Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 8 - Friday, 22 March 2024

College Review & Better Learning

Wollondilly Anglican College (School Review Coming Soon)
Every five years, the Anglican Schools Corporation conducts a thorough review of each School in our network. We are looking forward to our TASC School Review in May this year. This is a great opportunity to hear from parents, students and staff as we celebrate our success and explore areas for development. During the review, a team of teachers and leaders from across the Anglican Schools network will visit the College and conduct interviews with staff and student groups. After the review has been completed, we will receive a comprehensive report to guide us as we continue to develop and refine how we deliver education to your children. As part of the review process, our parents, students and staff receive a link to an anonymous online survey. Parents will receive this email on or around 25 March. We would love to have as many parents as possible completing the survey so that the Review Team receives lots of helpful information about the College. 

Better Learning?
Last week I encouraged parents to ask their children about their learning and engagement during their lessons. Research is clear that when students have a sense of accountability for their own learning, they experience significantly higher learning outcomes. Both parents and teachers have an opportunity and a responsibility to instil this in each child. Please reinforce with your children the importance of completing homework and assessments at a high level. The habits that our children develop now will either help or hinder their academic success in the future.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Working Bee House Winners!

What a great morning of community building last Saturday. I would like to extend my thanks to all the students, parents and staff who attended both the Prayer Breakfast and the Working Bee. We had over 100 people helping out and getting their hands dirty throughout the day. It is wonderful to see so many people showing pride in belonging to this community. 

This was our inaugural Working Bee House Challenge with all houses given a section of the College to work on. This was tightly contested and I am pleased to announce the winning House was Acacia! They did an outstanding job in their area.

The full results are listed below:

• 1st - Acacia 100 points 
• 2nd - Telopea 70 points (equal)
• 2nd - Sollya 70 points (equal)
• 4th - Grevillea 40 points
• 5th Wollemi - 20 points

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

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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.

Useful items to be donated to WAC Kids Care:

• Tinned Tomato's
• Dry Pasta
• Dry Lentils
• Rice
• Curry Paste
• Herbs and spices
• Stock - Chicken/Beef
• Tinned Tuna
• Tinned beans (Kidney, Three Bean, Black Beans)

We look forward to seeing you there.

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

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.

• Wollemi 515                          
• Acacia 468
• Sollya 463
• Grevillea 436
• Telopea 366

Learner Disposition
This week at the Secondary Assembly, Dr Eaton Leader of Learning - Science shared with Stage 6 (Years 11-12) some important reasons for the need to develop resilience when studying science. A summary of some of his main points can be seen below. Students in Stage 6 were challenged around the importance, particularly of persistence. Dr Eaton shared the experiences of this in relation to some of our successful HSC Science students and the presence of these qualities in them when studying at the College.

1. Facing Failure: Scientific research often involves encountering failures, setbacks, and unexpected results. Resilience helps scientists bounce back from these challenges, learn from them, and persist in their pursuit of understanding.

2. Handling Uncertainty: Science is inherently uncertain, with findings subject to revision based on new evidence or reinterpretation. Resilience enables scientists to navigate this uncertainty, maintaining their focus and commitment to discovery despite the ever-changing landscape of knowledge.

3. Dealing with Criticism: Peer review and critique are fundamental aspects of the scientific process. Resilience allows scientists to accept and learn from constructive criticism, rather than becoming discouraged or defensive in the face of challenges to their ideas or methodologies.

4. Perseverance: Scientific research often requires long-term dedication and perseverance, as breakthroughs may not come quickly or easily. Resilience helps scientists stay motivated and persistent, even when progress is slow or obstacles seem insurmountable.

5. Adaptability: Science evolves rapidly, with new technologies, methods, and paradigms constantly emerging. Resilience enables scientists to adapt to these changes, embrace new approaches, and remain open-minded in their pursuit of knowledge.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Prayer Breakfast

On Saturday, 16 March, we hosted our first Prayer Breakfast for 2024. It was a wonderful morning of great community building and prayer. Mr Roberts, the College Chaplain was able to share a short devotion with a focus on prayer and then each group spent time in prayer together.

The attendance and involvement of our community at this event was a real encouragement. It was fantastic to see students, parents, staff and members of local ministry involved. I would like to thank all who attended this event and encourage you and people who couldn't make it on this occasion to lock in for our next one on Saturday, 31 August 8.00 am - 9.00 am
Students who attended the event have been issued a Community Service Merit, with points accruing for their House in the Overall House Shield.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Secondary News

Years 11-12 Parent-Teacher Interviews
Thank you to the parents and students who attended our Parent-Teacher Interviews this week at the College. Hopefully, parents were able to hear about their child's subject progress, areas they are working well in and areas for growth and improvement.

Textile Art Project (TAP) Success
The Textile Art Project was an external competition in 2023 that allowed students with a specific interest in Textiles to enter into a State-wide competition. Students would stay back on a Wednesday afternoon and respond to a textile brief of ‘My Country’.

