Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 4 - Friday, 23 August 2024

From The Headmaster

As we progress through the second half of the College year, it's a perfect time for our students and families to pause and reflect on their learning journey so far. I firmly believe that every child has the potential to improve, no matter where they are in their studies. By taking responsibility for their learning and putting in consistent effort, they can make meaningful progress.

One easy way to boost academic growth is through wide reading. I say easy because anyone can do this. However, I also recognise that developing any worthwhile habit requires commitment and effort (not so easy). Let me encourage our students by saying that reading can be great fun, but not only that! It's a powerful tool that can broaden one's vocabulary, enhance one's understanding, and sharpen one's critical thinking skills. Whether it’s a novel, a biography, or an informative article, the habit of reading can make a significant difference in every student's learning experience.

If reading has not been the habit of your children, let's take this opportunity to build strong learning habits in our children and teach them to strive for personal excellence. Every step they take towards improvement in this area is a step towards success. Just ten minutes of reading a day is over an hour per week of literacy practice and this would be a great start for many. Thirty minutes per day adds up to over 180 hours of reading in a year; imagine how much of a head start your child would have with that kind of commitment. 

This week, our youngest students will enjoy the Book Fair which is a great celebration of this gift of reading.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

WAC Country Fair - Saturday, 14 September

The WAC Country Fair will be held on Saturday, 14 September from 10.00 am and will be another great day of family fun!

Key attractions this year include:

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

Unlimited Rides Wristband!

Included Rides:

• Dodgem Cars
• Tea Cups
• Gladiator Duel
• Soccer Shoot Out
• Giant Slide
• Sizzler
• Round Up
• Super Hero
• Wind Jammer
• Tiki Island Inflatable
• Children's Chair-O-Plane
• Camel and Pony Rides
• Animal Farmyard
• Big Balls Wipeout
• Mega Obstacle Course
  

Wristbands are to be collected from 9.00 am under the Shoulder-to-Shoulder Shelter at the rides tent on the day.

Want to help?

With the Country Fair continuing to expand each year, we rely on College parent/carer volunteers to help run our biggest fundraiser of the year. If you can give up even an hour of your time, we would greatly appreciate your help.

Term 3 Learner Dispositions

The Power of Imitation in Developing Relational Learner Dispositions
Imitation is a fundamental human behaviour that plays a pivotal role in learning. From early childhood, we observe and mimic the actions, speech, and emotions of those around us. This natural tendency to imitate serves as a powerful tool in developing relational dispositions, as it enables students to internalise and adopt the social and emotional skills they witness in their peers, teachers and mentors.

The Role of Imitation in Learning
Imitation is more than mere copying; it's a sophisticated cognitive process that helps students learn complex social behaviours and emotional responses. When students observe kindness, empathy, collaboration, and respect in others, they are more likely to replicate these behaviours in their own interactions. This modelling process helps embed positive relational dispositions, such as active listening, empathy, and cooperation, into their everyday behaviour.

To harness the power of imitation effectively, it is essential to create an environment where positive behaviours are consistently modelled. Teachers and College leaders play a crucial role in this process. By demonstrating respect, patience and understanding in their interactions with students and colleagues, educators set a standard for relational behaviour that students can emulate.

Moreover, encouraging students to recognise and appreciate positive behaviours in their peers can reinforce this culture of imitation. Celebrating acts of kindness, teamwork and effective communication in the classroom can inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that enhances the overall school culture.

While imitation is a powerful tool, it’s important to guide students in reflective imitation. Encourage them to think critically about the behaviours they observe and choose to imitate. Discussions about why certain behaviours are valuable and how they contribute to a positive learning environment can deepen students’ understanding and commitment to relational dispositions.

By creating an environment where positive behaviours are consistently modelled and celebrated, educators can guide students in adopting these behaviours, ultimately fostering a College culture rooted in respect, empathy and collaboration.

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 - 3450
2. Acacia - 3126
3. Sollya - 3040
4. Telopea - 3013
5. Wollemi - 2986

SRC House Competitions:

• Week 1 - Sollya defeated Grevillea 2-1

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Secondary News

FREE HSC Study Sessions
From Monday, 30 September to Friday, 4 October 2024, Western Sydney University will be hosting a range of online study sessions to assist students in Year 12 in their preparations for the HSC.

Delivered by highly qualified senior teachers with 24 free sessions across 15 key HSC subject areas, the sessions will include content analysis, tips and strategies and a detailed exploration of key syllabus and curriculum areas.

