Waratah Weekly - Term 4, Edition 7 - Friday, 24 November 2023

The Importance of Reading

Have you and your children immersed yourselves in the captivating world of books recently?

If the answer is no, it's time to change that narrative! A recent report in the Sydney Morning Herald highlighted a concerning decline in book reading across Australia, especially among adults. However, there's a silver lining: children seem to be holding onto the magic of reading more steadfastly than their grown-up counterparts. As parents, we have a vital role to play in fostering a love for books in our children and reigniting the joy of reading within ourselves.

In an era dominated by digital distractions, the allure of a good book is facing tough competition. The shift from the comforting glow of bedtime reading to the harsh light of screens is undeniable. Yet, the number of books within the walls of our homes remains a potent symbol of cultural wealth, impacting our children's educational journey significantly. Consider this: homes adorned with books, even if they are mainly the cherished possessions of your little ones, are homes that cultivate a rich literary environment. Commendably, many parents diligently read to their young ones, creating an invaluable legacy of literacy. However, the mere presence of adult books in the household, whether opened or not, continues to be a noteworthy measure of cultural capital on the global stage. Research consistently emphasises the connection between the number of books at home and a child's academic success. The recent Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS, 2021) reaffirms that the enjoyment of reading, supported by homes containing a diverse range of books, yields the greatest academic advantage. Delving deeper into the digital-versus-print debate, recent PISA data reveals that students who balance their reading between paper and digital formats tend to outshine their peers who exclusively opt for digital reading. The number of books in the home emerged as a key factor influencing academic performance and the joy of reading.

Now for confession time. I haven't read nearly as much as I had hoped this year. I can give you lots of excuses about why that has been the case, but the truth is that I didn't make it a high enough priority. During these Summer holidays, I am committing myself to regular, quiet reading time. I know it will be great for my mind and soul as I take time out and immerse myself in some great books.

In the face of rising student anxiety and disengagement, it's imperative to encourage your children to pick up a book and read. What better Christmas present could there be?

So, as the Summer holidays beckon, let's embrace the opportunity to create a haven for reading. Let this be a season where books become companions, curiosity blossoms, and the shared joy of reading becomes a treasured family tradition.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

End of Year

As we approach the conclusion of the College year, a reminder about a number of our Formal Events taking place in the last two weeks

• Wednesday, 29 November - Secondary Formal Assembly
• Thursday, 30 November - Primary Formal Assembly
• Thursday, 30 November - Secondary Presentation & Showcase Evening
• Tuesday, 5 December - Primary Presentation & Showcase Evening

Students are regularly reminded about the importance of finishing the year well. The College uniform guidelines and behavioural expectations are in place and maintained all the way to the end of the College year. Parents are thanked for their ongoing support in these areas and encouraged to support their children to maintain these standards in the final days of the College year. The above events provide Formal opportunities for us to recognise student achievement in a number of areas. This is wonderful as so many students have excelled in a range of fields. 

To ensure the focus remains on positive interactions and recognition at these Formal Events, students need to ensure their presentation is in line with College uniform guidelines and appropriate for Formal contexts. In the area of uniforms, students are reminded that if a uniform concern is identified that cannot be immediately addressed this can result in the student being withdrawn from class and the playground or the parent being contacted and asked to collect the child until the concern is addressed. For any student receiving an award, this is essential to avoid missing out on the opportunity to be recognised on stage.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Donations to Support Local Families

As we approach the end of the College year, we are encouraging our students and families to support the Community Links annual Christmas Hamper Collection.

Please see the list of items below that will be collected to form hampers for families in need in the Wollondilly area across the Christmas period.

The final day that items can be brought into the College is Thursday, 7 December. Baskets are in place at student and Guest Reception to place items.