On Sunday, 17 March 2024, two of our students were recognised for their contribution to this. It is exciting to announce that:

Jessalyn Smieltnieks – received 2nd Place in the Stage 5 Competition

Eva Golovenko – received 1st place in the Stage 4 Competition

Students were able to celebrate their success with their parents and also receive a monetary prize from the sponsors ‘S and S’.

Year 12 Half-Yearly Exams
Year 12 Half-Yearly Examinations start on Wednesday, 27 March and conclude on Friday, 5 April. Students are reminded that they are to attend the College for the entire College day and that lessons will be taught by teachers in the afternoons in Period 6. Students have been issued with their examination timetable as well as this they have received notification about these from their subject teachers. Examination timetables can also be found on their College CANVAS pages.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Performing Arts News

Primary Family Chapel - K-2 Choir and Primary Choir (3-6)
Next Tuesday evening, both our K-2 and Primary Choirs will be performing at the Primary Family Chapel under the Shoulder-to-Shoulder Shelter. We are certainly looking forward to what they have been preparing.

During the evening, students in Years 1-2 who are part of the Choir will be performing in the K-2 Primary Choir. Students should arrive dressed in their College Summer Uniform and meet Mrs Waters at 5.45 pm at the Shoulder-to-Shoulder Shelter Stage. After the performance, students will return to be seated with their families. 

During the evening, students in the 3-6 Primary Choir will also be performing. Students should arrive dressed in their College Summer Uniform. Students must be seated with their families under the Shoulder-to-Shoulder Shelter by 6.00 pm ready for the commencement of the evening. Students will be called to the stage for their performance. After the performance students will return to be seated with their families

Primary Drama - Term 2
Our final group to commence this year in the Primary Performing Arts realm is Primary Drama, commencing Term 2. Mrs Lewis and Ms Schlosser will work with students in Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4). More details about signing up and when rehearsals will be available soon. If any students have any questions about this, please see Mr Hopkins (Assistant Performing Arts Coordinator T-6).

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

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

ANZAC DAY – Thursday, 25 April 2024

ANZAC Day is a day of national significance and one that marks the anniversary of Australia’s first major military action during World War I. This year, ANZAC Day will be observed on Thursday, Week 2 of the holiday break.

ANZAC Day is a major event in the life of the College and students are encouraged to join us as we remember the men and women who have sought to serve their nation in that first engagement and over the many decades that have followed. 

Those students who attend the services in their full winter uniform will be acknowledged with the receipt of a Community Service Award. There will be teachers present at the services and students should get their names marked off the Roll with the attending staff.

A reminder that all students attending these services, may be expected to stand for long periods of time. Please make sure that students eat breakfast before arriving at the location (even if it is a quick slice of toast or a piece of fruit). Another great tip is to wiggle your toes often as this keeps your circulation going and you are less likely to faint. 

PICTON March & Service:
Assemble in the car park behind the Picton Hotel between 6.00 am and 6.15 am in preparation for the March which will commence at 6.30 am sharp. As there will be a significant number of WAC students attending this march, it is asked that students please be prompt and have their names marked off by the staff in attendance.  

Parents of K-2 children are asked to collect their child at the gate of the park after the march as we enter the park, before the service commences. Mrs Buckley and Miss Smith will be attending

Hill Top Dawn Service:
Please meet at 5.45 am for the service to commence at 6.00 am at Hill Top Memorial Hall. A Year 12 student will deliver the address at this Service.

Camden Dawn Service:
Please meet at 5.00 am at the Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park Memorial, Cawdor Road, Camden. Service commences at 5.15 am. Mr. Clarke and Mrs. Frederiksen will be attending.

Camden March:
Those who would like to march are asked to assemble in Elizabeth Street, Camden between Mitchell and Elizabeth Streets from 10.15 am with the march commencing at 10.30 am. The march will then move to Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park for the commencement of the ANZAC Day Commemoration Service at 11.15 am.

Mittagong Dawn Service:
Meet from 5.15 am at the Cenotaph, Hume Highway, Mittagong. Service commences 5.30 am. Mrs Miller will be attending.

Mittagong March:
The march for Mittagong traditionally assembles at the Tourist Information Centre on the Old Hume Highway at 10.15 am for a 10.30 am start. The start location and route are still being finalised, but the RSL envisage that it will be back to the traditional time and route. A community service will follow at 10.45 am. Mrs Tooth, Mr Grant and Mrs Lloyd will be attending.

Thirlmere Service:
Please meet at 4.45 am at the Thirlmere Memorial Park, Oaks Street Thirlmere. Service commences at 5.00 am.

Bargo Sports Club.
The Service commences at 10.15 am. Staff in attendance are to be confirmed. Please arrive at 10.00 am.

Students from across the College are encouraged to participate and join with the community in this important commemoration. 

