Wollondilly Anglican College eNewsletter

Ensuring Our Children's Safety: A Shared Responsibility

As we begin the 2025 school year, I want to emphasise our College's ongoing commitment to child safety. The well-being of our students is our top priority and we continually strive to create an environment where every child feels safe, secure and supported.

Our approach to child safety is comprehensive and proactive. We strictly adhere to the NSW Child Safe Standards, a framework that guides our policies and practices. These standards ensure that safety is embedded in our College's leadership, culture and day-to-day operations.

Key Aspects of Our Child Safety Strategy:

Clear Policies and Procedures: Our Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct provide clear guidelines for expected behaviour and responsibilities.
Regular Training and Education: All staff undergo thorough training to identify, respond to, and report any safety concerns.
Safe Recruitment Practices: We employ rigorous screening processes for all staff and volunteers.
Student Empowerment: We educate our students about personal safety and encourage them to report any concerns.
Open Communication: We maintain open communication with parents and the community, valuing your input and feedback.
Continuous Improvement: We regularly review and enhance our safety practices to ensure ongoing effectiveness.

We believe that child safety is a shared responsibility. We encourage parents to actively participate in our efforts by staying informed, maintaining open communication and having age-appropriate safety conversations at home.

By working together, we can ensure that our College remains a safe and nurturing environment for all our students.

Please contact us if you have any questions or want to learn more about our child safety practices.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Secondary Years News

Learning
As part of our thematic goal - Embed a culture of academic achievement - this week, the College commenced a Senior Study Evening for students in Years 11 and 12. This runs from 4.30 pm - 7.00 pm on Wednesday evenings. Over a fifth of Stage 6 attended this evening, which is a great start. This program provides students with structure and quiet individual study within the College setting. It is focused on assisting students to meet the recommended hours of study for Senior students, complete homework, work on assessments progressively and for Year 12, prepare for their Half-Yearly Examinations. A Homework Club for Year 7-12 students will commence on Wednesday, 5 March in Flynn. This program will run from 3.00 pm to 4.30 pm weekly. A letter will be sent home to parents so they can provide permission to attend. This component of Homework Club will have a range of teachers on hand who can support students with their work during this time.

Care
Last week, Year 7 enjoyed their Camp at Port Hacking. I would like to commend the Year 7 group on their behaviour and engagement whilst on this Camp. The feedback from the staff and the providers was extremely positive. I would also like to highlight the care provided by the Year 7 Camp team. This team was led by Mr Houweling and Mr Stark. Camps are a big undertaking for staff and involve considerable time away from their families. I would like to commend the staff on the care provided to Year 7 during this experience. Year 7 students have reported that the staff looked after them well, that the activities were highly enjoyable and that it was a great opportunity to get to know other students well. The Camp also provides opportunities for Christian discovery and for questions to be asked about faith and a personal relationship with God. I would encourage students who are exploring this to follow up with the teachers from the Camp in relation to this area.

Culture
Congratulations to Acacia for winning the College Swimming Carnival. Acacia staff and students enjoyed a Flag Raising Ceremony and ice block this week. In terms of House culture, a reminder that every award issued within the awards system accrues a point toward the Overall House Shield. The current standings are listed below:

Wollemi - 939
Acacia - 900
Sollya - 808
Telopea - 734
Grevillea - 629

Secondary Happenings - Term 1, Week 6

Monday, 3 March - CASA Secondary Touch Football Trials
Monday, 3 March - Year 8 Synth Workshop
Tuesday, 4 March - Year 11 Bronze Medallion Course
Wednesday, 5 March - Year 11-12 Parent/Teacher Interviews and Welcome to Year 11
Wednesday, 5 March - Homework Club and Senior Study Evening
Friday, 7 March - Year 11 Drugs and Alcohol Seminar
Friday, 7 March - Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Practice Hike
Friday, 7 March - CASA Tennis Day

Save the date

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 have been 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

7-10 Teacher-Parent Partnership
Thank you to all of the parents and students who attended our Parent-Teacher Partnership Evening on Wednesday night. The room was a buzz full of conversation about academic goals and what would be studied and learnt through the various courses at the College. We appreciate all that came and thank our staff for giving up their evening to discuss their subject areas.

