Waratah Weekly - Term 4, Edition 2 - Friday, 25 October 2024

Wellbeing Week

A person with high wellbeing generally experiences a sense of balance, resilience and satisfaction in life and is able to cope effectively with challenges.  

During Week 2 of Term 4, the College added a number of activities to have students reflect on the ongoing importance of managing and maintaining their wellbeing.

Some areas of focus have been:

• Sleep presentations for our Secondary students from our Educational Psychologist, Mr Barnes
• Wellbeing surveys to reflect on personal wellbeing practices during Care and Culture time
• Wellbeing presentations and discussions in Care and Culture time
• Activities during break times that focus on connection, belonging and physical movement
• Activities that focus on the importance of gratitude and positive relationships
• Nutrition and the importance it has on cognitive function 
  

This will culminate in National Health and Physical Education day on Friday, where physical activity and the importance of maintaining good physical health through exercise and nutrition will be the focus.

Wellbeing is essential in underpinning the ability of young people to learn effectively. This is something that we have a clear focus on at the College and want to encourage in our students. One of the focuses this week has been on students reflecting on their own personal wellbeing practices. Students have been encouraged to think about one practice that they could adopt across either the physical, emotional, social or spiritual dimensions of health that could start some small steps toward improving their wellbeing.

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 based on just the Award System.

1. Grevillea - 4738
2. Acacia - 4413
3. Telopea - 4388
4. Sollya - 4370
5. Wollemi - 4360
   

In the Grand Final of the SRC House Volleyball Competition Acacia beat Wollemi 2-0. Congratulations to the following players from Acacia on their win

• Alex White - MVP
• Ben White
• Matt Higham
• Cooper Lollback
• Addison Smiltnieks
• Samuel Merchant
• Matt Prout
  

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Teaching and Learning 7-12

Establishing good study habits can greatly improve your learning efficiency and help you achieve academic success.  As we head into a season of exams with our students in Stage 4 and Stage 5 here are 10 points to consider:

1. Set Specific Goals: Clearly define what you want to accomplish in each study session. This can include goals like completing a chapter, understanding a concept, or solving a certain number of problems.
2. Create a Study Schedule: Develop a consistent study routine. Decide on specific times of the day dedicated to studying and stick to it. Consistency helps build the habit.
3. Choose a Productive Study Environment: Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can focus. Minimise distractions like your phone or TV, and keep your study area clean and organised.
4. Break Down Study Sessions: Use short, focused study sessions with breaks to help improve concentration and retention. These are more beneficial than long periods of time trying to cram.
5. Review and Revise Regularly: Go over your notes frequently to reinforce learning. Spaced repetition is key for long-term retention, especially with complex subjects.
6. Practice Active Learning: Engage with the material through activities like summarising notes, creating flashcards, or teaching concepts to someone else. This helps deepen understanding.
7. Stay Organised: Keep track of assignments, due dates and test dates using a planner or digital tool. Prioritise tasks based on deadlines and difficulty to avoid last-minute cramming.
8. Avoid Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time. Trying to juggle multiple subjects or distractions can reduce the quality of your learning.
9. Take Care of Your Health: A healthy diet, regular exercise and sufficient sleep are crucial for maintaining focus and energy during study sessions.
10. Reflect and Adjust: Periodically assess your study habits and strategies. If something isn’t working, be willing to try new methods or adjust your schedule for better results.

These habits can help create a solid foundation for effective studying and lead to better academic outcomes.

Year 12 2024
We continue to pray for the students undergoing their HSC exams, we pray that they will be able to recall all that they have learnt and are able to do their best.

Singapore 2025
Mr Grant and I will start the process of interviewing the students who have expressed an interest in attending Singapore in 2025. Students will have the opportunity to enter through a Performing Arts element or an Academic element. Following interviews, there will be an Information Evening for parents. The College visited Singapore in 2023 and we are looking forward to returning and spending time at Singapore Anglican High, experiencing the culture of another country and visiting some of the local tourist destinations.

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)

• 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

Year 7 & Year 10 Catch-up Vaccinations

Year 7 & Year 10 Catch-up vaccinations will be held on Tuesday, 29 October 2023. 

