Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 4 - Friday, 23 February 2024

Our Faith Is Our Foundation

When I meet with parents who would like to send their children to our College, I always speak to them about our focus on Learning, Care and Culture. However, I also make it very clear that our Christian faith is the foundation of who we are. We know that it is our faith and trust in God that allows us to provide this wonderful education to your children. A strong academic education alongside strong character and values education. I explain that we take an 'invitational' approach with our students and families. Our staff know and love God. We believe that what God says in the Bible is true. Our approach is invitational, meaning that we want to invite our students to consider these beliefs for themselves. We want them to think about God, Jesus and what the Bible says and consider whether this may, in fact, be true. We encourage our students to ask questions about the Christian faith, even if they are difficult questions because we want every student to thoroughly explore and deeply consider what we are saying. We encourage students to speak to their parents at home about what they are learning in Christian Studies lessons, in devotional time or in Chapel.

Our hope is that every student and every family will want to learn more about God; the One who is powerful enough to create the Heavens and the Earth, yet knows every single person right down to the number of hairs on their head! God, who loves us so much that He was willing for his Son Jesus to die on the cross so that we could be restored in our relationship with Him. If you have ever wanted to know more about this, or if you have questions that you would like to have answered, please do make contact with our College Chaplain Matt Roberts (m.roberts@wac.nsw.edu.au) or with me (t.norman@wac.nsw.edu.au).

1 Timothy 2:3-5
This is good and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Student Leadership

The Primary and Secondary Student Representative Council teams have been finalised for 2024. Congratulations to the following students who will be serving in these roles. The students will work under a brief of serving the Community and College as well as being an advocate for their Year Groups.

Secondary:

Year 12 - Cooper Riddell and Emily Galea
Year 11 - Kye James and Estelle Kluit
Year 10 - Blake Dalrymple and Sofia Novak
Year 9 - Tapiwa Garakasha and Natasha Parasher
Year 8 - Clancy Maitz and Kiah Evans
Year 7 - Dustin Shafer and Norah Rebelo

Primary:

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

K-6 Parent-Teacher Interviews

We are looking forward to meeting parents/carers at our K-6 Parent-Teacher Interviews to be held face-to-face at the College on:

Tuesday, 5 March from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm

Thursday, 7 March from 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm 

Details for how to book these interviews have been emailed to families this week.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at g.lacey@wac.nsw.edu.au or on 02 4623 0230.

Mrs Gabrielle Lacey
Executive Assistant

Secondary Sports News

WAC Swimming Carnivals
Earlier this term, we held the Secondary Swimming Carnival. It was a fantastic day, with great costumes from our Year 12 cohort and excellent attendance across the Year Groups. 

Congratulations to Sollya who were crowned the winning house on the day. A big congratulations to Heidi Jones swimming a 28.14 to be the 2024 Girls' Champion of Champions and to Lachlan Waites swimming a 26.68 to be the 2024 Boys' Champion of Champions. Lastly, commiserations to the teacher relay team, who were beaten by the students in both the Junior and Senior house relays. 

House points from the Secondary Swimming Carnival:

• Sollya - 246 points
• Acacia - 226 points
• Telopea - 161 points
• Wollemi - 249 points
• Grevillea - 186 points
  

Congratulations to our age champions:

• 12 years girls: Mia Ferry
• 12 years boys: Toby Digger
• 13 years girls: Norah Rebelo
• 13 years boys: Jeremy Frendo 
• 14 years girls: Heidi Jones
• 14 years boys: Noah Bartolo
• 15 years girls: Denise Grabe
• 15 years boys: Lachan Waites
• 16 years girls: Olivia Smith
• 16 years boys: Thomas Pritchett
• 17 years girls: Grace Turkington
• 17 years boys: Owen Cragg
• 18 years girls: Eve Jones
  

Congratulations to the following students who will be representing the College at CASA Swimming:

CASA Opens' Basketball Trials:
During Week 4, Mia Farrell, Jayda Keshan and Charles Cashmere travelled to Campbeltown Basketball Stadium alongside Mr Jordan to trial for the Opens' CASA Basketball Team. Congratulations to Charles, who was selected for the Opens Boys' Team. This is an outstanding achievement, especially as Charles is only in Year 10 and was trailing in the open category. Charles will represent CASA at the AICSE Gala Day later this term. An additional thanks to Mr Jordan who will be representing the College at the CASA level by filling the role of Assistant Manager for the Opens Girls' Team.