It would be great if all families could support this initiative by having their children bring in an item to donate prior to this time frame. It is really important that we continue to be outward in our thinking and support of others less fortunate, this is a small practical opportunity to do so.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Pastoral Care T-12

Additional Morning Bus Service from Bingara Gorge

Picton Buslines is pleased to inform you that approval has finally been granted to commence the additional morning service from Bingara Gorge to WAC. This will remove the need for any student to stand from Wilton/Bingara Gorge to the College. It will also allow students currently travelling on the Berrima AM11 Lion service and transferring at Bargo, to travel directly to school on the AM13 Giraffe service. This service will commence from Monday, 4 December 2023

Years 7, 8 & 10 Catch-up Vaccinations

Catch-up vaccinations will be held next Tuesday, 28 November 2023. If your child had consented for vaccination at the previous clinics but was absent on the day of vaccination you will receive a notification via SMS from NSW Health.

If you did not previously provide consent for vaccination at previous clinics but have now decided for your child to be vaccinated please follow the link https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school

If your child has already received scheduled vaccinations for Year 7 or Year 10 this year please disregard this message. 

Mrs Sally Lloyd
Senior College Nurse

Primary Sports -IPSSO Finals - Junior Boys' Cricket

In an intense showdown at the Junior Boys' Cricket Finals, the team faced an early setback, narrowly losing their first game to William Carey Christian School by a mere 4 runs. Charlie Adams showcased incredible resilience, holding firm at the bowling end despite the tough battle. Meanwhile, Declan Maxwell mirrored the flair of his namesake, Glenn Maxwell, with an impressive batting performance that left spectators in awe. However, their determination shone brightly in the runner-up final against Georges River Grammar, securing a comfortable victory. Will Jowsey emerged as the star, claiming numerous crucial wickets and dominating the run tally, steering the team to a triumphant finish and marking a commendable end to their spirited campaign. The boys finished 3rd overall. 

Mr James Gooden
Primary Sports Coordinator

Performing Arts News

Sherlock Holmes - Musical - Rehearsals continue
The final rehearsal for the Years 6-12 cast (2023) will occur next Monday afternoon, 27 November from 2.45 pm - 4.15 pm with students meeting outside Johnson 11 Studio. Students can utilise the late bus service or be picked up by parents in the car park behind the Johnson/Elizabeth buildings. 

In Week 9, only the lead cast members will need to attend, due to the Year 6 Celebration Dinner occurring on the same day. An email should have been sent home to parents informing them of this change in the schedule.

Students in the cast are encouraged to remind their parents to complete the Google Costume Sizing Form: Click Here

Events for Week 8 and Week 9 - Performing Arts Groups
Below is a table that outlines the events that are occurring both at the College and in the wider community that our Performing Arts Groups will be in attendance. Please note specific times that students are required at the College for these events:

WAC Crew Events
Below in the table outlines the events that are occurring in the last couple of weeks of this term and which students from WAC Crew will be in attendance:

Changes to College Cheer and Dance Company in 2024
Due to alterations in the Dance academic timetable for 2024, there are some changes that will occur to the time and the way that College Cheer and Dance Company will rehearse.

In 2024, the Dance Company rehearsal will move to Wednesday afternoons, 2.45 pm - 4.15 pm. It will no longer occur on Tuesday afternoons. This will mean a flow-on effect for College Cheer and when it rehearses. We have had to split Primary and Secondary groups for Cheer, rehearsing at two different times, both during break times. 

Secondary Cheer will occur on Tuesday, Break 1, run by Miss Valente. This group will focus on ‘Pom’ technique, tumbling technique and predominantly stunting. 

Primary students (in Years 5 and 6, 2024) will rehearse on Tuesday Break 2, run by Mrs Kluit. This group will focus on the style of ‘Pom’ with dance technique, building foundational skills in preparation for the Secondary Cheer group. 

A full rehearsal schedule for 2024 across all Performing Arts groups at the College will be published in the final Waratah Weekly newsletter for the year. Stay tuned!

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator

Exchange Students

With the return of international travel after the COVID pandemic we have begun to resume our exchange program with our sister school in Germany. One of our current Year 9s, Jordan Denford leaves very soon to begin her stay in the south of Germany. I'm sure you will join me in wishing Jordan safe travels and a wonderful time in Germany.

