Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 10 - Friday, 5 April 2024

Creating Child Safe Communities

All schools in NSW strive to ensure that their community is a safe place for children. The Office of the Children's Guardian supports and encourages organisations to continually improve how they ensure child safety within their community.
A child-safe organisation is one that:

• Creates conditions to reduce the likelihood of children being harmed
• Creates conditions that increase the likelihood of identifying and reporting harm
• Responds appropriately to disclosures, allegations and suspicions of harm

At Wollondilly Anglican College, we take these responsibilities very seriously. We reduce the likelihood of children being harmed by thoroughly screening applicants, by implementing principles of visibility and open spaces, and openly discussing the importance of child safety and reporting of harm. We increase the likelihood of identifying harm through annual training, regular staff discussions about child safety, emphasising the importance of reporting any behaviour of concern and giving students opportunities to share their concerns (this can be done with any staff member, or anonymously through the online WAC Cares link that is available to our students). We also respond appropriately to any reports we receive by investigating thoroughly, informing the Police if necessary and supporting any students who share concerns.

Every month, the College Executive reports to the College Council about how we are maintaining child safety at the College. In addition, every year the College Executive complete a College Assessment of how we are meeting the standards prescribed by the Office of the Children's Guardian. This report is audited to ensure that we have evidence to support our self-assessment.

Jesus spoke often about caring for children and looking after those who are disempowered. We want to reflect the love of God and the safety that He offers to all of us.

At Wollondilly Anglican College, we are committed to creating a child-safe community and we welcome any feedback or questions you may have about this. 

Mark 10:16  And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Care and Respect for The College Environment

We are very fortunate to have grounds and facilities in such great condition at the College and I would like to commend the vast majority of students who treat and respect the facilities like it was their own. Thank you!

We have, however, had some situations where there has been damage to property, particularly in boys' toilets. I would encourage parents to remind their children of the importance of respecting and looking after the College grounds and facilities. 

I met this week with boys from Years 7-10 and reminded them:

• Of the importance of taking care of the College property
• To report any acts of vandalism or breakage
• Not to be going to toilets in groups
• Not to eat in toilets

Thank you for your support as we respect and maintain pride in the great facilities we have at the College.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

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.

1. Grevillea - 830
2. Wollemi - 791
3. Sollya - 736
4. Acacia - 733
5. Telopea - 730

Why is resilience important?
Students experience a tremendous amount of physical and mental growth on a daily basis. Between school, co-curricular activities, work and their social life, teens face lots of new experiences and challenges. Being resilient gives them the ability to tackle these head-on, bounce back from any setbacks and have the best chance at succeeding. It allows them to learn and grow in all situations – two skills that are crucial to wellbeing and development. Resilience will also help them to approach new situations, people or experiences with confidence and a positive mindset, which will make them more likely to succeed.

Provide opportunities for goal setting and reflection
Building resilience is all about maintaining a positive mindset, a willingness to grow and an ability to learn from setbacks. Setting goals and making time for reflection have been shown to help maintain focus and create momentum in times of growth and change. Breaking down situations, issues or even assessments into smaller, less intimidating chunks can make it easier for students to stay in a positive mindset so that they are less likely to be deterred by setbacks. Creating environments where young people feel confident to discuss what they want to achieve and their strategies for doing it is important in helping them to build resilience.

Reachout (2024)

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Primary Sports

Years 3-6 Cross Country - Friday, 12 April
On Friday, 12 April, students in Years 3-6 will compete in the 2024 Primary Cross Country on the WACA from 10.45 am to 12.25 pm. Races will begin and finish on the WACA.

Students are required to wear their coloured House shirts and Sports hat. It is recommended students bring their drink bottles and sunscreen. 

Parents are very welcome to attend as spectators, however, we request parents refrain from parking on the main access road to the WACA as this will be part of the course for the day. 

A timetable for the day is below: 

8 and 9 years 

• Boys 11.05 am
• Girls 11.10 am

10 years 

• Boys 11.20 am
• Girls 11.25 am

11 years 

• Boys 11.35 am
• Girls 11.40 am

12 and 13 years 

• Boys 11.50 am
• Girls 11.55 am

Depart the WACA at 12.20 pm

Race distances:

• 11, 12 and 13-year-olds run the 3km track
• 8, 9 and 10-year-olds run the 2km track

K-2 Cross Country - Monday, 8 April
On Monday 8 April, students in Years K-2 will compete in the 2024 K-2 Cross Country on the Front Oval (Winning Field) from 1.10 pm to 2.00 pm. Races will begin outside the Kindergarten classrooms of lower Cuthbert and finish at the Deakin Terraces. Students are encouraged to wear their House shirts. Parents are welcome to attend as spectators. 

