Wollondilly Anglican College eNewsletter

Raising the Bar - Our 2025 Academic Focus

Every year the College Executive determine a Thematic Goal for the year. This is a specific goal that we consider to be more important than anything else we will do in the next 12 months. Over the past few years, we have worked on thematic goals about refining and improving the quality of our teaching (2022), reinforcing a strong student culture of high expectations (2023) and ensuring that all students experience great care and connection with the College (2024). A thematic goal helps us to make great progress in each particular area. We have been excited about our progress in each of the previous three years as we continued to focus on either Learning, Care or Culture. The skills of our teachers continue to grow and improve, the behaviour, personal responsibility and self-discipline of our students have improved dramatically and our focus on care has supported existing and new students to feel safe, well-known and connected.

In 2025, our Thematic Goal will be focused on raising the academic achievement of all students. Our teaching staff have been discussing this goal and are excited about the actions we will be taking to ensure that all students are learning at higher and higher levels. We will be working with teachers, students and parents on how all of us can work together to help every student achieve more. Teachers at Wollondilly Anglican College have always been committed to educating, supporting and caring for our students. As we move into 2025, we will be challenging and supporting students to raise their academic standards through intentional and specific actions that will, as the year progresses, raise the academic achievement of every student.

We look forward to working with and harnessing the support of our parents as we achieve this goal in 2025.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Unlocking Deeper Understanding in Learning

At Wollondilly Anglican College, we believe that reflective learners are not just those who finish their tasks but those who actively seek to grow from the experience. One essential element of this growth mindset is Distilling.

Distilling involves identifying the most important lessons or key takeaways from any learning situation and applying those insights to future experiences. It involves understanding why something worked (or didn’t), how concepts connect, and what can be learned to improve going forward.

Why Distilling Matters
The process of distilling builds a deeper understanding and enhances long-term retention of knowledge. When students reflect on their learning, they:

Clarify their thinking: By summarising what they've learned, students make sense of complex ideas and identify key points.
Strengthen memory: Connecting new knowledge to prior understanding helps information stick.
Learn from experience: Mistakes and successes alike offer valuable lessons when reflected upon.
Prepare for future challenges: Distilling equips students with strategies and insights they can carry forward into new contexts.

How to Help Your Child Practice Distilling
Parents play a crucial role in fostering reflective habits at home. Here are some practical ways to encourage distilling:

Ask Reflective Questions: After completing a homework task, a project, or even a sporting event, ask your child:

What was the most important thing you learned today?
What went well and why?
What could you do differently next time?

Encourage Summarisation: Prompt your child to explain a topic or concept in their own words. This can be as simple as saying, “Tell me the main idea in a sentence or two.”
Model the Process: Share your own reflective experiences. For example, after a family outing or activity, discuss what you learned or what you might change for next time.
Celebrate Growth: Highlight when your child demonstrates insight from a past experience. For instance, if they improve in a subject or activity, connect that growth to their ability to reflect and apply key lessons.

At Wollondilly Anglican College, we endeavour to cultivate a reflective learning culture by integrating activities and discussions that encourage students to evaluate their progress.

By embracing distilling, students don’t just learn—they grow. They develop the habit of taking ownership of their progress and preparing themselves for a lifetime of meaningful learning.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Secondary Happenings - Week 7 Term 4 2024

Monday, 25 November
CASA Senior Cricket Gala Day (Years 9-12)
Tuesday, 26 November
2025 Red Centre Duke of Ed Gold Information Night
2025 Singapore Information Night
Wednesday, 27 November
Year 7 Geography Excursion
Year 9 Nutrition Workshop
Thursday, 28 November
Year 7 Taster Day
Year 7 Jamberoo Maths Excursion
Friday, 29 November
Year 9 History and Geography Excursion
Year 10 Drama Excursion
Year 8 Beach Safety Excursion
Combined Youth Event Evening

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

HSC Showcase Nominations

Two more of our students in Creative Arts have received recognition for their exceptional HSC major works within the last week. We are so proud of your efforts!

