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Waratah Weekly - Term 4, Edition 1 - Friday, 18 October 2024

Welcome to Term 4

Welcome back to the final term of the year. It’s incredible to reflect on all that has been accomplished by our students so far, and we are eager to see them continue to grow and learn over the next eight weeks.

I ask that you keep our Year 12 students in your prayers as they begin their HSC Exams. Please pray for calm minds and clear thinking as they work through each paper, demonstrating their knowledge and understanding. Each year, our Year 12 students remark on how quickly time has passed. I encourage families to support their children in making the most of every learning opportunity, knowing that before long, they too will be sitting for their own exams, wondering how it all went by so quickly.

As students progress through the grades, particularly from Primary to Secondary, it’s important for them to take increasing responsibility for their own learning. This might be a valuable conversation to have with your children: "Who is responsible for your learning?" While it is natural to rely on teachers and parents, the most meaningful learning happens when students accept responsibility for their own growth. I firmly believe that every student is capable of achieving more than they currently think possible. As they take greater ownership of their learning, they will see their aspirations rise and their achievements follow.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Term 4 Learner Dispositions - Reflective Learners

Our Learner Disposition focus for Term 4 2024 is Reflective. Reflective learners are those who consciously think about their learning processes, continually evaluating and improving their approach to achieve better outcomes. This mindset not only boosts academic performance but also nurtures skills that students will carry into life beyond the College —skills like problem-solving, adaptability and self-awareness.

In this newsletter series, we'll explore four key components of Reflective Learning that your child can develop: Planning, Revising, Distilling and Meta-Learning. Each of these skills contributes to a stronger, more thoughtful approach to learning, helping students become more effective, independent and resilient learners. Let's briefly look at what each entails:

Planning: Before diving into any task, reflective learners think ahead. They consider where they are going, what steps they need to take, the resources they will require and the potential challenges they might face. Effective planning ensures that students approach their work with clear goals and a well-organised path to reach them. In the coming articles, we will explore practical ways you can support your child in planning their learning activities.
Revising: Flexibility is key to success. As circumstances change, reflective learners understand the importance of revising their plans. This might mean adjusting their goals, finding new strategies, or simply monitoring their progress to ensure they stay on track. We’ll share strategies to encourage a flexible mindset, allowing students to adapt and grow in the face of challenges.
Distilling: Reflective learners don’t just complete tasks—they take the time to pull out the most important lessons from their experiences. Distilling involves identifying the key takeaways from any learning situation and carrying those forward to enhance future learning. This practice will help your child build deeper understanding and long-term retention of knowledge.
Meta-Learning: The final component is understanding oneself as a learner. Meta-learning involves knowing how you learn best, reflecting on your own learning process, and being able to articulate it. By developing this skill, students gain the self-awareness necessary to improve how they approach their studies and personal growth.

We look forward to partnering with you on this journey to help your child become a more reflective, engaged and successful learner.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Teaching and Learning 7-12

Year 12 2024
Our Year 12 students have started their HSC Exams. Please be praying for them as they undergo these exams over the next few weeks. We pray that they will be able to recall all that they have learnt and that they will be doing their best on these papers.

Year 12 2024/2025
Students and Parents are invited to an information night that will be held at the College on Tuesday, 22 October starting at 6.00 pm to hear about their final year at the College. Students will be issued with a NESA Rules and Procedures booklet as well as their Year 12 Assessment booklet. Students should wear their College uniform. Please contact Mrs Erica Bawden if you are unable to attend. The Information Night will be held in Warne Auditorium.

Year 9 and Year 10 Exams
Students have been issued their exam timetable for these upcoming exams. Exams start on Wednesday, 30 October and continue through to Wednesday, 6 November in the Warne Auditorium. Students are reminded to follow the procedure in their Assessment Booklet if they are absent on the day of the exam. Please contact me if you have any concerns or questions about this. k.evans@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

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.

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

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

Performing Arts News

Talent Quest - Term 3
Congratulations to all students who attended the Talent Quest on the last day of Term 3. A new House-based ‘Just Dance’ initiative was introduced and all students had an enjoyable time, dancing and representing their Houses under the Shelter and on the stage.

As part of the Talent Quest, we had 14 performances from students in Years 5-11, ranging from dance routines, vocal soloists, a gymnastics floor routine, visual artistry, as well as a piano and violin performance.

In 3rd place was a dance hip-hop routine by Chloe Colombo, Ellena Bentham, Olive Hobby, Isabella Turner, Paige Lindsey and Lexie Machivaello, in 2nd place a beautiful solo vocal performance by Mikayla Frendo of Year 9 and the winner of the 2024 Talent Quest was Tejas Singh of Year 5 with a Bollywood inspired dance performance.

Grevillea was the winning house of the ‘Just-Dance’ competition with their upbeat rendition of ‘Timber’ where there were lots of enthusiastic students and teachers up on the stage and at the front of the Shelter.

Many thanks to the Judges - Mrs Mozjeko, Mr Ping and Estelle Kluit, as well as Mr Law who accompanied Mr Ping in an opening performance to kick of the Talent Quest.