11-12 Parent Teacher Interviews
Just a reminder that the Years 11-12 Parent Teacher Interviews will occur this week in the Warne Auditorium. Students are encouraged to come and wear their College Uniform. The interviews will start at 3.00 pm and will go on to 6.00 pm. Following this, Year 11 will have their Information Evening in the same venue, which will conclude at 7.00 pm. We hope to see many of our students and parents there.

NAPLAN – Year 7 and Year 9
Students will complete NAPLAN practice tests over the next few weeks in preparation for their upcoming State-wide event. Students will need to make sure their devices are charged and that they have downloaded the NAPLAN Lockdown Browser from the College website under the MyTech page.

Singapore Collaboration Rehearsals Begin
Rehearsals for our Singapore Collaboration will start next week. Students need to be prompt to the allocated venue to make effective use of their rehearsal time. Performing Arts students need to meet Miss Valente in Johnstone, while Future Focused students are to meet Mr Carmona in Sturt. Students will meet every two weeks throughout this term in preparation for their trip.

Congratulations to Eve Jones – Year 12, 2024
Congratulations to Eve Jones – Year 12, 2024, who was nominated for her outstanding commitment to her Hospitality work placement at ‘Jack and Dolly’. Eve will attend a special awards presentation held by MWLP. Students can only be nominated for this award from the employer, which is a reflection of the commitment and skill development that Eve has shown throughout the study of her course

Well Done to Year 11 Hospitality
Our Year 11 Hospitality students completed their first function last night, making and serving food at the Primary Family Chapel service. The students looked great in their chef uniforms and were able to utilise some of their precision cut skills they had learnt in class over the last few weeks. Thank you also to their teacher Mr Furniss.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Primary Sports

CASA Swimming:
Well done to our champion swimmers who so ably represented WAC in the chlorinated waters of Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre!

Well done to our Senior Boys’ Relay Team who powered through the water like estuarine mammals in search of fresh molluscs. They finished a mighty 2nd. Well done to Camden, Lachlan, Will and Joe!

A special mention to Harrison Goddard, who bagged a passel of blue ribbons!

A big thank you to Dan Cleland, who stepped in to assist the CASA staff with timekeeping!

We commend Dakota Craig on her willingness and bravery in representing WAC despite not feeling 100%.

CIS Swimming awaits! It is being held on Wednesday, 26 March at the SOPAC.

Term One IPSSO fixtures:

5 March: IPSSO away vs St Peter’s Anglican School
12 March: IPSSO away vs Macarthur Anglican School
19 March: IPSSO home vs St Peter’s Anglican School
26 March: IPSSO away vs Mount Annan Christian College
2 April: IPSSO home vs Oran Park Anglican College
9 April: IPSSO away vs St Gregory’s College

Upcoming events:

Wednesday, 26 March - CIS Swimming at SOPAC
Thursday, 3 April - CASA Stage 3 Touch Gala Day at Vale of AH
Friday, 11 April - 3-6 and K-2 Cross Country on the WACA

Mr James Gooden
Secondary English Teacher/Primary Sports Coordinator

Homework Club is back for 2025! This is a wonderful chance for students in Years 7-12 to work on any homework activities or assessment tasks and to receive guidance and assistance from teachers. We have moved Homework Club back to Wednesday afternoons, and we look forward to seeing lots of students take hold of this opportunity, which ties in well with the College’s thematic goal this year of embedding a culture of academic achievement.

When: Wednesday afternoons, 3.00 pm until 4.30 pm
Where: Flynn Library
What to Bring: Homework activities, assessment tasks, other work/revision, any necessary equipment and a positive attitude. It is important to use your time wisely and effectively at Homework Club and that you can work productively on your own. We also have staff from across a range of subject areas on hand to provide help as needed.

A letter will be sent home to parents/carers who can provide permission via the WAC App concerning their child's attendance. Please ensure you have provided permission prior to 3.00 pm on Tuesday, 4 March.

Pick up: Students need to be picked by 4.30 pm in the Melba Carpark, or they can catch the late bus (Swan bus) at approximately 4.20 pm (which heads to Tahmoor and then out towards Thirlmere, Oakdale and The Oaks).

