Wollondilly Anglican College eNewsletter

From the Headmaster

This week I had the pleasure of addressing Year 12 at their Graduation Assembly. It is a privilege to speak to these students and they are to be congratulated for achieving this milestone of 13 years of education. The following is a brief version of the address I gave to Year 12. I hope that you will find it challenging and encouraging as you consider your future.

Congratulations, Year 12, on completing 13 years of education. Today, instead of reflecting on the past, let’s look forward to the future you are about to create.

You likely have over 3,000 weekends and 12,000 working days ahead of you. What will those days look like? How can you prepare now to shape your best possible future? Too often, life happens to people, but you have the power to make life happen for you.

One key lesson at this stage is understanding that the choices you make today will influence your future. As Anthony Robbins says, "Where focus goes, energy flows." If you focus on opportunities and growth, you’ll create the outcomes you want. If you focus on limitations, those will hold you back.

James Allen in As a Man Thinketh reminds us, "You are what you think." Your mindset shapes your reality. Positive, purposeful thoughts lead to growth and resilience. Setting high standards and expecting excellence from yourself will help you rise above mediocrity.

But mindset alone isn’t enough—you need action. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone, embrace challenges and learn from failures. Success isn’t something that happens to you; it’s something you create through your daily decisions.

For those with a relationship with Jesus, this approach also applies to your faith. Be intentional in your relationship with Him, seek Him with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength, and everything else will fall into place.

As you leave here today, remember: the future is yours to design, one thought and one action at a time.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

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 based on just the Award System.

Grevillea - 4134
Sollya - 3749
Acacia - 3717
Telopea - 3705
Wollemi - 3678

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Primary Sports

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
During sport, all students in T-2 will be participating in four weeks of cricket coaching sessions run 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

WAC Boys

WAC Girls

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)
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

Click Here To Apply Online

Industrial Technology Furnishings

As mentioned in a previous edition of the Waratah Weekly, Students from the Industrial Technology Furnishings course completed some outstanding projects as part of their HSC requirement for the subject. Prior to marking, a requirement of NESA is that no images of the projects will appear on social media. As marking is now complete, I am excited to share a collage of images of these wonderful projects.

Dr Shane Smiltnieks
Secondary TAS Teachers

Year 12 Major Textiles Project Showcase

Year 12 have recently received their Major Textile Projects back from the HSC Marking Centre. We thought it would be fitting to showcase the effort of these students in Textiles and Design as they celebrate their Graduation. Congratulations to Maisie Good (Tinkerbell Corset), Mia Hanchard (Hippie Inspired Flares and Crop), Madyson Keaney (Mini Biologist Children's Soft Book), Matilda Lockyer (Elvis Inspired 50's Prom Dress), Shelby Luppino (100yrs Celebration of Disney Tutu), Emma-Kate Talbot (Alice in Wonderland Waistcoat) and Natalie Watts (7 Continents, 1 World - David Attenborough collection of wallhangings).

Both Shelby's and Natalie's projects have been nominated for the 2025 SHAPE exhibition. Well done girls!

Miss Emily Bailey
TAS Teacher

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

9 Physical Activity and Sports Studies: Wheelchair Sports

On Friday, 20 September, 9 PASS participated in a very fun and challenging paralympic sport called Wheelchair Basketball. The incursion was operated by Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT and was facilitated by Stefan. Stefan was born with spina bifida and has been in a wheelchair for his whole life.

9 PASS were able to participate in the modified basketball games and experienced what it feels like to participate in wheelchair sports. This was a very enjoyable experience, however, there were plenty of challenges too.

This incursion highlighted some of the challenges that people with disabilities face daily and taught us a lot about the importance of empathy and access to sports for everyone.

Stephan finished the session with a statement “Being in a wheelchair is not a disability, it’s a type of mobility”.

Xavi Neale & Zac Norris 9 PASS

Mr Josh Hewitt
PDHPE Coordinator

Scholarships 2026/2027
I am delighted to advise that the Wollondilly Anglican College Scholarship Program is now open for Academic and Creative Arts Scholarships commencing in 2026.

The College Headmaster may award a number of scholarships offering partial fee remission for each year in the areas of Academic, Music and Dance. Most scholarships will be awarded for two years and are conditional on the continuation of the relevant criteria being met. They will be available to students currently enrolled at the College or at other schools. Students who will be studying in Years 6, 8 and 10 in 2025 may apply for a scholarship as they enter their next stage of learning.

Application Process for Scholarships

Academic Scholarships –

Complete the scholarship application form (see related links) and return it to the Enrolments Officer, Mrs Madilyn Shelley, with the supporting portfolio (as outlined under ‘Supporting Documentation’ in the form).
Complete the online application with ACER at https://scholarships.acer.edu.au. (Parents will need to create a Parent Account, from which they can register their child for the scholarship test at Wollondilly Anglican College. A $140 application fee is also payable to ACER as part of the registration process)
For Academic candidates, scholarship testing will take place at the College on Saturday, 22 February 2025. Students are expected to attend on this date.

Music and Dance Scholarships –

Complete the scholarship application form (see related links) and return it to the Enrolments Officer, Mrs Madilyn Shelley, with the supporting portfolio (as outlined under ‘Supporting Documentation’ in the form).
Provide payment for a $140 scholarship application processing fee to the College office via cash or card.
Short-listed students will be required to audition before a panel. This will include a pre-prepared performance/s and improvised activities under the direction of the panel on the day (see related links for more information).
There will not be an additional audition fee for students selected to audition.

Applications are now open and will close on Friday, 31 January 2025. The closing date is final and late applications cannot be accepted.