Term 3 Formal Assemblies
Congratulations to the students involved in the performances associated at the Formal Assemblies that occurred in Week 9 last term. They all performed very well.

Secondary Formal Assembly - Monday, 23 September
The College Strings that played for the walking in and out of the Official Party, as well as leading the National Anthem, Secondary Cheer, Annabel Williams Year 8 who performed a Violin solo and Audrey-Rose Darby Year 12 who performed a Bassoon solo from her HSC repertoire.

Primary Formal Assembly - Thursday, 26 September
Primary Pom, College Bucketz, Primary Dance (Stage 2) and Torin Ford-McGuire Year 6 who performed a Clarinet solo, showcasing his talents after he had been successfully chosen for the HICES Music Festival, earlier in the term.

Thank you Mr Lane
We would like to publicly thank Mr Richard Lane for his work over the past couple of years with our College Choir and his tutorage of vocal students. Mr Lane finished last term and we wish him well with his future endeavours.

Performing Arts Groups Continue
Our College Performing Arts groups continue to rehearse this term. More information will come to light about what events and performance opportunities they will be involved in as the end of the year starts to get closer. Please see this term’s schedule below.

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

Term 4 Secondary PE Lessons

The scheduled PE lessons will remain the same this term. Students are to wear their Sports Uniform to College on their designated days. Students who do an elective course, Physical Activity and Sports Studies (Year 9 and 10) or Sports, Lifestyle and Recreation (Year 12) are required to bring their Sports Uniform to College to get changed. Students have been informed via the morning assembly, email, Edumate Broadcasts and their classroom teacher. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the classroom teacher or Mr J. 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 (eg Nike Airforce).

Mr Josh Hewitt
PDHPE Coordinator

Scholarship Applications are Now Open!

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

New College Website Underway

The College website will be updated very shortly to address a few areas and to provide greater flexibility. Once the new website is live, we would appreciate any feedback as you begin to use it. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we undertake this project.

Mr Alex Hitchins
Development Manager

Equestrian Results

Mackenzie Bleeker of Year 6, on her horse Gypsy and Erin Brown of Year 8, on her horse Jayem Bliquo, competed at the Berry Interschool Equestrian Championships on Saturday, 5 and Sunday, 6 October.

On Saturday, Mackenzie competed in the open hacking classes, achieving some amazing results:

1st - Best Presented Horse and Rider
1st - Handler Class
1st - Rider Class
1st - Ridden Hack
1st - Best Educated
1st - Pairs
1st - Bareback

Mackenzie was named as the Primary School Show Horse Champion

On Sunday, Mackenzie competed in three show jumping classes, placing 1st in the 45cm Special 2 Phase.

Congratulations, Mackenzie on your fantastic results!

Erin's results included:

1st in the Elementary 3.1 and 3.2
1st in Show Hunter
3rd in Handler Hack for Reserve champion
4th in 75cm Fault and Out showjumping
Equal 4th in the Cross Country Equitation

Erin was named Senior Dressage Champion and Senior Flatwork Rider.

Congratulations, Erin on your fantastic results!

Miss Stacey Baker
Equestrian Coordinator

From the College Chaplain

The College Learner Disposition focus for Term 4 is Reflective. This is a habit that we are working on developing and cultivating in our students.

Do you reflect on past experiences? The old saying, "You learn from your mistakes" is incredibly insightful. It emphasises the reality that all of us often learn the most through our mistakes.

But, I wonder if you like me, finding it difficult to stop, pause and reflect in our fast paced world. There's so much going on all the time and slowing down often feels like a luxury we can't afford. Yet, from a Christian perspective, this concept of slowing down and reflecting is a vital part of our relationship with God. Lamentations 3:40 encourages us to be people who, "Examine our ways and test them"

We test our ways by bringing them before our great God and asking Him to check our hearts. In order to do this we MUST stop, pause and REFLECT as we seek to hear from Him. One great way to do this is through Journaling. Having a journal to write down your thoughts about God is a really practical way to enhance a discipline of reflection.

I encourage you to reflect before God about where you stand with Him. If you haven't tried journaling before, I encourage you to consider it. It's a fantastic addition to bible reading and a really encouraging reflection tool to see how God has and is working in our lives.

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God"

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

Library News

Book Fair 2024 - Term 4 Weeks 2 & 3

Dates: Thursday, 24 October - Tuesday, 29 October

When: Break 2 and from 2.00 pm - 3.00 pm

Location: Cuthbert Library

Stock on Sale: Books, posters and stationery for all student ages

Students in Years 1-12 will be able to visit the Book Fair in Break 2.

Students in Transition and Kindergarten will be able to visit the Book Fair during their designated class times, where they will be able to complete a wish list in their diary. Please complete payment online and deliveries will be sent to your child's classroom.

Parents are able to visit the Book Fair between 2.00 pm and 3.00 pm on the above dates.

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

Online payment: For purchases online, please provide your receipt number at the Fair when collecting your items. Please note, books cannot be selected online, just paid for.

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

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

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

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

LOWES Zero & Rewards | Save 20% off Schoolwear

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.