Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 7 - Friday, 15 March 2024

Learning, Care & Culture

Learning, Care & Culture are our three strategic pillars as we work together to provide an outstanding education for your children. In every area, we are pleased with the work we are doing, and yet we also want to strive for ongoing improvement. We will continue to deliver quality teaching, and continue improving our skills in teaching. We will care for and support your children while also putting strategies in place to help us do this more effectively. We are thankful for the way our students demonstrate accountability and responsibility, and we will continue to reinforce these expectations with them. Your support in these areas is also invaluable and greatly appreciated. One important area in which you can support your child's development is by having conversations about accountability and responsibility. These would be age-appropriate conversations about taking responsibility for their own learning, completing homework, wearing their uniform with pride and the way they interact with both their friends and other students at the College. 

The following questions might be helpful as you discuss this at the dinner table!

• What subject do you think you are most engaged in? Why is this?
• Which subject are you least engaged with? Why? What could you do to improve your learning in that subject? (for young students this might be more about what they like/dislike and how to learn to enjoy all learning areas).
• Did you represent yourself well today? Are you pleased with the attitude and effort you demonstrated throughout the day?
• What was the most challenging part of your day? Did you practise resilience at that time? Did you persevere even though it was difficult?

As parents, we have an important responsibility to train our children and instruct them in positive thinking. I will acknowledge that these conversations may not appear natural at first, but I would encourage you to persevere as you help your child to grow and mature.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Snakes About!

Snakes About!
As we continue to experience warm weather, we are seeing increased snake activity on the College grounds. Students have been reminded of the following:

When out and about…

• Keep your bags on a hook or on a seat (and keep them zipped up!)
• Be alert, look ahead where you are stepping
• Don't walk through long grass
• Snakes hear vibrations so stomping is helpful!

If you happen to come across a snake…

1. Yell out SNAKE!
2. FREEZE
3. Back away quietly.
4. ALERT others.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

P&F Social - Bargo Sports Club

Drop down to the Bargo Sports Club this Friday evening from 5.00 pm! The P&F are hosting a low-key event to meet other Parents in our community. It would be great to see you there.

Care & Culture - House Points & Resilience

Overall House Shield Pointscore
The Overall House Shield recognises the contributions of all students at the College in belonging to their House group. It caters for the range of abilities students have and allows them to contribute in areas of strength, not just in a sporting context. The House Shield total is derived from Carnival Points, the Award System, Community Service and Fundraising activities and involvement in College life. 

Below is the current point score just based on the Award System.

• Acacia 291
• Sollya 283
• Wollemi 270
  
• Grevillea 257
• Telopea 232
  

A big opportunity exists this weekend to change this pointscore, get yourself along to the Working Bee or Prayer Breakfast, each merit issued will accrue House Points. There will also be additional House Points allocated to the House that does the best work in their allocated zone in the Working Bee.

Prayer Breakfast - 8.00 am - 9.00 am

Learner Disposition
Our Learner Disposition focus for Term 1 is on Resilience. At the Secondary Assembly this week, students in Stage 5 (Years 9-10) heard from Mrs Talbot, Leader of Learning Creative Arts and LOTE about the importance of developing resilience in these learning areas.

Mrs Talbot was able to illustrate the presence of resilience and the need for the development of the different elements of it but linking this to specific people who have demonstrated this trait in their chosen discipline.

Visual Arts - Vincent van Gogh - an artist whose relentless dedication to his craft despite numerous failures epitomises perseverance. Despite facing rejection and financial hardship, van Gogh persisted, producing masterpieces that continue to inspire generations.

Drama - Meryl Streep. Streep's exceptional ability to notice subtle emotions and gestures paved her path to becoming one of the greatest actors of our time. By keenly observing human behavior, she breathes life into her characters, demonstrating the power of noticing in artistic expression.

Music - Ludwig van Beethoven. Despite losing his hearing, Beethoven remained undeterred, demonstrating remarkable resilience in managing distractions. He transcended his physical limitations, composing timeless symphonies that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Dance - Mikhail Baryshnikov. Known for his extraordinary absorption in dance, Baryshnikov exemplifies the ability to immerse oneself fully in the creative process. Through sheer dedication and focus, he achieved unparalleled mastery, showcasing the transformative power of absorption.