Visual Arts - Zoe Smith received an Art Express nomination for her Body of Work titled Charred Echoes.

Drama - Caitlin Sharp received an OnStage nomination for her scriptwriting major work titled Strangers in the Night.

Mrs Sarah Talbot
Leader of Learning - Creative Arts & LOTE

Performing Arts News

Upcoming Performances
As the College calendar is drawing to an end, there are a few performance opportunities and events that our Performing Arts Groups will be contributing to and participating in, both at the College and in the wider community.

See a snapshot below of the remainder of the term:

Date	Week	Event	Groups Performing
2 Dec	Week 8	Secondary Formal Assembly	College Band Dance Company Year 10 Elective Music
3 Dec	Week 8	Primary Formal Assembly	Primary Band Primary Strings Primary Pom
5 Dec	Week 8	Secondary Presentation and Showcase Morning	String Quartet Combined College Band and College Strings Secondary Cheer Dance and Drama HSC Nomination Performances
6 Dec	Week 8	Picton Community Carols	Primary Choir (3-6) Stage 1 Choir (1-2) Early Stage 1 Choir (T-K) - Term 4 students ONLY
10 Dec	Week 9	Primary Presentation & Showcase Morning	Select students from Primary Choir
12 Dec	Week 9	Primary Christmas Chapel	TBC

If students are unaware of these commitments, they are encouraged to contact their ensemble/group staff member for further information.

WAC Crew Events
WAC Crew students below are involved in the following events at the College for the remainder of the Term:

Date	Week	Event	Students Involved
25 Nov	Week 7	Stage 6 Assembly	Ewan Garside and Tapiwa Garakasha
2 Dec	Week 8	Secondary Formal Assembly	Lachlan Swain and Samuel Merchant
3 Dec	Week 8	Primary Formal Assembly	Lachlan Swain and Blake Dalrymple
5 Dec	Week 8	Secondary Presentation and Showcase Day	Grace Donaghey and Lachlan Swain
9 Dec	Week 9	Whole Secondary Assembly	Annalise Manning and Erin Wright
10 Dec	Week 9	Primary Presentation Evening	Annalise Manning

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

We're Hiring - 2025

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

Leader of Learning - English
Food Technology/Textiles (TAS) Teacher 7-12
Maths Teacher

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

Food Safety

Food Safety at Wollondilly - Please do not pack nuts in your child's lunchbox
We are seeking your help to support the students in our College with severe allergies. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is potentially life-threatening.
Food allergies are common in school-aged children and avoiding the food is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction. We encourage students to wash their hands and not to share food.

We also request that you do not send in your child's lunchbox, nuts or nut-based products, this includes any type of nut, Peanut Butter, Nutella or foods containing nuts in the ingredient list.

Thank you for supporting the College with this.

Thank you for helping our College be “Allergy Aware”.

Mrs Emma Tall
College Nurse

Primary Instrumental Performance Afternoons

This week, we held two Instrumental Performance Afternoons featuring students from Years T-2 and Years 3-6 who receive private music tuition at the College. These events were a testament to the talent of our young musicians.

Students took to the stage with remarkable confidence, demonstrating the commitment they have invested in learning their chosen instruments. Their ability to perform in front of peers, families, and teachers showed not just musical skill, but also personal courage and resilience. The range of instruments and styles was impressive, reflecting the diverse musical talents within our College community.

I want to extend a big thank you to the dedicated music tutors who have worked to prepare these students. Your patience, expertise and passion are greatly appreciated. Thank you for nurturing the students' musical abilities and helping them build the confidence to perform.

A massive congratulations to all students who participated in these performances. Your choice to step onto the stage has made these events truly memorable. You should be incredibly proud of yourselves!

Mr David Hopkins
Primary Teacher & Assistant Performing Arts Coordinator

Last Wednesday, Students in Year 10 were split into separate workshops. Year 10 girls were in a Self Defence Workshop run by KYUP and the Year 10 boys were involved in a Boyz II Men Workshop focusing on wellbeing.

