Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 9 - Friday, 28 June 2024

From The Headmaster

During this term, our students have been involved in many different co-curricular activities.

On Monday, a Primary Chess Team travelled to Tudor House to play against many schools from the region. Our students played well and learned a lot from this great experience. These students represented our College with excellence, both in behaviour and attitude.

On Tuesday, our Dance Company travelled to The Cube in Campbelltown to perform in the MISA Dance Festival. Our dancers were exceptional. They were so well rehearsed, exhibited powerful energy on stage and were wonderful representatives of our College.

Across the year, our students engage in a range of Sports, Public Speaking, Debating, Dance, Drama, Chess, Musical Performances and so much more. It is great to see our students joining these groups at the College and having opportunities to demonstrate their skills, teamwork and passion in so many different areas.

I would especially like to thank our staff, who passionately provide these wonderful opportunities for our students.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

We're Hiring for 2024 & 2025!

We are currently seeking applications for the following roles to commence in 2024 & 2025:

2024 Roles:

• Headmaster's Personal Assistant
• Science Laboratory Assistant

2025 Roles:

• Primary Stage 2 Coordinator (Leadership 2 Position)
• TAS Teacher 7-12
  
• HSIE Teacher 7-12
• English Teacher 7-12
• Mathematics Teacher 7-12
• Primary Teacher Pre-K- Year 6

For further information on any of the permanent positions, please contact Mr Geoff Adams on 02 4684 2577 or at g.adams@wac.nsw.edu.au

Foundation Day - Friday, 5 July

On Friday, 5 July our College will celebrate Foundation Day. Foundation Day recognises the commencement of the College and has an outward focus on supporting missions that the College supports.

Key Information

• Students are encouraged to donate $5.00 per student or $10.00 per family to support the mission groups listed below. The donations will be tallied in House Groups with the House that raises the most money being declared Mission Fundraising Champions 2024. The totals will be added to the Overall House Shield.
  
• Money will be collected during Care and Culture groups on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in Week 10
• All students need to wear their House Polo Shirt and PE/Sports Uniform for the day. Tracksuit top and pants to arrive and leave the College.
• During Break 1, some House based challenges will take place in the playground with points that will accrue to the Overall House Shield
• At Break 2 the Grand Final of the SRC House Basketball Competition will take place on the Front Basketball Court. All students not playing are welcome to come and spectate.
• At the end of Break 2, all students in Years K-12 will line-up under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter. The Mission Fundraising Champions will be announced as well as the SRC Basketball Competition Winners.
• During the afternoon session, students will either be competing or watching their House Groups in the Relays on the WACA. The winning House in the Relays aspect of Foundation Day will be announced as Foundation Day Activities Champions 2024
  

Listed below are the Missions we are supporting in 2024:

Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child
https://occ.samaritanspurse.org.au/

Mission Aviation Fellowship
https://maf.org.au/

Hope Street Mission
https://baptistcare.org.au/hopestreet

African Aids Foundation
https://africanaidsfoundation.org.au/

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

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 - 2651
2. Acacia - 2438
3. Telopea - 2387
4. Sollya - 2370
5. Wollemi - 2340
   

SRC House Competition Results

• Grevillea 10 defeated Sollya 9 MVP - Eli Norman
• Telopea 30 defeated Acacia 1 MVP - Xavier Talolua

The Grand Final will be held during Break 2 on Friday, 5 July.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Embracing Resourcefulness

How Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak Revolutionised Technology
This week, as part of the Stage 6 Assembly, Miss Taylor, Leader of Learning TAS spoke with students in Years 11-12 about Resourcefulness. Her presentation focused on the demonstration of a range of elements of this disposition in Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. 

