Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 8 - Friday, 20 September 2024

From the Headmaster

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our College Captains, Cooper Riddell and Emily Galea, for their exceptional representation of our College and student body throughout the year. The selection process for Prefects and Captains is always a challenging task as we seek to appoint students who embody the core values of leadership that our community holds to.

Cooper and Emily have consistently exemplified the expectations we have for our student leaders. At the Term 3 Secondary Formal Assembly, during the commissioning of our student leaders, we pose significant questions about leadership, emphasising accountability, humility, a servant's heart, and strong character. Our Student Leaders, and especially our Captains, are expected to model these traits as representatives of the College. They are role models, admired by their peers for their kindness, care, respect and unwavering support for all students, as well as their commitment to exemplary behaviour at all times.

This is no small task, yet over the past 12 months, I have observed both Emily and Cooper consistently rising to this challenge. As we prepare to appoint our Student Leaders for 2025, we seek individuals who display this same strength of character and leadership demonstrated throughout their time at the College.

As we welcome our new Prefect team and College Captains as part of our Formal Assembly on Monday it is important to communicate that the composition of each student leadership team can look quite different depending on the nominations received and the information collected throughout the selection process. The students are assigned portfolio areas to lead within and be role models to our students in terms of their commitment to and involvement in their designated portfolio. As a College, we are committed to making these appointments by considering a range of information that ensures the best students for the roles are appointed and the processes to support these appointments honoured.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Term 3 Learner Dispositions

Building Relational Learner Dispositions: A Reflection On Our Journey This Term
As the term draws to a close, we reflect on the journey our students have undertaken in developing their relational learner dispositions. Throughout this series, we’ve explored key qualities that foster positive learning relationships, not only in the classroom but also within the broader College community. These dispositions—interdependence, collaboration, empathy, listening and imitation are essential in shaping students who are not only engaged and effective learners but also thoughtful and considerate individuals.

Interdependence: Learning Together
By focusing on interdependence, emphasising how success in learning is often the result of shared efforts. Our students learned that while independence is important, knowing when and how to rely on others enriches the learning experience. In understanding interdependence, students will grow to appreciate the value of collective problem-solving and the strength that comes from shared perspectives.

Collaboration: Strength in Unity
Collaboration encourages students to work together with a shared purpose. Whether through group projects, peer learning, or joint creative endeavours, students discovered that collaboration requires trust, communication and mutual respect. Working with others fosters critical thinking and opens up new possibilities, helping students realise that together, we can achieve more than we could alone.

Empathy: Understanding and Compassion
Empathy teaches students to put themselves in others' shoes. Through discussions, role-playing and reflection, they learned how empathy deepens connections, builds strong relationships and helps create a supportive environment. By understanding the feelings and perspectives of others, our students are better equipped to navigate conflicts and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate community.

Listening: The Power of Paying Attention
In a fast-paced world, the ability to listen actively is more important than ever. We emphasised listening as a vital skill not only for academic success but also for effective communication in all areas of life. Through mindful listening, students can hone their ability to understand others deeply, respect different viewpoints and respond thoughtfully. Students need to practice and develop this disposition, learning that listening is not just about hearing words but truly understanding the meaning behind them.

Imitation: Learning from Others
Finally, we explored imitation, showing how observing and modelling positive behaviours can be a powerful tool for growth. Students learned to identify role models in both peers and mentors, imitating strategies that lead to success while developing their own unique approaches. Imitation, when used wisely, fosters continuous learning and self-improvement, helping students shape their personal and academic lives.

It is clear that relational learner dispositions are vital not only for individual success but also for creating a positive, respectful and supportive learning environment.  

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Performing Arts News

Country Fair 
Congratulations to the Performing Arts Ensemble and Groups that performed at the Country Fair last weekend under the Shelter on the main stage. 

Our College Band and Primary Band, College Strings, Primary Strings, College Bucketz and String Quartet, Primary Choir (3-6), Stage 1 Choir (1-2), Primary Dance (Stage 3) and Primary Dance (Stage 2), Dance Company, Primary Pom and Secondary Cheer and the Stage 5A Elective Dance class showcased what the College has to offer in the Performing Arts.

We were also fortunate enough to witness a number of solo performances by Brinleigh Grant of Year 1, Noah Post and Raven Barrios of Year 3, Arabella Pryor and Estelle Galea of Year 5, Torin Ford-McGuire and Matilda Metus of Year 6, Job Tindall and Addison Metus of Year 7, Annabel Williams of Year 8, Mikayla Frendo of Year 9, Moriah Tindall, Alyssa Galea and Olivia Smith of Year 10 and Luke Webber of Year 12. 

We were also fortunate to have a few videos supplied by Ms Valente and Mrs Talbot to display on the big screen under the Shelter including a Year 10 Dance and Drama Video from the Book Week Parade and the Year 11 Dance class supplied a video of the class performing. The Year 10 Drama class also created a 100 Years of Hollywood video dedicated to musical theatre. 

