Wollondilly Anglican College eNewsletter

Care & Culture - Learner Disposition - Resourceful

We continue our Term 2 Learner Disposition of being Resourceful.

Capitalising
The Battle of Hamel, fought on 4 July 1918, during World War I, was a landmark in military tactics and strategy. Faced with entrenched German forces, General Sir John Monash was tasked with a seemingly insurmountable challenge. However, rather than succumbing to conventional methods, Monash showcased extraordinary resourcefulness in planning and executing this pivotal operation.

Innovative Planning and Preparation
Monash understood that success lay in meticulous preparation and leveraging every available resource. He integrated infantry, artillery, tanks, and aircraft in a synchronised assault—an unprecedented move at the time. By utilising tanks to crush barbed wire and aircraft for precise reconnaissance and coordination, Monash maximised the strengths of each component. This holistic approach is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary thinking, a skill we encourage our students to develop as they navigate their educational journeys.

Effective Communication and Coordination
A key element of Monash’s resourcefulness was his emphasis on clear communication. Detailed rehearsals and thorough briefings ensured that every soldier knew their role and the overall plan. Monash’s ability to disseminate information effectively, and his insistence on feedback from all ranks, created a cohesive and adaptive fighting force. This reinforces the importance of open communication and collaboration.

Adaptability in Action
On the day of the battle, unforeseen challenges demanded rapid adaptation. Monash’s flexibility in adjusting tactics on the fly was instrumental in the operation’s success. He anticipated potential problems and devised contingency plans, exemplifying the importance of adaptability - a crucial aspect of being resourceful. The ability to be adaptable and for students to think on their feet and tackle challenges with confidence is something that is important for us to continue to focus on.

Learning from Experience
Post-battle, Monash’s practice of analysing outcomes and incorporating lessons learned into future strategies highlights the ongoing nature of resourcefulness. This reflective practice is a cornerstone of our educational approach. We encourage students to continuously evaluate their performance, learn from experiences, and apply these insights to future endeavours.

In conclusion, the Battle of Hamel stands as a testament to General Monash’s resourcefulness, demonstrating that innovative thinking, effective communication, adaptability, and reflective learning are key to overcoming obstacles.

Mr Clarke, Leader of Learning HSIE Secondary spoke with Stage 4 (Year 7-8) at the assembly this week and used this to illustrate resourcefulness.

He reinforced the importance of drawing on the full range of resources from the wider world - other people, books, the Internet, past experience and future opportunities.

As a HSIE Teacher, he suggested capitalising on the following resources -

Teachers
Canvas Page
Textbooks/workbooks
Library, online resources
Feedback from assessments

How are you going to put these into practice?

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Performing Arts News

Showcase Evening - Friday, 21 June
Our Performing Arts Showcase Evening event is approaching. Most of our Performing Arts groups across the College have been preparing items to perform and showcase. Please note that previously, the starting time was different. The Showcase Evening will be under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter commencing at 3.30 pm and we anticipate that it will conclude at approximately 5.00 pm.

A small dinner will also be available for families at the conclusion of the event.

Parents should receive a notification via the College App soon with finer details of the event.

TASC Choral Festival 2024 - Thursday, 6 June
Students in the Primary Choir and College Choir travelled to Thomas Hassall Anglican College yesterday to participate in the ASC Choral Festival. The festival celebrated all things singing. Both groups performed exceptionally in the concert representing the College well. The Secondary Group performed Somewhere Only We Know and the Primary Choir performed High, High Hopes. Both groups then participated in a massed item joined by various other ASC School Choirs, performing an indigenous text choral item called The Wanderer by Dan Walker.

MISA Dance Festival 2024 - Tuesday, 25 June
The WAC Dance Company will be travelling to The Cube @ Campbelltown Catholic Club on Tuesday, 25 June to participate in the MISA Dance Festival. Parents should receive a notification via the College App soon.

A general reminder that there is an extended rehearsal next week on Tuesday, 4 June and two weeks later on Tuesday, 18 June that all students in the Dance Company are expected to attend. This has been communicated via the College App.

