Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 3 - Friday, 16 February 2024

Disruption Free Learning

I read with interest this week, the Senate Committee report into the increasing disruption in Australian classrooms. It is concerning that the level of disruption across schools in Australia is at a point where there is a direct correlation with declining academic standards when comparing Australia to other OECD countries. As I reflected on this report, I was both saddened and encouraged simultaneously. It isn’t fair that Australian children are having their education disrupted by often a minority of others in the classroom. On the other hand, I was incredibly encouraged that as I have walked through classrooms over this last week, Wollondilly students are settled, working consistently with very few disruptions in classrooms. 

The report calls for a ‘Behaviour Curriculum’. As a College, we have documented behaviours and expectations for consistent classroom management from Transition (Pre-K) to Year 12. This was implemented at the beginning of 2023 and undoubtedly contributes to a settled learning environment here. Staff are consistent and fair in expectations in all classrooms.

The report identified the most common low‑level disruptions:

• Talking unnecessarily and calling out without permission;
• Being slow to start work or follow instructions;
• Showing a lack of respect for each other and staff
• Not bringing the right equipment
• Using mobile devices inappropriately

If your child is challenged about disruptive behaviour, if they receive a diary comment, or if you are contacted, please consider the impact of their behaviour on learning, both for your child and others in the classroom. You may be tempted to justify these as only small things, however, we know that these low-level disruptions over time have a lasting impact on students' academic achievement.  

We have a great culture of disruption-free learning and as we care for all students and maintain the culture of orderly classrooms, we look forward to your support as we uphold these standards throughout 2024.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

NAPLAN - Wednesday, 13 March to Monday, 25 March

NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills of all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in schools across Australia. NAPLAN results will help you understand how your child is progressing at the College. The tests will be occurring between Wednesday, 13 March to Monday, 25 March. Wollondilly Anglican College carries out NAPLAN testing through NAPLAN Online and students will complete the tests online except for Year 3 Writing. A more detailed timetable will be sent out closer to the time. Students who are absent from a testing session will do a catch-up test session. Absences should be avoided, other than illness, during the test period.

To help familiarise students with the test and to ensure the tests run smoothly, students participated in a practice session prior to the testing period.

Some students are entitled to special provisions, such as rest breaks or extra time. Letters will be sent to the parents of those students. 

Should you have any concerns regarding NAPLAN and your child, please contact the class teacher or Year Patron. We take the approach of helping students feel relaxed about these tests, at the same time helping them to do the best they can.

The following link provides information about NAPLAN and has some sample tests

https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site

Mr Wayne Baulch 
Administration Coordinator

Teaching and Learning 7-12

Assessment is an important part of the teaching and learning process. As educators, teachers collect pieces of both informal and formal assessment items to measure a student’s performance or achievement in a subject area. Informal assessment may include class work and bookwork, an impromptu test or speech, verbal discussions with students to ascertain their level of understanding or perhaps even observation. 

Formal assessment items are specifically known to the student (as in they are pre-warned) and take a measure of what and how well a student has learnt something.  Formal assessment items help to determine a student’s proficiency or mastery of a topic, or skill. They will include pieces such as hand-in essays, tests and examinations, research assignments, written speeches, practical and portfolio work, and even performances (eg in Music).

All students at the College will be issued with their Assessment information booklet over the coming week. Our Year 12 2024 students received theirs last year in Term 4, and our Year 7 2024 students received theirs at the Year 7 Information Night recently. 

These booklets contain important information on areas such as what to do in the event of an absence when a formal task is due, how achievement grades (7-11) are determined and information associated with plagiarism, lateness of tasks and the process involved with requesting an extension on an item.

Please take the time to review the booklet with your child so that everyone is familiar with the process. Attached in the booklet are also the assessment grids, which have all the due dates for all the subjects for all tasks for a set Year Group. These dates must be then written into student diaries and in calendars so they know what is coming up and can implement effective time management skills to ensure these tasks are done to the best of the student’s ability. Task dates also appear on Edumate so there is no confusion about what is due when!

Years 7 -10 Parent Partnership Evening
Just a reminder that we have made the Years 7-10 Parent Partnership Evening on Wednesday, 28 February from 3.00 pm-8.00 pm. Parents will have received a link via email to make bookings with relevant teachers. We are keen to see all of our parents at this evening.

Year 10 Minimum Standards testing
During the upcoming weeks, students in Year 10 will complete the NESA Minimum Standards testing at the College. Parents/caregivers will have received a letter about this. Please refer to the letter sent by the College or contact me if you require more information.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

We're Hiring! HSIE Teacher 7-12

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

• HSIE Teacher 7-12

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 1 is Resilience. This is a habit that we are working on developing and cultivating in our students, learning, character and also in their faith. Enduring and persevering with challenges in learning, character and faith all support these areas of growth.

Have you ever been in a situation where you misunderstood something? What was it, and what were the consequences? Many years ago, I worked for a company where a staff member I knew well accidentally filled up the diesel work ute with unleaded petrol. It was a BIG mistake, one that had significant consequences and was expensive to fix. This staff member misunderstood what type of fuel was needed. In Mark 1:1-11 a crowd is celebrating Jesus because they think He is the promised Saviour. They misunderstand the way in which Jesus offers salvation. They think Jesus will free them from the oppression of being under Roman rule, but Jesus offers salvation from the oppression of sin. The crowd celebrating Jesus in Mark 11 condemns Him a few days later, calling for Him to be crucified. Why? Because they misunderstood who Jesus was. How about you? Have you misunderstood who Jesus is? Have you taken the time to consider the claims that Jesus makes about saving us from sin? If not, I encourage you to seriously consider the claims Jesus makes about Himself. Please don't make the same mistake as the crowds. Take the time to UNDERSTAND who Jesus is.

