Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 2 - Friday, 7 February 2025
- Helping Students to Achieve Their Best
- From the Deputy Headmaster
- Secondary Years News
- Year 10 Vaccinations
- Primary Performing Arts
- Department of Education Collection Notice for Parents/Guardians 2025
- MyTech - Secondary Students
- German Exchange Student Hosting
- Family Chapel - Term 1
- WAC App & Edumate
- We're Hiring!
- P&F Clothing Pool
- College Sponsors
- Community News
Helping Students to Achieve Their Best
As we begin our College year, we are challenging and encouraging all of our students to achieve their best academically. There are many factors that support great learning in a school; students, parents and teachers are the three most critical. I am thankful for the support we receive from parents as we pursue these ongoing academic improvements for all students. Parents, you have a great responsibility when it comes to encouraging and motivating your children. It is important to reinforce to your children the importance of engaging in every lesson and trying their best. It is important to encourage your children to complete homework and to be well-prepared for the coming day. It is important to spend time with your children in age-specific activities such as reading, maths challenges or, for older students, asking them to teach you something they have learned this week.
All parents can help their children learn through positive conversations and an enthusiastic attitude to learning. Have a wonderful 2025, and I look forward to discussing these matters with you when you are on campus.
Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster
From the Deputy Headmaster
Student Supervision Hours at the College
Please do not drop students at the College any earlier than 7.30 am. There is no staff supervision before this time and we want to ensure that all students are kept safe. If your child arrives at the College between 7.30 am and 7.40 am, they must move directly to the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter area for supervision. The remainder of the duties don’t commence until 7.40 am. In the afternoons, we have staff on bus duty until 2.50 pm. If you are picking your child up in the afternoon, please ensure that you have collected them prior to 2.50 pm and that they wait on the Front Lawn.
Student Drop off and Pick up
While it is wonderful to see progress on the second entrance at the College, please continue to show patience during the busy morning and afternoon periods. A few reminders as we start a new year.
Please do not park on Remembrance Drive and walk into the College.
When crossing from the Warne Carpark, please only cross at the pedestrian crossing. With the number of cars and buses, it is very dangerous to cross through the garden or at the exit.
Please don’t park in the allocated student car spaces in the Bradfield carpark. These have been reserved for our Year 11 students and it makes it difficult for them if they arrive at the College and a parent has taken their car space.
Where possible, we encourage students to catch buses to ease the congestion in the car park.
Thank you for your understanding
Parents & Friends Association (P&F) - Meet & Greet Tonight
The P&F is a great opportunity to meet others within the College and wider community and plays a vital role in both friend-raising and fundraising. If you would like to know more about the P&F and meet our current members, join us for a meet and greet on Friday, 7 February at 6.00 pm at the Bargo Sportsclub.
Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster
Secondary Years News
Learning
In 2025, the College has a Thematic Goal that is academic in nature. The goal is to embed a culture of academic achievement. The progress of this goal will be measured in key areas. As mentioned in last week's article some key areas that parents can reinforce with students are as follows:
Application to their studies - effort both in the classroom and at home
Engagement in lessons - active involvement and contribution to learning in the classroom
Completion of homework and assessment tasks as well as revision of learning
Submitting draft work to their teachers for feedback
It has been encouraging to see students make a positive return to the College and settle into routines and learning. Focus on the above areas as well as setting goals and tracking progress will feature prominently in relation to working toward this goal.
Care
Students in Years 7, 9 and 11 have had the opportunity this week to nominate for the Student Representative Council. This is a significant leadership role that has a focus on service and being an advocate for their specific Year Group. Voting will take place in Week 3 as part of the process to finalise the representatives in 2025. The SRC will be finalised with the Stage 4 Captains (Year 8), Stage 5 Captains (Year 10) and the College Captains (Year 12). The students in these roles will play a vital role in caring for our College, their Year Group and the wider community. It has been encouraging to see so many students wanting to step up in formal leadership roles.
Culture
In 2025 continued areas of development will be explored to build on the House Culture at the College. A number of successful initiatives in this area were added in 2024 that continue to enhance this area of College life. The College will be having additional House-focused days in 2025 that will commence with House Meetings and an increased profile for the House Captains. On these days students will wear their House Shirt and PE/Sports Uniform for the whole day and engage in House-based challenges during break times. The College has an Overall House Shield that accrues all the points from various House challenges across the year, with the Champion House announced at the Secondary Presentation & Showcase Morning. The carnival season began today and we're looking forward to a great spirit of House competition to start the year.
