Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 4 - Friday, 21 February 2025

From the Headmaster - Our Plan

A recent article on school leadership resonated deeply with me. It highlighted the critical importance of a school staying true to its brand promise, illustrating the potential pitfalls of trying to be all things to all people. The article shared the cautionary tale of a once-thriving UK school, established in the early 20th century. In an attempt to broaden its appeal, the school shifted its marketing, strategy and offerings. Tragically, this resulted in the neglect of the very foundations upon which the school was built – the reasons families chose to enrol their children in the first place. The consequences were swift: declining enrolments, disenchanted families and ultimately, the school's closure after 90 years of service.

This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of focus and commitment. At Wollondilly Anglican College, our brand promise is clear: to provide exceptional Learning, genuine Care, and a strong student Culture for every student and family. We strive for excellence in learning within every classroom, a high level of care for each individual student and a strong student culture characterised by high expectations. I believe these are the very reasons you entrust your children's education to us.

We are committed to continually refining and improving our delivery of excellence in each of these three crucial areas.  Thank you for partnering with us on this journey. Looking ahead to 2025, our priority goal is to further elevate the academic culture for all students – a vital component of fostering great learning. I encourage you to revisit previous newsletters for more detailed information on this important goal.

Finally, I extend a heartfelt thank you to our parents, our most valued brand ambassadors. Your positive sharing about the Learning, Care and Culture at WAC is invaluable. It's very encouraging to hear that the most frequent reason families cite for joining our College is the positive feedback they've received from our community. Please continue to share your experiences; your advocacy makes a significant difference. Please also let us know of areas that you believe we could improve. We are always striving to get better and serve you more diligently. I always appreciate feedback (good or... .not so good) via headmaster@wac.nsw.edu.au

“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”—Zig Ziglar

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Secondary Years News

Across the course of the upcoming Stage-based assemblies that will take place in the next couple of weeks, these are the messages that students will be hearing about Learning, Care and Culture. We encourage parents to use this as an opportunity to discuss and reinforce these messages with our students.

Learning
Seek and apply feedback from your teachers. This could be with class, homework or assessment work. Submitting draft work to teachers and then acting on the feedback that staff provide you is an excellent way for your learning and achievement to progress. Make it a goal to complete and submit your work for feedback, particularly assessment work or for Senior students, practice paper questions. Implement the feedback provided, this will lead to improved understanding and ability to apply knowledge which will ultimately improve your academic achievement. This process will also support the development of Learner Disposition habits such as perseverance which fosters resilience in your learning through engaging in the drafting process.

Care
The importance of moral courage - moral courage involves standing up for what is right, even when it's difficult. People who demonstrate moral courage are the people who have a positive impact in changing the world when they display this type of character.  A challenge for everyone in 2025 is, how can you demonstrate this as part of our community/ When you see something that is wrong, how will you respond? Will you make a stand against/call it out or will you ignore it or walk past it? At a peer level, calling things out can be challenging. But those who do have a powerful effect on the care they provide for others and are taking steps to demonstrate positive character to others. This is vital in supporting others, modelling this behaviour which is helpful in reorienting poor character.

Culture
Our Culture thematic goal in 2023 had a focus on respect. This is something that remains an ongoing focus. The four areas that are important are respect for self, peers, staff and environment. Respectful interactions involve being polite, cooperative, supportive, grateful and helpful. In the context of the College we have had a strong history of students thanking staff at the end of lessons, greeting staff throughout the College day and being cooperative when asked to follow directions. The other area regarding respect that is important is how we restore situations when we get it wrong. Taking responsibility for our words and actions and apologising are important areas that can demonstrate respect. All of these contribute to a positive culture and are something that I would like to hear about you as students demonstrating regularly.

