go to:

https://www.thechildrensbookshopspeakersagency.com.au/person/bancks-tristan-speaker/

Book Week Competitions:

Years T-2 - Busy Beaks by Sarah Allen contains a lot of different Australian birds. Design your own bird by drawing, collage, painting, sculpture, use your imagination! Take a photo and upload it to Seesaw. Due Friday, 27 August.

Years 3-4 - Norton and the Bear by Gabriel Evans contains so many different outfits. Create your own fashion for each of the characters - Norton and Bear. Take a photo of your design and upload it to Seesaw. Due Friday, 27 August.

Years 5-6 - Dry to Dry: the seasons of Kakadu by Pamela Freeman and Liz Anelli details the amazing seasonal changes of Kakadu. Create a book trailer video using iMovie Trailer or a short video clip. What is a book trailer? A book trailer is like a movie trailer, but for a book. The aim of the video is to make others want to read the book. Good trailers suggest and tease the tone and content of the book without giving too much away. The best book trailers are simple. See Tristan Bancks ‘How to make a book trailer’ web page: https://www.tristanbancks.com/2016/03/how-to-make-book-trailer.html
Due Friday, 27 August.

Secondary Book Review Competition:

Search for a Library book you have read on the Library Catalogue - Oliver and write a review in the ‘Write a Review’ section. The best reviews will receive a book prize! The Secondary book reviews are due on Monday 6, September.

Prizes: A selection of CBCA 2021 Shortlisted Books will be the prizes with one winner per Year Group.

Library Book Requests now available

If you would like to pick up a College Library book, we are offering contactless drive-through pick up from the Warne Auditorium at the College; or at St Jude’s Anglican Church if you are in the Southern Highlands.

In order to request a book, you need to use the ‘Request’ option in the Library Catalogue. See links below. Library Staff will endeavour to find the exact book or something similar if it is not available. Mrs Colombo will organise pick up times with parents via email.

Library Catalogue Primary: ORBIT LINK

Library Catalogue Secondary: OLIVER LINK

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Book Week Parade

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 10

Next

Employment - Last Chance!

Wollondilly Anglican College welcomes applications for the following permanent positions

• Property Manager
• PDHPE Teacher

Applications close Wednesday, 25 August!

https://www.wac.nsw.edu.au/about-us/leadership-staff/employment/

College Photo Day Prints

Thank you for your patience as we await the delivery of the College photo Day Prints. I have spoken to the supplier who has informed me that we can expect the photos to be delivered by the end of August. When the photos arrive, I will send an email to parents/carers with the next steps in regards to collection/distribution.

Mr Alex Hitchins
Development Manager

Enrolment News

Students Leaving at the End of 2021

If your child will not be attending the College in 2021, please give written notice by the end of Term 3 so that your bond may be returned and to avoid Term 1, 2022 fees and charges, as per agreed in the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.
Should you have any further general queries, please do not hesitate to contact me on 4684 2722 or at k.biddle@wac.nsw.edu.au.

Year 7 2023 Sibling Applications

The Headmaster will begin reviewing places for Year 7 2023 siblings in the upcoming holidays. If your child is in this cohort, please send in their application ASAP to avoid disappointment. If your child is already enrolled at the College, they do not need to apply.

Application For Enrolment

Applications continue to pour in for 2021 and beyond, across all Year Groups, but especially our entry years of Transition, Kindergarten, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 11.

All current College families looking to enrol siblings for the coming years are encouraged to do so without delay to avoid disappointment. 

Enrolment packs are available from the College Office or from the College website www.wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Kristy Biddle
Enrolments Officer
Ph: 4684 2722

Church Services

Staying connected in the Wollondilly Shire

During this time, it is important that we stay connected as a community. Due to the restrictions in the Wollondilly Shire, this cannot happen face-to-face. However, many churches in our local area still gather together online. For those within our community who have a faith, can I encourage you to keep meeting as a community of believers as it says in Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

To those in the College community, we encourage you to consider attending a Church Service or Bible Study Group online. In these difficult times, you may be feeling isolated, burdened and even fearful. Because of this, we encourage you, even more, to connect to your local Church, to explore Christianity, to seek the peace and relief that Jesus can give you. It says in Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” There is no better time to seek and to come into relationship with Jesus than now. Below are some local Churches in the Wollondilly Shire and surrounds with their services and programs and contact information for any enquiries. 

