Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 1 - Friday, 2 August 2024

Welcome to Term 3

Welcome back to another great term of learning.

We are encouraging our Year 12 students to persevere during this final term before their HSC examinations in October. On Wednesday evening at the HSC Showcase event, it was thrilling to see the performances in dance, drama and music and see the excellent work created in Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Industrial Technology Furnishings, Multimedia and Textiles & Design. I must also mention the delicious banquet of tasty treats produced by our Year 12 Hospitality students for everyone to enjoy.

Term 3 is a great opportunity for all students to embrace their learning every day. God has equipped us with an intellect and a desire to learn and we can develop this as we strive to give our best in every endeavour. 

I encourage you, as you continue your learning journey at the College, to take advantage of every opportunity and use the gifts God has given you.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

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From the Deputy Headmaster

Safe Storage of Medication
At the start of a new term, it is a good reminder that any medication students need at the College must be managed by Nurse Sally and Nurse Emma. NSW Health provides guidelines for storing, managing and administering medication and the College follows these guidelines strictly. We also encourage parents to carefully consider how they store and administer medication in the home environment and the access that children may have to this medication. NSW Health, along with the Sydney Children's Hospital Network provides some useful guidance for parents in managing medication at home. 
https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/kids-health-hub/child-safety-and-injury-prevention/medication-safety-kids

Year 12 Trials
I would like to wish Year 12 all the best for the Trial Examinations commencing next week. These are an important opportunity to refine examination technique and practice, in many cases, a three-hour exam. I would strongly encourage students to prioritise their time during the examination period. For many subjects, these examinations form a significant part of the overall assessment mark and rank. 

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Teaching and Learning 7-12

Welcome to Term 3 and another busy semester for students at the College. We trust that you had a relaxing break and are ready for Semester 2.

Champ Camp – Year 12

It was wonderful to see so many of our Year 12 students at the College over the holiday break working on Major Works, getting extra tips for essay writing and receiving assistance with their learning in general. Many of our Year 12 teachers gave up their time to assist the students. We hope that the students found the time productive and were able to build on their learning.

Year 12 Showcase Evening

It was wonderful to celebrate the range of Major Works with Year 12 on Wednesday, 31 July. We saw performances in Music, Dance, Drama as well as Major Practical Works from Industrial Technology, Design and Technology, Textiles and Design, Visual Arts and everyone enjoyed a range of delicious food made by Year 12 Hospitality. While these works are not yet due to NESA – it was great to see them progress over the last few terms  and many are near completition

Year 12 HSC Exams

Year 12 begin their trial examinations on Monday, 5 August, and these exams are to be held at the Tahmoor Baptist Centre. Please be praying for our Year 12 students as they undergo these. A reminder that students do not need to be at the College during the examinations.

Year 9 Elevate – Study Skills Session

Year 9 students will undertake a study skills and time management session facilitated by ‘Elevate Education’. This will be held during the College Day on Wednesday, 14 August. We hope that Year 9 students will utilise some of these skills to improve their learning at the College and at home.

Year 7-10 Parent-Teacher Interviews

Interviews to discuss your child’s progress are coming up on Wednesday, 21 August & Thursday, 29 August. Please check your emails as booking codes will be sent out early next week. 

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching and Learning 7-12

We're Hiring for 2024 & 2025!

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

2025 Roles:

• HSIE Teacher 7-12
  
• Mathematics Teacher 7-12
  

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

Term 3 Learner Dispositions

Why Developing Relational Learner Dispositions is Crucial for Success

The Relational Learner Dispositions play a pivotal role in shaping successful, well-rounded individuals who can thrive both personally and professionally.

Imitation is the first step in learning. By observing and mimicking others, learners can acquire new skills and behaviours, laying the foundation for deeper understanding and mastery. This approach is particularly effective in fields that require hands-on learning, such as trades, arts, and even certain scientific practices.

Interdependence emphasises the value of relying on and supporting one another. In a world where teamwork is essential, understanding that success often depends on collective effort rather than individual endeavour is key. This disposition fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility, which is vital in both academic settings and the workplace.

Empathy and listening go hand in hand in creating effective communication and understanding. Empathy allows individuals to put themselves in others’ shoes, fostering compassion and better interpersonal relationships. When combined with active listening, it ensures that interactions are meaningful and that all voices are heard, reducing conflicts and enhancing collaboration.