Please note that parents are responsible for all transport to and from ANZAC Day events and for the supervision of their child whilst at the event.

It is too early to determine the weather forecast for these events, but a reminder that if the weather is forecast to be warm, taking a bottle of water is a good idea.

It is understood that students may attend a variety of services to commemorate ANZAC Day, both locally and further afield. If a student attends a service and a photo is made available of them representing the College by wearing their full winter uniform, they too will be acknowledged by receiving a Community Service Award.  Email ANZAC Day images to d.aquilina@wac.nsw.edu.au.

Mr Daniel Aquilina
Secondary Humanities Teacher/Year 7 Patron

TEXStyle Exhibition

TEXStyle Exhibition Excursion for Textiles Students in Years 11 & 12
On Wednesday, 13 March, students in Years 11 and 12 Textiles and Design had the opportunity to attend the TEXStyle exhibition at Gallery 76 in Concord West. TEXStyle is the annual showcase of exemplary HSC Textiles and Design. This year it featured 34 Major Textiles Projects selected from over 1550 submissions from students across NSW for the 2023 HSC. Exhibits included apparel, costume, furnishings and textile art.

Students spent time analysing the projects and taking notes on aspects of the designs that they could try for themselves in their own projects. They gained an appreciation of the importance of time and project management, coming away from the experience inspired and motivated to make solid progress on their own textile work. 

Ms Emily Bailey
Secondary TAS Teacher

FLOWERS Canteen Volunteer

At the FLOWERS Canteen, we are always looking for volunteers to work in our Canteen to prepare nutritious lunches for our hungry growing children and to serve over the counter.

We are looking for someone to join our friendly team on a Tuesday morning, after drop-off around 8:30 am till about 11.00 am. We would very much appreciate the extra help. It's easy and fun work with on-the-job training. If you can dedicate this time on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis please reach out. 

All volunteers' efforts are rewarded with a healthy snack and plenty of tea and coffee. If you are interested, please email me at e.dealmeida@wac.nsw.edu.au with your preferred regularity. We would love to hear from you.

Mrs Emma De Almeida
Canteen Manager  

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. Enduring and persevering with challenges in learning, character and faith all support these areas of growth.

Have you ever been let down? How about being let down by someone close to you, in your inner circle close? How do you respond at that moment, how do you feel? I imagine you feel like I would, saddened, frustrated, and hurt. I imagine that like me, in that moment, you'd find it hard to love that person. 

Did you know that Jesus experienced this? He was let down and betrayed, by those whom He was closest to; His disciples. In Mark 14:27-31, we see Jesus telling His disciples that they will desert Him. What's incredible is that Jesus was aware that this would be the case, yet, despite knowing this, he loved them deeply. He invites them into a close friendship, where He models, teaches and cares for them.

Jesus knew that these disciples would be tested and part of being tested is learning. I think the disciples, as they were tested about who Jesus was to them, learned a lot in this process. They grew in their resilience as they endured the pain and confusion of their master laying His life down on the cross. Yet, the beauty of their story is that in their journey, they emerged as people who trusted in Jesus, which meant they said sorry for how they'd let Him down. The beauty of the Gospel is that Jesus welcomes us with open arms when we realise our mistakes and come to Him saying sorry.

I encourage you to consider who Jesus is. He deeply cares for you and is waiting for you to come to Him. His arms are wide open. How will you respond?

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

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 Library Youth Week Events

Youth Week Art Workshop

• Tuesday, 16 April
• 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm, Wollondilly Library
• Exercise your creativity in this 2-hour collage workshop led by local multi-disciplinary artist Freya Jobbins.
• Your collages will feature hybrid creatures created from the combining of humans and the animal world. Both comical and uncanny, your works will stretch the imagination while also including local landscapes of the Wollondilly. 

HSC English Seminar

• Wednesday, 17 April
• 10.30 am – 12.00 pm, Wollondilly Library
• This seminar presented by Larry Grumley will provide HSC English students some valuable advice in preparation for their upcoming HSC Trials and HSC English Exams.
  The 90 minute session will cover the Common Module: Texts and Human Experiences (HSC English Paper 1) as well as essay writing and other relevant tips for the HSC English Paper 2.

Living Stories 2024: The Writing Workshops

• Thursday, 18 April
• 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm (ages 10-15)
• 4.00 pm – 5.30 pm (ages 16+)
• Wollondilly Library
• WestWords and WestLit Libraries are offering free 90-minute creative writing workshops at Wollondilly Library as part of the 2024 Living Stories Western Sydney Writing Prize. These workshops are intended to help writers gain confidence and skills in their creative writing, especially with a large writing prize just around the corner.

Rock the Dilly

• Saturday, 20 April
• 4.00 pm – 9.00 pm
• Picton Botanic Gardens 
• Attending the Rock the Dilly Youth Week Festival?

Pop in to see Library staff at the event with the Mobile Library. Browse, borrow or just chill out for a moment.

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/

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