In the annals of technological innovation, few stories are as compelling and inspiring as the creation of Apple by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Their journey from a garage startup to one of the most influential companies in the world is a testament to the power of resourcefulness. This learner disposition, characterised by the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties, was crucial in their success and continues to be a guiding principle for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The Birth of Apple: A Resourceful Beginning
The story of Apple begins in 1976, in the garage of Steve Jobs' parents. Jobs, then a college dropout, and Wozniak, an engineering genius, were determined to create something revolutionary. With limited financial resources and access to sophisticated equipment, they relied heavily on their ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Wozniak's technical prowess was instrumental in designing the Apple I, the first computer to feature a single circuit board. Lacking the funds to purchase expensive components, Wozniak ingeniously used available resources and scoured electronic parts stores for affordable alternatives. His ability to think outside the box and repurpose existing technology was pivotal in creating a functional and affordable product.

Jobs’ Vision and Persuasion
While Wozniak focused on the technical aspects, Jobs demonstrated resourcefulness in his vision and business acumen. Recognising the potential of Wozniak's design, he tirelessly sought investment and support. Jobs' persuasive skills and unyielding determination led him to secure a deal with Paul Terrell, the owner of the Byte Shop, one of the first computer stores. Terrell agreed to purchase 50 fully assembled Apple I computers, providing the fledgling company with much-needed capital and credibility.

Jobs' ability to identify and seize opportunities was a hallmark of his resourcefulness. He understood that to revolutionise the industry, they needed to create not just a product, but an ecosystem. This vision eventually led to the development of the Apple II, a more advanced and user-friendly computer that solidified Apple's place in the market.

Overcoming Challenges
The path to success was fraught with challenges, but Jobs and Wozniak consistently demonstrated resourcefulness in overcoming them. When faced with production and distribution hurdles, they leveraged personal relationships and negotiated favourable terms with suppliers. They also attracted talented individuals who shared their vision, building a team that was as dedicated and resourceful as they were.

One notable example of their resourcefulness was during the development of the Apple Macintosh. Despite internal resistance and financial constraints, Jobs' relentless pursuit of excellence led to the creation of a product that redefined personal computing. He fostered a culture of innovation and resourcefulness within Apple, encouraging his team to push boundaries and think creatively.

Legacy of Resourcefulness
The resourcefulness exhibited by Jobs and Wozniak in the early days of Apple has left an enduring legacy. Their ability to innovate with limited resources, overcome obstacles, and turn vision into reality is a powerful example for today's entrepreneurs and learners. Apple’s continued success is a testament to the foundational principles of creativity, resilience, and resourcefulness that they instilled.

In conclusion, the story of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak is a vivid illustration of how resourcefulness can lead to extraordinary achievements. Their journey from a modest garage to the pinnacle of technological innovation underscores the importance of leveraging available resources, thinking creatively, and persisting in the face of challenges. As we reflect on their legacy, we are reminded that resourcefulness is not just a disposition but a crucial ingredient for transformative success.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Performing Arts News

Performing Arts Showcase 
Congratulations to the students who performed at the Performing Arts Showcase last Friday. It was a wonderful event that highlighted all of the areas of Performing Arts across the College. It was great to see so many students performing on the stage under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter. During the evening, we explained that our K-2 Choir continues to have a large interest from the students in those years and we are going to split the Year Groups to allow for space and management of such groups as we go into Term 3. Mr Hopkins will have an article in next week’s Waratah Weekly explaining these changes.

A big thank you to the College P&F representatives who cooked a BBQ for the parents, students and families that attended. Also, a big thank you to the staff who continue to provide these opportunities to the students by facilitating rehearsals, encouraging the development of skills and making the Performing Arts an enjoyable aspect of their College life. 

Formal Assemblies - Week 10
The following groups and individuals will be performing/providing music at the Formal Assemblies in Week 10, each held in the Warne Auditorium:

Monday, 1 July - Years 7-9 Formal Assembly

• College Strings
• Maddelyn Phillips - Year 12
• Leah Dalrymple - Year 8

Tuesday, 2 July - Years 3-6 Formal Assembly

• Primary Band
• Primary Strings
• Primary Dance (Stage 3)

Wednesday, 3 July - Years 10-12 Formal Assembly

• College Band
• Bailey Hoffman - Year 12
• Year 11 Drama - Video Performance

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

Catch-Up Photo Day - Monday, 1 July

The Catch-Up Photo Day for the College will be held on Monday, 1 July in the Deakin classrooms. This will be the last opportunity for students absent during the College Photo Day to have their individual portraits and sibling photos.