Mrs Ella McCann
Acting Secondary Sports Coordinator

LAST CALL - 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

Performing Arts News

Performing Arts Groups
Most of our Performing Arts groups are in full swing now and making great progress. Some of our groups have already reached capacity. Please see the current schedule below:

Mini Movers is anticipated to kick off in Week 6 this term. Students in Years K-2 will get information on how to express interest in joining this group soon. Mini Movers will occur on Tuesdays during Break 2 in Elizabeth 9, Primary Music room with Mrs McTaggart and Mrs Williams and will be offered to students in Years K-2 on a rotational five-six week program with a limit on the number of students in the group each rotation.

Musical
Musical rehearsals will continue next Monday for our Secondary cast, with a general reminder that rehearsals will extend to 5.15 pm from now on. Our Primary cast commenced with Mr Hopkins and Mrs Reid in Elizabeth and concluded at 4.15 pm at the Auditorium. Set Design/Construction continues in Bradfield with Miss Bailey and Miss Taylor and Mr Law will continue to work with our Crew for the show in the Auditorium.

Pick-up procedures on a Monday are as follows:

• Set Design/Construction to be picked up from behind the Bradfield building at 4.15 pm
• Primary Cast and Crew picked up from Warne Auditorium at 4.15 pm
• Secondary cast picked up at Warne Auditorium at 5.15 pm

The first show of the Musical production will take place on Tuesday, 7 May. Tickets will be made available via a Trybooking link soon. Stay tuned!

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator

Year 10 Minimum Standards Testing - Device Usage

On Monday. 26 February, the Minimum Standards Testing will commence for Year 10 for Reading, Writing and Numeracy. This will require students to have a fully charged and functional laptop for the online testing.

Part of the testing process requires students to lock down their browsers. This is so they cannot access the internet and other functions to search for ideas or solutions.

All students in Year 10 have been instructed to install the NESA Locked-Down Browser. This can be found on the MyTech page under the software tab. https://mytech.wac.nsw.edu.au/

(Please note that this is a different lockdown browser to the Canvas and Naplan versions.)

Parents wishing to find out more about the Minimum Standards Testing can visit this site https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/hsc-minimum-standard/online-tests

If you have any questions about the MyTech program in the College please email mytech@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mr Craig Russell
Secondary Learning Innovations Coordinator

Creative Arts & Languages

CallBack and OnStage
CallBack is a showcase event dedicated to exhibiting some of the best HSC Dance candidates from last year's HSC examinations. Likewise, OnStage is a showcase of some of the best HSC Drama performances and projects. All of our Stage 6 elective Dance and Drama students were able to attend these showcase events last week. Their excited chatter and insightful analysis of the works is a rich and valuable source of inspiration as they make plans for their own major works in their respective courses. 

Art Club
On Fridays during Break 1 and Break 2, students in Years 7-12 may access the Art rooms for artmaking (this could be to progress their class work or pursue a personal interest with the support and supervision of one of our Art teachers). All welcome. Please speak to Mrs Taylor or Mrs Post for more information.

Film Club
On Fridays during Break 1, Film Club operates for students in Years 7-12 out of J11 and J7 (our studio space and the attached classroom). This is a space for students to make their own films with the support of a teacher. Students have access to resources (props/costumes/sets/filming technologies) that can support them to complete their projects. Interested students may like to engage with some of the online learning content available on our Canvas course to help support their filmmaking. Please speak to Mrs Talbot for more information. 

German Club
German Club operates out of J10 on Mondays during Break 2. It is a place to play games, practice German and (later in the year) prepare an entry into the Linguafest Short Film Competition! Please see Frau Holmes for more information. 