Audiences throughout the day were entertained. Congratulations to all students again on their efforts. 

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Talent Quest
Talent Quest auditions occurred earlier this week and Mr Hopkins and I will inform those who are successful in their entries. They will then compete for the Talent Quest trophy - the illustrious ‘Golden Meerkat’.

Formal Assemblies
At the upcoming Term 3 Formal Assemblies, the following groups and soloists will be performing:

Secondary Formal Assembly - Monday, 23 September

• College Strings
• Secondary Cheer
• Annabel Williams Year 8
• Audrey-Rose Darby Year 12

Primary Formal Assembly - Thursday, 26 September

• Primary Pom
• College Bucketz
• Primary Dance (Stage 2)
• Torin Ford-McGuire Year 6

We look forward to these performances.

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

We're Hiring!

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

• Head of Primary Years (Senior Executive - Leadership 4 Position)
  
• Head of Secondary Years (Senior Executive - Leadership 4 Position)
  
• Leader of Care & Culture Stage 5 (Leadership 2 Position)
  
• English Teacher 7-12
  
• HSIE 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

Primary Sports

Winter IPSSO Grand Final Winners - Senior Boys’ Football Team 
Last Wednesday, the WAC Senior Boys’ Football Team competed at the Winter IPSSO finals at Thomas Hassall Anglican College. 

Their Semi-Final match was against All Saints Grammar. The WAC boys began with their trademark intensity, jumping to a fortuitous 1-0 lead with a Will Rodden counterattack.

However, ASG proved to be a slick and skilful side, piling on goalmouth pressure to tip the balance of the game in their favour 2-1. The WAC boys’ realising they had been drawn into a desperate battle of attrition, fought with the dogged ferocity of the Visigothic hordes who sacked Rome in 410 AD. Mr Wayne, a leader of the same archetype as King Alaric, marshalled his men and rallied them to hold formation under an ASG barrage.  A Rodden equaliser buoyed their spirits as a jet-lagged Aston Waters steadied the defensive line. However, disaster and unprecedented defeat loomed as ASG snagged a late goal with five minutes remaining. The WAC side showed their readiness to fight, fight, fight, throwing everything they had in one last attacking heft. With one minute to go, WAC was awarded a free kick just outside the area to the left of the goal. Nicky Laukaitis, knowing that defeat was knocking at the door, took the shot to see it dance fitfully air into the top right-hand corner of the net. 3-3!

The game went into a tense 10-minute extra time period during which WAC was able to blunt the tip of the ASG spearhead and hold them to a draw. Being the first-placed side, the Wombats advanced to the final against Thomas Hassell.  

In contrast to the tooth-and-nail contest vs ASG, the Grand Final against THAC settled to a rather more contained tempo. After a few near-misses from the forward men, Rodden snatched a breakaway goal midway through the first half before Laukaitas and Xavier Thompson bagged goals to establish WAC with an unexpected 3-0 lead in the first half. Mr Wayne was wary; leads can evaporate like WACA’s morning dew in IPSSO football. He steeled his boys mentally by having them focus only on the next ten-minute window, then, the next five, then, the next two. The lead grew with a spectacular Kian Koolman header who, despite doing the work of an Australian Stockhorse in the middle of the field, burst above the pack to land a goal in the back of the net off a well-placed corner. 4-0. Koa Van Althius-Jones came on in the later stages of the second half, charging forward with barn-storming incursions, asking too many questions of an already ailing THAC defence. The full-time whistle arrived unheralded like the imperceptible turning of a season; a halcyon new epoch had dawned upon WAC. The prize that had been so elusive like summer rays in the heart of winter for so many years was theirs. It was Wollondilly’s to enjoy; they had done it. 

Many at WAC believed that this team had significant potential; but when they arrive, some successes can’t be anything but serendipitous. Well done Mr Wayne and the boys of the senior football team; it has been a great year for football at WAC.

Years 4-8 WASP Academy - CRICKET - TERM 4
WASP Academy continues in Term 4 transitioning to cricket training and development sessions run by the professional staff from myPEAC.  https://www.mypeac.com.au/

All boys and girls from Years 4 to 8 are welcome to join. There will be eight sessions on Wednesday afternoons throughout Term 4 for a flat rate of $100 for all eight sessions (working out to $12.50 per session)

Please email sport@wac.nsw.edu.au to register your interest. 

Years T-2 Cricket in Term 4
All students in T-2 will be participating in four weeks of cricket coaching sessions ran by Cricket NSW. 

Parents can register their child using the link below to receive cricket gear such as a hat, ball and tote bag at the conclusion of the program. 