Mr Josh Stewart
Year 10 Patron/Secondary Teacher

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 questions 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

Year 12 Engineering Studies Excursion

Recently, students in Year 12 Engineering Studies were involved in an excursion to the Engineering facilities at the University of Wollongong. The excursion was customised to expose students to a number of the engineering concepts that are covered in the Stage 6 Engineering Studies course.

The first part of the day saw students examining in detail a number of the parts of a very high-end Seiko watch. The parts were mounted/polished and etched and then examined using both optical and electron microscopy (Scanning Electron Microscope) and then studied using Electron Spectroscopy to determine the exact material from which each part was constructed. This gave the students a detailed look at some of the aspects of Materials Science that are covered in the Stage 6 course.

After exploring the University’s Food establishments for lunch, the students had some hands-on experience in the UOW Motorsports Facility and a tour of the Mechanical Engineering Department. This involved the students understanding the process of building a race car from the ground up and some hands-on experience of laying down some carbon fibre as is done to create many of the mechanical (ducting) and superficial (body) parts of the race car. The tour of the Mechanical Engineering Department culminated in experiencing the Makerspace facility, which is available for use to all students who study at UOW.

As the formal part of the day concluded, students had time to explore several other facilities of the University such as the Bookshop, the Library and a number of the larger lecture theatres.

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!

RSVP Today!

MyTech Loan Devices

There may be times when a student’s device is damaged, not functioning properly or is reaching a point of obsolescence. To ensure that students do not miss out on important learning opportunities, the College has a limited number of loan devices that students may borrow. For a student to borrow a loan device, they need to fill out a ‘MyTech’ Student Loan Agreement.

A handwritten note from a parent is not sufficient, as you must be aware of the terms of the loan before we loan out a device.

This agreement can be picked up from Student Reception or downloaded from the devices section of the ‘MyTech’ website https://mytech.wac.nsw.edu.au/devices.html and needs to be signed by both the parent and student. This agreement then needs to be presented at Student Reception where, if available, a device will be loaned for a period of two weeks.

This program has been a great help to many students and it is vital that students take proper care of the devices so that they can be used by other students after them. This means that if a device is damaged while in a student’s possession, they will be required to pay for the cost of repairs. Once a student’s device has been repaired, the loan device then needs to be promptly returned toStudent Reception.

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

Picton Busways School Student Transport Scheme

The School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) moratorium free travel period for 2025 will expire this Friday, 28 February 2025. The moratorium period was provided to allow eligible students who have not yet received a student bus pass to receive one.

From Monday, 3rd March 2025, all students will be required to present their physical 2025 Picton Buslines School Bus Pass to the driver for every trip.

College Working Bee - 15 March

We are writing on behalf of the College Prefects to encourage students and parents to join staff and College Student Leaders at the Term 1 Working Bee. This event will take place on Saturday, 15 March from 8.00 am - 1.00 pm.

As students of the College, we would like to promote this as an opportunity for service and community building. Your contributions can make a real and positive impact on the lives of others and your environment. Serving others helps you develop personally; by serving, you can inspire and motivate others to get involved and contribute positively. The Student Leaders at the College want to set an example in this area and would like to see as many students, staff and parents attend this event. It would be greatly appreciated if you could spare an hour of your day to serve at this event. All students who attend will be issued a Community Service Merit. This year, we will be adding additional House Points to the House of students, staff and parents that attend; these will accrue to the Overall House Shield.

The College has reduced the number of Working Bees from four per year to two per year. With this in mind, it would be great to see our community prioritise the opportunities to build community and serve.

Please note that we only have a limited supply of tools and equipment, therefore, it is important that you bring your own gardening tools, blowers, gloves and anything else you think might help on the day. Mr Warland, the College Property Manager, will be onsite to assist students and parents if you have questions.

Kye James & Jessalyn Smiltnieks
College Community Service Prefect

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

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

LOWES 20% Off Everything 5-7 March

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

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

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

Picton Rangers Football Club

UYGM Cricket Academy

Parenting in a Technological Age

The Oaks Anglican Church will bd hosting a parenting seminar in March, titled, "Parenting in a Technological Age", run by Mothers Union Sydney. The material presented has been well researched for parents as they navigate parenting in this rapidly changing world.

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.

rypen_application_form_2025.pdf

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 1, Edition 5 - Friday, 28 February 2025