As we reflect on these stories, it becomes evident that perseverance, noticing, managing distractions, and absorption are not only essential skills in the pursuit of artistic excellence but also indispensable in navigating the complexities of language learning, such as in German. 

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Secondary News

Year 11 Information Evening
Just a reminder for our students in Year 11 that the Year 11 Information Evening for students and parents is on Wednesday, 20 March 2024, starting at 6.00 pm in the Warne Auditorium. During this Information Evening, parents and students will hear about the best way to support their child and how students can truly engage as they enter Stage 6.

Year 11 & Year 12 Parent-Teacher Interviews
Year 11 and Year 12 Parent-Teacher Interviews will occur on Wednesday, 20 March from 3.00 pm - 8.00 pm in the Flynn building. This will be a great opportunity for parents and students to get feedback on their learning to date. Please follow the links that have been emailed to parents to book appointments with teachers. Students are encouraged to attend and should wear their College Summer uniform.

VET Hospitality Annual Conference
I had the privilege of attending the VET Annual Hospitality Conference in Melbourne last week, in which I gave a keynote address to participants on how trainers and assessors can engage and enhance the delivery of the curriculum in VET Hospitality. During the conference, it was exciting to have two of our current Year 12 students acknowledged for their efforts in the ‘Best of the Best’ Technical Chef Competition from 2023. Sophie Waites won the National competition which was open to any student studying VET Hospitality across Australia. Rocket Middlebrook, was also acknowledged for being the runner-up and ‘highly commended’ in the same competition.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

College Musical Tickets

We are excited to announce that tickets for our upcoming musical production of ‘Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Crown Jewel’ are on sale now! 

Performance dates include:

• Tuesday, 7 May - commencing at 7.00 pm
• Thursday, 9 May - commencing at 7.00 pm
• Friday, 10 May - commencing at 7.00 pm
• Saturday, 11 May - Matinee performance commencing at 2.00 pm
• Saturday, 11 May - Final evening performance commencing at 7.00 pm

Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adults: $20.00
• Concession/Student: $15.00
• Family (2x Adults and 2x Children): $60.00

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12/Music Teacher

Performing Arts News

Primary Family Chapel - Primary Choir (Year 3-6)
Our Primary Choir are currently preparing for a performance at the upcoming Primary Family Chapel scheduled for Tuesday, 26 March. We are looking forward to this performance, under the direction of Mrs Kerry Apps and Mrs Leonie Schlosser. 

Woodwind Music Lessons - Ms Corrina Clark
Our resident Woodwind tutor Ms Corrina Clark has started this year at the College and is already in full swing with several students and currently assists with our Year 5 and Year 6 Music classes, as well as conducting our Primary Band. 

Corrina Clark joins Wollondilly Anglican College as a woodwind specialist and conductor with 15 years of teaching experience. Corrina has worked in Catholic, Independent and Public Schools in Sydney and the Southern Highlands with children in Prep, Primary and Secondary schools, as a band and orchestra conductor, private and group lesson instrumental teacher, band program coordinator and music educator. Corrina brings enthusiasm, dedication and passion for music to every lesson and every child.

If you would like to enrol your child in Music lessons with Corrina on a Tuesday at the College, specifically for Clarinet, Flute or Saxophone, please click the button below and one of our Administrative staff will be in touch to arrange a lesson time with Ms Clark, subject to timetabling availability.

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12/Music Teacher

Girls Engineering the Skies

On Friday, 8 March, for International Women’s Day, nine Girls from Years 8 and 10 visited Western Sydney Airport Experience Centre for an event named Girls Engineering the Skies.

During the morning, students had the opportunity to hear about the progress of the Western Sydney Airport and gain an appreciation for the new Technology and new ways in which the airport will operate.

After morning tea, students had presentations and Q&A with women in Aeronautical Careers including Engineers and had the opportunity to engage with the World Champion University of Sydney Rocketry Team.

Following lunch, students participated in a competitive activity where the girls were tasked with building a balsa wood aeroplane. Students needed to have their design signed off at each stage by experts and engineers in the room were to test the plane at each stage of construction.  