Secondary Happenings - Term 1, Week 5

• Monday, 24 - Wednesday, 26 February - Year 10 Minimum Standards Testing
• Monday, 24 February - CIS U18's Boys & Girls Softball Trials
• Monday, 24 February - AICES 16 Boys Basketball Trials
• Tuesday, 25 February - AICES Open Boys Basketball Championships/Trials
• Wednesday, 26 February - 7-10 Parent-Teacher Partnership Evening 3.00 pm - 8.00 pm
• Thursday, 27 February - Year 11 & 12 Visual Arts Excursion
• Thursday, 27 February - Secondary CASA Swimming 

Save the date

• Wednesday, 5 March - Year 11-12 Parent/Teacher Interviews
  
• Wednesday, 5 March - Welcome to Year 11 Information Night
  
• Saturday, 15 March College Prayer Breakfast 8.00 am - 9.00 am
  
• Saturday, 15 March College Working Bee 8.00 am - 1.00 pm

Mr Liam Toland
Head of Secondary Years

K-6 Parent-Teacher Interviews

K-6 Parent-Teacher Interviews - 18 & 20 March
We will have our first Parent-Teacher Interviews in March. This enables early communication about how students have started the year and how they are travelling so far. It is essential for our booking system, that emails and details on Edumate are correct. Please check and update (if needed) your details on Edumate. Information regarding times and bookings will be sent via email.

For your planning, the times will be:

• Tuesday, 18 March 3.00 pm - 5.00 pm
• Thursday, 20 March 3.00 pm - 7.30 pm.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Ms Jacqui Huxtable 
Head of Primary Years

Teaching & Learning 7-12

Year 11 Information Evening
A reminder that the Year 11 Information Evening is coming up on Wednesday, 5 March. During the evening, parents and students will hear about important Stage 6 information that will help students ensure their success as they begin their Stage 6 journey. The evening will begin at 6.00 pm and will be held after Parent-Teacher Interviews in the Warne Auditorium. Students should attend in their College uniform.

NAPLAN – Year 7 and Year 9
Students will complete a NAPLAN Practice Test during the next few weeks in preparation for their upcoming State-wide event. Students will need to make sure their device is charged, that they have downloaded the NAPLAN Lockdown Browser from the College website and have their own headphones. For 2025, students are allowed to use wireless headphones. More information about NAPLAN will be out soon.

Year 11 and Year 12 Parent-Teacher Interviews
Our Stage 6 students, parents and teachers will have an opportunity to discuss student learning and progress on Wednesday, 5 March. Parents and carers have been sent a link to make bookings with various teachers. Students are encouraged to attend this evening in their College uniform.

Years 7-10 – Parent-Teacher Partnership Evening
We are holding our Years 7-10 Parent-Teacher Partnership Evening on Wednesday, 26 February in the Warne Auditorium from 3.00 pm – 8.00 pm. This evening will be an opportunity for parents to come along with their child to:

• Meet the teacher who will be teaching their child for the semester or year
• Have an opportunity to hear about what their child will learn in the stated course
• Hear from the teacher about the ways in which you as a parent/caregiver can support their child throughout the course
• Discuss aspects of their child’s learning that will be helpful for the teacher to know eg "My child wears glasses but may not always put them on in class"
• Have a better understanding of the assessment work that will be coming up that their child will need to complete
• Discuss academic goals in specific subject areas

Further information regarding booking times will be sent out over the next week. We look forward to this evening and are keen to develop strong partnerships at the beginning of this new College year.

Our Year 11 and Year 12 parents will have an opportunity later in the term to meet and discuss student progress.

Year 10 Minimum Standards Testing
From 24-26 February, students in Year 10 will complete the NESA Minimum Standards Testing at the College. This is a basic numeracy, reading and writing test that all students must sit. Parents/carers will have received a letter about this. Please refer to the letter sent by the College or contact me if you require more information.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

NAPLAN Years 3,5,7 & 9

NAPLAN - Wednesday, 12 March to Monday, 24 March 
NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills of all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, in schools across Australia. NAPLAN results will help you understand how your child is progressing at the College. The tests will be occurring between Wednesday, 12 March to Monday, 24 March. Wollondilly Anglican College carries out NAPLAN testing through NAPLAN Online where students will complete the tests online, except for Year 3 Writing. A more detailed timetable will be sent out closer to the time. Students who are absent from a testing session will do a catch-up session. It is far better that absences be avoided. Students doing catch-up assessments generally find it harder to do their best.

To help familiarise students with the test and ensure the actual tests run smoothly, students will participate in practice sessions prior to the testing period.

Some students are entitled to special provisions, such as rest breaks or extra time. Letters will be sent to the parents/carers of those students. 