Wollondilly Anglican Church
Currently posting pre-recorded messages and services on their YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LQDtFMRt1RFZQ8KhRC2kA  
If you are interested in attending a Bible Study, or Youth Group and connecting with the community this way, please visit these links for more information
https://wollondillyanglican.org/grown-ups/  
https://wollondillyanglican.org/youth-ministries/  
We also encourage you to check out their website to stay updated with any new information https://wollondillyanglican.org/
Contact them about any enquiries at
https://wollondillyanglican.org/contact/

C3 Picton and Camden
Live-streaming their services on their YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV-SaFqz0okwO85XQE01CKw.
If you would like to find out more information about C3 connect groups, please visit these links:
https://www.c3picton.church/groups
If you would like to know more information about C3 and keep updated please visit their website:
https://www.c3picton.church/
Facebook page:
https://m.facebook.com/C3Picton/
Contact them at:
https://www.c3picton.church/contact

Campbelltown Christian Community Church (C4) 
Currently streaming their services on their YouTube channel:

Wollondilly Presbyterian Church
Currently streaming their services on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClGGkiM_xP5rCdViW3uo6Xw/featured
They are also holding Church Zoom Calls at 9.15 am on Sundays, if you are interested in connecting to the community in this way, please visit their Facebook page for the links as well as updates, information and to contact about any enquiries.
https://www.facebook.com/WollondillyPC/

Tahmoor Baptist Church
Gathering via Zoom on Sunday mornings, please visit their page for the Zoom link, as well as resources, other services, and updates.
https://www.tahmoorbaptistchurch.org/
If you are interested in attending a Bible Study, or Youth Group and connecting with the community this way, please visit this link for more information
https://www.tahmoorbaptistchurch.org/activities.html

Picton and Wilton Anglican Church
Currently streaming their services on their YouTube channel at 9.30 am on Sunday mornings.
https://www.youtube.com/c/PWAChurches/videos
I also encourage you to visit their website
https://pwac.org.au/
To stay updated with information or to contact them about gathering groups and for any general enquiries, please click on the link below:
https://pwac.org.au/contact/

Most importantly, we encourage all to meet with God directly and personally through daily reading of The Bible and prayer. This is the best way to get to know who God is and further trust in him during this time. If you don’t have a Bible or don't know where to start, we encourage you to download “You Version” on your device, this is a great resource to assist you in your journey and relationship with God.

Staying connected in the Southern Highlands area.

Highlands Christian Church: 
Online Service:
https://www.facebook.com/highlands.au/videos/highlands-church-online-experience/930979114318498/
Website:
https://www.highlandschristianchurch.org.au/

Highlands Baptist Church
Website:
http://www.highlandsbaptistchurch.org.au/

St Judes (Bowral Anglican)
Website:
https://bowralanglican.org.au/
Online Service:
https://bowralanglican.org.au/online/

Mittagong Anglican
Website:
https://www.mittang.com.au/
Sermon Archive:
https://www.mittang.com.au/sermons/

C3 
Website:
https://c3destinychurch.com/
Livestream/Video Archive:
https://c3destinychurch.com/sunday-live-stream/

Bowral Baptist
Website:
https://bowralbaptistchurch.net/wordpress/
Video Archive:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCED4wlEz42j6thR9-OsVn4A

Christian Leadership Prefects
Nerida Seidel and Ethan Schultz 

Community

WAC Kids Care

From time to time, families undergo trauma such as severe or terminal illness. There are short term support structures in place at the College to assist families during these times.

We have a collection of beautifully prepared meals that are ready for distribution

The WAC Kids Care Program offers support to families in the way of meals. Please contact Mrs Hay or Mrs Rockwell at the College. Confidentiality will be respected. If you know of anyone who may need meals at this time, please contact the College office.

Getting Korina Back on the road Trivia Night (Postponed to 2022)

• When: Friday, 11 March 2022

Pretend Headmaster