Secondary Happenings - Term 1, Week 3
- Wednesday, 12 February Onstage
- Thursday, 13 February Annual Prefects Service
- Friday, 14 February Elective Dance Callback Excursion
- Friday, 14 February CASA Secondary Open Basketball Trials
Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12/Head of Secondary Years
Year 10 Vaccinations
The Year 10 Vaccination Clinic will be held on Thursday, 13 February. For students in Year 10, they will be offered the Meningococcal ACWY vaccination. This will only be given if consent is provided, which is now done online. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. Students are permitted to wear their Sports Uniforms on the day.
Consent is given via the online consent portal at https://engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage/
To provide online consent you will need:
- Your Service NSW log-in details
- Medicare card details for you and your child
Please see the following information that you may find helpful.
Vaccination Parent Information
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/parent-info-meningococcal-menacwy.aspx
Meningococcal Disease Fact Sheet
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/meningococcal_disease.aspx
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me via medical@wac.nsw.edu.au
Year 7 Vaccinations will take place later in the Year in May. Further information will be provided.
Mrs Sally Lloyd
Senior College Nurse
Primary Performing Arts
Welcome to 2025! I am looking forward to the opportunities in the performing arts space this year. The enthusiasm and dedication of students and teachers have always created a strong performing arts culture at the College, and I look forward to continuing its development. The majority of ensembles will begin their rehearsals in Week 3. See the schedule below for when and where each group’s rehearsals will occur. Groups involving Kindergarten students will start later (likely late Term 1/Early Term 2) once students have settled in. This may have to be adjusted throughout the year.
Coming Soon
- Early Stage One Choir (K)
- Downstairs Cuthbert Library
- Mrs Buckley & Mrs Craig
- Downstairs Cuthbert Library
- Junior Bucketz (K)
- Downstairs Cuthbert Library
- Mrs Law
- Downstairs Cuthbert Library
- Auslan Choir (3-6)
- White Cottage
- Mrs Clayton & Ms Hyslop
- White Cottage
Primary Band
This year, the Primary Band will undergo some changes. Ms Corrina Clark will continue to lead the ensemble, however, rehearsals will occur after College hours. The rehearsals will be on Thursday afternoons from 2.35 pm to 3.35 pm. Students will be required to commit to the year of after College hours rehearsals. Students will need to learn to read sheet music as part of the program. There will be limited spaces so please fill out the form as soon as possible.
Google form to express interest - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeaJyA_EY_XlRP0_IzYfXxa-RigmuSI_zx2CTPoBtflBSAT_g/viewform?usp=sharing
Please email me if you have any questions. d.hopkins@wac.nsw.edu.au
Mr David Hopkins
Performing Arts Coordinator T-6
Department of Education Collection Notice for Parents/Guardians 2025
The Australian Government Department of Education (the department) would like to notify you that we have
requested for your child’s school to provide a residential address and other information.
Under the Australian Education Regulations 2023, the school is required to provide the department with the
following information about each student at the school:
- names and residential addresses of the student’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s)
- student residential address (excluding student names)
- whether the student is a primary or secondary student (education level)
- whether the student is boarding or a day student (boarding status).
The school collects the above information by generating a unique and unidentifiable student reference
number (SRN) for each student record. The school only uses the SRN for this collection. The SRN cannot be
used for any other purpose. The number only indicates to the department that each record provided is for
one student.
MyTech - Secondary Students
For Secondary students, I encourage you to ensure that certain software is downloaded onto your devices. On the MyTech website, https://mytech.wac.nsw.edu.au/
- Google Chrome is the preferred browser for BYOD devices.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader is best for viewing PDFs.
- Microsoft Office, giving access to Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Canvas Lockdown Browser is required for in-class assessments.
I would also like to recommend an online typing tool: www.typingclub.com. This free tool contains a series of fun interactives that teach keyboard basics, enabling learners to type faster and with greater accuracy. Students are encouraged to use this facility during study periods and at home.
Also, just a reminder that there are online guides available; https://mytech.wac.nsw.edu.au/
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
German Exchange Student Hosting
We have a number of applications from German teenagers from our sister school in Germany, who would love to visit Australia. If your family is able to offer one of the German teenagers a room of their own in your home for several weeks and you would be prepared to take them to tourist attractions like the zoo, then please contact Mrs Clark, so that you can look at the applications.
The German students would arrive before the end of Term 2, spend the holidays with your family and then return to the College for part of Term 3.
People who have hosted in the past have really enjoyed the experience and many have travelled to Germany and visited their student and their family.
The German students would pay their host families an amount to offset the additional cost of food and outings. The College would aim to provide second-hand uniforms where possible and the German students would pay for their own shoes and fees.
After you have read the application and have decided to proceed, please be advised that all adult members of your household would need to have a volunteer's Working With Children check.
Two of the students have already been placed, however, I still have more applications. The German students all learn English at school and are keen to improve their fluency and learn more about Australia.
I look forward to hearing from any College families who would be interested in learning more.