Collaboration, the cornerstone of modern education and professional environments, is where these dispositions converge. Working together effectively requires the ability to imitate best practices, rely on others, understand different perspectives, and communicate clearly. By developing strong collaboration skills, learners are better equipped to tackle complex problems, innovate and drive positive change.

In conclusion, nurturing Relational Learner Dispositions is essential for creating individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of contributing positively to society. These dispositions prepare learners to navigate and succeed in a world that increasingly values teamwork, empathy and effective communication. As educators, parents, and community leaders, it is our responsibility to cultivate these qualities, ensuring a brighter future for all.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Primary News

Welcome to Term 3 in Primary
I trust everyone had a good break. It has been lovely to see the students back at the College again.

Reports
Over the holidays the Primary reports were uploaded to Edumate. Our Parent-Teacher Interviews are held in Term 1 to enable us to meet parents and discuss any concerns early rather than later. We do not have further formal Parent-Teacher Interviews, however, parents are encouraged to contact class teachers for a meeting or a phone call to discuss anything that may concern them from their child's report. Teachers will have contacted parents of students they are most concerned about, however, it is always good to talk.

NAPLAN Years 3&5
NAPLAN results have been sent out through Australia Post and have also been uploaded. In all areas, the College results have been above the national average, with many students at Strong to Exceeding levels. We are happy with the results for our students, there is always room for growth. Teachers in Primary have looked through these results to determine areas for improvement across the board, as well as for individual students. NAPLAN is a single testing tool so we will use the results from this, as well as other assessments, to determine how students are progressing. Should you have questions or concerns regarding your child's results, please contact the class teacher.

Ms Jacqui Huxtable
Director of Teaching and Learning T-6

WAC Vietnam Service Trip

It’s always a unique and rewarding opportunity when we have the chance to serve others and experience a world different to our own. This is exactly what 27 students from Years 11 and 12 did in the recent holiday break from 4-13 July.

Our trip started by experiencing some local food and markets in Ho Chi Minh City, followed by a trip to the Mekong Delta where our service element was focused. This saw the group work as a team to build a house in the following three days. This involved, mixing concrete and cement, laying bricks, pouring concrete, weaving panels for the roof and preparing formwork amongst many other things. The students battled the 35-degree heat to work as a team towards this monumental goal.

In their reflections, the students expressed how surprised they were that they could accomplish so much when they worked together and pushed themselves beyond where they thought their limits were. They also all expressed the reward of working hard to help someone else in need – a family of four who didn’t have a place to call home and who had experienced some significant health battles which prevented them from being able to afford a home. We had the privilege of engaging with the family and the local community throughout the build days, including the many smiles and Xin chào’s (hello) on our bike rides to and from the building site. The students walked away from this build with a tremendous sense of accomplishment, teamwork, resilience, resourcefulness and memories to name a few.

Following the build, we had the opportunity to experience some of the local history and culture of Vietnam. This included visiting the War Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels, visiting an orphanage and playing with the children, doing a cooking class, snorkelling and exploring the beautiful old town of Hoi An. The students represented the College fantastically throughout the trip and I am personally so proud that such a significant number of students took up this service-based opportunity (25% of Year 11/12 went on the trip).

I would like to say a very big thank you to the staff who joined us: Mrs Miller, Mrs Bawden and the Boomerang Team with Rocky and Ellyn. I would also like to thank the College community who contributed generously to the build with your GoFundMe donations ($1250 raised) and the staff and students who helped raise money for the orphanage by selling cans (over $350).

Mr Tim van Netten
English Teacher/Leader of Care & Culture Stage 6

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Performing Arts News

As we kick off Term 3, the schedule of Performing Arts rehearsals continues to change. Mr Hopkins has provided some detailed information in an article on our Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 Choirs. All other Ensembles and Groups continue to rehearse at the same time and location as last term. Please see our schedules for both Primary and Secondary Groups.

AMEB News
Harrison Dwyer of Year 4 receives Music Tuition with Ms Jillian Bridge here at the College. It was fantastic to hear that he achieved an A- honours in his AMEB Grade 1 Violin Exam. Congratulations to Harrison! 

WAC Country Fair
One of the Performing Arts major performance opportunities at the College is at the annual Country Fair. A schedule of performances will be advertised soon, stating which groups will perform and when they will perform on the day. Save the date: Saturday, 14 September, 2024.

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

2024 Non-Government School Census Collection

The Australian Government Department of Education would like to advise all staff, parents and guardians that they will collect certain information about the College, its staff and student body as part of the 2024 Non-Government School Census collection (the Census).

