Waratah Weekly - Term 4, Edition 7 - Friday, 29 November 2024
Olive Grove Development
We are thrilled to announce that construction has commenced on the highly anticipated second entrance to our College! This long-awaited project is a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow and accessibility to our campus.
For many years, our community has expressed the need for a second entrance to alleviate traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. This new driveway will provide a more efficient and convenient way for parents to drop off and pick up their children.
To witness the progress of this exciting project, be sure to check out the accompanying photos below. Please stay tuned for more information and updates early next year, including more photos of the construction process.
We look forward to the completion of this project in the second half of 2025 and we thank you for your continued support and patience.
Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster
College Holiday Hours
- 8.00 am - 3.30 pm
- The College will be closed from Christmas Day to Monday, 6 January 2025
Transition 2026 Applications
If you have a child who will be in the cohort for Transition (Pre-Kindergarten) 2026, please ensure you submit an application online as soon as possible. Siblings who submit an application before Thursday, 12 December 2024 (last day of Term), will be placed on a Family Relationship Priority List for enrolment.
Any sibling, Alumni child or staff child applications that are received after this date will not be prioritised.
Students placed on the Family Relationship Priority List are not automatically guaranteed a place.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Mrs Madilyn Shelley
Enrolments Officer
Community Links Donations
Over the course of this week, the College Community has again demonstrated its overwhelming generosity to those less fortunate than ourselves. The response from our community has necessitated a daily delivery to Community Links for each day of the week rather than a single pick-up on the Friday.
A huge thanks from Community Links to all staff, students and parents who donated to this initiative. These donations will help support those in the local community in relation to hampers for the Christmas season. Mrs Rees' Year 8 Care and Culture Group were the first group where each student in the group donated at least one item. They received their pancake breakfast for being the first group to achieve this.
Due to the overwhelming response, the House Points element of this initiative are still being totalled at this point and a winner will be announced next week. The winning House will be advised when their flag-raising will take place.
Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12
Primary News - Food Gifts
This is just a friendly reminder that food gifts are not permitted at the College. This is to protect our students with allergies or specific dietary requirements, along with supporting the promotion of healthy eating habits. Many parents do not want their children being provided with lollies or other ‘sometimes’ foods. A Christmas card is a lovely thought, lollies do not need to be attached.
Thank you for your support.
Upcoming Events
- Year 6 Graduation Assembly - Monday, 9 December
- Primary Meet Your Teacher afternoon (students only) - Monday, 9 December
- Year 6 Celebration Dinner - Evening of Monday, 9 December
- Primary Formal Assembly - Tuesday, 3 December
- Primary Presentation Evening - Tuesday, 10 December
- Transition (2-day) Graduation - Tuesday, 10 December
- Transition (3-day) Graduation - Wednesday, 11 December
- Year 6 Survivor Day - Wednesday, 11 December
- Christmas Chapel (Parents Welcome) - Thursday, 12 December
Ms Jacqui Huxtable
Director of Teaching and Learning T-6
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 |
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 Morning | Grace Donaghey and Lachlan Swain |
9 Dec | Week 9 | Whole Secondary Assembly | Annalise Manning and Erin Wright |
10 Dec | Week 9 | Primary Presentation & Showcase Evening | Annalise Manning |
Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12
We're Hiring - 2025 - Hurry! Applications Close Monday
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
- Administration Assistant/Receptionist
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
HSC Dance Callback Selection
As announced last term, a selection of students from Year 12 Dance were nominated for the 2024 Callback HSC Dance Showcase which acknowledges performances, compositions and major works.
This week, NESA and the Arts Unit notified Sienna Lopez that her Major Study Composition was selected to perform at Callback. Out of 700 candidates who received Callback nominations, Sienna’s composition was chosen. Our other nominated student, Natalie Watts, was placed on the reserve list for two of her performance works. Congratulations to these girls who have worked incredibly hard in Dance their whole lives and for the HSC this year.
Sienna Lopez and her Year 8 dancer Leah Dalrymple will perform at Callback at the Seymour Centre on Friday, 14 February 2025. We look forward to celebrating their success and watching the Dance work live next year. This is such an incredible achievement and we are so very proud!
Miss Kara Valente
Dance Teacher
Primary Christmas Chapel
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.
Can you believe it, Christmas is almost here! Christmas is a time that we get to be reminded of the reason for the season, the best gift ever, the Lord Jesus.
We'll be celebrating again this year at our Primary Christmas Chapel and I'd love to extend an invitation to all parents and families to join us. It's a great time to reflect on the year together and most importantly, celebrate Jesus. This year, our Primary Christmas Chapel is on Thursday, 12 December from 8.35 am under the Shoulder-to-Shoulder Shelter.
Any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to me at m.roberts@wac.nsw.edu.au.
The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 2:11
Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain
Library News
Premier’s Reading Challenge Certificates
The Premier’s Reading Challenge Certificates were handed out this week. We had 56 Gold Certificates (indicating 4 PRCs completed) and 22 Platinum Certificates (indicating 7 PRCs completed), as well as 120 participation certificates. Well done all!
Time To Return Your Books!
Library borrowing has now finished for the year as we prepare for stocktake. All textbooks, library books, class novels, home readers and, for some students, musical instruments, should be returned this week.
Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian
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
Little Elves Vacation Care Program December
BreastScreen NSW Mobile Clinic Tahmoor
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
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.
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.