In addition, I now have applications from two 16-year-old German girls who would love to come to Australia for July and August 2024. If you are interested in hosting either of the girls, you can contact me for a copy of the girls' application kits. The girls are hoping to travel together and stay in Australia separately for 6-8 weeks. During that time they would attend the College and become part of your family, joining your family for your holiday activities. Ideally, you would be able to provide an individual room for either Claire or Marlene, providing the girls with a home away from home. In addition, you would be expected to show the girls part of Australia (eg a trip to see Sydney Harbour or The Blue Mountains and a visit to an Australian wildlife park to see koalas and kangaroos). If you decided to host one of the girls you would need to have a Working With Children's Check for each adult living in your household. The girls will make a financial contribution to your family to offset the cost of food and daily activities.

Previous College families who have hosted students from our sister school have loved the experience.

Marlene is 16, she enjoys swimming, drawing, listening to music, reading and handicrafts. She has a pet cat and likes a vegetarian diet, but doesn't follow this strictly. She is keen to improve her English.

Claire is 16, she enjoys horseback riding, skiing and gardening. She has a pet cat and is a vegetarian. She is very keen to improve her English.

If you are interested in hosting, please contact me.

Mrs Carolyn Clark
Secondary German Teacher / Assistant Year 12 Patron

Primary Drama

On Tuesday, Students in Years 3-6 from Primary Drama performed a play in front of students and teachers. The play was called 'The Hunter Trial' and was an entertaining story based on a person who was on trial for hunting foxes for sport. Congratulations to the students for preparing and performing this play in front of a large audience.   

Mrs Sallyanne Barker
Primary Music Teacher/Assistant Performing Arts Coordinator

Sharp Short Dance Festival

Two students in Stage 6 Dance, Natalie Watts and Sienna Lopez, recently performed in Form Dance’s Sharp Short Dance Festival at Riverside Theatre. This event recognises young dancers under 21 years and provides a platform for aspiring performers and choreographers to share their works in a variety of genres. Sharp Short Dance extends a challenge in the realm of the Independent Dance scene as this event has a series of heats across the State, in which these girls were selected to participate in. 

Natalie and Sienna embraced the experience of composing innovative work together based off their previous Assessment Task and also rehearsed regularly during break times to prepare a meaningful dance work entitled ‘Sisterhood’. The students enjoyed the process of being a dancer in a professional theatre setting where they could rehearse with lighting cues and other aspects. Natalie and Sienna represented WAC Dance and performed wonderfully at the Festival. Well done on your efforts girls!

Miss Kara Valente
Secondary Dance & PDHPE Teacher

We're Hiring! Assistant Canteen Manager

Due to the ongoing growth of the College, we are currently seeking applications for the following roles to commence in 2024:

• ASSISTANT CANTEEN MANAGER

For further information on any of the Permanent Positions, please contact Mr Geoff Adams on 02 4684 2577

From the College Chaplain

The College Learner Disposition focus for Term 4 is Reflective. This is a habit that we are working on developing and cultivating in our students, their learning, their character and also in their faith.

The question, "Can I trust you?" is huge. Relationships are all about trust. Yet trust requires us to be vulnerable with one another. To do this requires courage because I think part of being human is having a fear of being rejected once someone knows who we truly are.

Remarkably, Psalm 139 gives profound insight into how deeply God knows us. We're told that God is our creator, that he made us fearfully and wonderfully. But yet amongst knowing us better than we even know ourselves (Psalm 139:4), He delights in leading and protecting His creation (Psalm 139:10). What is it that he asks from us in response?

To Trust Him. This Psalm shows that God knows us, that God is with us and incredibly that God made us. This all-powerful God, whose power is magnificent to marvel, is also deeply relational. He delights in us and desires that we turn to Him. I encourage us to have a posture towards God like that of the Psalmist (Psalm 139:23-24):

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Try me and know my anxious thoughts;

And see if there be any  hurtful way in me,

And lead me in the everlasting way."