Please see the below document outlining the details and what will be collected.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Mrs Madilyn Shelley
Enrolments Officer

Term 3 Secondary PE Lessons

Due to timetable changes, there is an updated schedule for PE lessons this term. Students are to wear their Sports Uniform to the College on their designated days. Students who do an elective course, Physical Activity and Sports Studies (Year 9 and Year 10) or Sports, Lifestyle and Recreation (Year 11 and Year 12) are required to bring their sports uniform to the College to get changed. Students have been informed via email, Edumate Broadcasts and their classroom teacher. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the classroom teacher or Mr Josh Hewitt (Leader of Learning PDHPE).

A reminder that students require their sports hat for each PE/practical lesson and must have sports shoes, not flat-soled casual shoes (e.g. Nike Airforce). 

If there is a reason why students cannot participate in PE/practical lessons, a note is to be written in the student diary.

Mr Josh Hewitt
PDHPE Coordinator

K-2 Choir

As communicated previously, we have split the T-2 Choir into two groups to accommodate the large number of interested students and to provide more opportunities for participation.

The new structure is as follows:

1. Early Stage 1 Choir: Open to Kindergarten students and select Transition students, led by Mrs Craig and Mrs Buckley in White Cottage. Kindergarten students will be walked to the rehearsal. 
2. Stage 1 Choir: Open to Year 1 and Year 2 students, led by Mrs Waters and Mrs Manning. Mrs Williams will take over from Mrs Waters when she goes on maternity leave. The rehearsal will occur In the Elizabeth building.

Both Choir groups will be running during Break 1 on Mondays.

Although the groups rehearse separately, they will learn the same performance items. This approach allows them to come together and perform as a unified T-2 Choir for special events and presentations.

Transition students will begin joining the Early Stage 1 Choir rehearsals starting next week. This staggered start was implemented to allow our Transition students to settle into their first week back this term before introducing them to Choir activities. We believe this approach will help our youngest singers integrate smoothly and have the best possible experience.

As a reminder, participation in either Choir involves a commitment to these weekly rehearsals and potential performances outside of regular College hours. This commitment helps foster discipline, teamwork and responsibility in our young singers.

If you have any questions about these changes or if your child is interested in joining one of the choirs, please contact me at d.hopkins@wac.nsw.edu.au.

Mr David Hopkins
Primary Teacher

RFS Cadets

In the last week of the College Holidays, 14 students from Years 9-10 participated in the Rural Fire Services Cadets program. The program ran over four days and engaged students in a range of theory and practical exercises. It was fantastic to see students involved in this program. The RFS vitally serves our community and partnering with them to see students develop their skills and knowledge in these areas was exciting to see.

The students will be involved in a practical demonstration and Graduation Ceremony for the program later this term.

The following was feedback provided by students that took place in the program.

Noah Bawden Year 9 - It was interesting to learn about how fires happen and the different types of fires. The practical sessions were really fun and enjoyable.

Brad Summerson Year 9 - I really enjoyed both the theory and practical activities. It was great to meet the team from the RFS, learn about the behaviour of fires and the different climates that fires can develop from.

Kellie Gibbons Year 10 - I really enjoyed the program, particularly the visits to the fire stations as well as learning specific skills like how to roll hoses and use different equipment on the fire trucks

Amelia Wellington Year 9 - The program was really good. We learnt about the behaviour of fires, specific firefighting skills and how to use a fire extinguisher. It was enjoyable completing the practical activities in the program and learning more about how to use the equipment in firefighting.

Students currently in Years 8 and 9 will be surveyed later in the year regarding expression of interest in the program in 2025.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Year 10 Work Experience

During the break, a significant number of students in Year 10 elected to undertake work experience. The goal of this experience was to gain insights into fields of potential future employment, experience a range of new skills and challenges and see what it’s like to work in a full-time job. Students chose and applied to work experience locations of their own choosing, building great connections in the community.

Here is a brief snapshot of the feedback from students who went out:

Things learnt:

• Working in a day-care is difficult, waking up and working all day is exhausting, the job was rewarding
• Patience, teamwork and listening skills
• What a healthy work environment is like and the normal workload required for a job.