A comprehensive information pack and application form is available for download from the College website at https://www.wac.nsw.edu.au/enrolments/scholarships/our-scholarships/.

Should you have any further general queries, please do not hesitate to contact me on (02) 4684 2722 or at m.shelley@wac.nsw.edu.au.

Mrs Madilyn Shelley
Enrolments Officer

Equestrian Nationals Results

Tahlia, Charlotte and Erin had an amazing time at Nationals this past week.

Tahlia came in 3rd place competing in Primary Combined Training (Showjumping and Dressage). She was also awarded the Australian National Team Championship title for Combined Training.

Charlotte also had an amazing time, finishing 8th overall.

Erin placed 1st in the rider class section of her Working Hunter. In Dressage, she finished 9th overall.

We are so proud of these girls and their success. Congratulations girls!

Miss Stacey Baker
Equestrian Coordinator

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.

This term at 3-6 Chapel, we've had an Olympics theme. Part of Chapel has included Olympic-style challenges. Two teams play off in challenges, One team is a combination of Year 3 and Year 6 students and the other is Year 4 and Year 5 students. Team 3 & 6 narrowly won the final challenge and were awarded the CHAPEL CHAMP Trophy for Term 3. Congratulations!!

This endeavour has created a platform where relationships between students can be strengthened. It's highlighted that a pivotal part of any relationship is time. Our time at Chapel is spent encouraging us all to consider the most important relationship of all, that of us and Jesus. To grow this relationship, we need to spend time with Jesus getting to know Him better.

Consider your relationship with Jesus. How much time are you spending with Him? A relationship with Jesus equips us to love and care better for all those in our lives. The Bible contends that the most important relationship EVER is that of us and Jesus.

I encourage you to consider who Jesus is to you.

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

Library News

Book Fair 2024 - Term 4 Weeks 2 & 3

Dates: Thursday, 24 October - Tuesday, 29 October

Location: Cuthbert Library

Stock on sale: Books for all student ages, posters, stationery

Students (not Transition and Kindergarten) will be able to visit the Book Fair during Break 2. Students in Transition and Kindergarten will be able to visit the Book Fair during their designated class times and they will be able to complete a wishlist in their diary.

Parents are able to visit the Book Fair between 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm on 24, 25, 28 and 29 October.

Payment: Eftpos and cash sales are available or parents are welcome to make payments online (please note your receipt number).

Book Fair is a great opportunity to stock up on early Christmas gifts!

Please contact Mrs Colombo with any questions on j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au

Year 3 and 4 Book Week Competition Winners
Congratulations to our Competition Winners for this year. Year 3 created artwork based on The Concrete Garden by Bob Graham and Year 4 created birds based on Hope is the Thing by Johanna Bell and Erica Wagner.

3F - Dalton King, Heidi Power
3J - Sklya Welch, Anushree Ghose
3H - Bentley Mladineo, Finley Jennings
4F- Emmy Sproule, Harper Hallsworth
4J - Lilly Woods, Isabel Opat
4H - Delilah McClelland, Amelia Valentine

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

Sign Up Here

Community Links Donation Bin

We now have a Community Links Donation Bin at Student Reception! Your contributions will support locals in need through the Community Links Wellbeing Emergency Relief Program. Donations of food items must be before the ‘use by’ or ‘best before’ dates and all items must be new and unopened.

Thank you for your support. Together, we can make a difference!

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.

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

Platinum Sponsors

SIMEC Tahmoor Coking Coal

Little Elves Childcare Centre

LOWES

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

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

Thriving Together with ADHD Workshops

Community Links Wellbeing and Brief Therapy Solutions have come together to develop and implement a program to assist parents in the Camden LGA with children displaying traits of ADHD, or diagnosed with ADHD and not receiving NDIS.

Many parents fall through the cracks for support when it comes to this area and are on long waitlists to see specialised services and receive support, often struggling with parenting their ADHD child and their behaviours due to the immense stress they are experiencing.

Parents know their children best and it is our aim to raise further awareness on the topic by providing parents with some general support through education and some strategies (where possible) to help maintain their needs and support family connection whist they wait to see their specialist/practitioner.

Each workshop will allow opportunity for parents and carers to present their questions to the speaker/s either on the booking form or at the session

The workshops will run each Thursday, 24^th October 2024 to 28^th November 2024. The location is proposed for Julia Reserve at Oran Park

We currently have the following workshop speakers:

24/10/2024 An Introduction to ADHD by Dr Steve Walker- Brief Therapy Solutions
31/10/2024 The Path to Diagnosis and Medication by Paediatrician Preeti Raghavan, MBBS, DCH, MPH, FRACP General and Developmental Paediatrician
07/11/2024 Understanding Sensory Needs and Executive function by Nicole Sharpe BAppSc(Hons)OT, PhD- Believe and Become
14/11/2024 Communication and School Support- Dept of Education and Speech Pathologist Libby Duffy- Community Links Wellbeing
21/11/2024 ADHD in the Family Context by Dr Steve Walker- Brief Therapy Solutions
28/11/2024 Understanding the relationship between ADHD and Eating Habits by Fofe Vrettos APD MNutri & Diet BSC (Nutr) Bowral Nutrician

Expressions of Interest/ Booking information and QR code is on the flyer or via this link https://forms.office.com/r/xV9w70icMe

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

Passport_Pursuit_Wollondilly_Flyer.pdf

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

Entry Form

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 .

Please note that the above is a service to the Community and items advertised do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the College. The College tries to be selective with what is advertised but cannot take responsibility. Please look into events advertised carefully.

Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 9 - Friday, 27 September 2024