Students also have the opportunity to sit a practice exam and deconstruction, with feedback and advice from experts. The HSC Study Sessions are offered in partnership with leading education services provider InspirationED, with their team of highly qualified HSC teachers and experienced markers to deliver the sessions.

To register please click here to submit the online registration form.

NESA HSC Exam Assistants
Are you interested in being employed and paid during the HSC period to supervise exams? Are you available from Tuesday, 15 October until Friday, 8 November? Please get in touch with the NESA Presiding Officer - Mrs Sam Norman on 0421644 669 for more details and to discuss eligibility.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Term 3 Family Chapel - Years 10-12 - 5 September

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

Term 3 Prayer Breakfast -31 August

Amongst the busyness 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!

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

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

Learning Support Volunteers

From time to time, the College requires volunteers to assist students with diverse learning requirements. Some of these times can include additional support with reading, writing or general medical support in examinations, including for the HSC. 

If you are available, or have further questions about being a support person for many of our students, as the needs arise, please email me at s.mcintosh@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mr Stuart McIntosh
Advanced Learning & Learning Support Coordinator T-12

College Working Bee

I am writing on behalf of the College Prefects to encourage students and parents to join the staff and the College Student Leaders at the Term 3 Working Bee. This event will take place on Saturday, 31 August from 8.00 am - 1.00 pm. This year the organisation of the Working Bee will be in Zones based on House Groups. 

As students of the College, we would like to promote this as an opportunity for service and community building. Your contributions can make a real and positive impact on the lives of others and your environment. Serving others helps you develop personally, by serving, you can inspire and motivate others to get involved and contribute positively. The Student Leaders at the College want to set an example in this area and would like to see as many students, staff and parents attend this event. It would be greatly appreciated if you could spare an hour of your day to serve at this event. All students who attend will be issued with a Community Service Merit. This year we will be adding additional House Points to the House of students, staff and parents that attend, these will accrue to the Overall House Shield. 

The College has reduced the number of Working Bees from four per year to two per year. With this in mind, it would be great to see our community prioritise the opportunities to build community and serve.

Please note, we only have a limited supply of tools and equipment, therefore it is important that you bring your own gardening tools, blowers, gloves and anything else you think might help on the day. Mr Warland, the College Property Manager will be onsite to assist students and parents if you have questions.

Eve Jones
College Community Service Prefect

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 do you think about when you hear the word 'imitate'? Are there people in your life who you imitate, are there people in your life that you've learned from in order to grow? All of us to some degree imitate others. I have two young boys, Elijah (4) and Theodore (2). It's remarkable to see the way that Theo imitates his brother. He learnt how to ride a balance bike much faster than Elijah did. Why? Because he saw Elijah riding his bike and imitated him. 

I think we naturally want to imitate someone who we respect and who we look up to. However, I think as we consider this, it also should cause us to stop and ask the question, are we someone worth imitating? Are we using our influence in a way that is beneficial for those around us?

In 2 John 1:9, John encourages us to be people who are influenced by God. The biblical story paints a picture of an all-powerful God who delights in influencing us. When we ask God to help us, when we bring ourselves humbly before Him, He promises to use His influence in our lives, to help us grow to be more like Him. The more I'm influenced by Jesus, the more I become a better influence to those around me. I don't know about you, but to me, Jesus is someone worth imitating.

What about you? 

2 John 1:9 whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

P&F Transition Fundraiser - Opens 9 September

Jacqueline Harvey Author Visit - Thursday, 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

Interschool Equestrian Upcoming Events

WAC P&F Golf Day - Friday, 1 November

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.

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.

Current Specials!! All Summer items 10% off for the remainder of Term 3 (excluding new items).

Please note, the Clothing Pool will be open for COUNTRY FAIR all day where we will offer 10% off EVERYTHING!!

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! Volunteering for 45 minutes just 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

Camden Park House & Garden Spring Open Weekend

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

Cedar Creek Orchard Jobs

Cedar Creek Orchard in Thirlmere is looking for casual workers this Summer during their picking and packing season, this would suit motivated and proactive Senior students after finishing for the year. You will work as a casual along-side trained staff and need to be diligent with a good attitude towards physical work outside in the Orchard. There are options for both weekday and some weekend work, weekend workers will need to have good customer service skills and able to work both independently and in a team environment. Perfect for the Summer break before starting university. There is also potential for longer-term casual employment for the right people. For more information please call 4681 8457, or to apply, it is best to visit the Orchard to fill in an application form.