Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 2 - Friday, 9 August 2024

Teaching and Learning 7-12

Year 9 Elevate – Study Skills Session
Students in Year 9 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 the students involved will utilise some of these skills to improve their learning at the College and at home.

Parent-Teacher Interviews Years 7-10
Interviews to discuss your child’s progress are coming up on Wednesday, 21 August & Thursday, 29 August. Please check your emails as booking codes have been sent out.

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

Developing Relational Learner Dispositions: A Lesson from Romans 5:8
At Wollondilly Anglican College, we aim to cultivate not only the intellectual capacities of our students but also their emotional and relational growth. Mr Lobb, Coordinator of Outdoor Ministry Opportunities provided Secondary students with a message this week that focused on Romans 5:8. This message offered some insights into the importance of relationships and selfless love, which can serve as a cornerstone for developing relational learner dispositions in our students.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, NIV)

This verse illustrates the essence of unconditional love and grace, highlighting the depth of God's commitment to humanity despite our imperfections. By reflecting on this scripture, we can draw valuable lessons about fostering a nurturing and empathetic community within our College.

The Importance of Relational Learner Dispositions
Relational Learner Dispositions refer to the attitudes and behaviours that support positive interactions, collaboration, and empathy among students. These dispositions are crucial for creating a supportive learning environment where students feel valued and connected. Developing these dispositions involves teaching students to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, communicate effectively, and build strong, respectful relationships.

Unconditional Love and Acceptance
Romans 5:8 teaches us about the power of unconditional love and acceptance. In an educational context, this means creating an atmosphere where students feel safe and accepted, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities. When students experience this kind of love and acceptance, they are more likely to develop the confidence and trust needed to engage deeply with their peers and teachers.

Empathy and Understanding
The sacrificial love demonstrated by Christ encourages us to put others' needs before our own. By teaching students to practice empathy and understanding, we help them become more compassionate individuals. Encouraging activities that promote active listening and open-mindedness can help students appreciate their classmates' experiences and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious College community.

Collaboration and Teamwork
Christ's sacrifice was a collective act of love for humanity, emphasising the importance of unity and working together for the greater good. In the classroom, this translates to encouraging teamwork and collaboration. Group projects, peer tutoring, and cooperative learning activities can help students develop skills in working together, resolving conflicts, and supporting one another.

Forgiveness and Grace
Just as Christ's sacrifice offers forgiveness and grace, we should encourage students to practice forgiveness and grace in their interactions. Teaching students to forgive mistakes and learn from them promotes a growth mindset and resilience. This approach helps students understand that errors are a natural part of learning and that they can grow stronger through their experiences.

Conclusion
Romans 5:8 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of love, empathy, and selflessness in our relationships. By integrating these principles into our educational practices, we can help students develop relational learner dispositions that will benefit them throughout their lives. As we strive to create a supportive and compassionate College community, let us remember the profound impact of Christ's love and emulate it in our interactions with one another.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Overall House Shield

The Overall House Shield recognises all students' contributions 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 - 3365
2. Acacia - 3032
3. Sollya - 2952
4. Telopea - 2924
5. Wollemi - 2887

The SRC House Competitions that will run this Term are -

• Volleyball - Secondary
• Soccer - Primary

Competitions will commence Friday, 16 August during Break Times.

Congratulations to:

• Telopea - Mission Fundraising Champions
• Wollemi - Athletics Champions

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Performing Arts News

Just another general reminder of the schedule of Performing Arts rehearsals for this term. Mr Hopkins has provided some detailed information in last week’s 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.

Years 5-8 HICES Music Festival 2024
Commencing this Sunday, 11 August, four students from Wollondilly have been selected to attend the upcoming HICES Music Festival:

• Annabel Williams (Year 8) has been selected to play Violin in the String Orchestra
• Harry Goldring (Year 7) has been selected to play Trombone in the Symphonic Winds
• Annalise Manning (Year 8) has been selected to play Percussion in the Symphonic Winds
• Torin Ford-McGuire (Year 6) has been selected to play Clarinet in the Concert Band

We look forward to hearing about their experiences at the festival next week.

Music Tuition
Wollondilly Anglican College offers Music Tuition throughout the College day by several qualified music tutors offering a range of musical instruments and styles. All of the lessons at the College are run in our Music Tuition rooms in Melba Cottage (or in some circumstances, in other rooms).

If you are interested in our Music Tuition program, I’d encourage you to visit our dedicated webpage on the College website - https://www.wac.nsw.edu.au/college-life/creative-arts-co-curricular/music-tuition/

We have a range of information including our dedicated music peripatetic tutors, the age ranges they cater for, the instruments they are available to teach and the respective application forms. 

Please note that there are currently waitlists for some of our tutors.