Girls -> https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/register/03f98c

Boys -> https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/register/399975

Term 4 IPSSO - Summer Competition: 
Next few weeks of IPSSO in Term 4 (note switch to Summer competition)

• 16 October - HOME vs Macarthur Anglican School
• 23 October - AWAY vs Oran Park Anglican College
• 30 October - HOME vs Mount Annan Christian College
• 6 November - WAC BYE
• 13 November - HOME vs Broughton Anglican College
• 20 November - SUMMER finals

Mr James Gooden
Secondary English Teacher/Primary Sports Coordinator

Proposed German Speaking Europe Tour 2025

We are excited to announce the resumption of the College tours to German-speaking Europe in 2025.

The proposed dates for the tour are Sunday, 28 September 2025 until Saturday, 18 October 2025 inclusive. We are planning to use GET Tours, who ably facilitated our tours in 2013, 2015, 2017 & 2019.

The tour is open to students in Years 9, 10 and 11 in 2025. First preference will be given to those students who have chosen German as an Elective. However, it is envisaged that some extra spots will be available. These will be open to students who have demonstrated a genuine interest in German and its associated culture.

The tour is scheduled for the College holidays between Terms 3 and 4, as well as the first week of Term 4. We would travel to Germany, Austria, Lichtenstein, Northern Italy and Switzerland. Accommodation would be in Youth Hostels and would include return airfares, flying into Austria and out of Germany. All breakfasts and dinners are included in the price, as well as entry prices to tourist attractions and travel whilst on the tour.

At this point, the price will be $9,300 based on 20 students. A firmer price will be given once airfares have been secured and exact numbers are known.

An Information Evening will be held at the College on Wednesday, 16 October 2024. However, to ascertain its viability, we request that parents pre-register their interests. They can do so by emailing pa@wac.nsw.edu.au by Monday, 14 October 2024. If there is insufficient interest, we will cancel the evening. I look forward to seeing you and your child at the Information Evening.

Remember “Monolingualism is curable. Learn a second language!”

Mrs Carolyn Clark
German Teacher

Year 9 Wedding Cakes

This week, as part of their ‘Food for Special Occasions’ unit, Year 9 were busy baking two-tiered wedding cakes. As part of this experience, they were able to participate in a cake-decorating workshop. Students worked in groups to bring their Naked Wedding Cake designs to life. They learnt how to apply buttercream, tips and tricks for smoothing the edges and how to stack the cake, sandwiching smooth caramel sauce between each layer. What they managed to produce was so impressive!

Miss Emily Bailey
TAS Teacher

Equestrian Results

This week Tahlia O'Reilly, Erin Brown and Charlotte Armstrong are competing at Nationals.

Erin, on her horse Jayem Bliquo, will be representing New South Wales in both Show Horse and Dressage.

Tahlia, on her horse Koora Lyn Rhythm, will be representing New South Wales in Combined Training.

Charlotte, on her horse Hintons Con Artist, will be representing New South Wales in Dressage.

We wish all three girls the best of luck and hope they enjoy their time in Tamworth representing New South Wales at the Interschool level.

Miss Stacey Baker
Equestrian Coordinator

Library News

Book Week Competition Winners

• Year 3 and 4 winners will be announced next week.
• Year 5 and 6 created their own board game, in pairs, based on an award-winning picture book. They played their games with their buddies in Year 1. Congratulations to these winners from each class, several merit awards will also be allocated by Mr Reid.
  

Winners:

• 5F Gabriella Micari and Ali Croft
• 5H Cheryl Kapoor and Matilda Lucaci
• 5J Mackenzie Field and Billy Thomson
• 6F Grace Williams and Annie-Mae Vermaak
• 6H Anushka Ghose and Isla Broome
• 6J Jess Simmons and Kiella Brown

Secondary Book Review Winners
Congratulations to the winners of our Secondary Book Review Competition.  

• First place: Evie Maxwell (Year 9)
• Second Place: Gemma Hoare (Year 10)
• Highly Commended: Mikayla Frendo (Year 9), Lena Eagle (Year 7), Cheyannah Hall (Year 7), Hollie Wagstaff (Year 7) and Elizabeth Walker (Year 7).  

Each winner will receive a selection of award-winning books.

Here are the best book reviews from 2024:

Waiting for the Storks by Katrina Nannestad

Emotional Roller-coaster!!

"I don't want to remember the truck, or the night I was taken, or the family I left behind. I am not a sad Polish girl. I am a good and happy German girl. I am. I am. I am."

Blonde hair, blue eyes. The perfect German girl. But she's not. She is a happy Polish girl. Or so she thought, until that fateful night, with the trucks, the Nazi's, the screams. That same night where other Polish children were taken from their loving families, robbed of their names, their language, and their heritage. Zofia Ulinski was one of those unfortunate children, with the perfect features for the Germans. She never wanted to leave her family, but when Zofia is adopted into a wealthy and loving German family, it is easier, it is safer to bury her past, deep down, so everything is forgotten. Until the Polish boy arrives. And everything she forgot comes back to haunt her...