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

UOW Discovery Day – Year 12

On Tuesday, 13 February, Year 12 had the opportunity to attend the University of Wollongong's Discovery Day. This event was tailored for Year 12 to offer them an insight into the realm of tertiary education. Recognising the significance of informed decision-making in shaping academic trajectories, the Discovery Day served as a valuable resource for students, irrespective of their future plans. 

The day was structured to provide students with a holistic understanding of University life and it’s unique opportunities. Students were able to choose targeted information sessions based on their individual preferences and academic interests. These sessions enabled them to get a taste of various academic disciplines, empowering them to make wise choices that align with their academic and career aspirations. 

I look forward to running follow-up sessions in our Careers meetings to discuss the various pathways into University, the courses on offer and the early entry process. 

Mr Tim van Netten
Leader of Care & Culture - Stage 6 / Careers Adviser / Secondary English Teacher

Term 1 Prayer Breakfast Invitation

Amongst the business of Term 1, I'd like to extend an opportunity for you to join us as we stop, pause and bring the things on our hearts and minds to God in prayer.

Our Term 1 Prayer Breakfast will be kicking off on Saturday, 16 March. All are welcome to join us from 8.00 am - 8.30 am for pastries and fruit before we join together in prayer from 8.30 am - 9.00 am. 

I completely understand the busy schedule all of us have on the weekends. There are many competing factors and commitments. Saturday is normally full of community sporting events along with various other activities. However, in this business, taking the time to stop and pause with our great God is incredibly beneficial.

I'd love to see you there!

If you're able to make it, please RSVP to m.roberts@wac.nsw.edu.au by Monday, 4 March.

 “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

Transition 2025 Enrolments

As the new year has begun, we are already starting to look at the applications for our 2025 Transition cohort. Any siblings should already have their applications in by now, but if you haven’t, please get them in immediately.

If you know anyone who is looking at enrolling their child for Transition in 2025, please encourage them to get their applications in as soon as possible.

Mrs Madilyn Shelley
Enrolments Officer

Book Club Orders Due Sunday, 18 February

The Book Club Issue 1 catalogue is now available. Secondary students should select the class ‘Secondary’ when ordering. Primary, select their usual class. All orders are to be made online or through the LOOP App. 

Please note that the Book Club catalogue is set out with suggested age ranges for the books, each page has a different age range, with ages 12+ towards the back. The College does not necessarily endorse the books available through the Book Club and parental discretion is advised.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

TAS Forensic Science Camp

Applications are open for TAS Forensic Science Camp 2024
We would like to offer your Year 8 students (in 2024) an opportunity to participate in the 2024 Talented Students’ Forensic Science Camp. The camp, which will be held at The Armidale School from Tuesday, 9 July - Saturday, 13 July 2024, is one of the State’s pre-eminent extension programs for Year 8 students. It offers challenging and hands-on experiences of scientific problem-solving and a chance to work with talented students from all over Australia.

As compelling as CSI, as challenging as The Mentalist and addictive as Law & Order, the Camp brings the intrigue of these television shows to the fingertips of young Australians. No one can resist a 'whodunit' and that is what this Forensic Science Camp is all about. It’s fast and exciting with total immersion in the crime-solving process.

Run by The Armidale School as a boarding experience, the annual Forensic Science Camp was first held in 1994 and attracted widespread interest after it was featured on the ABC TV science program, Quantum. Last year, over 100 boys and girls, a mix of city and country students from both government and non-government schools, were selected from a large number of applicants from NSW, the ACT, Queensland and Victoria to participate in the camp. The camp fills a niche for students looking to be academically challenged and appeals to all enthusiastic and highly capable students.

If you would like more information please email forensic@as.edu.au or for more information about the camp and how to apply visit our website using the link provided below.

https://as.edu.au/tas-hallmark-events/forensic-science-camp/

P&F Clothing Pool

The Clothing Pool offers a selection of pre-loved uniform items from Transition to Year 12 at very reasonable prices. We also stock new ties and socks for purchase. The Clothing Pool relies on donations of uniforms and needs volunteers to stay open. Donations can be left at the Clothing Pool during opening hours or at Student Reception at other times.

If you would like to join our happy volunteers, please contact the Clothing Pool via the email below or pop into the Clothing Pool for a chat while we are open. We are currently seeking another volunteer for Thursday mornings, so if you can spare an hour in the morning, please make contact. It is an easy way to help out and to be a valuable part of the College community!

I hope everyone has a great start to the 2024 College year and look forward to seeing you during the term!

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

Mrs Melissa Whishaw
P&F Clothing Pool Coordinator

College Sponsors

Community News

Inspire Physie & Dance

Inspire Physie & Dance is a new APDA (Australian Physie & Dance) club in the Wollondilly Shire. All new people are welcome to come and have two free trial lessons. See the schedule below.

BJP Physie

Yerrinbool-Bargo Soccer Club

Yerrinbool-Bargo Soccer Club is now accepting registrations for the 2024 season. Register online to secure your spot now! For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/yerrinboolbargosoccerclub/

Saint Anthony's Netball Club

Beyond The 80

Join Beyond the 80 – a FREE 10-week journey to a healthier lifestyle! For girls aged 7-11 and their families in Western Sydney. Boost your rugby league skills and embrace healthy lifestyle activities together.

Click here to join or for more information. Limited spots are available – Enrol now!

Buxton Netball Club

http://buxtonnc.nsw.netball.com.au/

South West Sydney Orchestras

Mittagong Hockey Club

Mittagong Junior Disco  

• Date: Saturday, 24 February
• Time: 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  and Alcohol-Free event.
• All money raised goes back to the children in the Southern Highlands community.  

We hope to see you there!