Students are to wear their full College Winter Uniform and adhere to the College Uniform Guidelines found in the Diary or via the document attached. Failure to comply with the College Uniform Guidelines may result in the student not having their photo taken on the day. 

Thank you for your ongoing partnership with this year's Photo Day.

Mr Alex Hitchins
Development Manager

WAC Vietnam Service Trip

With less than a week until we fly out, the team headed to Vietnam on the Service Trip would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our fundraising activities so far.

The Cans for a Cause initiative is on track to raise over $300 to give to the orphanage which we will visit and have a longstanding relationship with.

And, our GoFundMe page for the Build has just hit an inspiring $1000 which will contribute to the cost of materials. If you would like to contribute towards this or pass on to anyone, the link is below: 

WAC Vietnam Service Trip - GoFundMe page - https://gofund.me/f5d20a4c

Stay up-to-date on their progress by checking the WAC Socials from 5-9 July.

Mrs Trudy Miller
HSIE Teacher

MISA Dance

On Tuesday, 25 June, our Dance Company students from Years 7-12 performed at the MISA Dance Festival at Campbelltown Catholic Club, The Cube. They represented WAC with an 8-minute dance work called ‘Hollywood Stars’. This item took on the perspective of admiring the Year 12 Dance students who have acted as their role models over the years and were performing at their last MISA Dance Festival, which they are to be congratulated.

The dance work included a range of popular and sentimental songs that inspired choreography taught by Miss Valente and some of the Year 12 Dance Leaders, particularly Sienna Lopez and Natalie Watts who recreated their very own Year 7 Duo for the whole Ensemble in part of the item. I was extremely proud of all the Dance Company students at the festival for their amazing commitment to complex choreography, dance technique and outstanding performance quality. Their efforts truly captivated the audience and invited them along to the glamorous red carpet experience.

Additionally, we had Eloise Turkington open the event with the Dancer’s Prayer as well as Natalie Watts engage in the MISA Dance photoshoot and they both did a great job.

I would also like to thank all of the parents, siblings, friends and Alumni who came to support the Dance Company students at our favourite Dance event of the year. We really appreciate it.

The students are to be commended on their hard work over the last semester in anticipation of this event which led to a successful and entertaining performance.

Miss Kara Valente
Dance Teacher & PDHPE Teacher

Year 11 Engineering Studies

Year 11 Engineering Studies

During the term, students in Year 11 Engineering Studies have been working their way through the Engineering Products unit. A key part of the Communication element of this unit is to provide the students with some knowledge of Computer Aided Design (CAD). Thus, students were given a crash course in Autodesk’s Fusion 360 design software (one could spend a lifetime mastering this particular software). As their summative assessment for this part of the unit, students were required to draw a one-to-one replica of a Lego model which was unique to them and contained a number of the more complicated features to draw using Fusion 360. Once complete, their models were then sliced, 3D printed and checked against the Lego model. Many of the students were highly engaged in the task and as a result, completed some very accurate models as can be seen in the images below.

Well done future Engineers!

Dr Shane Smiltnieks
TAS Teacher

Years 9 & 10 PPEP Talk

This week, our female students in Years 9 and 10 participated in the PPEP talk which was a fun, medically accurate and age-appropriate information session incorporating the modern neuroscience of pain, of benefit to all students, particularly the one in four girls with severe period pain.

Approximately half of these girls will develop endometriosis during their teens and twenties.

The Periods, Pain and Endometriosis (PPEP Talk®) Program is an initiative of the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia (PPFA), funded by the Federal Government Department of Health with support from State and Territory Governments.