Should you have any concerns regarding NAPLAN and your child, please contact the class teacher or Year Patron. We take the approach of helping students feel relaxed about these tests, at the same time, understanding that it is helpful if they do the best they can.

The following link provides information about NAPLAN and has some demonstration tests.

https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site

Ms Jacqui Huxtable 
Head of Primary Years

Primary Performing Arts

Primary Choir (3-6) at Family Chapel
I am excited that we will have our first performance from our Primary Ensembles at this term’s Family Chapel. The Primary Choir will lead a song for those in attendance. Family Chapel will be held from 6.00 pm on Thursday, 27 February, under the Shoulder-to-Shoulder shelter. Performers are to meet Mrs Apps at 5.50 pm at the side of the stage. Please look out for further performance information provided through the College App. 

Primary Band 
The expression of interest form for Primary Band is still open. Please complete the form if your child is interested in participating in the program. This year, Primary Band will be run after regular College hours from 2.35 pm - 3.35 pm.

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

Creative & Performing Arts

Performing Arts Groups and Ensembles
All of our lunchtime and after-hours interest groups, rehearsals and ensembles have now commenced. For the after-hours ensembles, it is essential that we receive parent permission for students to attend via the College App. Please note that these will 'close' and no longer be visible to parents by next week, so we urgently urge parents to approve permissions for all groups. Students can still join the groups.

Note: The College Musical will commence later in the year.

Senior Art Space and Senior Studio Time
As a team, we have given consideration to supporting our elective students to strive towards excellence and a driving level of engagement with their studies. To support this, we are offering Monday afternoon access to our Music and Art spaces with Mrs Post until 4.15 pm, and Tuesday afternoon access to our Johnson Studio space with Miss Valente. All CAPA elective students and TAS Textiles students are eligible to attend and should come prepared with a vision of what to work on. As this will be an after-hours activity, parents will need to grant permission via the College App this week even if students are going to attend at irregular intervals as needed. Please remember that there are also six sessions during break times each week where our Senior elective students can access the Johnson Studio or Art classes. 

OnStage Drama Excursion
Our Stage 6 Drama students were able to attend the OnStage Showcase last week, held annually at The Seymour Centre. OnStage is a showcase of some of the best Drama HSC performances and projects from the previous HSC cohort. Our students were inspired to create their own high-quality works. 

Mrs Sarah Talbot
Leader of Learning Creative Arts & LOTE / Performing Arts Coordinator 7-12

HSC Dance CallBack Excursion

Last week, Dance Elective students from Years 9-12 travelled to the Seymour Centre for the 2024 exhibition of CallBack. This was an extra special performance as our very own students Sienna Lopez from last year’s Year 12 cohort and Leah Dalrymple in Year 9 performed their Major Study Composition ‘Dealing with Dementia’.

CallBack is a HSC Dance Showcase that acknowledges performances, compositions and major works. Our students represented the College outstandingly. We were exceptionally proud of our dancers and enjoyed watching a series of intriguing Dance works that provided inspiration for our current Dance students.

Sienna Lopez was also acknowledged for her CallBack selection in a NESA and Arts Unit Ceremony, which she is congratulated for.

Miss Kara Valente
Dance Teacher

Laptops - Security Certificate Update

This notice is for Secondary students in Years 8-12.

In a few weeks, the security certificate from last year on your device will expire, and an update will be required. To ensure your device continues to function in the WAC environment, please download and install the updated certificate.

The downloads and instructions can be found on the MyTech site.

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

Family Chapel (K-6) - 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 pulled pork roll with coleslaw or 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/CYXFG

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 Family Night - The Wild Robot

Wollondilly Anglican College would like to invite students and their families to our Family Movie Night!

When: Friday, 21 March 2025
Where: Front Field (Winning Field)
Arrive from 6.00 pm for a 7.00 pm start. Finishes at approximately 8.45 pm.
Free entry!

The featured movie is The Wild Robot (PG)

The College P&F will be cooking hot dogs on the night for $5.00 each.
Fresh popcorn and cold drinks will be available for a gold coin donation.

Please be advised this is an alcohol-free event.

Don't forget to bring blankets, bean bags, small camp chairs and snacks.

Click the button below to RSVP.

We're looking forward to seeing you there!

