Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 2 - Friday, 10 May 2024

Student Opportunities - Sherlock Holmes

I am so thankful for the many opportunities our students embrace here at Wollondilly Anglican College. From sports participation to dance performances, engaging in Duke of Edinburgh experiences or preparing meals for people in our community, our students continually demonstrate their passion, dedication, and talent in various pursuits.

I'm thrilled to highlight the remarkable achievements of our College with the outstanding performance of "Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Crown Jewel." Throughout the production process, our students showcased unparalleled dedication and commitment. From the meticulous rehearsals to the fine-tuning of each scene, their hard work and enthusiasm resonated at every turn. The result was a captivating performance that left our audiences thoroughly engaged. During Thursday night's showcase, our College welcomed a number of guests who were treated to an unforgettable experience. Witnessing the talent, energy, and professionalism displayed by our students on stage, they were utterly captivated. It's important to recognise that while the characters on stage deliver a stellar performance, it's the unsung heroes behind the scenes who ensure the seamless execution of this fantastic production, ensuring that all vocals, sound effects and lighting are working perfectly.

Further behind the scenes, our staff members have been instrumental in guiding and supporting our students every step of the way. Their tireless efforts, which often extended into long days, weekends, and even holiday periods, have undoubtedly contributed to the success of "Sherlock Holmes." I extend my sincerest gratitude to each and every staff member involved for their unwavering dedication and commitment to our student's growth and development, for creating amazing sets and props and for advertising and promoting this great performance.

I am delighted to report that their hard work has paid off, as "Sherlock Holmes" stands as a testament to the exceptional talent and spirit of our College community. It is moments like these that reaffirm the importance of providing our students with opportunities to explore their passions, develop their skills, and showcase their talents.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of "Sherlock Holmes," whether as performers, backstage crew, supporters, or audience members. Your support and encouragement are invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

College Musical Tickets - Last Chance!

A friendly reminder to the Wollondilly Anglican community that tickets for the College Musical 'Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Crown Jewel' are still on sale, via the button below. Come and support the students' efforts both on and off the stage.

Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Crown Jewel" is a thrilling musical that follows the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his trusted companion Dr John Watson as they embark on a quest to solve a perplexing case involving the theft of the Crown Jewel. Set in Victorian London, Holmes delves deeper into the mystery, and he encounters a cast of colourful characters including Georgie, Wiggins, Professor Moriarty, and Inspector Lestrade, each with their own motives and secrets. With a blend of suspenseful storytelling, catchy musical numbers, and clever twists, "Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Crown Jewel" captivates audiences with its riveting tale of crime and deduction. As the story unfolds, Holmes and Watson must race against time to uncover the truth behind the theft and restore the honour of the crown.

Remaining shows include:

• Friday, 10 May - commencing at 7.00 pm (LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE)
• Saturday, 11 May - Matinee performance commencing at 2.00 pm
• Saturday, 11 May - Final evening performance commencing at 7.00 pm (LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE)

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

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From the Deputy Headmaster

Culture and Expectations
A consistent strength of the College that many parents regularly communicate is the discipline and high expectations that we have of students. At the beginning of this week, I reinforced this with students in Years 7-12. Over the last two assemblies, Mr Norman and I have reminded students that the little things are important and challenged them to start this term well. While a number of these are related to behaviour in the classroom, it reinforced the importance of wearing the uniform well. This is particularly important during the transition period to the winter uniform. I would encourage parents to support the College in ensuring that your children come to the College wearing the uniform correctly. Students who are wearing the uniform in the community are expected to follow the same dress code as if they were on College grounds. Thank you for your support in this.

ANZAC Day
Thank you to all those students and parents who supported the various ANZAC services during the holiday break. I am always encouraged to see so many putting time aside to reflect on those who sacrificed so much for the country we live in. A big thank you to Mr Aquilina who coordinated many of the activities. Thank you also to those students who ran the Service at the College during the Monday morning assembly.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Care & Culture - House Points

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 - 1488
2. Wollemi - 1358
3. Acacia - 1356
4. Sollya - 1305
5. Telopea - 1281

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

P&F Outdoor Movie Night - Friday, 17 May

We're excited to announce that on Friday, 17 May from 5.00 pm, we'll be hosting another Outdoor Family Movie Night! This Term, we will be showing The Super Mario Bros Movie (PG)!

There will be hotdogs ($5.00), popcorn and cold drinks available (gold coin donation) to purchase on the night. All profits will go to the College P&F Association.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP via the button below. This event is open to WAC families and friends only.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Mr Brandon Cooper
P&F President

Learner Disposition - Resourceful

As we commence Term 2 the College will shift the main focus in relation to our Learner Disposition from Resilient to Resourceful. As previously discussed the College is supporting students to develop these dispositions to support both learning and character development. Below is a summary of the main elements of being resourceful.