The KYUP Self Defence Workshop was fantastic at inspiring young women to protect themselves and feel safe. Some key takeaway points for our girls were; “No girl gets left behind”, “Your voice is powerful” and “You don’t know your own strength”. The students also learnt a series of practical martial arts techniques to defend themselves against attackers, which they thoroughly embraced. The final activity that truly empowered our Year 10 girls and established a great sense of support was when each student was able to break their own board with the push of their arm. I was very proud to see these girls engage in the workshop with care for each other and themselves.

The Boyz II Men Workshop encouraged our Year 10 boys to reflect on their maturity and wellbeing. It was a good opportunity for these young men to hear different stories and learn strategies for their own lives. Daniel Merza helped the boys identify the "monkeys on their back", that is, the areas of their lives that require attention. For example, Scooter, the social monkey, always wants to be involved in every conversation or social activity even to the detriment of studies or work. The boys then explored strategies to get the various types of monkeys off their backs.

Thank you to Mrs Mojezko, Mr Lobb and Mr Toland for the organisation of these workshops that support and prepare our Year 10 students for their progression into adulthood.

Miss Kara Valente
Dance Teacher

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.

As the end of the year draws closer and closer what do you reflect on? Each year produces its own defining moments. Moments that we can look back and see in hindsight how our experiences have shaped and formed us. What moments stand out to you this year?

Last week the students who attended the morning and lunchtime CRU (Christian) groups were able to spend some time reflecting together. We had a celebration Morning Tea where students in Years 5-6 and Years 7-12 gathered together and celebrated how God has been working in and through us. It was a humbling and special moment for all of us. We reflected on how God has grown us both individually and collectively and how He has shaped and formed us through these groups.

The beauty of the gospel is that through Jesus, all of us have a chance to be shaped and formed by Him. As the year draws to an end, I encourage you to pause and reflect on the Christian claim of Christmas. I'm convinced that Jesus entering into this world is the defining moment in human history. What about you?

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

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

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Narellan Pools
NSW Rail Museum
ESP Security

Community News

Christmas in the Gardens - Friday, 6 December

BreastScreen NSW Mobile Clinic Tahmoor

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 connections 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:

28/11/2024 Understanding the relationship between ADHD and Eating Habits by Fofe Vrettos APD MNutri & Diet BSC (Nutr) Bowral Nutrition

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

Wilton Warriors FC

Join us for a "Come and Try" Football Afternoon for Women and Girls!

Led by our fantastic female committee, this event is perfect for all skill levels. Enjoy fun drills, friendly games, and laughter in a welcoming environment!

Date: Sunday, 1 December 2024
Time: 2.15 pm - 3.00 pm
Location: Wilton Recreation Reserve, Wilton

Bring your friends and family! Please fill out the registration form to help us plan.

For questions, reach out anytime. We can't wait to see you there!

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAAO__bd6ZtRUODdSOTE2NFpPRUNORjgwVlRHT0c5MVNBRC4u

Mittagong Junior Disco

Date: Saturday, 30 November
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.

Chris and Sandra Roberson - and the amazing committee of the Mittagong Junior Disco.

FULLY SUBSIDISED SAFER DRIVERS COURSE

Southern Highlands PCYC and Wollondilly Shire Council are offering a Fully Subsidised Safer Drivers Course for Wollondilly Residents Aged 16-25.

The course is TWO modules and after completion, participants will receive a 20-hour reduction off their Learner Log Book.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

Fully Subsidised Safer Drivers Course valued at $140

20 hours off your logbook

Fundamental information & training on safe driving

Want to book your spot?

Email southernhighlands@pcycnsw.org.au with your contact details.

Courses are running once a month. Please contact PCYC for dates and times.

Educator Info Night - Wollondilly Family Day Care

Moss Vale Parents & Carers Tour - Education Pathways Program

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 4, Edition 6 - Friday, 22 November 2024