Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 6 - Friday, 27 August 2021

Message from the Headmaster

What are you thankful for? It is so easy right now to get caught up in a cycle of negativity, particularly when we are hearing a daily dose of bad news through the media. So why not make a conscious change in your thinking? There is overwhelming evidence to support the concept of gratitude and its positive effects on health and wellbeing. Being thankful can provide physical and emotional health benefits such as improved sleep, improved heart health, improved life satisfaction, feeling happier and less chance of burnout due to stress (google "benefits of gratefulness" for research evidence).

It really seems like such a simple practice, and maybe that is why so few people intentionally practise it; it just seems too simple. If you want to know how something works you should consult the designer! And God, as our designer, created us to experience better health from practising gratefulness. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to "give thanks in all circumstances". Colossians 2:7 says we should "abound in thanksgiving!" 

I would like to encourage you today to practise being thankful. Maybe ask your children around the dinner table to share a couple of things that they are grateful for each day. It really is a healthy practice for all of us.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Deputy Headmaster

Continuing Student Engagement

As we complete our 8th week of lockdown, it is easy for our students to become disengaged and lose motivation.

Over the last two weeks, I have visited each of the Secondary Year Group Zoom Assemblies in the mornings and acknowledged the level of engagement and commitment of most of our students to this point. I have also encouraged them to continue to work to their best in the current circumstance, to submit their work, contact their friends, exercise regularly and reach out to staff if they are struggling.

While ‘normal’ College life and the activities we offer are on hold, there are still opportunities for students to engage in other activities and have some fun. I am appreciative of the staff who have provided these opportunities.

Listed below are areas where students can still engage with College life and activities. Most of these have been advertised in the Waratah Weekly over the last few weeks.

• Performing Arts Challenge
• Talent Quest
• Ongoing participation in Music ensembles – College Band, Primary Band, College Strings, Primary Strings, Primary Choir, Bucketz Group, College Cheer, Stunt Group, Primary Dance, Photography Club
• Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – students can complete their Physical Activities, Skill and Service. The Award has permitted modifications and adjustments for students in the current restrictions
• Lockdown Kilometre House Challenge
• Friday Family Fun Challenges in PDHPE
• Friday, 3 September - Health and Physical Education Day ( details to follow)
• Book Week Parade - Primary Book Week Competitions, Secondary Book Review Competition
• Tournament Of Minds

While the current circumstances aren’t ideal for student learning and the ability to connect with friends and have fun, students are encouraged to make the best of the situation and find ways of engaging with other activities and participate in regular exercise.

Free COVID rapid response courses to build skills during the pandemic

TAFE NSW is offering fee-free training courses to help NSW residents grow their skills during the COVID-19 pandemic. The online courses include mental health, digital security, business administration and construction industry skill sets. The courses also link to further training pathways, to help students progress towards receiving a full qualification.
 
Visit TAFE NSW for the full list of fee-free short courses and eligibility.

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/fee-free-short-courses

Mr Ian Croger
Deputy Headmaster

Pastoral Matters T-12

Secondary Health and Physical Education Day and Wellbeing Afternoon

On Friday, 3 September the PDHPE Department and Pastoral Care Team are working in collaboration to bring Secondary students an initiative to encourage participation in a range of activities to support wellbeing.

The focus of this is to have Secondary students engaging in activities from 12.00 noon. No formal lessons will be taking place during Periods 5 and 6 on this day. Teachers will be off-line to be able to engage in these activities. Supervision will still be provided for students on-campus. Secondary students on-campus are permitted to wear their House Shirt and College Sports Tracksuit.

A range of activities have been provided to cater for individual differences or areas of focus in wellbeing, this should support students to find an area valuable to them in the current context that will aid their wellbeing in a positive manner. Parents are also encouraged to engage with this if their current work circumstances allow for such involvement.

Please see the flyers for a range of activities associated with Health and Physical Education Day and Wellbeing afternoon.

This is a great opportunity to engage in an activity or number of activities. We look forward to submissions that show our College community how students are caring for their wellbeing during this time.

Lockdown Challenges

Check out the Week 7 activities across the varying areas below. Students are encouraged to wear their House Shirt in the submissions they make for these challenges. Each entry will receive House points, with the winning House to be announced at the end of the term. Enter your submissions here:

Wellbeing - https://forms.gle/FKcEMpU7YJNwMWSF9

Sport - email m.goldsbrough@wac.nsw.edu.au or for the Kilometre House Challenge complete, the relevant Google Form

Performance - email s.talbot@wac.nsw.edu.au  

How to maintain family wellbeing during Lockdown?