I loved this story because it brings up so many different emotions and thoughts. I felt sympathy towards Zofia and her family, I felt sorrow when Zofia was taken from her warm home in the middle of the night, annoyed when she decided to forget her past (even if it was safer), and anger towards the Germans for thinking that this was the right thing to do. I thought about what it must've felt like for the Polish, losing family members, and what they must have been thinking, doing illegal things just so they could keep their family safe a little longer and help save their country. This book kept me interested and helped me understand a little more about what went on during those difficult times in World War II. I severely suggest this book to readers who enjoy learning about WWII and anybody that loves getting their mind ticking.

By Evie Maxwell.

The Protected by Claire Zorn

An Impactful Story of Resilience

The Protected is a heartfelt story of Hannah losing her sister and having to live with the consequences of being known to everyone as "the weird girl with a dead sister".

The book takes you through Hannah's experience of feeling like an outcast, something that will resonate with many readers and how to become connected again after your world seems to implode on itself. It also shows the different ways Hannah and her family experience and cope with grief and how they overcome it.

The story is written in a way that makes the characters feel like real people, making the story all the more impactful on the reader. I believe this book is a great read for all, especially those going through grief themself.

By Gemma Hoare

Book Fair - Save the Date: 24-29 October
The Scholastic Book Fair will be on 24-29 October in Cuthbert Library.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

WAC P&F Golf Day - Friday, 1 November

Join us for the 16th Annual WAC P&F Golf Day!

• 2 Ball Ambrose Competition
• Lunch included
• Prizes for Winner & Runner Up, Longest Drive, Nearest to Pin, Drive & Pitch and Last Place
• Friday, 1 November 2024 7.30 am - 1.30 pm
• Location: Antill Park Golf Club Picton - 4 Jarvisfield Road, PICTON NSW 2571

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).

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

Interschool Equestrian Upcoming Events

College Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

SIMEC Tahmoor Coking Coal

Little Elves Childcare Centre

LOWES

Gold Sponsors

• PB Catering
• Prestige Landscape & Construction

Silver Sponsors

• Picton Eyecare
• Kwik Kopy Macarthur
• Momenta Advisors
• Thronton Bros Roses

Bronze Sponsors

• Narellan Pools
  
• NSW Rail Museum
  
• ESP Security

Community News

Think of the Five Arrive Alive - Road Safety Campaign

www.arrive-alive.com.au

Camden Park House & Garden Spring Open Weekend

HammondCare Volunteers

Spread Joy, by joining our volunteer team
The HammondCare Volunteer program is a great way for you to make a meaningful difference in the life of an older person, right here in the Wollondilly Shire. 

From sport to art, pets to gardening, walking to enjoying a chat, movies to music, coffee to crosswords… whatever you love, you can share it with someone who loves it too. 

If you are over 18, you could be a Volunteer Social Visitor who could provide companionship and meaningful social interaction for older people. 

Volunteering can be a rewarding experience, both for the person you visit as well as yourself. Regular visits from volunteers can help to improve quality of life and help people feel less isolated.

HammondCare is an independent Christian charity and we're passionate about improving the quality of life for people in need. We have a wonderful group of volunteers who partner with us to enhance the lives of people cared for by HammondCare.

For further information about volunteering at HammondCare, you can go to our website, email or give us a call and our friendly Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator Dani will be there to help you.

https://www.hammond.com.au/volunteer

1800 79 33 99 or volunteer@hammond.com.au

Passport Pursuit Wollondilly

https://shorturl.at/2Ya3i

Go4Fun Free 10-Week Program

Dear Wingecarribee Schools and Parents

Go4Fun by NSW Health is a FREE program for children aged 7-13 years to enjoy.

And it’s coming to Flip Out Mittagong.

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

Family Fun Day at the Parliament

Free family fun at the Parliament of New South Wales

Friday, 11 October 9.30 am to 3.00 pm

Visit us at Australia’s oldest Parliament as it opens its doors for Family Fun Day, an open day packed with fun educational activities for families with children aged from 4 to 12 years. This year’s highlights include:

• Visiting our heritage chambers
• Giving a speech for an election campaign
• Participating in a committee role-play
• Enjoying live music
• Making craft animals and objects
• Learning how to vote   

Entry is free and the event will be held at NSW Parliament, 6 Macquarie Street Sydney. Please use this link to search for directions and public transport options to Parliament House.

Here are the correct links.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/free-family-fun-day-at-parliament-of-nsw-tickets-1008060896277

Family Fun Day 2024 (nsw.gov.au)

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. 

Mittagong Junior Disco  

Date: Saturday, 28 September 

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 .