Mrs Sarah Talbot
Leader of Learning - Creative Arts & LOTE

Careers Spotlight - Nursing Students

This year, we are excited to announce that we have had three successful students accepted into a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in nursing work in acute care). These students will undertake their course through Bowral Hospital and will also participate in a clinical placement. Below, these ladies have reflected on (1) Why they applied for this course and (2) What they are hoping to get out of the course and what they are looking forward to.

Jessalyn Smiltnieks

1 - I chose to apply for the VETiS nursing program because I know that I want to pursue a career somewhere within the medical field, but I have no idea what part. So this course is a great way for me to get knowledge about the medical field and experience first-hand what it is like to be working within the medical field.

2 - The part of the VETiS Nursing program that I am most looking forward to is the clinical placement. The clinical placement is a great way for me to experience first-hand what it is like to be working as a nurse, and it includes me working alongside enrolled and registered nurses, learning from them, and practising skills during the holidays.

Mackenzie Cook

1 – I chose to apply for a nursing course as I have had a very strong passion for always wanting to do something to help others, as my parents both do something to give back to the community (my dad being a police officer and mum being a CEO of a interchange Australia). I found that nursing is something that I am interested in and hope to pursue a career in paediatric nursing.  

2 – I am looking for a bit of a leg up into early entry and to get a sense into what my future will look like. I am most looking forward to all the content and definitely the placement work. 

Holley Dvorak

1 - I'm interested in something in the medical field and I believe that this course will give me a bit of background into not only that area of work but the concept of independent learning. 

2- I'm most looking forward to learning practical skills and using them in a work environment.

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

Transition (Pre-K) News

A warm welcome to our Transition students and families. We are enjoying getting to know our students and we are so proud of the way they are settling into the classroom environment. We have begun our Phonics and Mathematics programs which has been very exciting. In Phonics, we are learning that when we talk we use words and that rhyming words sound the same at the end. In Mathematics we have begun looking at the numbers 0, 1 and 2.

Diaries
All students have been given a College Diary which needs to come to the College each day and needs to be signed each week. Please write in the Diary if there is a change to pick-up arrangements on a given day or if there is something you need to let us know about your child. We will also use this as our way to communicate with you about your child’s day. On the last two pages of the Diary, there are pages for Student travel arrangements for Semesters 1 and 2. Please make sure that you have filled this out for Semester 1.

Library
We have Library with Mrs Reid which the students enjoy. Please remember to put your child’s Library bag in the College backpack on their Library day.

• Twiga & Tembo - Wednesday
• Koko & Toto – Thursday

Eating
Thank you for your support in packing yummy, healthy lunchboxes. Some of our duty teachers have found it difficult to encourage students to eat their sandwiches at lunchtime, this is normal as the children settle into a new environment and routine. Some students are finding their lunch boxes a little overwhelming as there is so much food in them. Students need a piece of fruit or vegetables for Fruit Stop, a snack for Break 1, and a sandwich or wrap for Break 2. Please let us know if you are concerned about the amount your child is eating. A reminder to make sure all containers are labelled not just the lunch bag, icepacks, and drink bottles.

Pick-Up
Just a reminder that when you pick your children up from Transition in the afternoon, please ensure your child stays with you and is not running around or climbing on the wall. There is a lot of movement with students going to buses and they can easily be knocked over. We are also very close to the road so it is a safety issue.

Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

• Mrs Anita Belusic (Twiga/Koko) a.belusic@wac.nsw.edu.au
• Mrs Danielle Barnes (Tembo) d.barnes@wac.nsw.edu.au
• Mrs Emily Clayton (Toto) e.clayton@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Emily Clayton
Transition Teacher

Secondary Homework Club

Secondary Homework Club is back for 2024 (and now on a Tuesday)!
Now that we are a few weeks into the year, you might have noticed homework and assessment tasks starting to appear on your calendar. Homework Club is a great place to work on those tasks and to receive some guidance from staff to assist you with these tasks.

When: Tuesday afternoons 3.00 pm to 4.30 pm
Where: Flynn Library
What to bring: Homework activities, assessment tasks, other work/revision, any necessary equipment and a positive attitude. It is important that you can use your time effectively while at Homework Club, and can work productively on your own. We also have staff on hand to help if you require assistance.
Pick up: Students need to be picked up by 4.30 pm in the Melba carpark or catch the late bus at approximately 4.20 pm

Hope to see you there!