Questioning
One of the key aspects of developing Resourcefulness in young people is building their capacity in the area of Questioning.

Questioning isn't just about finding answers; it's about digging deeper, making connections, and thinking critically. As teachers and parents, we can nurture this curiosity by creating an environment where asking questions is not only encouraged but celebrated.

Embrace your child's questions, no matter how small or seemingly trivial. Instead of simply providing answers, engage them in a conversation. Encourage them to think, speculate, and explore different possibilities. This not only enhances their understanding but also boosts their confidence in their ability to learn and discover.

Lead by example. Let your child see you asking questions, seeking out new experiences, and embracing challenges. Whether it's trying a new hobby or exploring a new topic, show them that curiosity knows no bounds.

Create a home environment that stimulates curiosity. Encourage hands-on activities that invite your child to investigate and experiment. Whether it's exploring nature or tinkering with gadgets, provide avenues for curiosity to flourish.

Above all, celebrate curiosity as a precious gift. Encourage your child to pursue their interests and never stop asking questions. In a world full of information, curiosity is the compass that guides us on a journey of discovery.

Let's work together to nurture the curious minds of our children and watch them thrive.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Secondary News

VET NSW Training Awards Regional Finalist
Each year, the NSW Training Awards seek student nominations in the area of 'VET Student of the Year' for any student who is studying a VET course either at TAFE or in schools. The College was excited to nominate four students, and one of our students completed an interview in the holidays and is now a finalist representing our region.

Congratulations to Year 12 Student Sophie Waites who is studying Hospitality at the College. Sophie will now attend a formal dinner on 21 June to find out the outcome of her interview

Year 8 Interviews
All of our students in Year 8 will undergo an interview with our Middle Management Leaders as part of the process of preparing them for Stage 5. During this time, staff will discuss how the students are progressing with their learning and will encourage them to set three goals and write an action plan around their learning. Students are aware that this will occur during Care and Culture time and are encouraged to think about what goals they would like to work on. Parents will also be sent a copy of the interview discussion at the end of the process which will contain the student’s goals. It is a great opportunity for staff to provide valuable advice and knowledge around curriculum pathways.

7–12 Assessment Schedules and Assessment Rules and Procedures
All students received a copy of their Assessment Booklets at the beginning of the year. In this booklet, they find all their assessment items for the year, what the tasks is, what outcomes are being assessed and in which term week these are to occur. Teachers then issue students with a formal assessment task notification which has exactly what the task is, how they are to submit it, how feedback will be given and a marking rubric. In the Assessment Booklet for each Year Group, we have detailed information on what to do if you are ill on the day a task is due and rules and procedures around lateness, plagiarism and the like. Students can find a digital copy of their assessment booklet on their CANVAS page, but the College has also included a copy of these booklets on the College website. Rules and procedures change as students move through each of the stages and I encourage parents to take the time to ensure they are familiar with our assessment processes.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Performing Arts News

College Musical - Monday Matinee Performance
The cast and crew of the College Musical performed excellently on Monday morning before our guests from local Nursing Homes, Retirement Villages and Daycare centres. The students were excited and nervous prior to the opening of the show, but certainly moved into a jubilant and exhilarating atmosphere as they walked out for their first set of bows at the conclusion of the performance. 

There are three remaining shows with limited tickets available. Please see the earlier article for the TryBooking link and ticket prices.

Thirlmere Festival of Steam - Sunday, 19 May
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 has been sent via the College App.

Students in the College Strings will meet Mr Grant at the College tent at 9.00 am. Students in Secondary Cheer, Primary Pom and College Bucketz will meet Miss Valente, Mrs Kluit and Mr Hopkins at the College tent at 10.30 am before moving to their Parade meeting point. 

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

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

Term 2 Family Chapel

Our second Family Chapel of the year will be for Years 7-9. The evening will begin at 6.00 pm on Thursday, 27 June in the Warne Auditorium. 

A sausage sandwich will be available from 5.00 pm, however, these must be pre-ordered through the Trybooking link below.

https://www.trybooking.com/CRTII

We will gather together to hear student stories about the impact the gospel has had on them, along with hearing a gospel focussed message. 

Finally, donations of gold coins or non-perishable food items will be accepted at the rear of the Auditorium. 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

Wide Reading in the Secondary Years

Here at the College, we place a high value and importance on the practice of reading, in particular, wide reading for enjoyment. All students in Years 7-12 will be engaged at some point in the year in reading a novel in English, however, this should not be the only time your child is reading a book.