The Talk plays a critical role in informing and educating students to recognise and identify whether their pain is normal, how all the different symptoms fit together, simple ways to reduce their pain and how to look for further help if the pain is severe. This allows students to fulfil their true potential, without the burden of pain. Students who do not have pain will be better prepared for pain conditions that they may develop in the future.

What a great opportunity to learn.

Mrs Christine Mozejko
Secondary Teacher
Leader of Care and Culture (Stage 5)

Years 9 & 10 - Boys ReKnighted Presentation

This week, our male students in Years 9 and 10 got to participate in an interactive presentation called ReKnighted which looked at the journey to becoming a man of honour. The boys showed outstanding engagement and maturity in the session. They developed skills and compassion - strengthening connections in their cohort and their individual capacity as well. 

Mrs Christine Mozejko
Secondary Teacher
Leader of Care and Culture (Stage 5)

Year 12 Formal Fundraiser

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.

What do you think about when you hear the word 'glory'? I'm a dedicated St George Illawarra Dragons fan, so for me, when I hear the word glory, I immediately go to 2010, the last time the Dragons won the Premiership. I remember it like it was yesterday. The feeling of emotional jubilation. What about you? What comes to mind?

In devotions we've been looking at 1 John, the passage this morning was, 1 John 3:2: "But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is"

John contends that when Jesus returns, those who trust in him will become like him. Jesus is described as returning in glory and power (Matthew 24:30). Part of our Learner Disposition this term, Resourcefulness, is imagining. I can only imagine what it will be like to experience the fullness of the glory of the Lord Jesus face-to-face. I know it will be remarkable, magnificent and beautiful. But I don't know exactly what it will be like. I do know that as good as all the glorious things in this world are, teams winning Premierships and moments of high renown or honour; they pale in comparison to the glory awaiting those who trust in Jesus when we meet him face-to-face.

The Bible describes Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End and the Author and Sustainer of all creation. Anything that is glorious in this world is a shadow of the all-encompassing glory emanating from the fountain of life, Jesus. And amazingly, he delights in sharing His glory with those who would trust Him as Lord. Now that glory is something I think that's worth imagining. What about you?

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

P&F Meeting - Wednesday, 3 July

Please join us for our P&F Meeting on Wednesday, 3 July at 6.30 pm in the Deakin Administration Building. All are welcome!

I look forward to seeing you there!

Mr Brandon Cooper
P&F President

Secondary Book Review Competition

Our Book Review Competition for Book Week 2024 is open!

How to Enter
Search on the Library Catalogue for a book you have read and click on the ‘Write a Review’ section. Write your Review on Oliver between now and 15 September to have a chance to WIN!

Contact j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au with questions.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Interschool Equestrian Upcoming Events

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

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.

In College Guitar Tuition

Positions are available for Guitar Tuition at Wollondilly Anglican College. Classical/Acoustic/Electric Guitar and Bass Guitar.

Dan Wilms has been teaching guitar for over 25 years throughout Canberra, the Southern Highlands and Wollondilly. Dan has also worked with many bands in these local areas and has years of experience performing both on the Guitar and Bass Guitar. 

Dan teaches to inspire and nurture a lifelong relationship with music. He has also coordinated and mentored many local youths into bands and ensembles that are now successful professionals in the music industry. Dan tailors lessons to each individual, drawing upon the student’s interests. Lessons include a mixture of informal and formal graded material.

Enquire Now to start your Guitar or Bass Guitar Journey.

https://www.wac.nsw.edu.au/college-life/creative-arts-co-curricular/music-tuition/

Wollondilly Community Band

Little Elves Vacation Care Program - July

U-Turn The Wheel Parent Session - Saturday, 6 July

Are you supervising a Learner Driver?

Join us for a FREE information session to learn about legal updates for learner drivers & hear some tips regarding the RMS driving test. This information follows on from what your children learned at the U-Turn the Wheel program recently.

Afternoon tea will be served.

Saturday, 6 July 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm.

Book via the link below:

https://www.trybooking.com/CSIKL

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