Ms Emily Taylor
Leader of Learning - TAS

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 13

Next

Term 1 Family Chapel

Our first Family Chapel of the year will be for Kindergarten to Year 6. Since we are concentrating on the Primary Years, the evening will begin at 6.00 pm on Tuesday, 26 March under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter. 

To make life easier for our families, a sausage sandwich will be available at the BBQ area free of charge from 5.30 pm, however, these must be pre-ordered through the Trybooking link below.

https://www.trybooking.com/CPQRW

We will hear a talk about Jesus. In addition, we will have the opportunity to listen to the Primary Choir, sing a song of praise together, and hear prayers for our community.

Finally, donations of gold coins or non-perishable food items will be accepted at the rear of the Shelter area. These will be used by the WAC Kids Care team to prepare nourishing meals for those in our community who are struggling with illness or hardship. House Points will also be given which will go towards the House Shield.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

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

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 in the Deakin Courtyard (BBQ Area) before we join together in prayer from 8.30 am - 9.00 am in the Deakin Rooms. 

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!

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

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

Book Club Orders Due Wednesday, 27 March

The Book Club Issue 2 catalogue is now available. Secondary students should select the class ‘Secondary’ when ordering. Primary, select their usual class (eg: 1H, 3J, 5F, Tembo). 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 age 10+ 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

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.

How do you respond when you hear a question that you're unsure of the answer to? I'm a dad to two young boys. My eldest has been going through the, "but why" dad stage for about six months. He asks questions about EVERYTHING, and I often find that he asks a question that I'm unsure of the answer. I've been reflecting lately about how this has been building a sense of resilience in me. How? I think resilience is formed by the way in which we choose to respond to challenges. Not knowing an answer to a question is a challenge, it takes time and energy to research, to think about and then discover a response. Persevering through this process develops resilience. 

This week at our stage 3 Christian Group (CRU Group), Mr Koski and Ms McMaster encouraged the students to consider questions about Christianity. The question they were wrestling with was, "How do dinosaurs fit into the story of the bible"? It was a great opportunity for students to openly and honestly try to understand together the answer to this question. There were lots of different opinions, and that meant lots of great discussions and pivotal to a great discussion is having a humble attitude, one that is willing to learn from another perspective in order to grow. As a result of this, the students who attend the Stage 3 CRU Group, under the leadership of Mr Koski and Ms McMaster, grew in their ability to respond to challenging questions in a way that cultivates resilience.

Asking questions is one way that we learn and grow. In fact, in Matthew 7:7, Jesus encourages those listening to Him to "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you".

I think that God desires us to come to Him with the things that we don't understand and ask Him for help, and to have a humble attitude that is willing to learn from Him and one another. So I finish with this question:

How do you think dinosaurs fit into the story of the bible?

Have a great weekend!

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

Changes to Picton Bus Services

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!

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

Wollondilly Junior AFC

Are you looking for a tight-knit community of like-minded, fun-seeking competitive people?

Look no further than Wollondilly Junior AFC.

We are the only AFL Club in Wollondilly. We’re a family-oriented club with a focus on sportsmanship, community and having fun!

We've been a place of fun and competition in the community since 1982.

We cater to all kids aged 5-17 with all abilities from beginners to advanced. We have boys, girls and mixed teams.

Get fit, have fun and make friends!

For more information visit www.WJAFC.com.au or email info@wjafc.com.au.

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.

Bargo Bunnies Junior RLFC

✨2024 Registration Days✨

Join us for the 2024 season by registering your child to play with the Bargo Bunnies JRLC

Returning members are encouraged to re-register online.

Where: Bargo Sportsgrounds - Dressing Sheds - 96 Radnor Road, Bargo.

It’s our 10 Year Anniversary and it’s going to be a big one! We have a special edition jersey and are organising anniversary celebrations.

✔️We are fielding teams from u/6 to u/12 with expressions of interest in u/13 and u/14.

✔️FREE membership, which includes insurance, playing jersey, player polo, socks and shorts👏🏻

✔️If you’re a new player, you go into the draw to win a $200 SportsPower Picton voucher and returning players can win a $100 SportsPower voucher💸

Enquiries please email bargobunniesjrlfc@gmail.com or call Pete on 0414 251 122 or Wade on 0408 690 382 or message us on our Facebook page 📱

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