Term 1 Prayer Breakfast Invitation

Amongst the business of Term 1, I'd like to extend an opportunity for you to join us as we stop, pause and bring the things on our hearts and minds to God in prayer.

Our Term 1 Prayer Breakfast will be kicking off on Saturday, 15 March. All are welcome to join us from 8.00 am - 8.30 am for some pastries and fruit before we join together in prayer from 8.30 am - 9.00 am. 

I completely understand the busy schedule all of us have on the weekends. There are many competing factors and commitments. Saturday is normally full of community sporting events along with various other activities. However, amongst this, taking the time to stop and pause with our great God is incredibly beneficial.

If you're able to make it, RSVP to m.roberts@wac.nsw.edu.au by Wednesday, 5 March.

I'd love to see you there!

 “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

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

Library News

Premier’s Reading Challenge 
The Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2025 starts Monday, 24 February.

Important: All students at Independent schools will be issued with a NEW login this year. The old logins will no longer work. Secondary students will have their new login emailed to them and Primary students will have their new logins pasted into their diaries.

Years 3-6 will be guided through logging in at the beginning of Term 2 during Library Lessons. If you would like your child’s login before this, please email me. Students are able to add books they've read since the end of last year’s Reading Challenge in September 2024.

The Premier’s Reading Challenge is a way to be rewarded for your leisure reading, is a great addition to your resume and encourages wide reading. There is clear evidence that reading for pleasure benefits educational attainment, personal development and well-being (Research evidence on reading for pleasure, 2012).

Please note that completing the PRC from Year 3 to Year 9 qualifies the students for the PRC Medal. Year 10 students are eligible for a medal for completing the Challenge seven times between Year 3 and Year 10. (Students will only receive a medal once - either in Year 9 or Year 10.)

K-2 Premier’s Reading Challenge
If parents would like their child to complete the PRC you can add books that you read at home to your child’s online record. Please email j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au and I will provide your child’s login details and instructions on how to do that. K-2 can either read or be read to for the PRC. Any questions please let me know.

For all the PRC rules and regulations please visit the Rules Page. 

Students can add their books via the PRC Student Site.

For any questions about the Premier’s Reading Challenge please contact me at j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Colin Buchanan Concert

Colin Buchanan will be playing at the Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre as part of his national tour on Saturday, 15 March. He will be performing his '10,9,8 God is Great' show at 3.00 pm and a country music performance called 'Memory Town' at 7.00 pm. Ticket prices have been subsidised by local churches and charities. This is a great opportunity to see one the most influential Christian Musicians in the modern era at a reduced price. Please see the link below for info and booking details.https://www.wollondillypac.com.au/whats-on/colin-buchanan-god-is-great/

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 excellent prices. We also stock new ties, socks and Sports hats for purchase.

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!
It only takes 45 minutes of your time, 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.

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
• Thornton Bros Roses

Bronze Sponsors

• Narellan Pools
  
• Breakaway Education
• NSW Rail Museum
  
• ESP Security

Community News

PCYC Driver Training

The PCYC Safer Driver program runs locally each month. There is also an opportunity for any Wollondilly Shire residents to be enrolled under a grant for the shire and attend at no cost to them

Stop it at the Start - Free Online Workshop

Free online respect workshop for parents and carers
Do you know what’s influencing your kids? With young people spending so much time online, what they see and do can impact their behaviours and beliefs. Online disrespect is one of the ways violence-supportive attitudes can start to develop.  

Stop it at the Start has partnered with Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman to help parents, carers, and other significant adults of young people aged 10-17 better understand how the online world is influencing their views on respect and gender, and share practical ways they can build relationships and start important conversations.

Join facilitators Ryder Jack and Kasey Miles for a free interactive, evidence-based 90-minute workshop focused on connecting with young people, fostering healthier masculinity, and providing families with practical tools they can use day to day.

Workshop dates
Thursday, 27 February 2025, 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm (AEDT)

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/yerrinboolbargosoccerclub

Buxton Netball Club

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.

LIFT THE LID WALK for Mental Health

Picton Rotary - Free Men's Health Checks

RYPEN

RYPEN is one of Rotary International's regular Youth leadership events - held 4-6 April as a weekend-long camp for Years 11 & 12 students, designed for developing young people's potential through a mixture of lecture-style sessions and adventure-based learning.