The College will also be releasing a video recording presented by College Educational Psychologist, Mr Mitchell Barnes focusing on strategies to support wellbeing in your family during lockdown. This will be available on the College website and can be viewed by parents at a convenient time to support families during this period.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Pastoral Care T-12

Health and Physical Education Day

On Friday, 3 September (Week 7) the PDHPE Faculty will recognise Health and Physical Education Day endorsed by the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER). In the midst of restrictions and lockdown, the theme the College has adopted is “Yard Active”. With the cessation of regular planned physical activities, it has meant we have had to be more purposeful in finding other active alternatives. Students are encouraged to wear their College House Shirt on Friday

Activities include:

• Thursday afternoon virtual Zumba fitness class
• Friday morning virtual boot camp

Competitions (Prizes on offer):

• Yard Active (Post your favourite backyard physical activity)
• Healthy Brekky or Smoothie (Post an image of your healthy brekky on Friday morning)
• Physical Challenge (Post your attempt at completing the set challenge)

Details of the events and competitions will be emailed to students and promoted each morning in roll call.

Mr Joshua Hewitt
PDHPE Coordinator

Pastoral Matters T-4

Over the past Term, I’m sure many of you may have seen the behaviour of your children change. You may have noticed the smallest things which normally pass unnoticed escalate quickly into a full-on aggravated assault, particularly if siblings are involved. Whether it is anxiety, anger or protesting over something, you’re probably seeing more meltdowns, tantrums and oppositional behaviour than usual. This is normal and comes as no surprise in such extraordinary times that our children are struggling to deal with complex emotions. 

Here are some of the ways you can help your child learn about and express their feelings:

• Tune into cues - Sometimes feelings can be hard to identify. Tune into your child’s feelings by looking at their body language, listening to what they’re saying and observing their behaviour. Figuring out what they feel and why means you can help them identify, express and manage those feelings better.
• Behind every behaviour is a feeling - Try to understand the meaning and feeling behind your child’s behaviour. You can help your child find other ways to express that feeling once you know what is driving the behaviour.
• Name the feeling - Help your child name their feelings by giving them a label. Naming feelings is the first step in helping kids learn to identify them. It allows your child to develop an emotional vocabulary so they can talk about their feelings.
• Identify feelings in others – Provide lots of opportunities to identify feelings in others. You might ask your child to reflect on what someone else may be feeling. Cartoons or picture books are a great way to discuss feelings which helps kids learn how to recognise other people’s feelings through facial expressions.
• Be a role model - Kids learn about feelings and how to express them appropriately by watching others. Show your child how you’re feeling about different situations and how you deal with those feelings.
• Encourage with praise - Praise your child when they talk about their feelings or express them in an appropriate way. Not only does it show that feelings are normal and it’s ok to talk about them, but it also reinforces the behaviour so they are likely to repeat it.
• Listen to your child’s feelings - Stay present and resist the urge to make your child’s bad feelings go away. Support your child to identify and express their feelings so they are heard. When feelings are minimised or dismissed, they will often be expressed in unhealthy ways.

https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/helping-kids-identify-and-express-feelings

T-6 Pet Parade

T-6 Students, do you have a special fur friend who is keeping you company during Off-Campus Learning? We'd love to see a photo of you with your pet. Don't forget to include your name and your pet's name. If you don't have a pet, don't worry, you could upload a pic of you with your favourite plush toy. Be sure to upload these by Friday, 27 August. - https://forms.gle/KPmgppnaVaHkNradA

Mrs Lisa Maher
Junior Pastoral Care Coordinator T-4

Senior Uniform Reminder

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 practise 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 practise 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!

Mrs Sarah Talbot
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

Library News

Book Club Issue 6 Released - Home Delivery Available.

If you ordered from Issue 5, that has now been processed and the College will be in touch about collecting those items. Issue 6 is now open and Home Delivery is available for parents for $7.50. This option must be selected at the time of ordering.

Here is a digital copy of the Issue 6 catalogue.

Book Week Competitions

Primary: Our Primary Book Week Competitions close on Friday, 27 August. Winners will be announced the following week. A selection of CBCA 2021 Shortlisted Books will be the prizes with one winner per Year Group.

Secondary Book Review Competition Closes Monday, 6 September: 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 by Monday, 6 September.

Premier’s Reading Challenge Ends Friday, 3 September 2021

For more information, see the PRC Rules page. For any questions, please contact the PRC Coordinator - Mrs Colombo at j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au

Congratulations to all those students who have completed the Challenge already!

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 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

Enrolment News

Students Leaving at the End of 2021

If your child will not be attending the College in 2022, 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 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 2022 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 for any families in need.

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.

Pretend Headmaster