Research has shown the social and educational benefits of reading over other forms of entertainment, including the use of social media. Students who regularly engage in reading books of their own choice not only increase their vocabulary skills but also improve their imaginative thinking and social and emotional skills. Encouraging your child to be reading at home will also help to build their resilience in tackling new and complex texts as they move through the Secondary Years. Studies have also shown that children and young adults who are around others who read are more inclined to read than those who are not. 

We are very fortunate here at Wollondilly that our students have access to a number of Libraries which stock a wide variety of age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction texts. Our students are encouraged to borrow regularly and read these books for enjoyment during their Roll Call period and in English. 

Each term in English, students in Years 7-10 are required to bring a book of choice from home to read as part of their wide reading. Please encourage your child to speak to one of our College Librarians or their English teacher to assist them in finding a book that interests them. 

Mrs Sarah Wellington
Leader of Learning - English

Education Perfect Language Championships

Education Perfect Language Championships

Guten Tag! At the time of writing Wollondilly Anglican College was placed SECOND in the World Championships for German in this global Languages Competition. The competition continues until next Tuesday at 10.00 am. So far all of our students in Years 7 & 8, plus students in Elective German have been competing. Remember, students can compete at home and will receive certificates for their achievement at certain levels. Frau Holmes and I are very proud of our students, who are revising lots of German vocabulary while competing against other schools around the globe. Some of our statistics are below. We will send out the final results next week. 

Until then remember "Monolingualism is curable. Learn another language!"

Mrs Carolyn Clark
German Teacher

From the College Chaplain

The College Learner Disposition focus for Term 2 is Resourceful. 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 to grow.

This term in staff devotions, we've been looking at the book of Ecclesiastes. It's a remarkable book. It is an honest reflection of the author's observations about life and the questions these observations cause him to ask. 

Part of the author's observation is that there are things in life that to him, just don't make sense. He struggles to understand what the purpose of life is. He tries to find purpose in building great projects, amassing great wealth and pursuing pleasure and power (Ecc 2:1-10). He enjoys great success in all these areas however he comes to the conclusion that all of this is "futile".

The Hebrew word translated into 'futile' is the word 'hebel'. Literally, it means smoke or mist. I think what the author is highlighting is that, in his experience trying to find purpose in the things of this world; power, success, wealth and pleasure, has resulted in him feeling a sense of emptiness or paradoxically a lack of purpose. I think the author contends that the things of this world are like a mist, that is they are temporary, they fade away.

The author contends that the things of God, however, are not futile (hebel). Instead, they endure forever (Ecc 3:14). The conclusion the author arrives at is that the things of God last forever, therefore, they are of utmost importance. The author contends that in order to live a life of true meaning, one must invest in a relationship with God. I love how Ecclesiastes looks out at this world and asks great questions. So let me finish by asking you one.

Where do you think true meaning and purpose can be found, in the things of this world or in God? 

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

WAC P&F Golf Day - Friday, 1 November

Equestrian Results

In the holidays, four members of the Equestrian Team competed at New South Wales State Interschools Championships.  

Tahlia O'Reilly of Year 5, placed 1st overall for the Primary 45cm Combined Training, including a first in the Dressage component and a first in the 45cm jumping component against 26 other riders from across New South Wales. 

Erin Brown of Year 8, placed 1st overall in Intermediate Working Hunter as well as 5th in Intermediate Preliminary Dressage, 3rd in Intermediate Novice Dressage, and 5th in Secondary 80cm Combined Training.

These results mean both girls will now represent NSW at Nationals later in the year.

Congratulations to all the girls who rode at State. They should be proud of competing at such a high level this year. 

Miss Stacey Baker
Equestrian Coordinator

Book Club Orders Due Sunday, 19 May

The Book Club Issue 3 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

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.

Payment: Card Only (no cash)
Location: White Cottage through the side windows
Monday to Friday 7.45 am to 8.30 am
Phone: (02) 4623 0286
Email: clothingpool@wac.nsw.edu.au

Have you been wanting to help out at the College but don’t have much time to spare?
The Clothing Pool is looking for volunteers! It only takes 45 minutes of your time, one morning a week. Is a great, quick and simple way to really help the WAC community. Training provided (but it’s so easy!) A great way to meet other parents. Volunteers are needed for Monday - Friday mornings between 7.45 am to 8.30 am. If you are able to help at all please get in contact.

Mrs Cristina Negi and Mrs Amanda Coles
P&F Clothing Pool Coordinators

College Sponsors

Community News

Mittagong Junior Disco  

• Date: Saturday, 25 May  
• Times: 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.