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

Community Sports News

Harper Hallsworth at NSW Gymnastics Junior State Championships
Harper competed at the NSW Gymnastics Junior State Championships this month. This was her first time competing at State level and she finished 8th out of 97 gymnasts in the Level 3 State competition, with a score of 9.000 on Vault and 9.325 on the floor. Harper's overall score saw her win a Gold medal. Well done Harper - it’s so great to see your gymnastics achievements grow as you continue to apply yourself. 

Mr James Gooden
Primary Sports Coordinator

Community Sports News

Congratulations to Mia Hanchard who competed at the Burns Grand Final at The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith, and won her section. She was also awarded the Senior Champion of Champions title. Senior Girls (15-17 years) Grand Champion and Senior Champion of Champions (13-14yrs, 15-17yrs, Open Seniors 18-21, Advanced Seniors 22+).

P&F Christmas Tree Fundraiser

With Christmas fast approaching, we have a limited number of fresh Christmas Trees available for purchase this year! There are three sizes available:

• 1.8m (6ft) - $75
• 2.1m (7ft) - $90
• 2.4m (8ft) - $110
  
• Stands are also available for $50

Hurry, limited stock only!

College Sponsors

Little Elves Vacation Care -Dec/Jan

P&F Clothing Pool

The Clothing Pool has a great selection of pre-loved uniforms for purchase. Our lovely volunteers Renu, Rochelle, Janise, Phoebe, Melissa, Kath, Sonya, Kerrie, Katie, Amanda, Annette and Christina are ready to help you. The Clothing Pool is located at White Cottage, through the side windows, every morning from 7.45 am to 8.30 am.

Thank you also for the donations of uniforms, keep them coming in! 

Payment: Card Only (no cash)
Location: White Cottage through the side windows
Monday to Friday 7.45 am to 8.30 am
Phone: 4623 0286
Email: clothingpool@wac.nsw.edu.au

Have a great day! 

Mrs Melissa Whishaw
Clothing Pool Coordinator

Community News

Mittagong Junior Disco

• Date: Saturday, 25 November
• Times: 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm
• Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong
• Cost: $5
• Ages: 0-14
• Please note: This is a CASH ONLY & Alcohol-free event.
• Special guest appearance - Santa’s Helper

Think of the FIVE Arrive ALIVE - Community Forum
The Community Forum is on Tuesday, 28 November at 7.30 pm at Tahmoor Baptist Church. We are inviting everyone and anyone who is interested in finding out or helping with this campaign.  

Our Mission

To co-create innovative community-driven and evidence-informed strategies to shift attitudes, culture and ultimately road safety behaviours in the next generation.

We value enabling, empowering and equitable preventative approaches to support every person to make the right choices and call out poor behaviours, encouraging their peers to do the same.

We work collaboratively with other organisations to complement their strategies, recognising that road safety is a social responsibility - we all play a part.

Picton Late Night Shopping
Picton will be a buzz with excitement on Wednesday, 6 December with a Christmas Choir entertaining shoppers in a street lined with fairy light lit trees

Endeavour Parks Christmas Fair

Go4Fun
Go4Fun is an evidence-based, free, 10-week healthy lifestyle program for NSW children aged 7-13 who are above a healthy weight and their families. The program focuses on improving eating habits, fitness, overall health, and self-esteem. 

SIMEC Tahmoor Coking Coal - Oracle the Masked Owl and Expressions of Interest for Community Consultative Community

Community Links Wellbeing (CLW) will be running the following Parenting Education courses commencing 2023:

1-2-3 Magic and Emotion Coaching: Coming Term 4, dates to be confirmed. Taking expressions of interest now. A three-session program of 2.5 hours for parents of children aged 2-12 years old with an extra booster session for support ( four sessions in total). The 1-2-3 Magic and Emotion Coaching program aims to help parents and carers manage difficult child behaviour with a focus on strategies and techniques that promote positive behaviour; encouragement in developing the child's ability to manage their emotional reactions; and relationship-building. 

Priority placement is given to parents in the Wollondilly, Wingecarribee and Camden LGA’s. Parents outside these areas may still be able to attend, please contact the email below to discuss further.