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

Year 10/11 Textiles Excursion to Reverse Garbage

Last Friday, a group of students from Years 10 & 11 had the opportunity to visit the Reverse Garbage Recycling Centre at Marrickville. As part of this experience, they participated in a workshop where they were instructed to design and manufacture a piece of apparel out of recycled materials foraged from the warehouse. Their creations were very creative and elaborate and they were even given a runway show at the end of our session. The girls had a wonderful day, even if some note the highlight as the Messina gelato they enjoyed for lunch afterwards!

Ms Emily Bailey
Secondary TAS Teacher

Due to the ongoing growth of the College, we are currently seeking applications for the following role to commence in 2024:

Leader of Learning - Science 7-12 (Leadership 2 Position)

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

Click Here To Apply Online

‘MyTech’ Loan Devices

There may be times when a student’s device is damaged, not functioning properly or is reaching a point of obsolescence. To ensure that students do not miss out on important learning opportunities, the College has a limited number of Loan Devices that students may borrow. For a student to borrow a Loan Device, they will need to fill out a ‘MyTech’ Student Loan Agreement.

A handwritten note from a parent is not sufficient as it is important that you are aware of the terms of the loan before we loan out a device.

This agreement can be picked up from Student Reception or downloaded from the ‘MyTech’ website http://mytech.wac.nsw.edu.au/devices.php and needs to be signed by both the parent and student. This agreement then needs to be presented at Student Reception where, if available, a device will be loaned for a period of two weeks. This program has been a great help to many students and it is vital that students take proper care of the devices so that they can be used by other students after them. This means that if a device is damaged while in a student’s possession, they will be required to pay for the cost of repairs. Once a student’s device has been repaired, the Loan Device needs to be promptly returned to Student Reception.

If you have any further questions about this or any other ‘MyTech’ issue please do not hesitate to send these to mytech@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mr Craig Russell
Secondary Learning Innovations Coordinator

Debating and Public Speaking

Thursday, 30 May was a busy day for our Debaters and Public Speakers!

Hannah Godkin and Harrison Kluit of Year 8 represented the College at the MISA Year 8 Public Speaking Competition at Macarthur Anglican School. Hannah spoke about the benefits and harms of Artificial Intelligence and Harrison spoke about the changing nature of communication. Both students spoke very well and should be proud of their efforts.

Later that day, our Years 7-10 Debating Teams travelled to The Illawarra Grammar School for Round 3 of the HICES Debating Competition. A huge congratulations to Dali, Blake, Jessica, Alyssa, Jordan and Sofia whose team remains undefeated! Their team will now progress to the first round of Preliminary Finals.

Mrs Sarah Wellington
Leader of Learning - English

Term 2 Family Chapel - Thursday, 27 June

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

Dinner 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 focused 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 Tomatoes
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

From the College Chaplain

The College Learner Disposition focus for Term 2 is being 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.

We've just started looking at the letter of 1 John in staff devotions. John encourages the readers to have fellowship with one another in a way that is centred on a relationship with God. The word fellowship here implies joint participation. God is inviting us into a relationship with Him, through Jesus. Through this relationship, we're brought into fellowship with Him and can participate in His purposes and plans. Part of God's purpose is transforming us so that we might be part of a community that honours Him. A community that honours God is centred on Him, it builds one another up, speaks the truth in love and considers others' needs before our own. This type of community enjoys one another's company.

This week, there has been some great fellowship with staff and students. The form of this fellowship has been Basketball. Every Tuesday during Break 1, students and staff have a game of basketball. It's been great fun to be part of and it's been really encouraging to see relationships between staff and students strengthened. It's created another opportunity for staff to invest in the lives of students, by investing in a community that reflects the heart of God to genuinely care for others. I encourage you to pray that God in his mercy might use this time to strengthen relationships so that both staff and students might be joint participants in sharing the good news of Jesus.

1 John 1:3: We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

Respiratory Infections
With increased respiratory infections circulating the College, please keep your child home if they are unwell. What could seem like a mild 'head cold' could lead to something more serious, such as Influenza or other Respiratory Viruses. We have also had cases of Mycoplasma Pneumonia - also known as Walking Pneumonia, which is common among school-aged children and can cause your child to become quite unwell.