If you have any specific questions about this program, please feel free to email me at l.grant@wac.nsw.edu.au 

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

Functional Fitness Centre

During Semester 1, the PDHPE Faculty has been planning and creating a fitness space for students and staff to provide a range of exercise options to complement learning in Years 7-12 PDHPE, particularly the Stage 5 and Stage 6 Electives. The philosophy behind the fitness space is to provide exercise stations that focus on functional fitness, where equipment and exercises help mimic everyday activities and sports movements that are typically whole-body. With a large amount of financial support from the College P&F, the PDHPE faculty was able to create a Functional Fitness Centre (FFC) in the middle of the Cook building. There are 15 Stations ranging from functional cardio equipment (Rowers, Skiers and Bikes) to strength-based equipment (kettlebells, slam balls and suspension systems). Year 11 Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation, Year 10 PDHPE and Year 8 PDHPE classes will use the FFC to complement their learning of fitness and/or resistance training this term. Functional Fitness has been offered as a Year 9/10 Sports Elective on Tuesday afternoons. Staff have also started using the space on Monday afternoons and Tuesday and Friday mornings.

We would like to thank the College P&F for their generous support by financing the FFC.

Mr Josh Hewitt
PDHPE Coordinator

Dance - Student Success - Leah Dalrymple

In the recent July Holidays, Leah Dalrymple of Year 8 was successfully selected to be a part of the Dream Dance Company Wollongong Creative Team founded by leading Australian Choreographer Marko Panzic.

Leah had the opportunity to engage in six days of dance workshops differing in style, intense technical training with a range of dance choreographers and work on performance works as part of the Senior Team. Leah then got to perform with Dream Dance Creative at NIDA Playhouse and also performed an outstanding solo that she composed herself.

Congratulations Leah on your commitment to Dance and this fantastic achievement!

Miss Kara Valente
Secondary Dance Teacher/Year 10 Patron

Term 3 Prayer Breakfast Invitation

Amongst the business of Term 3, I'd like to extend an opportunity for you to join us as we stop, pause and bring the things on our hearts and minds to God in prayer.

Our Term 3 Prayer Breakfast will be kicking off on Saturday, 31 August. All are welcome to join us from 8.00 am - 8.30 am for some pastries and fruit before we join together in prayer from 8.30 am - 9.00 am. 

I completely understand the busy schedule all of us have on the weekends. There are many competing factors and commitments. Saturday is normally full of community sporting events along with various other activities. However, in this business, taking the time to stop and pause with our great God is incredibly beneficial.

I'd love to see you there!

If you're able to make it please RSVP to m.roberts@wac.nsw.edu.au by Wednesday, 22 August

 “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

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. 

If you're able to make the night please RSVP to m.roberts@wac.nsw.edu.au by Tuesday, 27 August. 

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

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

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.

What comes to mind when you hear the word testimony? Perhaps you immediately think about a testimony in a court of law, where a witness is giving information that they declare to be true.

In the New Testament, the word testimony appears 117 times, 64 times by John (47 in John and 17 in 1 John). John's emphasis on the eyewitness accounts from the early Christians is intended to give the early Christians a level of assurance about who Jesus is. That's why in 1 John 1:2 he says, 

"and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us"

He's reminding them that the most important relationship is their relationship with Jesus and he wants to encourage them that they can have ABSOLUTE confidence about Jesus as a result of the testimony from John and the other Apostles. 

Graham Stanton, author of The Gospels and Jesus adds these contends:

“Today, nearly all historians, whether Christians or not, accept that Jesus existed and that the gospels contain plenty of valuable evidence which has to be weighed and assessed critically.”

The question I want to leave you with is, "How are you going to respond to this evidence"?

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

Jacqueline Harvey Author Visit 5 September

Author, Jacqueline Harvey, will visit Years 3-6 at the College on Thursday, 5 September.  We are excited to have this amazing Australian Author visit to inspire the children to read and write their own stories. Jacqueline is the author of the popular Alice-Miranda, Clementine Rose, Kensy and Max and Willa and Woof series, which have sold almost two million copies in Australia alone. 

Families are able to purchase signed copies of Jacqueline Harvey's books. Orders are made online through Larrikin House and will be delivered to the College ready for Jacqueline's visit.

Please see the instructions below.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

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 P&F Golf Day - Friday, 1 November

College Sponsors

Community News

Tahmoor District Cricket Club Junior Season

Southern Highlands Hockey

Wilton Greens Park Naming and Drawing Competition

Wilton Greens is running a park naming and drawing competition for its flagship local park in the middle of Stage 1. Starting 10.00 am on 23 July 2024 until 5.00 pm on 11 October 2024.

The theme for the artwork is either landscape or heritage relating to the Wollondilly Shire. The artwork must be submitted with a brief statement on the creation and inspiration behind it. The new park will be named after the winning artwork.

Three categories - one winner for each category: Public entry. Open to everyone in the area and surrounding regions, High school students and Primary school students.

Prizes:

• $500 e-gift voucher: for one overall winner (chosen from the three winners).
• $200 e-gift voucher x 2: for two winners from the other two categories.

The winning entries (all categories) will be announced and featured on the Wilton Greens Facebook and Instagram pages on 1 November 2024. T&C apply.

Please fill in your details below and upload the A4 drawing.

https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSc.../viewform...

#wollondilly #parknamingcompetition #wiltongreens #sydneyhomes

Mittagong Junior Disco  

• Date: Saturday, 31 August  
• 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.  

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