WASP Academy - Wollondilly Anglican Sports Performance Academy: Football (Soccer) begins Term 2! 
We are excited to announce the return of WASP. The WASP Academy aims to improve students’ individual sporting skills as well as develop players for our Representative College Sides. In Term 2, we will be running our WASP Football (Soccer) Academy. 

Registration information will be available soon.. 

3-6 Sports - College Sports opportunities in Term 2
Stage 3 - Gymnastics at the WLC: A permission note will be released shortly. 
Stage 2 Girls - Indoor sport at Bridge Street Sports Centre, Picton: A permission note will be released shortly.

Mr James Gooden
Primary Sports Coordinator

Secondary Sport

Secondary Cross Country
On Friday, 12 April, students in Years 7 to 12 will be competing in the 2024 Secondary Cross Country on the WACA from 8.10 am to 10.15 am. Races will begin and finish on the WACA.

Students are required to wear their coloured House Shirts and College Sports hat. It is recommended students bring their drink bottles and sunscreen. 

Parents are very welcome to attend as spectators. However, we request parents refrain from parking on the main access road to the WACA as this will be part of the course for the day. 

A timetable for the day is below: 

Term 2 MISA 
On both Tuesday, 9 April and 30 April, we will be running trials for our Term 2 MISA teams during our regular Sports time. Students need to ensure they have filled in the nomination form which has been emailed out to all Secondary. A reminder that students selected in these teams will not return until 3.00 pm - 3.30 pm each Tuesday in Term 2. Before trialing please ensure you can make alternative transport arrangements.

Upcoming events:

• AICES Swimming - 5 April
• Term 2 MISA Trials - 9 and 30 April
• Cross Country - 12 April
• AICES Hockey - 1 May
• CIS Swimming - 6 and 7 May

Mr Mark Goldsbrough
Secondary Sport Coordinator 

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

Performing Arts News

College Musical - Holiday Rehearsals
Parents of the Secondary and Primary cast as well as the Musical Crew should have received an email outlining the holiday rehearsals and performance information this week. Please email Mr Grant with any questions or queries relating to this.

Thirlmere Festival of Steam - Term 2
Next term, our College Strings, Secondary Cheer, Primary ‘Pom’ and College Bucketz will be representing the College at the Thirlmere Festival of Steam.

Our College Strings will be performing on the stage and our Cheer, Pom and Bucketz groups will be partaking in the Parade. More information regarding this event will be communicated to parents soon and a permission note will be sent home via the College App.

Term 1 - Secondary Formal Assembly
Below is a summary of the solo and ensemble performances as well as WAC Crew members assisting, at the upcoming Term 1 Secondary Formal Assembly scheduled for Wednesday, 10 April.

Ensembles

• College Band (under the direction of Mr Chris Law)
• String Quartet

Solo Performances

• Emily Galea - Piano
• Alyssa Galea - Dance

WAC Crew Students

• Grace D
• Ashton M

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

P&F Outdoor Movie Night - Term 2

After the success of last year's Outdoor Family Movie Night, the College P&F will be hosting another evening on Friday, 17 May. More information will be available shortly and we encourage you to save the date. We look forward to seeing you there!

Mr Brandon Cooper
P&F President

We're Hiring!

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
• English Teacher 7-12
• Science Teacher 7-12 (Maternity Leave Position)

For further information on any of the Permanent Positions, please contact Mr Geoff Adams on 02 4684 2577

From the College Chaplain

The College Learner Disposition focus for Term 1 is Resilience. This is a habit that we are working on developing and cultivating in our students. Enduring and persevering with challenges in learning, character and faith all support these areas of growth.

This week in staff devotions we've been looking at Jesus' death on the cross in Mark 15. As I've been reflecting on this event I've been reminded of the remarkable love and sacrifice that Jesus displayed. He called out to God in the garden of Gethsemane, "Father if you are willing, take this cup from me" (Mark 14:36). The cup that Jesus refers to here represents judgement. In essence, Jesus is asking if there is a way He can be spared from the impending judgement He's about to experience.

As Jesus hung on the cross we're told that the skies turned dark, and then Jesus took His last breath. It's a confronting scene. And the question we need to ask ourselves is, "What is this all about"? Why does Jesus do this? The answer is He does it for you and for me. He loves us so much that He was willing to endure and persevere through the pain and suffering to take the penalty that our sin deserves. 

As we reflect on Easter last week it's vital to remember that it's all about Jesus, all about how He endured the cross on our behalf because of His great love for us. Maybe you know this and if you do, I encourage you to reflect again on Jesus's sacrifice. But if you don't at the very least, I encourage you to think about this question, "How will you respond to Jesus' sacrifice"?

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.

Mittagong Junior Disco

• Date: Saturday, 24 February  
• Time: 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm
• Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong
• Cost: $5.00
• 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.

Thank you as always for your ongoing support.

Chris and Sandra Roberson - and the amazing committee of the Mittagong Junior Disco.

Chris Ph - 0412 321 555