Keeping your child home when unwell will help reduce the spread of infection and keep students and staff at the College well. For more information please see the links below from NSW Health.

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/respiratory-viruses.aspx

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/mycoplasma-pneumoniae.aspx

Please Be Nut Aware
We have many students at Wollondilly with food allergies, some can be severe including anaphylaxis. You can help support students with food allergies or those who are at risk of Anaphylaxis in the following ways:

Educate your child about food allergies so they understand why they should only eat their own food and why they should not share their food with other students
Ensure your child's lunchbox and drink bottle are clearly labelled with your child's name
Do not bring in food treats as gifts for birthdays or other special celebrations such as Christmas or Easter
Be allergy aware and do not pack any recess/lunch items that contain nuts or nut products
Encourage your child to wash their hands before and after eating
Educate your child on the importance of getting help immediately if their friend with an allergy looks sick

Mrs Sally Lloyd
College Nurse

Vietnam Service Trip 2024

The Vietnam Service Trip 2024 will take place from 4-14 July this year. 27 students will be travelling to the Mekong Delta Region to build a house for a family in need within the local community. This opportunity represents a long-standing relationship between Wollondilly Anglican College and the local provinces enabling a family to have a home that benefits not only its immediate members but also the surrounding community.

We would like to provide the Wollondilly community the opportunity to contribute towards the $3500 build cost. These funds will go directly towards materials and services needed to complete the project.

Please keep up to date on progress by checking the WAC Socials from 5-9th July.

Donations towards the build cost can be made at the following link:

https://gofund.me/0f4fd575

Mrs Trudy Miller
HSIE Teacher

Year 3 Dog Adoption Ad

Year 3 have been refining their persuasive writing skills this term. We have chosen a dog that is currently up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League in Kemps Creek to help find a new forever home by writing about it. 3 Faith, who wrote this, are hoping that our writing will make a big difference to Honey.

Ms Stacey Baker
Primary Teacher/Equestrian Coordinator

Book Club Orders Due Thursday, 20 June

The Book Club Issue 4 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 (number above).

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

WAC P&F Golf Day - Friday, 1 November

College Sponsors

College Sponsors 2023.pdf

Importance of Regular Eye Tests for Children

Ensuring your child has good vision is crucial for their educational, physical, and social development. Approximately 80% of all learning comes through the visual pathways. However, most children cannot tell if they are having trouble with their eyesight, making regular eye tests essential even when no symptoms are present.

With about one in five Australian children suffering from undetected vision problems, early detection is key to giving every child the best chance of reaching their full potential. This has become even more important with the increased use of technology, as more children are being diagnosed with vision issues related to screen time.

Good vision supports your child's ability to learn, play, and interact with their peers. Being aware of the possible signs of a vision problem—such as squinting, frequent headaches, holding books too close to read, excessive blinking or difficulty concentrating—is important. However, the absence of these signs does not guarantee perfect vision. Regular eye tests are the best way to ensure your child's eyes are healthy and functioning properly.

To book a bulk-billed appointment, please call us on 4603 2309 or book online using the link below: https://tinyurl.com/picton-eyecare

Best regards,

Nandita Chowdhury
Principal Optometrist
Picton Eyecare
Shop 1/102 Argyle Street
Picton NSW 2571
Ph.: (02) 4603 2309
www.pictoneyecare.com.au

Community News

Mittagong Junior Disco

Date: Saturday, 29 June
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.

Suicide Prevention Workshop

Register Here

First Nations Dance Workshop

Pink High Tea McGrath Foundation - Sunday, 11 August - 11.00 am

Join us for a Memorial High Tea held at the Picton Masonic Hall. All money raised will fund specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurses to ensure no one goes through breast cancer without care. Get together with eight of your friends and try to fill your own table. Wear a touch of pink or go all-out with prizes for best dressed. Bring your change purse for pink merchandise, raffles and silent auctions. Lucky door prizes to be won! Tickets are $40.00 each, please email for payment details; Pictonhightea@hotmail.com

RSVP Today

Please note that the above is a service to the Community and items advertised do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the College. The College tries to be selective with what is advertised but cannot take responsibility. Please look into events advertised carefully.

Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 6 - Friday, 7 June 2024