Challenges faced:

• Waking up early – overcame by getting into a routine
• Dealing with challenging customers – overcame by being kind back
• Doing a lot of chore-type work – overcame by working on patience

Favourite aspects:

• Forming relationships with new people
• Working with animals and helping them
• Talking with a range of people and learning what the job is like

Changed perspectives:

• I thought it was an easy job but I didn’t realise how much responsibility there was
• I realised how tiring it is to work with kids all day
• I understood how hard some people work to make a difference in the local community
• I learned how working on something you enjoy can make all the difference
• It confirmed my dream of becoming a nurse

Tim van Netten
Leader of Care & Culture - Stage 6/Secondary English Teacher

From the College Chaplain

The College Learner Disposition focus for Term 3 is Relational. 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.

Relationships are a two-way street. Successful relationships are formed when both people are willing to actively work on their relationship, enabling it to grow. 

This term in staff devotions, we're looking at 1 John. The author of the letter, John, encourages those to whom he is writing to to be people who pursue living in a community that enables relationships to flourish. The key to this happening, John contends, is that they first have an active relationship with God. This foundation, according to John, is the key to enabling our relationships with one another to flourish. This is why John says in 1 John 4:11, "Beloved if God has so loved us, we also ought to love one another"

Our relationships with one another should be grounded in love. But not just any type of love, a love that is from God. This type of love is selfless; it seeks the good of another even if it costs us. It's a sacrificial love and it's a love that God demonstrates to us through Jesus. 

Relationships are a two-way street. But you know what, that to me just highlights the beauty of the Gospel. because in the Gospel God reaches out to us first, through Jesus. But as relationships are a two-way street it's important to think about what our response to God will be. How about you, how are you going to respond to the most remarkable act of love in human history, God reaching out to us through the Lord Jesus?

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

Student Success - Emily Cahill

Congratulations to Emily Cahill of Year 10 who recently took out 1st place in the NSW Metro Super Series in the Senior Performance Light class!

Emily races in the NSW division and is a part of the Action Kart Shop Race Team. Emily raced in a 3-round Tri-Series called the Metro Cup which was held in Canberra, Lithgow and Eastern Creek. The Cup was measured on a points-based system where she had numerous round wins in her division and was not only the only girl to win a division but the only girl to get on the podium out of eight divisions!

Well done Emily.

Term 3 Family Chapel - Years 10-12

Our final Family Chapel of the year will be for Years 10-12 and their families. The evening will begin at 6.00 pm on Thursday, 5 September in the Warne Auditorium. 

Dinner will be available from 5.15 pm. Dinner must be pre-ordered through the Trybooking link below. 

https://www.trybooking.com/CTZEK

We will gather together to hear students' 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 Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

Library News

Book Week Parade 2024 Years T-2
The Book Week Parade will be in Week 4, Friday, 23 August 1.15 pm under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter.  The parade is for students in T3, Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2.  

Students are to dress as a book character and can come to the College in their costumes. Please make sure students have warm, practical clothing that they can play in all day. College Sports shoes are to be worn and hair and jewellery need to be in line with the usual College Uniform Expectations. Please be aware that onesies have been found to be very hot to wear all day.

Parents are invited to the parade starting at 1.15 pm. Please remain in the Shelter before and during the Parade. Break 2 ends at 12.55 pm, so there is plenty of time to find a seat after the Break 2 bell. Parents are asked not to disturb students during the break.

Afternoon dismissal will be at the usual location. Parents should communicate in the College Diary if normal pick-up plans have changed for that day. 

We are looking forward to an engaging afternoon celebrating the benefits of reading!

Premier’s Reading Challenge
The Premier’s Reading Challenge ends on 23 August. Students are encouraged to complete their Reading Logs to ensure they receive their award.

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!

Primary Book Week Competitions will take place during Library Lessons during Term 3.

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 Country Fair - Saturday, 14 September

Save the Date!

The WAC Country Fair will be held on Saturday, 14 September and will be another great day of family fun!

Key attractions this year include:

• Pig Racing
• Flyball Competition
• Carnival Rides
• Woodchopping
• Pony and Camels
• Medieval Knights Display
• Market Stalls
• Much much more!

WAC P&F Golf Day - Friday, 1 November

College Sponsors

Community News

Tahmoor District Cricket Club Junior Season

Cubing in the Dilly - Speed Cube Australia Competition

Speed Cube Australia will be hosting a competition at the College on Saturday, 31 August in the Warne Auditorium. Competition registration is now open and filling fast!

Events:

• 2x2
• 3x3
• Clock
• Pyraminx
• Skewb

Please contact Bill at b.norman@wac.nsw.edu.au for more information.

Click here to register

Local Government Week

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/

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