Mr Joshua Stewart
Secondary Mathematics Teacher/Year 9 Patron

College Working Bee

I am writing on behalf of the College Prefects to encourage students and parents to join the staff and the College Student Leaders at the Term 1 Working Bee. This event will take place on Saturday, 16 March from 8.00 am - 1.00 pm. This year the organisation of the Working Bee will be in Zones based on House Groups. There will be an opportunity to all come together at 10.30 am for morning tea and light refreshments will be served. 

As students of the College, we would like to promote this as an opportunity for service and community building. Your contributions can make a real and positive impact on the lives of others and your environment. Serving others helps you develop personally, by serving, you can inspire and motivate others to get involved and contribute positively. The Student Leaders at the College want to set an example in this area and would like to see as many students, staff and parents attend this event. It would be greatly appreciated if you could spare an hour of your day to serve at this event. All students who attend will be issued with a Community Service Merit. This year we will be adding additional House Points to the House of students, staff and parents that attend, these will accrue to the Overall House Shield. 

The College has reduced the number of Working Bees from four per year to two per year. With this in mind, it would be great to see our community prioritise the opportunities to build community and serve.

If you can't make this one the second one will be held on Saturday, 31 August, please add this to your calendar.

Please note, we only have a limited supply of tools and equipment, therefore it is important that you bring your own gardening tools, blowers, gloves and anything else you think might help on the day. Mr Warland, the College Property Manager will be onsite to assist students and parents if you have questions.

Eve Jones
College Community Service Prefect

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.

In Mark 12:13-18, Jesus is questioned as to whether the Jews should pay taxes to Caesar. Those asking the question have insincere motives; they're trying to catch him out in His response and cause Him to lose standing with either the Romans or the Jewish people. Jesus' response to the question is to ask them whose inscription is on a coin, and they reply, "Caesars". Jesus says, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's". I think in this moment, Jesus displays remarkable resilience. He holds fast to His convictions about God being most important but also acknowledges that God is all-powerful and allows human rulers to have a position of authority under Him. Jesus emphasises that His followers should respect the civil authorities but they should worship God and God alone

As a Christian, our resilience is tested when we're questioned by others about our faith. Sometimes the nature of these questions can be hostile and aggressive. If you are a Christian, I wonder, how do you respond in those moments? I've been challenged to consider Peter's words in 1 Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

If you're a Christian, I encourage you to take Peter's words to heart, it's not just what we say but how we say it. I encourage us to be bold and share lovingly with those who ask questions. And if you're not a Christian, I encourage you to keep asking questions, they're great! Keep thinking critically about the claims Jesus makes. But I humbly ask that you ask those questions in the same way that we're striving to answer them, with gentleness and respect. 

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

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

Premier’s Reading Challenge 2024

Premier’s Reading Challenge 2024 starts Monday, 24 February
In the next few weeks, students in Years 3-9 will receive their Premier’s Reading Challenge logins. The logins stay the same from year to year, however we do remind the students of their login details every year. If your child has just started at the College from another school, they will receive a new login. For this reason, Year 7 students have been signing up for the PRC this week.

The Premier’s Reading Challenge is a way to be rewarded for your leisure reading, is a great addition to your resume and encourages wide reading. There is clear evidence that reading for pleasure benefits both educational attainment, personal development and wellbeing. (Research evidence on reading for pleasure, 2012)

Please note, completing the PRC from Year 3 to Year 9, every year, qualifies the students for the PRC Medal. Or, students in Year 10 are eligible for a medal for completing the Challenge seven times between Year 3 and Year 10. (Students will only receive a medal once - either in Year 9 or Year 10.)

K-2 Premier’s Reading Challenge
If parents would like their child to complete the PRC, you can add books that you read at home to your child’s online record. Please email j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au and I will provide your child’s login details and instructions on how to do that. K-2 can either read or be read to for the PRC. Any questions please let me know.

For all the PRC rules and regulations please visit the Rules Page. 

Students can add their books via the PRC Student Site.

Any questions about the Premier’s Reading Challenge please contact j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

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 keep the Clothing Pool 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!