Remember "Monolingualism is curable. Learn another language!"
Mrs Carolyn Clark
German Teacher
Family Chapel - Term 1
Our first Family Chapel of the year will be for Kindergarten to Year 6 on Thursday, 27 February under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter.
A free sausage sandwich will be available from 5.30 pm, however, these must be pre-ordered through the trybooking link below. The Chapel service will commence after dinner at approximately 6.00 pm.
https://www.trybooking.com/
Donations of gold coins or non-perishable food items will be accepted at the rear of the Shelter area. These donations will be used by the WAC Kids Care team to prepare nourishing meals for those in our community who are struggling with illness or hardship. House points will also be given which will go towards the House Shield.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain
WAC App & Edumate
Wollondilly Anglican College App (on your phone)
Allows parents to:
- Verify and explain absences under "Absence" tab
- Give permission to attend events (sports teams, excursions, camps) under "To-Do" tab
- View permission notes (sport, excursions, camps) under "Events" tab once attendance is approved
- View reports and upcoming assessment tasks for Secondary students under the "Academic" tab
- View Student Timetable under the "Timetable" tab
- View College dates and upcoming events under "Calendar" tab
- Access the Waratah Weekly (College Newsletter) under the "Newsfeed" tab
Edumate (on your computer):
Allows parents to:
- View a copy of College fee invoices for payment
- View College Reports
- See results for assessments for students
- Update medical details including medications and preexisting conditions for students
- Update personal details for student or parent (phone number, email address etc)
- Update swimming capabilities
We're Hiring!
We are currently seeking applications for the following roles to commence in 2025:
- Nurse - Maternity Position
- Maintenance/Gardener/Handyperson
- Workshop Assistant
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
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
- Breakaway Education
- NSW Rail Museum
- ESP Security
Community News
Picton Rangers Football Club
Mittagong Junior Disco
- Date: Saturday, 22 February 2025
- Times: 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm
- Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong
- Cost: $5
- Ages: 0-14
- Please note: This is a CASH ONLY & alcohol-free event.
All money raised goes back to the children in the Southern Highlands community.
We hope to see you there.
Yerrinbool-Bargo Soccer Club
Yerrinbool-Bargo Soccer Club is now accepting registrations for the 2025 season. Register online to secure your spot now! For more information, visit https://linktr.ee/
Mittagong Hockey Club
We invite all new and returning players to come along to Mittagong Hockey Club’s Registration/Pre-Season Fun Morning on Saturday, 15 February 10.00 am to 12.00 pm at Welby Hockey Complex. 46 Meranie Street, Welby.
FREE BBQ & jumping castle obstacle course.
More information: juniorsmittagonghockey@gmail.
Buxton Netball Club
Mittagong Wildcats Netball Club
All players - old and new - are invited to register for 2025 which we know will be another amazing season.
Take advantage of the Early Bird pricing before Monday, 10 February and save $10.00 per player registered.
Register here:https://www.playhq.com/
More information can be found on our website.
We hope to see you all this season
Managing Challenges - Online Workshop
Exciting new: The popular Managing Challenges Collaboratively parenting course has gone online
For the first time, Community Links Wellbeing will be offering parents and carers the opportunity to do the interactive Managing Challenges Collaboratively (MCC) a daytime online course. (Previously known as Managing Challenging Behaviours Collaboratively).
The popular workshops designed by Dr Steve Walker will be running in Term 1 online starting Wednesday, 12 February 2025 from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm and continue each Wednesday finishing Wednesday, 2 April 2025.
About The 8-Session Program:
- Target Group/Aim:
- parents/carers who have children diagnosed with ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder, or experiencing difficult and disruptive behaviours.
- parents/carers who are desperate to take part in an interactive program so that they can encourage changes within the family.
- parents/carers who may have already sought assistance with the behaviours but there has been no change
- parents/carers whose typical parenting strategies have not been effective in the past
- parents/carers who may need assistance as they experience the impact of challenging and disruptive behaviours such as suspensions from school and aggression to family members
The workshops will be presented by Cherrie Willingham and Corinne Woolcocks from Community Links Wellbeing on behalf of Dr Steve Walker who will make a guest appearance to discuss key issues.
- This workshop is FREE for Parents and Carers only and is not for staff employed in the sector.
- Participants must have access to a computer/iPad/Tablet with a camera and audio output and a private space for confidentiality (Headphones advised).
- Bookings are essential
If you would like to attend, please complete the booking process before Sunday, 9 February 2025 via this link https://forms.office.com/r/rwGTd5vSar
A link to the workshop will be provided for participants on Monday, 10 February 2025 once registration is confirmed.
The program will also run Face to Face at Tahmoor Community Centre in Term 2 starting Wednesday, 7 May 2025.
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.