This will be for any student in Years 7 and 10 who had provided consent but was absent at the previous clinics this year. 

Parental consent is only provided online, there will no longer be paper consents sent home with students.

How to Provide Consent
If you have not yet provided online consent this year and would like your child/ren to receive their vaccination, follow the steps below:

To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit: https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school

• Log in to your existing Service NSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you don’t have a ServiceNSW account, refer to ServiceNSW to create one.
• Update or confirm your personal details in ServiceNSW as required.
• Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren.
  

You will need to:

• Enter your child’s personal details
• Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
• Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and Privacy Statement
• Provide Consent

If your child misses a College vaccination clinic, you can speak to a GP or Pharmacist about catching up on vaccination.

For more information on school vaccination visit: health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination or if you have any questions, please contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.

Mrs Sally Lloyd
Senior College Nurse

We're Hiring - TAS Teacher 7-12

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

• TAS 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

Stage 3 Police Visit

This week, students in Stage 3 had the opportunity to attend an important session with local police officers about staying safe online. Students learned valuable tips on protecting their personal information, the importance of being respectful in online interactions and the risks associated with sharing too much online. The officers also explained what could happen if students do not follow the rules, including the potential legal consequences of harmful behaviour online.

Students had the opportunity to ask many questions. One concern that emerged was that many students feel hesitant to report issues they face online, such as cyberbullying or inappropriate content because they fear their devices will be taken away by their parents.

This discussion highlighted the importance of creating open lines of communication between students and their families about online safety.

Mrs Lisa Maher
Leader of Care & Culture Stage 3 

MyTech - Laptop Specifications 2025

Our ‘MyTech’ program continues in 2025 for Secondary Years students. Parents of our new students in Year 7 have already been notified about the Minimum Laptop Specifications.

As we approach the Christmas sales period, parents might use this opportunity to make a purchase. Please ensure that any new laptop meets the minimum specifications. The main requirements are listed below.

• Processor: For Windows- Intel or AMD based, For Apple- Intel or Apple Silicon (M1, M2 etc)
• Screen size: 10.8 inch
• Screen resolution: 1024 x 768
• Windows/Mac hard disk minimum storage: 120 GB
• Windows/Mac minimum memory: 8 GB RAM
• The device should be running a recent version of Microsoft Windows or Apple macOS. Limited versions of Windows such as Windows S are NOT suitable.
• Wireless Connectivity: 802.11 N or AC
• Audio/Video: Headphone and Microphone Ports (or adapter to suit)
• No mobile data connectivity allowed (ie no 4G embedded support/no SIM cards allowed while at the College)
• Full QWERTY Keyboard suitable for touch-typing
• Minimum expected Battery Life of six hours
• Robust carry-case
  

Please visit the MyTech website for more detailed information as well as software downloads and common questions answered.

If you have any questions about the MyTech program in the College please email mytech@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mr Craig Russell
Secondary Learning Innovations Coordinator

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 will be updating content and layouts and 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

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.

Have you ever stopped to consider the motivations for your behaviour? What would you say the driving influence behind how you behave is? What we choose to think about and dwell on is closely linked with how we choose to behave. 

The Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 4:1 encourages us to look to the example that Jesus sets for us. He encourages us to have the same attitude as that of Jesus. What is Jesus' attitude? One of dependence and trust in God.

Jesus suffered and endured hardship as he walked this earth over 2000 years ago. This suffering is captured most profoundly by His death on the cross. Jesus endured this hardship because of His trust in God. He was willing to say, 

"not my will but yours be done"

What a beautiful statement that expresses a love of God and love for others. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we can experience forgiveness and restoration with God. Jesus' thinking was consumed with God which was the driving influence behind how he chose to live.

Jesus invites us into a relationship with Him and if we accept His invitation, then we too can be brought into a life that is formed primarily through Him. We too can be people whose lives are shaped by Jesus. I encourage you to reflect and consider what the driving influence behind how you choose to live is.

"Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin"
1 Peter 4:1 

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

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

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

• 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

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

Judy Hannan MP for Wollondilly Christmas Card Photo Competition. 

Picton Show - 26 and 27 October